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I presently generate a scanned image ( writing lines in Y direction and stepping to the next line in X direction) Gcode file.

I use this file to drive a laser with Z axis as modulating source for the laser. So far simple enough and great results.

My problem is the time factor. With the stop start motion inherent in this configuration it takes quite some time to image.

I understand this problem has been tackled and solved by Graster crew.

I have had a look at their sample ini and hal file and have some difficulty in comprehending what to do to fall into the monkey see monkey do category.

Has anyone here had the joy generating the the two file formats and successfully printed/scanned out an image?

Any hand holding will be appreciated..

I must also add I do not start with an image file but rather with a cad file and shade/fill in the areas to achieve scanned effect.

Zig wrote:
Not answering your actual question, but in the 2.5 release of LinuxCNC it should be possible to set laser intensity with M67. (analogue output synchronised with motion). This didn't work in the past, but has been fixed now. You might find that this allows your code to run faster as there are no arbitrary Z-move limits being applied.

Andy,

While M67 may alleviate reliance on Z axis direction flag in my instance the X and Y axis movements are still coordinated and will cause the laser head to stop and start.

I was looking at Graster and it seems they rely on two files one with XY coordinates and the other with full width sacn movement ( G00,G01 ) instructions.

In other words one file gets the laser head to move full width of the scan area without the usual stop start motion while the other file with Xor Y coordinates is used to generate trigger points for laser head.

I can generate both kinds of file contents.

I think if I could access the current file and extract the laser modulation info from it then I might be able to resolve my problems.

Question however is


HOW TO READ IN THE COORDINATES INTO HAL AND SYNCH LASER TO FULL LINE LENGTH SCAN?

I shall generate sample files and post them shortly.

OK.. Some sample NC files to demonstrate the issues. This attachment is hidden for guests. Please log in or register to see it.

more of the same This attachment is hidden for guests. Please log in or register to see it.

and another one and a DXF to come showing the original drawing This attachment is hidden for guests. Please log in or register to see it.