Software stack

[ttsgeb]

At Chattlab, we use LightBurn, https://lightburnsoftware.com, for controlling the laser. It is paid software (Martin edits: $80, one-time), but works VERY well at a reasonable price. It might be compatible with this laser's controller.
Inkscape is quite useful for preparing SVGs for the cutter software.

[Hurricos]

Notwithstanding further input from @DaBlender, I'm pretty sure this is a critical item (I've removed at least the ~noncrit).

The seller does not have the installation CD or ... "soft dog" ... mentioned by the manual. I've not checked in with CAMFIVE's support line, but I don't know if their software is downloadable.

I guess that for testing, it's not critical we have software. The OEM control panel has a "Pulse" button which can be used to fire the laser when everything is ready.

[Hurricos]

It doesn't appear it's possible to download SmartCarve.

The SEO-prioritized link for it is here, which ultimately leads only to dead links.

@heaventwig or @DaBlender - any update on controller software? If not, we should consider replacing the controller with a Ruida.

[Hurricos]

It appears that the "softdog" is required for SmartCarve to work:

https://en.industryarena.com/forum/smartcarve-cant-find-smartcarve4s-softdog--253972.html

Anyways, it looks like it's now necessary to replace the controller ($650 + shipping at most), or pay ~$250 for a new "softdog".

[DaBlender]

That would be sweet. I’ve contacted manufacturer and seeing if there is a solution. I’d prefer direct from lightcarve. But if they have an install and iso maybe it works out. Can prob fake usb mount it.

…

On Tue, Sep 17, 2024 at 7:12 PM Martin Kennedy ***@***.***> wrote: It appears that the "softdog" is *required* for SmartCarve to work: https://en.industryarena.com/forum/smartcarve-cant-find-smartcarve4s-softdog--253972.html Anyways, it looks like it's now necessary to replace the controller. — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#11 (comment)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/ABOGLWUMEYELW7WOXISGCHTZXCZNXAVCNFSM6AAAAABOHGVSNSVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZDGNJXGEZTKNRQGE> . You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[DaBlender]

I was directed to lightburn by another owner. Smart carve is available via the cam5 website under support then manuals. I verified it installs and does need a soft dog. I saw a potential source for the dongle on eBay and reseller for $125 I believe. I don’t currently have time to debug and skip that conditional currently, and lightonject.com suggests this. https://lightobject.com/r6-dsp-controller-card-for-co2-laser-machine/. Manual here fig 3.3 has the wiring https://mega.nz/file/txJmwbgJ#Q-7hiu9F9f7JPQg65X_kyKIIfMTbwX1TiAAzXgaMQRQ. Listed at $395. I did not quickly see good info to find wiring info for current controller. I believe I have a remote continuity tester/no contact probe that may speed up manually tracing.

[ttsgeb]

Do we have any pictures of the current controller?

[heaventwig]

Do we have any pictures of the current controller?

[heaventwig]

And this came with it, looks like a more heavily worn and so probably old, replaced, instance of the control panel. It's been sitting in an anti static bag. Note the wear patterns on the buttons, heavier wear than the one currently installed.

But presumably, wear patterns and enclosure are the only difference between this unit and the one in the equipment now. Plus maybe there's something bad on the board.

[heaventwig]

Plus maybe there's something bad on the board.

(I speculate. They replaced it, maybe they thought it was faulty. But also maybe they were wrong, and something else was faulty, so this is a working spare.)

[ttsgeb]

That controller is ancient and likely difficult to support. I'm more than happy to offer remote assistance when it comes time to replace it.

[ttsgeb]

Just as a quick note: The license for Lightburn is going up from $120 to $200 on the 1st, so may be worth grabbing asap.

[heaventwig]

LightBurn license acquired.

[DaBlender]

Controller has been mapped to all inputs, very fun using google lens (picture translate) on the Chinese board with no identification easily found. Z limit does not look to be wired in but there is a switch under bed. We need to verify z movement and homing. Otherwise looks like a clear path to drop in replace. Will match current layout with translating to new board.