Great idea @lukecyca.
Unfortunately, I’m out of town this weekend.
Here is the list of items with a few notes:
- Possible to engage laser through software, with lid open: Warning: possible to engage laser with lid open
- In the past, someone was able to hack the LaserCAD software so these buttons didn’t appear. A physical wiring change that prevents this would be better.
- Chiller system flow switch is not reliable
- The flow switch doesn’t seem to be working reliably, which causes the laser to move without lasing. The chiller water is due for replacement, which may be gunking up the switch. Ideally the switch would be mounted in a box with a powered circuit that indicates the status, and a relay for actually driving the interlock attached to the laser. The interlock should also disengage if the water isn’t being chilled adequately (i.e. water temperature is too high). The original chilling unit may be able to be hacked and incorporated with the updated chiller to provide the interlock with both adequate temperature and flow.
- Gas springs in lid need to be replaced
- Replacement parts are on order.
- The LED light strip that was mounted to the front of the lid should be replaced.
- Lid switch is unreliable
- The microswitch that detects when the lid is closed needs some TLC.
- Missing filter pressure measurement sensor
- The pressure sensor at the bottom of the filter case is missing. I think it was a BMP180, which is no longer available. A BMP280 (e.g. Adafruit BMP280 I2C or SPI Barometric Pressure & Altitude Sensor [STEMMA QT] : ID 2651 : $9.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits) will probably work. Would be great if it was attached more securely so doesn’t go missing (get vacuumed?) again
- Spare laser cutter PC should be replaced
- When the laser computer failed in the early spring, the spare laser cutter computer that @toma had put together came in super handy as a drop-in replacement. It would be great to fix up the original or create another spare.
- Need long-term solution for long workpieces (replace tape and properly route cables)
- The enclosure has an opening at the back that allows longer workpieces to be cut, but this is typically covered with tape to improve fume extraction. There are also cables for the laser tube and the tubing for the chiller water run along the back of the laser cutter that can longer workpieces can get snagged on.
- A flexible curtain with some magnets or something would allow this to be opened when necessary, and remain closed/sealed otherwise.
- Routing and securing the cables so they don’t get snagged.
- New Control Panel Cover
- An acrylic cover currently prevents users from interacting with the touch controls on the laser. This is important, since changing the settings can inadvertently damage the machine. However, it also covers the display which sometimes shows useful information (e.g. your design extends past the bounds of the laser)
- Need to design and cut and new panel cover that secures the buttons against unauthorized use while keeping the display visible. The buttons should be accessible when the LCC needs to use them for machine maintenance.
- Exhaust System and- Filter needs upgrade
- This is a longer term project, and likely dependent on the specifics of a new space. We need a more efficient /effective and easier to maintain fume extraction system.
- Pump cut-out for chiller cooler top
- @polishdude20 replaced the broken pump in the chiller. It would be nice to make a sealable port in the top of the cooler so the lid can be close completely