Background

Voltage feedback is required to properly utilize torch height control. Below are a couple troubleshooting topics to best diagnose any potential issues.

Table of Contents

Measure voltage input to the THCT board in the electrical cabinet

Reason: Bad control connection to a plasma source

1. Using a multimeter set to DC volts, probe wires 442 and 495 on the THCT board with the torch off. You should read close to 0 DCv.

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2. Have a helper press the Test Torch button in PathPilot and check the voltage. You should read your plasma source’s open circuit voltage divided by 50 or around 2.5 DCv. (Your plasma source is required to have an internal voltage divider. By default, PathPilot is configured for a 50:1 divider.)

3. If you do not read a voltage, you may need to replace your plasma source control cable. If you do read a voltage, proceed to checking THCT communication with the ECM board.

Check communication between ECM and THCT board

Reason: THCT not communicating with the ECM board

1. Verify that the THCT board power LED is on.

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2. Using a multimeter that can measure frequency, measure the signal between wires 444 and 445. You should read a value between 80 kHz and 120 kHz.

   1. If you don’t read frequency, you may have a faulty THCT board. Contact Tormach Technical Support.

3. Have a helper press the Test Torch button in PathPilot and check the frequency. You should read a frequency above 200 kHz (usually about 450 kHz).

4. If you read a frequency in both tests, check the connections for wires 444 and 445 at the ECM board. Reference the machine wiring diagram to make sure they are in the correct terminal blocks and firmly seated.

If you continue to have issues, contact Tormach Technical Support.