Another plasma component...

Hello

I have tried to find module configobj with no luck. I am still getting this error message even after adding it to plasmac_panel.py.

John

This is another similar error. I suspect the dependencies have changed since you installed Linuxcnc. try typing
pip is the Python installer much like how apt_get is for Linux.

if you get any more no module errors. search for:
python missing_module

pretty sure pip is installed by default with python on Linux. Its a bit of a stuff around to get everything going for python in Windoze but the install instructions to get pip are here
pip.pypa.io/en/stable/installing/

Guys

No piping here!
jd@deskmonsterll:~$ sudo pip install configobj
[sudo] password for jd:
sudo: pip: command not found

I went to Synaptic once I figured out what this is and found that it is indeed a python module that wasn't installed and got it. On my LMDE-3 install here it looks like most modules are python3 by default.

The last remaining thing that I don't seem to have is:
**** GMOCCAPY INFO ****
**** no audio available! ****
**** PYGST libray not installed? ****
**** is python-gstX.XX installed? ****
I looked for both and thought I had install python-gst1.0 with synaptic but I still get this message.

I am starting to get a feel for this now so I am going to clone it to my machine controller. I will start porting to my hardware (7i76E & THCAD) shortly. As soon as I can get an accurate probing figured out I will do some line tests as I can write that code without using any CAM and a new PP.

John

Phill

Thank you. I am sure I can make this work for line tests.

I cloned plasmac to the machine control system and it appears that the sim starts up with no errors!

I will look over the new code as soon as I have time. I will start to port it over to my hardware on the weekend maybe Friday. Next two days have a trip to the county seat for old age business, health care is just crazy here by industrialized world standards, and then Thursday to the mainland to drop off parts for powder coating, in between I need to weld on hangers to about 30 pieces.

John

Phill

I updated from your branch. I had a good look at your plasmac.comp this morning and found what I think is a problem, remember I am not much of a coder so I very well can be misunderstanding your code. When ohmic sensing is enabled a check for a shorted torch tip must be done before each probing cycle. It also helps if an error message is posted so the operator knows what the problem is. The torch tip will get shorted when cutting from debris or water. This is especially true if you are using HT Finecut consumables because the gap between the shield and the nozzle is so big. The reason this is a problem with all blowback torches is that internal to the plasma power supply the torch nozzle is connected to the work piece potential between cuts so that when it comes time fire the torch there will be a potential difference between the nozzle and the electrode to make spark for the pilot arc when the connection is broken. On HT torches the electrode is moved and on TD torches the "start cartridge" disconnects the electrode from the nozzle, others I don't know. The nozzle is then disconnected from the work piece potential after a short time or when the main arc is sensed.

I really haven't gotten my head around using offsets to drive the z axis for probing yet. The Z axis raising waiting for the connection to open needs to be much slower than the initial contact probing speed.

John

@John,

I like your words :
I am starting to get a feel for this now so I am going to clone it to my machine controller. I will start porting to my hardware (7i76E & THCAD) shortly.

As soon as I can get an accurate probing figured out I will do some line tests as I can write that code without using any CAM and a new PP.

Today i did a one of a last update to my THC2 controller for parport application's. It's now 99% finished how i want it to be. The update's i do are short update's because there are linuxcnc machine's already cutting every day. For parport i make update's that are compatible.

For the Ethercat THC code, i started from zero 3 weeks ago. This one is a very clever component. It is time ahead in plasma world.

If we keep in mind. M3 & M5 for component logic. It's all in the game. Probing is a component piece so does not have to be mentioned in the G-code.

Keep up the good work !!