Monport K40 Laser Upgrades Pt 2. Flow Indicator, Inline Temperature Display, Water Heater.

[@alpscraftshack599]

Good & easy to understand video on installation of water cooling & heating system and water flow indicator. So far, you have done all the same mods I did to my unit.

[@jimpeters3328]

Excellent video! I’m doing some of the mods as we speak thanks for putting this together. Please note: the water heater link goes to the wire connectors

[@alpscraftshack599]

I do not see the Etsy link you mentioned, @ 15:29, for the Power Settings Library that can be downloaded.

[@MSRWorkshop]

Just updated the link is at the bottom under description. Hope that helps

[@alpscraftshack599]

@@MSRWorkshop Thanks

[@Ricks2Cents]

I installed a second Power Supply. I didn’t want to tap into any power source as it looks as if most power sources were already double tapped.

[@MSRWorkshop]

The display uses almost virtually, no power, as well as the LED lighting. Off. The power supply has more than enough voltage to handle a tiny LED display. Also, if you end up going with an external smoke extractor, you’ll want to remove the built-in exhaust fan, which will free up even more power on the power supply.

[@Ricks2Cents]

@@MSRWorkshop Trust me I was Self Torn deciding to Tap that Lead or not. I’m going through the upgrade process as well. I installed a 4” Inline Exhaust. I have the Chiller which has an Alarm if the water stops flowing. However I like your idea of using the flow indicator. By the Time these Upgrade Builds are Done we will have just as much in them as they cost. Fyi I was talking with Monport they will be adding Air Assist to K40 Future Builds.

[@MSRWorkshop]

That’s exciting to hear. If they did that they would be the first company to offer AK 40 with air assist so far they are the first company to offer a lightburn compatible version out of the box as well.

[@Ricks2Cents]

@@MSRWorkshop I’ll tag you when I upload my upgrade video let me know what you think.

[@MSRWorkshop]

@@Ricks2Cents thanks 🙏

[@markferrick10]

So as far as turning the know (power) all the way up and letting lightburn manage the power, my understanding is you run the risk of overpowering the tube if you use a high power % in LB. 'Prevailing wisdom' says to turn the know so that you are using ( i think ~ 15-16 mA ) and you can use LB 10-100% ( minimum power to excite the laser is around 10 ) Give you more granularity in LB power and no risk of overpowering your tube. I have the same laser and am about to fire it up. You video is very helpful. Thanks

[@MSRWorkshop]

It’s repeated use at full power that shortens the life of the laser tube . If you’re using light burn to control everything, there’s no need not to have it turned all the way up . It’s not one of those instances that you make an oops and run it to much power and it’s ruined, it just shortens the tune life with repeated use

[@criticalbill]

I don't have a laser engraver, have no interest in laser engravers and will probably never own one. That being said, I see a new video posted and I'm like, oooooo, I wonder what he's adding this time!! Get a cup of coffee ready and settle in !

[@MSRWorkshop]

Lol, glad you are enjoying them :)

[@TheRealRoGueMS]

Awesome video! Im having quite the trouble to find somewhere to get power to my temperature display any advice you can give? My Lighting inside the laser is 220v AC or 50-100v DC, i've got a secondary 24v PSU to power the board and motors, maybe ill try to get it from there.

[@MSRWorkshop]

Wow, 220v on the lighting. That’s terrifying sounding to me. I have no idea on where to get stuff for 220v stuff.

[@MSRWorkshop]

We’ll one idea is they make battery powered ones. Might give that a look.

[@TheRealRoGueMS]

@@MSRWorkshop I'm in Europe 220v is the standard on the wall outlets but in due time I'll switch to low power LEDs and add more lighting

[@TheRealRoGueMS]

@@MSRWorkshop I've asked the manufacturer for the wiring diagram so I can see if there's any 5v output available somewhere

[@garysmith174]

I see you are using the blue plastic air line as i did at first. I had trouble with skipping on my engraving on the x axis, Finally figured it was the blue was to stiff and replace with softer tubing which solved the problem. snuffy laser engraving

[@MSRWorkshop]

Yes, just replaced them with a softer line. I may replace again with an even more flexible silicone one. Thanks for the heads up !!

[@ConradpBailey]

What software are you using please?

[@MSRWorkshop]

Light burn

[@ConradpBailey]

@@MSRWorkshop Thank you 😊

[@firulass1572]

Hey buddy, first of all, congratulations on your fantastic channel, and thanks for all your recommendations; I have a question for you. I purchased a new toy for my shop because of you, and now I'm planning to make some upgrades based on your suggestions. My questions are: 1) Since I already bought the CW3000 Water Cooling System, do you think it's necessary for me to install a flow indicator as well? 2)Also, my plan involves cutting PVC vinyl, and I understand the importance of having proper ventilation to remove the smoke, as it can be hazardous to both health and the machine. Could you recommend any systems or methods that I can implement for this purpose? Again thank you so much for your videos and help. best Fred

[@MSRWorkshop]

As far as the flow indicator, it’s really there for some thing for me to watch during the winter because during the winter instead of using the water chiller, I just throw the aquarium pump that comes with the machine into a bucket and then throw a small aquarium heater in there. Having the flow indicator there gives me peace of mind during the winter and let me know My pump is still working and pushing water through the glass tube so it won’t freeze and crack. during the summer it’s really not necessary. As for cutting PVC burning PVC releases chlorine gas, and apparently the gas can be quite harmful to the electronics of the machine and be corrosive as well as toxic . With a good ventilation system, the toxic gas isn’t the biggest concern. It’s the little particles of melted plastic that can get sprayed up into the mirror that can be the problem. I personally haven’t messed with it, but there might be some good resources online with some good suggestions.

[@firulass1572]

​@@MSRWorkshop Thanks a lot for your suggestions 🙌