VH command not working on PRT 4g board.

[daniel]

Machine: PRT with 4g upgrade
Software: SB3 version 3.6.46

Problem: Torch height control only sends z axis down, never up despite input #1 being high or low.

Diagnostic steps taken:
(I) Conducted Torch Height Diagnostic test from Shopbot docs.



Enable torch height control with VN,,,1
Turn on height control with VH,1
Make a move in the x or y axis
Z-axis should rise
Use a jumper wire between #1 INPUT and ground
Z-axis should drop

(Results: Z-axis never rises, only drops)

(II) Created toolpath using Partwizard and Shopbot plasma post.

(Results: THC inputs recognized, operates as expected, except z-axis only drops)

(III) Ran test on Shopbot versions 3.5.10 and 3.6.46

(Results: same Z-axis never rises, only drops)


Observations:

It seems to be a firmware problem.
I base this statement on the fact that you can see all the inputs go high and low in the SB3 control panel, which implies all the hardware checks out.


Summary:

I know plasma is legacy hardware to shopbot and no longer supported, however the [VH] and [VN] commands are still in the current Shopbot command Reference and should operate as stated.


I'm at a dead end, please help!

Daniel
7equivalents@gmail.com

[daniel]

To add to the diagnostics. The [VH] command will not stay set on any of the 4g firmwares. I ran the old PRT standard firmware 3.4.27 and at least the [VH] command stays set on it....
Does this mean the [VH] command has been disabled in the firmware for 4g boards?

[bill.young]

Hey Daniel,

Your best bet for getting useful info is to contact tech support at ShopBot.

Bill

[daniel]

Thanks Bill, I'm doing that today. I also reached out to Chris Burns. I know plasma is legacy, but the VH, VN commands are still current in the Command Reference manual, so should operate in theory.