LaserUser.com Forum (formerly RDWorksLab)

Hi,

I'm nearing completion of my home build 80w laser that uses an RDC644XG controller. I'm wiring it at the moment and now I'm a bit confused about the microswitches illustrated in the schematic. I have attached the relevant part of the schematic.

1) My machine has two switches wired in series for the main cover safety. I anticipated having these as normally open, meaning that they are closed to make the circuit when the lid is closed. However, the schematic seems to indicate 'normally closed' which makes no sense having two switches in series. Clarification sought.

2)limit switches; I have a microswitch at extremes of travel for all three axis. Am I correct in my interpretation that the switches are 'normally open' and the circuit is only made when the carriage touches the switch to push it closed?

Any assistance gratefully received.

Thanks, Les

Those micro switches can be no or nc when not depressed.
Typically I have seen normally open installed on the lid/cover door - the switch closes when the door is fully shut.
Normally open -fail open and is typically preferred.

Thanks Pete.

That's how I have installed my switches; to make the circuit when the door is closed. In fact I have two switches, one on the left and the other on the right of a wide cover. Wired in series.

Any thoughts on the carriage limit switches? I've assumed the switches close to make contact at the ends of travel.

If anyone else has a view please feel free to chip in.

Thanks,

Les.

Les Brown wrote: Sun Apr 07, 2019 Thanks Pete.
That's how I have installed my switches; to make the circuit when the door is closed. In fact I have two switches, one on the left and the other on the right of a wide cover. Wired in series.
Any thoughts on the carriage limit switches? I've assumed the switches close to make contact at the ends of travel.
If anyone else has a view please feel free to chip in.
Thanks,
Les.

Are the carriage limit switches different than the proximity sensors that are useD to initialize position on startup?

Pete Cyr wrote: Sun Apr 07, 2019

Les Brown wrote: Sun Apr 07, 2019 Thanks Pete.
That's how I have installed my switches; to make the circuit when the door is closed. In fact I have two switches, one on the left and the other on the right of a wide cover. Wired in series.
Any thoughts on the carriage limit switches? I've assumed the switches close to make contact at the ends of travel.
If anyone else has a view please feel free to chip in.
Thanks,
Les.

Are the carriage limit switches different than the proximity sensors that are useD to initialize position on startup?

I've used microswitches the same as on my 3D printer but they are performing the same function I guess.

I added a switch to my door, and connected it like in the connectivity digram. But I can't figure out how to enable the switch to disable the laser.

Neal, I wish I could answer that for you but I'm getting more confused by the day. Is there somewhere in the settings that allows you to enable it e.g. Iike I believe there is for enabling the water flow sensor function?

"Enable protect" in the Vendor settings (other) is for the door switch. On the original point, the wiring diagram shows the switches in operating state. The door switch must be closed to operate the laser, all the others close when a limit (error state) is reached.

Thanks Chris. Has to be said that the Ruida manual is confusing. Written in plain english would be real helpful.

All this talk of high and low level for a start has done for me! I like switches to be open or closed or even made or broken. Anyway, I now get it that low level is when contacts are closed. (I like to think of it now as putting my foot down e.g. 'low' to apply power e.g. closed contacts).

Trouble is that doesn't explain their representation in the diagram. I interpreted the diagram to show all switches in their natural state i.e. with the actuators relaxed. Logical for the limit switches as they don't get closed until the laser head pushes them closed at the limits of travel. Likewise I had interpreted the same diagram to show the door interlock normally closed e.g. gets pushed to the other state (open) when the door or lid closes. Clearly not the case. AArrghhhh.

Has to be said that the Ruida manual is confusing. Written in plain english would be real helpful.

You realize that we have done that for you? Look around the forum and I am sure you will find it.