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Software

  • To use your machine you will need appropriate software capable of the following

1. Drawing or editing designs​​​ and has the ability to save or export files in .svg, .dxf, ai, etc. formats

2. Communicating with the laser controller
 

  • Popular Software

    • Lightburn

      • Is the most popular software for laser users

      • Has design capability and communicates with the laser controller

      • Provides a free 30 day trial which can be downloaded from the Lightburn website (see links below)

      • Compatible with both PC and MAC

      • License is good for life, but it only includes one (1) year worth of upgrades. Since the license is good for life you may continue to use your license after the initial one (1) year is expired. However, in order to continue to receive new updates you have to renew the license (I am told if you skip a year and decide to upgrade you have to pay for the year missed too).
         

    • RDWorks

      • Has drawing capability and communicates with the laser controller

      • Is free through the Monport website or link below

      • Peer support is more limited since it is not as popular.

      • Is much more limited than Lightburn

      • Compatible with PC only. 
         

    • Inkscape

      • Is a free graphic design software for vector illustration, layout, photo editing, etc.​

      • May be preferred for design over Lightburn as some find it more user friendly for this purpose

      • Does not communicate with laser
         

    • CorelDraw

      • Is a graphic design software for vector illustration, layout, photo editing, etc.​

      • May be preferred for design over Lightburn as some find it more user friendly for this purpose

      • Does not communicate with laser
         

    • Adobe Illustrator

      • Is a graphic design software for vector illustration, layout, photo editing, etc.​

      • May be preferred for design over Lightburn as some find it more user friendly for this purpose

      • Does not communicate with laser

*I personally use Lightburn so that will be the focus of the discussion below.

Click on the button(s) to order

Options for Connecting to Laser

  • USB Cable​

    • Most machines come with a 10ft USB Type-A to USB Type-A cable​

    • This is the easiest method, especially when first getting set up and familiar with your laser.

    • You have to have a computer in close proximity to your laser as you are limited by the length of a USB cable​​

    • Simply plug one end of the USB cable into the USB port on your machine, plug the other end into your computer.

      • Note: you may need to get an adapter depending on the ports available on your computer.

    • Step by step instructions to setup your controller via USB can be found here

    • Video instructions to set up your controller via Ethernet can be found here​
       

  • Ethernet​

    • Most machines come with an ethernet cable. 

    • This method can be more difficult than using a USB cable.​

    • Ethernet cable can be as long as you want with good reliability.

    • Plug one end into the ethernet port on your machine. Plug the other end directly into your computer, Wi-Fi extender, or router.

    • ​Requires setting up an IP address. Directions on how to do so can be found here.

    • Step by step instructions to setup your controller via Ethernet can be found here

    • Video instructions to set up your controller via Ethernet can be found here
      ​

  • Lightburn Bridge​

    • Requires the purchase of bridge kit from Lightburn. 

    • Allows full Wi-Fi connectivity without the need for an ethernet cable

    • Intended users without USB connectivity, but works equally well for all Mac, Windows or Linux users.

    • Lightburn Bridge can be purchased here

    • Step by step directions to setup the Lightburn bridge can be found here 

    • Video instructions to setup the Lightburn bridge can be found here

​

Installing Lightburn & Setting up you Controller

1. Download & Install the appropriate version of Lightburn from their website here​

  • Lightburn may ask Windows users if you want to install the USB/FTDI serial driver. You will need to check the box to have it installed. If not your computer will not communicate with the controllers without this driver. 

Lightburn.PNG

2. Turn your laser on and note which corner the laser nozzle travels to upon startup. You will need this information later
 

3. Once Lightburn is installed you will be prompted to add a laser.​​

  • The "Devices" pop up will appear.

  • If you have connected via a USB cable be sure your laser is turned on and choose "Find my Laser"​​. Double check you have a good USB connection and click "Next" on the warning screen. 

  • If you connected via Ethernet choose "Create Manually"

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4. If you are connected via Ethernet skip to step 6. Otherwise, if you are connected via USB ensure you have a good USB connection and click "Next" on the warning screen.

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5. Lightburn will connect to your controller and display the "Device Info". Choose the appropriate device. I use the "Packet/USB" connection type, then click "Add Device"

  • If you have connectivity issues after successfully adding the device you can always switch to the other option by clicking on the "Devices" button​ in the "Laser" window on the right hand side of the main screen ​
    ​

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6. You will now be prompted to choose your controller

  • Most Monport machines come with a Ruida controller. If this is the case, choose "Ruida"
Lightburn3.PNG

7. Lightburn will now ask you how your would like to connect.

  • For USB connection choose ​ "Serial/USB"
  • For Ethernet connection choose "Ethernet/UDP"
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8. If you are connecting via Ethernet you will need to enter the IP address of your laser.

  • If you are connecting via USB please skip to the next step​​
Lightburn8.PNG

9. ​Lightburn will then ask you to name your connection and the dimensions of your work area.

  • Choose whatever name you would like and enter it into the textbox where "Ruida" is shown below.
  • For the dimensions of the work area enter the following; being certain to use appropriate dimensions. The screenshot below shows inches but most new installations will default to mm
    • For the "X Axis Length" enter the dimension of your bed width (left to right). For a 20x28 this will be 28 in (711.2 mm)
    • For the "Y-Axis Length" enter the dimensions of your bed depth (front to back). For the 20x28 this will be 20 in (508mm)
    • If you don't know the size of the bed or you inadvertently enter the wrong size you can always edit it after the fact by clicking on the "Devices" button​ in the "Laser" window on the right hand side of the main screen.
Lightburn5.PNG

10. Next you will need to choose the "Origin" or more commonly know as Home location. This is the corner your laser traveled when you started up the machine in step 2

  • If you choose the wrong location your design will engrave or cut as a mirror image of what you anticipate. Furthermore, you may experience difficulty trying to run you program as you may unexpectedly get X or Y overrun errors.
  • If you don't know the correct location or you inadvertently choose the wrong location you can always edit it after the fact by clicking on the "Devices" button​ in the "Laser" window on the right hand side of the main screen.
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11. The controller is now set up. Click "Finish" to add the device to Lightburn. Proceed to the next step. Do not skip it.

12. Finally , it is very important that you save your settings files in the event something is inadvertently changed. You will use these

      to restore the setting back to the original factory settings.

  • In the top ribbon go to "Edit" --> "Machine Settings"​. You will see the popup below
  • Click the "Read" button
  • Click the "Save" button and save to a secure location.
Lightburn10.PNG
Step by Step Setup
USB Connecton Setup
Ethernet Video Setup
Lightburn Bridge Setup
Lightburn Tutorials

Controller Setup Video Instructions

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