Adding a Camera to your Laser

In this video I cover how I installed my Light burn 4k-n 8 MP 75 degree camera on my Thunder Nova 24 -60 watt laser. I discuss why I placed the camera where I did. General routing of the USB cable was reviewed. My apologies for some video shots where a little blurry, not sure why. I do 2 small projects that are well suited for why you need a camera on your laser.
Light burn camera installation and calibration video.
• LightBurn Camera Setup

[@The_Mimewar]

Literally just mounted my camera! Thanks for the video!

[@computercreationz]

Glad I could help!

[@Painfulwhale360]

Ok NOW I completely understand why you would want a camera. Super handy. I will definitely put this on my Thunder Laser when I purchase one.

[@computercreationz]

it can be pretty handy for unusual shaped objects. thanks for watching

[@toddltomlinson]

Great video! Helped me make the choice to add a camera to my order from Thunderlaser.

[@computercreationz]

You will love it! I use mine all the time.

[@frankskupien4368]

Todd, you had Thunder add the $400 one instead of buying the $80 from lightburn? May I ask why?

[@toddltomlinson]

@@frankskupien4368 Hi Frank - the Thunder team does a lot of research and development, testing and ensuring products work as they should. While I paid more, I want to support the US team so they have the funds necessary to support us in the field and continue to do research and development on new tools and techniques to help us all in the field. And it is a different model number than the one that you can buy on the Lightburn page. The only reason I know this is the one from Thunder isn't supported on a Mac (which I have).

[@ThunderLaserUSA]

Good Job Robert!

[@computercreationz]

Thank you!

[@davidmiller365]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@computercreationz]

Glad you liked it!, thanks for the comment.

[@ouroboros5378]

Thanks for all yours videos

[@computercreationz]

It's my pleasure

[@TanekaSolomon]

You remind me of one of my art instructors in high school. Wonder if you have teaching background? 🤔 you are amazing at simplifying things and taking the painstaking anxiety out of it. That my friend, is a gift. Thanks for having this channel. I appreciate you 🫶🏾

[@computercreationz]

Thank you so much for those kind comments! I really appreciate it

[@dennycrane6253]

I'm glad I stopped by

[@computercreationz]

me too!

[@dennycrane6253]

Thanks love your videos man

[@computercreationz]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikesmith7989]

Recently purchased a Nova 35 and have been watching all your videos, which I might say are very informative for a beginner. Great job! So when your outlining the numbers on the ruler is that line mode to make it stand out? Thanks again for these videos for a guy just starting out. A lot of info for the brain to absorb but thanks to your videos, I'll get there. Mike

[@computercreationz]

thanks for the comments!

[@larryvinson4110]

I just started looking at this stuff in the last couple of days. All new to me. Pretty cool. What is enduramark? Is it something you put on or spray on the project and it gets burned off or transfers a color to the object? Thanks,

[@computercreationz]

enduramark is a spray that you put on stainless steel to burn on a black color on stainless. once it’s lasers on if done properly it very difficult to remove. works well for stainless tumblers and tags etc. thanks for the comment, question and watching!

[@nvorves]

Awesome channel. You are an excellent teacher. Now that Thunder offers there own camera, do you know if it will work in the same manner as the Lightburn camera in your video? Do you have any new recommendations now that a couple of years have gone by?

[@computercreationz]

Thank you for the comments, I use my camera about 5-10% of the time . Only when I have unusual shaped objects that need engraving.

[@kkskks3046]

Awesome video!! I definitely want to get a camera now but how did you work out which camera to buy. I just purchased the Thunder 35/80 Thanks

[@computercreationz]

support.thunderlaserusa.com/portal/en/kb/articles/thundercams-vs-lightburn-other-usb-webcams

[@sitgesvillaapartmentneilsc7924]

That is amazing, I never realised the camera did all that, great video and thanks for explaining, I thought it was just for getting images from items you could not draw, never realised you could use it to set up exactly where you want to burn from, what a game changer. what made you go for that particular camera over one with a greater FOV like a 130º or 160º ? Time to order 2 cameras one for the C02 and one for the diode!

