This article applies to:
D1 and D1 Pro with all laser Modules.
Issue description
When you process material with the machine, sometimes you may find no laser coming out of the module. Please follow the instructions below for troubleshooting.
Check the software
#1 Check the processing parameter
- Check the processing power parameter on XCS.
- If the power value is too low, set a high power value.
- If the power value is already high enough, move on to the next step.
#2 Check the file
When processing a bitmap image, the laser head won't fire in blank areas, which is a normal condition for the module. Therefore, if your process starts from a blank area, you will see that the laser head doesn't fire at the beginning.
- Try processing a vector image from XCS (as shown below) to test whether the file can be processed properly.
- If yes, the machine works properly, and you can continue processing your image;
- If not, move on to the next step.
Check hardware
#1 Check the laser module cable
- Check if the connection cable is loose
- Check if the cable is plugged in backward.
Unplug and replug the cable and make sure it's tight.
- If the cable is damaged, replace it with a new one.
- If the cable is all fine, move on to the next step.
#2 Check the laser module
Follow the steps below to check if the laser module is working properly.
Check the indicator
- Check the indicator inside the laser module: it lights up during processing and turns off during standby.
Check the fan in the laser module.
- For D1 5W and 10W laser modules. The fan should work after the machine is powered on.
- For D1 Pro 5W, 10W, 20W, and 40W laser modules. The fan should work during the framing and processing.
Check the red cross light
Check the Red Cross positioning light. It should stay on after the machine is powered on or during framing and turns off during processing.
Check the laser spot
Abnormalities in the laser spot can manifest as:
- Variation in line engraving thickness, possibly indicating a focusing issue or damaged internal lens.
- Anomalies in bitmap engraving results.
- Inability to see a clear and focused laser spot with the naked eye, but noticeable scattering is observed.
Should any of the above abnormalities be observed, it indicates a malfunction of the laser module, necessitating replacement.
If no visible abnormalities are found, then proceed to the next test.
Testing for short circuits with a multimeter
After confirming the laser module's status, get a multimeter and set it to continuity mode as shown.
Perform the following three tests to check for short circuits internally.
- If the multimeter sounds a beep during any of the following three tests, it indicates a short circuit in the laser module and requires replacement.
- If no beep sound is heard, there is no short circuit present. Please proceed to the next step.
| Switch the multimeter to the continuity mode. |  |
Test PWM and GND Pin Pair: Connect one multimeter probe to the PWM pin and the other to the GND pin. |  |
Test VCC and GND Pin Pair: Connect one probe to the VCC pin and the other to the GND pin. |  |
Test 3.3V and GND Pin Pair: Connect one multimeter probe to the 3.3V pin and the other to the GND pin. |  |
#3 Check the motherboard and adaptor
- Check if the indicator light on the motherboard remains solid blue.
- Check if the indicator light on the adapter remains solid green.
If not, unplug the laser module connection cable and observe any changes in status.
- If they return to normal, it indicates a possible short circuit in the laser module and requires replacement.
- If they continue to flash or remain abnormal, it suggests a possible problem with the motherboard or power adapter, necessitating replacement.
Please provide us with the troubleshooting results, and we will further assess the situation.
If the motherboard and adapter indicator lights are normal, please proceed with the following steps.
Check the input and output voltage
#1 Check the voltage readings
When the output voltage of the adapter or the input or output voltage of the motherboard is abnormal, the laser module may not work. If you have a multimeter, please follow the instructions below to test out the voltage.
Test adapter output voltage
- Disconnect the machine's power cord.
- Place the two probes as shown to test the adapter's output voltage.
Check the readings on the multimeter.
- For D1: 12V
- For D1 Pro 5W, 10W: 24V
- For D1 Pro 20W, 40W: 25V
Test motherboard input voltage
Reconnect the power adapter to the machine and place the two probes as shown to test the mainboard's input voltage.
Check the readings on the multimeter.
- For D1: 12V
- For D1 Pro 5W, 10W: 24V
- For D1 Pro 20W, 40W: 25V
Test motherboard output voltage to the laser module
- Position the two probes as shown in Pic 1.
- For this test, connect the machine to XCS and upload a file for the processing test.
- Click "Process," and press the black Start button on the mainboard (as shown in Pic 2) to initiate processing.
Check the readings on the multimeter.
- For D1: 12V
- For D1 Pro 5W, 10W, 20W, 40W: 24V
If there is a discrepancy between the readings obtained from the above three tests and the values provided by us, it indicates a malfunction in the component, which needs to be replaced.
Note
- For the D1 20W laser module to operate correctly, both its connection cable and an additional power cable from the 20W laser module kit are required. Only when both cables are correctly connected, and the fan starts working, does it indicate that the module is functioning properly. If only the laser module connection cable is connected, the red cross light will illuminate, but the module will not emit a laser beam.
- The D1 2W laser module requires a 13.5V power adapter.
If none of the above works
If you have followed the instructions above and the issue is still not resolved, please read the article in the link below, collect the troubleshooting steps you have taken, and contact xTool tech support for further advice.
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