When the laser module hits the edge during the Return to Home process, it usually indicates a limit switch or homing issue. This can affect positioning accuracy and may cause repeated mechanical stress on the machine if not resolved.

This guide helps you identify and fix the most common causes of this issue on the Ray5 MiniS.

1. Check the Limit Cable Connection

• Inspect the limit switch cable connection
• If the cable is loose or partially disconnected:
  • Secure and tighten the connection
• Ensure all connectors are firmly plugged into the mainboard

2. Check the Limit Switch Position

• Verify whether the limit switch position is too far back
• If the switch is not triggered at the correct time during homing:
  • The laser may continue moving and hit the edge

How to Fix:

• Adjust the limit switch position so it is triggered just as the machine reaches Home
• Ensure proper alignment between the switch and the trigger point

 Mini:

MiniS:

Conclusion

Laser module edge collisions during homing are typically caused by loose limit switch connections or improper switch positioning. By ensuring secure cable connections and correctly positioning the limit switches, you can restore safe and accurate homing behavior.

Proper calibration of the homing system helps prevent mechanical damage and ensures precise positioning for all engraving tasks.

During engraving, the Ray5 MiniS may trigger errors or alarms related to limit switches or motion control. These alarms are typically caused by operational actions, software settings, or homing issues rather than hardware failure.

This guide explains the most common causes and how to resolve them step by step.

Table of Contents

• What This Guide Covers
• Quick Answer
• Why This Process Matters
• Before You Start
  • Requirements
  • Precautions
• Step-by-Step Tutorial
  • Step 1: Prevent Limit Triggering During Engraving
  • Step 2: Understand Stop Button Error Reporting
  • Step 3: Fix Overscan and Soft Limit Errors
  • Step 4: Resolve Zeroing Abnormalities
• Common Problems and Solutions
• Tips for Better Results
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts

What This Guide Covers

This tutorial explains how to troubleshoot common engraving errors and alarms on the LONGER Ray5 MiniS laser engraver.

You will learn how to:

• Prevent limit trigger alarms
• Understand normal alarm behavior after stopping engraving
• Fix overscan-related soft limit errors
• Adjust coordinate settings properly
• Resolve homing and zeroing abnormalities
• Improve engraving stability and workflow reliability

The procedures below follow the original operating sequence and troubleshooting methods provided for the Ray5 MiniS.

Quick Answer

If your Ray5 MiniS displays engraving alarms or motion control errors:

• Do not manually move the laser during engraving
• Alarm reporting after pressing Stop is normal
• Change coordinates to absolute coordinates if overscan triggers soft limits
• Reduce the pattern size and place it in the middle if needed
• Turn off the overscan function when necessary
• Confirm the XY axis does not continue pressing the limit switch after zeroing

Most Ray5 MiniS engraving errors are caused by software settings or operation behavior rather than defective hardware.

Why This Process Matters

Laser engravers rely on accurate positioning and coordinated movement to complete engraving tasks safely and precisely. When the Ray5 MiniS detects unexpected movement, excessive travel range, or abnormal limit switch signals, it may stop the engraving process and report an alarm.

Understanding these alarms is important because it helps:

• Prevent interrupted engraving jobs
• Protect the machine from positioning errors
• Improve engraving consistency
• Reduce material waste
• Avoid repeated homing failures
• Maintain accurate motion control

Many beginners assume that engraving alarms indicate hardware damage. In most cases, the issue is related to machine operation, coordinate setup, or overscan configuration.

Before You Start

Requirements

Before troubleshooting Ray5 MiniS engraving errors, prepare the following:

• LONGER Ray5 MiniS laser engraver
• Connected engraving software
• Properly powered machine
• Stable working surface
• Correctly installed limit switches
• Engraving design file for testing

Follow official machine specifications or instructions.

Precautions

Before performing troubleshooting procedures, keep these precautions in mind:

• Do not manually force the laser module during engraving
• Keep hands away from moving parts
• Monitor the engraving process continuously
• Verify coordinate settings before engraving
• Ensure the machine frame moves smoothly
• Avoid interrupting engraving unnecessarily

Incorrect movement or positioning may trigger unnecessary alarms and stop the engraving process.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prevent Limit Triggering During Engraving

Original Step

1. Manually moving the laser position during engraving causes limit triggering.

Action

Do not manually move the laser position while engraving is active.

Expected Result

The engraving process should continue normally without triggering a limit alarm.