[@computercreationz]

The 75 degree camera covered my bed without too much extra distortion. fitting the camera angle to you bed size will make it allot easier to calibrate.

[@sitgesvillaapartmentneilsc7924]

@@computercreationz Thankyou, your video was excellent and i have purchased the camera on the back of it,. I think the only thing your video needs is for you to wear a mike!! excellent speaking voice just its a bit of a echo in your workshop and a small mike will sort that, old iphone 4's are brilliant mikes, just clap a couple of times slowly at the beginning of the video to enable a sync signal and edit it out. Many thanks for showing me what I was missing out ofm, I's seen that old start trek lightburn video but the overlay part never caught my attention I think Lightburn should use this video to advertise it...

[@computercreationz]

I appreciate your input, I have purchased a Mic and have used it in later videos. It does make a big difference.

[@sitgesvillaapartmentneilsc7924]

@@computercreationz great , I am sure they will be as good as this one but with a better sound, I havent seen the recent ones, I tend to start at the beginning and work my way through over a few days.... Im glad you did that as you have a good speaking voice and your videos are very goos tutorials, the camera one just amazed me and already I have about 20 people i know that didnt realise the same so were all out looking for cameras now.... Cheers and keep up the good work.

[@samfreeman4955]

Great content..Do you have a hi rez head or just what came with unit

[@computercreationz]

Hi Sam, just the 2" head that the Laser came with. I will be getting the HD lens soon I hope. Thanks for the input.

[@lantechbd]

Great.....!! Thank you, Love you!!!!!

[@computercreationz]

Happy to help!

[@QuebecoisSti]

Camera on the gantry itself must be nice too ? This way you can cut stickers or follow calibration point on something to cut or engrave exactly at the good place

[@RickSwartwood]

I have the same camera - and have it mounted to my lid identically. However my image is upside down in lightburn. How did you get your preview right side up?

[@computercreationz]

yes when you install the camera you can tell which way to install it. your only option is to flip the camera 180 degrees.

[@ruftime]

❤️Lightburn

[@computercreationz]

me too

[@lauriewood5141]

Great video Would you know why I have to do the calibration and align everytime I start my laser back up ??

[@computercreationz]

hmmm not sure I’ve heard of that before! Are you completely finishing the alignment and calibration process?

[@debbied5046]

do you have a list of everything you need and used to install the camera? a list of links where we can get the cable you ran etc. because it does not look like that cable is included? or is it?

[@computercreationz]

I understand the cable is included.

[@Scarekrow24]

I am also getting the Thunderlaser Nova 24. The 8mp camera options on lightburn website only list 95 and 110 degree FOV cameras. In your description, it states you installed a 75 degree camera, was that a typo or are they sold out now?

[@computercreationz]

It wasn’t listed on there web site I had to contact them. This was before Thunder started offering there camera setup so I’m not sure if it’s still available through Lightburn.

[@Scarekrow24]

@@computercreationz Yeah I saw the thundercam, but I will be honest, I'm not paying 400 bux for the same thing that I can get for 120. Thanks for the information sir.

[@Scarekrow24]

I can confirm that it is available but it's not listed on the website. It can be purchased through the lightburn software, which is how I purchased mine.

[@myautosmart]

Thanks!

[@computercreationz]

Thank you Mike!

[@bloominggrove5908]

What made you chose 8 mp for that size area? I have an OMTECH 80W with a larger area and I was going to buy the 5 at 140. Am I wrong?

[@computercreationz]

The 140 degree camera will be way to wide. The 85 degree works for the 16x24 and 24x36 beds

[@SpruceSculptures]

Are you using the same cam for the video for UTube stuff that is used by Lightburn?

[@computercreationz]

No I use a GoPro hero 9 for my KZbin videos

[@WereReallyRelayCamping]

i'll build a jig from scrap. considering how wobbly a k40 lid is the camera would need alignment every time you opened it!

