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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

$90 Laser Engraver Kit?






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I downloaded something called mini laser software. It is a
zipped file and I will wait to open it after I have it finished.
Thanks and good night..... HMike
 
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I have noticed that the laser diode is driven by a ULN2003 chip.
This is a HEX driver composed of Darlington pairs rated at 500 ma each.
Only one is connected at present. Might it be possible to jumper all the
drivers for 3 Amps? It would require a regulated 3+ Amp supply to the
USB DC port.
Also, what is the button switch on the driver board?
HMike

It's running! I can't seem to print instructions but I got the drives to
move. Everything is in that pulse mode. The NG has few pictures.
I still have to finish the platen and laser mounts. The laser is a real
dud when I know what WE have!!
I machined my bar stock today so the stuff will mount up to those sleds.
I need to figure out how to "zero" the drives to "center".

02/29 -- NOW WTH ??? My windows 7 machine crapped out this AM and is still dead.
I loaded the software into my laptop and it drove both axis for a few minutes - then stopped.
The software sees me on COM3 port, lights are on but no go. The program sees COM3 port
but does not see the drives and won't even try to start. Ideas???
 
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I got my Win7 running again,,, The little thing cuts paper slowly
but it works !!!!
Again -- Can I jumper the laser driver chip for more power -- provided
I supply sufficient USB current?? I'm thinking of about 1 Watt of 405 since that seems to focus tighter than others.
For once, I'm having fun!!!
HMike
 

rhd

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I got my Win7 running again,,, The little thing cuts paper slowly
but it works !!!!
Again -- Can I jumper the laser driver chip for more power -- provided
I supply sufficient USB current?? I'm thinking of about 1 Watt of 405 since that seems to focus tighter than others.
For once, I'm having fun!!!
HMike

You can certainly use the driver I posted - it just plugs into the driver output from the existing board, and then takes it's own power input.

The chip you see isn't actually a driver. That's basically just an "on/off" transistor setup. The driver itself is inside the aixiz module.

You could "probably" swap the module for any other module with an integrated driver that works on 4V and < 500mA of input (to the driver). Unfortunately, that doesn't get you much actual power.

Again, anyone is free to use the driver I posted. It's fairly cheap to make (under $20) and can handle anything up to a 9mm 445, bucking from an input of 6V or higher.

EDIT: Didn't I post the driver? I can't find it, but thought it was in this thread somewhere.
 
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rhd --
Thanks for the reply. I was thinking of adding more "switches" for the
laser but I'd be glad to consider your driver. I have lots of wall warts!!

The NC burn is nice and clean but I want to now add more NC files to this
program -- I think there is a way but I'm open to help.

Now for a LASER and I'm considering a 1W 405 nM or a bigger 445 nM. I'm not
sure yet which way to go but a driver will be needed.

My "What are the lasers good for" friends are now impressed!!!!!!

HMike
 

rhd

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You probably wouldn't want to be running a 405 that close to the edge in a cnc.

405 @ 500mw might be nice. I like 2W of 445 though!
 
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I was thinking 405 because they focus to
a pinpoint for a fine line. 445 is OK at close
focus but I'll likely use low power. Speed
control on this program is limited. I also
worry about rapid pulsing in some drivers.
HMike

Also, Will the NC converter program work for this?
 
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rhd

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I was thinking 405 because they focus to
a pinpoint for a fine line. 445 is OK at close
focus but I'll likely use low power. Speed
control on this program is limited. I also
worry about rapid pulsing in some drivers.
HMike

Also, Will the NC converter program work for this?

I don't actually know what the NC converter program is. What's that?
 
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There is a "create NC file" check box
on the NC page of the program.
HMike
How does it work????
 
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I have been able to load some pictures from my documents
file and slowly burn them but I can't seem to load anything
for the higher speed NC burning.
rhd -- I'd like to see that driver circuit. This needs more power
and smoke !!!

My machine prints backwards -- can I reverse the white and yellow wires?
HMike
 
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rhd --- I would like to see your circuit. I fear
that some drivers may not like pulsed on/off
inputs and may spike.
HMike
 
Joined
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Messages
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Wow -- I got a lot of download stuff but no schematic.
I did a similar download for something else today and it
trashed my business computer. Do you have a simple PDF file?
PM is OK.
If a v5 will accept pulse, I'm OK with that if I can find a
TTL input.
I still need to know if I can "flip" the X drive by reversing
the white and yellow drive wires.
HMike

I'm having fun slowly burning stuff. Some of my pictures load and burn!
 
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