Important Notes

The Ray5 MiniS continuously tracks the laser head position during operation. If the laser module is manually pushed or repositioned while engraving, the controller may detect abnormal movement and trigger a limit alarm.

This issue commonly occurs when users attempt to adjust material positioning during engraving.

If the machine reports a limit error:

1. Stop the engraving process
2. Reposition the laser correctly
3. Restart the engraving job if necessary

Avoid touching the laser assembly during operation.

Step 2: Understand Stop Button Error Reporting

Original Step

When you click Stop during engraving, this error will be reported, which is normal.

Action

If you press the Stop button during engraving and an error appears, understand that this behavior is expected.

Expected Result

The engraving stops immediately and the system reports an alarm or error message.

Important Notes

This is normal machine behavior rather than a hardware malfunction.

When engraving is interrupted manually, the controller detects the interruption and reports the stop condition as an error or alarm.

After stopping:

• Clear the alarm if required
• Reset the engraving position if necessary
• Restart the engraving task

If alarms continue after restarting, verify the coordinate settings and engraving area configuration.

Step 3: Fix Overscan and Soft Limit Errors

Original Step

3. When engraving an image or vector filling at the current position, if the overscan function is turned on, the soft limit may be triggered, and the engraving may not be possible. You need to change the coordinates to absolute coordinates. If you do not change the coordinate system, then reduce the pattern and put it in the middle, or turn off the overscan function.

Action

Adjust the coordinate system or overscan settings when soft limit alarms occur during image engraving or vector filling.

Expected Result

The engraving process should complete without triggering soft limit errors.

Important Notes

This is one of the most common Ray5 MiniS engraving problems in engraving software.

Overscan allows smoother acceleration and deceleration by extending movement slightly beyond the engraving boundary. However, when the design is placed too close to the machine edge, overscan movement may exceed the available work area and trigger a soft limit alarm.

Follow the original troubleshooting sequence exactly:

1. Change the coordinates to absolute coordinates
2. If the coordinate system is not changed, reduce the pattern
3. Put the pattern in the middle
4. Turn off the overscan function if necessary

Do not modify additional machine parameters unless instructed in official documentation.

Follow official machine specifications or instructions.

Step 4: Resolve Zeroing Abnormalities

Original Step

4. The machine continuously detects the signal of the limit switch, resulting in a zeroing abnormality. The solution is to confirm that the XY axis does not hit the limit switch after the XY axis completes zeroing.

Action

Check the XY axis position after zeroing completes.

Expected Result

The machine should complete homing normally without repeatedly triggering the limit switch.

Important Notes

This issue occurs when the controller continues receiving a limit switch signal after the homing process finishes.

Possible causes include:

• The XY axis remaining pressed against the limit switch
• Mechanical obstruction
• Incorrect positioning after homing
• Axis movement restriction

Carefully inspect the machine after zeroing completes.

Verify that:

• The XY axis moves away from the limit switch normally
• The carriage is not stuck
• The machine frame moves freely
• No obstruction blocks axis movement

If homing abnormalities continue:

• Restart the machine
• Recheck the limit switch area
• Confirm smooth axis movement

Avoid manually forcing the carriage while the machine is powered on.

Common Problems and Solutions

Tips for Better Results

• Position designs away from workspace edges
• Use absolute coordinates for larger designs
• Check overscan settings before vector filling
• Test engraving boundaries before starting production jobs
• Keep the machine frame clean and unobstructed
• Monitor homing movement during startup
• Avoid interrupting engraving unless necessary
• Ensure cables and limit switches remain secure

Proper software configuration and operating practices can significantly reduce unnecessary engraving alarms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Ray5 MiniS trigger a soft limit alarm?

Soft limit alarms usually occur when overscan movement exceeds the machine’s available work area during engraving.

Is it normal to see an error after pressing Stop?

Yes. When Stop is clicked during engraving, the machine reports an error normally because the process was interrupted intentionally.

What is overscan in laser engraving?

Overscan extends movement slightly beyond the engraving area to improve motion smoothness during image engraving and vector filling.

Why does my machine fail during homing?

The controller may continuously detect the limit switch signal after zeroing. Confirm that the XY axis does not remain pressed against the limit switch.

Should I disable overscan completely?

You may turn off the overscan function if it causes soft limit alarms. Alternatively, reposition the design or change coordinates to absolute coordinates.

Can manual movement interrupt engraving accuracy?