[@TheUnofficialMaker]

how do you like the k40? what do u use it for? I'm thinking of getting one.

[@richardrhoads9088]

I see that you got the 75 degree camera but I see they offer many different degrees options.. What would the differences be? How would I determine which one I need for my laser?

[@computercreationz]

the 85 degree cameras are for 16x24 and 24x36” beds. the 120 degree are for anything bigger than that. the 75 degree is no longer available in most place

[@richardrhoads9088]

@@computercreationz ok, thank you

[@DanG-ug1ed]

I've installed a lot of grommets in one of my ancient jobs. You don't have to stretch them. Crushing them with a pair of pliers actually works better.

[@computercreationz]

you had to stretch the bro it to get the camera connector threw. Thanks for watching

[@DaKosi]

Is it possible to use the camera for setting up the prints AND monitor the engraving process live or does Lightburn turn the camera off while the engraving is going on?

[@computercreationz]

the lightburn camera is on all the time, but when you close the lid for lasering it will be looking Accross the bed which works for monitoring

[@DaKosi]

@@computercreationz thanks!

[@jktechwriter]

Is this camera designed to add to or replace the one that Thunder offers?

[@computercreationz]

The one that Thunder offers is a better camera than the one in this video. This one is a 75 degree camera

[@can5projects563]

i just installed a camera to my laser wide-angle one, not the light burn one. I did the calibration as per instructions but at the end, the camera is off by 20-30 mm off-center

[@evgenyosadchy649]

Hello, on the cutting field you missing around 3inches each side ( but on preview image it’s looks good) do you know why?

[@computercreationz]

not sure what your asking

[@joshgerde8652]

Do you have a link to the cable holders and grommets you used?

[@computercreationz]

hey Josh, I used command strips with the small hook, I put the cable tie around the usb cable and the hook. worked great. the hooks are used to hold up very small Christmas lights

[@computercreationz]

I don’t have a link just look for a grommet that’s is 1/2” od 3/16 id

[@fireguy079]

Hello what is the spray you coated the ruler with?

[@computercreationz]

It’s called Enduramark

[@A3Kr0n]

So that's what the camera is for. It's like the camera on a SMT pick-n-place machine.

[@urbantrendzandmore]

Okay looking heavily into getting this laser! Where are you located at? I may need you to come down and work on my laser and put the camera in. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@computercreationz]

Lol, it’s a great laser. West coast

[@danbemowski3014]

Is this camera a fixed or auto focus? does it matter if it is fixed or auto focus? Looking to get an 8MP camera for my OMTech 50W and I want to be sure I'm getting the right type.

[@computercreationz]

the one I got was from lightburn and you turn the lens to focus

[@danbemowski3014]

@@computercreationz do you know if an autofocus camera will work? I would assume so, but want to be sure.

[@robertschmidt7803]

can you send me a link for the camera you bought or and did you have to print a mount just like how your mounting system worked

[@computercreationz]

the camera that is used in this video is no longer carrried. if your looking for a camera for the 24 you need an 85 degree camera

[@kevindavis1219]

I put one on my Atomstack x7 but am having trouble with alignment.

[@elliottgraphix2063]

I have a Nova 35/80 watt Thunder Laser. How did you determine which camera to purchase?

[@computercreationz]

Lots of information on that subject on the thunderlaserusa.com website under knowledge base.

[@danstuchlik1244]

i have watched you video a number of times plus other videos on setting up the camera... it looks like plug n play i have the lightburn camera set up and i dont get anything the pc recognized the camera. i have it enabled in lightburn. what else am i not doing?

[@computercreationz]

I haven’t heard of cameras not showing up in lightburn when you have a lightburn camera, I would reload lightburn. If that doesn’t work reach out to lightburn for additional help

[@danstuchlik1244]

@@computercreationz thanks i know it sucks lol i have reached out and i hope later today i can see about it thanks again

[@stevemisher7197]

Where did you get the clips to hold the camera cable?

