Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: DIY Diode Laser setup with TTL

« on: January 08, 2016, 09:04:24 AM »

Thank you Tweakie..

Im Making progress.

2

General Mach Discussion / Re: DIY Diode Laser setup with TTL

« on: January 07, 2016, 03:07:39 PM »

Thank you for the quick reply. What I should done before posting is to research the forums here. I did find some useful info.

I downloaded Inkscape with a LaserEngraver plugin and got it make a very generic g-code and I am using output #1 with pin 17. I did get it to fire on and off. Only thing is there is a dwell time as to when the laser starts up and then the machine moves, leaving a bigger mark. also transferring the G-Code  to the cutting machine and loading into Mach3 makes the G-Code do funky things like Add Circles and such.. well at least it fired off.. thats a start

Ill check into the post processor for BobCad.

Thanks again.

3

General Mach Discussion / DIY Diode Laser setup with TTL

« on: January 07, 2016, 11:59:34 AM »

Hello all,

First of all, please take it easy on this Newb. Ive posted questions before (on another forum) only to get slammed with condescending remarks.. thats not really fair and makes some of us not want to contribute.

So I need some help please.

Im running a DIY CNC with the following setup: DQ542MA drivers, NEMA23 motors (Y&A slaved), Breakout board, Mach3 (of course). I originally had this setup with a router and Im trying to convert to a laser. I can easily switch between the 2 by changing out mounting plates. The Laser i bought is a Chinese 3500Mw with a driver board which includes TTL.

I hooked up the laser TTL input to pin 17 on my Bob, and Ive got it to manually switch on and off by using the mist control and also the spindle. I guess my first question is if Im to use a specific code to switch this off and on do I have manually edit the G-Code and insert the correct M-codes? Is there some software out there that will automatically insert the correct code? Ive been using BobCad without much success and Im fiddling around with a couple others. Im good at the building part but lack some knowledge with the software aspect of it all. If I use PWM and to switch the Laser on, what code is telling it to do so?

Ive read some of the posts Ive found via google none which really helped me.. Yet! I need a push in the right direction! And not over a cliff please.....

I guess Im confused as to where to go next... scrap heap maybe?  LOL

Thanks in advance 

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: X & Y axis calibration

« on: March 12, 2015, 07:25:49 PM »

Thanks Russ

5

General Mach Discussion / Re: X & Y axis calibration

« on: March 12, 2015, 05:41:55 PM »

Im a little confused by this sorry..

for the Y axis do you mean 1500 times whatever i have set on the dip switches on the driver? Thats what I input into the "Steps Per" on the motor tuning?

Thats a HUGE number.

Thanks for your  help

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: X & Y axis calibration

« on: March 12, 2015, 03:58:18 PM »

Thank you Ill check that out.

7

General Mach Discussion / X & Y axis calibration

« on: March 12, 2015, 03:18:49 PM »

Hello all.

Well I just built my 2nd machine and got it up and running. Im having a little difficulty figuring out my X & Y axis calibration. Still a Newb at all this.

The Y axis is the table (front to back) and is driven by a belt. The lead screws are 1/2-10 with 15T pulleys. The drive motor has a 20T pulley.
The X axis is direct drive on a 1/2-10 lead screw.

I did a sample run and the box is not square. The steppers are set to 4000 and 120. I did this because at 2000 the machine barely moves. 

My thoughts are that because the the Y axis is driven with a belt I have to change the "steps per"

Thanks in advance