Yes. Moving the laser manually during engraving can trigger alarms and affect positioning accuracy.

Does this mean my Ray5 MiniS hardware is damaged?

Usually not. Most engraving alarms are caused by operational actions, software settings, or coordinate configuration issues.

Final Thoughts

Engraving errors or alarms on the Ray5 MiniS are usually related to user operation, software configuration, or limit switch behavior. By following proper usage practices and adjusting settings such as coordinate systems and overscan, most issues can be quickly resolved.

Maintaining correct operation procedures and system calibration ensures stable engraving performance and reduces unnecessary error triggers.

Properly positioning your engraving design is essential to ensure it fits within the machine’s working area and avoids boundary errors. In LaserGRBL, you can adjust the graphic position by modifying the X and Y offsets before starting the engraving process.

This guide explains how to correctly place your design within the working area of the Ray5 MiniS.

Table of Contents

• What This Guide Covers
• Why Graphic Positioning Matters
• Before You Start
• Requirements
• Precautions
• Step-by-Step Tutorial
• Ray5 MiniS Working Area Reference
• Common Problems and Solutions
• Tips for Better Results
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

What This Guide Covers

This tutorial explains how to:

• Adjust graphic position in LaserGRBL
• Modify X and Y offsets
• Keep designs within the engraving area
• Avoid boundary and positioning errors
• Understand the working area limitations of Ray5 Mini and Ray5 MiniS models

Quick Answer

To adjust graphic position in LaserGRBL:

1. Open the engraving file in LaserGRBL
2. Modify the X and Y offsets in the target image window
3. Ensure the graphic stays within the machine’s working area
4. Preview the placement before engraving

Correct positioning helps prevent engraving failures and improves engraving accuracy.

Why Graphic Positioning Matters

Graphic positioning is a critical part of laser engraving preparation. If the design exceeds the machine’s working area, the engraving process may fail or produce inaccurate results.

Correctly adjusting the X and Y offsets helps:

• Prevent boundary errors
• Keep the design within the engraving area
• Improve engraving precision
• Reduce material waste
• Ensure consistent results

For beginners, understanding how LaserGRBL handles graphic positioning is essential for successful engraving projects.

Before You Start

Before adjusting the graphic position in LaserGRBL, make sure your machine and software are ready.

Requirements

You will need:

• Ray5 Mini or Ray5 MiniS laser engraver
• Computer with LaserGRBL installed
• USB connection to the machine
• Engraving file or image
• Material placed securely on the work surface

Follow official machine specifications or instructions.

Precautions

Before operating the laser engraver, follow these safety precautions:

• Wear appropriate laser safety glasses
• Ensure proper ventilation
• Keep flammable materials away from the machine
• Confirm the engraving material is secured
• Verify the machine is operating normally before starting

Incorrect positioning may cause the laser to move outside the valid engraving area.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Open the Engraving File

Action

Click File > Open File to add the design to be engraved.

Expected Result

The selected design appears in the LaserGRBL workspace and target image window.

Important Notes

• Confirm the file imports correctly before continuing.
• Check the design dimensions to ensure they are appropriate for the machine’s working area.

Step 2: Adjust the X and Y Offsets

Action

Adjust the offset of X and Y in the target image window to change the position of the graphics.

Expected Result

The graphic position changes within the workspace according to the selected offset values.

Important Notes

• Adjust the offsets carefully to avoid exceeding the working area.
• Small offset changes can significantly affect final placement.
• Position the design fully within the valid engraving range.

Step 3: Make Sure the Design Is Within the Working Area

Action

Check the design placement and make sure it is in the range of the working area.

Expected Result

The entire design fits within the available engraving area of the selected machine model.

Important Notes

• Designs outside the working area may trigger boundary errors.
• Always verify placement before starting engraving.
• Use preview and positioning checks whenever possible.

Ray5 MiniS Working Area Reference

Use the following working area specifications when positioning graphics in LaserGRBL.

Common Problems and Solutions

Tips for Better Results

Check the Working Area Before Importing Files

Knowing the maximum engraving dimensions helps avoid positioning errors.

Use Small Offset Adjustments

Minor offset changes provide more accurate positioning control.

Preview the Design Placement

Always verify the engraving area before starting the laser job.

Keep the Material Properly Aligned

Straight material placement improves engraving consistency.

Test Positioning on Scrap Material

Testing placement first can help prevent wasted materials and failed engravings.

