products-tutorial

The Nano Duo comes equipped with a built-in camera that helps users precisely locate materials and designs before engraving.
In LightBurn, if you wish to use the camera feature, it must first be calibrated and aligned. The steps are as follows:

1. Focusing the Nano Duo

Before performing camera calibration and alignment, make sure to focus the Nano Duo properly.
Failure to do so may cause discrepancies between the designed and actual engraving sizes — resulting in engraved patterns appearing larger or smaller than intended.

2. Camera Calibration

Open LightBurn and select "Calibrate Camera Lens" in laser tools. 

Selecting "USB Camera" and "Standard Lens" in the interface, click "Next".

Place the calibration card in the camera view as shown, turn off "Honeycomb check enable", clik "Capture" button, and when "Next" lights up, proceed to the next step. Repeat the same operation multiple times.

Note: A 90-degree rotation of the image is normal and does not affect camera calibration. Position the calibration card according to the diagram; the orientation of the device does not matter.

Until the interface as shown and click "Align Camera", and the lens calibration is completed. 

3. Camera alignment

At the end of section 2, click "Align Camera" ,select "USB Camera", and click "Next".

In addition, you can also enter through "Calibrate Camera Alignment" in lasertools.

Place the wooden board, adjust the focus, set the engraving parameters, click "Frame" to confirm the engraving range is within the wooden board, and then click Engraving, and click "Next" after engraving.

Note: When carving thick materials like wood, refocusing is required.

Click the "Capture Image" button to capture. When the image is clear in the camera view, click "Next". If it is not clear, recapture it or return to the previous step and engraving it again. 

Pan and zoom to find the four corner marks, and double-click in the center of each one as precisely as you can. It is important that you mark the corners in their numbered order(1, 2, 3, 4).

When you have marked all four corners, click "Next" to continue.

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.

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.

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After upgrading to LightBurn V2.0, some users reported display glitches and preview issues affecting their workflow. This guide walks you through reverting to version 1.7.08 — a stable release fully compatible with Longer Ray5, B1, and Nano machines. Learn how to uninstall, reinstall, and reactivate the previous version of LightBurn to restore full functionality and continue engraving without disruption.

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This guide explains how to use the Circular Array feature in LightBurn to duplicate and arrange objects in radial patterns. Perfect for applications like clock faces, mandalas, and coasters, this tool simplifies complex layouts into a few clicks. You'll learn how to select graphics, configure array parameters, and prepare the final design for laser engraving. Whether you're a beginner or advanced user, mastering this feature enhances both precision and creativity in your Longer laser engraving projects.

The Offset Shapes tool in LightBurn lets you generate new shapes at fixed distances from existing ones, making it ideal for creating borders, cut lines, and layered effects. This guide covers everything from accessing the tool to configuring offset distance, direction, and corner styles. You’ll also learn about advanced options like simplifying results and auto-selecting new shapes. Whether you’re engraving text or designing intricate vector art, mastering the offset feature ensures greater design precision and flexibility with your Longer laser engraver.

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