Operating LP5 with LightBurn

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In this guide, you will learn how to set up the LightBurn software and use it to operate the LaserPecker 5 (LP5).

Disclaimer:

LightBurn is a third-party software. Shenzhen Hingin Technology Co., Ltd. (AKA: LaserPecker) does not assume any responsibility for the loss of any data (designs, projects, etc.) caused by using LightBurn.

Although the LP5's firmware has undergone comprehensive testing, software or hardware incompatibility may still occur in some cases. For errors caused by incompatibility, you can contact our after-sales services via ticket form for technical support and potential solutions.

1. Update Your LP5 Firmware

To operate your LP5 with LightBurn, make sure its firmware is version V8.0.0 or higher. If it's not up to date, you'll need to update the firmware first.

2. LightBurn - Software Downloading and Installation

  1. To operate the LP5 using LightBurn, you must first go to the official website and follow the download and installation instructions. The full version of LightBurn is available for a free 30-day trial.
  2. A user's license is required to continue using LightBurn after your free 30-day trial period has ended. At the end of the trial period, you will be prompted to input a key code to continue using the software.
  3. To purchase a license and receive a key code, go to the LightBurn Online Store and select the "GCode License Key". Make sure you only purchase the GCode License Key, as it is the only version that is compatible with the LP5.
  4. After purchasing your license, you will receive an email from LightBurn containing the key code and activation instructions.

LightBurn

1. The latest version of LightBurn and the GCode License Key are essential, so opting for anything else will not work. If you happen to purchase the wrong software mistakenly, you will need to resolve the issue with LightBurn directly.

2. If the version of the LightBurn software you purchased is outdated, or if it is a cracked or pirated version, it may cause the LP5 device to fail to connect with LightBurn.

3. Lightburn, as a third-party software, supports most of the basic functions of the LP5. However, it does not fully support all of the LP5's features. For instance, it does not support real-time preview, 3D grayscale embossing, or use with the Rotary Extension. To fully explore all the functions of the LP5, please use LaserPecker's official software, LDS.

3. Download and Import the LP5 Configuration Files

After installation is completed, open LightBurn and input your GCode License Key. (after the trial period, LightBurn cannot be used without a purchased license).

Before using LightBurn with your LP5 for the first time, you will need to import the appropriate lbdev configuration files.

The configuration file named "LP5 Regular Mode" is required to operate the LP5 with LightBurn. If you're using the LP5 with the Slide Extension, you'll need the "LP5 Slide Extension Mode" file. You can click to download these configuration files.

Operate LP5 Machine:

LP5 Regular Mode

Operate LP5 Machine and Slide Extension:

LP5 Slide Extension Mode

After opening LightBurn, click "Devices" to open the "Your Device List" window. Next, click "Import" to locate the downloaded configuration file.

import configuration packages to LightBurn

Once you have located the configuration file, select it and click "OK" to add it to "Your Device List".

Import the "LP5 Regular Mode" file first. If you want to operate LP5 and Slide Extension via LightBurn, you also need import the "LP5 Slide Extension Mode" file, if not, skip this step.

import configuration packages to LightBurn 1

Choose the configuration file you want to use

choose configuration file

Connect your LP5 to computer using the USB cable and select "COM3".

connect lp5 to lightburn

You can choose the M commands that work with LaserPecker as needed. You can also right-click to enter or change these M commands.

enter the m commands

The existing M commands are:
M3000: Turn the Red Dot Range Indicator light on.
M3001: Turn the Red Dot Range Indicator light off.
M3010: Select the 450nm Laser.
M3011: Select the 1064nm Laser.
M3020: Raise the Electric Stand. For example: M3020S1.00 (raise 1.00mm)
M3021: Lower the Electric Stand.
M3030: Switch to LP5 Mode.
M3031: Switch to Slide Extension Mode.

M command for lightburn

If you still don't know how to import configuration files to LightBurn, refer to LightBurn's official guide for instructions.

