So you just bought a new Thunder Laser? This guide will help get you up and running. We will cover topics that you should complete Before the machine arrives and After the machine arrives. This guide will contain information for the Version 1 and Version 2 series machines, including the Pro and Lite versions.
IT Consideration. If you plan to operate your laser in an environment with IT controls (School, Business, Military etc) it would be good to review this article about IT considerations to get ahead of any issues that may arise from an IT standpoint. --IT Considerations for Installing your Thunder Laser
Prepare your space :
The following topics will help you decide where to locate your machine and plan out the space for it.
Topic
Reference Image/Link/Video
Exhaust Routing Plan:
All Aurora Series machines come with an exhaust fan and ducting to ventilate outside. More information can be found here:
Electrical Install Plan: You will need to install the proper electrical service for your machine. Please see the following information about the requirements: Thunder Laser Main Power Requirements
Be very explicit with your electrician. The service is for 120v 20amp. USA Thunder Lasers do not operate and will be damaged by 220v
.
Prepare Your Computer:
The following topics will discuss setting up your computer for basic communication to your machine
Topic
Reference Image/Link/Video
Computer Requirements:
Lightburn will run on Windows 7.0 or later (32 or 64 bit), MacOS 10.11 or later, or 64 bit Linux. LightBurn does not require a powerful computer for most work, though if your designs contain a lot of images, more memory is helpful. You can run your Aurora on Ezcad2 and Ezcad3 but they are Windows only and there is less information out there about Ezcad. As with most things, a faster computer will make it easier to work with large images or complex vector graphics.
USB Driver:
Your Aurora machine will only connect by USB. Your V1 machine will have separate connections for the Auto Focus board where as the V2 machine has an internal hub so that one cable will connect the Machine Controller, Auto Focus Board and the camera (if applicable).
Depending on which software you chose to use, you will need to install the software specific driver. Note that the manual will reference EZcad, but if you plan to use Lightburn then you should follow the Thunder Laser USA guide for installing Lightburn for your Aurora.
Install Lightburn Trial:
You get 30 days to use Lightburn for free. You can install Lightburn and then create a mock device for your future machine. This will allow you to explore Lightburn and its features in preparation for your machine.
Buying a large format, industrial quality Laser machine can be overwhelming and intimidating. We do our best to provide the best resources to prepare you for what's to come. Following our guide will set you up for success and easy your worries. Whether you are transitioning from a non thunder or brand new to lasers we have the tools to make you a proficient user and know your machine inside and out.
The following topics will discuss preparing yourself....this will be one of the most challenging sections but is worth doing.
Decide on a some simple things to start with, especially if this is your first dip of your toe into the Laser World. Purchase some cheap business cards off Amazon or raid your kitchen for some metal utensils. Knowing that you will need to practice and waste a bit ahead of time will make it easier when you are tossing some of these items. You can also download a complimentary Thunder Laser file pack to have some graphics to test with on your practice materials. Complimentary Thunder File Pack 1
Prepare for Delivery Day:
Receiving a larger machine is not as easy as a Amazon Box being left by your garage door. One of the most stressful things can be the delivery process. Before you even schedule a delivery day with the Depot, review your own setup. More information and Guidance can be found here: Shipping & Delivery
Review The Usual Suspects: This guide covers many of the initial trip up points for new users when they are setting up and first running their machine. Reviewing these now will help you remember what to do when it is time.
Get Familiar with Laser Terms: There will be a lot of terms and jargon tossed around here, on Facebook, in webinars etc so it would be good to go ahead and try to learn them. More information can be found here: Laser Terms Glossary
Review the Operation Manual: Lots of information and guidance contained within the manual: Aurora Series Users Manual
Things to-do once the machine arrives:
Ok, so now the machine is here and it is GO TIME. Hopefully your thorough review of the above topics has helped you feel comfortable for what comes next.
Time to set the machine in place, install the exhaust fan and configure the software.
(Note that your fan may look different, same setup still applies)
More information can be found here:
POWER UP THE MACHINE:
PLEASE DOUBLE OR TRIPLE CHECK THAT YOUR RECEPTACLE IS NOT 220v. If you power the machine with 220v, it will fry the 36V motor driver power supply, the main contactor and LPSU and it is not covered under warranty.
