Cut2D Desktop and Laser Module with Emblaser1

[JimG]

I've been running my Emblaser1 for the last seven years with the original Cut2D Laser Desktop and VTransfer. I'm considered updating the software and have installed the latest Cut2D Desktop Trial version and tried to see if I could get it to talk to the Emblaser, but with no luck so far. Any suggestions on whether I will be able to get it to work.

Jim.

[Adrian]

Are the problems with Cut2D itself or the laser module? For the laser module you need a post processor that is configured for laser use. Standard ones won't work.

[JimG]

Are the problems with Cut2D itself or the laser module? For the laser module you need a post processor that is configured for laser use. Standard ones won't work.

I was working with the laser module activated and was using one of the supplied files - the wing form - as a source. I was offered a choice of four GBRL post processors on the file output and I chose the GBRL arc mm one. I also had VTransfer running and in contact with the Emblaser in case that was required.

Cut2D itself seemed to be working properly and I had actually drawn a test object to use with the laser module as a test when it wouldn't allow me to export a file from it and I had to load up one of the files supplied with the software.

Jim.

[adze_cnc]

I've been running my Emblaser1 for the last seven years with the original Cut2D Laser Desktop and VTransfer.

I was working with the laser module activated and was using one of the supplied files - the wing form..

I presume that the description for what you did with the "wing form" is in the trial of the Cut2D Trial.

How does that process of selecting the GRBL post-processor differ from what you've done for "seven years" with the old software version? i.e., what post-processor were you using for the old software?

[JimG]

How does that process of selecting the GRBL post-processor differ from what you've done for "seven years" with the old software version? i.e., what post-processor were you using for the old software?

I've just spent the morning having another go with the free trial version of Cut2D Desktop. I re-installed the software and, when prompted, selected "Generic" when prompted for a machine type. I invoked the Laser module and tried to generate a file using the wing form file supplied with the free trial. No matter what post processor I selected from the four GRBL versions offered, a file could not be produced with the Cut2D giving the message that it was not possible with the post processor selected. I had several attempts with the same outcome.

There is no option to load setups or post processors to suit a Darkly Labs Emblaser 1, or any more modern Darkly Labs machine, hence me opting for the generic offering.

I also suspect that the Emblaser is more basic than more modern machines. With the original Cut2D Laser Desktop, another programme called VTransfer was supplied and this interfaced with the Emblaser to give basic homing and movement controls to the laser head. Files were uploaded to VTransfer, which could then output the data to the Emblaser. There was no direct link between Cut2D Laser Desktop and the Emblaser via USB. Cut2D Laser Desktop had two Emblaser 1 post processors supplied.

Jim.

[Adrian]

The "Grbl (inch)" and Grbl (mm)" post processors both have laser support.

What is the exact error message you're getting when trying to save a toolpath from either of the laser toolpaths?

I can save a toolpath using both of those post processors with the Laser Cut & Fill toolpath.

Using vTransfer should be exactly the same as before.

[adze_cnc]

There is no option to load setups or post processors to suit a Darkly Labs Emblaser 1, or any more modern Darkly Labs machine, hence me opting for the generic offering.

Seems to be there in the trial version I have installed:
 

[JimG]

Seems to be there in the trial version I have installed:

I missed that. I didn't realise that the alphabetic sort was case sensitive with "Em" appearing quite a way below "EM". I downloaded it but couldn't get it to appear as an option when saving a file.

Jim.

[JimG]

The "Grbl (inch)" and Grbl (mm)" post processors both have laser support.

What is the exact error message you're getting when trying to save a toolpath from either of the laser toolpaths?

I can save a toolpath using both of those post processors with the Laser Cut & Fill toolpath.

Using vTransfer should be exactly the same as before.

I got it to work via VTransfer to the Emblaser. What had been throwing me was that when I selected the Laser toolpath, I was presented with a dialogue box stating that "No Associated Post Processor Files" and offering a choice from four G-Code files - inch or mm, arc or not. When I chose one, I had assumed that the selection had been made. When I selected a GBRL-mm post processor in the selection box when actually saving the file with direct to machine ticked, then VTransfer was started and the file loaded by it. The Emblaser then was able to be run from VTransfer.

When I repeated the whole operation with VTransfer still running, it was reported that VTransfer was being used by another program and the file was not uploaded. I had to shut down VTransfer to get things to work again.

Jim.