Hi everyone, Peter has given me plenty of good reasons and resources to begin converting the Lasersaur’s outdated system to smoothieware to use with LaserWeb.
In my understanding, LaswerWeb is simply run from the link provided, and then the user adds the configuration, and then imports an image, which is then converted to Gcode. The instructions then state to, “…run it on the machine with some other firmware.” What does this entail when it comes to smoothieboard?
Second, in LaserWeb2, it shows the “incomplete Config” message. What do I need to do to complete this configuration and how much Gcode knowledge do I need to have in order to use this software?
Third, this laser cutter will be used by students at our University and without my presence which will not be around for future assistance. Once the configuration is set, I assume we just backup the settings? …and will an “idiot” be able to use it?
Sorry if these questions are already answered and if they are, could someone point me to the resource?
LaserWeb2 is for Gcode creation only. You would use another program, such as pronterface, to send the Gcode to the laser. LaserWeb3 is the current work in progress, will be the CAM system as well as the sender software. Changes are being made daily as it is under current development. But once it is somewhat finalized, it will be the preffered software to use with a smoothieboard.
Thanks Anthony, I forgot about pronterface - that completes that picture.
Peter, thanks - nice to know it can be backed up and exported.
I know that I didn’t fill out all the fields for the config but what I’m unsure about is the “GCODE” fields in the settings.
I’m assuming that the “greyed out” gcode information in the GCODE section is simply an example but how do I know what to input in those areas? Is this where you tell me to go learn more about gcode or is there an easier answer? 
You just place your cursor on the box and type in the number, it will overwrite the greyed out values. The values will depend on the firmware you are running. G28 is the standard to home the toolhead. You can leave the laser on and off boxes greyed out as smoothieware does not need them.
Do I need lasaurgrbl? I thought since I’d replace basically the brains of the lasersaur it wouldn’t matter since the entire system would be run from/through smoothieboard. Do I thought I basically hook up the board, use lw2 or 3, export the G-code to pronterface and then to smoothie and cut something. If this is not the case, what would you recommend? Sorry for so many questions
I know my terminology is still lacking so maybe I’m just not getting something here. I believe you mean I couldn’t use pronterface if I tried to run it with the existing driveboard from NortdLabs
Aaaahhh so now all I need is lw3 because it not only converts files to gcode, but it is also cnc control (ie like Mach3 for cnc routers?)
I hope I got you. I don’t wanna give you an aneurysm
Ok understood thank you for your patience.