Building a Lightburn Camera Setup from Scratch! Plus Software Hack!

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This is the camera I used in this video:
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The Louisiana Hobby Guy
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➡️ Pre-Cut Leather - 3" x 48" - 1 Strip - $16.95
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Ortur Laser Master 2 Metal Enclosure, for LU1-2, LU1-3, LU1-4, LU2-4, OLM2-S2-SF:
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The CORRECT glasses for my diode laser!
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CHEAP and effective transfer/mask tape
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Stainless scissor platform for height adjustment of my bed
Several sizes to choose from
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Steel bed for my other laser:
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"Punk Spikes" for the steel bed:
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LED light bases - 2-pack - CHEAP and nice!
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10-pack of Acrylic, 5x7 clear
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#LaserMATIC #Roly Lasermatic10 #ortur #orturlasermaster2 #lightburn #tutorial #Atomstack #Aufero

[@theknotwoodworking2366]

Phenomenal! Had no idea LB was capable of this! TY for teaching!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Happy to help!

[@ijakers]

Fantastic as always! I’ll be ordering parts tomorrow.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

*Awesome Isaac!*

[@reneemitchell1650]

Wanted to thank you for your videos. I am a newcomer to Lightburn and have learned so much.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

You're very welcome Renee!

[@sammcmoor]

Hi Rich, great Video again. Thanks for your work 👍🏼

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

My pleasure Sam! Thanks for watching!

[@merrillalbury8214]

I have a camera I use to monitor my burns. This is a great idea and thanks for the ideas.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Glad it was helpful Merrill!

[@krisquinney637]

Just got a laser engraver and your videos have helped me so much thank you. 😁

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Great to hear it Kris!

[@3DHP]

Excellent video, This was the process I used for my K40 basically. Have a Great Christmas.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks, you too Jerry!

[@nigozeroichi2501]

I down loaded lightburn today and I'm so glad I discovered your channel, I'm definitely getting a camera setup, after watching some of your videos and the short time I've played around with lightburn, it is an amazing piece of software,

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Awesome! 👍 Thanks for watching!

[@MrHbtexas]

Man your videos are so helpful !! I bought a 1.99 new camera at goodwill , Made mount arms out of pvc pipe. Total cost 3 bux ?? and a hour of time ,,set it up using your video . And have never been more pleased with my laser camera functions Thank you !

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Nice work, and great tip; thanks!

[@doninvermont2008]

Another great video Rich! I would love to see one how to "completely" clean up the license plate trace. Keep 'em coming!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I have a trace video somewhere... my old brain can't remember which one it is! 🤪

[@guidoavidano5809]

Extremely useful! Thanks!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Glad it was helpful Guido!

[@dougmoore5209]

As always, an excellent video!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it Doug!

[@dw6521]

I am so going to set a camera up on my Comgo Z1, thanks for the video

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Go for it! It's awesome!

[@ioannisathanasiadis4867]

I 've used a spare back up camera from my car and is working fine.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yep, you can get away with any camera as long as you calibrate it properly! 👍

[@tomreynolds5572]

Very good info. Thank you.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks Tom!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

*UPDATE* Lightburn Software responded and said my calibrating sheet was too large. I reduced it by 50% and the lens calibrated perfectly! *Thank you @Lightburn Software! This is mostly a DIY build. I added the software hack if you can't get your camera working, which many people can't. Yes, there are multiple ways to get it working, but the hack just takes less time and works just as well. *Hope you enjoy the video!*

[@michaelgyimah9731]

how did you get the sheet 50%? having same issue calibrating.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

@@michaelgyimah9731 In the printer settings, I changed the size to 50%.

[@mateuszm5696]

Great tutorial! Keep them coming :)

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks Mateusz, will do!

[@FranktheDachshund]

Thank you for providing this great content.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffteeter501]

Oh Rich, I love your videos but I usually fall asleep while watching. I then sleep through two or three videos and have to try to go back and watch them later. I am really very grateful for your work and willingness to share your knowledge. I was a newbie when I started watching you and have learned a great deal from you. Thank you!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

🤪 Thanks for watching Jeff!

[@TheUnofficialMaker]

are you 80? lol

[@TripleJAu]

A big thanks I came across this channel after watch LaserEverything KZbin channel and you were on that

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks J! I had fun with Alex!

