Longer Ray5 20W — Machine Reference & Connection Guide

Longer Ray5 20W — Machine Reference The Ray5 20W is a diode laser engraver/cutter running a GRBL controller. It connects over USB or WiFi and is controlled by LightBurn (recommended), LaserGRBL (free), or the MKSLaser mobile app. Connection LightBurn Setup 1. Devices → Add → GRBL 2. Select your COM port 3. Set baud rate to 115200 4. Set work area to 400×400mm 5. Origin: Front-left LaserGRBL Setup (free alternative) 1. Connect → select COM port → 115200 2. GRBL 1.1 mode 3. Home the machine before sending jobs WiFi / MKSLaser App 1. On the 3.5" touchscreen → tap the tool icon → WiFi 2. Connect to your network 3. Open MKSLaser app (Android/iOS) on the same WiFi 4. App discovers the machine automatically — control and monitor remotely Software LightBurn (paid, recommended) — best software for diode lasers, handles vectors and raster engraving, supports camera overlay for positioning LaserGRBL (free) — simpler UI, good for getting started MKSLaser App — mobile app for WiFi control and remote monitoring Firmware Download the Ray5 20W specific firmware from Longer — there are two variants depending on your mainboard: With air pump port — use the 24V firmware Without air pump port — use the 12V firmware Update process: 1. Download the correct .bin file from longer3d.com/pages/download-ray5-20w 2. Copy to SD card root directory (no subfolders) 3. Insert SD card while machine is OFF 4. Power on — firmware flashes automatically (LED blinks during update) 5. Remove SD card after update complete Air Assist The Ray5 20W has a built-in air assist port. Connect a small aquarium pump or dedicated laser air assist: 3mm ID tubing fits the nozzle Run at low pressure (2–5 PSI) for engraving, higher (5–10 PSI) for cutting Air assist is mandatory for cutting — without it, char buildup ruins the cut edge Useful Links Ray5 20W firmware & downloads Ray5 20W full manual (ManualsLib) LightBurn software LightBurn docs LaserGRBL (free) Reddit r/lasercutting Longer Facebook group Common Issues Machine not connecting: Try a different USB cable (data cable, not charge-only). Some cables only carry power. Laser firing at wrong power: Check $30 and $31 GRBL settings match LightBurn S-value max (should both be 1000). Inconsistent engraving depth: Check focal height — run the focus test grid to dial in exact focal distance for your material. Cuts not going through: Slow down, increase passes. Two passes at 80% beats one at 100% for clean cuts. Wrong firmware flashed: If the board is non-responsive after flashing, verify which mainboard variant you have (air pump port = 24V, no port = 12V) and reflash the correct file.

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