Laser Not Coming On

[Bruce]

I hadn't used my laser attachment in a couple of years.. went to use it today and the laser itself is not coming on. The toolpath runs correctly, just nothing out of the laser. It's been stored in a dust free cabinet, hadn't had issues in the past.
The fan on the laser does not come on, the "on" light on the CNC for the laser comes on for the laser, just nothing out of the laser. Reset, unhooked, rehooked the connections from the cnc control box for the laser, blew any dust out, etc. but still nothing. Seems to not be getting any power. The key is on on the control panel door as well.

Any ideas? I'll call Camaster this week.

[Pete marken]

Maybe a dumb question. Are you using the laser Post Processor when you saved the toolpath? I assume that you selected the laser engraver on the computer.

[Bruce]

Yes.. laser post processor is selected...
I'm using the most current version of Vcarve.. don't know if the original laser post processor I have would cause the issue or if post processors are "upgraded" as vcarve is... I've had no issues with the regular cutting processor.

[Pete marken]

I am using the current version of VCarve pro and the laser works fine with the old post processor.

[Bruce]

I went in the shop today and tried running an existing file I had and still nothing... went to the Jtech website and checked everything I could and all connections. Everything connected but no lights come on on the laser module in the control panel. I'll give them a call later this week.. nothing pressing as I only use the laser for "fun" stuff.
Thanks for the replies...

[Bruce]

Update: I talked to Cody today at Camaster and went through several different "fixes", which unfortunately didn't solve the issue. Came to the conclusion that the driver box must be bad, which not sure why as it's had minimal use and not used over the last 1 1/2 years. I also talked to Jtech, who sells the laser and driver that Camaster uses. Tried a couple of things as recommended and still nothing so I ordered another driver, which hopefully will be the answer. They did give me a 20% discount, which I appreciate. Once I get it in and hook it up, I'll update again.
Thanks,
Bruce

[Bruce]

Final update:
Replaced the driver today and yep, nothing... called Jtech and went through everything possible. Power supply is working and sending power. All connections as required. One last thing the rep at Jtech suggested is to bypass the on/off switch on the cnc and use the one on the new driver. Well, you guessed it... that was the issue. Switch on the cnc is bad even though it lights up and appears to be on.

Now I have a spare driver and $200+ poorer!... but that's how you learn.

Thanks to both Camaster (Cody who took my call) and Shane at Jtech for the help.

[james mcgrew]

It has never been cheap or easy, just not impossible