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Pic-Convert™ Board Instructions
This is the fifth version of the Pic-Convert board and now has fully isolated inputs and provides a power
supply to make the solution completely industrial. This DAC+PWM board solution has been developed
with Jeff and John at picengrave.com for use with their picengrave software for laser image
engraving. This board uses the STEP and DIRECTION signals from a spare axis to output a PWM signal (or
analog) to a laser driver for laser power control. This allows software controlled CNC machines (like
Mach3) to adjust the laser power on the fly for image engraving applications.
With the board you will now adjust your laser power by MOVING the axis you selected to hook up.
There is also an enable signal to turn the laser on and off.
Features
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Convert Step and Direction signals into PWM or analog output for laser drivers.
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PWM output for PWM modulated drivers.
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Analog output for analog modulated drivers.
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Output Enable Relay to control output with M03/M05 command.
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Fully isolated inputs allow for more industrial applications.
Contents of the box
In the box for the Pic-Convert™ there should be the circuit board with enclosure and 7 volt 1 amp wall
power supply for connecting power.
Safety
This board is designed to work in conjunction with high power lasers. When using lasers always make
sure you take the appropriate precautions for safety including the use of protective eyewear and
shielding. Always use caution when operating CNC equipment.
Using the board
There are two ways in which to use the Pic-Convert™ board:
1. Connecting it to a laser driver that uses PWM to modulate the laser intensity.
2. Connecting it to a laser driver that uses ANALOG to modulate the laser intensity.
Set-Up Video
https://youtu.be/Jqj29GKFXdo
Input Specifications
The Pic-Convert™ board requires DC voltage signals for step, direction, and enable pins. We recommend
using 5 volt signals. The inputs are all opto-isolated and can handle up to 24 volts.
1 |
P a g e
J Tech Photonics, Inc.
Pic-Convert™ Board Instructions V2.7
Copyright 6/13/17
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Table of Contents
Summary of Contents for J Tech Photonics Pic-Convert
- Page 1 • Fully isolated inputs allow for more industrial applications. Contents of the box In the box for the Pic-Convert™ there should be the circuit board with enclosure and 7 volt 1 amp wall power supply for connecting power. Safety This board is designed to work in conjunction with high power lasers. When using lasers always make sure you take the appropriate precautions for safety including the use of protective eyewear and shielding.
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Page 2: Power Specifications
Power Specifications The Pic-Convert™ comes with a provided 7V power adapter. If you want to use a different power supply, the board requires a voltage higher than +6V. You can use a power supply that is larger (up to 24volts), but make sure the regulator does not get too hot. A 9V or 12V supply should be easy to find. -
Page 3: Power Overview
The regulator is the IC right next to the barrel power connector. If needed for higher voltage operation, a heatsink can be added via the screw hole on the package. There are three ways to power the Pic-Convert™ board: 1. Barrel type connector power supply. Either use the enclosed plug to wire connector provided 2. -
Page 4: Theory Of Operation
Z axis. If you use the Z axis, just remember to either disable your motors or take off the motor connections before you run it. Now your laser can be controlled ON and OFF with the ENABLE input on the Pic-Convert™ board. You can use the spindle enable command in mach 3 for this. - Page 5 100% Power. 1% Power. P a g e J Tech Photonics, Inc. Pic-Convert™ Board Instructions V2.7 Copyright 6/13/17...
- Page 6 Linearity The Pic-Convert™ board provides a duty cycle or analog voltage output based on an increment from the step and direction output on your controller. It is imperative that this output is linear for the 256 shades of greyscale will show exactly on your image. Here is the output for both versus increment. It is 99.99% linear in both applications.
- Page 7 Set Up for PWM Output (J Tech Photonics Driver Example) In order to use the Pic-Convert™ board for a PWM output you will need to get the step and direction signals for the axis you are using. You can either get them from your breakout board or you can use a dual breakout board to get the signals.
- Page 8 Connect the controller output M03/M05 signal to the "Driver Enable" input if you want to control the pass through power. Connect the modulation input of the laser driver to the output screw terminal on the Pic-Convert™ board. THE BOARD WILL START AT 50% OUTPUT UPON APPLYING POWER TO THE BOARD. YOU NEED TO SEND A COMMAND TO SET IT TO ZERO WHEN IT TURNS ON.
- Page 9 So, if your wood starts to burn at -0.002", then your minimum value will be -0.002" and your maximum value will be 256 increments more at -0.0255". This will give you the full "grey scale" levels you need. P a g e J Tech Photonics, Inc. Pic-Convert™ Board Instructions V2.7 Copyright 6/13/17...
- Page 10 Mach3 Setup Here are some standard settings in Mach3 that Jeff at picengrave.com suggests from his experience with the Pic-Convert™ board. Units are in INCHES. Steps per inch: 10000 Velocity: Calculated by your machine controller Accel: Step Pulse: Direction Pulse: This makes your incremental move distance = 0.0001"...
- Page 11 We are running this with a 2.8W laser kit at 90 inches/min. The focus for us is about 0.006 inches, so we use this for the pixel resolution. 11 | P a g e J Tech Photonics, Inc. Pic-Convert™ Board Instructions V2.7 Copyright 6/13/17...
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Page 12: Troubleshooting
PicConvert board with a meter. Then, check the test points on the PicConvert board to see if the signals got through the opto isolators. 12 | P a g e J Tech Photonics, Inc. Pic-Convert™ Board Instructions V2.7 Copyright 6/13/17... - Page 13 I picture showing the test points is below. 13 | P a g e J Tech Photonics, Inc. Pic-Convert™ Board Instructions V2.7 Copyright 6/13/17...
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Page 14: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make my maximum value a positive number? Sure, if your machine is set up correctly. All the Pic-Convert™ board needs is the step and direction signals. If your image comes out inverted, then you have them set backwards. - Page 15 You are not really moving any axis, so it can be super-fast. You are just trying to get the step and direction signals to the Pic-Convert™ board fast. The faster the computer thinks the axis is moving the faster you can get the signals.
- Page 16 Be patient, read the instructions, and take breaks if you become frustrated. If you need help, please give us an email at customerservice@jtechphotonics.com and we will try and assist you. 16 | P a g e J Tech Photonics, Inc. Pic-Convert™ Board Instructions V2.7 Copyright 6/13/17...
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