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# Using PWM tools

This document describes how to setup a PWM-controlled laser or spindle using `pwm_tool` and some macros.

## How does it work?

With re-purposing the printhead's fan pwm output, you can control lasers or spindles. This is useful if you use switchable print heads, for example the E3D toolchanger or a DIY solution. Usually, cam-tools such as LaserWeb can be configured to use `M3-M5` commands, which stand for spindle speed CW (`M3 S[0-255]`), spindle speed CCW (`M4 S[0-255]`) and spindle stop (`M5`).

Warning: When driving a laser, keep all security precautions that you can think of! Diode lasers are usually inverted. This means, that when the MCU restarts, the laser will be fully on for the time it takes the MCU to start up again. For good measure, it is recommended to always wear appropriate laser-goggles of the right wavelength if the laser is powered; and to disconnect the laser when it is not needed. Also, you should configure a safety timeout, so that when your host or MCU encounters an error, the tool will stop.

For an example configuration, see config/sample-pwm-tool.cfg.

## Commands

`M3/M4 S<value>` : Set PWM duty-cycle. Values between 0 and 255. `M5` : Stop PWM output to shutdown value.

## Laserweb Configuration

If you use Laserweb, a working configuration would be:

    GCODE START:
        M5            ; Disable Laser
        G21           ; Set units to mm
        G90           ; Absolute positioning
        G0 Z0 F7000   ; Set Non-Cutting speed

    GCODE END:
        M5            ; Disable Laser
        G91           ; relative
        G0 Z+20 F4000 ;
        G90           ; absolute

    GCODE HOMING:
        M5            ; Disable Laser
        G28           ; Home all axis

    TOOL ON:
        M3 $INTENSITY

    TOOL OFF:
        M5            ; Disable Laser

    LASER INTENSITY:
        S

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