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First DIY laser engraver build... Controller question

Discussion in 'Laser Cutters' started by Adrianjudy, Jul 13, 2022.

  1. Adrianjudy

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    First off, thanks in advance for your help. I just found a Facebook marketplace listing for an ACRO 1515 for $250 with all of the motors, electronics etc. included. So of course, I jumped on it. It turned out to be a great deal because he also included a ton of linear rail that he had used to build a table for the laser engraver. I think I ended up with all of the ACRO system v-slot and then probably 10 1500mm lengths of other 20x20 aluminum extrusion, which I plan to use to build an enclosure rather than a table. No matter what, I think I came out ahead, but the laser and controller are older and not powerful enough to cut through anything thicker than 1/8 inch (6mm).

    I found a more powerful laser today on Prime Day for nearly $90 off. It is a 5w diode (yes, I know a CO2 laser is stronger and better, but more than I wanted to spend today). this is the laser I bought, and I added a 24v 15a power supply for $20. so all in all, I'm in for $165 on the laser and power. The Acro is currently running on a xPro v3 controller, so I will need to upgrade that (I think). The question is, what do I need to get to fire the laser? It has a 3 wire connection on the top, so I'm assuming that the laser driver is built in to the laser and all I need to do is send it PWM, power, and ground and that will work, right? I have an SKR 1.4 turbo that I think will work for that, but I am just not sure if I need another laser driver in the middle or if I have everything I need. I would love to run it off a Blackbox just from an ease of use perspective because that's what is the brains on my CNC. But if I can save some money by using parts I already have, that would be ideal.

    Thanks again for your help.
     
  2. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

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  3. Adrianjudy

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    Thanks Peter. If I end up going the blackbox route this will be helpful.

    If I end up using the SKR 1.4 board, does anyone know if it is the same type setup to the TTY connection?
     
  4. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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    Marlin is quite slow for Lasers (I think they still make you hack GCODE to use M106 fan commands to PWM the laser too) , I doubt you'll be happy with it
     
  5. Adrianjudy

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    good to know. thanks.
     
  6. ChrisSmithOz

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    I have just got my Acro running with a SKR 1.4 turbo and Marlin. It was pretty hard to get the firmware right for dual Y and the correct PWM for the laser - not using fan command but using the proper inline power command and hardware PWM off the AUX1. Results are good, very steady control of laser, much better than my CO2 (for scoring card).
     
    Adrianjudy and David the swarfer like this.

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