new install and some issues
Hello,
I installed a mini gerbil on a K40 laser.
It using a digital panel to control the laser power, no ribbon connector.
I managed to connect everything right, the homing is doing great. I'm using lightburn for now.
The issues I have are the following:
- Y axis is missing steps or moving strange. The homing is going great as I mentionned but when moving manually or with a cut it's moving at the right speed for a few distance and then it's moving slowly with an awful noise. It's the same on both direction at any place on the axis, with first move is good and then it's going noisy and slow. The X axis does not have any issues.
- I've set the test fire macro (https://awesometech1.wpengine.com/k40-forum/topic/test-fire-switch-macro-for-light-burn/) but the laser is still firing non stop. I have to kill the K40 with the safety switch to stop it.
Could you help me on the Y axis problem first ?
Thanks
Hi,
With regards to the Y axis. Try to swap the x and y stepper drivers on the mini and see if the problem persist (wiring issue) or get swapped (defect step stick).
A continuing firing laser means that the LO connection is loose or floating. If connected to a logic one it will stop firing. Reseat the power connector on the Mini so it sit straight on the pins.
cheers, paul
Hi Paul 🙂
First thank you for this quick reply.
The Y axis problem was simply a current adjusting issue, it's working now after adding a little more on the driver.
On the laser side now:
First the LO connection is good I think, there is no firing timing problem when doing cutting or engraving.
It's only with the macro, I'll check the Gcode of the working tests to look at the command.
One more little issue I have is calibrating the laser output power.
Our laser unit is originaly driven with a digital panel, with output percent from 0 to 100%.
I replaced it with the pwm from the gerbil of course, but the percentage is far not the same. For example using the front panel at 20% we have a very light engraving, with 20% under lightburn we have engraving like 80% on the panel.
Is there any way to calibrate the output power to match the original front panel ?
Hello,
It's all good. The laser power issue was not a real one, only my fault.
Thank you for your help and your work creating this board !