Torch won't arc when connected to controller

[ferg3806]

Hey everyone. Very new to PlasmaCam and trying to get an older system setup and running. We can get the machine to communicate with the computer and will follow a cut path. However, we cannot get the torch to arc. If we take the controller connections loose, we can use the torch as a normal plasma cutter. Any suggestions on what to try to get the torch to arc in auto mode?
DHC with Hypertherm 1650 and using version 3.11

[weldguy]

Can you post a pic of the connections? Shoud be a pretty simple 2 wire connection but maybe the problem is with the controller.

[robertspark]

Which torch are you using?

A hand torch or a machine torch?

If you are using a hand torch (this is not recommended by hypertherm), but what you need to do is place a small jumper wire in the hand torch connector between pins 9 and 10, this will then allow the torch to fire from the CPC (Circular Plastic Connector{Machine Interface}) pins 3 & 4

2019-12-23 20_49_14-Window.png

Service Manual (with Schematic at Rear)
https://www.hypertherm.com/Download?fil ... &zip=False

Operator Manual
https://www.hypertherm.com/Download?fil ... &zip=False

[ferg3806]

I will get a picture of the connections first chance I get. Running off of memory, we plugged the (+/-) into J15 and J16 (and we did double check the polarity to ensure they were hooked up properly) and then spliced into the violet trigger wire with the other set of connections from the controller. That is the way that the machined was hooked up when we first started trying to get it running. We were told that it was running properly hooked up this way when last used (no, we have not actually witnessed it running properly).

Yes it is a hand torch. When we unplug J15, J16 and connect the violet wire back together (like it would be before the splice), the torch works properly as a hand torch for manual cutting.

[Joe Jones]

Check to make sure the AUTO CUT CONTROL is checked in the software, and the Auto Cut LIGHT is ON on the controller box.

[ferg3806]

Here are the pictures of the connections. I’m pretty positive the auto cut was selected on the controller. Where is it located in the software?

Also, we could not get it to arc using the “test” button underneath auto on/off on the controller.

[robertspark]

Sorry, out of my depth as you are running Raw Arc Voltage with jumpered leads. Would not know what to advise as if you get it wrong it may fry your controller (and that is one hell of a boat anchor if you get it wrong).

[Joe Jones]

In the software at the top drop down menus, in machine control is the AUTO CUT CONTROL selection. It must be checked.

Which plasma machine do you have? That is not where I connected my red and black wires.

[Joe Jones]

Where are you located?

[ferg3806]

Thank you robertspark! Hopefully we will get it figured out.

We are running a Hypertherm 1650 and located in Maysville, Oklahoma. Looking through the video manual for this machine, we double checked and that’s where it says to connect.

[rdj357]

The large red and black wires have nothing to do with the torch firing, that's the small black and white.

I can't make out the color wire but assume it's the purple wire that you're connecting to with the black and white in your bottom pic above?

This is for hand torch use so if you're not using a hand torch it will be different. Did you zip tie the trigger on, that is necessary with the hand torch?

[Joe Jones]

Post a photo of the ribbon cable that you barely see connected to the middle of the circuit board on the left side, about midway from the bottom. Don't unplug it. Just take a photo of the wires to show the colors. I *think* it is jumper J21.

Joe

[Joe Jones]

I could swing by to help you, but I'd have to charge you for my travel and time. You are 760 miles away. That is FOUR days of driving for this old man, meals and a three-night hotel bill away.

Robert, you are in Oklahoma, aren't you?

Joe

[rdj357]

Robert, you are in Oklahoma, aren't you?

Joe

I am, he's only about 3 1/2 hours SW of me. I'm interested to know if the trigger is zip tied or what they've found at this point.