eBay K40 CO2 Laser - Adapting for Use with LightBurn on the Cheap!

[@takismail]

would be nice to see full installation, and the add on board layout.

[@juppster5694]

3:44 logic inverter - not needed, there is a motor spindle driver MOSFET (when using this for CNC) which inverts the PWM signal already, just find the output pin and use that.

[@FoxyBuildsDIY]

I know this is an old post, but are you saying to leave it in CNC mode? If I switch laser mode on, can I get by without needing the logic inverter?

[@juppster5694]

@@FoxyBuildsDIY Using this link as an example of typical grbl controller board schematic: preview.redd.it/sh2ir03z4l141.png?width=2777&format=png&auto=webp&s=c25a3ef859c51674447da83f58e2f89faf0c2983 J2, pin2 has the signal you need, already inverted by Q3. Keep laser mode - i.e. $32=1 - this is still required for proper stepper control on CO2 laser machine hardware. Different for diode laser machines though. I'm a big fan of old posts! That's where all the good info is - if you need anything else, please ask :-)

[@FoxyBuildsDIY]

@@juppster5694 I appreciate the detailed response. After some research I figure I should probably be looking into a 32bit board. That's a shame because I've got an old Rambo 1.4 board sitting here with GRBL configured from an old CNC project. Any suggestions on an inexpensive 32bit option that shouldn't be hard to configure?

[@juppster5694]

@@FoxyBuildsDIY I made a reply - it disappeared! In a nutshell: no direct experience of 32-bit in this context, but I'd been looking at AwesomeTech MiniGerbil, STM32-based, very reasonably priced.

[@transpipehdd7905]

hello Can you please tell me more about the wire diagram for full connect this module?

[@sendboxsac9480]

have grbl settings like speed , acceleration and so on for the control device?

[@KurtBarcelona]

what is the documentation? I wanna modify mine but your website doesnt work

[@KurtBarcelona]

link doesn't work. o you have any updated link?

[@CheeseSteakJimi]

You said you did the inverter in another video. Could you link to it?

[@DRob70]

Does the controller work without all the mods you have made to it? I mean right out of the package, plug in the wires and go?

[@1dahoJoe]

Would recommend tying a warning light to the "laser on" circuit so you know for certain whether the laser correctly shut off during an emergency stop situation. Seems like a simple thing to add, and adds a larger margin of safety.

[@MegaJstephens]

You don’t happen to have a Pinout diagram for the ribbon cable that goes to the x axis and limit switches by any chance. I stumbled across your video while trying to do the same thing

[@joshuabeecham2663]

Such a great mod. No idea why more people don't do this. There are 100 videos of folks all doing the same mods to their k40s. My Sainsmart 3018 is modded with a laser and it uses this board. It works great with the laser. My k40 hasn't arrived yet, but i cant quite figure out why people prefer manual control of the power. Just let the software do it! Seems like it would be more consistent this way. I cant imagine that using a knob to control the power is consistent. Thanks for making this video!

[@jigsey.]

I went for the mini gerbil to get lightburn to work... Its a game changer for the k40

[@DIY3DTECHcom]

Yes it is!

[@jeffegg2]

I also use the Mini Gerbil.

[@juppster5694]

2:30 "problems with grbl and the limit switches..." If there is no z-axis and therefore no z-axis limit switch, you must disable z-axis limit switch functionality in the grbl source code (see entry in config.h about this) then recompile and reload to the controller. Jumper-ing out the z-axis switch is not an option - I know, I tried! 2:36 ff - "I don't use the limit switches...", not something I'd recommend for a K40

[@bracketk]

I flashed the GRBL v1.1h custom, x&y Homing only version that comes with LaserGRBL to this board and the limit switches work perfectly. Load LaserGRBL ( it is free ) and select Tools from the tabs. From there select Flash GRBL Firmware. You will get a dropdown box, select Arduino Nano in the Target box then select v1.1h Custom, x&y Homing in the Firmware box. Select your Port and Baud Rate and OK to flash it to the board. Lightburn now Homes to the switches as it should. I hope this helps someone that is struggling as I was before doing this.

[@rj2764]

Are you still using this setup?

[@chrisbailey6928]

You may need some pullup or pulldown resistors on the limit switches. You also may need a capacitor or something to "debounce" the switch. That flyback transformer generates a LOT of RF noise which also may be getting fed back into your controller.

[@willswings]

great ! could you please show more about the connections (too far to see anything) and more details on the invertor board please? big thanks ! I've subscribed.

[@DIY3DTECHcom]

Thanks for subbing! Also, they are pretty much they are as listed (in the manual), however keep in mind there is an error on the silk screen and the Z and K are reversed...

[@bryngerard4334]

@@DIY3DTECHcom Could you do a couple of close up pictures of your inverter. It is impossible to see the tracks needed on the perfboard and how you have connected it in this video.

