I have a Linksprite CNC with a woodpecker grbl board. I’m using Estlcam 11. I’m using this Linksprite to test everything I want to do before I spend money on a “big” cnc router. I have a laser on the linksprite and have burned some patterns with it. Everything works fine burning a design except I don’t know how to turn the laser on to establish xy zero, before I start the actual program.
Need help.
You should be able to use M3. I am not sure hoe you have it configured, but the S parameter can be used to set the intensity, so if you’re just trying to sight, you might try something like:
M3 S10
To turn it off:
M5
These options are also available in cnc.js, which can run as a standalone app, or you can make and connect a v1pi. It is overkill for sighting a laser, but there are a lot of other features you might like.
Thanks for the reply. However, I’m not sure what you are talking about. Do I need a g code to just “zero” the laser to my part? Also, I don’t know what cnc.js is or a v1pi. I’m new to using cnc so be gentle with me.
Thanks again.
Ok. Sure. But I don’t know enough about your set up to tell you everything, so you have to meet me in the middle.
What software do you use to run the jobs. Do you use estlcam for that?
Grbl doesn’t know what is telling it what to do. It only knows that someone is sending it commands, and it tries to do them, as best as it can. When Estlcam creates a gcode file (or .nc file) it is just a collection of commands to run. One after the other. Grbl doesn’t know the difference between that, and you just sending the commands one at a time.
So if you want to do just one step in that file, like turning on the laser, you can send it just that one command. I tend to think in gcode. I think everyone can and should. But I can understand if you are not ready for that. If you find a program (like cnc.js) with a button for turning on the laser, all it is doing is sending that gcode command when you press that button.
So what I think you need is:
Hi Jeffeb3,
Thanks again. I’m using Estlcam to create and run the job. At the present time, I’m just using a dxf file of a simple design to burn on a piece of wood to learn.
If I’m understanding you correctly, I could create a g code that would turn on the laser and then I move it (jog) to where I want it on the part, then run my program. Or, am I off base with my thinking?
Thanks again for your help.
Yes it sounds like you are very close. I do something very similar with my setup. I am using Octoprint so I send a single code command that will turn on the laser at 1% power then I jog to where I want and run my program. For you you could create a gcode file that will turn the laser on like you said.
Thanks Aaryn,
I will look into that.
ok. I haven’t used the estlcam controller. In the area where you jog the machine, are there any buttons for turning on the laser or spindle? What about an area to type in and send a command?
Hi,
Wow, do I feel stupid! In the controller to run the program there is a spindle on and off that doesn’t affect the program and also controls the laser. It also controls the power of the laser. It was set low so I didn’t see it when I turned it on. I think I have this problem solved. I have another issue for another day. I want to thank everyone for your help.
Thanks
No problem. Glad it is solved.
Well I have been able to set x & y to zero. However, when I burn my design it scales to half size and flips it horizontally (mirrors it). When I look at the code the x and y dimensions are correct and so is the initial dxf file dimensions in the Estlcam program. The design is in inches. Any ideas what is happening?
X. Y flipped when you stand at the machine wit x0. Y0. At your left hand. x 100 should move 100 mm rightY100 should move 100 away from you
Your drivers are set to a different count steps per revolution not sure how to change it on a woodpecker board yet
The spindle/laser x0y0 is at the lower left of my design and moves in the proper direction when I jog it. However, when I send it to burn the design the design is flipped up so that the x0y0 is at the upper left and it burns it at half scale.
I’m confused about the count steps per revolution. Why would that affect what is happening?
If it is set wrong it will be twice as big or half the size it is supposed to be the mechanics andfirmware determin how far it move per revolution the software tells it how many revelations to turn
OK, I will look into that. But why is it “flipping” the design so that xy is at the top left instead of at the bottom left, where it should be?
Thanks for your help.
When you run a gcode file, it is literally just sending gcode commands one after another. Estlcam assumes bottom left origin.
Are you sure an increasing X value moves to the right and an increasing Y value moves away from you? Having one or both of those flipped, or having x and y flipped will cause it to be mirrored.
Hi,
I’ve checked the x and y movements in Estlcam controller and x+ moves the laser/spindle to the right and y+ moves the table away from me. I also double checked that xy zero is at the lower left and it is.
Also, in the controller settings, the steps per revolution are 1600. I can change that but don’t know to what.
That is flipped. It should move the laser away from you. If the table moves, then it should move towards you.
I thought so. I think I can reverse that in the controller. I’ll see what happens.
Thanks