So my K40 is due to be delivered on Monday (after a failed delivery on Friday)
I have read many posts about upgrading the main board to smoothie or arduino but I know nothing about these boards. Does anyone have a real idiots step by step guide to which board and how to install / program such a board?
Thanks
Pete
@Pete_Sobye welcome and get ready to rumble. Just kidding. Once you get you machine, take pictures of the current board / Power supply. There are a couple of different version and for an upgrade you need to consider those.
@Pete_Sobye Here is a link to a smoothie upgrade blog.
http://smoothieware.org/blue-box-guide
@Pete_Sobye here is one for arduino/Ramps 1.4
@Ariel_Yahni_UniKpty @funinthefalls
Thank you. When the K40 arrives on Monday I will photograph the board and PSU and post here.
Just a point to note is that I will not be using the machine for any fancy graphics engraving. I plan to use it to cut 3mm clear acrylic to make display covers for me and my fellow Radio Ham’s Morse keys. So merely rectangular shapes which will be bonded together to form the cover. Given this, is an upgrade stil worthy as I expect I could do this in its stock format. However I have read that the software is a bit of a pig to use so having the option to use alternative programs will be a bonus.
@Pete_Sobye i think the software is bearable for simple stuff like that. If you know how to draw in ai, inkscape, this will be similar, again for simple stuff
If all you are doing is simple vector cutting I would not bother with the upgrade.
@Ariel_Yahni_UniKpty @funinthefalls
Again, thanks. if the main board isn’t worth an upgrade (although its only £25) would the air assist head from LO be worth it? I may just do the upgrades anyway as I have about £250 to throw at this to get the best out of it.
Air assist head will help cut deeper and faster. Best upgrade you can do
@Pete_Sobye as @funinthefalls said air assist would be a very good choice, mind that not only the head is needed but also air supply. Then I would buy the Z table as you would need to focus onto the material if you go beyond 3mm
@funinthefalls @Ariel_Yahni_UniKpty
Thanks Ariel. I think, for now I will do the Arduino Upgrade as well as Air assist head. The rest can follow later. Is it possible to obtain an SD card with a tried and tested set up on it?
Also Do I still need to photo the board and PSU if I am doing this upgrade:- http://3dprintzothar.blogspot.ca/2014/08/40-watt-chinese-co2-laser-upgrade-with.html
Unless you see something different from that post, you don’t.
No need to go the Smoothie route for what you’re doing. Or even for more complex graphics. The included software (or Corel + the driver to go direct to laser) is fine. I’m only upgrading to streamline my workflow so I can engrave & cut using line colors to designate speed and power. That will let me have a single workflow for my laser and the bigger MakerSpace one I use a lot.
I’m releasing a solderless Aftermarket Controller installation kit in about 2 weeks.(waiting on boards) 100% plug and play (you still have to work through the software, but that’s a prerequsite to any software package).
The “ALLTek Systems K40 controller retrofit Kit” includes 2 logic level shifters and a 3.3v regulator which will be handy if you go with the Arduino route. In addition it includes an upgraded power supply and an interconnect card that plugs into most, if not all K40 variants.
Coming shortly after that will be my “switchable” Retrofit kit which allows you to change between the factory M2Nano controller and any aftermarket controller in seconds, that way, you don’t loose your old work when you go to a upgraded controller. Additionally, it allows you t continue using your factory setup while working out the aftermarket hardware and software. It also is a solder-free kit.
Both Kits come with Complete Instructions, Free support and a 100% satisfied or 100% of your money back guarantee.
While functional, the provided stock K40 M2nano board is far from user friendly, and just getting it running will likely tax your patience. Once you have it figured out, there is a lot you can do with it. That being said, a LOT of people do upgrade. I’m hoping my kits make it feasible for less electronically experienced people do do so easily, as well as make it a whole lot easier for those who are.
Keep me in mind if and when you get there. I’m looking for Beta testers, and will work with you personally to make sure you get it up and running.
Welcome to the K40 Group, and good luck.
PS - You need to hear this BEFORE your K40 arrives:
When you set up your k40, plug the K40 and pump into switchable outlet strip. That way you won’t accidentally start the laser without coolant flow, a common cause of early an instant tube death.
@Scott_Marshall if you need I can beta test
@Ariel_Yahni_UniKpty Drop me an email and I’ll tell what the scoop is. I was going to wait until I proved the board in my machine to mention it here, but am quite confident it won’t need any major revisions. Scott594@aol.com
@Scott_Marshall put me down for a switchable retrofit kit. I am really stoked someone has gone to the trouble to finish out the bits & pieces needed for the Smoothie conversion !
@Jim_Hatch Jim, send me an email, and I’ll send you some particulars on the kit. (board shots and lead times).
I need a few good tester for both kits, patient, as these boards are slow have made, unless you want to pay 10X the going rate.
For Beta testers,
I’m looking for all skill levels, and any format, ie, Smoothie, Arduino Ramps - even homebrew.
Patient individuals that are willing to take their time to report back on problems, positives, and general experience.
My end: I promise if you Beta test my stuff, you will get a price break, and I will work with you personally to make sure you get running.
Right up front, I’m a hardware guy, for software, I’ll help if I can, but I’m not an expert. I’m a retired (due to bad health) Engineer and Industrial controls Business owner.
@Scott_Marshall this would be a good board to test LaserWeb with. It would basically be testing the board to make sure it handles everything correctly, and testing LaserWeb to make sure it can deal with the conversion board OK. Let me know how much you want for one (private message me), and I will see if we still have any funds to get one for testing. I am pretty sure I can find some coin for this board.
@Scott_Marshall Sent you an email. I’ve got both the Smoothie 4X from Arthur’s latest batch he had and an AZSMZ Mini (version 2.1) I picked up a few months ago when Arthur was out of stock of true Smoothie boards.