[@Crewman2770]

Nice informative video, keep them coming. 👍🇬🇧👍

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks, will do Tony!

[@gothmaniow]

what a superb video !!! not only showing how to hack a non LB camera but also how to install an over head camera jig :O bloody amazing!! i think that the guys at lightburn should take your idea with the overhead cam jig and sell these as an addon you buy in a kit as this idea is the best ive seen and it looks like it was made for the laser just spot on!!! 😃😃😃😃👍

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Wow! Glad you liked it! Thank you! ✔️

[@spammingeddie924]

Hello Rich, I found your channel on a sienci forum linking to this video. Setting up my machine is time consuming and I am getting to a point that I am going to focus on remote monitoring and controling the machine to the point I only have to put down material on it. I already have my cadcam software running in VR on my oculus quest, so I can virtualy control the machine and the pc it is running on, from anywhere (mostly home.) I was and still am going to point a view security cameras at the machine because that system is working 24/7 and already up and running, but this lightburn camera hack of yours is must have next level and I am so gratefull I came across it on that forum. Even if it might not be compatible with an 48-30 inch machinebed you wont use completely anyhow when using the laserfunction, I must look into this camera integration you have going on your machine. I love it! Thank you again!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

My pleasure! If you get a fisheye camera at the right height, a 4830 should be no problem at all.

[@GiovanniMartins22]

Rich to the rescue again. Many thanks!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks Giovanni!

[@hefalump56]

Love this video too, Rich. I was a little confused at first, as I didn't see anywhere where you said to plug the camera into a USB port on your computer. You did mention about cable length and reaching the computer. So I assumed you meant it plugs into a USB port on the PC/Mac/Linux computer. I opened the camera control in light burn and added my laptop's camera to confirm that my assumption was right. 😉 Thank again.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Glad it was helpful Kiwi!

[@tiffannystipe9626]

This is awesome thank u!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Glad you like it Tiffanny!

[@JoseCastro-qd8jt]

Life saver, best tutorials

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Awesome! 👍 Thanks for watching!

[@toddgriffiths8405]

Absolutely awesome great job Had to stop video to buy a camera lol Then re watched the video

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it Todd! I do that all the time myself 🤪

[@woodknack1]

I just bought a cheap $9 webcam off amazon and set my laser (Sculpfun S9) up with 2020 extrusions like how you did yours. thanks for the idea. Worked great. I've been having so much fun with Lightburn and this new camera setup. Makes it so easy to play around with stuff now. Just been grabbing anything I can find to set on the bed then update the photo and put text on and burn. Comes out perfect. Alot better than I thought it would work. Kepp up they great videos. I went from knowing nothing in light burn to having fun learning it now!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Awesome! I'm glad that you were able to do it! The camera makes it so much more fun and you waste a lot less material! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheRoadRoamer]

What webcam did you buy? I'm new to Lasering and would like to get this capability but my budget got stretched by my initial purchase so the low price you mentioned intrigued me.

[@turboflush]

Def a future upgrade for me

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

It's worth the effort!

[@ricksattelysattely16]

Great job

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks so much!

[@graceland75]

Thanks Rich, I see the benefits

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Opens up a whole new world for people doing production work John.

[@joemartinez5673]

Your videos are absolutely helpful. You have a certain way of explaining everything so easy. I wonder if you could recommend a camera for an Omtech 80 W laser? Thank you and keep up the AMAZING work!!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Measure the distance from the honeycomb bed to wherever you want to mount the camera Joe. Then in Lightburn, click Help --> Camera selection help. Enter your bed size, and it'll tell you what camera to buy based on the mounting distance.

[@eddiestephen4353]

Another excellent video Buddy, well done, will do the same after the holidays. Quick question, which laser engraver did you fix this camera to...? regards Eddie.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

The new Ortur Pro, V 10, LF, but don't tell anyone Eddie! I haven't gotten the video of it up yet! 😎

[@j4nch]

That's so cool! Thank you :) I will definitly try that once I built my case. What air assist nozzle are you using? Is this for the NEJE 80w?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No, it's the Ortur LM2 Pro, V-10, LF. It comes with the air assist.

