AQTRONIC Alpha-THC-SD CNC PLASMA Torch Height Controller Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- AQTRONIC
Table of Contents
AQTRONIC Alpha-THC-SD CNC PLASMA Torch Height Controller
Product Information
The Alpha THC SD CNC PLASMA Torch Height Controller is a modern analog microprocessor plasma torch height controller. It operates by analyzing voltage changes in the plasma source, which are caused by variations in height between the torch tip and the material being cut. The device uses a microprocessor to determine whether to raise or lower the torch based on the strength of the voltage signal. It features an easy-to-read LED display and two user-friendly keys for simple operation. The device is designed with patented solutions and high-quality components to ensure safe, durable, and reliable long-term operation.
Device Characteristics:
- Supply voltage (V): Typical 9-36VDC, Max 48VDC
- Plasma voltage input: 0-350V
- Plasma voltage threshold: 40V
- Plasma interface: Optical Isolated
- I/O interface: Active Low Optical Isolated
- Supported plasma ratio: 1:1 / 1:50 / 1:100
- Display: 3 bit 7 Segments
- Weight: 100g
- Dimensions LWH (mm): 873659
Product Usage Instructions
- Ensure that the environment where the device is used does not contain any explosive gas.
- The device should be wired by professional wiring staff to avoid the risk of electric shock.
- Before wiring, always cut off the power supply to prevent electric shock.
- Do not touch any control port, internal boards, or electronic components while the electricity is turned on to avoid electric shock.
- Make the necessary connections according to the provided terminal details.
- After switching on the power, the device will display an animated message and then present a voltage value.
- The device is pre-configured at the factory and should work properly with most plasma devices after the correct connections are made.
ALPHA THC SD Operation manual
Safety Precautions
The environment cannot contain any explosive gas.
It must be wired by professional wiring staff. Otherwise, it may cause
electronic shock.
Cut off the power supply before wiring. Otherwise, it may cause electronic
shock.
Do not touch any control port, internal boards, and their electronic
components while the electricity is turned on. Otherwise, it may cause
electronic shock.
Device information
The unit is a modern analog – -microprocessor plasma torch height controller that operates by analyzing voltage changes in the plasma source due to variations in height between the torch tip and the material being cut. The microprocessor makes determinations to raise or lower the torch based on the strength of the voltage signal being read. It is equipped with an easy-to-read LED display and two user-friendly keys making operation simple and does not require any additional measuring instruments. The device has patented solutions made with the highest quality components to ensure a safe, durable, and reliable long-term operation.
External view:
Characteristics
| Supply voltage (V) | 9-36VDC | 48VDC |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma voltage input | 0-350V | 450V |
| Plasma voltage threshold | 40V | 250V |
| Plasma interface | Optical Isolated | – |
| I/O interface | Active Low Optical Isolated | – |
| Supported plasma ratio | 1:1 / 1:50 / 1:100 | – |
| Display | 3 bit 7 Segments | – |
Weight
Dimensions LWH (mm)
| 100g
873659
| –
–
Terminal details
ATTENTION: When connecting directly, use the shortest possible cables for connecting the plasma source with the THC controller – it is recommended the THC controller to be located directly at the plasma source.
Plasma Ratio input:
Direct 1: 1 plasma cutters
While being a universal THC, accepting full raw arc voltage for almost any plasma cutter on the market, an exciting new standard feature of this unit is the addition of a 1:50 divider for an extremely fast, simply installation on most major brands. There will most likely be a direct connection for this on the outside of the plasma cutter’s unit. Please refer to your plasma cutter owner’s manual.
An example of how to connect the THC controller’s measurement input with the output of the very popular Hypertherm Powermax45 ®- The THC comes standard equipped with a low voltage output of 1:50 divider. This ratio is the most commonly used division in most major brands and there will most likely be a plug for this connection on the outside of the cutter’s unit.
COM terminal is a common input terminal connected to the ARC, UP, and
DOWN optocoupler contacts inside the device, according to the diagram located
on the cover.
The suggested route is to “GND” at the driver/pc end. Do not jumper this
connection to the “7-35V” negative.
OK, the output is activated when plasma ignition is detected and after
the preset delay countdown. Route and configure for a software input. Not
required to operate.
UP output is activated when the measured voltage is lower than the
voltage setpoints, reduced by half the hysteresis voltage. Route and configure
for a software input.
DOWN output is activated when the measured voltage is higher than the
voltage setpoints, reduced by half the hysteresis voltage. Route and configure
for a software input.
Note: No output signals are activated in cases when only the pilot arc is
detected and when the main arc is broken.
Signal outputs should be connected to the CNC system in accordance with the documentation of the CNC electronic system controlling the machine. For this, we use inputs of outermost connectors HOME or LIMIT – THC relay contacts should be connected to the terminals the same way as limit switches connectors. At the same time, the common COM terminal should be connected to the CNC system to a common terminal for limit switches (it is usually a GND terminal).
To reduce the possibility of the short-circuit entering the CNC system, the connection should be made with a shielded cable – the shielding must be connected to the grounding on the CNC system side. Do not connect the shielding to the THC controller side.
Start-up and operation:
The device is pre-configured at the factory and after the correct connections
are made, it immediately works properly with most plasma devices. After
switching power on, the THC controller’s display shows an “animated”
“Aqtronic”message, and then show Limit value is presented for 1 second. When
the device is ready for operation it displays “- – – “ which means it is
present there is no input voltage.
In this mode, by pressing the up/down keys, the threshold value can be
modified and thus set the height of the lens above the material. To specify
other parameters, hold both keys at the same time until you see the HYS
(hysteresis) parameter on the display. When you release the keys, you can
navigate through the menu parameters. In this state, by pressing the up/down
keys you can enter the value of the current parameter and change it by
pressing the up/down keys. Once the value is set, you can store the value by
holding both keys at the same time until you see the value flashing.
- “HYS” (Hysteresis see image 15 page 5) – The hysteresis voltage – a range in which the voltage is measured, in which there are signals controlling UP/DOWN isdeactive.1-15V.Factory setting “1”
- “OSC” (Oscillation) – Parameter responsible for the clock frequency what translates into a movement speed of the Z axis when cutting.
- “dLy” (delay) – delay time of output OK when the system detects the main (cutting) arc 1 – 15 seconds. factory setting: 1s
- CAL” (Calibration) – Due to material deviation the recorded plasma voltage may need adjustment. According to an external reference, such as the simple voltmeter, you can modify the Plasma voltage reading. -35V to +35V.Factory 0V
- LCU” (Low Voltage cut) – value of the off-load voltage detection in the plasma cutter – used to detect the main (cutting) arc. Minus the preset value any control outputs are disable.0-99V.Factory 40V
- “HCU” (High Voltage cut) – value of the off-load voltage detection in the plasma cutter – used to detect the main (cutting) arc.Over the preset value any control outputs are disable.200-350V.Factory 350V
- “HCU” (High Voltage cut) – the value of the off-load voltage detection in the plasma cutter – used to detect the main (cutting) arc. Over the preset value, any control outputs are disable.200-350V.Factory 350V
- ESC” (Escape) – by pressing the up/down keys you can exit of menu or just wait a few seconds for auto exit.
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