Rabbit Laser - Revision history

Unknown user: /* Where to find manuals, information, drivers, and software */

2024-03-06T02:12:44Z

Where to find manuals, information, drivers, and software

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:12, 5 March 2024
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	* The manual located on the computer table to the right of the laser		* The manual located on the computer table to the right of the laser
	* The top box of [https://rabbitlaserusa.com/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=9 this web page] has Ruida Controllers and RDWorks V8 Software		* The top box of [https://rabbitlaserusa.com/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=9 this web page] has Ruida Controllers and RDWorks V8 Software
	* Download your own copy of RDWorks V8 [https://~~rabbitlaserusa~~.com/~~DriverDisk~~/~~Ruida~~/~~RDWorks~~/ from here] to design your own files at home to bring to the space for cutting and engraving		* Download your own copy of RDWorks V8 [https://irp.cdn-website.com/9bb0421a/files/uploaded/RDWorksV8Setup8.01.41-190511%20(1).zip from here] to design your own files at home to bring to the space for cutting and engraving
	* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvrMeUUzaBo&list=PLeKaKWOIPgi_XP6Nxzeapp-vUMCLQyVMB RDWorks Learning Lab, 144-video playlist]		* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvrMeUUzaBo&list=PLeKaKWOIPgi_XP6Nxzeapp-vUMCLQyVMB RDWorks Learning Lab, 144-video playlist]
	* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvrMeUUzaBo&list=PLfSmv7yCA5lmKPvkmFXt4Wf6gK76Lkoup Russ Sadler, The Laser Man, 204-video playlist]		* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvrMeUUzaBo&list=PLfSmv7yCA5lmKPvkmFXt4Wf6gK76Lkoup Russ Sadler, The Laser Man, 204-video playlist]


	=Acceptable File Formats=		=Acceptable File Formats=

Pdgossen: document the 1/28/2020 laser replacement, firmware upgrade, and new RDWorksV8 software

2020-02-19T18:32:53Z

document the 1/28/2020 laser replacement, firmware upgrade, and new RDWorksV8 software

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:32, 19 February 2020
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	* If a fire begins, open the laser lid immediately. This interrupts power to the laser.		* If a fire begins, open the laser lid immediately. This interrupts power to the laser.

	=Where to find information=		=Where to find manuals, information, drivers, and software=

	* [http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/ Rabbit Laser's Website]		* [http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/ Rabbit Laser's Website]
	* The manual located on top of the ~~machine~~		* The manual located on the computer table to the right of the laser
			* The top box of [https://rabbitlaserusa.com/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=9 this web page] has Ruida Controllers and RDWorks V8 Software
			* Download your own copy of RDWorks V8 [https://rabbitlaserusa.com/DriverDisk/Ruida/RDWorks/ from here] to design your own files at home to bring to the space for cutting and engraving
			* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvrMeUUzaBo&list=PLeKaKWOIPgi_XP6Nxzeapp-vUMCLQyVMB RDWorks Learning Lab, 144-video playlist]
			* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvrMeUUzaBo&list=PLfSmv7yCA5lmKPvkmFXt4Wf6gK76Lkoup Russ Sadler, The Laser Man, 204-video playlist]


	=Acceptable File Formats=		=Acceptable File Formats=
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	* '''2/06/2015''' - Changed carbon in the filter.		* '''2/06/2015''' - Changed carbon in the filter.
	* '''3/21/2015''' - completely picked the bed clean of any excised material, emptied crumb tray		* '''3/21/2015''' - completely picked the bed clean of any excised material, emptied crumb tray
			* '''1/28/2020''' - major upgrade: new laser, new controller board and firmware, mirror alignment, upgrade to RDWorksV8 PC software
			* '''2/15/2020''' - a routine maintenance tracking and reminder spreadsheet has been loaded onto the shared drive and is called up automatically on the laser PC when the shortcut is used to launch the RDWorks laser software

	= Maintenance Schedule =		= Maintenance Schedule =

Tvansant: /* Restrictions */

2019-01-12T17:43:00Z

Restrictions

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:43, 12 January 2019
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	This laser cutter is restricted to member-use only. It is only operable through RFID badge access, and names & times of members' usage will be kept in a log. This accountability is an effort to maintain responsible use of the laser--see "Laser Odor" below.		This laser cutter is restricted to member-use only. It is only operable through RFID badge access, and names & times of members' usage will be kept in a log. This accountability is an effort to maintain responsible use of the laser--see "Laser Odor" below.
	Remember: '''use ~~you~~ LVL1 key card to activate the laser for cutting AND lock out the laser when you are finished.''' Failure to swipe your card a second time can leave you logged into the system (which you will still be held responsible for).		Remember: '''use your LVL1 key card to activate the laser for cutting AND lock out the laser when you are finished.''' Failure to swipe your card a second time can leave you logged into the system (which you will still be held responsible for).

