Mini Gerbil debugging – Laser operation
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| Symptom Detail | Likely causes and their solutions (in recommended sequence) |
| Laser stuck on | LO (Laser Enable) connection is not properly connected The $ settings have been changed. The correct values are: $30=1000, $31=1, $32=1. See https://awesome.tech/what-are-settings/ PWM wire connection is not properly connected Grounding problems , see https://awesome.tech/k40-laser-grounding-instructions/ |
| Laser stuck off | Press ‘test’ button on laser power supply, to confirm that laser tube is operating. Check use of laser software. For example, Lightburn has multiple settings required to actually send laser output. Confirm the Mini Gerbil’s blue LED is illuminated, showing that it is outputting the Laser on signal. The $ settings have been changed. The correct values are: $30=1000, $31=1, $32=1. See https://awesome.tech/what-are-settings/ Laser enable (LO) miswiring. Check in particular the large plug from the K40 is fully pushed into Mini Gerbil (zero gap). Check sufficient laser power. Laser tubes have a minimum power threshhold to operate. This may change as the laser ages. Increase the laser strength output in Lightburn. Address grounding problems see https://awesome.tech/k40-laser-grounding-instructions/ |
| Laser strength different to desired. K40 front panel does not affect laser strength. | As designed. Set laser strength from your software (eg. Lightburn) because the front panel control is no longer operational when Mini Gerbil is installed |
| Laser strength differs from experience with previous controller | The effect of the laser is a result of many different factors, including the design of controller electronics, so results will differ between controllers. The good news is that with the right now how you can get great results. See https://awesome.tech/k40-laser-best-possible-engravings/ |
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