Head Mounted LightBurn Camera

Head Mounted LightBurn Camera

Please note that all of the data below was on an older version and we are in the process of updating as we test the head cam functions.
All info below is considered legacy beta data. We are leaving it here for reference. There is no timeline on article updates, please check back often.


The Head Mount Camera Feature referenced in this document is in beta release and is not implemented before 1.2.00 although there is a menu selection for the calibration tool in 1.1.04. None of this information has been validated nor verified by LightBurn Dev unless specifically noted and cited in this documentation. For educational use only. Please do not contact LightBurn about this feature until/unless it is in the public release. This is a living document and we are not responsible for any inaccuracies, issues, or failure in any way.




LB Head Mount Cam Overview

The LightBurn Head Mount Camera functions like the expensive, bulky, complicated vision system by Ruida (see below) that requires a controller swap. BUT all you need is LightBurn (1.2.00 and above), an inexpensive and quickly-sourced endoscopic camera, a mount (see below), and about 30 minutes to an hour to get everything ready to go.

thundercam head mount v2.1 1

This is the Ruida Vision system that has been around awhile:



The Camera

The type of camera ideally suited for this function, as implemented in this doc, is a typical endoscopic camera found all over amazon, ebay, etc... for $20-$50

Camera Selection

Below is a screenshot and a link to the one we chose pretty much at random. We wanted it cost-effective and fast for rapid prototyping.
We got the 10 Meter one on purpose to see if it would support the bandwidth necessary at those distances and other things.

The 10 Meter one is WAY too long. See the cabling routing info in this document and take a few measurements and always add a bit of fudge factor to get a reasonable idea of the length needed for your specific installation.


Cam Installation

coming soon

Routing Cabling

more to follow

Mounting The Camera

This is the mount we came up with just to get right down to it. nothing special here and its not necessarily representative of the production mount.


The LightBurn File for this mount is attached to this article.
Email innovation@thunderlaserusa.com to request the password to open the zip file.



Setup & Calibration

check back often

More Info & Notes

Beta Release 1.2.00 Notes

1. Once the head mount cam alignment procedure in LB was completed, we could not revert to the preexisting overhead LB cam. Dev provided the following:



and this is the workaround:


Do Not Click 'Align Head-Mounted Camera' under Laser Tools
 The Head Mount Camera Feature referenced in this document is in beta release and is not implemented before 1.2.00 although there is a menu selection for the calibration tool in 1.1.04

if you click to calibrate a head-mounted camera with your ThunderCAM, it will require some code altering in the preferences file to correct. 



here is how to fix it if you clicked it already:


UPDATE: we found that changing isHeadCamera to 'false', instead of removing the line, was the solution.

if you need assistance, email support@thunderlaserusa.com and we can assist.
  1. isHeadCamera

    • 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 ...
    • LightBurn UI Small Display Layout Issues & Arrangement

      Some content is reproduced with permission from LightBurn and a backlink to all such content is provided. You are encouraged to view those links as the content here may be abbreviated, etc... and you can find more detailed info in the original ...
    • No Camera Image In LightBurn

      we always test by plugging the camera directly into a usb port on the computer, bypassing and additional adapters, cords, etc... to eliminate those cables and their installation as a variable Its important to please close all instances of lightburn. ...
    • Thunder Bolt Camera Information, Calibration and Setup

      Preface: This article covers information about setting up your Thunder Bolt Lid camera. This video will guide you through setup and calibrations in Lightburn Camera Model and Specs: Model KS5A2361: Results from WebCamTests.com Windows Device Manager: ...
    • Thunder Laser USA Beam Buddy HR Head Information & Instructions

      Description Our Thunder Laser USA Beam Buddy High Resolution Head is manufactured in Canada to our specifications and this head performs a bit better than the stock Thunder HR Head. More on that here: ...
    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!