J Tech Laser and the X Controller

[picengravertoo]

It is recommended to use the J-Tech firmware for raster engraving photos with our PicEngrave & the J-Tech laser for two reasons. First, it executes the S commands in real time without any dwelling. Second, it has the proper PWM frequency for the J-Tech laser driver.

Our PicSender streamer makes it easy to switch back & forth between the different versions of grbl firmware. For the laser to engrave photos, the J-Tech firmware should be used, then you can switch back to grbl 1.0c for spindle use or vector cutting with the laser. Here is information on how to switch back & forth with our PicSender.

Where is the laser engraving category?

I don’t have a spindle on our Shapeoko, only a laser, but I do test different versions of grbl back and forth quite extensively with PicSender. You can switch to the grbl 9j for your spindle or vector laser gcode files, then switch to the J-Tech PWM grbl for raster laser engraving. After connecting to the com port in PicSender, select the yellow GRBL button, then Display Settings, then Save. Name the file something like X-Carve GRBL 9j. Return to the main screen, select Close, not Exit. Open …

We use 1/4" thick honeycomb aluminum with our 6W laser under our material for cutting. You can also lay something else none reflective under the honeycomb aluminum to protect your waste board.

http://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Honeycomb-Grid-Core-Cell/dp/B00WIUBELY/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1457917907&sr=8-12&keywords=RangerRoy+HexGrid

I don’t have experience with inkscape, so I can’t answer that question.