Hello everybody,
This is my first post here, and I could really use all of your guys expertise on this design problem I'm having for my new laser engraver. I am using a Raspberry Pi 2 as my microcontroller for the engraver, but I am not sure how to turn my laser/laser driver on and off with the GPIO pin. I've heard of using electromagnetic relays, solid state relays, and also transistors as switches for the laser driver, but I have no idea what option is cheapest and also makes the most sense. I've been researching this issue for about a week now, and I can't seem to find an answer. The laser driver is using an LM317 as a constant current source. I'll provide any other information needed.
Thanks for any and all responses,
Riot