How to Update the Firmware on Ray5 mini/miniS

Keeping your firmware updated is important for maintaining stable performance, improving compatibility, and fixing known issues on the LONGER Ray5 mini and Ray5 miniS laser engravers.

Table of Contents

• What This Guide Covers
• Quick Answer
• Why This Process Matters
• Before You Start
• Requirements
• Precautions
• Step-by-Step Tutorial
  • Method 1: Update by ESPTool Web
  • Method 2: Update by LaserBurn APP
• Common Problems and Solutions
• Tips for Better Results
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts

What This Guide Covers

This tutorial explains how to officially update the firmware on the following laser engravers:

• LONGER Ray5 mini
• LONGER Ray5 miniS

The guide includes two official update methods:

1. Updating firmware through ESPTool Web
2. Updating firmware through the LaserBurn APP

It also includes troubleshooting advice and beginner tips to help reduce firmware update issues.

Quick Answer

To update the firmware on a Ray5 mini or Ray5 miniS:

1. Download the correct firmware for your machine model.
2. Connect the engraver to your computer.
3. Use either:
   • ESPTool Web in a browser, or
   • LaserBurn APP firmware update function.
4. Follow the official flashing procedure carefully.

For ESPTool Web:

• Set baud rate to 115200
• Connect to the CH340 serial port
• Click Erase Flash
• Set Flash address to 0x0
• Select firmware file
• Click Program

For LaserBurn APP:

• Open Me → About → Firmware Update → RAY5 mini

 

Why This Process Matters

Firmware controls how your laser engraver operates. Updating the firmware can help:

• Improve machine stability
• Fix connection issues
• Improve compatibility with software
• Resolve operational bugs
• Restore functionality after firmware corruption
• Improve Wi-Fi or USB communication

In some cases, outdated firmware may cause:

• Freezing during startup
• Connection failures in LightBurn
• Unexpected reboots
• “Busy/Paused” communication errors

Updating firmware correctly can often solve these problems.

Before You Start

Before beginning the firmware update process:

• Ensure the engraver has stable power
• Use a reliable USB data cable
• Close unnecessary software programs
• Download the correct firmware for your exact machine model
• Do not disconnect power during the update

If you are unsure which firmware file matches your machine:

Follow official machine specifications or instructions.

Requirements

You will need:

• LONGER Ray5 mini or Ray5 miniS
• Computer with USB connection
• Internet connection
• Firmware file for your machine
• Browser for ESPTool Web method
• LaserBurn APP (for APP update method)

You may also need:

• CH340 driver installed on your computer
• USB Type-C cable

Official firmware downloads are available on the LONGER download pages.

Precautions

Before updating firmware, read these important precautions carefully.

Use the Correct Firmware

Different Ray5 mini and miniS models use different firmware versions.

Examples include:

• Ray5 miniS_2.5w-v0.5.0
• Ray5 miniS_3.5w-v0.5.0
• Ray5 miniS_5.5w-v0.5.0
• Ray5 miniS_10w-v0.5.0

Installing incorrect firmware may cause startup problems or connection failures.

Do Not Disconnect During Flashing

Interrupting power or USB connection during firmware flashing may corrupt the firmware installation.

Confirm CH340 Driver Installation

If the computer cannot detect the engraver:

• Check whether the CH340 driver is installed
• Verify the correct COM port appears in Device Manager

 

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Method 1: Update by ESPTool Web

This is the official browser-based firmware flashing method provided by LONGER.

Step 1: Open ESPTool Web

Action

Open the following webpage in your browser:

ESPTool Web

Expected Result

The ESPTool Web interface opens and allows serial port connection.

Important Notes

• Use a compatible browser
• Connect the engraver to the computer before continuing

Step 2: Connect to the CH340 Serial Port

Action

• Set the baud rate to 115200
• Connect to the CH340 serial port

Expected Result

The software establishes communication with the laser engraver.

Important Notes

If the CH340 serial port does not appear:

• Check USB cable connection
• Verify CH340 driver installation

Step 3: Erase Flash

Action

Click:

Erase Flash

Expected Result

Existing firmware data is erased from the machine.

Important Notes

The official instructions specify erasing flash before programming the new firmware.

 

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Step 4: Enter Flash Address

Action

Enter the Flash address:

0x0

Expected Result

The firmware target address is configured correctly.

Important Notes

Do not change the Flash address value.

 

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Step 5: Select Firmware File

Action

Choose the firmware file for your specific Ray5 mini or miniS model.

Expected Result

The firmware file is loaded into ESPTool Web.

Important Notes

Use only firmware intended for your machine version.

Step 6: Program the Firmware

Action

Click:

Program

Expected Result

The firmware flashing process begins.

Important Notes

• Do not disconnect power
• Do not unplug USB cable
• Wait until the process fully completes

Method 2: Update by LaserBurn APP

This is the official in-app firmware update method.

Step 1: Connect the Engraving Machine to LaserBurn APP

Action

Connect the Ray5 mini or miniS to the LaserBurn APP.

Expected Result

The app successfully communicates with the machine.

Important Notes

Ensure the connection remains stable during the update.

 

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Step 2: Open Firmware Update Menu

Action

Navigate to:

Me → About → Firmware Update → RAY5 mini

Expected Result

The firmware update interface opens.

Important Notes

Follow the on-screen prompts carefully.

 

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Step 3: Start Firmware Upgrade

Action

Begin the firmware upgrade process inside the APP.

Expected Result

The machine firmware updates automatically.

Important Notes

Do not close the APP during the upgrade.

 

Common Problems and Solutions

 

Tips for Better Results

• Use a high-quality USB data cable
• Keep your computer connected to stable power
• Close LightBurn and other serial-port software during flashing
• Verify the firmware file before starting
• Wait patiently for the update to complete
• Restart the engraver after firmware installation

If your machine behaves abnormally after updating:

Follow official machine specifications or instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does firmware updating erase my engraving files?

The official instructions focus only on firmware flashing. Follow official machine specifications or instructions.

What baud rate should I use in ESPTool Web?

Use:
115200

 

What Flash address should I enter?

Use:
0x0

 

Why is my Ray5 mini stuck on the LONGER logo?

This can happen if firmware becomes corrupted or incomplete during flashing. Re-flashing the firmware using the official ESPTool Web method may help.

Do I need to erase flash before programming?

Yes. The official procedure instructs users to click:
Erase Flash
before programming the firmware.

Can I update firmware through the LaserBurn APP?

Yes. The official menu path is:

Me → About → Firmware Update → RAY5 mini

 

Where can I download official firmware files?

Official firmware downloads are available on the LONGER download pages.
LONGER Ray5 miniS Downloads

LONGER Ray5 mini Downloads

What should I do if the update fails?

• Recheck the firmware file
• Verify CH340 driver installation
• Confirm the correct COM port
• Repeat the official flashing steps carefully

If issues continue:

Follow official machine specifications or instructions.

Final Thoughts

Updating the firmware on the LONGER Ray5 mini and Ray5 miniS is a straightforward process when following the official instructions carefully. Whether you choose ESPTool Web or the LaserBurn APP method, using the correct firmware file and maintaining a stable connection are the most important factors for success.

Always follow the official flashing sequence exactly:

• Connect to the CH340 serial port
• Set baud rate to 115200
• Click Erase Flash
• Use Flash address 0x0
• Program the firmware

Following these official steps helps ensure a safe and reliable firmware upgrade experience for your laser engraver.