Just converted my CNC laser over to use the the BlackBox motion control system, and so far, I really dig it! Super easy setup, and thus far has been much easier to figure out than Linuxcnc, which is what I normally use. The roadblock I'm hitting is figuring out how to connect it to the laser PSU. I need a 5v active high signal to trigger the laser and an analog 0-5v signal to control the power. I was able to scale the 0-10v output in software to work for my analog signal, but am unsure how to get my active high signal. Other forum post here have said to connect the active high to the PWM output, but from what I'm reading on those pins, I am still getting a variable voltage (and probably still PWM, but I'm unsure, I don't have a scope) as I change the laser power. Is there something I am over looking here? Thanks!
See 60w CO2 Laser BlackBox wire up and other threads here But basically: GND to GND PWM to TH Potentiometer wired between GND, 5V and IN (wiper to IN) to provide analog reference and panel override knob. Flow switch wired between GND and WP. Do NOT use the 0-10v output with software - some day you will accidentally send gcode that turns it fully on, and damage the input expecting 5v. That signal is for VFD Spindles.
Please excuse my ignorance but I am confused on "PWM to TH". What does the "TH" stand for? I am currently wiring up my K40 power supply to the blackbox and I am a little confused on where I put the PWM to the power supply. I have the pins 24V, G, 5V, L. Does the TH go to the 24v? is DIR used in the K40 set up?
K40s doesn't have a TH port, only an L port that needs an active low signal. The 60w+ ones has a proper PSU (info in this thread, does not apply to K40s, they have a much cheaper LPS which makes things harder) See Advice on CO2 Laser Build
I’m a bit stuck not to sure on how to wire up the laser , blackbox to the power supply I have tried GND to GND PWM to 5v 0-10v to IN
P to G shouldn't be a loop, it should be part of your door interlock switches and flow switch in a normally closed loop. Ignoring safety and running blinding lasers from 20kv immediate heart stopping electrocution power supplies are a very bad dangerous attitude to combine. 0-10v is for VFDs. Careful when "trying" random things - putting 10v into 5v inputs can break electronics (not covered under warranties) if in doubt ask first.
I just got it used and this is how it was ,I’m not sure how to set it up to be honest it’s a 50w laser build just trying to get it all runing before making the fram ect
Ok cool, yes please stay safe. Fix the previous owners mistakes before its too late Mostly seems you were missing the potentiometer for G/5V/IN But with a previous owner, it could just be faulty too. Hard to know Laser tubes has a 6 month shelf life, if it sat around tubes probably dead too.
So what’s the best way for me to wire this up as I’m not to sure on how to ,is there a wiring diagram I can follow
That is correct yes - don't forget the interlock loop between P (for protection) and G (gnd) via NC door switches and NC flow switch Provided earlier experiments mistakenly wiring to 0-10v output didn't damage BlackBox , or damage from previous owner to Laser PSU or dead tube from sitting unused - it should work. Don't forget eye protection though... And make sure all high voltage contacts are at least 200mm away from any other wires or frame (20kv arc will jump 200mm with ease)
Depends how its alarm works. If its a dry contact relay that is "closed" when everything's OK and "opens" when something is wrong you can loop through it. Should still enclose the laser with door interlock switches in series too.
hi i did the wiring like that but it don't work the Co2 laser stays on and wont go off With the PWM to H = weak laser beam with the PWM tp L = strong beam but i can not get it to turn on & off with openbuilds control ?
L is for "logic low" controllers, does not apply to Grbl based boards H is the right connection to use. Did you remember to Enable Laser Mode? Grbl v1.1 Laser Mode · gnea/grbl Wiki Remember what I said earlier too: Your undocumented experiment might have caused damage after all. Check with a multimeter that the PWM output still goes from 0-5v as you play with the Laser Power menu under Tool On.
hi yes its all working fine ,but now i cant get the laser to go over 4MA @100% Power do i need to change something in the settings ?
Answer that question by analysing laser input (are you getting 0-5v? Then the controller portion is correct) Did you wire your IN/G/5V potentiometer correctly? And adjusted to the max position (ie reading 5v between IN and GND?)
Yes, you've mentioned several times now - please avoid this kind of repeated posting in multiple replies
You'd need it to properly test that a) your BlackBox is working fine and b) your potentiometer is working fine
