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Hi - I use UCCNC for router work. I want run a laser from UCCNC via its laser plugin. I have a gecko G540 on one machine and a ST-6560V4 on another. Both do not have a PWM output. Is there a way to do this externally? To get this to work what controller is best? or how would this usually be done? Regards Peter
What CNC Drive controller are you using?
Hi Gerry a Gecko G540 or a ST-ST-6560V4. see attached. They don't have a PWM output so I can only turn them off and on via the spindle control?? Peter
UCCNC requires a hardware controller. UC100, UC400ETH, AXBB-E,....
The PWM signal comes from the controller.
Looking at the UC100 it has a spindle PWM output may be able to use that for the laser. But I looked at my other machine and its BOB has a PWM output so I'll remount the laser on that machine and see how I go. Reading its BOB manual now. Peter
If you plan on using UCCNC, and don't yet have a UC100, I'd recommend a UC300ETH, UC400ETH, or AXBB-E.
All have more powerful chips on board, support more features, and have better noise immunity than a UC100.
And they all have more I/O, allowing both PWM spindle and laser.
Hi Gerry- I have the UC100 but I'm looking at options for another machine. Will look at those. Peter
I tried to get router CAM and hardware to work on my laser for years. I found a way to do it but then bought a DSP controller and found they are far better for a number of reasons.
Key advantage is you upload the code and go off and do something else with your computer. You can then repeat jobs at will. They are perfectly suited for lasers.
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I think he's just using a diode laser.
just a 10W diode laser - Peter
i just got a AXBB-E and for the life of me i cant get it to
work. Really no documentation on the connections required.
I had it working with mach3 and lightburn on my old gerbl board.
it is a 15w diod laser with pwm/ttl and uses a 12v supply
i have hooked up the pwm lead to the pin 17 and input that into
uccnc but stoofed if i can get it going.
Did you ever get this working?
Controllers for routers move the machine in three axis, turn the spindle on and off and control spindle speed. None of that turns a laser on and off during a vector cut. Less so in a roster cut used for an image.
So you not only have to steal a couple outputs channels to control laser intensity and power, you also have to have software that supports a laser and three axis milling functions.
This all exists in the open source world and in those exchangeable head machines that also have their own code.
Solution? You need a laser then get a laser.
Btw lasers burn wood which creates smoke. Routers are not designed to capture smoke.
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