In this guide, you will learn how to set up the LightBurn software and use it to operate the LaserPecker LX2.
Disclaimer
To use LightBurn to control your LaserPecker LX2, you must first download the software from the official website link. 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 LX2'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. LX2 Firmware Version Requirements
Before connecting to Lightburn, please connect your LaserPecker LX2 to the LaserPecker Design Space Software. Navigate to the following page and ensure that your machine's firmware version is V9008.1 or higher.
2. LightBurn - Software Downloading and Installation
(1) To operate the LX2 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 LX2.
(4) After purchasing your license, you will receive an email from LightBurn containing the key code and activation instructions.
- The LightBurn version V1.2.0 or above, along with the GCode License Key, is 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.
- If the version of the LightBurn software you purchased is lower than V1.2.00, or if it is a cracked or pirated version, it may cause the LaserPecker LX2 device to fail to connect with LightBurn.
- Lightburn, as a third-party software, supports most of the basic functions of the LX2. However, it does not currently support all of the LX2's features, such as camera positioning, USB drive engraving, curved surface engraving, and certain accessories. To fully explore all the functions of LX2, please use LaserPecker's official software, LDS.
3. Download and Import the LX2 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 LX2 for the first time, you will need to import the appropriate lbdev configuration files.
You can refer to the official LightBurn documentation for the steps to import configuration files.
https://docs.lightburnsoftware.com/BeginnerAddConfig.html#the-devices-window
- If you are using a version of Lightburn prior to 2.0, please download the following configuration package.
LaserPecker-LX2(for LightBurn 1.x).lbdev
- If you are using Lightburn 2.0 or later, please download the following configuration package.
LaserPecker-LX2(for LightBurn 2.x).lbzip
Import configuration package
Method 1：
Open LightBurn, click "Device" to open the Device List window. Next, click "Import" to locate the downloaded configuration file.
Once you have located the configuration file, select it and click "Open" to add it to the "Device List".
Click "OK" to save the imported configuration file.
Method 2：
Import the configuration pack by dragging and dropping it directly into the LightBurn software window.
Select the LaserPecker LX2 Device
In the right-side window, select the corresponding configuration file. Once selected, the LaserPecker LX2 will emit a beeping sound, indicating the connection is built.
Console Commands
The LaserPecker LX2 currently provides three Macro commands:
DETECT: Executes the auto-measure function.
FIRE_CONFIRM: Confirms and dismisses the flame alarm alert.
REBOOT: Reboots the device.
The offset values between the Laser Module and the Red Crosshair are pre-configured within the configuration package.
4. Operate the LX2 with LightBurn
4.1 Connect the LX2 to your computer
- Exit the LaserPecker Design Space (LDS) Software before connection, it should not be active while attempting to connect the LX2 to LightBurn.
- Connect LX2 to the computer using the USB-A to USB-C data cable provided with the product.
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" or "Better for CO2" option in the center of the pop-up window. Select your preferred unit of measurement and click "OK" to complete the setup process.
4.3 Create Your Design
- Use the various available tools in the LightBurn workspace to create your desired design
- The maximum dimensions for the LX2 are 500*305mm (19.7*12 inch)，with no accessories.
For a detailed LightBurn tutorial, please refer to Part 7.
4.4 Focusing
LaserPecker LX2 LightBurn Configuration Package supports both "Auto Measure" and inputing focal length manually. To set the focal length correctly, please follow the operations below for focusing. Before starting, ensure the Console is open.
Method 1: Auto Measure
(1) In the "Move" window, click the home button to reset the laser module to its origin.
(2) Drag the laser module over the material, ensuring the red crosshair falls on the material surface.
(3) In the Console, click the macro command DETECT to execute the focal length detection command. Wait for the machine to complete auto measurement.
Always home the laser module to the origin before each new measurement.
Method 2: Manual Input
(1) In the "Move" window, click the home button to reset the laser module to its origin.
(2) Drag the laser module over the material and manually measure the distance from the material surface to the bottom edge of the Laser Module.
(3) In the Console, input DETECT Z=** (unit: mm), for example, DETECT Z=52.5, then press Enter to send the command. The machine will adjust the focal length in real time.
Always home the laser module to the origin before each new measurement.
4.5 Design Preview
- Select your design and click the frame button in the "Laser" windows to start a preview.
- The “□ Frame” button will display a square-shaped preview. If the processing area is not accurate, you can adjust the material position or the processing object in the software canvas and then preview it again.
- The “○ Frame” button will dsplay a rubber band outline preview.
4.6 Set Layers and Parameters
- 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.
- 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.
4.7 Start Processing
Close the protective cover of the LX2. Click the Start button in LightBurn to begin processing the material. If needed, you can click the Pause button to temporarily halt or resume the job, or click the Stop button to cancel the process.
4.8 Safety Detection
When engraving using LightBurn software, if the protective cover is opened unexpectedly, the machine will pause processing automatically. After closing the cover again, press the multifunction button on the device to resume the engraving process.
5. LX2 & LightBurn Parameter Equivalence Chart
The "Equivalence Chart" part shows the parameter equivalence between the LDS software and LightBurn.
Process Mode |
Laser Power |
Speed (mm/s) |
Engraving Density |
Processing Time |
Overscan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line Engraving | 1–100% | 1–300 | / | 1–10 | No |
| Fill/Image Engraving | 1–100% | 1–600 | 10–300 corresponds to an interval of 1 mm to 0.033 mm | Yes | |
| Cutting | 1–100% | 0.1–300 | / | No |
6. Known Issues
Although the LaserPecker LX2 firmware has undergone comprehensive testing, incompatibility issues with LightBurn software may still occur under certain circumstances. The following issues may be encountered when using LightBurn:
(1) If the top or front cover is opened before engraving starts, and engraving is initiated after an error appears in the console, the machine may crash.
(2) If the top or front cover is opened before engraving starts, the machine might potentially start engraving with the cover open.
(3) Cover opening does not cause immediate pause: The machine must finish executing the last G-code instruction before pausing. For safety reasons, avoid opening the cover during engraving.
(4) All error messages in the console are currently displayed only in Chinese.
(5) When engraving dithering image at speeds exceeding 400 mm/s, the machine may pause automatically.
(6) After a pause is triggered via LightBurn, the buzzer does not sound, and the indicator light remains in a multi-color state instead of switching to a flashing purple light.
(7) Previewing a 500*305 mm square may result in only a straight line being displayed.
(8) The software allows preview for designs exceeding the 500*305 mm working area limit.
(9) There is a significant delay in responding to pause and stop commands issued during engraving; the machine cannot halt immediately.
7. Additional Tutorials
For more operation instructions, please refer to the official LightBurn tutorials:
LightBurn Tutorials and LightBurn official document.