Hi All,
I would like to use the PWM output to drive a CO2 Laser intensity and I have some questions.
The Laser expects a PWM 5V, 5KHz, 100mA signal ranging from 1% to 95% with 50% mark:space as 50% intensity.
I have done a search of the group but largely no answers found. I have also checked the Help .pdf and I could find only one mention of Kernel speed.
I can get by with 9 steps of intensity so using 5KHz signal for the Laser, 45KHz Kernel speed is required.
I cannot run DriverTest as I do not as yet have the controller installed. I need to make sure Mach3 will do what I need before I tear out all of the current electronics and buy Geckos etc.
Kernel speed:
What governs which Kernel speed I select?
Why not just select the fastest?
What is the output voltage of the PWM signal?
If the output voltage is higher than 5 volts, how do I reduce that?
What is the output current of the PWM signal.
Will I need a current limiting resistor to limit that to the 100mA max?
If so, how do I calculate the value?
{EDIT}
I just tried to set the PWM Base freq. to 5000 and Mach3 converts that to 4166. That's almost a 20% reduction in freq. How can I set it to display and use 5K? I tried changing Kernel speed and using 6000 but it still goes back to 4166.
{/EDIT}
Thanks for any help you can give.
Dave