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 will be using the NOVA/Odin series but the information is generally the same.

Safety First:

For safety information, please see the  Owner's Manual .

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 Bolt Series machines come with an exhaust fan and ducting to ventilate outside.  More information can be found here: Venting The Exhaust From Your Thunder Laser
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. As with most things, a faster computer will make it easier to work with large images or complex vector graphics.
Choose USB or Ethernet Connection: Ethernet is recommended if available, even if through a USB to Ethernet converter. USB will work fine for both Mac ( updated FTDI drivers ) and Windows. Ethernet also works better when you have multiple machines with the same controllers. USB is limited in cable length, so you may need an extension that will further weaken the signal. Down below are the instructions for setting up the USB or Ethernet connections for your computer.
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. Download Lightburn  here: Lightburn Trial Information Setup mock machine: Required, and helps with offline development LightBurn Trial Mock Setup Lightburn Licesne: The Lightburn License - Everything you need to know about it
Install FTDI Driver for Windows USB: You must follow this if you are connecting to your laser via USB: Connecting to LightBurn via USB
Update FTDI Driver for Mac USB: For Macs, if you plan to stick with USB, you will be required to update your FTDI driver or else you may run into incomplete file transfer and communication issues.  More information can be found here: New FTDI Driver Solves Mac USB Issues
Ethernet Setup for Mac and Windows: If you decide to use Ethernet, you will need to follow the guides here. Each user's ethernet configuration can be different based on your network setup.  More information can be found here: Connecting to LightBurn via Ethernet Use the guide to pre-plan the IP addresses for your machine and Computers ethernet connection.

PREPARING YOURSELF:

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.

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Find a Youtube Channel: Thunder Laser Youtube Robert Kofoed: Computer CreationZ House of Lasers Jay Malone: Malone Custom Designs Simply Sallie The Awesome Orange 85th and Pine I Like To Make Stuff Laser Engraving with Matt
Check out the Thunder Laser Academy: The Academy will be your go to spot for Thunder Laser USA created content specific to Thunder Machines Thunder Laser Academy: Bolt/Odin Series
Order Material to Have On-Hand: 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 wood\mdf from your local store, maybe some cheap glasses from the dollar store. 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
Spare Parts: If your machine uptime is critical to your business, spare parts are recommended even when under the warranty period. Shipping logistics have not been consistent for 2 years and nothing is fast or guaranteed. For warranty parts, the goal is to ship USPS priority but larger items may ship via UPS Ground. Expedited shipping is not included in the warranty. More information can be found here: Critical Spare Part Recommendations for Bolt series machines
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. The Usual Suspects and Preparing For Your 1 Hr. Training
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: Bolt Series Users Manual
Watch a pre-recorded Training: Typical 1 Hour Training Sessions

SETUP OF THE MACHINE:

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Un-crate the Machine: More information can be found here: How To Unpack The Bolt Crate
Explore the Laser Machine Layout and Components: Familiarize yourself with: Controller Screen Functions Air Assist Controls Laser Head Assembly Mirror Locations and Function Auto Focus Sensors Honeycomb, Knives, and Crumbtray(s) Stack Light Pass Thru Front and Rear Doors
Set Up your Laser Machine: Time to set the machine in place level it and connect power and communication cables. After that...time to power up.

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
Main Power Keyed Interlock Switch: The Main power switch supplies power to the entire machine. It must be on in order for the Laser to operate
E-stop Button: The E-stop button will shut off power to he motor drivers and make an alarm message appear on the laser machine screen. In order to clear an E-stop, a firm clockwise twist must be applied.
Should your machine not power up, please refer to this guide: Nova Series Laser Won't Turn On - No Power Common things to check: Machine Estop, Machine Breaker, Panel Breaker for feeding the machine receptacle

 

PERFORM PRE-USE CHECKS:

These checks are worth doing prior to trying to run a project.

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Check your Air Assist: The green buttons on the left side of the machine allow you to test the high and low air assist. You can press each button and adjust each flow valve knob (below button) to make sure air is flowing out of the laser nozzle. How To Adjust The Dual Stage Air Assist (Not applicable on Bolt, only for Bolt Plus and Pro)
Pulse Check: With all doors closed and machine fully set up and checked out it is now time to do a pulse check. Place a piece of material under the nozzle and focus the laser head to 6mm above the material. Closed all the doors and monetarily press the pulse button on the Laser Control Screen to generate a pulse. Look for a pulse burn mark.