[@chiefus3536]

Hi Rich, Great videos. Sorry if I missed something in there. You talked about the x/y shift setup. Not sure what you mean. Has a video been done on how to go about this. Cheers Robert.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

It's in the video Chief. X & Y shift can be done on the Camera tab.

[@chrislx2006]

Had the same issue with one of the cameras I used, fix was to print the dot pattern half-sized then it recognised it (that was also an 8MP 3rd party camera). Worth a try. Anyway yes - having the camera is very useful indeed. Lightburn itself still throws up errors with weird offsets sometimes (even with one of their own cameras) so keep checking with the frame button if burning on something valuable. Also, if you find your camera window freezes and the Update Overlay button greys out, just select camera = none, then reselect your camera again. It will start working again. It's a known issue... As a final step after you have marked your 4 circles for alignment and the wizard completes, draw two diagonal lines from the their centers before you move anything. Burn those then update the overlay, you will immediately see if there are any errors in alignment and you can adjust the X-Y offsets and scale (height). Hopefully it's already spot on but if not you can make those fine adjustments. Hit 'Save Settings' to keep those offsets for next time.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I've been using the camera for a while now Chris. I haven't had any of the problems you talk about yet. The camera freezing is a USB issue. I've already forwarded the information to Jason, the owner of Lightburn. But this video was just a build and work around the known issues that so many people just give up on. Thanks for watching and your feedback!

[@chrislx2006]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy Oh yes Lightburn has an issue with only USB2 all right, trying to cope with a high bandwidth 8MP camera data stream and also stream GCODE out at the same time sometimes means it can't keep up.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

@@chrislx2006 I've never had an issue. It's two separate processes and pathways.

[@kennethrich2107]

Interesting

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Works great! I finally got a good alignment. Had to use a white background in the calibration.

[@rgmtb]

This was a wonderful video! I have a question that I can't seem to get answered. I'm using a much smaller laser with a print area of only 180 x 180. It is an Aufero Laser 1 and I was wondering if you think I could add a camera to it. I'm asking because during your setup LightBurn says it needs at least 200x200 which is larger than my print area. Your thoughts? Thank you again!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I'm sure you can get it to work. Give it a try with any webcam if have one laying around.

[@dpicts]

I know this is late, but maybe it will help someone else: Use the Scale option to lower it. For example, set scale = 80 (%) and it will make it a 160x160 ... conversely you can scale up to cover a bigger area.

[@MrJfrutuoso1972]

I just loved your video and i would like to know where did you get the parts for the support, I'm in Portugal and we only have access to the Spanish Amazon, you said in the video that there were links for them, but I cannot find them..., please help... I'm preparing myself to have my first laser engraver and I hope I did the right choice

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I got them on Amazon. I just searched for 3D printer parts.

[@AndrewR74]

Hey Rich - Thank you very much for this - Question - have you tried to use a USB HUB connecting the camera and the laser to lightburn using the hub and a single cable to to the computer. My Laptop that I'm connected to the laser with, only has 1 USB port. Thanks Andrew

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No, they can't be connected that way. Lightburn will be introducing IP Camera support soon though.

[@ronstaton3622]

Can you do a short video on that camera gantry you made? I want to do the same but I’m not sure how hard it is to cut aluminum or make.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

This was a video on the camera setup. Aluminum is very easy to cut. I just used a regular hack saw.

[@christopherdivirgilio9861]

Lots of great info, Rich. Can you please give a little love to those of us operating CO2 lasers? Happy Christmas.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Same to you Christopher! I just have so little experience with the C02, mostly the K40. That'll change after the New Year. I'm thinking of doing 2-part videos. First half diode, 2nd C02, same projects.

[@christopherdivirgilio9861]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy That would be awesome. You have that CO2 beauty sitting there mocking me ... Haha. I have been a K40 user for all of one month but things are starting to come together nicely. Look forward to your CO2 video series. Cheers!

[@hpd6119]

Hey Rich! Sorry if you've answered this, but I didn't see it, I was wondering if you know whether or not Light Burn had started supporting USB 3 cameras since you created this video? Your knowledge of laser engraving and Lightburn is amazing and I hope you know what a tremendous service you do the community by sharing. Thanks and if you ever venture up to western Montana, I'd be happy to show you around! Thanks again sir! -Steve

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Not officially, but I'll ask the owner when I go to the LBX in 2 weeks.

