Good catch - I added a graphic to the workspace, and now I am able to start a job. The laser appears to execute the job (a single rectangle) correctly. The Click to Move tool is also functional.
So, it looks like only the “Laser: Disconnected” is being incorrectly reported.
I know that this controller isn’t in the supported controller list, unlike the seemingly-similar AWC708C, so that might be related. Thanks!
Edit: It looks like this is probably just the same issue someone else was having in this thread: Conection issues AWC708S - #9 by Rick