Laser only burns some lines. Config with Ruida 6445G wrong?

[Matz]

Hi guys,
I installed a new controller Ruida 6445G to my laser but it does not work properly when using lightburn. If I just press pulse und move the laser head it works. But if I run programms from lightburn sometimes in burns something and sometimes it doesn’t.

What I checked:
-There ist no position/steps loss on the axis

• if I run the intervall test it engraves the first one and a half fields and after that it sound like it is still burning but nothing arrives on the wood (speed and power remains the same in this test). what you can see on the pictures it has more problems where it needs to engrave a zero on the same line like the field.
• if I rund the level test for focus in draws the lines and changes hight but the lines are shorter than they should.
• if I run the cutting test sime lines are burned but other are not

What kind of problem I am dealing with here and how to solve it?
I am not sure that my settings are correct so far as I had no pre settings.

{
    "Name": "Ruida",
    "Settings": [
        {
            "Desc": "Idle speed (mm/s)",
            "ID": "0x5",
            "Value": 600
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Idle acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x20a",
            "Value": 2500
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Idle delay (ms)",
            "ID": "0x203",
            "Value": 0
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Start speed (mm/s)",
            "ID": "0x201",
            "Value": 10
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Min acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x209",
            "Value": 350
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Max acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x202",
            "Value": 2000
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Accel factor % (0 to 200)",
            "ID": "0x21a",
            "Value": 80
        },
        {
            "Desc": "G0 accel factor % (0 to 200)",
            "ID": "0x21c",
            "Value": 100
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Speed factor % (0 to 200)",
            "ID": "0x21b",
            "Value": 80
        },
        {
            "Desc": "X start speed (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0x224",
            "Value": 20
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Y start speed (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0x234",
            "Value": 15
        },
        {
            "Desc": "X acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x225",
            "Value": 6000
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Y acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x235",
            "Value": 2000
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Line shift speed (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0xe",
            "Value": 100
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Facula Size (50 - 99%)",
            "ID": "0xb",
            "Value": 98
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Engraving factor % (0 to 100)",
            "ID": "0x237",
            "Value": 100
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Enable Rotary",
            "ID": "0x2260001",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Pulses per rotation",
            "ID": "0x21f",
            "Value": 10000
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Diameter",
            "ID": "0x221",
            "Value": 100
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Focus Distance",
            "ID": "0x20e",
            "Value": 23
        },
        {
            "Desc": "X Axis Backlash (mm)",
            "ID": "0x2b",
            "Value": 0
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Y Axis Backlash (mm)",
            "ID": "0x3b",
            "Value": 0
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Enable wireless panel speed shift",
            "ID": "0x2260004",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Wireless panel speed fast (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0x231",
            "Value": 400
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Wireless panel speed slow (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0x232",
            "Value": 300
        },
        {
            "Desc": "X Axis docking position (mm)",
            "ID": "0x215",
            "Value": 0
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Y Axis docking position (mm)",
            "ID": "0x216",
            "Value": 0
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Z Axis docking position (mm)",
            "ID": "0x22d",
            "Value": -231145.472
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Reset delay (ms)",
            "ID": "0x233",
            "Value": -231145.472
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Status on delay (ms)",
            "ID": "0x238",
            "Value": 0
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Status off delay (ms)",
            "ID": "0x351",
            "Value": 0
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Finish delay (ms)",
            "ID": "0x352",
            "Value": -231145.472
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Focus Enabled",
            "ID": "0x30f0001",
            "Value": true
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Z Axis return to docking",
            "ID": "0x30f0008",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Air Assist Mode",
            "ID": "0x30f0600",
            "Value": "On/off by layer"
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Engraving Mode",
            "ID": "0x100400",
            "Value": "Common Mode"
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Return Position",
            "ID": "0x200",
            "Value": "Docking point"
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Homing Speed (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0xc",
            "Value": 80
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Laser 1 Output Signal",
            "ID": "0x40200",
            "Value": "Low"
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Laser 2 Output Signal",
            "ID": "0x40400",
            "Value": "Low"
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Water Protect Enable, Laser 1",
            "ID": "0x40020",
            "Value": true
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Water Protect Enable, Laser 2",
            "ID": "0x40040",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Enable air-assist output",
            "ID": "0x40002",
            "Value": true
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Enable door open protect",
            "ID": "0x40001",
            "Value": true
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Enable Homing",
            "ID": "0x200008",
            "Value": true
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Limit Trigger",
            "ID": "0x200006",
            "Value": true
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Invert Keypad Direction",
            "ID": "0x200005",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "PWM Rising Edge Valid",
            "ID": "0x200004",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Limiter Polarity",
            "ID": "0x200003",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Direction Polarity",
            "ID": "0x200002",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Step length (um)",
            "ID": "0x21",
            "Value": 14.392
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Max speed (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0x23",
            "Value": 800
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Jumpoff speed (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x24",
            "Value": 20
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Max acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x25",
            "Value": 20000
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Max travel (mm)",
            "ID": "0x26",
            "Value": 1000
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Keypad jumpoff speed (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0x27",
            "Value": 15
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Keypad acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x28",