[@wyannick888]

@@DIY3DTECHcom I am sorry, but you make a video about a whole set-up, but it is impossible to understand the wiring when you don't have a lot of experience with these kind of things and no pictures... Basically, the whole purpose of your video is gone in my opinion... (learn others to setup lightburn).

[@imtack91]

Full schematic anywhere? I have a ribbon cable setup to a stepper motor and limit switch- what do i need to buy to convert

[@juppster5694]

See AwesomeTech's K40 adaptor board kit

[@valentinatorregiani4070]

hello I would be interested in this upgrade but have you also made a written guide?

[@DIY3DTECHcom]

Sorry no as there are many versions of the power supply and they all work the same however wiring is a little off so it makes it hard. This why I rate to this as an intermediate projects as if you understand the basics of motion control you can sort the wiring out with a multimeter...

[@alexbabuca]

I have that board on my 3018 CNC, the limit switches marked Z axis are actually the X axis and vise versa( i verified this in UGS(universal G code sender) using verbose output and then pushing each push button seeing what grbl saw.) I recently bought a k40(2 weeks ago), I have been working on modifying Marlin 2.0 based on a few other peoples projects but adding back the m7/m8/m9 m-codes so that i can turn on air assist when needed. I will be using the arduino mega cnc shield + reprap generic smart controller screen , reason being gives me alot of extra pins to add functionality.

[@DIY3DTECHcom]

Thanks and yes aware of the swtich and if I use "?" they show working (i.e. you can see them turn on and off)

[@ytgsmithwa]

I've just done the same for mine using much of your advice. Thanks. Had to badly hack the ribbon cable to the X drive and limit switches. Haven't got the limits going yet so no homing. The BIG difference is my wiring looks a lot worse than yours! :-) For instance I just cable tied the new controller over the top of the old Nano M2 board! Had to tone down the standard accel rates a little but the settings you provided are ok.

[@johnnyb4823]

I replaced this on my 3018 CNC with an MKS dlc v2 board. Reason was the "woodpecker" model form your video had some pins reassigned and homing is not possible. Great Video!!

[@bracketk]

I flashed the GRBL v1.1h custom, x&y Homing only version that comes with LaserGRBL to this board and the limit switches work perfectly. Load LaserGRBL ( it is free ) and select Tools from the tabs. From there select Flash GRBL Firmware. You will get a dropdown box, select Arduino Nano in the Target box then select v1.1h Custom, x&y Homing in the Firmware box. Select your Port and Baud Rate and OK to flash it to the board. Lightburn now Homes to the switches as it should. I hope this helps someone that is struggling as I was before doing this.

[@LostCloudx4]

This little fukker work? I have one on a 3018 and my Monport board on my k40 isn't working.... if it works I might be able to temp rig it up

[@PyniolekMobile]

Is it k40 3020 or 3018? This motherboard is designed to 3018 as i see on amazon. Thank You.

[@rcx575]

The board is commonly used on 3018 but it's a CNC and laser controller, has outputs for both, so I dont see the problem.

[@bracketk]

Will the Lightburn camera function work with this?

[@DIY3DTECHcom]

Yes it should

[@jeffegg2]

lightBurn camera works through your computer, not through the controller or laser.

[@danielskidmore4516]

Thanks for this. I am building the logic inverter circuit and trying to use what resistors I have on hand. I have 10, 100 and 220 ohms. Can I use the 220 or do I have to use the 100 and 5 -10's in series? Also did you have a 12 pin ribbon cable going from the original M2 board to the Y stepper and limit switches and, if so, how did you connect to that or did you just rewire everything from the source?

[@DIY3DTECHcom]

Yes to mod-ing the ribbon cable and I would use the correct value to insure the trigger is is stable or you might run the risk of false fires....

[@takismail]

do you have the layout and wiring, would be nice if you do and can share.

[@0skillz]

Yes ! I'm very interested in this, reminder set :)

[@DIY3DTECHcom]

It has been working well! I Love LightBurn!

[@electronron1]

Great video. On the cheap fits my budget.

[@DIY3DTECHcom]

Mine too!

[@Qubnix]

Good video but terrible audio quality.

[@VorpalGun]

Ouch, the sound quality of this episode is terrible, compared to some of your other videos.

[@DIY3DTECHcom]

Used a differed camera and mike. Typically I record / film at audio/video bench but in the open shop there is a lot of echo...

[@MARS-GREENH0USE]

So u switched to all arduino just to use the software. Got it lol

[@clashofminiatures]

audio is horrible

[@ronalddhs3726]

On the cheap... Please keep talking... 😊

[@DIY3DTECHcom]

Was less then $50 bucks

[@delimucit5859]

neden kimse calisirken video cekmiyor....sacmalik

[@tytus894]

Is shhiet