Connecting your LONGER RAY5 mini, RAY5 miniS, or RAY5 5-40W laser engraver to LaserGRBL is one of the first steps before starting engraving or cutting projects. A successful connection allows LaserGRBL to communicate with the engraver, send G-code files, and control the machine properly.

This guide follows the official LONGER tutorial process exactly while adding beginner-friendly explanations, troubleshooting tips, safety reminders, and FAQs to help new users complete the setup more easily.

Table of Contents

• What This Guide Covers
• Quick Answer
• Why This Process Matters
• Before You Start
• Requirements
• Precautions
• Step-by-Step Tutorial
• Common Problems and Solutions
• Tips for Better Results
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts

What This Guide Covers

This tutorial explains how to connect:

• RAY5 mini
• RAY5 miniS
• RAY5 5-40W

to LaserGRBL software using a USB connection.

You will learn how to:

• Find the correct COM port
• Configure the baud rate
• Verify the GRBL connection
• Install the CH340 Driver if the machine is not detected
• Troubleshoot common connection issues

Quick Answer

To connect the RAY5 mini or miniS to LaserGRBL:

1. Connect the engraver to the computer
2. Open Device Manager
3. Find the CH340 COM port
4. Select the same COM port in LaserGRBL
5. Set baud rate to 115200
6. Click Connect

If no COM port appears, install the CH340 Driver from the Tools menu in LaserGRBL.

Why This Process Matters

LaserGRBL communicates directly with the GRBL controller inside the laser engraver. Without a proper connection:

• The machine cannot receive commands
• LaserGRBL cannot control movement
• Engraving files cannot be transferred
• The laser cannot start engraving operations

A stable USB connection is important for reliable engraving performance and reducing communication interruptions during long projects.

Before You Start

Before beginning the connection process:

• Make sure the engraver is assembled correctly
• Ensure the machine is powered on
• Use a compatible USB cable
• Install LaserGRBL software on your Windows computer
• Close other laser control software before connecting

Follow official machine specifications or instructions.

Requirements

Prepare the following items before starting:

• LONGER RAY5 mini, miniS, or 5-40W laser engraver
• Windows computer
• USB cable
• LaserGRBL software
• Stable power connection

Optional but recommended:

• Internet connection for downloading drivers
• Administrator permissions for driver installation

Precautions

Before connecting the machine:

• Do not unplug the USB cable during communication
• Avoid loose USB connections
• Use a data-capable USB cable
• Do not power off the machine while connected
• Avoid running multiple laser software programs simultaneously

Some charging-only USB cables cannot transfer data and may prevent LaserGRBL from detecting the engraver.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Connect the Engraver to LaserGRBL Software

Action

You need to connect the engraver to LaserGRBL software first.

For Windows, right-click This PC and select:

• Manage

Then click:

• Device Manager

Expand:

• Ports (COM & LPT)

Find the port corresponding to the:

• CH340 driver

Select the same port from the COM port list in LaserGRBL.

Set the baud rate to:

• 115200 baud rate

Then click the connect button to connect.

Expected Result

LaserGRBL should begin communicating with the engraver through the selected COM port.

Important Notes

• The selected COM port in LaserGRBL must match the COM port shown in Device Manager
• Choosing the wrong COM port prevents communication
• If multiple COM ports appear, disconnect and reconnect the USB cable to identify the correct one
• The CH340 driver is required for proper USB communication

Step 2: Verify the Connection Status

Action

When connected to the correct port, GRBL will reply with a:

• “welcome message”

showing the:

• GRBL firmware version

On the bottom-right of the LaserGRBL interface, it will show:

• “Status: Idle”

Expected Result

The software successfully communicates with the engraver.

The GRBL firmware information confirms that the controller connection is working properly.

Important Notes

• “Status: Idle” indicates the machine is ready to receive commands
• If the welcome message does not appear, the connection may not be established correctly
• Some systems may take a few seconds before displaying the GRBL message

Step 3: Troubleshoot Missing COM Ports

Action

If no ports are listed in the drop-down, it means no engraver was found.

This could indicate:

• it's not plugged in correctly
• is not powered
• the PC is missing a driver

In that case, click the:

• Tools

menu to install the:

• CH340 Driver

from LaserGRBL software.

Expected Result

After installing the CH340 Driver:

• The engraver should appear as a COM port device
• LaserGRBL should detect the machine
• The COM port becomes selectable

Important Notes

• Restart LaserGRBL after installing the driver if needed
• Reconnect the USB cable after driver installation
• Some Windows systems may require administrator permissions
• If the machine still does not appear, try another USB port or USB cable

Common Problems and Solutions

Tips for Better Results

• Use the original USB cable whenever possible
• Connect directly to the computer instead of using a USB hub
• Restart LaserGRBL after changing driver settings
• Keep USB cables away from high-power electrical cables
• Test the connection before starting large engraving jobs
• Label the correct COM port if you use multiple USB devices

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my engraver not showing in LaserGRBL?

The most common causes are:

• Missing CH340 Driver
• USB cable problem
• Machine not powered on
• Incorrect COM port selection

What baud rate should I use?

Use:

• 115200 baud rate

This is the required communication speed for the GRBL controller.

What does “Status: Idle” mean?

“Status: Idle” means the machine is connected correctly and ready to receive engraving commands.

Why does no COM port appear?

Possible causes include:

• Driver not installed
• USB cable not connected properly
• Machine power is off
• Faulty USB cable

Install the CH340 Driver from the Tools menu if necessary.

Can I use another laser software together with LaserGRBL?

No. Only one software program can access the COM port at a time.

Close LightBurn or other laser software before connecting.

Why does LaserGRBL not show the GRBL firmware version?

This usually indicates:

• Incorrect COM port
• Wrong baud rate
• USB communication failure

Verify all connection settings and reconnect.

Do I need the CH340 Driver?

Yes. The CH340 Driver is required for USB communication between the engraver and the computer.

Final Thoughts

Connecting the RAY5 mini, miniS, or 5-40W to LaserGRBL is a straightforward process when the correct COM port, baud rate, and CH340 Driver are configured properly.

Following the official setup sequence carefully helps ensure stable communication between the engraver and LaserGRBL. Most connection issues are related to missing drivers, incorrect COM port selection, or unstable USB cables.

Once connected successfully, the machine will display the GRBL welcome message and show “Status: Idle” in LaserGRBL, indicating the engraver is ready for operation.