Hello all,
LONG time lurker, but now I have a project.
I just got an old M30 laser. I'm told it "doesn't work", but not specifically what doesn't work. It powers up, but the display contrast is unreadable. The alignment laser works, the optics are good, and all of the motors/flying hardware are in good shape. X and Y jogging are good. The Z drive gear seems to be stripped on the motor shaft - Only one side of the table goes up/down.
I'm looking to upgrade the controls and possibly having the laser module recharged - but I need a little more detail on what I'm working with. I've built a number of 3D printers and CNC routers in the past, so I'm familiar with motion controls, stepper drivers, etc. So even with its age, I feel like these are some good bones to work with to get a laser in the shop!
I have some basic questions, as I've never interfaced with a laser module:
1) Is this an "RF" laser module? It has (2) high current 24v DC, and (3) smaller wires in the harness. These are not co-ax, and don't appear to be shielded - Which is why I question which kind of laser module I'm working with.
2) Is there a guide on controlling the various kinds of laser drives? PWM vs analog vs RF? If this is an RF laser, what are good options for retrofit controls?
3) I'm open to installing a Chinese tube, but is it worth trying to save the OEM laser? That is, is a 23 year old "expensive" laser better than a modern "cheap" one? Restorations seems to be about $900
The laser is working now!
The display contrast is adjusted with a small POT on the display board.
I had the source recharged for about $1100. It's making 38 watts, according to the test sheet it came back with.
It's still rocking the original controls, and runs as a printer. It's pretty limited, with 9 colors for power and speed.
It's also picky about line weight. Anything over .01mm line weight is raster engraved rather than vector cut.
Overall I'm happy with it.
I acquired another M30 in a similar state. That one hasn't gotten any attention with this one working now. I'll have that one recharged if/when this one isn't keeping up with production needs.
I also just added a Thunder Nova 51/130 to the stable. So this little guy will most likely get used for small cutting and all engraving work. The big one will be used exclusively for cutting.
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ULS M30 resurrection?
