I just got a new 100 watt Omtech laser. I started to check mirror alignment at mirror 1, a brief pulse,at 10% power blew a large hole through the tape. I ran a test piece at 10% power and the laser power supply read 11ma! I think it should be 2. While I’m waiting for Omtech to respond, do you think I have a bad Ruida (KT322N) controller?
Thanks!
Dale
You can measure the IN voltage at the controller or lps. No need for the lps to be powered on. See if for 20% power you are reading 20% of 5V (1V). If this isn’t right there is some issue with the Ruida.
The laser needs to be running while i test, right?
The Ruida needs to be powered up, but not the lps. Usually these have a second switch for the mains going to the lps.
With a 100 W laser, it depends on what you mean by “brief”.
If the controller fires the laser as long as you hold down the Pulse button on the console, then maybe you’re a little slower than you think. 
I set the KT332N on my 60 W machine to fire a single pulse:
Menu → Laser Set to get to these optionsLaser Mode = LaserLaser Time = 20 msWith the power set to 50%, that’s enough to produce a nice pinhole on most materials on the platform and enough of a scorch on tape to align the mirrors.
Your machine might need a shorter time and lower power, but it’ll get you into the right ballpark.
Thanks Ed,
Brief is after pushing the button a very quick release. But, I will do as you suggested.
I really think I have a bad controller. See my test on 1/4" baltic birch. The speed was 7 mms and the power at 28% (per the manual) flames occurred and start to burn the air assist hose.
Also, I went ahead and upgraded my air assist, exactly as I had done on my 60 watt machine and it doesn’t work. I’ll take some voltage readings at the 24v ans wind terminals on the Ruida.
Also, again! The laser goes to the opposite side of my workpiece relative to how it’s shown on the Lightburn work surface.
Omtech is looking at this and will probably get back to me on Monday.
Seems unlikely, as incorrect configuration settings explain everything you describe.
There are a couple of config settings controlling that output and if you miss one, it won’t work:
Rather than depending on numbers that may have been accurate for some other machine in the distant past and have been copypasta for every other machine ever since, run a Material Test and find out what’s correct for your machine on your wood.
Check to be sure they put the focus lens into the laser head with the convex side upward, then run a ramp test to verify the focus.
Does the machine origin in Edit → Device Settings match the corner of the platform the laser head homes into? If not, it’s yet another incorrect setting.
Based on my machine, you may confidently assume the laser beam alignment is barely adequate and will require major hassle before being Good Enough™.
Think of the machine as a parts kit resembling a functional laser, rather than a purchase with an excellent Out Of Box Experience. 
I love this statement. So true.