	= Laser Odor =		= Laser Odor =

GraVix: Added a section with a link on how to use Fusion 360 to create laser cutter files.

2018-01-17T22:48:12Z

Added a section with a link on how to use Fusion 360 to create laser cutter files.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:48, 17 January 2018
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	* Others		* Others
	* NOT SVG. SVG is NOT usable.		* NOT SVG. SVG is NOT usable.

			=How to use Autodesk Fusion 360 to create laser cutter files=
			LVL1 member John Simpson created a how to guide on creating files acceptable by the laser cutter (.plt) using Autodesk Fusion 360 and Inkscape which are both free software programs. The advantage of using Fusion 360 to create these files versus Inkscape is the ability to dimension your part quickly and easily through sketches. The writeup document is linked below:
			[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r_iMgHZRGHOcMtj4oLpRxGqAYZAq0o2DmzFJcj1Wkgg How to use Autodesk Fusion 360 to create laser cutter files]

	=How to use the Laser in Table mode=		=How to use the Laser in Table mode=

Divinityrose: /* Troubleshooting */

2017-03-06T01:10:12Z

Troubleshooting

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:10, 5 March 2017
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	* If your laser engraving turns out to be in perfect circles instead of the full area, there is an option to put small circles in an engraved area, to fix this:		* If your laser engraving turns out to be in perfect circles instead of the full area, there is an option to put small circles in an engraved area, to fix this:
	** Create your your engrave area/shape and select it		** Create your your engrave area/shape and select it
	** Double click on the speed/power area to the top right		** Double click on the speed/power area to the top right of the screen on the line for engraving
	** Click on the ... to the right of Blow		**when a dialog box pops up Click on the "..." button to the right of the radio box for "Blow"
	** Take the ~~circles~~ out of Fill Circle & Engrave Circle		** Take the checkmark out of the boxes for Fill Circle & Engrave Circle

	= Maintenance Log =		= Maintenance Log =

Dblank: Included brief directions to reset the anchor point

2016-04-23T02:41:43Z

Included brief directions to reset the anchor point

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:41, 22 April 2016
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	# On the "Download" menu, press, "Delete All," followed by "Download Current." This ensures that your project is the only one loaded on the laser.		# On the "Download" menu, press, "Delete All," followed by "Download Current." This ensures that your project is the only one loaded on the laser.
	# Jog the laser head to the upper-left corner of your intended cut area.		# Jog the laser head to the upper-left corner of your intended cut area.
	# Press "Esc" then "Anchor". The LCD should display "SET LOGIC ORG". Press "Enter" then "Esc".		# Press "Esc" then "Anchor". The LCD should display "SET LOGIC ORG". Press "Enter" then "Esc". (Alternatively, you can simply start without setting an anchor. For this to work, any existing anchor would have to be canceled: press "Esc" then "Anchor" and select the cancel option on the LCD, if one shows up.)
	# Press the "Test" button to see the area that will be cut by the laser. Ensure that your material is lined up correctly.		# Press the "Test" button to see the area that will be cut by the laser. Ensure that your material is lined up correctly.
	# Close the lid of the laser.		# Close the lid of the laser.
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	# When your laser operation is complete, PLEASE leave the lid of the cutter closed for a few minutes to extract as much of the smoke or fumes from the space as possible.		# When your laser operation is complete, PLEASE leave the lid of the cutter closed for a few minutes to extract as much of the smoke or fumes from the space as possible.
	# When you remove your material, please take a moment and remove any small bits of excised material from the print bed - Try to leave the bed in better shape than you fouund it!		# When you remove your material, please take a moment and remove any small bits of excised material from the print bed - Try to leave the bed in better shape than you fouund it!
	# When you are finished with the laser cut software, Don't forget to move your files to your member folder on the Z-drive of the file server or to your own USB key or SD card.		# When you are finished with the laser cut software, Don't forget to move your files to your member folder on the Z-drive of the file server or to your own USB key or SD card. Similarly, please cancel an anchor point, if you have made one.
	# Make sure to swipe your Member Key again after you are finished to log out!		# Make sure to swipe your Member Key again after you are finished to log out!

