The CH340/CH341 USB driver is essential for communication between your computer and devices like the Ray5 MiniS. If the driver fails to install or work properly, your machine may not be recognized by software such as LightBurn or LaserGRBL.

This guide provides a complete troubleshooting process for both Windows and macOS systems.

I. Windows Systems

1. Common Causes & Solutions

① System Compatibility Issues

• Windows 10/11 usually includes built-in drivers, but auto-install may fail

✅ Solution:

• Manually download the latest driver from the official site:
  • http://www.wch.cn
• Install file: CH341SER.EXE

② Old Driver Conflicts

• Previously installed drivers may block new installations

✅ Solution:

• Open Device Manager → View → Show Hidden Devices
• Expand Ports (COM & LPT)
• Uninstall all CH340/CH341 devices
• ✔ Check “Delete the driver software for this device”
• Reinstall the latest driver

③ Driver Signature Issues (Win7 / Some Win10)

• Windows may block unsigned drivers

✅ Solution:

• Restart → Advanced Startup
• Select Disable Driver Signature Enforcement
• Install the driver again

④ Insufficient Permissions

• Installation requires admin rights

✅ Solution:

• Right-click installer → Run as Administrator

⑤ USB Cable / Port Issues

• Charging-only cables cannot transmit data

✅ Solution:

• Use a data-capable USB cable
• Prefer USB 2.0 ports
• Avoid hubs when possible

2. Confirm Successful Installation

• Plug in the device
• Open Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT)

✔ Successful:

• USB-SERIAL CH340 (COM3) appears

❌ Failed:

• Yellow warning icon → reinstall or resolve conflicts

3. Alternative Solutions

• Try another computer to rule out system issues
• Use a USB-to-serial adapter (better compatibility):
  • FT232 USB-to-Serial Adapter
  • CP2102 USB-to-Serial Adapter

II. macOS Systems

1. Check if Driver Is Needed

• macOS 10.13+ may auto-detect CH340

Check via Terminal:

✔ If you see:
/dev/tty.wchusbserialxxxx → Driver is already working

2. If Not Recognized → Install Driver

① Download Driver

• Official: https://www.wch.cn/downloads/CH341SER_MAC_ZIP.html
• Recommended (better compatibility):
  • https://github.com/adrianmihalko/ch340g-ch34g-ch34x-mac-os-x-driver

② Allow System Extension

• macOS may block installation

✅ Solution:

• Go to System Settings → Security & Privacy → General
• Click Allow for WCH Electronics Co., Ltd.

③ Restart the Computer

• Required to load the driver properly

3. macOS Troubleshooting

① Driver Installed but No Port

• Run:

• Replug device and check for new port

② Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3 Macs)

• Official drivers may not be fully compatible

✅ Solution:

• Use the open-source GitHub driver (recommended)

③ Permission Issues (Big Sur / Monterey / Ventura)

• macOS restricts third-party drivers

✅ Advanced Solution:

• Boot into Recovery Mode
• Temporarily disable System Integrity Protection (SIP)
• Install driver, then re-enable SIP

III. Alternative Solutions

If CH340 issues persist:

• Use a native-supported adapter:
  • FTDI USB-to-Serial Adapter (best macOS compatibility)
• Or:
  • Use Wi-Fi connection (if your controller supports it)

Important Notes

• Always use a data USB cable, not charging-only one
• Restart your system after installing drivers
• Ensure only one software accesses the COM port at a time
• Keep drivers updated for stability

Conclusion

CH340 driver installation issues are typically caused by system compatibility, driver conflicts, permission restrictions, or hardware connection problems. By systematically checking drivers, ports, cables, and permissions, most connection issues can be resolved quickly.

For long-term stability—especially on macOS—consider using alternative USB-to-serial adapters with native support.

To make sure your Longer laser engraver works with your computer, check that the CH340 driver is installed and working well. If not, please download and install the appropriate driver for your device.

Step 1: Check the CH340 Driver Installation

• A. The connection issue may occur if the required CH340 driver is missing or improperly installed.

• B. For macOS 10.15 or later, the CH340 driver is already built-in and does not require manual installation.

• C. If installation is needed, download the driver package from the link below:
  👉 CH340 Driver Download

Video Tutorials:

• How to Install CH340 Driver for LightBurn on macOS Sequoia

• How to Install CH340 Driver for LightBurn on macOS

Step 2: Verify COM Port Detection

For Windows Users

1. Connect your Longer laser engraver to your PC using the included USB cable.

2. Download and install the CH340 driver. The installation may prompt you to restart your computer.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.If any error messages appear, please contact Longer technical support for assistance.

4. To confirm successful installation:

Right-click This PC, select Manage → Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT).