[@hpd6119]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy Wow, thanks!

[@hyepocps3749]

great video. ordered the camera and 2020. question, i have foxalien reizer mega, the 15" on the vertical still apply? or what should I measure the 15" from lens to ___________ ? appreciate your help.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

You have to check the camera chart: lightburnsoftware.github.io/NewDocs/UsingACamera.html#choosing-a-camera

[@gretaorgan4382]

Hi Rich thank you for this video. I have a light burn camera it’s setup calibrated etc. so when try putting coasters down it doesn’t engrave on the right spot? Can you help TIA

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I can't explain in a comment any better than in the video Greta. But calibrations need to be done for every material size, and then click Save Settings with a name matching the material. I have 6 saved settings in my camera tab.

[@sitgesvillaapartmentneilsc7924]

Great Video, thank you, technically its not really a hack, its built into the software but the manual for the camera in lightburn is utterly dreadful and new users are left wondering what the hell to do. I have asked many times for Lightburn to produce some better training videos and some tutorials in their documentation on the setup and workflow. The camera option in Lightburn is outstanding and in my opinion half the cost of the software is worth it just for this function. I have set up many different types of cameras on my C02 lasers and even used a 50mm Pancake DSLR lens on a old Nikon I have retired , Its perfect as a camera in lightburn even, the resolution is incredible an I have managed to place a dot on to some paint on the top of a pin. It does take awhile though to get that rez sorted. If your running Lightburn and a laser then install a camera now, you will open up so much more or what Lightburn can do and how your workflow can be improved and totally changed in some instances. For alignment it is critical to use the overlay always, you cna then easily put text on the side of pencils , chopsticks and other similar things . It really just makes life a lot easier.... I will continue to kick Lightburn nicely to get this cameras sorted. You should be aware though that by using a non lightburn camera on Windows your settings will always default to the lowest resolution for that lens, its a problem and the only way to change this is to use a lightburn camera.which has had a modification made to it. If your a Mac owner like me then its not a issue. Couple of points, If youre using T nuts or drops in be careful , they are not safe until they are tightly done up! If your using those small angle brackets, use a square as they are easy to tighten off centre, they fracture easily as well if over square, use the A frame or a support to help them. In Camera Calibration if your not 15 inches above the bed you may very well have problems calibrating, if this is the case like with K40 users and those who are under the 15 inch distance then you can calibrate off laser, simply put your calibration card on the wall or the floor and hold using a tripod or other support your camera above or at the calibration card until you get a perfect calibration then simply remount the camera back in the machine and carry on. I have decided to subscribe, its a good training video and well presented. Thanks again

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I appreciate the comments, *thanks!*

[@mjxplant]

As a side question: What are you using to arch your x-axis wire? Mine keeps getting caught up and that looks easier than adding the angle bar and drag chain for the x-axis.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I used a small piece of leftover 12/3 electrical ground wire from the shop renovation. Zip tied it to the laser in a vertical position and bent it and zip tied it on the frame on the other side, as well as to the wiring in a few places. It works really well! It stays up and bends back and forth with the laser wiring. I've run over 100 jobs on it since installing it, and it performs perfectly. I like little DIY hacks 😎

[@LarryDMitchell]

EDIT: Disregard the focal length question. I went to the Amazon site and it's 40mm to infinity. Looks like that part will work. Rich, great video. I have the OLM3 and think I may have to attach a base to either my waste board (the OLM3 is attached to it via the footpads) or make a plate large enough to support the camera frame and put it underneath the waste board. I have a soft side enclosure and I'm wondering do you think the focal length of your camera short enough that I can install the camera at a height where I can use the enclosure too?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I don't know Larry. You have to click Help --> Camera Selection help to see the minimum height of the different lenses.

[@jimmyjones6389]

Hi and thanks for this. Can I use a Gopro?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I wouldn't Jimmy. You have to really pick the right camera lens for the height you mount it. Click Help --> Camera Selection Help

[@giuliomilani907]

Hi, which air system do you use for Ortur? Have you same link to buy this? Thanks

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I use an ultra-quiet California Air Tools shop compressor set at 12psi. I also have a Pawfly 8-Way Aquarium splitter valve on it with some custom hoses so I can provide air to multiple lasers. The shop compressor is super quiet, and unlike my old aquarium pump which ran all the time, it only runs when it needs to refill the tank.