Dblank: /* How to use the Laser in Table mode */

2016-04-22T01:01:00Z

How to use the Laser in Table mode

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:01, 21 April 2016
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	# Check the laser bed for any obstructions (abandoned material, objects left by previous users such as magnets, etc) and remove them. Also, check the area of the print bed where you will be placing your material - if there are small bits of material left from previous cuts, your material will not sit level and will not cut or engrave cleanly!		# Check the laser bed for any obstructions (abandoned material, objects left by previous users such as magnets, etc) and remove them. Also, check the area of the print bed where you will be placing your material - if there are small bits of material left from previous cuts, your material will not sit level and will not cut or engrave cleanly!
	# Power on the laser by turning the key on the front of the display panel. The water chiller (on the floor, lower right) should turn on with a red LCD displaying the water temperature, and you should be able to hear the fans and pump start up. If the chiller's green "normal" light does not come on, or if the red "alarm" light is lit, do not use the laser.		# Power on the laser by turning the key on the front of the display panel. The water chiller (on the floor, lower right) should turn on with a red LCD displaying the water temperature, and you should be able to hear the fans and pump start up. If the chiller's green "normal" light does not come on, or if the red "alarm" light is lit, do not use the laser.
	# Use your LVL1 Member Access Key to turn on the laser.		# Use your LVL1 Member Access Key to turn on the laser by swiping it across the reader (the indicator light beside it will go from "red" to "green" and there will be a "beep").
	# Home the X and Y Axes by pressing the "X-Y 0" button. If the laser doesn't home by moving to the back-right corner, ensure that the machine is not in "Jog" mode. If any menu item is highlighted to the right, the machine is not in "Jog" mode. Hit "Esc" on the display several times until the LCD menu shows entires for "File/Speed/Power" then press "Esc" until no menu items are highlighted. Then attempt to home the X and Y axes again.		# Home the X and Y Axes by pressing the "X-Y 0" button. If the laser doesn't home by moving to the back-right corner, ensure that the machine is not in "Jog" mode. If any menu item is highlighted to the right, the machine is not in "Jog" mode. Hit "Esc" on the display several times until the LCD menu shows entires for "File/Speed/Power" then press "Esc" until no menu items are highlighted. Then attempt to home the X and Y axes again.
	# Jog the Z Axis until your material will fit under the laser head by pressing the up and down arrows to raise or lower the print bed.		# Jog the Z Axis until your material will fit under the laser head by pressing the up and down arrows to raise or lower the print bed.

Dblank: /* Restrictions */

2016-04-22T00:58:34Z

Restrictions

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:58, 21 April 2016
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	This laser cutter is restricted to member-use only. It is only operable through RFID badge access, and names & times of members' usage will be kept in a log. This accountability is an effort to maintain responsible use of the laser--see "Laser Odor" below.		This laser cutter is restricted to member-use only. It is only operable through RFID badge access, and names & times of members' usage will be kept in a log. This accountability is an effort to maintain responsible use of the laser--see "Laser Odor" below.
	Remember: '''use you LVL1 key card to activate the laser for cutting AND lock out the laser when you are finished.'~~'' ''Italic text~~'' Failure to swipe your card a second time can leave you logged into the system (which you will still be held responsible for).		Remember: '''use you LVL1 key card to activate the laser for cutting AND lock out the laser when you are finished.''' Failure to swipe your card a second time can leave you logged into the system (which you will still be held responsible for).

	= Laser Odor =		= Laser Odor =

Dblank: Laser filter info removed, RFID restriction notices added

2016-04-22T00:58:13Z

Laser filter info removed, RFID restriction notices added

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:58, 21 April 2016
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	* https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4V_icNlfqiANnhWb3dfZm5iRHM/view?usp=sharing		* https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4V_icNlfqiANnhWb3dfZm5iRHM/view?usp=sharing

			= Restrictions =

			This laser cutter is restricted to member-use only. It is only operable through RFID badge access, and names & times of members' usage will be kept in a log. This accountability is an effort to maintain responsible use of the laser--see "Laser Odor" below.
			Remember: '''use you LVL1 key card to activate the laser for cutting AND lock out the laser when you are finished.''' ''Italic text'' Failure to swipe your card a second time can leave you logged into the system (which you will still be held responsible for).

