Fiber Laser setup

[Kristian Matz]

I have the new Ray Fine Galvo (30w) laser set up. Drivers are installed, when I launch excad, it gives me an error that says: EZCAD.cfg failed

Does anyone have any suggestion?

If I hit ok, it will launch the program and I can use it, but it will not let me save any settings.

[Bill George]

I have the new Ray Fine Galvo (30w) laser set up. Drivers are installed, when I launch excad, it gives me an error that says: EZCAD.cfg failed

Does anyone have any suggestion?

If I hit ok, it will launch the program and I can use it, but it will not let me save any settings.

Machine is the dongle, it needs to be connected to the USB cable powered on with the key switch then open EZCad.

[Kristian Matz]

Thanks Bill, I do not think that is it. I am able to mark with it after i click ok on the error.

I believe it may have to do with the cyclops camera configuration. I am supposed to run the camera config, but its asking for a serial number. I have asked Ray Fine for that, I cant find it listed any where. The camera version has a slightly different version of excad. If I use the non camera version, I do not get the error.

[Bill George]

So you said nothing about a camera? Just wondering why that is needed on a galvo fiber laser? If you look on the circuit board, if its like the EZCAD program and control board, each board has a serial number. Should be on a sticker or marked. My fiber did exactly the same thing, unless it was connected as I described above.

[Kristian Matz]

I tried the serial number on the board and that did not work. I am able to mark with it, so I am not sure the connection thing is the issue.

[Bill George]

So how much extra did you pay for the Camera?

The Ray Fine I have outputs a red light box that surrounds what is to be marked, red laser light and then a red pinpoint dot. If you have it set up right the two dots will merge when your in focus and the outline box is very accurate. BTW My computer has Norton's virus program installed, it would not let the Chinese software install and deleted a couple files before I could stop it. I then had to tell Norton's it was Safe.

[Kristian Matz]

I am not sure the exact price that I paid for it, it was listed as a $1200 option but after going back and forth on the pricing, I am not sure what each thing cost. It became a package and we negotiated the price of the whole thing,not the parts.

[John Lifer]

Kristian, Bill is right as far as the 'simple' Fiber is concerned. In setting up mine, I tossed the CD into a drawer, don't use it.
You should have a USB drive that was sent with the laser. Plug it in, and look for at least one video under a folder. I have two lenses, each has folder. Video is same, shows how to set up software.
You DO have to have the machine ON (at least key on minimum it appears) before you open ezcad. Now I copied the ezcad just to my download folder. The DRIVER is the only installation you really do.
And instructions here are in first part of video.

I do know I shut off my machine last night and left ezcad open, locked up my computer, so I suggest closing software then powering down machine.
I was able to save things, so I'm not sure what else you might have to set up with that camera.
BTW, Thanks for being the Guinea pig for the camera system. I sure though about it, but backed out!

[Bill George]

I found a video of the Camera system in action on You Tube. Impressed, now I want one!

[Kristian Matz]

Ok, the laser is up an running. I am not positive what the problem was, Bryant remotely went in and renamed some files and got it to work. Looks like the forgot to send me the configuration for the 200x200 lens.

So far the camera is pretty cool. I have to play with it more to see if it will be useful.

Does anyone have some suggested settings for any materials that they are willing to share? Stainless, rowmark, brass, nickel? anything really.

[Kev Williams]

What I saw on the camera videos is pretty cool, but I've been doing basically the same thing with the red light. Love that red light :D

[Gary Hair]

I'd be curious to see how accurate the positioning is via the camera. The red light is only as accurate as you have it calibrated, I'm assuming the camera would need calibration as well.

[Kristian Matz]

Yes, the 100mm lens came calibrated, I will have to calibrate the 200x200

[John Lifer]

Kristian, you were looking for a few settings. I just finished running a case of JDS Stainless cups. I mark the bottom with my contact information and said to my self this morning,
"self, why don't you try the Fiber on the bottom?"
And I answered back "GREAT IDEA!"

I had found reading archives here settings for SS of 225 speed, 28% power, 80K frequency and .01mm spacing and 45 degree and 135 degree hatching, on the 135 degree used ring hatch.
This was for a 30Watt, Sorry guys, I didn't write down source! But THANKS!

I upped to 30% power, (not needed BTW) and ran one pass. Not dark enough.
ran again and is perfect.
Two passes and away we went.
Nice and dark and way sharper than my cermark.

[Kristian Matz]

Thank you, I will give those settings a shot.

[David Somers]

So here is a silly question for you fiber fans! On a Chinese glass tube laser you all have found that the differences between two machines, even identical machines, are sometimes enough to make settings that work great on one machine pretty tenuous on the second machine. Do you find with the fiber that the settings are more useable directly from one machine to another? As always....just curious!

[John Lifer]

I expect there is some difference, but I think they are more similar at least power ratings, than glass CO2. I have a couple of days experience, but I have taken settings off of here and a couple of other locations and they have worked.