I run a small business. Currently I am running multiple CNCs and 3D printers, but in 2017/2018, my partner saw a video on laser engraving and bought a Full Spectrum Laser 5th Gen 20x12 Hobby engraver.
We set it up, sent in the activation, and used it a few times, but found the software to be difficult to use and fustration got the better of me and I let it sit for a couple years.
Fast forward to now. I had sent in the activation multiple times over the years, as i would attempt to use the software once or twice a year, but get fustrated and stop. Now the activation, no longer works and FSL finally responded stating, they got rid of it, but since it wasnt activated prior, it is unusable now and they cannot activate it.
So now i have an engraver that doesnt work, never really did, but i saw posta that I could convert the controller to be able to use Lighburn.
I tried researching controllers, but i am not sure what to use. I would like something with a rotary feature, as i have that attachment.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have heard great things about Lightburn and am hoping a better software will enable me to actually use my investment l.
Last part first, how much “investment” if you do not mind me asking?
I found this info in a quick search. “Proprietary” is the ugly part in this link. The question is, “Just how proprietary is that machine?” Likely, this is not going to be a simple Plug 'n Play project.
What kind of drives (DC servo or Stepper), and what size, does it have?
What kind of laser did they use?
If the software ran on a PC, how does the PC connect to the laser?
Are you prepared for a fun, exciting, end exasperating journey?
The #2 question above will determine whether you can use a GRBL or Ruida controller. You may be able to adapt the machine, or might be better off gutting it and go from there. In any case, it looks like an interesting project!
Overall, I have over $7k invested into the engraver. Not a huge amount, but i hate not getting a return out of what i paid for.
To answer your other questions.
It uses a stepper, to the best of my knowledge, the size i am not sure of, but can look into after this weekend.
2.It uses a 45W CO2 laser, if I remember correctly. It was the standard upgrade for the Hobby laser woth Full Spectrum.
I can run the laser one of two ways. I normally connected to it through my network wirelessly. I was told i can connect through a USB without a internet connection, but i havent tried this yet.
I am always up for a journey, especially if it is something new and an opportunity to learn something. At this point, the engraver is a paperweight, so i have nothing to lose.
Measure the mounting plate of the stepper. That is how NEMA size designations are assigned. It would be better if you could see the nameplate or label on one of them.
CO2 and Ruida go together. I have no experience with that controller, but many people here do. If you could find someone in your area that has a laser with that controller, it would be a big help if you could see how it is hooked up.
Try hooking Lightburn to it with a USB. It might work if you send it GCode commands. Worth a try.
It is where I come from. Definitely a motive to get it working for sure!