Hi, I just received a K30 laser module (LASER TREE K30 30W+ Optical Power Laser Module) and have questions regarding the connections with the blackbox X32. The specs of the laser module is: 24 VDC, 5A 3 pin PWM modulation 0/03-12v, 0-5KHz I read that the laser PWM output from the Blackbox is 0-5V and 1kHz They seems incompatible. Can someone help me on this issue? Thanks, Philip
Sounds right. Frequency is configurable but 1khz falls within 0-5 so should be fine, 3.3v is also within 3-12v Ps: 3.3v, not 5v: see docs.openbuilds.com/blackbox-x32 (Product Tour page will get you familiar at a glance)
Hi Peter, I am coming back to you because the try was unsuccessful. First, I contacted LaserTree (my laser supplier) and they confirmed that the laser is compatible with Grbl and that specifications referred above are also compatible. So, I wired the laser as showed docs:blackbox-x32:connect-3-wire-laser [OpenBuilds Documentation]. Note that my laser is 24VDC. I used the PWM connections on the BlackBox. Note that the spindle' VFD is connected to the 0-10V connector. When powered the BlackBox, the laser module was on (not the laser beam) and the VDF was off. I can't explained exactly what happened but when I was playing with the OB Control, moving axes, the laser beam started. The emergency switch was pressed but after that, when it was released the laser beam was on. So I switched off the BB to start again. Now I could no more connect to the BB. I followed the docs:blackbox-x32:faq-usb-connection-failed [OpenBuilds Documentation] but without success and thus contacted the support as recommended. I am still waiting for an answer. The log is as follows: [08:50:24] [ 3D Viewer ] WebGL Support found! success: this application will work optimally on this device! [08:50:24] [ websocket ] Bidirectional Websocket Interface Started Succesfully [08:50:25] [ update ] Checking for Updates [08:50:26] [ update ] You are already running OpenBuilds CONTROL 1.0.370 [08:50:42] [ connect ] PORT INFO: Port is now open: COM3 - Attempting to detect Firmware [08:50:42] [ connect ] Checking for firmware on COM3 [08:50:42] [ connect ] Detecting Firmware: Method 1 (Autoreset) [08:50:43] [ connect ] Detecting Firmware: Method 2 (Ctrl+X) [08:50:43] [ connect ] Detecting Firmware: Method 3 (others that are not supported) [08:50:46] [ connect ] ERROR!: No supported firmware detected - See docs:blackbox:faq-usb-connection-failed [OpenBuilds Documentation] for more details. Closing port COM3 [08:50:46] [ disconnect ] PORT INFO: Port closed Please give me some advices how I can proceed to solve the problem, I am so desperate. One problem is that due to time difference i lose 1 day for questions and answers. So if possible please give me several options at once. I understood that lasers are treated as spindles by Grbl so I have questions about it: 1. In the CAM, under setting/Tool initialisation, what is the purpose of selecting multi options as both laser & Spindle are treated as same? in my case, should I set the option 'turn spindle on and off' or 'turn laser on and off' or both? 2. As explained above, I connected the VFD control to 0-10v connector and the laser to the PWM. Are both activated by the same instruction or they are independent signals? I know that 0-10V is a simple variable voltage and the PWM is a waveform. 3. In the case both spindle and laser are installed, and treated l as the same tool, does the control signal (0-10v or PWM) cable has to be physically moved between the tools? Is it matter if done before or after the $32=1 or 0? Thank you very much for your help. Philip
Per the error, we direct you at the comprehensive guide. Would not rule out damaged caused by laser module (backfeeding?) or even the VFD. The one relevant to the days task at hand only Same output yes. Control which is active by controlling power. Laser on, VFD off for laser jobs. Laser off, VFD on to route. 3) keep control signals wired up. Control power manually. Safer. No accidental laser ignition from EMI coming off the VFD for example
this means your emergency switch is not doing what it is supposed to do. The emergency stop MUST cut power to the router and laser and BB. After an emergency stop you shoudl turn off the router and laser and power only the BB so that you can make sure the machine status is good before powering ther outer or laser.
Thank you David. But now I don't have any communication with the BB. I have disconnected all cable except the USB to the laptop and have the same communication problem. How it can be solved?
As mentioned The onscreen error already points you at the comprehensive list of causes One of which is sadly permanent damage, so that is a possibility we can't rule out yet
There is no other possibilities? Flash the firmware or order another board? If I sent the board, is there a possibility to repair it? I couldn't idly sit by.
Theres a couple, if you click through to the link provided in the error message, which is docs:blackbox:faq-usb-connection-failed [OpenBuilds Documentation] But sadly, if something happened to it, that is the situation.
Then the real task at hand becomes an autotopsy. Measuring for stray voltages on the PWM pin off the laser (its an input so should not have any voltage between GND and PWM input for example). Check all other wiring for shorts. Check that you have the recommended PSU, etc. If the fault is not found and eliminated, a replacement won't last long either. Always concerned about random 3rd party parts, we like to recommend Optlaser and JTech because its reliable. Not saying that is the case, but if it was me, that's where I would start measuring first.
All cables disconnected (except 24VDC), the voltage between the PWM & GND is 0.39VDC. I checked all wires and they are fine. As I said, I disconnected all wires for test purposes. The PSU is a common PSU 24VDC/350W. I undestood but I was looking for a more powerful laser this is the reason I choose Laseertree. I noted that when the BB is switched on, only the coolant light is on.
Yeah is something externally cooked the microcontroller it won't boot up anymore, to enable lights. I meant on the laser module - we are suspicious of something backfeeding the BlackBox's outputs, or shorts on the outputs. PSU surges, anything that could have gone wrong. Important to find what it is before it kills a 2nd controller. "a common" or our recommended Meanwell? Good that they're unplugged, but if there was a short on any wiring (V+ to GND or similar) it would have already left permanent damage (Section 6.3.1 of aforementioned link)
Well, not from a genuine distributor, so how to identify fake meanwell - Google Search If they can rip off our stuff, they can rip off others.
Interesting. The power supply has the MW logo but I did not open it. Is the BB they sold not from OpenBuilds? When I purchase the CNC they told me that BB are out of stock and they told me to buy it from OB. This is what I have done. The machine was working perfectly before I install the laser.
If you want to confirm legitness of any parts, you can check in with the OpenBuilds Partstore. If the last addition of the laser caused things to go bang, its still the most likely suspect then isn't it.
