Is there a Firmware version for my 6445G(EC) that will allow LB to select any Rotary axis other than Y?

[Joe64 (Joe)]

Hi folks,

I’m pretty new at forum posting, but with all the searching forums and trying different firmware versions, I’ve just about given up on getting the U-axis (or A-axis) to be selectable in LB. It works just fine in RDworks, but LB won’t allow anything other than the Y-axis to be selected in the Rotary Axis setup. I’ve tried 4 different firmware versions for the 6445G, and LB still ghosts the Z and A axis boxes. 15.01.15 through 15.01.30. Does it really end up with having to use a mechanical switch (or relay) to route Y-axis driver inputs to my rotary axis driver?
Thank you all for any light that might be shed on this,
Joe

[ednisley]

@Joe64

getting the U-axis (or A-axis) to be selectable in LB

Does the Enable U Axis switch in Device Settings have any effect?

There are several controls available in RDWorks that LightBurn doesn’t provide, but the Ruida doc varies between misleading and nonexistent. Previous discussions have hints, although typically for Z vs. U axis operation:

Using the U axis for rotary control on a KT332N

After reading this post Ruida 6445G controller and rotary attachment problems - LightBurn Hardware Compatibility / Ruida controllers - LightBurn Software Forum, I got to wondering if it might be possible to co-op the U axis output on my KT332N controller for rotary use. On my last CO2 laser (an MF1220-50) I had to resort to a 4PDT toggle switch because the RDC6442 didn’t support U axis for rotary, though I read that the RDC6445G might. I now have an OMTECH ZF2028-60 with a KT332N and I wonder if…

Z axis not homing

Back onto my DIY laser build after a few years off, Have the x/y axis homing fine, however the Z axis does not even attempt to home. I have it enabled in lightburn, and I can manually move it from the ruida control panel. Initially I designed it to have the bed move for Z adjustment, but have added a custom motorized laser mount that will function as Z, and will setup the bed to run off U Axis. Does this have to be enabled using rdworks first? I originally was just going to use rdworks, but…

Trouble getting Z-axis limit switches to operate

Hello, I’m trying to get a friends machine to work properly. My machine and his are identical–Lightburn DSP, Ruida 6445 controller. The Z-table goes up and down, but the limit switches at the top and bottom will not work. When the limit switches are tripped manually, the correct lights on the controller cpu flash correctly, but they will not stop the travel of the Z-table. Any thoughts would be welcome. Thanks, Mark

Good hunting …

[Joe64 (Joe)]

Thank you, but the U-axis toggle in Device Settings is enabled. It seems strange to me that the U-axis works perfectly as a rotary axis in RDworks, but not in LB. It sounds like I’ll just have to resort to using a relay to switch inputs to the two drivers. Originally, the machine had a relay to switch Y-axis driver outputs, but I didn’t care for that solution as the rotary axis stepper is much smaller than the Y stepper and I was concerned about overheating which is why I added a separate driver.

[ednisley]

@Joe64

the U-axis toggle in Device Settings is enabled

Another idea down in flames.

AFAICT:

• Everybody knows switching the Y axis driver to the rotary is a terrible idea.
• Whether any particular controller can switch between its hardwired Y axis and rotary outputs is a complete tossup
• Nobody can define a way to determine whether any controller can be modified to do so
• Everybody eventually gives up and uses a mechanical switch or (the horror) plugs & unplugs the cable

@Joe64

• using a relay to switch inputs to the two drivers
• added a separate driver

You can wire the STEP and DIR controller signals in parallel to the driver inputs.

Wire a SPDT switch to the ENABLE driver inputs to select which one is active. Nothing fancy, just pull the selected one to GND and the other driver won’t spin its motor.

[Joe64 (Joe)]

Thank you Ed! I’ll try a couple more firmware versions before throwing in the towel and going with a physical switching arrangement.

[jkwilborn (Jack Wilborn)]

Have you found any information on how much current the Ruida is safe to use with stepper drivers?

I know mine draw about 20mA each and I know there isn’t any large semiconductor switches on board the Ruida other than the 4 output sinks.

Don’t know if there is sufficient current abilities to drive both simultaneously.

[Joe64 (Joe)]

From what I read, the optocoupler outputs are rated at 500mA, so there’s plenty to go around

[Joe64 (Joe)]

I’m also tempted to drive an SSR to switch my air pump and exhaust fan on/off, since those are a big source of ambient noise when the laser is idling (not that these old ears can hear it anyway lol)

[Joe64 (Joe)]

I also bought an 800CFM Vevor air scrubber to filter out the smoke and other nasties. I may tie that into the controller as well (via an SSR and power strip). Wow, sorry, I’m really getting off topic…

[NicholasL (Nicholas Leqeta)]

Please see this post for instructions, you have to use RDWorks to enable U-axis for rotary output. At the LightBurn end nothing needs to be done or changed - just use rotary normally for Y-axis:

Rudia 6445 alternative rotary wiring question - #15 by kill3rfruit

[jkwilborn (Jack Wilborn)]

It’s a low level output. The transistors for the 4 sinks are the only one I know of.

Why would you design a stepper motor ttl level interface to handle 500mA.

Mine says 300mA, for what it’s worth.

[ednisley]

@jkwilborn

how much current the Ruida is safe to use with stepper drivers

Nary a peep, but IMO they’d have to work hard to find a MOSFET under 100 mA sink capability.

A paralleled pair of 20 mA (-ish) optocouplers won’t shouldn’t raise a sweat in there.

[jkwilborn (Jack Wilborn)]

I’m sure you’d rather be safe than sorry… same here. I don’t know if these are even buffered outputs.

He’ll have to let us know how it works out.

[Joe64 (Joe)]

Thank you all for your input, especially Ed! I solved the problem by using RDWorks 8.1.60 and firmware 15.01.30. I think the key might have been that particular version of RDWorks. I tried a couple of other versions and even though I selected the U-axis as the Rotary Axis, they didn’t actually do it for me.The 8.1.60 actually worked! So now I have a ~$20 stepper driver from Amazon that lets me set the correct current output for that small rotary stepper on my roller setup.

[ednisley]

@Joe64

RDWorks 8.1.60 and firmware 15.01.30

Now there is someone walking a narrow path to the goal…

Glad it worked out and we’ll mention your results to other folks, but only after cautioning them their mileage will be different.

Thanks for reporting back!