Further ahead are tests to solve the configuration problem of the grbl laser program, since it loses point of origin when increasing the work area, the suggestion to be able to fix said problem is appreciated, greetings from Chile.
Hi, Miodrag Milovanović; thank you for your comment. M03 and M04 correspond to constant and dynamic power, respectively, while M05 is powered off. If you import a gcode file, the power mode is coded in the file by the native software, i.e., the software that created the file. If you work with images or SVG files, you will be prompted to select the mode in one of the setup windows once you import the file. Some conversion tools will require the engraving to be done in dynamic power mode M04 as they trace, while others do not. Ciao
@@MiddleRoomWorkshop Hello, I have a problem that the laser turns on with M04 and does not turn off with M05 but with M03. It also burns non-stop and does not turn off only if I write M03.
Hi, Miodrag Milovanović; thank you for your feedback. That is weird yet interesting behaviour. I haven't heard of such a problem so far. When you say write M03, do you mean you send this code from the input field in the interface in LaserGRBL? If that is correct, it means that the machine's firmware is not correctly configured. Have you had the chance to try any other software other than LaserGRBL? What is the model of your machine? I suggest trying to find the firmware update on the official website of your machine. Also, do you have a second machine to try your current LaserGRBL installation on? LaserGRBL may also be faulty, sometimes installations are not correctly completed (installer fault), and the software may result in buggy behaviour. In any case, keep it handy, M02; this is to stop any program from executing. Here is a blog post with some of the most important gcode commands whathowwhysolution.com/what-is-gcode/ Let me know, and I will help you as well as possible. Ciao
@@MiddleRoomWorkshop I replaced the arduino nano with an arduino uno and uploaded the software. This is a small Neje laser 5x5cm. I will have to play a bit with the settings in the Gblr laser configuration - config and cpu_map. Thanks for helping me.
I solved the problem.I connected to spindle direction D13 instead of variable spindle pwm D11.When I connected to the variable spindle pwm D11, there are no more errors. Arduino uno.
have a problem using grbl, the laser works in an extremely small area and only engraves in one line, for example three lines of text, it engraves in a very small space, I must have messed up some settings.Can you tell what i should do , please.
Thank you for your video, I have 2 concerns, can I create text in the software without having to import it from another program? The other question, how can I make the fan of the laser module is off before any work, is that as soon as I turn on the machine without making any dialing the fan turns on and it is very noisy thank you
Hi, Victor Gomez; thank you for your comment. At the moment is not possible to create anything in LaserGRBL, including Text. Therefore, you must create and import the text from another software. Regarding the Fan Control, It is controlled by the mainboard and cannot be controlled from the software, some machines, unfortunately, keep the fan spinning all time and cannot be overridden. Machines like Longer and Atomstack have this problem. I hope it helps. Ciao
Hi, Kris De Voecht; thank you for your comment. You can do that in the GRBL Configuration by changing the parameters $130 and $131 for the x and the y-axis maximum travel, respectively. Ciao
Dear good morning, an error occurs to me, when changing the format, 41 cmx40cm to 41cm x 950cm, Sculpfun S9, the Laser Grbl program, when making a cut, 1 pass everything is fine, 2 passes lose the origin point?? it moves about 5 mm and the work is bad, looking for program configuration I don't know why it happens, I'm investigating, it just happens to me because I wanted to expand the work area, I'm waiting for any reference, thanks in advance.
Hi, Rodolfo Salas; thank you for your comment. I think that the problem has to do with the machine itself before changing the size settings. Simply the board loses track of where the machine is. Alternatively, it could be a belt tensioning or slipping problem. In this case, this mismatch behaviour should be noticeable in jobs with direction switches. Have you tried homing the machine between passes? You can automate this process from the settings by going to Settings > Gcode and under "Multiple Passes" and pasting in "G0 X0 Y0 Z0" without the double quote. Technically this is not home but origin. However, if the machine does not move perfectly back to the home position, this should hint that it does indeed lose track of its position. Let me know Ciao
I have a KKMoon 7w laser that I just connected to LaserGRBL, There were custom buttons but are not working with my laser. When I try to home the laser it doesn't stop and when I try to outline my cutting area it runs and slams into the stops. You showed me how to configure these Buttons so any hints on what I should be typing in to make these work properly?
