Hi Guys! I am new to the forum and laser engraving in general. I am "in my mind" 95% complete on a custom CO2 laser build. Using a Chinese GRBL board, I have managed to configure setting, calibrate axis, align mirrors etc. The board does not have a 5V PWM output per se, the port is advertised as a "Servo" port, but measuring the V output when running a test cut (with laser PSU deactivated!!) the PWM pin puts out 4.8V when power in Lightburn is set to 100%, 2.4V on 50% power and so on, so I am making an assumption that this should work? I have managed to test fire and run the laser with a pot and switch, with water protect hot wired. MY NERVES!!!! I will attach the current wiring as reference. I would like to install a flow switch, door switch and additional safety/E-Stop switch on the front panel that can be slammed at any moment. I am a bit lost when it comes to the wiring though, and would prefer not to resort to trial and error on this one. I am hoping that someone here can offer some advice. Please let me know if more information is needed. I will also attach an image of how I think this should be wired. Thanks!
It would be best to contact the seller of the item for tech support for their product. Otherwise consider a BlackBox from openbuildspartstore.com - and we can actually show you how to hook up a CO2 laser as it's a board we supply, support, and document. Emergency stops should cut all power. Door switch is covered for BlackBox here in our Docs: docs:blackbox:connect-door-sensor [OpenBuilds Documentation] and you can use a NC loop with the door switch and flow switch in series.
thus the BlackBox recommendation - you get the product and the tech support, warranty, etc. While we do try to help, we really cannot do as much for 3rd party products
This is why I went with Cloudray Ruida RDC6445G controller on mine. Cloudray tech support is very good. All questions answered in 12 hours or less, even on weekends. The "black box" that @Peter Van Der Walt mentions would of been my 2nd choice. You have to pay more for these, but you have all the tech support and they stand behind their products.
Much appreciated advice. I will look to go with one of these in the future as an upgrade, its a bit past my budget at this point and would still need to get the controller to South Africa.
