Recently I purchased a lightly-used Tormach ETS. Plugging the ETS into the 5-pin DIN port on my PCNC 1100 S3, I’m getting an error when trying to run the initial setup (set tool 0 and touch off the spindle nose against the probe). The error says that the probe is already activated.
For context, the accessory indicator in PathPilot is “on” when the ETS is first plugged in, and goes “off” if I depress it slightly. Is this expected behaviour?
(BTW, I have a Hallmark ITTP that I use with the same DIN input. I believe the ITTP is active normally-closed. And I also have read that the Tormach ETS is active normally-open. That alone means that they can’t share the same DIN input, no?)
Sounds like an issue with an active probe and passive tool setter. I think there is a way to use both but until someone that knows that system chimes in you can unplug the probe and setup your tool setter and tool lengths. Then swap the plugs for probing. Just don’t forget to plug in the probe before probing or (snap).
Does it have an LED opposite the cable (potential indicator it is active)?
Does your Hallmark have an LED? Use more than two wires? If the Hallmark is only two wires and no LED, most likely it is a passive NC like the Tormach passive probe I have for my 440. If the ETS is active NO probe then you have an explanation for the reverse behavior. Did you check the setting in PP for probe type?
Schematics for the machine should be in the operator manual. Passive probe manual is also online and notes it is NC and uses pins 4 & 5 which are the common and input pins.
Active seems to use those two pins but also requires the 12V pin and NO configuration.
I use the tormach passive probe and a Emi active tool setter. It is a skip signal tool setter. I had to rewire the pins quite a bit. I could have a look at the pin configuration if it applies to your type of setup. I recall Having to connect 2 wires to one pin to get the signal to trip the tormach. When I was talking with them they were very concerned about the signal voltages so if yours isn’t a 24v be very careful.
A passive, normally closed probe like the ITTP can be daisy chained with a passive, normally closed ETS, but combining a passive probe with an active ETS, like the Tormach one, on the same accessory port is always going to be a problem and you’ll need some additional, active circuitry to sort it out for you.
The receiver part of my wireless probe kit has exactly this function built in. You can get the receiver on its own and use both the devices you have as wired probe and ETS, or you can go the whole hog and convert the ITTP to wireless. Either way, both devices will be plugged in all the time and both will work as you’d expect.
Hey David
I have Cliff’s probe and couldn’t be happier with it.
I have really considered your wireless option
I guess the only thing holding me back is that its printed plastic that snaps on
have you considered and AL body that secures to the ITTP?
I only 3d printed 2 prototypes while the wireless kits were being developed. Since then, they’ve all been machined from delrin. I actually made a video showing how to use Fusion’s probing functions, using the wireless probe case as an example, so you can see a lot of how it’s done at https://youtu.be/lMLcEQuZhDk
A metal case wouldn’t be great as it’d mask the radio signal, so you’d end up with an antenna sticking out somewhere and the machined delrin cases snap on pretty positively. I’ll see if I can capture some video of it’s like for you.
Thanks David
I watched that video several years ago - i forgot the box was delrin
I use your processer and use in process probing quite a bit
I am getting tired of dealing with the wire all the time
I need to order one from you
Ed
Getting tired of the wire is the reason behind at least half of my sales. Not everyone is as keen as me on putting the probe in an ATC, but everyone loves not having to deal with the wire!
The ITTP isn’t sealed around the stylus and I know from my experience with the first Tormach passive probe (the black one) that it’s possible to get chips inside, especially with materials like delrin.
Having said that, you’d have to go some to get enough coolant inside to upset it. At the same time, my probe box is splash rather than coolant jet resistant. You definitely can get coolant inside if you try hard enough, but I’m confident the electronics will survive the experience. Have a look at this video for an example. https://youtu.be/20xX3nFBo1E
I have made a version of the case that can mount upside down on the current Tormach probe so that coolant can’t get inside by going through the lid which definitely helps. Not sure if that can be done on the ITTP. I know the screws for adjusting concentricity can be difficult to get to.
Sorry for the delay in responding. Got side-tracked
I think you are correct. The Hallmark is passive while the ETS is active. At present, in order to switch from one to the other, I need to toggle that setting in PathPilot.
Hi David. Apologies for the delay in responding; I got sidetracked. I see that the receiver unit is out of stock. Are you thinking of making some more at some point? With another 6 months of dealing with that ITTP wire, I can certainly appreciate the benefit of “going the whole hog”.
