Setting Up the LightBurn Bridge

Overview LightBurn Bridge Setup

The LightBurn Bridge simplifies connecting your laser to LightBurn, providing a seamless integration for Ruida controllers. Follow this guide to configure the LightBurn Bridge and connect your laser to your network.


Compatibility

Note: The LightBurn Bridge is only compatible with lasers using Ruida controllers.


Step 1: Configure the Ruida Controller

  1. Set the Laser's IP Address:

    • The LightBurn Bridge is pre-configured for a laser IP address of 10.0.3.3.
    • Set this IP address in your Ruida controller's control panel.
    • Connect the Ruida controller to the Raspberry Pi using a network cable.
  2. Power the Bridge:

    • Plug in the Raspberry Pi using its power adapter.
      Guide-LightBurnBridge-EthernetPluggedIn

Optional: If you need to change the default IP address, refer to the Advanced Setup Guide.

Guide-LightBurnBridge-DevicesWindow


Step 2: Connect the LightBurn Bridge to Your Network

macOS 15+ Users

  • Grant LightBurn access to the local network to proceed with the setup.
    Guide-LightBurnBridge-FindAccessPoint

Using the LightBurn Wizard

  1. Connect to the Bridge Access Point:

    • Open your computer or mobile device's Wi-Fi settings.
      Guide-LightBurnBridge-WIFIPCGuide-LightBurnBridge-WIFIMac
    • Look for an access point like LightBurn Bridge E4B7 (a random four-character string prevents conflicts with multiple devices).
    • Connect to this access point and return to LightBurn.
  2. Configure the Wi-Fi Connection:

    • The Bridge's configuration page should open automatically.
    • If not, navigate to http://192.168.42.1 in your browser.
      Guide-LightBurnBridge-ConfigureAccessPoint
    • Select your Wi-Fi network, enter the password, and click Connect.
      Guide-LightBurnBridge-WIFIConnectPage
    • Reconnect your PC to your Wi-Fi network if needed.

Step 3: Configure the Bridge in LightBurn

  1. Scan for the LightBurn Bridge:

    • LightBurn will search for connected devices on your network.
    • A progress bar will appear during the scan.
      Guide-LightBurnBridge-Scanning
  2. Add the Device:

    • If the Bridge and laser are successfully detected, click Add Device.
    • Enter a name for the laser and confirm the size of the work area.
    • If the laser or Bridge isn’t found, verify the laser’s IP address is set to 10.0.3.3 or adjust the Bridge configuration to match the laser’s IP.
      Guide-LightBurnBridge-FoundLaser

Step 4: Set Device Parameters

  1. Name the Laser (Optional):

    • Assign a unique name to the laser, especially if you have multiple devices.
  2. Set the Work Area Size:

    • Enter the laser’s work area dimensions to prevent out-of-bounds errors.
    • This can be updated later in Device Settings.
      Guide-LightBurnBridge-PageSize
  3. Configure the Laser Origin:

    • Set the origin where the X and Y axes meet (default is the corner the laser head seeks when powered on).
    • If the output is mirrored or upside down, adjust this setting in Device Settings.
      Guide-LightBurnBridge-DeviceOrigin

Step 5: Finalize the Setup

  1. Review the summary page.
  2. Make any necessary changes or click Finish to create the device entry.
  3. The LightBurn Bridge is now fully configured and ready to use.
    Guide-LightBurnBridge-Finished