First, Thanks so much for this great, software! I’m using OB CAM and controller. I’m running Grbl 1.1h and cannot get the G4 command to work even with laser mode off. 32=0. If I leave out a value for P I get an error as expected but any value I enter seems to be disregarded? I’m using a a pilot arc plasma torch so don’t need touch off but I do want the torch to dwell at the piercing position so that my torch height controller has time once getting the PWM arc start signal (via a 12v relay) to move its z position down to the work surface to get an ok signal to start the arc and track arc voltage. That part of it as all good except for waiting. Instead of dwelling though, the code simply turns on the arc via M4 S1000 and begins moving regardless of the G4 P value. I normally never ask questions preferring to work it out myself but read through all the similar questions, googled, ask other users etc and haven’t found a reason? Thanks in advance.
Thanks yes that first then P2000 but no difference. I then left out a value and got an error naturally.
I tried many values of 1 to 2, 5 and numerous values then tried 2000 in case it was expecting msecs. I actually only need 2 seconds or so but no go. I do have a pierce delay adjustment on the THC but it’s stand alone and doesn’t feedback to the controller so irrelevant and just adds to the dwell time after.
I have tried this on a bare Uno and now again on a BlackBox 4X with GRBL 1.1f loaded via OpenBuildsCONTROL (and just tried it with the X32 with freshly loaded firmware, also 1.1f) G21 G90 G17 G0 X100 G4 P4 G0 X200 M30 and it pauses for the expected 4 seconds between the X moves. You said you have GRBL 1.1h where did that come from, which exact version is it? you also mentioned laser mode, but you are using a plasma cutter. one would not use laser mode with a plasma cutter since laser mode does funky things with the PWM to control laser power during a move, plasma will not like that since it is on/off that it needs.
thanks it's a Foxalien Masuta Pro with it's stock GRBL 1.1h firmware as reported in O.B when I connect to the USB port. I don't have any more specifics. Maybe G4 is disabled in that but it's designed for CNC so doubt that. My machine is laser, spindle and plasma all in one. I use the PWM signal to switch a relay which turns on the plasma arc. works fine because I set it to full power so it doesn't vary the PWM, the plasma just sees arc start and stop.
ok, but with GRBL in laser mode then M4 will ramp the PWM as the motion speed ramps, not what you want for plasma (-: look sliek anice machine and looks like they are running some variant of grblHAL or FluidNC on a 32bit controller, so you will have to ask them about the actual code running on the controller and whay it won't delay with a standard G4 word.
thanks for the reply David. In my first message I said I'm running 32=0 for laser mode off so do you mean the GRBL I'm running doesn't allow for it to be turned off possibly? I don't mind throwing the Masuta controller board over the fence so that's no issue I just want a solution that works asap for THC. which is the best OB option please? It needs an input i can connect to ARC OK from my THC to give it the OK to fire...So far Mach3 looks like the only option?
Show us what your macro looks like, serial logs etc. Pretty sure they wouldn't disable G4 THC is over complicated and mostly unnecessary on a hobby machine. Use a Floating head: watch And Along with None has THC
Thanks yes seen those. I had a floating head which was ok for thick flat pieces but I’m now doing cuts on thin curved body panels for a specific custom motorbike project. The THC is easy, cheap and works brilliantly so I’ll just nut out the solution thanks if need be with some lead in. All good thanks for your help!
