How can I tell which pin to wire to?

Jonty 0

@jay_s_uk thanks so much that’s really useful.

Can I ask then, when I put it into laser mode, do I need to reference Pin 8?

For example I’d put M452 P8 R255 F1000?

Thanks!

jay_s_uk

@Jonty-0 which firmware are you running?
If you're not sure, you can check with M115

Jonty 0

@jay_s_uk thanks it’s 2.03

jay_s_uk

@Jonty-0 it's been quite a while since i've used RRF2, but looking at the docs it should be P3
https://docs.duet3d.com/Duet3D_hardware/Duet_2_family/Duet_2_WiFi_Ethernet_Hardware_Overview#inputoutput
If you're setting up a machine as new I would definitely suggest upgrading to RRF3

Jonty 0

@jay_s_uk thanks for your help. I want to upgrade but I’m afraid I’ll balls it up and put myself out of business. Lol. Not sure how it will affect all my files and what not.

Perhaps it’s time though! Thanks for your help

jay_s_uk

@Jonty-0 I would recommend backing up your SD card (or even starting with a fresh one) and generating a new set of files using the config tool as a base.
Then making the changes to your files based on the new RRF3 syntax.
If you do have issues you can either ask here or if its urgent, roll back to 2.03 and swap the sd cards

Jonty 0

@jay_s_uk so...I took the plunge and upgraded. Everything went great and all my usual files are working as expected. I'm just looking to get the laser working again with RRF3 but I'm really confused with what's required.

So I've added this code to config.g:
M452 C"!exp.heater3" F1000 ; laser uses heater3 pin inverted, PWM frequency 1000Hz

But - how do I actually use it?
So do I put in M452 to turn into laser mode - then upload the Gcode using vectric v carve (with laser module installed) to generate the code I need?

Looks like I can set a macro for laser on and off to focus it: (I think this is correct as my laser is 1000Mhz
LASER ON
M950 P0 C"!exp.heater3" Q1000
M42 P0 S0.1; Set laser to 10%

LASER OFF
M950 P0 C"!exp.heater3" Q1000
M42 P0 S0

But then what? Do I need to set-up a post processor?- do you know the best route to take here. I want to be able to create a design and then essentially press play and everything work. If you could give me run down I'd be forever in your debt as I'm just really unsure and don't want to melt my eyes out setting it wrong! Thanks!

jay_s_uk

@Jonty-0 you don't use M950 etc after using M452. You use M3 to turn the laser on and M5 to turn it off and the S value on G1 moves sets the power level, with S255 being full power and S0 being off.
I use lightburn to generate gcode. Vcarve should work too

Jonty 0

@jay_s_uk Thanks so to check I've got this right.

I put this code in to turn laser on.
M452 ; put into laser mode
M3 S255 - Turns laser on full power
M3 S0 - Turns laser off - or M5 right?

Brill - I think that's the code vcarve created using M3 etc. Thanks mate.

Jonty 0

@Jonty-0 Hey - So I've just downloaded lightburn to use for this as having trouble using vcarve.

Is the key to this to use the right start G code in lightburn? If so - would you mind sharing the code I can put in so I can double check against myself?

Thanks in advance! J

jay_s_uk

@Jonty-0 here's a good explanation for setting up lightburn for RRF https://github.com/TeamGloomy/LPC-STM32-RRFUserConfigs/tree/master/K40 CO2 Laser - SKR 2 - ESP - paulg4h

o_lampe

@Jonty-0 said in How can I tell which pin to wire to?:

I put this code in to turn laser on.
M452 ; put into laser mode
M3 S255 - Turns laser on full power
M3 S0 - Turns laser off - or M5 right?

No, it's G1 Xnnn Sppp that set's the power level while moving the (X) axis for example.
~~With M3 and M5 you switch it on/off.~~

M3 and M5 no longer turn the laser on and off; use G1 Snn moves to control laser power.

These lines are generated by lightburn AFAIK.
There are also laser engraving plugins for Inkscape. Although that's quite oldschool, it's still useful. The graphic tools are better than lightburns

Jonty 0

@jay_s_uk Thanks jay - I'll have a go with that and see if I can get it to work. Looks like I can choose M3/M5 in the dialogue box on that page so I'll try that. Thanks. I think once I've got it set, I'll be ok but it's just getting there. I'm also worried about how to focus the laser as it doesn't seem like there's a good option for that that I've found. I need it on 10% while I make small z adjustments etc.

Jonty 0

@o_lampe Thanks a lot - So I should see the laser working if manually type in G1 X-100 S255 for example?

Jonty 0

@o_lampe - OK that works - the laser came on, went off - Yessss! No just need to figure the lightburn setup to create the right g code.

kumar

Introduction: Identifying LED Pins

1, Looking down from the top of the LED there is usually a flattened edge, this identifies the negative pin of the LED. 2, If the LED is new, there will be one lead longer than the other. The long lead is the positive pin and the short lead will be the negative pin.

kumar

This post is deleted!