Some users use Lightburn or LaserGRBL to start a work task, but the software shows that the task is not completed, but the device has stopped.
Sometimes the laser continues to output after stopping work, which will destroy your work materials and may even cause a fire, which is very dangerous.
(Continuous laser output is because the wrong laser mode is selected. Please refer to the section at the bottom of this page: Why does the laser still output after stopping midway?)
USB communication error is the most likely cause. If a transmission error occurs or the USB is disconnected, it may cause the work to stop midway.
The following reasons may cause USB communication errors:
Solution:
Try to connect the device directly to your computer via USB cable, not through USB HUB. Make sure the connection is reliable. Try to shake the USB cable by hand. The interface should not be loose. If the interface is loose, try to change another USB interface. If you have another USB cable, it may be a good choice to try another USB cable (it can usually be found on your printer).
For long-term work, it is difficult for us to guarantee that USB will not have errors. GRBL is streaming. If an error occurs, it is difficult to recover and continue working. Therefore, for long-term work tasks, we recommend using offline work or using a connection bridge to avoid errors.
About Offline Work
Offline work means that all work contents are stored in the device memory, so you don’t have to worry about USB transmission errors. It is compatible with Lightburn and LaserGRBL. Please click link to learn more.
About Connection Bridge
The connection bridge will automatically correct any errors that occur. Please click link to learn more.
Power adapter failure or insufficient power output may also cause the system to stop working. Please click link to learn more.
There are 2 commands to control the laser, namely:
Using M3 fixed power mode, the laser may continue to output laser after an unexpected stop, so what if you use M4 dynamic power mode?
If you are using Lightburn software, please follow this link to create the device, and be sure to choose GRBL instead of GRBL-M3.
If you are using other Gcode generation software, please choose M4 command to control your laser, it will get better working results and will not stop in the middle of the laser output to burn a hole in your table.