Converting the laser to a plotter

[slanwar]

I converted my Openbuild Acro from laser to a plotter but with this software I don't see the option to lift the pen -on this case would be Z. The reason I converted (can switch back) was because the CNC is located in a school and of course I have 2 smoke detectors right above and even I have a fan blowing makes me nervous.

[beamzer]

I use it to drive my EleksDraw plotter, the M3 and M5 commands work to trigger the servo which lifts and lowers the pen. When the pen is lowered, the tip rests on the drawing surface by the gravity of the pen holding mechanism. That way it automatically follows irregularities. EleksDraw Pen Holder

[slanwar]

I checked your videos and I like the EleskDraw plotter but I'm using an arduino uno and the software from Eleskmaker is proprietary

[beamzer]

I wouldn't advice EleksCam, it's terrible software, keeps throwing unhandled exception errors and you need to run it as administrator. LaserGrbl is much better and works with the EleksDraw.

[JoshuRuiz]

I converted my laser to a plotter and i use now laserGBRL with pictures. ONLY with the vector option (not fill). For that only you will need to edit with Notepad++ (extended search option, allow \n characters) the instances in the gcode generated previously, of course the rotation angle must be in concordance to limits of power and depends the firmware you installed. 0-255 or 0-1000 change this: M3 to M3\nG4 P0.2 M5 to M5\nG4 P0.2

example:

[slanwar]

You have nice pictures you plotted on your instagram any chance I can get a copy?

[JoshuRuiz]

The pictures are on thematic zentangle