Compatibility with EZ Laser Co2 Cutter?

Hi!
I have this old laser cutter, which currently only (and not even properly) works with EZLASER CAM (cutter) software. I would really like to make it run LightBurn, but I don’t know how, as it doesn’t seem to be easily compatible.
Does anyone know what it would take to make this old machine run LightBurn?

Opinion: A lot of time, trouble, and expense.

The controller / display will be a lost cause, the stepper drivers look full-on weird (running from 220 VAC line power!), the motors will be correspondingly weird not-standard-steppers, and the power supply isn’t going to be compatible with anything.

And the laser tube & HV power supply have surely passed their best-used-by date.

Figure on a complete gut-and-rebuild job replacing everything from the motors to the power supply. I’d say it’s do-able, but will cost more in time and material than just buying a contemporary laser and putting it into production.

However, if you enjoy that sort of thing, go for it.

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So yeah, Ed’s correct that it would need a full recontrol.

You would need to research the motor drives to see if they can’t run from step and direction commands so you could swap to a Ruida. Those are very nice DC servo (most likely) motors and drivers. I would retain them if you can. They should be high-speed, closed-loop, very accurate motors.

It’s totally a project, but honestly, it’s not impossible. You should be able to find good documents on the motors and the laser power supply. How comfortable are you with controls? For me, with a lot of background in machines, this would be a fun side project; for others, it is a daunting to impossible task.

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Thank you both for the quick replys!
I’ts what I feared, not what I hoped. I think it would require more time than I have presently to convert it, as I need it up and running for a makerspace I’m currently putting together. I can’t at this point in time give one machine that much attention. I hope I can get through to EZlaser to get it up and running with the original software then, because I currently cannot connect to it. I was hoping it was “just” a matter of changing out the controller or connecting via another software…

Anyways, thank you for the help and honesty, so I don’t spend too much time on something that isn’t possible… :slight_smile:

It does not mention steppers here, from a specs list for the motion controller

32-bit floating-point digital signal processor (DSP)Suitable for
both DC brushless or AC vector induction servo motors

Saw a used one of these controllers on ebay for ~$450 USD, so you could probably sell it and get enough for a Ruida.

Motor drivers are cheap, as are motors if you look for them.

I’d suggest putting the money in a re-build, especially if you can sell it’s current controller, making the Ruida relatively low cost.

Good luck

:smiley_cat:

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it sounds like a fun project! I wish I had the time. But it sounds like I’ll be better off sellin the machine and buying another one… Damn

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Right, but some servo drives can take a step and direction signal from a controller and handle it appropriately.

Those motors are so much better than even the best steppers it would really hurt my soul to see them replaced lol

True, but then you get away from what is “typical”, and costs go up and support goes down.

Make A Choice Time…