How to Troubleshoot Connection Issues Between Laser Engravers and Software?

If your laser engraver cannot connect to the software, follow the detailed troubleshooting steps below to resolve the issue step by step.

Step 1: Check for Drivers

1.1 For Windows Users

1. Open Device Manager (Press Win + X, then select Device Manager).
2. Expand Ports (COM & LPT) and look for a device labeled similar to CH340 (COM3).

• a. If displayed: The driver is installed. Proceed to Step 3.
• b. If not displayed: The driver may not be installed. Refer to Step 2.

1.2 For macOS Users

1. Open Terminaland enter the following command:

2. Look for a device name like wchusbserial1410.

• a. If displayed: The device is connected, and no additional driver installation is required. Proceed to Step 4.
• b. If not displayed: Refer to Step 2.

Note: For macOS users, the Type-C end of the cable cannot be directly connected to the Type-C port on the Mac. You will need to use an adapter to connect the USB-A end of the Type-C cable to the Mac. Once properly connected, you should see the device prompt indicating a successful connection.

Step 2: Install Drivers

2.1 For Windows Users

1. Download the CH340 driver by clicking here. 
2. Follow the installation instructions and restart your computer after installation.
3. Open Device Manager to confirm the device is recognized (e.g., CH340 (COM3)).
4. Restart your laser engraver: Disconnect the power supply, wait 10 seconds, and reconnect it.

• Ensure the device is properly connected to your computer.

2.2 For macOS Users

1. Download the macOS-specific driver by clicking here. 
2. Follow the installation instructions and reconnect your laser engraver.
3. Restart your laser engraver: Disconnect the power supply, wait 10 seconds, and reconnect it.

• Ensure the device is properly connected to your computer.

Step 3: Verify Driver Version (Windows Only)

If the CH340 device appears in Device Manager, check if the driver version is compatible:

1. Open Device Manager, right-click the CH340 device, and select Properties.
2. Go to the Drivertab and check the version details:

• a. Version: January 30, 2019 – The driver is compatible. Proceed to Step 4.

• b. Newer versions (e.g., 2024) – The driver may be incompatible. Adjust as follows:

Solutions for Incompatible Driver Versions:

• LightBurn Users:
  • Open Device Settings.
  • Enable Enable DTR Signal.
  • Save the settings and reconnect your laser engraver.
• LaserGRBL Users:
  • Download and install an older CH340 driver by clicking here.
  • Restart your computer and reconnect the device.
• AtomStack Studio Users: No adjustments are needed for the driver.

Step 4: Check Software Settings and Port Usage

4.1 Verify Baud Rate

1. Open your software (e.g., LightBurn, LaserGRBL).
2. Check the serial port and baud rate settings:

• a. Most machines: Baud rate is 115200.
• b. Hurricane: Baud rate is 460800.

4.2 Check for Port Occupation

• Windows Users:
  • Open Device Manager and locate the CH340 device's COM port (e.g., COM3).
  • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check for programs that may occupy the port, such as serial debugging tools or printer management programs.
  • Close these programs and try reconnecting the device.
• macOS Users:
  • Open Terminaland run the following command to check active ports:

• Identify processes occupying the port (e.g., serial debugging tools).
• End the process using the command:

Replace<process ID> with the actual process number.

Step 5: Replace USB/Type-C Cable or Port, or Use Another Computer

5.1 Replace the Cable

1. Use a high-quality USB or Type-C cable that supports data transmission.
2. Reconnect the device and ensure the cable is securely inserted.

5.2 Switch USB Ports

• Windows Users:
  • Connect the device to a different USB port on your computer.
  • Open Device Manager to confirm if the device appears under a new COM port (e.g., COM4).
• macOS Users:
  • Disconnect the device and reconnect it to another USB port.
  • Use the following command in Terminalto confirm the new port:

• Check for a new device name (e.g., tty.wchusbserial1410).Select the new port in your software.

5.3 Try a Different Computer

If the issue persists, attempt to connect the engraver to another computer.

Need Further Assistance?

If the above steps do not resolve your issue, please contact the AtomStack Support Team at support@atomstack.com. Our technical experts are ready to provide further assistance.