	= Laser Odor =		= Laser Odor =
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	<pre style="color: red; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-size: 24pt">VERY EXTREMELY IMPORTANT LASER ODOR GUIDELINES</pre>		<pre style="color: red; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-size: 24pt">VERY EXTREMELY IMPORTANT LASER ODOR GUIDELINES</pre>

	~~The laser cutter~~ fumes are ~~filtered by an activated carbon filter before being dumped outside. This carbon filter keeps any fumes from possibly disturbing~~ the ~~neighbor's smoking area~~. ~~When the carbon filter is used-up~~, ~~there is a nearly-100% blockage of airflow through~~ the ~~filter~~. ~~This results in laser~~ fumes ~~filling~~ the space, and ~~LVL1 receiving complaints from other tenants in the building~~.		Laser fumes are normally vented through the window and out a shaft. Outdoors, the fumes do not bother residents.
			If you start to smell odor, then the fumes are backing up into the space and ''will soon bother our neighbors.''

	~~Some signs~~ the ~~laser filter is not operating properly:~~		'''IF YOU NOTICE AN ODOR beginning to fill the space, IMMEDIATELY DISCONTINUE LASER USE.'''
	* Cutting is taking much longer than normal
	* The laser ~~is filling with smoke (Normally, ALL SMOKE should~~ exit ~~rapidly)~~		Similarly, when you finish your project, wait a few moments before opening the laser cutter to allow the fumes to exit.
	* The space is filling with fumes

	~~There is an airflow switch installed on the filter which~~ will cause the laser to stop operating if the filter is sufficiently clogged. Although this provides some level of safety, please be aware of the signs of laser filter failure. If you notice laser fumes filling the space, DISCONTINUE the use of the laser, or tell the operator of the laser ~~to discontinue use~~.		''Our landlords have made it clear that another odor complaint from our neighbors will result in permanent prohibition of the laser.''

	=Important Laser Guidelines=		=Important Laser Guidelines=
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	=Acceptable File Formats=		=Acceptable File Formats=

	* DXF (Autocad 2002 or 2004 format)		* DXF (Autocad 2002 or 2004 format) (for vector cutting)
	* BMP		* PLT (for vector cutting)
	* JPG		* BMP (engraving only)
			* JPG (engraving only)
	* Others		* Others
	* NOT SVG. SVG is NOT usable.		* NOT SVG. SVG is NOT usable.
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	# Check the laser bed for any obstructions (abandoned material, objects left by previous users such as magnets, etc) and remove them. Also, check the area of the print bed where you will be placing your material - if there are small bits of material left from previous cuts, your material will not sit level and will not cut or engrave cleanly!		# Check the laser bed for any obstructions (abandoned material, objects left by previous users such as magnets, etc) and remove them. Also, check the area of the print bed where you will be placing your material - if there are small bits of material left from previous cuts, your material will not sit level and will not cut or engrave cleanly!
	# Power on the laser by turning the key on the front of the display panel. The water chiller (on the floor, lower right) should turn on with a red LCD displaying the water temperature, and you should be able to hear the fans and pump start up. If the chiller's green "normal" light does not come on, or if the red "alarm" light is lit, do not use the laser.		# Power on the laser by turning the key on the front of the display panel. The water chiller (on the floor, lower right) should turn on with a red LCD displaying the water temperature, and you should be able to hear the fans and pump start up. If the chiller's green "normal" light does not come on, or if the red "alarm" light is lit, do not use the laser.
			# Use your LVL1 Member Access Key to turn on the laser.
	# Home the X and Y Axes by pressing the "X-Y 0" button. If the laser doesn't home by moving to the back-right corner, ensure that the machine is not in "Jog" mode. If any menu item is highlighted to the right, the machine is not in "Jog" mode. Hit "Esc" on the display several times until the LCD menu shows entires for "File/Speed/Power" then press "Esc" until no menu items are highlighted. Then attempt to home the X and Y axes again.		# Home the X and Y Axes by pressing the "X-Y 0" button. If the laser doesn't home by moving to the back-right corner, ensure that the machine is not in "Jog" mode. If any menu item is highlighted to the right, the machine is not in "Jog" mode. Hit "Esc" on the display several times until the LCD menu shows entires for "File/Speed/Power" then press "Esc" until no menu items are highlighted. Then attempt to home the X and Y axes again.
	# Jog the Z Axis until your material will fit under the laser head by pressing the up and down arrows to raise or lower the print bed.		# Jog the Z Axis until your material will fit under the laser head by pressing the up and down arrows to raise or lower the print bed.
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	# When you remove your material, please take a moment and remove any small bits of excised material from the print bed - Try to leave the bed in better shape than you fouund it!		# When you remove your material, please take a moment and remove any small bits of excised material from the print bed - Try to leave the bed in better shape than you fouund it!
	# When you are finished with the laser cut software, Don't forget to move your files to your member folder on the Z-drive of the file server or to your own USB key or SD card.		# When you are finished with the laser cut software, Don't forget to move your files to your member folder on the Z-drive of the file server or to your own USB key or SD card.
			# Make sure to swipe your Member Key again after you are finished to log out!

