====== Laser Cutter Telemetry ======

Below are the laser telemetry initiatives for monitoring laser health and performance.

The goal is to have all of this information pushed into InfluxDB for analysis.


===== Laser access control =====

   * Monitor the power state of the overall system (is it on or off)
   * Monitor which user is currently logged in to the access control system

**Current status:** This system is governed by the Raspberry Pi and runs the software at https://github.com/vhs/vhs-laser-access. Unknown whether this data is being logged anywhere.

===== Laser tube =====

https://github.com/vhs/laser-mon

Monitors the realtime PWM output of the controller, as well as whether the laser is firing or not. These two metrics, when multiplied, show the total power delivered to the tube.

**Current status: Working** 

**Future work:**
    * Monitor actual current draw of the tube (expected to be ~27mA max)


===== Exhaust =====


Monitors the pressure differential before/after the filter system to know how clogged the filters are. Also monitors the temperatures, because why not. The sensors are Bosch BMP 180 installed in the filtration box.
This data is currently being stored in InfluxDB along with data from other air quality sensors. 

**Current status: Working**


===== Water cooling =====

The water cooling loop is monitored by the laser power supply. There is a flow switch in series with the magnetic contact switch in the safety loop. If there is no flow of water, the laser power supply will disable power to the tube. 

**Current status: Working**