Skip to content

Machine Settings

The Machine Settings window allows you to view and edit firmware settings on lasers with Ruida, TopWisdom, or GRBL-based controllers.

To open the Machine Settings window, go to Edit → Machine Settings.

The Machine Settings window

Left: The Machine Settings window for a GRBL controller.

Right: The Machine Settings window for a DSP controller.

Working With Machine Settings

The settings available are determined by your laser controller's firmware. In general, if your laser is working correctly, you can (and should) leave the settings here alone. For additional information on specific settings, consult your laser's manufacturer, or see the documentation for your laser's controller.

Outputs Setup / Vendor Settings

This section will display differently depending on whether you are connected to a DSP or GRBL laser. All settings in this section are hidden by default, and you'll see a warning message if you click to expand and view them. These settings are typically set by the manufacturer, and should generally be left alone unless instructed otherwise by support.

Save to File

Saves your current controller firmware settings to a .lbset file. We strongly recommend using this feature to back up firmware settings before making any modifications.

Load from File

Loads a .lbset file and overwrites all firmware settings with its contents. In some cases, your laser manufacturer may make this file available as a backup.

Warning

This will overwrite all values. Make sure you back up your existing settings first using the Save button, and only load parameters from a known and trusted source.

Load From Backup

Use Load from Backup to restore automatically-generated backups of firmware settings. LightBurn will automatically store backups each time you Write new settings to your controller.

Machine Settings — load from backup window

Read

Reload the settings from the controller. Any changes that haven't been written to the controller will be lost.

Write

Writes all currently modified settings back to the controller, saving your changes. Changes are not saved unless you click Write.

Calibrate Axis

The Calibrate Axis window

The Calibrate Axis tool is a shortcut to help you calculate the Steps/mm or Step Length value for each axis, if they need adjustment — if the current values are inaccurate, output may be stretched or squished.

See Explainer: Steps/mm for more information.

To use Calibrate Axis:

  1. Choose an axis to calibrate in Calibration Axis.
  2. Enter a distance to travel in Requested Distance. Larger distances can be helpful when measuring with less precise tools.
  3. Mark the start point, move the laser the specified distance, and mark the end point. The easiest way is to burn a line the specified length, although you can also use the Jog functions in the Move Window or built into some controllers.
  4. Measure the actual distance traveled and enter it into Actual Distance.
  5. Click on Write to save the value to the controller.

This may need to be done multiple times, especially for less precise measuring tools, to reach an acceptable level of accuracy.

Troubleshooting

  • If LightBurn is unable to read the Machine Settings, make sure your laser is connected and turned on.
  • See Troubleshooting: Connection Issues for help connecting to your laser.

For more help using LightBurn, please visit our forum to talk with LightBurn staff and users, or email support.