Looks impressive for the money ?

[Doddy]

It's hard to assess performance and operation from a web-based forum. That you can test-fire the laser fire suggests a constant demand generates full optical power (and absence is off), and that suggests the laser diode itself is "working" (and for the supplier, that's probably the position they're aligned to). The only question I would have is the operation of the control circuit built into the laser assy - that allows the diode to be modulated with the TTL input. It **should** be a case that "on" is lase, "off" is don't-lase, and that is simply and exactly what an Arduino PWM output will produce. If the laser assy is questionable, then that can be assessed with passing a variety of signals into the laser and observing the resulting laser output. Similarly, you should be able (with equipment) to monitor the PWM output from the Arduino, that under GRBL it generates a pulse with variable mark-space ratio up to full-on (or near-as-dammit). Without testing these it's difficult to throw blame at either the laser or the arduino/GRBL.

[Fivetide]

Just bought one of these

https://www.amazon.co.uk/1-3KHZ-Volt...6541965&sr=8-5

- looks simple conversion. But I'd hope for PWM control or TTL as its more accurate for shading etc. But.. saying that - I might buy another laser just for etching as I bought the 30w mainly for cutting hopefully it can achieve that. Apparently u get better focus and accuracy at lower power with diodes

[Doddy]

Hmmm, that module you linked converts (or claims to convert) a PWM signal into an analogue signal. All three input methods on the laser control board are TTL/PWM. If your intent is to use that board with the laser to control power, I don't understand how the laser is intended to take an analogue voltage.

Edit:

Consider also the Arduino PWM outputs, if using the built in libraries (counter driven PWM) operate around 500Hz.. That module claims 1kHz -> 3kHz operation. Just a health-warning on compatibility.

[Fivetide]

Hmmm, that module you linked converts (or claims to convert) a PWM signal into an analogue signal. All three input methods on the laser control board are TTL/PWM. If your intent is to use that board with the laser to control power, I don't understand how the laser is intended to take an analogue voltage.

Edit:

Consider also the Arduino PWM outputs, if using the built in libraries (counter driven PWM) operate around 500Hz.. That module claims 1kHz -> 3kHz operation. Just a health-warning on compatibility.

I'm getting confused.. on the laser board it only says TTL not PWM I thought it may need a PWM to TTL conversion.

[Fivetide]

I'm amusing via the PWM/TTL imput?

[Doddy]

Aha, get where you're coming from. That board does convert PWM into 0-10V analogue, but that's to support the spindle's VFD 0-10V analogue input. That makes some sense. But the interface to your laser remains a PWM-driven TTL-level input. I'd cancel the Amazon order if I was you for that board.

[Fivetide]

Aha, get where you're coming from. That board does convert PWM into 0-10V analogue, but that's to support the spindle's VFD 0-10V analogue input. That makes some sense. But the interface to your laser remains a PWM-driven TTL-level input. I'd cancel the Amazon order if I was you for that board.

Cancel thanks :)

So how do I increase the bandwidth of the PWM to 1khz - 2khz @Doddy ?

[Fivetide]

I'll give this a go tonight when I get 20 mins spare then report back

[Doddy]

.

[Doddy]

I'll give this a go tonight when I get 20 mins spare then report back

Yeah, that's a good test set up.