COMPLETE THE SETUP OF LIGHTBURN:

If you had created a mock setup from the above steps, you can use that setup or modify is as needed to finish the setup of Lightburn to get your machine connected. It is recommended to only have 1 device profile per machine so that you are not having to make sure you select the right one each time.

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Check for Latest Version of Lightburn and Bug Fixes: In Lightburn: Help>Check For Updates Lightburn Bug Fixes Lightburn Releases
Check for Trial License Remaining (enter full license from Email) In Lightburn: Help> License Management Lightburn Trial Status Lightburn License Management Portal For G-Code users that already have Lightburn, you must enter a DSP Lightburn Key in order to get Lihgtburn talking to a Thunders Laser with a Ruida controller.
Import Device Profile: Use the included file on the USB stick to import either a default USB or Ethernet profile. By importing the profile, it will bring in your Offsets, Preview Parameters and basic settings so you will be able to skip those steps below. You may need to change the IP from the default 192.168.1.100 to match your network setup. After you have imported this new device, delete your old unused Trial device. Thunder Laser Easy Button for Device Profile Imports to get - Offsets, Basic Settings, Additional Settings, and Device Profile Settings
Check the Lightburn Communication: 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 or Ethernet Setup. 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:
Backup Machine Settings To Computer:  Once Lightburn is communicating with the laser you can backup the machine settings In Lightburn: Edit>Machine Settings Let it read the machine settings and then save them to your 'Thunder Lightburn" folder of choice.
Upload Parameters for Lightburn Preview Time Estimate: (Skip if you used the Easy import) Once Lightburn is communicating with the laser you perform this step. This is to help you get better time estimates so you can quote your jobs and manage your workflows better. More information can be found here: Improving Job Time Estimates In LightBurn's Preview
Enter Scanning Offsets from Gold Card: Do this before attempting to do any engraves to ensure the best quality output. If you used the Easy Button Import, you do not have to re-enter these values. More information can be found here: Thunder Laser Scanning Offset Adjustment Once you enter the offsets, Export them and save them to your "Thunder Lightburn" folder of choice.
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. More information can be found here: Uploading the LightBurn Materials Library

YOUR FIRST CUT:

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Review Usual Suspects Again: Many users get stumped by things that are listed in the usual suspects so it is good to review them again The Usual Suspects and Preparing For Your 1 Hr. Training
Schedule your free 1-Hr Training: You can schedule your training prior to operating the laser if you would like. We can walk you though a small cut job like a keychain or similar. Currently, you would need to purchase the training separately or as part of the quote. https://thunderlaserusasupport.zohobookings.com/#/4178071000005215008
Understanding your workflow to Run A Job: 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 Set up origin in Lightburn.  Absolute, User or Current Position Send Job to the laser Aligning your material Setting your origin at Machine based on Lightburn Origin Setup 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 LightBurn Material Test File

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

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Learn how to use the Rotary: Roller Rotary Tips, Tricks and what to watch out for on your Thunder Laser Nova, Odin or Bolt Series Laser
Learn Advanced topics (Lead In\Out, Pass Thru): Lead-In and Lead-Out
Passthrough Print and cut: The hardest part about print and cut is file set up. You must adjust your article to cut in as multiple jobs with common points for alignment. Lightburn Print and Cut Lightburn Pass Through Example

Preventative Maintenance:

Performing preventative maintenance will keep your machine running at peak performance:

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Preventative Maintenance: Preventative Maintenance Checklist Recommended Testing & Maintenance Equipment

Additional Resources:

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Thunder Laser USA Youtube: Digital content created by Thunder will show up here for your viewing pleasure. Thunder Laser USA
Thunder Laser USA Knowledgebase: First stop for all things Thunder Tech. Lots of information at your fingertips 24/7.  Thunder Laser USA Technical Support
Facebook Group: 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. Thunder Laser USA Bi-Weekly Tech Webinar