If you see CH340 listed under COM ports, the system has successfully recognized your device.

For macOS Users

1. Connect your laser engraver to your Mac via the provided USB cable.

2. Download and install the CH340 driver. You may need to reboot the system.

   • If installation errors occur, contact Longer technical support.

3. After restarting, go to:
   System Preferences → Security & Privacy → General → Allow

   • Approve the CH340 driver installation when prompted (you may need to restart again).

   • Reconnect your laser engraver. Now LaserBurn, LightBurn, or LaserGRBL should automatically detect your device.

     

   • If the “Allow” button does not respond, follow the terminal method below.

Step 3: Load the Driver Manually via Terminal

1. Open Terminal:
   Finder → Applications → Utilities → Terminal

2. Copy and paste the following command:

   
   

   sudo kextload /Library/Extensions/usbserial.kext/

3. Press Enter. If prompted, enter your Mac user password, then press Enter again.

   

4. Once the command executes successfully, you will see a confirmation message in the Terminal window.

After completing these steps, your system should recognize the Longer laser engraver correctly. You can now connect and control your device through LaserBurn, LightBurn, or LaserGRBL without connection errors.

Updating your RAY5 Mini firmware can improve machine stability, fix software-related problems, and ensure compatibility with the latest features. This guide explains the official firmware update methods step by step using MKSLaserTool, ESPTool Web, and the LaserBurn App.

All procedures, settings, menu names, and operational sequences in this guide follow the original official instructions exactly.

Table of Contents

1. What This Guide Covers
2. Quick Answer
3. Why Firmware Updates Matter
4. Before You Start
5. Requirements
6. Precautions
7. Step-by-Step Firmware Update Tutorial
8. Method 1: Update by MKSLaserTool Software
9. Method 2: Update by ESPTool Web
10. Method 3: Update by LaserBurn App
11. Common Problems and Solutions
12. Tips for Better Results
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Final Thoughts

What This Guide Covers

This tutorial explains:

• How to locate the correct CH340 serial port
• How to update firmware using MKSLaserTool
• How to flash firmware using ESPTool Web
• How to upgrade firmware using the LaserBurn App
• Correct baud rate and Flash size settings
• Common firmware update troubleshooting steps

This guide is beginner-friendly while preserving the original official firmware update process exactly.

Quick Answer

You can update the RAY5 Mini firmware in three official ways:

1. Update by MKSLaserTool software
2. Update by ESPTool Web
3. Update by LaserBurn App

For MKSLaserTool updates:

• Connect the engraver with a Type C cable
• Select the CH340 port
• Set baud to 25000
• Set Flash size to 8MB
• Select ESP32 S3
• Click Start to flash the firmware

Why Firmware Updates Matter

Firmware controls the communication between the laser engraver hardware and software. Updating the firmware can help:

• Improve machine performance
• Fix firmware-related bugs
• Improve communication stability
• Enhance compatibility
• Support newer software functions
• Resolve connection issues

Using the latest official firmware helps maintain reliable engraving performance.

Before You Start

Before updating the firmware, carefully prepare your machine and software environment.

Firmware flashing requires:

• Stable USB connection
• Correct serial port selection
• Correct firmware file
• Stable power during installation

Interrupting the flashing process may cause firmware installation failure.

Requirements

Prepare the following before starting:

• RAY5 Mini laser engraver
• Computer with Windows or compatible browser
• Type C cable
• Official firmware file
• MKSLaserTool software or ESPTool Web access
• CH340 driver installed
• Stable internet connection for web flashing

If compatibility information is unclear, follow official machine specifications or instructions.

Precautions

Use the Correct Firmware

Always use firmware designed specifically for the RAY5 Mini.

Installing incompatible firmware may cause startup or communication problems.

Keep Power Stable

Do not disconnect the machine or turn off the power during flashing.

Confirm the Correct Serial Port

Selecting the wrong COM port may prevent firmware flashing.

Avoid Disconnecting the USB Cable

Keep the Type C cable securely connected during the entire process.

Step-by-Step Firmware Update Tutorial

Locate the CH340 Serial Port in Windows

Action

For Windows, right-click the computer and select Manage, click Device Manager, click to expand Ports, find the port corresponding to the CH340 driver.

Expected Result

The correct COM port for the laser engraver is identified successfully.

Important Notes

• The CH340 driver must be installed correctly.
• The port name may change depending on the USB connection.
• Keep the engraver powered on while checking Device Manager.

Method 1: Update by MKSLaserTool Software

Step 1: Download and Install MKSLaserTool

Action

Please download LaserTool from
LONGER3D GitHub Repository
and install it.

