Centroid Community CNC Support Forum

Hello all,

I've got here a cheap laser gantry with a blue laser (no spindle/Z axis) and Gecko540, and want to make it work. Found the docs on setting it up and schematics (one for NEJE laser):

https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... _laser.pdf

A few questions:

1. Looking at the Wizard in CNC12 4.60 there were ins and outs specifically for a laser and PWM. I downloaded latest CNC12 5.02 and did not find the option for a laser--only for plasma. Is it intended to work with both?
2. At the document above in the Wizard I see PWM Select and PWM output in the Wizard. There are no PWM options in the 5.02. Is it still routed to the pin 14 on DB25? If so:
3. Since the PWM uses pin 14 on DB25 and Gecko540 also uses DB25 connector is it OK just to solder the PWM to pin 14 it would be a bit hard to splice into the molded DB25?

Any help appreciated!

Best, M

post a fresh report.zip.

Laser Engraving setup is in both Router and Mill and Plasma in the CNC12 Wizard in Acorn and AcornSix
(in the plasma wizard page the pre configured laser i/o setups are gone, since they would conflict with the plasma i/o,but depending on your setup you can manually set it up in plasma)
laser functionality is not independent of being a mill or router or plasma so it included with those installs.

I've been using both Centroid Mill (with AllinOne) and Lathe (with Acorn) for years and very familiar with those. However, I am afraid I got totally lost here. I built a simple setup connecting only laser module (please see the report ) according to the schematics for NEJE Laser in this document:

https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... _laser.pdf

When I configure outputs as PWM to output 2 and Laser Enable to output 4 I cannot fire the laser at all. When instead I put a Torch On at output 4 I can fire it with VCP button (Torch On), but it doesn't cut anything--just a cold beam and LED on.

I guess, I am missing something. Can somebody guide me at what to do and how to setup it up.

The reason I chose Acorn Plasma download is the Intercon, which has ability to upload DXF and other files, do Nesting, etc. I understand, in versions 4.60-4.64 there were VCP buttons specific for laser. Is it possible just to download that version?

Thanks, M

please install Router or Mill CNC12 v5.02 software. then the laser instructions and wiring diagrams and the canned Laser Wizard setup will work and make sense.

the laser buttons on the VCP are for a cross hair laser to set Zero positions or trace / teach in a part, nothing to do with engraving or cutting.

Yes, I realized the laser buttons are for hair ones. In any case... Installed a router, connected everything according to the schematics for NEJE Laser, configured Wizard (please see the report ). Wrote a little program in Intercon--M37-Frame-M38. Got an error 501 line 7 (Move Z axis to home position). In Wizard disabled Z axis. Still get the same error. In Intercon removed M37 and M38 lines. Still get the same error and cannot make the laser work. Obviously, thinking about it and doing something wrong. What is it?

One thing paid attention, when In the Wizard in PWM section trying to select 'I will configure pwm output myself" it would not stay when save and jumps back to jTech Laser (Dedicates laser machine. No spindle motor) option.

So far doesn't make sense...

Thanks, M

Please post the file you are trying to run when asking a question of this sort.

Error 501 is "Invalid character on the line" and is due to the Z character on that line and you not having a Z axis.

Intercon is designed for machining so it's not really the best choice for laser engraving. It will always want to move the Z (spindle) up first.

But Intercon can be used to generate geometry you want. You will just have to edit the g-code file a little after posting.

Here is an example, you can comment out the moves you don't want by placing a ";" in front of them as I did with the M25 commands to prevent sending Z home. The M37 needs to be followed by an "S" command which is the power level of the laser, otherwise the laser is on at zero power.

Notice I placed the M37 and S300 right where I wanted the laser to turn on.


; ICN_PATH = C:\intercon\LaserFrame.icn
; --- Header ---
N0001 ; CNC code generated by Intercon v5.02
; Description:
; Programmer: Chuck
; Date: 31-May-2023
; M25 G49 H0 @0 ; Move Z axis to home position
G17 G40 ; Setup for XY plane, no cutter comp
G21 ; millimeter measurements
G80 ; Cancel canned cycles
G90 ; absolute positioning
G98 ; canned cycle initial point return
; --- Tool #1 ---
;Tool Diameter = 0.2000 Spindle Speed = 300
;3 fm
G49 H0 M25
G0 X0.0 Y0.0
N0002 T1
; S300 M3
M9
;G4 P3.00 ; pause for dwell
G43 D1 H1
; --- Frame (Outside Rect) ---
N0003 X25.1 Y25.1
; @-0.1 M0 ; Two Axis Move Down
X25.1 Y25.1
M37
S300
G1 G91 X0.0 Y0.0 F10.0
X0.0 Y0.0 F500.0
X0.0 Y0.0 F10.0
X-50.2 Y0.0 F500.0
X0.0 Y-50.2
X50.2 Y0.0
X0.0 Y50.2
G90 ;@0.1 M0 ; Two Axis Move Up
G0 X25.1 Y25.1
X25.1 Y25.1
; --- M & G Codes ---
N0004
M38
; --- End of Program ---
N0005 G49 H0; @0 M25 ; Two Axis Home
G40 ; Cutter Comp Off
M5 ; Spindle Off
M9 ; Coolant Off
G80 ; Cancel canned cycles
M30 ; End of program

we used laser grbl to generate laser engraving code, info is on the centroid acorn laser page.

https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... r_cnc.html