Now that the machine is set up and ready to run, it is time to power up the machine and do some pre-use checks.
Topic
Reference Image/Link/Video
V1 Main Power Switch:
The Main power switch supplies power to the entire machine. For the V1 the power switch is on the right hand side. V2 machines do not have this power switch.
V1 E-stop Button: The E-stop button will shut off power to the Main Power Switch which will shut the machine off abruptly.
In order to clear an E-stop, a firm clockwise twist must be applied.
V2 Keyed Main Power Switch:
The Keyed Main power switch supplies power to the entire machine, including the source.
V1 E-stop Button: The E-stop button will shut off power to the source and disable marking. The machine will stay powered up for Lights.
In order to clear an E-stop, a firm clockwise twist must be applied.
COMPLETE THE SETUP OF THE CONTROL SOFTWARE:
For Ezcad 2 and 3, please refer to the setup instructions in the manual.
Lightburn:
For Lightburn, we suggest having a different device profile for each of your Lens sizes for your Aurora machine. Once you swap a lens into the Aurora, it should be treated like a different machine since its corrections values vary by machine and are saved with each device profile.
Topic
Reference Image/Link/Video
Check for Latest Version of Lightburn and Bug Fixes:
If you cannot get Lightburn to say 'Ready' instead of disconnected and to find your Ruida Controller, you will need to double check your USB driver setup. If you installed the wrong driver, you will need to uninstall the old driver and install the proper Lightbrun version of the Ezcad2 driver. You can also try to right click on the "Devices" button in the Lightburn Laser Window to make Lightburn look for your machine. Also if you have created multiple Devices, make sure you have the right one selected in the drop down selection next to the Devices button.
Not Connected:
Connected:
Install Materials Library (Optional)
The Library provides a ballpark of settings for common materials. It is not all inclusive and provides good starting points that you will have to adjust based off your exact materials.
You will need to develop a work from. From setting up the project File, prepping the machine to be ready to run and setting up the material on the machine. Each type of job may require some modification to your work flow.
An example of a simplified workflow:
Picking your art work Vector vs Image and Design in Lightburn
Setting up your Layer Types, Speeds and Powers
Preview the artwork in Lightburn
Frame the output
Aligning your material to the Frame
Focus... Auto/Manual
Lets get the party started - Pressing the start button
Material Test File Cards:
These files are a great way to find the settings for your specific materials. Run the file as is and check the results. For the Aurora series, we suggest using the built in Lightburn Material Test.
What To Learn and Do After You can Run the Machine Efficiently:
After you have a decent handle on how to run the machine and feel comfortable with your workflow, you can begin to add in complexity and peripherals
Great group to gather tips and tricks, material suggestions and ideas. It is not recommended to get your Tech support from the Facebook Group. Thunder Laser Global Facebook Group
Lightburn Forum:
If you have Lightburn specific things, the forum may be a good spot to look. Just note, that Lightburn covers many different machines so there may be topics that are not applicable to your Thunder Laser. Lightburn Help Forum
Bi-Weekly Thunder Webinar
Join use every other Thursday for a Webinar, its free and fun.
ODIN Series Getting Started Introduction: So you just bought a new Thunder Laser? This guide will help get you up and running. We will cover topics that you should complete Before the machine arrives and After the machine arrives. Some of the videos ...
Introduction: So you just bought a new Thunder Laser? This guide will help get you up and running. We will cover topics that you should complete Before the machine arrives and After the machine arrives. Safety First: For safety information, please ...
Preface: This article covers installing Lightburn for your Thunder Laser Aurora Galvo laser Lightburn Software for Galvo is a powerful design and communication tool for your Thunder Galvo Laser. Following this guide will help you install Lightburn, ...
Preface: This article covers the use of the Thunder laser auto focus software and some of the basics of setting up the new Lens in EzCad3 or Lightburn. It does not cover the topic of finding the optimum focal distance. Quick Start Video: Complete ...
If you are a Thunder Laser USA client and still need Technical Support after exhausting the resources in the Knowledge Base, simply email support@thunderlaserusa.com and the Technical Support Team will promptly assist you!
