AltSpace Wiki

Here's a checklist of things which need to be done before using the laser in no particular order.

• Ensure that both the machine itself and the cord for the compressor are plugged in and the machine is switched on.
• Turn on the ventilation and ensure proper configuration to allow airflow through the machine.
• Turn on the compressor in the cabinet. This is technically not required for everything but its basically never detrimental. Air assist is not controllable by the machine (yet).
• Check maintenance log to ensure the lens has been cleaned recently (TODO: make a maintenance log)
• Wear Protection. It is recommended to use safety glasses specifically designed for laser safety. (there should be some near the laser engraver)

While connected to the AltSpace WiFi, navigate to http://10.20.30.16/ in a web browser. This is a web interface used for joging, resetting some errors, access to a terminal, homing, and some other things. It has a settings page, please do not touch the settings page. :) This is bookmarked on the space computer.

Note: The ip will likely change in the future and be replaced with a static ip.

The firmware is running FluidNC, a GRBL compatible GCode interpreter. As such it can be used with LightBurn (paid) or LaserGRBL (FOSS, but windows only) as well as some other options. (weird inkscape toolchain?) These should be able to connect to the machine over WiFi from any machine connected to the local network. (The usb port is only for configuration and firmware upgrades)

Currently the only well supported software is the copy of Lightburn on the computer next to the machine. This is because of some of the SNAFU workarounds and also because LaserGRBL seems to want to write settings to the machine which doesnt seem to work in the way LaserGRBL expects.