Well, waiting for laser so figured I’d throw out a question I went with the 2W for the Arco. Figured it’s black box compatible so the price point was good. On Opt lasers they state Open Builds has the tutorials on how to connect and configure. But I can’t seem to find it? was going to use lightburn. How does this work with Control? Am I still exporting g code into Control?
You can either export the gcode and send it via CONTROL, or connect directly in Lightburn. See docs:software:overview [OpenBuilds Documentation] (You can choose whatever CAD, CAM, CONTROL application you want to use, no lock in) Also see docs:software:lightburn [OpenBuilds Documentation] Generically section 3.3.3 (or 3.3.2) of the BlackBox Docs: docs:blackbox:connect-4-wire-laser [OpenBuilds Documentation] - every module is a bit different but they all have a power and PWM input Also see the video below, though thats for the Kit
Awesome Peter. Just waiting for delivery so wanted to get an overview. So appreciate it. I know I have a lot of research left to do. But overview is great. FYI. Running the open builds router now. Old Bosch finally burned out. Like the upgrade
See docs:software:lightburn [OpenBuilds Documentation] and also see Grbl v1.1 Laser Mode · gnea/grbl Wiki
Good morning, I have the Opt laser installed. I also have the X32 Blackbox. The laser is on but won't fire in run mode. My question is what terminal do I connect to on the X32 black box?
The PWM terminal. Refer to docs.openbuilds.com/blackbox to learn more. Make sure you enabled Laser Mode in Grbl Settings and test using the Tool On menu in CONTROL
I plugged into the PWM as the documents said. I also enabled line $32 laser-mode enable, Boolean. The laser still won't fire in run mode. Any help would be appreciated.. Thanks
Run mode is when I send project to machine. The laser test fires but won't come on when I send it to the machine. What menu are you speaking of?
OpenBuilds CONTROL > top toolbar has a Tool On button Purpose of this test is to see if its setup correctly (wiring etc) versus incorrect gcode.
I found the control. Tested the laser still will not fire??? I must be missing something, but I don;t know what it is.
Post a backup of your Grbl Settings for review (CONTROL > Grbl Settings tab > Backup Settings button on the main toolbar) If its not that, its wiring - so post pics of your laser wiring too.
Peter, Laser works, test fires, won't come on when the job is run with the Blackbox. Also, Lightburn does not see the laser when connected to the Blackbox.
Thanks, but they seem to have been scaled down in resolution, - hard to help you check wiring. Seems the white/brown out of the PWM plug goes into the right side of the Opt Lasers CNC Adapter. 1) Docking Station wired correctly? Sure its on the right terminals, correct polarity etc? Does the Armed LED on the Optlaser CNC adapter light up? In the photos none of the LEDs are lit. Does the Laser LED light up when you send a Laser On from CONTROL? Looking at the docs, it skips an output pin. PWM and GND have an Enable in between. Hard to see from the low-res photos you provided, but make sure yours matches as from here they look almost next to each other? They should be like this: 2) BlackBox side checks Any earlier miswirings that could have damaged the PWM port? Does the PWM LED on the front of the BlackBox scale correctly when setting various power levels in CONTROL > Tool On > Laser > Various power level options. At 100% the PWM LED on the front should be brightest 3) Docking Station Configuration Also make sure to check Page 18-21 of https://optlasers.com/manual/manual-plh3d-cnc-adapter-optlasers.com.pdf and make sure you set the Enable Options correctly on the docking station. 4) Docking Station Jumpers in place Make sure the Switch Jumpers are in place (Page 23 of CNC adapter manual)
That does indicate the PWM port on the BlackBox works, and the PWM signal is being generated (Correct commands sent from CONTROL, correct S-values read from Grbl Settings) - sadly that does put the issue beyond the BlackBox. That PWM LED is in parallel across the terminal - so if it lights up we are sending the signal. Jumpers and wiring looks good. Its either not getting to the CNC adapter (wiring, but it LOOKS perfect) - can verify with a multimeter that its getting to the other end - should see 3.3v at 100% power is getting to CNC adapter but its Enable settings is wrong preventing it from "enabling" (Page 18-21 of CNC adapter manual
Peter, Thank you so much for all your help. The laser is now working. I had to do the enable step. Thank you again for listening and sticking to it until the issue was resolved.
Will the Blackbox automatically control the laser output according to the lightness/darkness of the burn?
