Author Topic: PMDX-126 with PMDX-107 adding a second PWM output  (Read 2710 times)

nlancaster

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PMDX-126 with PMDX-107 adding a second PWM output
« on: August 31, 2017, 08:27:56 PM »
I am thinking of adding a 2.5-10w laser to my CNC router for marking wood.  How can I add a second PWM output to run the laser without having to disconnection/switch the spindle out from the PMDX-107?

Steve Stallings

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Re: PMDX-126 with PMDX-107 adding a second PWM output
« Reply #1 on: October 01, 2017, 01:31:38 PM »
Most lasers with power controls will accept PWM signals directly.

The PWM signal which controls the PMDX-107 is also available
on connector J6 as "16". This signal is not electrically isolated
so check to see if connecting the laser's control input ground
to your computer's parallel port ground is going to cause any
problems.
Steve Stallings
www.PMDX.com

nlancaster

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Re: PMDX-126 with PMDX-107 adding a second PWM output
« Reply #2 on: February 24, 2019, 08:52:28 PM »
But wouldn't this cause the Spindle and laser to operate at the same time?

12strings

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Re: PMDX-126 with PMDX-107 adding a second PWM output
« Reply #3 on: March 02, 2019, 01:20:19 AM »
Yes, unless you disabled/powered off your spindle when using the laser, and disabled/powered off the laser when using the spindle.

You could attempt to wire a 2nd PDMX-126 output to the laser PWM input.  Then you would need a Mach macro or script or something to re-configure Mach to change the spindle speed output from one signal to another.  *IF* that can even be done at all.  I fully expect that at the very least you would have to disable Mach, change the PWM mapping and then re-enable Mach.  You don't say which version of Mach you are running (that is, if you are running a version of Mach).   But either way, changing the PWM output pin at run time is non-trivial.

nlancaster

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Re: PMDX-126 with PMDX-107 adding a second PWM output
« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2019, 03:42:46 AM »
I am running Mach3, suppose I could use the old standby chevy ignition key switch system to be sure only one or the other is on at any one time.