Troubleshooting Ruida Communication Issues
Preface: This article covers how to troubleshoot when you have communication issues that are hardware related (Software has been properly configured but still will not communicate. Cables and adapters can present communication issues in their connections. By eliminating\bypassing them or changing them out with another of its kind, we can find the source of the issue.
Cable Connections Descriptions
The Ruida Controller of your Thunder Laser has 3 data connections. USB Communications, Ethernet Communications and USB stick. The 3 data connections are extended to the outside of the machine to the external ports that you typically connect your computer or USB stick.
The Ethernet Port is a standard 8 pin RJ45 connection commonly referred to as Ethernet but it can be used for other things. A standard path cable will work, crossover cable is not required.
The PC port is communication to your PC is a USB-B type connection at the machine and a USB-A connection at your computer.
The USB Stick port is a USB-A connection that will accept a USB stick.
Do not use a USB-A patch cable to plug your computer into the USB stick port. This will not communicate with the laser and will power the Laser Screen up even if the machine is off. For more information about USB connector designations, see
here and
here.
External Ports:
Located on the right hand side of the machine.
Internal Ports on Ruida Controller:
How to Bypass a bad Port:
1. Remove the port. Use the included 2mm Hex wrench from your tool box to unscrew the two black screws holding the Port into the Port Plate (USB stick shown)
2. Unplug the corresponding plug from the Ruida Controller
3. Run your temporary cable through the Port hole and to the bottom of the Ruida Controller (note that if your cable has a removable ferrite core you may need to remove it, if the ferrite core is molded in, you will need to source a different cable)
4. Plug your cable directly into the Ruida Controller.
Related Articles
Electrical Noise, Ground Loops, and USB Communication
There is a lot of buzz around the grounding of Chinese lasers. It is generally in reference to earth ground and the safety of the machines. I have been down many rabbit holes about why or why not to add an additional earth ground to the machines and ...
New FTDI Driver Solves Mac USB Issues
Preface: This article covers the new FTDI driver that you can install to mitigate communication issues (File transfer failed, unable to connect, disconnected, file transfer glitches) that are commonly seen on the MAC OS with a direct USB connection. ...
Connecting To Controller Message on Ruida HMI
Preface: This article covers some scenarios if you get the "Connecting to Controller" message on the Laser Machine Control Screen. This is not the same procedure if you cannot send files from your computer, though the cause may be the same. Error ...
Hard Limit Prot Error Message on Ruida HMI
Preface: This article covers the troubleshooting steps related to the error message "Hard Limit Prot" on the ruida controller screen The message on the screen: What causes this error message: The four end stop switches for X-, Y-, and Z+/- can cause ...
NOVA Main Breaker Tripped Troubleshooting Steps
If this is a brand new machine that you had an electrician install a new 20amp outlet and you are now having power issues. Please verify with your electrician that they did not install a 220v feeder to the receptacle. Thunder Laser Main Power ...
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!