There are lots of laser controllers out there and they all have their pros and cons.  This article will dig into the most common controllers and DSP’s and help you identify them, if they are supported by LightBurn Software and if they could be replaced by a Cohesion3D LaserBoard so they could be compatible with LightBurn.

Most of the software required to operate these boards can be found on our DOWNLOADS page.

Click Here To See Our Controller And DSP Comparison Article

Common Controllers

Lihuiyu M2 Nano (M2 Nano)

LightBurn Software will not work with this controller. The Cohesion3D LaserBoard is a drop in replacement for this controller.

The M2 Nano is the standard mainboard in many k40’s and some 50-80 watt Chinese laser engravers. It provides basic motion and firing control. This controller does not have PWM laser power control and only a few versions of software will work with it.

The software that ships with the M2 Nano is LaserDRW. It is a control software based off of a poorly hacked version of CorelDRAW and is Windows only. It also ships with a USB dongle that must be inserted into the host PC to allow the software to run.

The only other software options, which are a major improvement, are K40Whisperer in conjunction with Inkscape and a relative newcomer called MeerK40t.  These applications are open source, free to use, and no USB dongle is required. they will also run on Windows, Mac, and Linux (MeerK40t may not be supported in the mac environment).

An aftermarket controller, the Cohesion3D LaserBoard (see below), is a direct replacement for this board and installs in about 15 minutes without modification. The Cohesion3D LaserBoard allows the use of LightBurn Software. This combination offers PWM laser power control among many other enhancements.

Be sure to check out the Cohesion3D LaserBoard Buyer’s Guide!

Cohesion3D LaserBoard

LightBurn Software (G-Code or DSP Version) will work with this controller.

The Cohesion3D LaserBoard is a direct replacement for the M2 Nano (above) and can be installed in under 20 minutes to provide an immediate performance upgrade as well as the ability to utilize LightBurn Software.

It runs Smoothie as shipped but can also run GRBL. Smoothie is the only firmware which calculates the PWM value based on acceleration every single step, resulting in the cleanest possible cut and even power around corners. You can learn more about the Cohesion3D LaserBoard here. The cost of this controller is in the $200 range.

Be sure to check out the Cohesion3D LaserBoard Buyer’s Guide!

Shenzhen RuiDa Technology Co.,Ltd (Ruida DSP)

LightBurn Software (DSP Version) will work with this controller.

The Ruida series controllers are popular in many 50 watt and up Chinese laser engravers. They offer PWM laser power control and are quite advanced. These can be retrofitted into most lasers, even the K40, but require a higher level of technical aptitude to install as the connections will have to be configured manually and the control head will have to be flush mounted into the chassis.

The Ruida DSP ships with RDWorks which is also based off of CorelDRAW. LightBurn Software is the only other software known to work with the Ruida and it offers vast improvements over the shipped software. The cost of this controller is in the $300-$500 range. Some popular model numbers are RDC6442G, RDC6442GS, RDC6332G, RDLC-320A, and the R5-DSP (Rebranded for Lightobject). THERE IS ALSO A REBRANDED VERSION FOR BOSS LASERS. SEE BELOW.

Shenzhen RuiDa Technology Co.,Ltd (Ruida DSP) FOR BOSS LASERS

LightBurn Software (DSP Version) will work with this controller.

This is also a RuiDa DSP (see above) that has been rebranded fro Boss Lasers. Thanks to Jim Bucsko for the image.

The Ruida DSP ships with RDWorks which is also based off of CorelDRAW. LightBurn Software is the only other software known to work with the Ruida and it offers vast improvements over the shipped software. The cost of this controller is in the $300-$500 range. Some popular model numbers are RDC6442G, RDC6442GS, RDC6332G, RDLC-320A, and the R5-DSP (Rebranded for Lightobject).

Shenzhen Trocen Automation Technology Co.,LTD (Trocen, AWC, Anywells)

LightBurn Software (DSP Version) will work with this controller.

The AWC Series controllers are very similar to Ruida in function and form. These DSP’s use proprietary software called LaserCad.  LightBurn Software is the only other software that works with Trocen AWC Controllers and it offers vast improvements over the shipped software!  The cost of this controller is in the $300-$500 range. Some popular model numbers are AWC608C, AWC708C , and the LO-X7 (Rebranded for LightObject).

Shenzhen Trocen Automation Technology Co.,LTD (Trocen, AWC, Anywells)

LightBurn Software (DSP Version) will work with this controller.