Hello John Pierce, thank you for your comment. Let's take it to step by step; first of all, we need to solve the issue about the home. The machine should retract and stop once it reaches the end of the axis where the limiting switches are. Assuming the machine has limiting switches (some users have reported that they were missing), Does the machine move in the right direction when you click the home button? If yes, can you see or hear the click of the switches? If no, we need to invert the homing direction and for that I have a FAQ page describing how to do it whathowwhysolution.com/when-clicking-on-the-home-button-the-machine-goes-in-the-opposite-direction-lasergrbl/ About the button, the strange behaviour is most likely related to the unproper homing covered earlier, but you can still re-install the custom buttons, here i have the copy of the original one in case they broke up whathowwhysolution.com/lasergrbl-custom-buttons/ Let me know Ciao
Hello sir thanks for the great video tutorials. Do you have a file of these buttons to add to mines? I"ve been needing most of these buttons especially the frame button and would like to add these to mine. I will appreciate it if you can tell me where to get them. Thanks
Hi, firstpitstop; thank you for your comment. The buttons can be found on my website whathowwhysolution.com/lasergrbl-custom-buttons/ Let me know if all is good. Ciao
Could You please tell us, what's behind your button named "Frame Off"? Cpul be exactly waht I#m looking for: I try to get rid of the outline and laser only the hatch I produced with Inkscape. Thanks for your answer!
Hi Andreas Bracht, thank you for your comment. The button allows for framing with offset, so when it frames, there is a gutter of 5mm, which will make sure that I am away from edges and other cuts in my sheet. It is a copy of the existing frame button, with added 5mm gutter. G0 X[left-5] Y[bottom-5] M3 S[$30*3/1000] F4000 G1 Y[top+5] G1 X[right+5] G1 Y[bottom-5] G1 X[left-5] M5 G0 X0 Y0 I hope it helps Ciao
Hi, I'm using an Atomstack S10 Pro and when I press the frame button to show me the area is going to engrave, the laser is burning the frame on my project. How do I solve this problem? Thanks
Hi Marcos Firmino, thank you for your comment. Most probably, the laser power coded in the button is too high, or the material you are framing on is too sensitive; either way, you will need to reduce the power on the framing button. To do so right, click on the framing button and click edit; this will open a window with the code as follow: G0 X[left] Y[bottom] M3 S[$30*3/1000] F4000 G1 Y[top] G1 X[right] G1 Y[bottom] G1 X[left] M5 G0 X0 Y0 Change the percentage value in the 2nd line as highlighted here with CHANGE M3 S[$30*CHANGE/1000] F4000 You may try with 1, which is 1% Alternatively, you can increase the speed by changing the value after the F in the same line. Let me know Ciao
Hello my friend I want to ask you I have a PDF file in which there is a Mandela design and I want a story with a laser machine. What is the appropriate way to upload it to the LaserGRBL program so that I can cut it with the machine?
Hello لحزام الأسود , thank you for your comment. You can easily open .pdf with Inscape, there, you may need to work it out depending on the way it was designed. If it is a filled shape, you will need to apply some Stroke, then under path > Stroke to Path; this will give you the actual path that the laser should trace. Once done, you got an SVG file which can be open directly in LaserGRBL. Note, if you wish to retain any fill, the work around is tedious, let me know so I can guide you on how to do that. Ciao
i have a second hand laser engraver which i was told was A NEJE Master 2S. "NEJE" is on the boom that supports the laser unit. the name plate data is "KKmoon Master 7w". When i attempted to load your configuration file i got an error message saying there were 21 errors. The configuration file shows only items to $22 and nothing above that. I can't find a way to add any lines. When i export the existing configuration items it only lists to item $19. i think i don't really have a Master 2 plus. Also when i try to import a png file i get an error "TimeSpan overflowed because the duration is too long." when at the create step. when i try to import an svg file i get nothing at the first dialog when i click create. I realize this is a lot. but can you direct me to some references for further research. Thanks, your tutorials are very good.