Connect the laser engraver to computer with Type C cable, turn on the engraver.

Expected Result

The software installs successfully and the engraver connects to the computer.

Important Notes

• Use a stable Type C cable.
• Ensure the engraver remains powered on during flashing.
• Some computers may require driver installation before detection.

Step 2: Open the Firmware Flashing Tool

Action

Run the MKSLaserTool and click MKS ESP32 Download Tool.

Expected Result

The ESP32 firmware flashing interface opens successfully.

Step 3: Select the Correct Port and Firmware

Action

Select the right port which is corresponding to CH340 driver and the update firmware.

Expected Result

The software recognizes the selected COM port and firmware file.

Important Notes

• Double-check the COM port before proceeding.
• Verify the firmware file matches your machine model.

Step 4: Configure Flashing Settings

Action

Set baud to 25000, Flash size to 8MB, and select ESP32 S3.

Expected Result

The correct flashing configuration is prepared.

Important Notes

Do not modify these values unless official instructions specifically require different settings.

Step 5: Start Firmware Flashing

Action

Click Start.

Expected Result

It will prompt firmware successfully flashed after the update is completed.

Important Notes

• Do not disconnect the machine during flashing.
• The flashing process may take several minutes.
• Wait for the completion message before closing the software.

Method 2: Update by ESPTool Web

Step 1: Open ESPTool Web

Action

Enter
ESPTool Web
in the browser.

This webpage can connect to the serial port to flash the firmware online.

Expected Result

The ESPTool Web interface loads successfully in the browser.

Important Notes

• Use a compatible browser.
• Keep the engraver connected through the Type C cable.

Step 2: Connect to the CH340 Serial Port

Action

Select the baud rate 115200 and connect to the CH340 serial port.

Expected Result

The browser connects successfully to the engraver serial port.

Important Notes

If the serial port does not appear, reconnect the USB cable and verify the CH340 driver installation.

Step 3: Erase Existing Flash

Action

Click “Erase Flash” first.

Expected Result

The previous firmware data is erased successfully.

Important Notes

Do not disconnect the engraver during this process.

Step 4: Select Firmware and Flash Address

Action

Enter the Flash address 0x0 and select the firmware.

Expected Result

The firmware file is prepared for flashing.

Important Notes

Ensure the Flash address remains set to 0x0 exactly as instructed.

Step 5: Program the Firmware

Action

Click Program to start burning.

Expected Result

The firmware flashing process begins and completes successfully.

Important Notes

• Wait until the process fully completes.
• Avoid closing the browser during flashing.

Method 3: Update by LaserBurn APP

Step 1: Connect the Engraving Machine

Action

After the engraving machine is connected to the LaserBurn App, click Me→About→Firmware Update→RAY5 mini to upgrade the firmware.

Expected Result

The LaserBurn App starts the firmware update process successfully.

Important Notes

• Keep the app connected during the update.
• Ensure stable network and power conditions.
• Do not close the app during installation.

Common Problems and Solutions

Tips for Better Results

Use a High-Quality USB Cable

Poor-quality cables may interrupt serial communication.

Close Other Serial Port Software

Programs using the COM port may interfere with firmware flashing.

Verify Firmware Before Flashing

Double-check the firmware version and machine compatibility.

Keep the Computer Awake

Avoid sleep mode or automatic shutdown during firmware installation.

Follow Official Firmware Instructions

If firmware release notes include additional requirements, follow official machine specifications or instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the CH340 driver?

The CH340 driver allows the computer to communicate with the engraver through the USB serial connection.

2. Why can’t I see the COM port?

The driver may not be installed correctly, or the USB cable connection may be unstable.

3. What baud rate should I use for MKSLaserTool?

Set baud to 25000 exactly as specified in the official instructions.

4. What Flash size should I choose?

Set Flash size to 8MB.

5. Which ESP32 option should I select?

Select ESP32 S3 during the firmware flashing process.

6. Can I disconnect the machine during flashing?

No. Disconnecting the machine during firmware installation may cause flashing failure.

7. Why do I need to erase flash first in ESPTool Web?

The “Erase Flash” process clears previous firmware data before installing the new firmware.

8. Can I update firmware directly from the LaserBurn App?

Yes. The official process supports firmware updates through the LaserBurn App using:

Me→About→Firmware Update→RAY5 mini

Final Thoughts

Updating the RAY5 Mini firmware helps maintain machine stability and compatibility with the latest features. Whether you choose MKSLaserTool, ESPTool Web, or the LaserBurn App, carefully follow the official settings and procedures throughout the process.

Always use the correct firmware, maintain a stable connection, and avoid interrupting the flashing process. If additional information is needed, follow official machine specifications or instructions.

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