Z-Axis to unfocus the laser using rotary

[eb3frn (Iban)]

I’ve a 10W UV Cloudray with a JCZFiber controller. For my needs, I need to mix cuts with the Z height focused with cuts that are unfocused 5mm upper in the same workjob.

Do it manually is a problem, because I need to send a cut, after I move the Z 5mm upper and send the second cut, every time. Then I’m looking to add a stepper in the Z axis to automate it.

Is possible activate the Z axis using the rotary port for example?

If not possible/easy exists some way to use the macros and enable some IO pin? Then from a macro send the 1st cut enable the pin to move the Z with another controller like a Arduino or rpi, and send the 2nd cut, and enable the pin again to put the Z to zero.

Thanks

[Aaron.F (Aaron)]

@eb3frn

Is possible activate the Z axis using the rotary port for example?

Technically, yes. But it’s motorised Z-axes are not currently supported on Galvos.

Check out the more detailed explanation in this thread on the topic:

Z control for Galvo

Z control isn’t strongly supported in EZCAD2 based devices - and the vast majority of galvos do not have Z control abilities (in software) as a result. With a small dev team, we must focus on the features that affect the largest number of users. Z control simply isn’t the top of the list at this time. With that out of the way, I hope this honest reply satisfies. We do have a Feature Request page (hyperlinked) that already has this suggested - you can vote for it here: Live Z Axis on galvo lase…

There are already a few duplicate requests about this on our Fider page. Be sure to give them your vote.

[Aaron.F (Aaron)]

@eb3frn

If not possible/easy exists some way to use the macros and enable some IO pin? Then from a macro send the 1st cut enable the pin to move the Z with another controller like a Arduino or rpi, and send the 2nd cut, and enable the pin again to put the Z to zero.

That’s a clever suggestion! Something like that is in the works, but I can’t give you a time frame for it.

[eb3frn (Iban)]

Hi Aaron, ok great! It can be a great feature and sure that can solve the problems of a lot of people.

Thanks a lot!

[eb3frn (Iban)]

Hi
checking it, I believe that the solutions is very simple. Dont need do it in the macros. Only need add the enable or disable some unused IO pin like “the stop marking” or the “select 2nd laser source” inside if the cut settings. (but manage all from the macros can also can be great)

Then enabling the pin from the cut and adding some seconds in the “pause after” in the timing settings, can be possible have a Z in every cut.

In my case I only need move the axis in a fixed position unitul the pin is High and return to zero when it is Low, but if not return to zero you repeat the secuence a lot of times, then you can move in Z to get depth in the cuts.

[Aaron.F (Aaron)]

@eb3frn

I believe that the solutions is very simple.

I’m sure it is.

There are still many decisions to be made, and hardware limitations to work around, so the new feature can be used for most use cases and hardware combinations.

@LightBurn, our lead developer, describes some of these in this thread:
https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/z-axis-control-possibility/158618

[eb3frn (Iban)]

Thanks again, Aaron!
The link https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/z-axis-control-possibility/ doesn’t work, can you check it?

Thanks

[Aaron.F (Aaron)]

@eb3frn

doesn’t work, can you check it?

Oh yes, it was set to a private category for some reason. I’ve changed it to be accessible now.

[eb3frn (Iban)]

OK, reading this thread now I understand the problem.

Then if is possible control some unused IO pin every time that a cut is processed, the problem can be solved. I dont see other solution.

If not possible, for my case only see the option to use only one cut with the “done marking” to trigger the UP and DOWN with only one cut every marking. After 1st marking, activate other cut and mark again.

Thanks