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I built the machine:
arduino mega 2560 + Ramps 1.4
1430x920mm bed size
Nema 23+FMD2740C stepper driver +12V PSU
Laser Tube 40-50W EFR CL800 + 220V MYJG-50 PSU -
After several weeks of forums, I found a circuit diagram for the power supply as it is not the same as the one in the K40.
Almost all tutorial video mega 2560 ramps + K40 (factory power supply) are used. -
We managed to find the right pin out to turn on the laser. D9
Photo Ramps 1.4 D9
The laser power supply has a control maximum of 5v, so if it gets 12V it will go bad / ruin.
Therefore, the Ramps factory D9 output is not suitable as it switches 12v. -
I chose Marlin and then downloaded the current version (April 4, 2020) Marlin 2.0.5
I set the table size, and step unit.
I checked the settings so that it could be used properly for a laser machine
#define LASER_FEATURE, etc. -
Testing the machine with Lightburn …
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Vector line draw I am 98% satisfied with it, it doesn’t close the shapes perfectly while I draw / burn a closed shape.
There are times when you manage to close the shape, but this variable a few tenths of a mm is missing. I could still live with it, even at slower speeds (7mm / s)
Vector Fill engrav 40/30 (mm/s / 30% power)
Can only engrave a shape that is not edited / omitted other shapes that do not need to be engraved.
Engraved Photo:
I also tried to engrave a raster but it’s even worse
I tried to play with these settings but it didn’t get any better:
#define FAST_PWM_FAN
#define SOFT_PWM_SCALE 0 if I set this higher then don’t turn on the laser
When I found this forum post I thought I was able to find a solution with the inline switch.
I downloaded the marlin version you linked to, set it up, and tested it.
Nothing has changed compared to the previous ones, but with the graphical hand control I can’t control the axis directions anymore, it doesn’t enter the menu, it only always moves once in the + direction.
After that, I updated the lightburn app, the inline option appeared. I tested it again.
I turned on the Inline option, but it didn’t turn on the laser either.
For me, the laser tube on / off only works with the 106/107.
- You said I’d try it with an earlier version of marlin. I downloaded 1.1.9
I had movement problems with it: when drawing a square, I only drew 2 lines perpendicular to each other and the machine stopped.
I also tried it with GRBL today but for Mega + ramps it was just an old version, (2017) I downloaded it put it up but nothing could connect to it.
I put back the version of marlin you linked to.
I think either the frequency or the motion sync is not right, I don’t know I have modified this in marlin yet.
In case of emergency, I need to replace the laser board, but I’m afraid the connectors on my laser power supply are different than the ones I see in the tutorial, it’s possible that it will never work with them.
I’m skeptical that it won’t be set up properly for a long time
I accept any help.