Best Practices for setting up Lightburn to control Multiple Thunder Laser Machines
This article covers the best practices for using multiple machines with Lightburn
Recommendations and Reference:
-Use Ethernet - USB connections cannot distinguish between one controller or the other so picking machines would be left to using the com port and being diligent as to which com port your computer assigned to each machine (Can vary based on which USB port used and user setup).
-Use a USB Hub to connect the machines together. A HUB will minimize the complexity that a smart router provides.Multi Port Hub from Amazon
-Utilize multiple IP's for a single NIC if you want to add an internet connection to your HUB but to keep your machines on a separate network address scheme
-You should be fairly knowledgeable about Ethernet Device setup but if not, please refer to the Article here.
Hardware Setup:
-2 or more lasers, each with an Ethernet cable
-A multi-port Hub. Buy one that has at least 2 more ports on it than you have Lasers. Spare port for a PC interface and internet connection if desired.
Example: Five Port hub
Port 1: Nova 35 -192.168.2.100
Port 2: Odin 22 - 192.168.2.101
Port 3: Internet (Home\Business network connection) - No IP
Port 4: Programming Computer - 192.168.2.200, 192.168.1.200
Port 5: Spare or an additional Laser etc
Software Setup:
Lightburn Devices
Laser 1: Note the IP of the Nova 35 device is 192.168.2.100
Laser 2: Note the IP of the Odin22 device is 192.168.2.101
Windows PC Network Card Config:
MAC Network Card Configuration:
(Coming Soon)
Lightburn Device Selection:
You can have multiple instances of Lightburn open, and then select which device you want to connect to. Since they have different IP's they will be easily distinguished by Lightburn. It is still on the user to select which machine to download, properly configure the device etc.
Select your laser machine in the dropdown in the lower right of the Laser Control window in lightburn
Setting a Default Machine:
If you want a default machine to be selected, you can do that from the Devices control window in Lightburn. Your default machine will have a * next to it. The "Make Default" button is in the lower left corner of this window. To use it, highlight your desired Laser Machine and then click the button.
Advanced Setup Idea:
-Utilize a small form factor PC to be a software terminal to run Lightburn and EzCad.
-Example Computer: HP EliteDesk
-Assign IP to Computer in the range of the machines and your network if desired
-Install the computer, configure the Software licenses and Laser devices.
-Use RDP to connect to the computer to control the equipment from another laptop or install a wireless Keyboard\mouse and monitor.
Splitter Cables for Ethernet:
Do not us a non powered splitter cable like the example below. It does not allow for multiple devices to talk at the same time.
For the price of this splitter you can nearly buy a 5 port hub and have the functionality you need and no frustration.
Related Articles
LightBurn For Galvo Crash Course
The wait is over on June 30th Galvo Support for EzCad 2 and EzCad 2 Lite devices come with the LightBurn Software 1.2 release. On top of Galvo support, 1.2 comes with a number of new features including: Sub-Layers Device Linked Libraries Head-Mounted ...Best Practices For Utilizing Remote Support
This is a crash course on how to navigate the resources available as well as get your issue resolved in the most efficient, expeditious manner. Here are the best practices for getting effective support: Thunder Laser Warranty Issues If your Thunder ...Aurora Installing Lightburn (non-Pro)
Installing and Configuring Lightburn for Galvo. Lightburn Software for Galvo is a powerful design and communication tool for your Thunder Galvo Laser. Following this guide will help you install Lightburn, install important drivers and configure ...Best Practices for Fill Layer Engraving and what settings to watch out for
This article covers some Best Practices for Fill Layer settings that are commonly used, misused or unknowingly used. Fill Layer Basic Settings: Speed: Speed at which the laser head moves in the Engrave Direction based off the Scan Angle. Max Power: ...LightBurn Material Test File
Preface: The article covers some pre-made material test cards and the built in Lightburn Material Test Generator for CO2 lasers like the Thunder Laser Bolt, ODIN and Nova machines Quick Start Videos: New Style Test Cards Lightburn Material Test Video ...