Looking for a 3 axis stepper controller with PMW output

Using Arduino Motors, Mechanics, Power and CNC
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Hi,

I bought a cheap CNC router from Amazon and a laser engraver from Banggood to replace the spindle. The controller board on the CNC machine shows an output for a laser (see pics on Amazon) but it apparently will not provide the needed PWM signal to the laser to modulate the on/off and laser strength. There are two, two pin connectors on the laser (see picture below). Does anyone know of a complete controller board or Arduino/shield combo that would provide the necessary inputs to my laser?

Here is the router: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075QFKXJZ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

here is the laser: EleksMaker® FB04-2300 445nm 2300mW Blue Laser Module 2*2.54-2P TTL/PWM Modulati Sale - Banggood USA-arrival notice-arrival notice

and here is a close up of the laser board Imgur: The magic of the Internet

Thanks!

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Well, there is something called the "Cohesion 3D" board.

Designed for motion control in the cheap Chinese lasers.

http://cohesion3d.com/cohesion3d-mini-laser-upgrade-bundle/

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I'll check it out. Thanks.

PS - That's not Daenerys!

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PS - That's not Daenerys!

I wonder how many other people have noticed that? :wink:

I've done a little bit of research on the various board/firmware options and here is a summary I will put here so I can refer to it in the future.

There is a firmware called "Smoothieware" that is basically GRBL for 32-bit ARM.
("The motion control part is a port of the awesome grbl." -- from github)

But it has more features, and can be used for CNC machines, 3D printers and laser cutters.

The Smoothieware firmware has a board that goes along with it, the Smoothieboard.

The "Cohesion 3D" board is from another guy, Ray, who developed a compatible board.

The Cohesion 3D board can run stock Smoothieware, a smart design decision.
There is a version of that board that is designed to be a drop-in replacement for the Chinese K40 laser.

There are other Smoothieware compatible boards:
Azteeg X5 mini WIFI 32BIT All-in-one Controller, maybe more...

Checking Aliexpress, I see the Chinese have been busy working a whole bunch of compatible boards:
https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?SearchText=+Smoothieware

Looks like you can get one with a sexy touchscreen for $75!
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3D-printer-controller-kit-MKS-SBASE-V1-3-ARM-Cortex-for-Smoothieware-integrated-Microcontroller-with-TFT/32804014374.html

The cheapest is $40.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3D-printer-32bit-Arm-platform-Smooth-control-board-MKS-SBASE-V1-3-open-source-MCU-LPC1768/32812164818.html

Apparently the Smoothies have a problem with the clones
("If you are using a MKS or an AZSMZ board, please note that those boards are toxic to the community and project.")

Toxic boards? It seems some of the clone boards CAN'T run stock Smoothieware, a dumb design decision.

Smoothieware G+/forum/more
https://plus.google.com/communities/111870450664099533727
http://forum.smoothieware.org/forum/c-496918/general

Cohesion 3d G+
https://plus.google.com/communities/116261877707124667493

5

You can get a RepRap shield for a Mega that has space for 4 x A4988 stepper drivers and has 3 PWM outputs.

...R

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