4. Operate the LP5 with LightBurn

4.1 Connect the LP5 to your computer

Exit the LaserPecker Design Space (LDS) Software before connection and if the LDS App is installed on a nearby mobile device, it should not be active while attempting to connect the LP5 to LightBurn.

Make sure to use a USB-A to USB-C cable. Using a USB-C to USB-C cable may result in an ineffective connection. If needed, a USB-A to USB-C adapter can be used.

connect your computer to LaserPecker 5

The USB serial port needs to be selected to establish a connection with LightBurn. After plugging in the USB cable, the software will recognize the COM in "Devices". Select the port from the drop-down menu to start the connection.

connect lp5 to lightburn

If it is not recognized or incorrectly connected, please check if the USB cable and USB socket are faulty.

4.2 Switch Laser Types

Click the "Settings" tab in the LightBurn toolbar and locate the "Better for diode" option in the center of the pop-up window. Select your preferred unit of measurement and click "OK" to complete the setup process.

switching laser types

4.3 Create Your Design

Use the various available tools in the LightBurn workspace to create your desired design

The maximum dimensions for the LP5 are 120 x 160 mm with no accessories.

create your design

4.4 Focusing

To set the correct focal distance, please use Dual Red Dots Focusing or the Safety Shield Focusing Method as described below.

Method 1: Dual Red Dots Focusing

Left-click "Turn on Range Indicator" button.

turn on range indicator

The machine will emit two red dots to assist with focusing. Adjust the height of the electric stand until the two red dots overlap.

red dots focusing

Method 2: Safety Shield Focusing Method

Raise the Laser Unit to at least 20 cm from the Base Plate. Align the magnetic Safety Shield under the Laser Unit and attach it in place around the laser lens. Connect the Exhaust Fan cable to the rear of the Laser Unit.

Place the material to be worked with onto the Base Plate in the proper orientation and lower the Electric Stand. The laser will be in focus when the bottom of the Safety Shield is at the very top of the material.

safety shield focusing method

4.5 Design Preview

To begin preview:

Choose "Select 450nm Laser" from the "Console" window, then go to "Move" to adjust the laser preview power.

adjust the laser preview power

adjust the laser preview power 1

Select your design and Hold down the "Shift" key

Then, click either square-frame.jpg for a square-shaped preview or circle-frame.jpg for a circular-shaped preview.

design preview

4.6 Set Layers, Parameters, and Choose the Laser Source to Engrave/Cut

From the toolbar, open the "Window" tab and select "Cuts / Layers". The "Cuts / Layers" settings will now be visible in the window on the right side.

set layers and parameters

Double-click the "Cuts / Layers" menu bar on the upper right to open the "Cut Settings Editor" window. From there you can specify the "Speed", "Max Power", "Mode", "Common", and "Advanced" settings.

set layers and parameters 2

Depending on your project, choose either "450" (20W diode laser) or"1064" (20W fiber laser) from the "Console" window.

Click "Start" to begin engraving or cutting. Use the corresponding buttons to "Pause" or "Stop" a project if needed, as seen in the GIF below.

choose laser types

If LightBurn disconnects from the LP5 during setup, click on "Homing" or "Devices", reselect the LP5 configuration file, and reconnect the LP5 to LightBurn by clicking "OK".

4.7 LP5's Slide Extension Setup

The Slide Extension accessory increases the LP5 working area to 160 mm x 300 mm.

Connect your LP5 to the Slide Extension, choose the "LP5 Slide Extension Mode" configuration file, and click "LP5 Slide Extension Mode" in the Console window.

To proceed, follow these steps as per usual; create your designs, set the correct focal distance, check the preview, set the parameters, and choose the correct laser source to engrave and/or cut.

lp5 slide extension mode

5. Additional Tutorials

For more operation instructions, please refer to the official LightBurn tutorials:

LightBurn Tutorials and LightBurn official document

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