I have started the project, just purchased a 60 watt tube and supply , optics , laser head ect. My next step is to find a controller for the machine.
Here are some of the controllers that I am considering
Full spectrum, link motion and the dsp controller
What I like about Full Spectrum:
Seems to be little work to prepare send an image to the engraver, I really like the idea of a print driver that can be used from any program. Quality of work looks great from what I can tell from some of the pictures floating around ( aztec calendar)
Things I would like to know about full spectrum:
Can the user change the DPI?
Where are all the setup menus for the laser
Does it need a breakout card between the drives and the retina engrave
I am having a hard time in general understanding all the features of retina engrave.
Link motion: I like the customer service for one, I spent about a half hour on the phone the other day and the service was great. All of the features of the software were explained in detail. I like how linkmotion also has a print driver. I like the idea of a laser setup menu where the system can be tuned as the laser power becomes less over time. The software can be used in two ways, one where it uses the space off the material to accelerate or decelerate and all of the dots are made at a constant velocity. Mode two, the laser does not go off of the material and the dots are calculated for the acceleration and deceleration times.
I dont like how it ties up the computer while it does a job but they said the usb version is being released soon!
DSP controller
I really like How the unit is stand alone and does not require a computer to run. Jobs can be saved at the machine for future use. The machine has a user interface to jog the laser and control other features.
Now for all of your opinions please.
What do you like or dislike about these controllers ?
Are there other controllers that I should consider as well?
90% of my work will be high speed rastering , Which controller will work best for this application?
Which controllers will work with Photoengrave?
Look forward to your feedback!
Thank you!