This is my Vectric post processor for Mach 4 laser operation.

Tweakie.

EDIT:
Please note...
This pp is intended for vector operation only (using the M62/M63 command set) it does not support raster operation.

Hi,

Has mach4 got to the point where you can control a laser without the delay turning the last on and off?  I've never got Mach3 to work without the long delays...

Hi,

Has mach4 got to the point where you can control a laser without the delay turning the last on and off?  I've never got Mach3 to work without the long delays...

Yes.
For Mach3 the commands are M11Px / M10Px and for Mach4 they are M62Px / M63Px (x being the Output# being switched). These commands switch the laser at the instant of axis movement so there is no delay.

Tweakie.

I know this is an old thread.  I'm wondering if anyone has tried engraving an image with laser and Mach4.  Is there fine enough control to do this with vectric and mach 4?

Thanks
John

For photographic images and Mach4 you would need a little more than is currently available from the standard Vectric software.
Warp9 have now included raster image reproduction (and also vector) routines within their latest Smooth Stepper software for Mach4;  https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=12444.msg258539#msg258539

Good evening,

How do I go about using this post processor? Do I have to do any additional setting in Mach 4 or can I just install in Vectric all good to go? Please advise. Best regards.

Good evening,

How do I go about using this post processor? Do I have to do any additional setting in Mach 4 or can I just install in Vectric all good to go? Please advise. Best regards.

Just copy the pp to your Vectric PostP folder then it can be selected within Vectric when creating your Gcode file.
 
This pp has been written to switch Output#1 in accordance with the M62/M63 commands – if you need to be using a different Output# then the pp can be modified by changing all M62P1 and M63P1 commands to M62Px and M63Px where x = the Output# of your choice.

Good day,

Pokeys57CNC does not support M62/M63 commands. Any idea what can be done to get the laser set-up and post processor working in Mach 4.

Good day,

Pokeys57CNC does not support M62/M63 commands. Any idea what can be done to get the laser set-up and post processor working in Mach 4.

Perhaps contact PoLabs direct and ask them when the M62/M63 command set will be incorporated into their Mach4 plugin.

Alternately, you could do as I do and use the free software Auggie which has been specifically designed for laser use with the 57CNC. https://blog.poscope.com/auggie-cnc-machine-controller-for-pokeys/

Tweakie.

Hi Tweakie,

Thank you, is Auggie difficult to configure and is it compatible with diode lasers? I am using this laser from Opt Lasers https://optlasers.com/kits-and-adapters/plh3d-6w-xf-universal-kit-for-cnc-machines