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#* Check that no precipitation (rain, snow) is blowing in. If the wind is strong from the wrong direction it may not be suitable to operate the laser.
no edit summary
# Check cutter and accessories for obvious damage or malfunction - if something looks damaged stop and contact [mailto:board@hacksburg.org board@hacksburg.org]
# PC monitor on if not already (push button under bottom edge to right of center)
# PC on if not already (push button above Dell logoneed to open hinged door on front of tower)# Log into Hacksburg account on PC(no password)
# Start LightBurn software on PC
#* You may see a popRed dragon-up dialog asking if you want to allow LightBurn from an unknown publisher to modify files. Say Yes. TO DO: Fix permissions so it doesn't do this.(May require installing outside of Program Files?)shaped icon on desktop or task bar
# Create or load, import, adjust files etc.
#* See documentation elsewhere (pending) on compatible file formats, layer standards, etc.
#* You will need to manually set the intensity and speed for any layer you use. See [[Tools/Laser_Cutter/Cutting Parameters|Cutting Parameters]] page for more info.#* The factory-suggested default is that layers 1-10 are for cutting, layers 11-14 are for fill, and layers 15-256 are for engraving.#** Note that the cutter software appears to process layers in numerical order. Thus, if you follow the default suggestions, Layers should be configured so that the cuts will happen before after the engraving.This may not be what you want.#** The problem with the factory suggestions is that it is annoying to set up and proof, and ends up cutting before engraving.For simple files without fill, using 1 (blue) and 2 (green) for engraving, and 3 (red) for cutting, is easy to set up, proof, and use.#** Depending on the last user, some layers may start turned off.Double click Click the toggle under the "NoOutput" under the Process column to toggle turn them back on (and, if needed, the No toggle under Visible"Show". The "Air" toggle has no effect).#** Unless you are sure what you are doing, Positioning Mode in LightBurn should be set to Mechanical Origin"Absolute Coordinates", and you should use the "Put Graph to Origin" function in LightBurn to align the upper right of your file should be aligned with the upper right of the work area (and the 0,0 of the laser cutter)
# Ensure that the water in the chiller fully covers the metal coil (the lid for the water level is underneath the power conditioner on the top of the chiller). If not, top it up from the jug of '''distilled''' water (usually found under the table)
# <s>Rotate laser potentiometer to 0 (fully CCW)</s> '''Feb 2023: Laser potentiometer is broken, please do not touch'''
[[File:Laser control potentiometer.jpg|thumb|Location of potentiometer]]
# <li value="10"> CamFive voltage regulator on (flip up red switch on regulator, box on the back left corner of roomlaser cutter) </li># Check that white regulator output power bar is on
#* Push in blue button if red light is not lit
[[File:Laser power strip button.jpg|thumb|Power Strip]]
#** Note: The red dot alignment pointer, while technically a laser, is not what actually does the cutting and is harmless.References to "laser" in this document refer to the main 80W IR (invisble) laser, not the red dot.
# Check laser display screen for any error messages or problems
# Lift cover and load your media; secure if needed; close cover
#* The usable (writable) area is 600 mm x 400 mm, or about 24" x 16"
#* The honeycomb part of the bed is about 25 3/8" x 17 1/4"
#* If everything is set correctly, the "Mechanical OriginAbsolute Coordinates" 0,0 point is in the upper right of the usable area
#* Approximate offset of 0,0 from the upper right edge of the honeycomb is 22.25 mm from right, 27.75 mm from top
#* Check the blue yellow Laser Guides bin for jigs; use the ones labeled 22.5 mm Right and 28 mm Top as needed
# Turn on Air Pump (middle red switch on right side of main laser unit)
# Adjust laser vertical clearance and focus
#* Use the laser controls to move the laser head over the middle of the material. Ensure that the tip will not collide with the material, raise if needed.
#* Find "Laser Vertical Calibration Guide" (thick clear tile that should be in the blue Laser Guides bin, on or near the laser cutter)
#* Place block on material, slide to near laser output nozzle
#* While supporting the lower head with one hand, loosen the brass vertical adjust knob (turn CCW to loosen)
#** Note: This is the horizontal knurled brass knob that sticks out straight to the right, '''with a green rubber cover'''#** TO DO: Find a way to better distinguish '''Do not touch any other knobs on the laser head, as this knob from others that should not be touchedmay change the alignment'''
#* Slide calibration block under nozzle (while on top of your media)
#* Gently lower the nozzle until it is nearly but not quite touching the calibration block
#* Check that laser cover is fully closed
#* Check that laser power is still Off (white button is up and not illuminated)
#* In the software, check that positioning mode is set to Mechanical Origin Absolute Coordinates (unless you are deliberately using Current Point Position mode)#* In the software, press Start "Frame" button under Processthe laser tab#* Watch the laser head go through your trace the bounding box of the job. Note that the red laser pointer is only an approximation of where the invisible IR cutting laser will go.
# Open ventilation window fully
#* Unlatch two handles (rotate 1/4 turn CW each) and push outPull the window open from outside approximately 45 degrees. Ensure the window is not blocking the vent louvers from opening.
# Exhaust fan on if not already (foot pedal at bottom right of main laser unit)
# When ready, push white circular Laser Power On/Off button in (lights up white)
# <s>Adjust laser power potentiometer (knob labeled "Laser 1") to desired power</s> '''Feb 2023: Laser potentiometer is broken, please do not touch'''
#* Current recommendation is to program your settings with the potentiometer at 100%, so that you can use laser full power and most reliable repeatability.
#* Relationship between the power settings in Lightburn and the dial seems largely multiplicative. e.g. 50% in software and 50% on potentiometer approximately equals 25% power
# Before clicking start, double check that chiller, air-pump, and exhaust blower are running, window is open, and laser lid is closed
# In the laser software, press Start button (under "Laser" tab in Lightburn, bottom right)
# Watch your job progress through the tinted front or top window of the laser cutter. If there are problems, use the Suspend Pause or Stop buttons in the laser cutter software as a first choice, the Start/Pause button on the laser control panel as a second choice. If the Emergency Stop button is used, you should reboot the unit after correcting the problem.#* In case of minor fire flare-ups, once the laser is stopped use the green spray bottle of water .Try not to get water onto any of the optical or mechanical components, and make sure everything is fully dry before continuing.
==Shutdown Procedure==
# If you will be using it again soon, you can temporarily turn the exhaust fan off (foot pedal at bottom right of main laser unit) to reduce background noise while you edit. Remember to turn the exhaust fan back on before starting again!
# When done for the day:
# Remove and return guides, alignment blocks, jigs, etc. to the blue yellow Laser Guides bin or other proper storage location# <s>Rotate laser potentiometer to 0 (fully CCW)</s> '''Feb 2023: Laser potentiometer is broken, please do not touch'''
# Turn off air pump (middle red rocker switch right side of laser cutter)
# Turn off exhaust blower (foot pedal at bottom right of main laser unit)