[@philpear8043]

Hi Rich, thank you for a great demo. I have purchased all of the items needed in the link, but need some additional help. I have a friend that has a 3D printer, but has never used anything other than files on it. Can you provide a like to the camera housing or guidance on where I could go to find the 3D file? Thanks again....

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

The file is available on my account on tinkercad.com. Search for The Louisiana Hobby Guy

[@philpear8043]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy Thank you Rich...It is greatly needed and appreciated

[@stanmiller3676]

Great video brother! I have a question in reference to the software hack. Would I use this with a LightBurn camera when I'm using the medium enclosure due to height difference? I have my camera connected to the medium length extrusion that came with it and is attached to the upper rear and middle support of the enclosure. I was able to calibrate the camera lense and the alignment per your video, but my numbers on my target paper were flipped for some reason. Also the setting you have at 100 in the alignment screen, would that need to change to get the proper size because the camera is now about 460mm and not 570 from the engraving surface, where they recommend? Thanks for you help. I hope I wasn't confusing. This seems to be the work around I come up with if you don't have the large high enclosure.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

You have to check the Lightburn suggestions to find the minimum height for your camera. Anywhere above that min is fine. In Lightburn, click, Help --> Camera selection help and fill that out to see what the min distance is for your work area and camera lens Stan.

[@stanmiller3676]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy thank you brother!

[@craigreich8046]

Link for Lightburn Camera Documentation: is down and 2020 Series Aluminum Profile Connector Set no longer available. But I found other if you search.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

lightburnsoftware.github.io/NewDocs/UsingACamera.html#choosing-a-camera Products come and go Craig depending on stock.

[@OutfoxedYa]

Great video as always but this wouldn’t fit in my enclosure. This I would call a luxury upgrade rather than an essential one so will pass on this one but can see why some people would find it useful 👍🏻

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Fair enough!

[@merrillalbury8214]

My enclosure allows me to mount a camera to the top cover, effective in achieving the same results.

[@barearsed]

There is a cheap 1080p webcam that works well with lightburn that you can pick up on Amazon. It is auto focus and costs about 35 bucks Australian. Turns out to be a reasonable quality camera. 110 degree wide angle lens so it will even work with larger beds. cost less than $30.00 usd.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Nice Poppy Time! Thanks for the info!

[@chrislx2006]

Better off with manual focus, the focus position isn't going to change once set and in the camera control window, if you use it to watch what is going on, the light from the laser sends the autofocus system loopy... Not an issue with fixed focus.

[@barearsed]

@@chrislx2006 I didn't think about that. I have a CO2 laser and I don't have that problem.

[@kittyrings]

Hi, Rich...I'am at a loss here with the camera. Believe it or not YOU and Computer Creationz are the only two that do a demo on the camera! Anyway, I've calibrated the LightBurn camera ( 5 - 120) and it is working perfectly ( I did it your way with the white background) However...I've done exactly as you both have done...make an update to show working area.. which has my 4" x 4'" square coaster in the middle of the bed.I made my graphic (actually yours the angry bird...lol) and put it in the center. When framing the laser it went to the right and framed a square......no where near the actual coaster square. Am I missing something? Ya, I've got XTool D1 10 Watt. She doesn't like to play well with LightBurn.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

The last sentence says it all Kat 🤪 I can only say to try and recalibrate.

[@billmartin6687]

Fantastic video and a great help to me as Im a newbie. Do you perchance have the codes for the camera enclosure please.? Thank you again . Please stay safe. Bill M8-) Haddington. Scotland.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yes Bill, this is the large enclosure: amzn.to/3mH81OQ

[@waynerowe8477]

I realize this video is a little bit older, and the links may have changed. But the only camera related item I could find in the description links is the Comgraw complete kit. I was wondering where you actually got the camera from and if you possibly had the Stl for the enclosure. Or is this better than the “hack” the video is about?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

You can use any board camera for this.

[@waynerowe8477]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy just got a 16mp elp and the extrusions similar to yours from Amazon. Looking forward to setting this up tomorrow! Thanks for the video!

