Is there an easy way to control a cross hair or pointer with a K40 and the cohesion mini? I’m running the stock firmware. I’d like it for positioning and checking outlines, etc. I’m running LW4 on a Pi3 connected to the C3d module. I’d like to be able to turn the pointer/crosshair on/off so it isn’t always firing.

“Travis Sawyer”



Ray Kholodovsky (Cohesion3D) August 31, 2017 20:25

Yep. You can hook the - of it up to the 2nd mosfet (screw terminal 6 on the bottom) and use a switch module in config.txt to toggle it with a gCode. Read up on smoothieware switch and the Mini pinout diagram for that pin #.


Erik McClain September 05, 2017 13:25

+Travis Sawyer Quick side question, how are you implementing the cross hairs? Does your method reduce the power of the cutting laser in anyway?


Travis Sawyer September 05, 2017 14:59

I’m thinking of doing this mod: thingiverse.com - Laser Pointer Holder for 40W CO2 Laser by kai

Run the outline with the hood open, check square, shut the lid and off you go. I have about 10 5mw laser diodes coming in soon. I like this solution as it doesn’t add weight to the gantry.


Erik McClain September 05, 2017 15:41

wow thats cleaver, just at first glance not sure you would align it to the actual laser beam, also would need a latch to hold it up out of the way, but I like it.

I have see some that use special mirrors setups that combine the beams but it just seems like you would loose wattage. But this I really like. Thanks!!


Travis Sawyer October 20, 2017 21:37

I finally got my 6mm red lasers in. Unfortunately, I’m not having much luck configuring smoothie / getting it to work.

Here’s my new config lines:

#TBS - 20 Oct 2017, add pointer laser switch. Attach negative of the pointer to

negative of the 2nd mosfet (P2.7)

switch.laserpointer.enable true

switch.laserpointer.output_pin 2.7

switch.laserpointer.output_type digital

switch.laserpointer.failsafe_set_to 0

switch.laserpointer.input_on_command M106.2

switch.laserpointer.input_off_command M107.2

If I put the laser pointer on the VAUX (+5V) of the mini, it lights up, so cursory check is done. If I issue M106.2, I get nothing.

Should I be connecting the + lead of the diode to VAUX, or to the + side of the FET?

Thanks!


Ray Kholodovsky (Cohesion3D) October 20, 2017 21:39

At first glance, I don’t think you can define a subcode that way. Try just M106 and M107


Travis Sawyer October 20, 2017 22:11

That was it. No subcode. I could have sworn I saw them available for switch somewhere. Now to wire it up properly :)


Ray Kholodovsky (Cohesion3D) October 20, 2017 22:17

It’s a separate config line to set up a subcode. They’d also have to be different in this way:

M106.1 to turn on, M106.2 to turn off.

You’d define M106 as the M code and subcode 1 on, subcode 2 off.


Travis Sawyer October 20, 2017 22:30

I also have to hack lw4 to issue those commands on a check outline (or do it manually :( )


Ray Kholodovsky (Cohesion3D) October 20, 2017 22:39

For now you could just add a macro button to turn the laser pointer on and off. 2 clicks instead of 1, I’m dealing with worse odds on this end. How’s about 12 clicks and 2 full filament resets (physical actions). :)


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