Issue(s):
- The laser does not emit light
- The laser always emits light
- Lines across the entire burn
- Laser performance has degraded
- Darker edges on engravings
Resolution:
The laser does not emit light
- Check firmware settings for laser power, they should be consistent with the laser power settings on your CAM software (LightBurn) - $30, 31 or $730, $731
- On gSender, make sure you are in Laser Mode and have selected SLB_Laser
- You can only change the dropdown in the opposite mode. So need to go to Spindle Mode and then select SLB_Laser
- Connections secured and in the right position - PWM and ground polarity, power cable
- Check laser diode lens, melting or damage can cause it to not fire
-
Check PWM red light on SLB
- If PWM red light is OFF try to change the default spindle to laser and the spindle 1 to SLB_spindle
- Go to Config then search "default spindle" in the top of the screen. Select SLB_laser. Press Apply Settings
- Then search "spindle 1" and select SLB_spindle. Press Apply Settings
- Turn OFF and ON your SLB to make the settings take effect
- Then go back on gSender. Toggle to Spindle. Then use the dropdown under Spindle/Laser, select SLB_laser. Toggle back to Laser. Let us know if that allows you to turn on the laser.
- If PWM red light is ON and the laser is still not working, check voltage at the laser PWM output on the board. With a multimeter on DC voltage mode, the laser PWM output should read 4.5V at 100% power on an SLB, SLB-EXT or a LongBoard, see video around 5 minute mark.
- If NO voltage at any power setting, then it is an electrical issue with the board
- If PWM red light is OFF try to change the default spindle to laser and the spindle 1 to SLB_spindle
- Reflash SLB firmware especially if on old version
The laser always emits light
- PWM output - refer to video to check PWM voltage output, at 5 minute mark
- Try inverting PWM laser signals, go to Config and search $743 for the invert laser signal setting. Use the toggle, then save settings and power cycle the controller.
Lines across the entire burn
- Check the feeds and speeds, both on firmware (machine) and CAM software (Lightburn) - for AltMill may have to lower XY speeds and accelerations on gSender
$110 = 4000
$111 = 4000
$120 = 750
$121 = 750 - $32 Laser mode not properly set on gSender
- Ensure in Laser mode the dropdown is set to SLB_Laser
- Ensure the laser wiring to the controller is secured
Laser performance has degraded
- Check firmware settings for laser power, they should be consistent with the laser power settings on your CAM software (LightBurn) - $30, 31 or $730, $731
- Check the feeds and speeds, both on firmware (machine) and CAM software (Lightburn) - for AltMill may have to lower XY speeds and accelerations on gSender
$110 = 4000
$111 = 4000
$120 = 750
$121 = 750 - Dirty lens - clean with alcohol cotton swab/Q-tip and use air assist when engraving
- Laser power supply - with a multimeter on DC voltage mode, the power supply's output should read 12V
- Temperature of laser diode may be too hot, make sure the cooling fan is working
- Check that the electrical connections are all secured
- The material may not be suitable for laser engraving / cutting. Glue between layers (like plywood) will not efficiently cut
- Degrading diode over time, should not run at 100% power all the time
Darker edges on engravings
- Faster accelerations needed, change firmware settings $120 and $121 on gSender