Find the problem by what you see, or look up the alarm shown on the screen or in the software. Each group opens on its own page.
The machine will not power on or connect, shows a red indicator or storage warning, cannot read a TF card, or reports a missing USB Key.
The touchscreen stays dark, does not respond to touch, shows an empty local library, or cannot save a hand-drawn file.
The protective window is dirty or damaged, cutting weakens, the laser emits no light, or engraved patterns look poor, distorted, reversed, or skewed.
Homing fails, the head moves only diagonally, engraving stops, area or limit-switch alarms appear, or the machine hits the frame during engraving.
The software reports an open door when it is closed, the crosshair is misaligned, or infrared framing does not match engraving.
Lightweight material moves or has missing lines, lines or shapes do not close, fumes linger, the fan stops, or friction noise appears.
You are checking software, firmware or app updates, or looking up a software alarm code.
| Fault Symptom | Priority Checks |
|---|---|
| Machine will not power on | Check the power adapter and power switch. Check whether the status indicator and mainboard power indicator are working properly. |
| Unable to connect to the computer | Confirm that the machine is powered on and the connection is secure. Install the serial port driver and verify that the baud rate in LightBurn is correct. |
| Prompt indicates that the USB drive is not inserted | Confirm that the TF card is inserted, its capacity is ≤16 GB, it can be read and written to normally on a computer, and it is formatted as FAT32. |
| Status indicator stays red | Check the software alarm message and troubleshoot accordingly. Try restoring the factory settings. |
| Alarm indicates that the safety lock is not connected | Check whether the USB Key is inserted properly or has poor contact. Confirm that the enclosure's top cover is closed. |
| Laser power has decreased | Check the protective window and focusing lens. Check the processing parameters and the maximum S-value in LightBurn. Check the power adapter. |
| Laser module does not emit laser light | Check the focusing distance, inspect the cable connections, and measure the cable voltage. |
| Distorted engraving output | Check the timing pulleys, motor, and linear shafts. |
| Poor engraving results | Check the software parameters, protective window and focusing lens, maximum S-value, and power adapter. |
| Abnormal alarm | Check the machine according to the alarm message. For example, if a limit alarm occurs, press the limit switch manually first to confirm that it triggers correctly, then check the cable connections. |
| Red crosshair is misaligned with the laser emission point | Recalibrate the crosshair. |
| Machine moves diagonally at a 45° angle | Check the motor cable connections, the motor timing pulley screws, and the motor connections on the mainboard. |
What you see: Software Alarm Messages and Troubleshooting
| Alarm Code | Alarm Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm 1 | Hard Limit Triggered | A machine limit switch has been triggered. Check whether the laser module has come into contact with a limit switch. |
| Alarm 2 | Soft Limit Triggered | The $20 parameter under Machine Settings in the software controls soft limits. If soft limits are enabled, disable them. |
| Alarm 3 | Cycle Aborted | The machine has stopped after receiving a stop command. |
| Alarm 8 | Homing Failed | This is usually caused by a limit switch failing to rebound. Check the limit switch itself. |
| Alarm 9 | Homing Failed | The homing process has failed, possibly because the machine cannot move or a limit switch fails to trigger. Troubleshoot according to the specific symptoms. |
| Alarm 11 | Tilt Alarm | The engraver is detected as tilted. If the machine is actually level, open the top cover and tighten the mounting screw in the middle of the mainboard. |
| Alarm 13 | Door Open Alarm | The enclosure door is detected as open. If the door is fully closed, refer to Section 26 for troubleshooting the door alarm. |
| Alarm 14 | Safety Lock Alarm | The USB Key is not inserted. Check whether it is properly inserted. If it is already inserted, try replacing it with another USB Key. |
| Alarm 23 | Top Cover Open Alarm | The enclosure top cover is open. Close it properly. |