[@BeamSmith-xo6ws]

where are the materials for the build of the camera stand?A link to this camera what you are using there in this video is also missing.but thanks for the video helps definitive.Found everything in your amazon store

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

All of the supplies should be in my Amazon store.

[@teresa6775]

I just purchased the xtool s1 and I just want the camera so I can monitor the machine for errors, fires, and such, so I don't have to sit there during a long sessions babysitting it.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I don't know why they left out a camera!

[@wolfie3376]

I have tried this and your other video about absolute coordinates and user origin in the hope it would solve my problem with the camera ! It did'nt solve my problem, I'm using a 3018 pro with a 5.5 watt laser . I can use lightburn and have been getting better with it until I saw my first video about using a webcam with it . It has been a terrible nightmare since then, I set up a camera the same way you did before seing your video. Now I think the big problem with mine is that thee Y axes is a moving bed and not the type you have where the laser is on a moving x and y axes ! for the past 3 weeks I have tried every possible thing to get it to work and the closest I have gotten is being able to do the dot focus test and move on to the camera calibration and print that but it is always facing away from me in other words if it printed out in the proper orientation on your machine and you picked up the piece it was on and turned it 180 degrees, thats as far as I can get. I have changed the $3 , the $ 23 to every combination I can think of ,tried turning the camera facing 4 different ways , looked at god knows how many videos, tried the lightburn forum and with them because it has a moving y bed they cant seam to figure it out either . I know there must be some way to get it to work, but today after 3 weeks of pulling my hair out and my mind going numb I took off the camera in order to remain sane !

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

That's too bad Jeff. I can't imagine what the problem is.

[@tsjipo1]

do you have to align the camera every time you go up and down the bed? sorry for the bad english

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No, the camera alignment is done only once.

[@xolveria]

WHERE DID YOU PLUG IT IN TO.. the laser engraver ?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

The camera plugs into the computer USB port.

[@davidjacobs8558]

I think it would be easier to just buy and use "document cameras" with their built in stands. if lightburn supports them.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

You would be recalibrating it a lot David. The camera has to be solidly fixed in place to be accurate.

[@ohnonotbunny]

Do you make the housing unit for the camera to sell?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No, I made a really crappy one in a hurry. But you can find them on Thingiverse. It's a standard size. You don't actually need one though, I found out afterward.

[@Vale-pe3ci]

I want link for camera please

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

It's on Amazon, the link I had doesn't work anymore.

[@shughes599]

Would a camera attached to lightburn be able to also feed webcam monitoring? I’ll buy a cheap web cam for safety monitoring if not.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I don't know Scott. They do make USB splitters, so maybe.

[@chato6210]

Not sure which 8MP lightburn camera to buy I'm new to laser engraving, which do you recommend...85 degree or 120W degree? I just bought a xtool D1 laser engraver and 20W diode. Thank you in advance I would really appreciate your help.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Click Help --> Camera Selection Help in Lightburn Chato!

[@thomascorcoran2975]

With the software hack do you have to calibrate every object you put in there or just something like you did or could I put let’s a wooden spoon in the 8x10 area and it will engrave where ever I put the graphic or letters

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

You just calibrate once. I found that increasing the print size of the dots to 200% eliminates the need for the hack.

[@thomascorcoran2975]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy awesome thanks for the help, I’m new to laser engraving and your videos have helped me a ton

[@kevindavis1219]

Would you recommend this camera you used or the one Lightburn sells on their website?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Either one works just fine Kevin.

[@kevindavis1219]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy sounds good. Thank you for you prompt reply.

[@Chucka1463]

I don't have enough space for the Sony camera you recommend. Could I use the 180 degree lens on that same Amazon page for this?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yes Chuck, see the Lightburn camera selector first. Click Help --> Camera Selection Help in Lightburn.

[@Chucka1463]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately there is no mention of a 180 degree camera there. I hope it will work.

[@hectorflores6666]

Hi Rich how did you come up with the Width -5.5 / heigh 3.0 x shift 3.0 and y shift 8.5?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

By adjusting it incrementally and testing it. I later found that printing the test pattern at 200% and laying it on a white background made the calibration go flawlessly, and it needed no adjustments Hector.