[@computercreationz]

I found them on Amazon

[@stevemisher7197]

@@computercreationz Just found them as well. Thanks for getting back to me. I have been watching your videos while waiting for my 24 to arrive.

[@Luis-eo6vi]

I use my laser to cut out prints on card stock paper. I cut out hundreds of the exact same prints. My issue is I have to constantly position the paper in the exact spot so the laser cuts precisely where I need the cut to be. Is there a way I can print on these sheets registration marks so this camera can pick them up and self align the laser to however I’ve placed the page on the work bed?

[@computercreationz]

look up the print and cut feature in lightburn works great! it’s designed to do exactly what your doing!

[@cherylpenrod8768]

Do you have to use light burn program to use the camera?

[@computercreationz]

yes I believe so

[@strengthbydesign]

There’s one thing that’s confusing me, you waved your hand in the video, does this mean you calibrate the laser and only use the camera when the doors open? Or is it down and you put your hand in though the open pass through door instead?

[@computercreationz]

yes all of your camera calibration and use is with the door open. if you door does not return to the same place all the time your camera will be out of calibration all the time.

[@strengthbydesign]

@@computercreationz thank you, I’m new to this and it’s the first time I’ve been told it’s all done with the door open. Cheers

[@Muhfynmann]

How do you like the (through the nozzle) air assist? I've heard that it can be under-powered at times.

[@computercreationz]

Hi George, I love it and have not found it to be underpowered. As a matter of fact you can adjust your air pressure on the fly with the needle valves placed right on the top of the laser. I have plumed in shop air and find that I can cut up to 1/2" ply with 40-55 psi air pressure.

[@dbrimmage237]

Czn you share a link to where you purchased the camera

[@computercreationz]

lightburnsoftware.com/

[@Martin-ll7jc]

Hi what size is the pattern card in inches thanks for your help

[@computercreationz]

I don’t have that info sorry , check LightBurn’s web site

[@kittyrings]

Using the camera, does it make any difference if you are in Current Position or Absolute Coordinates ?

[@computercreationz]

Lightburn will only allow you to use the camera in absolute coordinates! You don’t have a choice

[@kittyrings]

@@computercreationz Thank you...I'm brand new at this and my laser doesn't have limit switches, I did figure out that I have to move my laser to the place on my bed before I turn on the computer (for it's home position in Absolute coordinates.) Maybe when my laser grows up it will be a Thunder Nova...😀

[@dimitriedine2191]

Hello sir thank you first of all for your video I just have a question your camera is connected directly to your computer?

[@computercreationz]

Yes, right from the camera to a USB port on my laptop. Works Great!

[@dimitriedine2191]

Okay thank you for your response to your position your camera for use should be hood open?

[@computercreationz]

@@dimitriedine2191 yes

[@derekbroussard1218]

Do you know where I can find the info for the camera degrees to buy for a nova 51?

[@computercreationz]

The 120degree camera is what you need for that size of Thunder

[@derekbroussard1218]

@@computercreationz thanks for the help

[@phillipsilagyi]

How do you get the camera to show up from Lightburn

[@computercreationz]

Goto window and turn on the camera control tab. If your camera that works with LightBurn the life view will be there

[@stratigus695]

the light on top what is that called been looking for one cant find it

[@computercreationz]

function indicator light

[@nathanmillay7031]

Signal tower or stack light

[@stratigus695]

@@computercreationz yes

[@thebaldconvict]

So the RK was pretty close, do you know why it moved to the right as you said that was your fault? I'm not sure how that was your fault... It looks awesome but not as useful as I first thought if it isn't that accurate.....

[@computercreationz]

Hi Tim, good question when I framed it before I lasered it it looked like it was going to be a little off so I nudged the Rk over instead of trusting the layout. If I would have left it alone it would have been spot on. My fault!

[@thebaldconvict]

@@computercreationz Gotcha makes perfect sense now thank you :)

[@jayjaghla7310]

@@computercreationz is it possible that your camera ‘focus’ has a bias to the right and it needs to be calibrated somehow? Is calibration possible? Using a throwaway (or laser burned) ruler and having the laser etch a vertical line at a predetermined ruler mark would easily provide a measurable indication of a bias.