Hello Ray R, thank you for your comment. This is very interesting feedback, is not uncommon to find brandless goods passed by companies under their brand, I believe you got a KKmoon indeed, just because it is less famous than NEJE it has been passed like NEJE or simply who sold it to you had no clue either. Anyhow, let's get into the core of your problem; Why would you want to use external configuration files? Did you have some problem controlling your machine by simply letting LaseGRBL connect to it? Perhaps the motherboard is different and the chipset run the previous version of GRBL. Does it work with Neje Desktop app? The file that I have provided contains 34 GRBL lines and is specific for the NEJE Master 2S Plus, however, any Master 2S should get it without problem, you only need to tweak the engraving area parameter. I do not have another reference, I should search it as well, I can try to help you as best as I can. I suggest you try to install the CH340 driver first, this can be done directly in LaserGRBL, connect the machine through USB, then go to Tool > Install CH340 Driver, once that is done you try to connect the machine without importing any configuration file and let see what happen. Let me know. Ciao
@@MiddleRoomWorkshop Thanks for the response. I was able to get it to work using the Neje software. According to that it is a series 1 device. I updated the firmware. I was not able to get it to work with laserGrbl but it worked well with the Neje software for what need to do. Thanks again for your help.
Hello abdou doula, thank you for your comment. Let's first cover the Z-axes: 1) Show jog control: GRBL > Settings > Jog Control and toggle on "show Z up/down control". This will show the control for the Z-axes next to the JOG control area in the main window. 2) Sink the Z-axes between passes: If you want to lower down the Z-axes between passes, go to GRBL > Settings > G code, here under the "Multiple Passes" block, look for where it says ";G0 Z-1 (sinks the Z axis, 1mm)" and remove the ";"semicolon from the front of the instruction. For the calibration, you will need to know the steps per mm of your driving system, i.e., Stepper motor, pulley and belt. Once you got that number, go to Grbl > Grbl Configuration and look for &100, &101 and &102; these are the Axes resolution, a typical machine that you buy ready with a NEMA 17 stepper, a 20 teeth pulley, and a GT2 timing belt has that value at 80steps/mm. Let me know. Ciao
I have just started to get into laser engraving. These tutorials have been very helpful. Thank you very much.
Bellissimo corso! Complimenti per la professionalità e GRAZIE per aver condiviso le tue conoscenze
Excellent !!! Thank you
Further ahead are tests to solve the configuration problem of the grbl laser program, since it loses point of origin when increasing the work area, the suggestion to be able to fix said problem is appreciated, greetings from Chile.
Can you make gcode to do a continous frame, untill the frame button clicked then frame will stop
Very good, but i have problem with M3, M4, M5. Laser work only M4 and off M3. Where I can find this setting.
Hi, Miodrag Milovanović; thank you for your comment.
M03 and M04 correspond to constant and dynamic power, respectively, while M05 is powered off.
If you import a gcode file, the power mode is coded in the file by the native software, i.e., the software that created the file. If you work with images or SVG files, you will be prompted to select the mode in one of the setup windows once you import the file.
Some conversion tools will require the engraving to be done in dynamic power mode M04 as they trace, while others do not.
Ciao
@@MiddleRoomWorkshop Hello, I have a problem that the laser turns on with M04 and does not turn off with M05 but with M03.
It also burns non-stop and does not turn off only if I write M03.
Hi, Miodrag Milovanović; thank you for your feedback.
That is weird yet interesting behaviour.
I haven't heard of such a problem so far.
When you say write M03, do you mean you send this code from the input field in the interface in LaserGRBL?
If that is correct, it means that the machine's firmware is not correctly configured.
Have you had the chance to try any other software other than LaserGRBL?
What is the model of your machine? I suggest trying to find the firmware update on the official website of your machine.
Also, do you have a second machine to try your current LaserGRBL installation on? LaserGRBL may also be faulty, sometimes installations are not correctly completed (installer fault), and the software may result in buggy behaviour.
In any case, keep it handy, M02; this is to stop any program from executing. Here is a blog post with some of the most important gcode commands whathowwhysolution.com/what-is-gcode/
Let me know, and I will help you as well as possible.
Ciao
@@MiddleRoomWorkshop I replaced the arduino nano with an arduino uno and uploaded the software.
This is a small Neje laser 5x5cm. I will have to play a bit with the settings in the Gblr laser
configuration - config and cpu_map.
Thanks for helping me.
I solved the problem.I connected to spindle direction D13 instead of variable spindle pwm D11.When I connected to the variable spindle pwm D11, there are no more errors. Arduino uno.
Hello, my mechanics work, but the laser does not start, only the software, what could be the reason. Thanks!
have a problem using grbl, the laser works in an extremely small area and only engraves in one line, for example three lines of text, it engraves in a very small space, I must have messed up some settings.Can you tell what i should do ,
please.
