Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Vogavt on February 19, 2016, 12:14:09 PM

Title: Using PWM with DAC board for Laser diode output control
Post by: Vogavt on February 19, 2016, 12:14:09 PM
I've purchased a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) board to start down the path of gray scale laser engraving. I've read many threads, documents, etc. found throughout the web. However, so that I don't toast my second laser diode, I need a little hand holding.

The DACtem I've purchased can be found on Amazon shown here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UIZKYAS?refRID=GX375WSA3ZXC80G6HM9M&ref_=pd_ybh_a_4)

I've purchased a Laser Diode (NDB7875) from DTR's shop (found here (https://sites.google.com/site/dtrlpf/home/diodes/9mm-445nm)).

I've also purchased a Laser Driver board from eBay seller "x-wossee" but he doesn't have one for sale at the time of this posting.
Mine was: 3Amp Analog PWM Laser Diode Driver with Thermal Protection 445nm 638nm 520nm.  Currently, they have one that's 6 amps.

Unless I reading something incorrectly, the DAC shows that it maxes out at 10mA. My gut feeling tells me that since the diode appears to be capable to above 2A, the laser driver board (LDB) from x-wossee is actually the one that provides that amps, but the signal coming from the DAC tells the LDB how much amperage to put out. Correct?

I would also appreciated some guidance on the connecting wires that go between them all. I believe I can handle the Mach3 settings if I get it wired correctly.