            "Value": 1500
        },
        {
            "Desc": "E-Stop acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x29",
            "Value": 40000
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Home offset (mm)",
            "ID": "0x2a",
            "Value": 0
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Enable Homing",
            "ID": "0x300008",
            "Value": true
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Limit Trigger",
            "ID": "0x300006",
            "Value": true
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Invert Keypad Direction",
            "ID": "0x300005",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "PWM Rising Edge Valid",
            "ID": "0x300004",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Limiter Polarity",
            "ID": "0x300003",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Direction Polarity",
            "ID": "0x300002",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Step length (um)",
            "ID": "0x31",
            "Value": 14.397341
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Max speed (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0x33",
            "Value": 800
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Jumpoff speed (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x34",
            "Value": 15
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Max acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x35",
            "Value": 4000
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Max travel (mm)",
            "ID": "0x36",
            "Value": 800
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Keypad jumpoff speed (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0x37",
            "Value": 15
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Keypad acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x38",
            "Value": 1500
        },
        {
            "Desc": "E-Stop acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x39",
            "Value": 12000
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Home offset (mm)",
            "ID": "0x3a",
            "Value": 0
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Enable Homing",
            "ID": "0x400008",
            "Value": true
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Limit Trigger",
            "ID": "0x400006",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Invert Keypad Direction",
            "ID": "0x400005",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "PWM Rising Edge Valid",
            "ID": "0x400004",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Limiter Polarity",
            "ID": "0x400003",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Direction Polarity",
            "ID": "0x400002",
            "Value": true
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Step length (um)",
            "ID": "0x41",
            "Value": 1.240075
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Max speed (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0x43",
            "Value": 4
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Jumpoff speed (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x44",
            "Value": 4
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Max acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x45",
            "Value": 200
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Max travel (mm)",
            "ID": "0x46",
            "Value": 650
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Keypad jumpoff speed (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0x47",
            "Value": 4
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Keypad acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x48",
            "Value": 100
        },
        {
            "Desc": "E-Stop acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x49",
            "Value": 300
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Home offset (mm)",
            "ID": "0x4a",
            "Value": 0
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Z Home Speed (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0x240",
            "Value": 4
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Z Work Speed (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0x241",
            "Value": 4
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Enable Homing",
            "ID": "0x500008",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Limit Trigger",
            "ID": "0x500006",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Invert Keypad Direction",
            "ID": "0x500005",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "PWM Rising Edge Valid",
            "ID": "0x500004",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Limiter Polarity",
            "ID": "0x500003",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Direction Polarity",
            "ID": "0x500002",
            "Value": true
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Step length (um)",
            "ID": "0x51",
            "Value": 10.31
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Max speed (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0x53",
            "Value": 300
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Jumpoff speed (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x54",
            "Value": 10
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Max acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x55",
            "Value": 5000
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Max travel (mm)",
            "ID": "0x56",
            "Value": 600
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Keypad jumpoff speed (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0x57",
            "Value": 10
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Keypad acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x58",
            "Value": 4000
        },
        {
            "Desc": "E-Stop acceleration (mm/s^2)",
            "ID": "0x59",
            "Value": 10000
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Home offset (mm)",
            "ID": "0x5a",
            "Value": 0
        },
        {
            "Desc": "U Home Speed (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0x242",
            "Value": 100
        },
        {
            "Desc": "U Work Speed (mm/sec)",
            "ID": "0x243",
            "Value": 10
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Tube Type",
            "ID": "0x100003",
            "Value": "Glass Tube"
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Multi-Tube Enable",
            "ID": "0x108000",
            "Value": false
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Laser 1 Enabled",
            "ID": "0x102000",
            "Value": true
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Laser 2 Enabled",
            "ID": "0x104000",
            "Value": true
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Laser 1 minimum power (%)",
            "ID": "0x12",
            "Value": 1
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Laser 1 maximum power (%)",
            "ID": "0x13",
            "Value": 99
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Laser 1 frequency (hz)",
            "ID": "0x11",
            "Value": 20000
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Laser 1 pre-ignition frequency (hz)",
            "ID": "0x1a",
            "Value": 5000
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Laser 1 pre-ignition percent (%)",
            "ID": "0x1b",
            "Value": 1
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Laser 2 minimum power (%)",
            "ID": "0x18",
            "Value": 1
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Laser 2 maximum power (%)",
            "ID": "0x19",
            "Value": 99
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Laser 2 frequency (hz)",
            "ID": "0x17",a
            "Value": 20000
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Laser 2 pre-ignition frequency (hz)",
            "ID": "0x1c",
            "Value": 5000
        },
        {
            "Desc": "Laser 2 pre-ignition percent (%)",
            "ID": "0x1d",
            "Value": 1
        }
    ]
}