[@hectorflores6666]

I just saw your follow up video

[@dafyddgould9485]

hi, im looking at making my own camera stand for a camera FOV about 160 degrees, im wondering how you mounted the frame of the camera stand to the laser frame

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I explained it in the video and links to all of the parts are in the description.

[@dafyddgould9485]

@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy must of missed the part about how it's connected to the laser frame

[@alejandromartinezjr7244]

Where can I get a camera Rich any links?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

You can use any USB camera Alejandro. This is one I used on my Co2: amzn.to/3Tu90jr

[@alejandromartinezjr7244]

Thanks, Rich I'm learning a lot from you and enjoying all your videos, I also joined your forum where I found your video Thanks again 😀

[@TheUnofficialMaker]

will this work on monport 60w? Mine just arrived.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I just glued mine to the cover on the Monport.

[@ijakers]

Hey Rich, would you mind tell me how you can up with the 15” height for the camera or point me in the correct direction on the website?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

In Lightburn, click Help --> Camera selection help Isaac.

[@ijakers]

Oh ok thanks Rich! I did look at that but the minimum I found seems to be 18.77” on. My ortur Lm2 unless I’m looking at the wrong camera? I have the same camera you used in your video. Am I misunderstanding something?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I don't know. I used the recommended settings, unless something has changed.

[@Georgeprospero]

do you know why i got a blurry image through my 8mp cam? on the windows app the image is much clearer! and when i am trying to select custom on camera settings the camera isn't working.. only with default setting it shows..

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Maybe the camera has a manual focus? Hard to tell you since there are so many cameras out there.

[@217RockStar217]

Could this be done with wood? The camera frame that is, attached to the already existing wood frame and spoil board The only thing to get right is the measure from lens to surface right?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

That is correct! Yes lots of people have done it that way!

[@217RockStar217]

Great I'll have to look for some to get some inspiration etc Thanks!

[@joseluis-vl6qh]

Would any camera work. Or what are recommendations?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Click Help --> Camera Selection Help Jose.

[@stevebowers1629]

Im not sure I understand your reply when you said "This is the one of the two I use Steve. It covers the entire bed. You can't make it anything but a fisheye" How do you get rid of the fisheye effect it produces and get a nice straight shot like in your video?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I just checked the link in the video and it appears the seller changed the product. The ones I got were 74.8°, not 180. I changed the link: amzn.to/3UfmwE3 - Sellers do this manage and move reviews around to different products.

[@stevebowers1629]

Purchased another camera after you said how the vendors change items on you. Verified it is supposed to be non fish eye but when installing the picture still shows fisheye type picture. Is there some other setting I am missing?

[@axeldejesus2060]

Hello Rich. I just got a Comgrow Camera Module for my OML3 and am trying to figure out how to mount it. As you know, the back of the OML3 is not flat so I do not know if I should build a platform to mount it on the grid board. The camera came with some plates to mount is to the back of the machine, but they are too short. Any ideas? Thanks.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I would probably just screw in the plate with some self tapping tech screws Axel.

[@axeldejesus2060]

Drill into the frame? Are there any cables or components inside the back frame?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Take a look!

[@lonniedupont]

Wow I didn't know cameras could do all that.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Once you have a camera, you'll never go back!

[@ebelanger73]

When you do your calibration, the image is blurry. Is it because 8MP is not enough or your focusing ring is not set correctly?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No, I was using the wrong size print out.

[@ebelanger73]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy can you share an image of what’s it look like after using the right size chart? Do you have a sharp image when you click on the center of the alignment target?

[@merrillalbury8214]

Usb 2.0. Just the cable or computer slot?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I don't think the hardware port matters, but the cable does Merrill.

[@merrillalbury8214]

Thanks

[@ron9581]

Hi Rich great Video but did not me with the problem I am having? I have set up my camera (A Lightburn 160 fisheye from Lightburn) and it will not hold its settings. it moves to a different place when I restart Lightburn I have set it using the X & Y settings and saving them when correct. (not sure if Lightburn is saving settings? I am New to all this can you please help me Regards Ron (from England)

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

It's kind of hard to help in a YT comment. But you can join my free forum. You'll get answers there: lahobbyguy.com/bb/

[@ron9581]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy Hello thank you for your reply. I will give that a go.