This is another version of a Trocen controller. These DSP’s use proprietary software called LaserCad.  LightBurn Software is the only other software that works with Trocen AWC Controllers and it offers vast improvements over the shipped software! The cost of this controller is in the $300-$500 range. Some popular model numbers are TL-3120 and the TL-5200. Thanks to Tim Rowe for the image of this controller.

Leetro AutoMation Co.,LTD (Leetro DSP)

LightBurn Software will not yet work with this controller. There are quite a few requests for this controller. They have an MPC6585 and are exploring the possibilities.

The Leetro Series controllers are again very similar to the other DSP’s in function and form. These DSP’s use proprietary software called LaserCut  and no other software solutions are available at this time. The cost of this controller is in the $300-$500 range. Some popular model numbers are MPC6515, MPC6525, MPC6535, MPC6565, and MPC6585.

Shenzhen Topwisdom Technology co., LTD (TopWisdom)

LightBurn Software will work with this controller but is in beta at this time.

The TL-4XX Series controllers are again very similar to the other DSP’s in function and form. These DSP’s use proprietary software called AutoLaser LightBurn is compatible and is in beta at this time. The cost of this controller is in the $300-$500 range. Some popular model numbers are TL-403CB, TL-410C,  & TL-404CA.

Other Controllers

Moshi MS10105

LightBurn Software will not work with this controller.

More info will be added as it becomes available.

Moshi C107

LightBurn Software will not work with this controller. The Cohesion3D LaserBoard could be a replacement for this controller but may require some custom modification.

More info will be added as it becomes available.

Lihuiyu 6C6879-LASER-M (M/M1/M2)

LightBurn Software will not work with this controller. The Cohesion3D LaserBoard could be a replacement for this controller but may require some custom modification.

The M series is the standard mainboard in many k40’s and some 50-80 watt Chinese laser engravers. It has been replaced with the M2 Nano. These boards have a 6 pin power/laser connector.

More about the 6 pin Lihuiyu power/laser connector can be found HERE.

Lihuiyu  6C6879-LASER-B (B)

LightBurn Software will not work with this controller. The Cohesion3D LaserBoard could be a replacement for this controller but may require some custom modification.

Dedicated to 4060 format, 5070 format laser engraving machine.

More about the 6 pin Lihuiyu power/laser connector can be found HERE.

Lihuiyu 6C6879-LASER-B1 (HT-XEON)

LightBurn Software will not work with this controller. The Cohesion3D LaserBoard could be a replacement for this controller but may require some custom modification.

More info will be added as it becomes available.

More about the 6 pin Lihuiyu power/laser connector can be found HERE.

Lihuiyu  6C6879-LASER-M (HT-MASTER)

LightBurn Software will not work with this controller. The Cohesion3D LaserBoard has successfully replaced this controller but may require some custom modification.

Some laser engraving machine motherboards have been modified with 5V motherboard power supply, which makes the wiring different from our standard motherboard, which makes some laser engraving machines cannot be directly replaced by our standard motherboard. This red motherboard can directly replace all laser engraved motherboards with 5V power supply, and can directly replace any motherboard that has not been modified with 5V power

More about the 6 pin Lihuiyu power/laser connector can be found HERE.

Lihuiyu  6C6879-LASER-B1 (YX-[Out]TZ)

LightBurn Software will not work with this controller. The Cohesion3D LaserBoard could be a replacement for this controller but may require some custom modification.

This motherboard is based on the 6C6879-LASER-B1 core. From the design of the hardware circuit, the 5V and 24V power supplies add common mode and differential mode filters, which have better adaptability to power supply noise.

More about the 6 pin Lihuiyu power/laser connector can be found HERE.

Lihuiyu  6C6879-LASER-M (YX-FIRST)

LightBurn Software will not work with this controller. The Cohesion3D LaserBoard could be a replacement for this controller but may require some custom modification.

YX-FIRST motherboard integrates the firmware core of the 6C6879-LASER-M motherboard and integrates semi-flow control technology (generally only large-scale engraving machines with an external drive) The motherboard’s 5V and 24V power supplies add common mode and differential mode filters, which have better adaptability to power supply noise and are an excellent M motherboard.

Lihuiyu  6C6879-LASER-B1 (KC-[Out])

LightBurn Software will not work with this controller. The Cohesion3D LaserBoard could be a replacement for this controller but may require some custom modification.

More info will be added as it becomes available.

More about the 6 pin Lihuiyu power/laser connector can be found HERE.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]