[ednisley]

@Matz

a new controller Ruida 6445G to my laser

Your profile says “CNC Milling Machine with Diode Laser”, which is an unusual combination.

What are the connections from the Ruida controller to the laser head? In particular, how does the Enable signal control the laser output?

It looks like the power supply is unable to keep the laser running. What are the specs for:

• The laser head voltage & current
• The laser power supply voltage & current

It may also be a weak connection between the supply and the laser, with a broken wire / connector pin not making reliable contact at certain positions / speeds / whatever.

The config file has junk in several entries. Work your way through the Machine Settings and fill in zeros (or at least something sensible) to eliminate jank like these:

    "Desc": "Z Axis docking position (mm)",
            "ID": "0x22d",
            "Value": -231145.472

    "Desc": "Finish delay (ms)",
            "ID": "0x352",
            "Value": -231145.472

Also: post pictures! We loves us some fancy custom machine builds around here!

[Matz]

Hello, sry for my profile description. It is about an old Maschine. The CNC is finished with 23 Tools ATC magazine but without laser

What I am asking here for is an standard China CO2 100W Reci KH1080 (1000*800mm) with ZYE Power Supply MYJG100W
It is connected by USB and Movement works fine.

What could be the reason? Ist it kind of pwm settings to the laser?

[ednisley]

@Matz

an old Maschine

You should update that to prevent future confusion.

@Matz

What could be the reason?

If you have corrected the bogus values in the Machine Settings and it still misbehaves, then I’ll still suggest a failing high voltage power supply: there are no settings that will cause fading power during a single block or line of text.

There are no easy tests for a bad supply, other than replacing it and seeing if that solves the problem, but they’re relatively inexpensive and if the problem doesn’t go away, you’ve got a spare of the most likely component to fail.

[Matz]

I will check this settings tomorrow. I am a little bit wondering where it comes from from since this data does not show up if I perform read of machine settings but I will clean it an load it to the machine.

You say the supply but can it be the supply when pressing pulse und driving around cuts properly without this issues?

[jkwilborn (Jack Wilborn)]

Have you done an alignment on this, including a check of the TEM mode of the laser tube?

