IT Considerations for using a Thunder Laser in a work or school environment
Key IT topics to address before installing a Thunder Laser in a managed work or school environment, including network, software, and remote access needs.
Preface: This article covers some of the things that should be considered when installing a Thunder Laser into a work or school environment that has IT controls in place.
If you plan to install your machine at work or in an education environment that has IT controls in place, there will be a few things you need to consider prior to the arrival of the machine. It would be best to get your IT team involved early on so that when the machine arrives, there are no considerable delays in getting started. Please share this article with them so that the following topics can be addressed:
1. USB Stick
Your Thunder Laser will come with a USB stick of files that will be useful (especially for the Aurora series) for the setup and operation of your machine. Some IT departments will limit the use of USB sticks. Please work with your IT team to get clearance to use the USB stick or a path to get the files off the USB stick. Thunder Laser USA can email some of the files if needed. Email [email protected] if you need some of the files ahead of time.
The gantry lasers (Nova, Odin and Bolt) can also accept USB stick file transfers. You would be using the software on your computer to save a run file to the USB stick and then inserting the USB stick into the machine to copy the file to the machine. Please make sure your IT team is ok with this. They may provide a specific USB stick to use which should meet the requirements for the Ruida Controller (USB 2.0 and 16gb or less).
2. Network Access / Static IP
Your Thunder Laser Nova, Odin and Bolt have hardwired ethernet capabilities. The software you install on the computer will need network access to be able to see the Laser Machine. The Laser Machine also uses only a Static IP, so your IT team will need to manually assign an IP for the Laser and make sure that the IP is reserved in the IT managed network hardware.
If you plan to directly connect the computer to the Laser and avoid the managed network, then access to the computer's network settings will also be needed since a Static IP will need to be assigned to the computer as well.
There is a lot of information about setting up the ethernet connection; we suggest starting with the article on connecting a Thunder Laser to LightBurn via ethernet.
The ethernet connection is not required to be able to operate the machine and Internet access is also not required. We also do not suggest using WiFi when connecting to the machine as it can cause file transfer errors. Please coordinate ahead of time with the IT team to sort the Network Access and Static IP out.
3. Driver Install
Some drivers may require Admin access and IT assistance to be able to install them properly. Please notify your IT team of which software you are planning to use so that they may be able to assist with the install. We can provide the files prior to your machine's arrival if needed. Please email [email protected] for more information.
Some more information about driver install issues:
- Driver Error for Aurora Machines — please contact support for the relevant article.
4. Software Install
Work with your IT team prior to arrival to get the software installed (LightBurn) and network access permissions if needed.
For the Aurora series, you may use LightBurn, EzCad2, and even custom Thunder Laser Software (for the autofocus). We can point you to those if needed prior to your machine arrival.
Some of the software used:
- LightBurn Software
- RDworks Software
- EzCad Software and Driver
5. Admin Credentials
Some of the software or driver installs may require Admin access to install. Also some of the OS configuration like ethernet cards, app permissions, etc. may also require Admin access to change. You should work with your IT team ahead of time to see what your user account is limited in doing. Thunder Laser USA tech can attempt to help with a remote session but we are often hindered by not having Admin level control of the computer.
6. Network Storage Access and File Location
The software and usage of the machine will require the use of file storage. Ideally, a networked location with automatic backups would be used. There are also local files that are installed when LightBurn is installed that should be added to the backup (Bundles, Preferences). For the Aurora machines that use EzCad2, the files are often either hosted on the USB or local hard drive but may be able to reside on network storage if permissions are set properly. These files should all have backups made at a set frequency.
7. Backups
Backups of project files and software config files should be kept on a secondary means other than the host computer that is controlling the laser. Work with your IT team to develop a plan of action to set up the frequency and location of file backups as well as the recovery plan.
For information on backing up LightBurn settings, please contact support.
8. Zoho Assist Remote Access
Thunder Laser USA uses Zoho Assist for remote access and control for on-demand sessions (not 24/7 — the client must authorize the session). The Zoho Assist app will need to be allowed by the IT team. The app is used for training as well as troubleshooting. It is best to get the app approved prior to the day of needing the app to function. If needed, we can create a dummy remote session so that the IT team can download and run the software to see what permissions are needed. If you need that, please email [email protected].
More about Zoho Assist can be found at zoho.com/assist.
9. Email and File Sharing
Thunder Laser USA heavily utilizes email and file sharing through email for support. Most of the support is digital in nature. If you email support and do not get a reply, it likely went to your local or even main IT-managed spam box. Also be sure to check whether certain file types are banned from being shared (such as Zip files) and if there are file size limits for emails (10mb, 20mb, etc.). If Thunder Laser USA support needs a large file transferred, we typically use Zoho WorkDrive.
10. Cameras
The machine may come with a camera pre-installed or as an accessory. The camera will act just like a webcam that the software will access. Check with your IT team about permissions and your business policy over camera usage.