I just got a new computer - the Apple M3 silicon chip and my software is Sonoma 14.3. I opened Lightburn and I’m running into a horribly familiar problem where my laser is perpetually Waiting for connection…
The only two options to connect right now are: cu.usbserial-120 and cu.Bluetooth-Incoming-Port. I have tried downloading the [CH341SER_MAC.ZIP] and installing it to see if that helps, and it made no difference. I also ordered a USB C to USB Hub 4 Ports, Syntech Type C to USB 3.0 Hub with a USB C to USB Adapter (USB 2.0), Thunderbolt 3 to USB Hub, iPad Pro, iMac which was recommended in a different thread, and that didn’t help either.
I’m kind of at my wit’s end right now with what to do.
Disconnect the laser. Then start LB. Do you still see cu.usbserial* in the list? Then this device is NOT the laser. Then the laser is not recognized at all.
In your screenshot, the baud rate is set to 921,600, this is very uncommon, try setting it to 115,200. Most lasers use that (though your laser might be different).
If the manual states 921,600 then there is no reason to change it.
If you do - nothing serious will happen. It’s just that the communication will fail as well. You can’t break anything. Imagine you have two people talking, and one person is speaking faster than the other can understand. That’s all. It won’t hurt, but no successful communication
Try disabling the ‘DTR signal’ in Device settings.
If that doesn’t do anything try reducing Baud Rate to 115,200. The higher rate may be too optimistic, if it connects at the lower rate you can always increase it gradually until it you notice the connection becomes unstable.
That didn’t work I’ve tried so many solutions and am kind of losing hope. The computer recognizes the usb port/device, but is stuck on Waiting for connection
I downloaded an older version of Lightburn and made progress in the form of “Port failed to open - already in use?” I think v.1.2.04 is what most Mac users recommended. With this issue, how should I facilitate my computer and laser communicating through the USB ports?
If yours shipped with the same files that mine did you should have this.
It’s in the Zip file.
The advice is to reflash the firmware to v2.3.0 by putting the firmware on the SD card and power cycling the engraver, then setting the Baud rate for 230400.
The firmware is available through the google drive link below.
Hi! I tried this out with no luck. The Comgrow engineers are saying that I need to purchase a new mainboard. I have no idea why I would need a new mainboard with a connection issue like this.
At this point, I might just get a different computer or a different laser cutter. I’ve tried every solution in the book with no progress.
I’m afraid I’m not following. Which ‘this’?
Further, in the sincere interest of resolving this, at what point was it unlucky?
Do you have the SD Card that came with your engraver? If so, it has the V2.3 Firmware on it. The engraver has a flash-from-sd card feature that should operate without connecting to the computer.
First, you probably want to download a copy of the “Connection operation guide document” above. It’s written specifically for your Mac. Some of the checklist items below have page numbers that will refer back to the guide.
Is the V2.3.0 firmware File on the SD card?
(You can use a different card but the firmware file has to be on it.)
Is the firmware file in the top most Directory or File List on the SD card?
USB Cable Disconnected?
Engraver Powered off?
Ok… Now, attempt to flash the Firmware…
Insert SD Card into the controller as shown in the firmware update video.
Power up the Comgrow engraver by plugging it into the wall outlet.
Watch for the blinking green light to start blinking.
(This signals that the firmware installed correctly).
(It’s on page 2 of the guide under recap) - Does this happen?
… and If the green light didn’t blink, stop now and please let us know.
Ok, If the green light blinks…
Power down the engraver
remove the SD Card
The files that you will need for this next section should also be in the SD card. To access them, you may need to plug the card into a USB adapter plugged into your Mac. You can also download the necessary files from the Google Drive link above. The blue text in the guide isn’t a working link.
Jump to page 5 of the “Connection operation guide document”
leave the USB cable disconnected.
Power up the engraver by plugging it into the wall and turning it on.
(This should launch the firmware inside the Comgrow Z1 and have it wait until you’re ready)
Launch LightBurn and follow the steps from page 5 through page 9.
Follow the connection guide - please let us know where it goes wrong.
I’ve tried so many solutions and am kind of losing hope. The computer recognizes the usb port/device, but is stuck on Waiting for connection