[@mous24000]

warum wir die cam nicht diregt am conaloer angschlossen

[@dizajnirajme7409]

What is the model of the camera and where can it be purchased? Thanks

[@computercreationz]

lightburn has cameras

[@dizajnirajme7409]

I need hardwarefor lightburn. What is the model of the camera and where can it be purchased? Thanks@@computercreationz

[@computercreationz]

It all depends on how big your laser bed is. It’s not a one size fits all. Reach out to them.@@dizajnirajme7409

[@DK-dp5gz]

Do you have a link to the Camera you used?

[@computercreationz]

that particular on lightburn does not sell any longer.

[@DK-dp5gz]

@@computercreationz what was the specs?

[@computercreationz]

@@DK-dp5gz it’s mentioned in the video

[@ryan_robertson]

where did you source the mounting bracket (thingiverse, link)?

[@computercreationz]

Hi Ryan, it came with the camera from LightBurn. It was all assembled when I received it. Works great.

[@jdboys1478]

Can you tell me what all needs to be purchased for the camera

[@computercreationz]

When I ordered from Lightburn it came with the camera mounted in the 3dprinted housing and a 6’ usb cable. That’s all you need the usb connects directly into you computer or laptop.

[@jdboys1478]

@@computercreationz can you tell me which one you ordered. I looked at their web site and there multiple cameras plus looks like individual pieces.

[@computercreationz]

@@jdboys1478 what laser do you have?

[@jdboys1478]

@@computercreationz Thunder Nova24

[@computercreationz]

Go to the very beginning of the adding a camera video and I indicate what camera I installed. I’m not sure if Lightburn still has that still one or not. Or order one from Thunder. When I ordered mine Thunder didn’t have an option to purchase a camera from them. I know it’s a 75 degree 8 mp camera

[@CD_DESIGNS]

So when using the camera. I take it you don't have to set origins. But still have to focus

[@computercreationz]

no you will be in absolute origin so no need to,set the origin. you mush nose the autofocus when using the camera for a consistent distance between the top of the material and the camera lens

[@CD_DESIGNS]

@@computercreationz so place material on bed first then autofocus then don't worry about position laser head

[@computercreationz]

Yes because you are in absolute coordinates (required by the camera) your head position won’t mater. Your desktop is synced with your laser@@CD_DESIGNS

[@Eduardocamila]

Where is the 1000 like bottom?

[@gopakitv7721]

You shouldn't drill the hole but rather used the U-Disk connecter and re-purpose it for the camera, or would make a hole to connect the female USB output, this was the cable is never hanging like the way you set it up.

[@computercreationz]

I use my udisk all the time. I didn’t want to sacrifice one major way I transfer files. Why remove one of your options. Doesn’t make sense to me!

[@mullena101]

I always thought the camera was supposed to mount in a place where you could see the item to engrave with the lid being closed?

[@computercreationz]

Mounted properly you can see in both instances lid up and down. The software is designed for operation with the lid up overlooking the bed of the laser

[@derekjenkinson8014]

If you used metric it’d be a lot easier than trying to work out what’s what in decimal. 😉

[@computercreationz]

ya I know, you teach old dog new tricks I guess!

[@darlalynw]

Are you absolutely sure there are no other changes you need to make in the software to tell the laser to go where you place the image? Instead of it going to my current location? You didn't talk about it or show other changes that might be needed for a new user to either change or verify first.

[@computercreationz]

when you turn the camera on in camera tab in lightburn it will put your start from to absolute coordinates. are you using the camera tab in lightburn?

[@notsure9079]

why are you telling ! ???

[@markhall7222]

I found this, but the brackets are different then yours==kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnykcnqKjcZsoq8 ==Tech Thunder

[@computercreationz]

ya they have done several different mounts to try to get any play out of the camera mount