Nighthawk CNC: Wiring a 12V Diode Laser Module

This guide provides instructions for wiring a 12V diode laser module to the Nighthawk CNC controller.

Safety Precautions

• Read this entire guide before starting any work or modification.
• Ensure appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is worn, including safety glasses when operating any CNC machine or laser.
• CNC machines are dangerous and must be operated with diligence and safety in mind.

By using this guide, you acknowledge and agree that you are taking full responsibility for any damage to property, machinery, or persons that could potentially occur as a result of using this guide. CNC3D PTY LTD will not be held liable or responsible in any way for the misuse or use of this guide.

All 240V wiring MUST be done by a licensed electrician. Failure to do so can cause fire or electric shock!

DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY 240V WIRING WITHOUT AN ELECTRICAL LICENSE.

This modification involves low voltage DC wiring, including stripping wires or soldering. Pay close attention to diagrams, as any mistake can cause damage to the controller or laser module.

Required Components

• 3 or 4 Core Laser Cable
• Nighthawk Controller 10-pin Connector
• Small Flat-Blade Screwdriver

Using Your Own Power Supply

This section is for users providing their own power supply. If you received a kit from CNC3D or plan to use the Nighthawk Controller to power the laser, skip to the next section.

To power the laser and allow the Nighthawk to control it, you need to provide a path for the DC positive to the laser module while bypassing the Nighthawk's circuitry. You also need a path for the PWM control signal from the controller to the laser, and allow the DC negative to reach both the laser and the Nighthawk for the PWM signal to have a return path.

Wiring Diagram for External Power Supply

The diagram illustrates connecting DC+ and GND wires from an external power supply to power the laser. The yellow PWM wire from the Nighthawk needs a return path, which is the black wire in the 3P connector. This 3P wire must connect to the GND wire. It can connect to either side of the 3-Pin connector, but connecting on the supply side is often easier.

Nighthawk 10-pin Connector Layout:

• PWM
• 3P

Connection Example:

• DC+ from power supply to the 12V pin on the Nighthawk connector.
• GND from power supply to the 3P pin on the Nighthawk connector.
• PWM signal from the Nighthawk's PWM pin to the laser's PWM input.
• Ensure the GND from the power supply is also connected to the 3P pin on the Nighthawk connector to provide a common ground for the PWM signal.

Using the Nighthawk 12V Supply - 3 Pin Configuration

The Nighthawk Controller can power 12V laser diode modules up to 15W without an external power supply. These lasers typically use a 3-wire configuration for constant 12V and PWM signal control.

Wiring Diagram for 3-Pin Laser Module

The diagram shows the Nighthawk controller's 10-pin connector labeled for laser connections: 12V, PWM, 2P GND, and 3P GND.

• Connect the 12V output from the Nighthawk to the laser's +12V input.
• Connect the PWM output from the Nighthawk to the laser's PWM input.
• Connect one of the GND outputs (e.g., 3P GND) from the Nighthawk to the laser's GND input.

Most diode laser modules have a white JST connector. Ensure the wiring order is correct by checking the laser's labeling or user manual and matching it to the Nighthawk plug configuration.

Using the Nighthawk 12V Supply - 2 Pin Configuration

The Nighthawk Controller can power 12V laser diode modules up to 15W. Some laser modules use a 2-wire configuration, receiving power via a variable supply voltage instead of a PWM signal.

Wiring Diagram for 2-Pin Laser Module

The diagram shows the Nighthawk controller's 10-pin connector labeled for laser connections: 12V, PWM, 2P GND, and 3P GND.

• Connect the 12V output from the Nighthawk to the laser's +12V input.
• Connect one of the GND outputs (e.g., 2P GND) from the Nighthawk to the laser's GND input.

For 2-pin lasers without PWM, the power is controlled by varying the voltage supplied. Ensure the wiring order on the JST connector or barrel connector matches the laser module's specifications.

Testing Your Laser

Once wired, test the laser using the Nighthawk controller and Commander software.

Step 1: Software Configuration

1. Connect your laser and power on the Nighthawk controller.
2. Connect to the controller using the Commander software.
3. Navigate to the "Operations" tab and ensure "Laser Mode" is selected. You can switch between Laser and Spindle modes using the dropdown menu.
4. Set the "Maximum Speed/Power" value. For lasers, a value like 1000 or 255 is recommended. Using 1000 simplifies calculations. Ensure your laser job creation software uses the same value.
5. In the "Run Job" tab, locate "Laser Control". Use the M3 command followed by a number to set power levels (e.g., M3 1000 for full power, M3 500 for 50% power).

Note: The laser may not fire immediately when clicking the 'On' button if in Laser mode. Refer to Step 2 for details.

The minimum power percentage for the laser to fire from a Nighthawk is approximately 6-10%. If the laser does not fire at low settings, try M3 and 70 for a low power beam.

Step 2: Firmware and Safety Feature

Check your Nighthawk's firmware version in the Commander software's top bar.

For Nighthawk Firmware version 2.3 and later:

• In Laser Mode: The laser will only turn on if it receives an M3 or M4 (on) command AND a machine movement command. Clicking 'On' in Commander sends the command, but the laser fires only when the machine also receives a movement command (e.g., jogging the machine by 0.1 mm). This is a firmware-level safety feature to prevent accidental fires by keeping the laser focused on a single point.
• In Spindle Control Mode: The laser will fire with any 'On' signal. However, this mode may result in slower machine operation during engraving and a potentially lower quality finish.

To focus the laser during job setup, follow the instructions for firing it with a movement command. When running a job, the required commands are sent automatically.

Conclusion

Your laser is now set up and ready for use. Happy lasering!

Need Help?

For common laser-related issues, consult the online documentation:

• https://www.cnc3d.com.au/forum/support-faqs/laser-isn-t-firing

Contact CNC3D Support:

• Phone: +617 55220619 (9am-5pm AEST)
• Email: solutions@cnc3d.com.au
• Website: https://www.cnc3d.com.au/nhc or via Chat
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnc3dau
• Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cnc3dplayground

CNC3D welcomes feedback on improving manual and support page clarity.

Revised 24/10/2023