Machine torch mods, CPC alternative options, torch wiring, and general convenience

[2strokeforever]

Ill start with the issue when you are cutting something, the machine moves to the next cut, goes to fire but the postflow is still going, and this next cut is done without firing.
The current solution seems to buy the expensive CPC board and use that, or try and pause until postflow is done.

Heres my solution, I wired in a push button to the arcdroid trigger terminals, right as its moving to the next hole and probing the height I just tap the button if postflow is still going. Fast, easy, and reliable.

I put the arcdroid away everytime I use it, its super irritating to have the trigger cable drag along, or have to unscrew it from the terminals every time.
Since I was in there anyways that was the perfect time to install a nice quick connect for the trigger.
I used a 4 pin set of these, its perfect, I also used the same connector on the plasma cutters, with glue they fit inside the CPC cover so you dont have to drill the cutter itself.
XS16J2P XS16J3P XS16J4P XS16J5P XS16 2 3 4 5 7 Prong Pin Socket Connector Aviation Plug TIG MIG Plasma Cutting Torch Welding Gun - AliExpress 1420

Here you can see the connector, and the button

Now we will talk about the torch (hypertherm) For the machine torch I bought a chinese one since it was cheap, but this should all apply to the real deal.
The machine torch is huge and not great on the arcdroid, the big tall section (228737) can be simply removed by taking the torch apart.
On my torch everything screwed back together nicely without it, and I assume its the same as a mini torch now, much nicer not having all that extra weight and height flailing around.

Now to make the machine torch be seen as a hand torch, all you need to do is disconnect the “machine torch pin”. I put it in the hole next to it (marked in green) as my hand torch has that hole filled and it works fine, and too keep it out of the way inside the torch connector.

Here is the tool you need if you want to remove pins in the torch cable, It was the smallest one in the set.
Linkstyle 5PCS Pin Extractor Tools kit, Terminals Removal Tools Kit for JST/AMP .062" /Molex .062" & .093” Pin and Socket Connectors, Male and Female Connector Tube Type : Amazon.ca: Automotive

The final things I did for convenience was to make a little platform to mount a cable hanger and a screen holder. Rivets hold it at the top, and I had to tig weld it on the bottom.
The cut charts on the machine are a nice touch too.

[Andrew]

@2strokeforever

or try and pause until postflow is done.

There is literally a setting on the Arcdroid to do this for you
“Off delay.” in the tune settings you can pause it as long as you like after each cut

Also if you Hypertherm is not re-firing while in post flow there is something wrong with you plasma cutter. It should fire again no problem every time. I have never run into this issue with Hypertherm machines but I have seen it in lower cost machines such as Everlast or Razerweld. What happens is the air solenoid gets gummed up and will not cycle properly (it needs to shut off and on again really quick) Solutions usually involves cleaning or replacement of the solenoid ( In one case I just put a bigger spring in it)

Hope this helps

Cheers
AM

[2strokeforever]

Thats good to know, ill have to give it a try.

For 6$ a set it might be worth including the plug i am using to fire the torch on the arcdroid v2.
Adding a built in voltage divider to the droid and using the other 2 pins of the plug for raw voltage would be really handy too.