How would you make a custom buttom for a circle frame? Thank you
Thank you for your video, I have 2 concerns, can I create text in the software without having to import it from another program?
The other question, how can I make the fan of the laser module is off before any work, is that as soon as I turn on the machine without making any dialing the fan turns on and it is very noisy
thank you
Hi, Victor Gomez; thank you for your comment.
At the moment is not possible to create anything in LaserGRBL, including Text. Therefore, you must create and import the text from another software.
Regarding the Fan Control, It is controlled by the mainboard and cannot be controlled from the software, some machines, unfortunately, keep the fan spinning all time and cannot be overridden. Machines like Longer and Atomstack have this problem.
I hope it helps.
Ciao
@@MiddleRoomWorkshop mm ok, thanks so much
Question, there is no possibility to input your max workspace of the machine, like x=450mm and y=500?
Hi, Kris De Voecht; thank you for your comment.
You can do that in the GRBL Configuration by changing the parameters $130 and $131 for the x and the y-axis maximum travel, respectively.
Ciao
Dear good morning, an error occurs to me, when changing the format, 41 cmx40cm to 41cm x 950cm, Sculpfun S9, the Laser Grbl program, when making a cut, 1 pass everything is fine, 2 passes lose the origin point?? it moves about 5 mm and the work is bad, looking for program configuration I don't know why it happens, I'm investigating, it just happens to me because I wanted to expand the work area, I'm waiting for any reference, thanks in advance.
Hi, Rodolfo Salas; thank you for your comment.
I think that the problem has to do with the machine itself before changing the size settings.
Simply the board loses track of where the machine is.
Alternatively, it could be a belt tensioning or slipping problem. In this case, this mismatch behaviour should be noticeable in jobs with direction switches.
Have you tried homing the machine between passes? You can automate this process from the settings by going to Settings > Gcode and under "Multiple Passes" and pasting in "G0 X0 Y0 Z0" without the double quote. Technically this is not home but origin.
However, if the machine does not move perfectly back to the home position, this should hint that it does indeed lose track of its position.
Let me know
Ciao
I have a KKMoon 7w laser that I just connected to LaserGRBL, There were custom buttons but are not working with my laser. When I try to home the laser it doesn't stop and when I try to outline my cutting area it runs and slams into the stops. You showed me how to configure these Buttons so any hints on what I should be typing in to make these work properly?
Hello John Pierce, thank you for your comment.
Let's take it to step by step; first of all, we need to solve the issue about the home. The machine should retract and stop once it reaches the end of the axis where the limiting switches are. Assuming the machine has limiting switches (some users have reported that they were missing), Does the machine move in the right direction when you click the home button? If yes, can you see or hear the click of the switches? If no, we need to invert the homing direction and for that I have a FAQ page describing how to do it whathowwhysolution.com/when-clicking-on-the-home-button-the-machine-goes-in-the-opposite-direction-lasergrbl/
About the button, the strange behaviour is most likely related to the unproper homing covered earlier, but you can still re-install the custom buttons, here i have the copy of the original one in case they broke up whathowwhysolution.com/lasergrbl-custom-buttons/
Let me know
Ciao
Can you please help me my tts25 is engraving on reverse
Hello sir thanks for the great video tutorials. Do you have a file of these buttons to add to mines? I"ve been needing most of these buttons especially the frame button and would like to add these to mine. I will appreciate it if you can tell me where to get them. Thanks
Hi, firstpitstop; thank you for your comment.
The buttons can be found on my website
whathowwhysolution.com/lasergrbl-custom-buttons/
Let me know if all is good.
Ciao
@@MiddleRoomWorkshop Thanks
Could You please tell us, what's behind your button named "Frame Off"? Cpul be exactly waht I#m looking for: I try to get rid of the outline and laser only the hatch I produced with Inkscape. Thanks for your answer!
Hi Andreas Bracht, thank you for your comment.
The button allows for framing with offset, so when it frames, there is a gutter of 5mm, which will make sure that I am away from edges and other cuts in my sheet.
It is a copy of the existing frame button, with added 5mm gutter.
G0 X[left-5] Y[bottom-5]
M3 S[$30*3/1000] F4000
G1 Y[top+5]
G1 X[right+5]
G1 Y[bottom-5]
G1 X[left-5]
M5
G0 X0 Y0
I hope it helps
Ciao
Hi, I'm using an Atomstack S10 Pro and when I press the frame button to show me the area is going to engrave, the laser is burning the frame on my project. How do I solve this problem? Thanks
Hi Marcos Firmino, thank you for your comment.