	=How to use the Laser in Rotary Mode=		=How to use the Laser in Rotary Mode=
			NOTE: This is advanced--do not attempt without training!*
	Using the Roller-Type Rotary attachment... Our customer was very interested in purchasing our laser machine, and also interested in using the roller-style rotary attachment.		Using the Roller-Type Rotary attachment... Our customer was very interested in purchasing our laser machine, and also interested in using the roller-style rotary attachment.
	Make sure the main door is up and safety switches will NOT allow the laser to fire.		Make sure the main door is up and safety switches will NOT allow the laser to fire.

JacobAHeller: /* How to use the Laser in Rotary Mode */

2015-07-07T15:37:41Z

How to use the Laser in Rotary Mode

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:37, 7 July 2015
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	# Now that the rotary attachment is sitting in place, it needs to be connected to the machine. The motor connector and wires need to be routed through the square hole and taken to the motor amplifier. This picture shows the square hole from inside the laser work area. This picture shows the square hole from inside the electronics panel. * Make sure the power is OFF before you remove the motor wires. Tie the wires off to the side. Place the wire connector (for the rotary attachment) onto the connector of the Y-Axis amplifier. Do not push too hard... It helps to slightly wiggle the connector as you push it on. After everything is reconnected, turn the power back on.*		# Now that the rotary attachment is sitting in place, it needs to be connected to the machine. The motor connector and wires need to be routed through the square hole and taken to the motor amplifier. This picture shows the square hole from inside the laser work area. This picture shows the square hole from inside the electronics panel. * Make sure the power is OFF before you remove the motor wires. Tie the wires off to the side. Place the wire connector (for the rotary attachment) onto the connector of the Y-Axis amplifier. Do not push too hard... It helps to slightly wiggle the connector as you push it on. After everything is reconnected, turn the power back on.*
	#Please use the below pictures as a guide on how to unplug and plug in the wiring - remember to turn the machine OFF before getting into the wiring		#Please use the below pictures as a guide on how to unplug and plug in the wiring - remember to turn the machine OFF before getting into the wiring
	[[Media:Laser-RotaryWiring.jpg]]		# This picture shows the appropriate wire to unplug to turn off power to the Yaxis [[Media:Laser-RotaryWiring.jpg]]
	[[Media:Laser-RotaryWiringYaxis.jpg]]		# This picture shows where to connect the rotary tool on the amplifier (it's on the far right, and then plug in the two pronged connector)[[Media:Laser-RotaryWiringYaxis.jpg]]
	# Now we need to adjust the software settings to produce images that are truly the correct proportion and not stretched in the Y axis direction. We expect that the computer system is turned on, software is already installed, and the LaserCut 5.3 is working correctly. Start LaserCut 5.3 with a fresh project. Select the "File" in the menu and then select "Machine-Options" .. or press Ctrl and J buttons together for the hotkey function. The "MachineOptions" window will turn on.		# Now we need to adjust the software settings to produce images that are truly the correct proportion and not stretched in the Y axis direction. We expect that the computer system is turned on, software is already installed, and the LaserCut 5.3 is working correctly. Start LaserCut 5.3 with a fresh project. Select the "File" in the menu and then select "Machine-Options" .. or press Ctrl and J buttons together for the hotkey function. The "MachineOptions" window will turn on.
	# Select the settings for the "Worktable" ... seen here in the picture as highlighted in blue.		# Select the settings for the "Worktable" ... seen here in the picture as highlighted in blue.