Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide Installation & Set-up Guide: VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.
Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide The Installation & Set-up Guide is designed to provide you with step-by-step instructions for proper installation and set-up of your Universal laser system. Before getting started, you should become familiar with each section of the Installation & Set-Up Guide: Proper Operating Environment Procedures, Software Installation and Requirements, Assembling Your System and Running Your First Job.
Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide Electrical Power Source (User Supplied) 1. For your system’s electrical requirements, please refer to the “INPUT POWER” label near the power inlet. 2. CAUTION: Never remove the ground lead to the electrical cord and plug the VLS system into a non-grounded outlet. A laser system that is not properly grounded is hazardous and has the potential to cause severe or fatal electrical shock.
Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide Note: The following diagram shows a typical exhaust system layout. Use this as a guideline for proper exhaust system installation. Although this diagram serves as an example, we recommend you consult with a licensed contractor to meet local safety, environmental and building code requirements and to also calculate the correct size blower required for your particular installation.
Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide Software Installation and Requirements Your computer is a critical component in the operation of the VLS system. In fact, you cannot operate the VLS system if your computer is not connected, powered on, running Windows and running the Universal Control Panel (UCP) software. You can only run one VLS system per computer at a time. You will need to have a separate computer for each VLS system you own.
Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide Optimizing Windows XP Performance Windows XP, by default, displays many “visual effects” that slow down the computer. We recommend that you turn off these effects by right-clicking on the “My Computer” icon on your desktop, then click “Properties” and then click the “Advanced” tab. In the Performance section, click “Settings,” then click “Adjust For Best Performance” and then click “Apply.
Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide Universal Control Panel (UCP) Installation CD-ROM At this point you need to install the Windows XP/Vista Universal Control Panel (UCP) and printer driver. In order to install the software, you need to have administrative privileges on the computer before starting installation. The Software Installation CD-ROM can be found on the inside of this manual reference guide. 1.
Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide 4. The installation process will proceed as indicated by a progress bar. Be patient. Loading the files can take a few minutes depending on your computer’s processor speed. 5. When the installation process is finished, the “Completing the ULS Software Setup Wizard” window will appear. Read the instructions and make your desired selection. If you Reboot Now, save all your work prior to rebooting.
Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide Assembling Your VLS System Familiarize yourself with the instructions before getting started. If you purchased the Computer Controlled Air Cleaner Cart, proceed to the Accessories section on the CD for installation instructions. If you plan on placing the laser system on top of a table, continue with the follwing steps. CAUTION: Do not attempt to move or lift this system alone.
Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide 5. Remove all materials inside of the laser system. You must do this before plugging in the power cord otherwise, serious damage may occur. 6. Gently move the X-Axis arm (1) back and forth. It should slide freely. 7. Verify that all materials inside the VersaLASER have been removed. 8. Close the cover and continue to the next page.
Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide Finalizing the Connections Make the following connections in the order described, otherwise static electricity can potentially damage the computer and/or the laser systems electronics. 1. Connect the 3-inch (76.5 mm) flexible rubber exhaust system to the rear of the laser system if you have not already done so. 2. Connect the laser system’s power cord and your computer’s power cord to a grounded electrical outlet.
Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide 5. USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (Only) The laser system comes equipped with a high quality, 6-foot (1.82 meters) USB 2.0 certified cable. We recommend you use this provided cable. CAUTION: Do not use any adapters, extension cables, USB cable longer than 6 feet (1.82 meters) or other devices between the computer’s USB port and the port on the laser system; sporadic or unpredictable behavior may result. a.
Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide c. Select “Install the software automatically.” Then Click “Next” to continue. You do not need to insert the Software Installation CD-ROM. d. A warning message will appear. Select “Continue Anyway.” Do not be concerned. Installing the ULS Firmware will not harm your computer in any way. The firmware will begin to load. e. Click “Finish” to close the Wizard. f.
Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide Checking Beam Alignment Note: You will not engrave anything at this time. 1. Open the top door. 2. Place a small piece of masking tape across the 3/4” (19 mm) hole in the focus carriage (1). Gently rub the tape around the edge of the hole so that you can see the outline of the hole through the tape (2). 3. Power on your computer and verify that the Universal Control Panel (UCP) icon is present on the taskbar.
Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide Running Your First Job We will now illustrate how to use your laser system to engrave on a piece of anodized aluminum from start to finish. In this example, you will raster engrave a Test Card on a 2 x 3.5 inch (50.8 x 89 mm), 0.0195 inch (0.49 mm) thick piece of anodized aluminum. Note: For this example we will be using CorelDRAW X3 and the CorelDRAW sample file provided on the software CD.
Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide Step 3 – Printing to your VLS System (Materials Database Tab) You are using the Materials Database Tab in the printer driver. Other graphic software programs may differ. 1. Verify that the UCP is running in the taskbar. 2. When you are ready to print the job, click FILE and then click PRINT.
Universal Laser Systems VersaLASER VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 Installation and Setup Guide Step 4 – Starting the Process 1. Turn on the exhaust and VLS system. Note: Laser system cooling fans are variable speed and may speed up and slow down during operation as needed to cool the lasers. 2. Make sure the material is positioned correctly within the engraving area. 3. Close the top door. 4. Click the green START button on the UCP to begin laser processing (Figure 6 on previous page).