Focus looks off and the lines are larger than I’d expect. Some of the output indicates something being loose. As in the photo, I assume these are squares…?

Of course you’ve told us absolutely nothing about how it’s wired up, at least from the Ruida to the lps.

@Matz

new controller Ruida 6445G

Why did you do this? Was the original controller the same make and model? Did you save it’s configuration?

Does your machine have a manual power knob?

[Matz]

The Black holes are the backside from an old cut. I am just talking about the things in focus.

I changed the controller because it was an Topwisdom before and lightburn does not support Z Control with that. I did this a few month ago and just performed a short test then. After that I moved the machine to the new place in the workshop and wanted to use it now.

Wiring to the new controller was straight forward and all functions work kind of.

I fixed the the -231145.472 Value (which did not show up in Lightburn Menu) to zero but that does not solve anything.

The strange thing is that sometimes engraving worked and sometimes cutting works. What is strange that on slow movement on the cutting test piece it doese not work while on faster movement it works relatively well.

I ordered now a new power supply since I have no other idea. Hope this helps. Unfortunately the old one hast maybe 2hours of lasertime overall.

[jkwilborn (Jack Wilborn)]

I’d think it would have to be a configuration issue, but wiring is also possible.

There are only two controls to the laser power supply (lps), IN and L (or it’s inverted input H).

P is for water protect and is usually grounded, allowing the Ruida to stop/restart if an error occurs for any reason.

---

If you’re using minimum power and the speed is below the start speed value, internal to the Ruida, you will get only minimum power.

[Matz]

In general all functions work. Even cooling/water protect and lid open protection work very well. since the laser ist doing its job in some cases, I dont think it is an wiring issue.

You talked about start speed value. Can you tell me which values of my config I should change to what numbers to exclude its a config problem? just to ensure the preconfiged lightburn cut test works properly?

[jkwilborn (Jack Wilborn)]

I have my start speed down around 5mm/s as I cut just above that range and I want the Ruida to control laser power around corners.

If you believe it’s configuration, then you will have to put some this works, this doesn’t with more details for us to get a better idea of what’s happening.

There must be something unique between when it works and when it doesn’t.

[Matz]

I reduced the start spee to 5 with no effect.
Here you can find my settings. What else do you need for an better idea whats going on with my laser?

[jkwilborn (Jack Wilborn)]

Excuse me for the notation, but it appears the X axes has an acceleration value of 20,000mm/s2, which is pretty high for most machines. As I misreading the EU comma and period? My machine, standard China Blue 50W has acceleration values in the 7000mm/s2 area. This can cause loss of steps that may not be perceptible hearing wise.

Do you actually have a machine with six switches, two for home operation and 4 for limits? These limits are enabled, but are rarely used for hobby machines where the cost is low and only home switches are really needed.

@Matz

What else do you need for an better idea

Really a description and settings of something that does work compared to one that doesn’t. If it’s configuration and not wiring this can help us determine what is not setup correctly.

[Matz]

@jkwilborn

appears the X axes has an acceleration value of 20,000mm/s2, which is pretty high for most machines. As I misreading the EU comma and period? My machine, standard China Blue 50W has acceleration values in the 7000mm/s2 area. This can cause loss of steps that may not be perceptible hearing wise.

this is from somebody with a similar working machine. steps loss so far is not detected. I would need the laser to burn properly to optimize this settings for engraving.

@jkwilborn

Do you actually have a machine with six switches, two for home operation and 4 for limits? These limits are enabled, but are rarely used for hobby machines where the cost is low and only home switches are really needed.

not sure where you see this 4 limits activated. there is a swich for z x and y so far active. and the another one for lid open and water protect by flow sensor to my active compressor cooler.

@jkwilborn

Really a description and settings of something that does work compared to one that doesn’t. If it’s configuration and not wiring this can help us determine what is not setup correctly.

so here you can see what is working and what is not working. this is a 10 by 10 cut test from lightburn preset. on y Axis each row the speeds get slower and an x axis the power increases in each row from 10 to 90%
as you can see on fast moves and high speed it works well and as slower it gets high power is interrupted more. and the last line it shows close to nothing at slow speed. I mean this leads to an config problem but what can I config any more?
please ignore the thin double layer on the pictures first line as it is from an older test e performed above this one.