Avoid Positioning Too Close to Edges

Leaving some margin space can reduce alignment issues during operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are X and Y offsets in LaserGRBL?

X and Y offsets control the horizontal and vertical position of the engraving graphic within the workspace.

Why do I get a boundary error in LaserGRBL?

Boundary errors usually occur when part of the design exceeds the machine’s working area.

How do I know if my design fits the working area?

Compare the design dimensions with the machine’s maximum working area listed in the specifications table.

Can I reposition the graphic after importing the file?

Yes. You can modify the X and Y offsets in the target image window before engraving.

Why is my engraving not centered on the material?

The X and Y offsets may not be adjusted correctly, or the material may not be aligned properly.

What happens if the design exceeds the working area?

The machine may generate a boundary error or fail to engrave correctly.

Should I preview the engraving position before starting?

Yes. Previewing helps confirm the design fits within the valid engraving range.

Conclusion

Adjusting the graphic position in LaserGRBL is a simple but essential step to ensure accurate engraving results. By properly setting X and Y offsets and keeping your design within the working area, you can avoid errors and achieve precise, high-quality outputs.

Consistent use of preview and positioning checks will help improve engraving efficiency and reduce failed jobs.

Connection issues between your computer and the Ray5 MiniS can prevent proper control of the machine and interrupt engraving tasks. These issues are usually related to drivers, port conflicts, baud rate settings, or incorrect software configuration rather than hardware failure.

This guide provides a structured troubleshooting process to help you quickly restore a stable connection using LightBurn or LaserGRBL.

1) Can't find CH340 driver

For Windows systems, it needs to right-click the computer and select Manage, click Device Manager, click to expand Ports (COM & LPT), find the port corresponding to the CH340 driver, and then select this port in LightBurn or LaserGRBL.

For MacOS, please go to About this Mac > Overview > System Report, select USB under Hardware (there will be USB Serial if the driver is installed automatically), and select the cu.wchusbserial14230 port in LightBurn or LaserGRBL.

If no ports are listed in the expanded Ports (COM & LPT), it means that no engravers were found, which could mean that it is not plugged in correctly, isn't powered, or the PC is missing a driver. It needs to download the CH340 driver from the link and double-click it to install:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Sc-TKuez-mz--38Vp6DeL-pGmQcQdHW4.

How to install CH340 driver of LightBurn for MacOS Sequoia system:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX-XsjLFei0

How to install CH340 driver of LightBurn for MacOS system:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBd1uEA9QUw

2) CH340 driver port is occupied

Before connecting, please make sure that the CH340 port is not occupied by software such as serial communication tools, cura, etc.

3) The Baud rate setting error

The baud rate should be set to 115200. The wrong baud rate will cause the connection to the engraving machine to fail.  

4) The configuration file is not imported or damaged

For LightBurn, click "Devices" in the laser control module to import the engraver. Click ‘Import,’ select the RAY5 mini.lbdev file, and click OK to add the RAY5 mini configuration to LightBurn. The macro commands will be successfully added in the Console window, and RAY5 mini device will appear in the list of devices to the right of the 'Devices' button in the Laser window when the configuration file is imported successfully.

Conclusion

Most connection issues with the Ray5 MiniS are caused by driver installation problems, incorrect port selection, or improper software settings. By verifying the CH340 driver, ensuring the correct COM port, setting the baud rate to 115200, and importing the correct configuration file, you can quickly restore stable communication between your computer and the engraving machine.

Maintaining proper connection setup ensures reliable control and smooth engraving performance.

If your Ray5 MiniS does not respond after turning on the power switch, the issue is usually related to basic power supply or safety mechanisms rather than complex hardware failure.

This guide covers the most common causes and quick checks to help you restore normal operation.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check the Emergency Stop Switch

• Inspect whether the emergency stop button is pressed
• If pressed:
  • Rotate it clockwise to release it

⚠️ Note:

• When engaged, the emergency stop will completely cut off machine operation

2. Check the Power Adapter Connection

• Ensure the power adapter is properly connected:
  • Plugged into a working wall outlet
  • Firmly connected to the machine
• Check for:
  • Loose connections
  • Damaged cables
  • Indicator lights (if available on the adapter)

Mini:

MiniS:

Conclusion

When the Ray5 MiniS fails to start, the most common causes are a pressed emergency stop switch or an improperly connected power adapter. By performing these quick checks, you can usually resolve the issue within minutes.

