![\"Shopbot\"](\"https:\/\/jtechphotonics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Shopbot.jpg\")
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Shopbot Tools are known to be some of the best CNC tools for many years running. \u00a0They have a great following from users and many over the years have asked us how to upgrade them. \u00a0We talked to the folks over at Shopbot about integrating into their control electronics and it is pretty straight forward. \u00a0So let’s get started!<\/p>\n
There are many types of ShopBot CNC machines. \u00a0One of the most popular is the Destop Max machine. \u00a0While there are several machines with different mechanical configurations, they all have the same (or similar) control system on them.<\/p>\n
ShopBot PRS Alpha<\/p>\n Every ShopBot has a control box. \u00a0In this box, there is a interface board called the Control Card. \u00a0This has the connections for the motors and various other outputs for the machine control. \u00a0If you open up your control box it will look something like this:<\/p>\n In the case of the ShopBot Desktop Max, we took the blue cover off the box and opened it up. \u00a0The control card looks like this:<\/p>\n There will be a section on the control card for general purpose outputs. \u00a0These are labeled:<\/p>\n GND In this case, they have a Wago connector that has a push clamp device to let you attach tin wire directly to the outputs. \u00a0Since none of them are being used on this machine already, it is easy to use the OP5 connection and the GND connection. \u00a0(*Note* if the OP5 connection does not produce a signal, try the OP6, OP7, or OP8. \u00a0We have seen some boards have faulty outputs).<\/p>\n Connect the Molex Mini Fit Jr. Cable<\/a>\u00a0from the laser driver to the OP connection on the control card. \u00a0The kit comes with a 3′ Molex mini fit cable, but if you need a longer length to run through the cable chain, you can purchase it here in the shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n Connect the Red + wire to the OP5 connector and connect the Black – wire to the GND terminal. \u00a0Like we said earlier, the control card might look a bit different, but the OP5 to OP8 connections will be in every machine.<\/p>\n Connect this Molex Mini fit cable to the H4 control signal input on the back of the laser driver. \u00a0You can also use your own wire as well. \u00a0In this case, connect it to the screw terminal H2.<\/p>\n Connect the laser to the far left Molex Mini Fit connector H3. \u00a0For the power connection, the kit has a wall adapter that is 6′ long. \u00a0We recomend using this adapter with the laser as it is tested to work and not harm the laser. \u00a0If you want to extend the power connection to run through the cable chain as well, then you can purchase the extension in our shop here: \u00a0Power Cable Extension<\/a><\/p>\n The general purpose outputs on the ShopBot are controlled with the following syntax:<\/p>\n SO,[Output#],1 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0for ON Where OUTPUT# is the number of the output. \u00a0In our example machine we used OP5. \u00a0It would have the following G Code for control:<\/p>\n SO,5,1 \u00a0 (ON) We also have the Vectric Post Processor written for OP5 located on the post processor page. \u00a0It has how to set up the tool and run the file. \u00a0Check it out here:<\/p>\n Vectric Post Processor Page<\/a><\/p>\n There are many machines with different mechanical configurations for the ShopBot tools.\u00a0 We have a magnetic “generic” all in one laser and mounting bundle that you can use to mount our lasers onto the Z gantry.<\/p>\n You just need to choose your distance of extension cables from your control box to the gantry through the cable chain. You can get the bundle here:<\/p>\n Many people make a plate that has the laser on the bottom and the driver above it that can be removed easily when not being used. \u00a0Since the electrical connections are all quick release, this process should only take a couple of minutes to complete the change over.<\/p>\n On the ShopBot Desktop max, there are a couple of screw holes in the front of the tool holder. \u00a0The customer utilized these holes and made a plate with the laser and driver on it.<\/p>\n Another customer has an older machine and mounted the laser in a 3D printed box next to the router with an 80mm computer fan attached to the back. \u00a0 Here is the STL file:<\/p>\n DOWNLOAD STL FILE FOR LASER BOX<\/a><\/p>\n You can find an 80mm fan at a lot of places. Here is a link to one at Amazon.com: \u00a080mm Cooling Fan<\/a><\/p>\n Here are some pictures of their installation:<\/p>\n Our customer Doug has a PRS Alpha and shared his pictures of his build with us.\u00a0 He has an interesting request to be able to use the 4th axis rotary as well as use the spindle mounted laser.\u00a0 He came up with a great design for a clamp to house the laser and the driver so that it could be used for both the rotary and the spindle.\u00a0 Because the spindle mounted laser also has the magnets for our normal mounts you can attach it to the front using magnet bars. Here is his design.<\/p>\n So there it is! \u00a0Let us know how this works or if you have any customer pictures of different machines we can share with everyone!<\/p>\n We sell laser shielding to block laser radiation and reflections!<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jtechphotonics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/PRS-alpha.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nElectrical<\/h3>\n
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\nOP5
\nOP6
\nOP7
\nOP8<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\nSoftware<\/h3>\n
\nSO,[Output#],0 \u00a0 \u00a0 for OFF<\/p>\n
\nSO,5,0 \u00a0(OFF)<\/p>\nMechanical<\/h3>\n
<\/a> <\/a><\/p>\nGeneric “All in One” Bundle<\/a><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n<\/a> <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\nBuy your laser upgrade kit now!<\/a><\/h1>\n
<\/a><\/h3>\nRemember Safety First!<\/h3>\n
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