Frequency out

[Manuel S]

Hi,
Does somebody knows a way to send out a frecuency to an output?
I am trying to control an old Nd.Yag laser, and it has a device named Q-Switch. It needs to receive a variable frecuency from 500 to 20000 Hz. I tried to hook it to an axis, but the frequency must remain working to a presseted value all the time.
Thanks

[DaveCVI]

I don't know if this will help as I've never run a laser.
There is an option in config/general config called "Set charge pump to 5KHz - laser standby".
Look in the Install & Config manual for a description of the config options.

I suspect this sets the frequency of the charge pump output to 5KHz, - you could then run that line to you laser...?

Dave

[Manuel S]

Thanks Dave, I have tried the chargepump, but only is able to send 5Khz. or 12Khz.
I would like to be able to change it from 500Hz to 20Khz. depending on the material to be marked.
Any other idea?
Mach3 is the most easy to use and powerfull software I have tried. And maybe some new ideas will help.
Thanks
Manuel S

[BR549]

Have you l;ooked at the spindle PWM output??

[Manuel S]

Yes, but I am using it as power control for the lamp.

[BR549]

OK, What is the Q-switch for???

[Manuel S]

Q-switch is an opto-acoustic device to interrupt the laser at a given frecuency, this make the laser to emit or not light.
This feature gives the laser the possibility to mark or engrave diferent materials and gives you a way to modify the color and some aspects in the laser marking.

Thanks again

[renatom]

Hi Manuel,

Do you still have a spare Analog ouput, If Yes you can buy a analog to frequency converter. I am currently using one on our Pulse Ferranti Laser. I can't remember the brand.  I will check it tomorrow.

cheers
renato

[poppabear]

take a look at the PoKeys, it have several PWM output that exceed what you want in both directions........

scott