Light Burn Bridge Setup Using a Raspberry Pi and an Aeon Mira 9

If you want a reliable wireless connection between your Ruida-based laser (like my Aeon Mira 9) and the LightBurn software—and don’t want to purchase the official LightBurn Bridge kit—you can build one yourself using a Raspberry Pi. This approach can be budget-friendly, especially if you already have some of the necessary parts on hand. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how I set up my own LightBurn Bridge, including the snags I ran into and how I overcame them.

Difficulty & Expected Time

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – Most steps are straightforward, but you should be comfortable with basic computer tasks.

• Expected Time: 15-45 minutes – If you have all parts on hand and follow each step carefully, you should finish in under an hour. Start to finish, it probably took me under 20 minutes.

Parts and Costs

1. Raspberry Pi 4 ($62) - Raspberry Pi 4

   A 3B or 3B+ might also work, but I had issues with the 3B+ version and had to return it for the 4.

   
   

2. 128 GB Micro SD Card ($12) - Amazon Basics 128GB microSD Card

   Any size ≥ 4GB should work, but I had a 128GB card available.

   
   

3. Power Supply / Case ($16) - GeeekPi Case for Raspberry Pi 4 with Power Supply

   This power supply and case came together, but if you buy them separately just ensure that the power supply has sufficient amps—usually 5V 3A for Pi 4. The case allows for protection and better airflow.

   
   

4. Ethernet Cable ($3.50) - 6ft Ethernet Cable

   We always have a bunch of these lying around, so I used one we had on hand. If you don't have any, here is a link to a 6ft one. You can get longer/shorter, depending on where you plan to keep your Lightburn Bridge.

   
   

5. (Optional) Micro SD to USB Adapter ($10) - Memory Card Reader

   If your computer doesn’t have an SD card slot, you can use one of these to connect the microSD. I had this one on hand and like it because it has slots for different types of cards.

   
   

Total Cost: Approximately $103.50 with free shipping on Amazon Prime if you need everything. I only needed the Raspberry Pi 4 and the case/power cord, so I spent $78. This is a big difference compared to the $120 that the Lightburn Bridge is selling for right now.

1. Download and Install Raspberry Pi Imager

1. Visit the official Raspberry Pi website and download Raspberry Pi Imager for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).

   1. Here is the download link: https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/

2. Install and then launch Raspberry Pi Imager.

2. Prepare the Micro SD Card

1. Insert the micro SD card into your computer, either directly or using the memory card reader we linked.

2. In Raspberry Pi Imager, select CHOOSE OS → scroll down to Erase (or use your preferred SD formatting tool).

3. Erase the SD card to ensure it’s clean and ready for the LightBurn Bridge image. Double check that you are erasing the correct card, as this will permanently wipe any files you have on that card.

4. If you weren't already, connect to the Wifi that you intend to have your laser connected to. Avoid having your computer connected via Ethernet during this process - it will make it more complicated.

3. Flash the LightBurn Bridge Image

1. Download the official LightBurn Bridge disk image from here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QTKcm-eh6rJxlsd7p8aBcTfwsDHZQDUg/view

   1. We got this link directly from the Lightburn Bridge Kit listing here: https://lightburnsoftware.com/products/lightburn-bridge-kit

2. In Raspberry Pi Imager, select CHOOSE OS → scroll to Use custom.

3. Browse to the .img.xz file you downloaded.

4. Select your SD card under CHOOSE STORAGE.

5. Click “WRITE.” The process may take a few minutes and will verify automatically.

4. Insert SD Card into the Raspberry Pi & Power Up

1. Eject the SD card from your computer.

2. Insert it into the Raspberry Pi.

3. Connect the power supply to the Pi.

4. Wait a minute for the Pi to fully boot.

   
   

5. Connect the Raspberry Pi Bridge to Your Laser

1. Open the lid of your Mira 9, and then open the front access door, exposing the space underneath the honeycomb board. Locate the blue and black cables on the floor of the machine, and disconnect the blue cable plugged into the left side of the Ethernet hub.

2. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the Pi.

3. Plug the other end into the LAN INTERFACE on your Mira 9 (or another Ruida-based laser). On my Mira 9, it is on the back right corner. If you have an older model, you may have to open up your machine to reach it.

4. Make sure your laser is powered on so the controller is active.

5. On the Keypad, press the Z/U button. Using the UP Arrow, highlight IP CONFIG+ on the screen. Press the ENTER button.

6. Using the Arrow buttons, change the IP address to: 10.0.3.3

   Press the Z/U button after you have entered each number.

   Press ENTER.

   
   

6. Configure WiFi

After the Pi boots, it broadcasts a WiFi network called something like: "LightBurn Bridge E4B7"

1. Disconnect from your current WiFi on your computer.

2. Connect to the new LightBurn Bridge network.

3. Wait for a popup or captive portal page to appear (or browse to http://192.168.42.1/ if it doesn’t).

4. Enter your WiFi name and password to let the Pi join your router’s network.

5. The Pi will reboot and connect to your WiFi. After you enter the wifi information, the Lightburn Bridge network won't be visible anymore.

   
   

7. Final Steps in LightBurn

1. Open LightBurn on your computer.

2. Go to Devices → LightBurn Bridge.

3. Skip through the initial prompts that we have already completed - finding the bridge using wifi and configuring it. LightBurn should then detect your Ruida controller through the Bridge. Follow through the prompts and complete the set-up.

4. Test by sending a small file to verify connectivity.

Notes and Lessons Learned

• I first tried a Raspberry Pi 3B+ but had issues. The Pi 4 worked fine on my first attempt.

• During the process of flashing the SD card with the Lightburn Bridge file, connect to the wifi that you intend to have the laser connected to/your main Wifi network. I had mine intially connected to an Ethernet cord and it messed up the process. I ended up unplugging my Ethernet, connecting to the Wifi, and restarting the process.

Additional References

Official Lightburn Bridge/Raspberry Pi Set-Up Guidance: https://docs.lightburnsoftware.com/latest/Guides/AdvancedLightBurnBridge/

Official Lightburn Bridge/Laser Set-Up Guidance: https://docs.lightburnsoftware.com/latest/Guides/LightBurnBridge/

Official Aeon Guidance on Setting Up the Lightburn Bridge: https://shop.aeonlaser.us/a/docs/accessories/lightburn-bridge-setup-mira?srsltid=AfmBOorZbbj55YR5-q7tlcKUZpG70bI1vEJOmTgSce8fdII08Ia5KbX6

Lightburn Bridge Kit listing (for those that don't want the hassle of making the bridge themselves): https://lightburnsoftware.com/products/lightburn-bridge-kit

Wrap-Up

By following these steps, you can create your own LightBurn Bridge and enable wireless control of your Ruida-based laser (like the Mira 9). It’s a relatively quick project and it can save some money especially if you already have some of hte parts. Just be sure to follow each step carefully and consult LightBurn’s documentation for additional troubleshooting if needed. Happy lasering, and don’t forget to share your successes or any tips you discover!

We plan on creating a video and posting it for additional guidance, so keep an eye out for that!

Have questions? Comment below or shoot us an email at BusyBeeLaser@gmail.com!