AWC 708C Lite Enable Z-Axis option is missing from Device Settings

[creatorpult (Christopher White)]

We just switched from a Ruida controller to the AWC 708c. We have a z-axis but the Enable Z-Axis option is now missing from Lightburn. Is there some setting in the controller that we need for this to work? I would hate to have to reinstall the Ruida controller after all of the work we spent putting in the AWC.

Any advice is welcome (I just hope “not supported” isn’t among them)

Thanks,

Chris

[Rick (Technical Evangelist)]

@creatorpult

(I just hope “not supported” isn’t among them)

Here is a small historical collection of responses from Oz on this subject.

Aug '19

LightBurn:

As far as I know, Trocen controllers do not have the ability to alter the Z axis during a cut. I have found nothing in LaserCAD that will do this, so I have sent a message to Trocen to ask if this is even possible, and if so, if they will share the commands with me to do so.

Followed by:
Trocen has responded - there is no way to do this with their hardware.

Dec '19
LightBurn:

Trocen gives me almost no control of the Z in software, so you won’t have the option to enable the Z. The jog buttons normally work even if you don’t have Z enabled, but with the Trocen controller they’re disabled because I have only found a way to move the Z with continuous moves, not discrete steps.

Nov '20
LightBurn:

Trocen controllers do not have the ability to move the Z axis within a running job like some other controllers do, which is why you don’t have those options.

Each laser system supported by LightBurn has its own set of features and limitations. Trocen / AWC controllers provide their unique access and control from software which differs from other motion control systems LightBurn supports. As you review posts, read our documentation, watch videos or consume other resources showing LightBurn, you may see reference to a feature that may or may not be available to you and the control system of your laser.

Here is another example:

Rotating connect machine

The Trocen controller does not allow the rotary settings to be changed from software. In fact, you should not even be able to see the rotary setup option in the menu in LightBurn, you have to use the controller menus. Which version of LightBurn are you using? Der Trocen-Controller ermöglicht nicht, dass die Rotationseinstellungen über die Software geändert werden. In der Tat sollten Sie nicht einmal in der Lage sein, die Rotations-Setup-Option im Menü von LightBurn zu sehen. Sie müssen die C…

[LightBurn (Oz)]

Rick (and past me) is correct here. Trocen simply does not have the commands in their job stream to allow this, I’m sorry. We’ve pushed quite hard for it with them, so I believe it’s coming in their newer controllers, but unlikely the 708 series will do it.