Intermittent torch fire problem

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ruralfencer
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Intermittent torch fire problem

Post by ruralfencer »

I have been having no torch fire intermittently. I have jumped pins 3 & 4 to get a manual torch fire., tested continuity and it tests fine just no fire running Mach 3.
The programming is fine.
I walk away for a while when I come back it will start.
It's doing my head in.
Mick
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MJT rural Contracting
Weldclass t1200
Hypertherm Pwermax 45XP
robertspark
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Re: Intermittent torch fire problem

Post by robertspark »

how are you firing the plasma?

you are supposed to use dry contacts (IE a relay with contacts), not a solid state relay, MOSFET, etc.
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acourtjester
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Re: Intermittent torch fire problem

Post by acourtjester »

With Mach 3 you can test fire the plasma with a F5 on/off each click. You also need the output pin set and that output shown in the M3 selection.
ports and pins 1.JPG
ports and pins 2.JPG
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ruralfencer
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Re: Intermittent torch fire problem

Post by ruralfencer »

All the settings are good. I'm wondering if my board could be going bad from heat. I put a temp gun on components and they were running at over 40°C. Not sure what they should be running at.
Mick
Owner/ operator
MJT rural Contracting
Weldclass t1200
Hypertherm Pwermax 45XP
tcaudle
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Re: Intermittent torch fire problem

Post by tcaudle »

Most components are rate to at least 100C although I typically design to 80c taking into account things like the internal temp of power components versus the case tempo and things like ambient temps and air flow

One real easy way to find thermal problems is to use a hair dryer and force things to heat up . If they start to constantly fail when hot then if you cool them down and they start to work you have a thermal failure.

I assume there is noting at the torch interface to show the fire status? It sure helps if there are indicators . the problems is evena short glitch will cause the torch to go out and most will not restart until you remove the fire signal for a longer time.
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