Well I will be using PWM on Smoothie is the plan.
@donkjr I know you prefer the L approach. I like replacing the pot. It keeps settings absolute and works for my customers.
I need to go get some connectors etc. 30cm snow today but that won’t stop me lol
@raykholo the problem is not that it will not work and not that I prefer it. I will just say it, with respectful disaproval: “ITS A HACK”.
Its that the use of IN as an input from smoothie digital PWM creates unpredictable power control levels. (That per-job tweaking will correct).
I have proven this tecnically every way I know how to. No-one has found anything wrong with using “L” even though it is simpler, more predictable and uses less parts? Go figure!
No offense guys I don’t want to start anything here. You both provided great info, Which one is “better” is like 3d printing and calibrating the extruder by steps or by multiplier. I do not want to use a pot I’d like to have it all software controlled via the pwn 1.23 pin
@Chris_Menchions 
you aren’t starting anything new. @raykholo , others and I have been bantering this for some time. Nothing personal intended.
BTW you do need the pot to adjust max power as the laser wears and you need to keep power under 18ma. You don’t want to have to keep changing config file %.
The L controls the power from smoothie and pot controls intensity.
Ok I thought so glad thats clearer. going to size this up now