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?
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. Cheers Gary
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
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?
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 OpenBuilds CAM: Convert DXF, SVG, Bitmaps/jpg/png, Gerber and Excellon files to GCODE
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.
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.
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)
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 is there still an expectation of the Z height control for the ACRO within the openbuilds control software?
Yip, issue tracker here Laser Operations: Z Axis stepdown · Issue #42 · OpenBuilds/cam BlackBox mode, didnt get time for software a lot this last couple days
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 (;
I understand! I am saying thank you for all of those new blackbox users that now have a new feature in record time!
I'm very new to all this. Is there a tutorial for the openbuilds software and how to use both programs?
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.
