Knowledge Base

The Start/TorchON wires from the plasma must be connected to a relay on the HiCON controller. For the Transfer/ArcOK wires, one must be connected to an NPN/PNP input on the HiCON controller while the other must be connected to either GND/24v respectively. This is demonstrated in the below wiring diagram:

The 'Torch Height Control' feature of the HiCON motion controller waits for the 'Arc OK' signal after the torch head lifts to the ignition height and turns ON. If the 'Arc OK' signal is not detected, the THC sequence will be aborted by the controller. The following image shows the steps in a 'Plasma-cut' sequence.

It's important to note that the 'Arc OK' signal must be mapped to 'THC ON' Input signal in Mach4. The following images show the necessary mappings in Mach4.

It's highly recommended that one follows the ArcPro Plasma Guide document well before trying the 'Torch Height Control' feature.

On the Z-Axis, make sure there is no offset (G54, G55, G56, ...). The other axis X or Y etc can still have offsets defined. The 'ArcPro v1' uses the machine coordinates on Z-axis, hence choosing an offset on Z-axis may swap the probe direction and create a problem.

The BackOff speed setting on HiCON plugin config window must be given a good value. If it's zero or too low, the motor won't move away from the sensor.

The 7737 wiring with a motor drive is discussed in the 7737_wiring.pdf manual. The wiring of the Encoders and Step/Dir RJ45's are clearly explained in the manual with "Drive Error" connecting to "Alarm" and "Drive Enable" connected to "Servo ON" of the Servo Drive.

The terminals "Servo ON" on Servo Drive connects with '+24V' and 'Drive Enable' from 7737. Some Drives only use 5volts, so please check before you hookup 24V. The terminals "Alarm" on Motor Drive connects 'Drive Error' and 'Digital IO GND' from 7737.

The Enable and Alarm terminals that you can connect to 7737 for instance on "Yaskawa" Servo Drive you may find similar setup on your specific drive.

The features of 7737 like ESTOP and Motor Step/Dir signals will not work unless the port (J7/J8) is enabled using the VSI Device Manager and downloaded on to the Integra board.

On your VSI Device Manager, select your HiCON motion controller and select "HiCON" tab Check "Value Enabled" and hit on "Download" button. This ensures that 7737 that you are going to use with J7/J8 is going to switch from I/O to Step/Dir Channels.

Start with Mach4 profile available on our website. Modify this profile to match your machine. Do not use encoder feedback right away Once motor start working with step and direction, then calculate feedback gain for each encoder, and then enable encoder feedback.
For more information refer: Closed loop PID configuration
For Closed loop Product listing visit HiCON Integra

Note: If the driver is already enabled by default, then there's no need to wire the Enable. Users get confused and spend a lot of time not knowing this.

For more information on Rigid Tapping, please refer to the following guide: Rigid Tapping with HiCON.

Most products include half hour of tech-support using Remote Login, phone or email. However if you need extended tech support to understand and diagnose/implement your particular machine or system, you can purchase paid tech support. For quick questions, you are welcome to email or call us even if you have used up the free 1/2 hour included support.

For addressing complex technical issues that extend beyond our products, we offer Advanced System Initial Consultation Services. This includes gaining a comprehensive overview of your system setup, conducting detailed research and analysis tailored to your specific architecture and integrations, and providing real-time expert guidance through secure remote login. Our approach ensures efficient diagnostic and resolution of system-related issues, delivering tailored solutions designed to minimize downtime and align with your operational requirements. This service is ideal for businesses seeking expert-level assistance to maintain or enhance system performance with minimal disruption.