I just knocked off another project to tidy things up a bit. My home built diode laser incorporates a Makerbase DLC32 V2.1 controller connected to a newly installed Lasertree K60 head unit. I had the electronics sitting on top of the cabinet and wanted to build a single enclosure for everything. I also recently designed an exhaust fan control using an Arduino Nano microcontroller. It monitors the PWM signal going to the K60 and automatically turns on the exhaust fan as soon as the K60 receives a signal, then turns the fan off 60 seconds after the K60 last fires. Previously, I used a countdown timer I built using the same Arduino Nano, and I had to manually set the time based on the estimate provided in the Lightburn preview screen. Not difficult to do, just a step I wanted to eliminate if possible.
Before anyone says it, yeah, the big 4-pin connectors I used are definitely overkill. I had a handful of them “in stock” and I always try to use parts from my personal warehouse before ordering something new. The five big connectors are for the steppers, limit switches, and the K60. The two small 3.5mm stereo plugs are for the exhaust fan and air assist pump. The fan in the top is blowing directly onto the stepper driver chips on the Makerbase board. I even 3D printed a couple of simple brackets for the Nano. It’s cool to combine hobbies into one project!