Ensuring proper power connections and safety switch status is the first step in maintaining reliable machine operation.

Wi-Fi connection issues on the Ray5 MiniS can prevent wireless control through software such as LightBurn or LaserGRBL. These problems are typically caused by signal strength, network compatibility, or incorrect configuration.

This guide helps you quickly identify and resolve the most common Wi-Fi connection issues.

1. Weak Wi-Fi Signal

In LightBurn or LaserGRBL, enter $wifi/listAPs in the console to search for available Wi-Fi networks.
In the list of detected Wi-Fi networks, the number shown after SIGNAL represents signal strength, with 100 being the strongest.

If the signal is too weak, the connection may fail.
Possible causes and solutions:

The Wi-Fi antenna on the motherboard may be loose. In this case, remove the front beam cover of the RAY5 mini and reconnect the antenna securely.

The antenna may be damaged. If so, replace the antenna with a new one.

2. Wi-Fi Frequency Band Is 5 GHz Instead of 2.4 GHz

The Longer laser engraver can only detect 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks.
If your Wi-Fi is using the 5 GHz band, the machine will not be able to find or connect to it.

3. Incorrect Wi-Fi Name or Password

Check carefully to ensure that the Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password are entered correctly.

video tutorial:

Conclusion

Wi-Fi connection failures on the Ray5 MiniS are usually caused by weak signals, unsupported 5 GHz networks, or incorrect credentials. By checking signal strength, ensuring a 2.4 GHz connection, and verifying network details, most issues can be resolved quickly.

A stable Wi-Fi connection enables convenient wireless control and improves workflow efficiency.

For Windows users, right-click This PC, select Manage, and open Device Manager. Expand the Ports (COM & LPT) section to locate the CH340 driver. Identify the COM port assigned to your Ray5 Mini and select it from the port list in LaserGRBL. Set the baud rate to 115200, then click Connect.

1) Connecting the Ray5 Mini to LaserGRBL

Once connected, the GRBL firmware will respond with a “welcome message” indicating the firmware version. You’ll also see “Status: Idle” displayed in the lower-right corner of the LaserGRBL interface — confirming a successful connection.

For macOS users, navigate to About This Mac → Overview → System Report, then click USB under the Hardware section. If the driver has installed automatically, you’ll find “USB Serial” listed under connected devices.

If no COM port appears in the dropdown list, it means the engraver was not detected. This could be due to an unplugged USB cable, the engraver being powered off, or a missing driver. To fix this, go to Tools → Install CH340 Driver within LaserGRBL to install the necessary driver.

2) Creating and Engraving a Project in LaserGRBL

Once the Ray5 Mini is properly connected, you can start setting up your engraving project.
Click File → Open File to import the image or design you want to engrave. Set the quality to 10 lines/mm, then click Next. Refer to your material’s parameter chart to define the optimal engraving power (S-MAX) and speed.

Make sure to select M4 – Dynamic Power Mode for laser operation.

💡 Tip: The S-MAX value should be 10 times the target laser power.

• For 100% laser power, set S-MAX = 1000

• For 60% power, set S-MAX = 600

Next, resize your image to fit the desired engraving area. If the design extends beyond the workspace, you can fine-tune its position using XY offset adjustments.

After importing the file and configuring parameters, use the focusing block to set the correct laser focus distance on the Ray5 Mini. Then, click the Frame button to confirm the engraving position on your material. Finally, press Start to begin the engraving process.

Additional Tips for Stable Engraving

• Always check that your engraving surface is level and clean before starting.

• Ensure the laser module lens is free of dust or debris for consistent output.

• Save your preferred engraving profiles in LaserGRBL for faster setup in future projects.

By following these steps, you can achieve precise, high-quality results with your Ray5 Mini laser engraver using LaserGRBL software — whether for DIY creations, small-scale production, or detailed material testing.

The LONGER RAY5 mini is a compact yet powerful laser engraver designed for creators on the go. With support for over 300 materials, high-speed performance, and built-in safety features, it’s the perfect tool for hobbyists, classrooms, and small businesses looking for precision and portability.

The LONGER Ray5 Mini is a compact, high-precision laser engraver ideal for small-scale projects. This guide walks you through setup, focusing, and engraving using LightBurn software. From importing your design to the finished result, discover how to get professional-quality engravings with ease. The Ray5 Mini balances performance, safety, and user-friendliness—perfect for hobbyists, creators, and small studios alike.