[@woodknack1]

I noticed your laser is not in an enclosure. How do you take care of smoke coming off your laser?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I have an 1100 cfm smoke extraction built into the wall that you can't see in the video at the back of the laser, or maybe if you looked hard enough you might see it. It exhausts all the smoke from the laser.

[@woodknack1]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy oh? looks like just a wall behind your diode laser and the other wall has a co2 laser. Sorry don't see any extraction, was just curious because I was trying to decide if I want to put my diode laser in a box or not. I bought a 230cfm duct fan and put that in the window behind it but doesn't seem strong enough to get all the smoke it.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

@@woodknack1 No, a 230 would need an enclosure. 750+ and the enclosure is unnecessary.

[@stevebowers1629]

So I used your link to get the camera and when I received it, it came as a fish eye lense. Going back to the link I discovered it was in fact a fish eye lense. Any idea on how to make it a standard lense? Sorry. Guess I should have read the details description before ordering.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

This is the one of the two I use Steve. It covers the entire bed. You can't make it anything but a fisheye.

[@dalepersch5620]

Thanks for all the valuable information contained in your videos. They are very informative and helpful. I am attempting to replicate your camera setup. I’ve searched your page and can’t seem to locate the .stl print file for the camera mount. Is this file available? Again, thanks for the videos.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No, but you can find a ton of the board mounts on Thingiverse.

[@dalepersch5620]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy ok, thanks. I’ll search around. What’s the length of the aluminum extrusion. I’m attempting to replicate your set up.

[@dalepersch5620]

No worries, I think that I may have figured it out for myself. As stated before, I am attempting to replicate your exact set up. My apologizes and thank you for the informative videos.

[@Now-YouKnow]

I don't understand one thing why did you have to do the offset couldn't you done it during the initial calibration?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I didn't do the initial calibration! I have a camera that's not compatible.

[@Now-YouKnow]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy, No I saw that I guess what I meant when you did the paper with the four corners why wouldnt you just do it for a bigger size to begin with

[@chrislx2006]

@@Now-YouKnow Yes you can adjust the size of the pattern with the 'Scale' parameter and it's wise to set it to maybe 80% of bed. This isn't an incompatible camera - if Lightburn requests a hi-res image and when you click the 'Capture' button and it gets one back then it's compatible. If Lightburn requests a hi-res image and gets a crappy 640x480 image back (like it does with a Logitech C920 webcam) then it's incompatible. Everything else depends on scale of the dot pattern and whether the background is clean. The distortion correction algorithm doesn't cope well with a complex pattern in the background and can be a bit fussy at the best of times.

[@beansandwiched]

Brandon has been really popular lately.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

😲😲🤪

[@beansandwiched]

I'm on a tight budget. Is there any way of using a cheaper camera? Thanks!!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yup, almost any webcam will work. I used to use a $14 one.

[@tommyharbofriis]

Hello, u know alot in this area, i run Sculpfun S9 with home switch and it works good. My problem is the i do Align procedure at 5,35 min the machine just take off and hit upper fight Frame If i dont stop it, so i cant do Aligment finish, the frist part Camera with the Dots works fine, anyone have a idea Why My laser do not stop and burn the 4 round but just pass All the way to end of Frame?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

You probably have the origin set wrong in the Device Settings.

[@tommyharbofriis]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy Thx, but i thoght it was auto set when doping Holing?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Check it, that's probably the problem. There is no auto setup unless you used a .lbdev file.

[@tommyharbofriis]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy Thx, this stuff for on the right track 👍

[@pamelabrown3057]

I don't understand the alinement thing.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Maybe watch it again Pamela? Lightburn cameras have to be calibrated and aligned to work.

[@Markusaur]

im sorry friend I enjoy the content you put out. its been seriously helpfull in my endeavours with my own laser project. but ive got to call it! @13.24 the laser turns onto the glass.. you can see its reflection. it doesnt frame the picture frame perfectly and entirely like you say.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

You called it wrong my friend 😎 It in fact does frame perfectly! There are only vectors on the bottom and both sides! If you look at 11:42 you'll see that the text only goes 3/4 of the way up the sides. That's as far as the framing will go. It will only frame where there is text or images.

[@barearsed]

Is that a raspberry pi camera?

[@floridalove]

No, it's not.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No, just a regular board camera off Amazon.