[jkwilborn (Jack Wilborn)]

When it’s doing this, can you see the pink in the tube? I want to ensure that’s it’s actually lasing when it’s doing this.

Are you sure it’s focused? Seem like large lines.

[Matz]

@jkwilborn

When it’s doing this, can you see the pink in the tube? I want to ensure that’s it’s actually lasing when it’s doing this.

I can hear from the sound of the power supply that it is stopping to laser. When it stops on the wood.

@jkwilborn

Are you sure it’s focused? Seem like large lines.

I mean thats not the point here. Might not be perfect but it works for testing. As I said above fine tuning is difficult when the laser does not work properly. Overall it is not really a large line. I also use different lenses. However focus the laser from 96% to 100% accuracy is not what I need help for at the moment.

[jkwilborn (Jack Wilborn)]

Do you have access to a scope or voltmeter?

When the tube stops lasing, you should be able to see it with a voltmeter. The outputs of the controller should be active driving the lps.

That would isolate the issue between the Ruida and the lps.

Make sense?

[Matz]

I replaced the laser power supply today. But the issue remains the same. I Also checked the connections to the laser pipe and they seem to be fine.

With both supplies there is a hissing noise (sounds a bit similar to silent air pressure from pneutmatic getting released) from the power supply when the laser is firing. Ist that common?

Are there settings on the Ruida Controller I can only access by the display menu I should check?

@jkwilborn

Do you have access to a scope or voltmeter?

When the tube stops lasing, you should be able to see it with a voltmeter. The outputs of the controller should be active driving the lps.

Yes I have a standard multimeter voltmeter. Where exactly should I connect it? Not sure it is suitable for the high voltage area on laser supply output.
Can you explain it more in detail? But the power supply is 100% working as I exchanged it by a new one today.

When talking about wiring. Is it possible that this kind of issue could result of something like mixed ab high and low level connection to the power supply or something else or somenthing needs extra GND for example? For my undestanding if I swich high and low level input. Laser pulsing by the display button shouldnt work at all?

I really need to solve this.

[jkwilborn (Jack Wilborn)]

@Matz

Not sure it is suitable for the high voltage area

Stay away from the anode supply line, there is nothing you can really do and most meters and connections will not tolerate these high voltages. You’ll end up being the load as it runs through you.

Most of these signals do not require the lps to even be powered up, but that’s up to you.

---

The lines from the controller to the lps are what you need to measure, these are ttl level (0 to 5V) signals and can easily be measured by a voltmeter. There are two control lines that the Ruida uses for control of the lps.

IN voltage (or pwm) determines the current limit and the L input enables the lps to produce voltage for the tube. You can watch the L input and see if it changes state where it shouldn’t. It’s active low, so if it’s making a box, I’d expect it to stay low the entire time.

The IN voltage or pwm will read whatever percentage you have selected of the 5V range. In other words, if the pwm (power) is set to 50%, you should read 2.5V at 20% is should be 1V. During a burn of the boxes, I’d expect this to be the same throughout each box… If each box is a different power, then it should be reflected with a change in pwm voltage.

These might be easier to get to if you just measure them at the Ruida. If you’re wired up correctly the P input (active low) needs to be either grounded or run through a switch to turn the lps off if the coolant fails. This is commonly wired to the Ruida WP input, so if it fails, you can correct it and resume. If you wire the water protect to P then the lps will not lase and the machine will just keep mechanically moving.

@Matz

if I swich high and low level input

Where are you doing this? Not only the Ruida has to be told this, but the wiring to the lps has to be changed.

@Matz

power supply is 100% working as I exchanged it by a new one today

I learned decades ago that a new part is not a guarantee that the new part works. We all expect it to work, but you know happens.

The proper way is to use your meter to check what we know is needed then fix were the signal failure takes us.

Make sense?