Most probably, the laser power coded in the button is too high, or the material you are framing on is too sensitive; either way, you will need to reduce the power on the framing button.
To do so right, click on the framing button and click edit; this will open a window with the code as follow:
G0 X[left] Y[bottom]
M3 S[$30*3/1000] F4000
G1 Y[top]
G1 X[right]
G1 Y[bottom]
G1 X[left]
M5
G0 X0 Y0
Change the percentage value in the 2nd line as highlighted here with CHANGE
M3 S[$30*CHANGE/1000] F4000
You may try with 1, which is 1%
Alternatively, you can increase the speed by changing the value after the F in the same line.
Let me know
Ciao
Hello my friend
I want to ask you
I have a PDF file in which there is a Mandela design and I want a story with a laser machine. What is the appropriate way to upload it to the LaserGRBL program so that I can cut it with the machine?
Hello لحزام الأسود , thank you for your comment.
You can easily open .pdf with Inscape, there, you may need to work it out depending on the way it was designed.
If it is a filled shape, you will need to apply some Stroke, then under path > Stroke to Path; this will give you the actual path that the laser should trace. Once done, you got an SVG file which can be open directly in LaserGRBL.
Note, if you wish to retain any fill, the work around is tedious, let me know so I can guide you on how to do that.
Ciao
i have a second hand laser engraver which i was told was A NEJE Master 2S. "NEJE" is on the boom that supports the laser unit. the name plate data is "KKmoon Master 7w". When i attempted to load your configuration file i got an error message saying there were 21 errors. The configuration file shows only items to $22 and nothing above that. I can't find a way to add any lines. When i export the existing configuration items it only lists to item $19.
i think i don't really have a Master 2 plus.
Also when i try to import a png file i get an error "TimeSpan overflowed because the duration is too long." when at the create step.
when i try to import an svg file i get nothing at the first dialog when i click create.
I realize this is a lot. but can you direct me to some references for further research.
Thanks, your tutorials are very good.
Hello Ray R, thank you for your comment.
This is very interesting feedback, is not uncommon to find brandless goods passed by companies under their brand, I believe you got a KKmoon indeed, just because it is less famous than NEJE it has been passed like NEJE or simply who sold it to you had no clue either.
Anyhow, let's get into the core of your problem;
Why would you want to use external configuration files? Did you have some problem controlling your machine by simply letting LaseGRBL connect to it?
Perhaps the motherboard is different and the chipset run the previous version of GRBL.
Does it work with Neje Desktop app?
The file that I have provided contains 34 GRBL lines and is specific for the NEJE Master 2S Plus, however, any Master 2S should get it without problem, you only need to tweak the engraving area parameter.
I do not have another reference, I should search it as well, I can try to help you as best as I can.
I suggest you try to install the CH340 driver first, this can be done directly in LaserGRBL, connect the machine through USB, then go to Tool > Install CH340 Driver, once that is done you try to connect the machine without importing any configuration file and let see what happen.
Let me know.
Ciao
@@MiddleRoomWorkshop
Thanks for the response. I was able to get it to work using the Neje software. According to that it is a series 1 device. I updated the firmware. I was not able to get it to work with laserGrbl but it worked well with the Neje software for what need to do.
Thanks again for your help.
haw can i calibrate the axes and how can i activate the z axe .... pleas repond me early have a goode day
Hello abdou doula, thank you for your comment.
Let's first cover the Z-axes:
1) Show jog control: GRBL > Settings > Jog Control and toggle on "show Z up/down control". This will show the control for the Z-axes next to the JOG control area in the main window.
2) Sink the Z-axes between passes: If you want to lower down the Z-axes between passes, go to GRBL > Settings > G code, here under the "Multiple Passes" block, look for where it says ";G0 Z-1 (sinks the Z axis, 1mm)" and remove the ";"semicolon from the front of the instruction.
For the calibration, you will need to know the steps per mm of your driving system, i.e., Stepper motor, pulley and belt.
Once you got that number, go to Grbl > Grbl Configuration and look for &100, &101 and &102; these are the Axes resolution, a typical machine that you buy ready with a NEMA 17 stepper, a 20 teeth pulley, and a GT2 timing belt has that value at 80steps/mm.
Let me know.
Ciao
very bad