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OPENBUILDS BLACKBOX VS XPRO V4

Discussion in 'Laser Cutters' started by syl, Feb 22, 2019.

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Should I return the Xpro V4 and get the newly released OPENBUILDS BLACKBOX

Poll closed Mar 8, 2019.
  1. Xpro V4

    0 vote(s)
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  2. OPENBUILDS BLACKBOX

    100.0%
  1. syl

    syl New
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    Guys,

    I know the OPENBUILDS BLACKBOX was just released but which controller would one choose for their laser engraver?

    I just recently ordered the XPRO 4 and I am have issues with homing the AXIS after I changed my wire routing and it all went to hell.

    So would you guys return the XPRO 4 and get the OPENBUILDS BLACKBOX?
     
  2. Gary Caruso

    Gary Caruso OpenBuilds Volunteer
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    Hi Syl, false triggers are caused from EMI and can usually be eliminated with a small cap in parallel with the input.
    The home switch setup is practically the same between the two systems and neither will work with wiring or noise issues.
    For a laser the XPro is a good choice.

    upload_2019-2-22_19-24-8.png

    Cheers
    Gary
     
    #2 Gary Caruso, Feb 22, 2019
    Last edited: Feb 22, 2019
  3. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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    In terms of that both controllers run Grbl, and use basically the same wiring... It alone shouldnt be your decision making point. (; on both you'd need to fix the switch's wiring/config instead
     
  4. jamin35008

    jamin35008 Well-Known
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    I have a friend that has an Xcarve and uses Easel so I'm kinda used to that program thru him. I'm considering getting a LEAD 1010 with the blackbox controller. Since the Inventibles X controller uses Grbl just like the blackbox could I essentially use Easel with the LEAD 1010 until I get switched over to the openbuilds or Vcarve software?
     
  5. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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    I cannot confirm, as we are not using Easel, but you can checkout our CAM and CONTROL solutions on OpenBuilds Software as well (;


    OpenBuilds CONTROL: Machine control interface for Grbl and Smoothieware
    1.png


    OpenBuilds CAM: Convert DXF, SVG, Bitmaps/jpg/png, Gerber and Excellon files to GCODE
    1.png
     
    #5 Peter Van Der Walt, Feb 26, 2019
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2019
  6. Giarc

    Giarc OpenBuilds Team
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    I used Easel a long time ago with my cnc machine, but it seemed too specific for their machine sizes so I used Sketchucam since I could load my machines parameters into it. I ran the Gcode with GRBL Panel. Then I started using Fusion 360 to design things in 3D and using their CAM to make the gcode and again used GRBL Panel for cutting. But I finally settled on just making .dxf and .stl files and using Estlcam (OpenBuilds CAM was not out at the time). I love its probing functions. The Openbuilds CAM looks so user friendly that I plan to use that when I get my laser build done.
     
  7. syl

    syl New
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    I love the simplicity of Open builds CAM, I just wish it had the option to control z height like laserweb does so I can cut out projects.
     
  8. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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    That can be arranged :) - as we have Machine profiles on the Settings tab, I can add a "I have a Z axis" option to still keep it easy for Acro owners (no Z) but if you enable Z show extra fields on the Operation settings. Gimme a couple days and I'll add it for you :)

    (; Wonder if the Easel developers will be this quick to help hehehe

    Issue tracker for this request: Laser Operations: Z Axis stepdown · Issue #42 · OpenBuilds/cam (Will update there once implemented)
     
  9. syl

    syl New
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    Shoot!!!! That's great to hear the learning curve was non existent on your software.. the others not so much! Thank you for the update!
     
    Peter Van Der Walt likes this.
  10. syl

    syl New
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    @Peter Van Der Walt is there still an expectation of the Z height control for the ACRO within the openbuilds control software?
     
  11. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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  12. syl

    syl New
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    I do not not have the blackbox, i have the sparks Xprov4 :(
     
    Peter Van Der Walt likes this.
  13. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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    Will still work. I mean my job has been busy on Blackbox related tasks so havent had time to add the Z stepdown code to CAM yet (;
     
  14. syl

    syl New
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    I understand! I am saying thank you for all of those new blackbox users that now have a new feature in record time!
     
  15. jamin35008

    jamin35008 Well-Known
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    I'm very new to all this. Is there a tutorial for the openbuilds software and how to use both programs?
     
  16. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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    Check out our Youtube channel

     
  17. syl

    syl New
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    @Peter Van Der Walt How can I enable the step down feature in OpenBuilbs cam for the blackbox?
     
  18. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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    On which operation type?
     
  19. syl

    syl New
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    The operation is Laser ( no path offset) I made several operations but seems my SVG / DXF has open paths that needs to be closed to make the process more efficient.
     
  20. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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