How to Use Offline Work？

Background

Mastering offline CNC work with your NEJE laser engraver using GRBL firmware can significantly enhance your workflow, offering flexibility and efficiency. By using the offline function, you can easily set up and execute offline engraving tasks. This guide will walk you through the process.

Why Use It Offline?

GRBL is an open-source firmware designed to control CNC machines, including NEJE laser engravers. It interprets G-code, the language that directs your machine’s movements and actions. Operating offline with GRBL allows you to run your NEJE engraver without a constant computer connection, using a controller to store and execute G-code files. This approach is perfect for repetitive tasks, remote setups, or freeing up your computer for other tasks.

Setting Up Offline Work with LightBurn

LightBurn is a popular, user-friendly software for laser engraving, offering seamless support for offline GRBL work. Follow these steps to set up offline engraving with your NEJE machine:

1. Open LightBurn and Connect to Your Device:

   • Launch LightBurn and connect to your NEJE laser engraver via the GRBL controller.

2. Import Work Content:

   • Import your design (e.g., images, SVGs, or other formats) into LightBurn as you normally would.

3. Enter Recording Mode:

   • Navigate to the LightBurn Console page.

   • Type the command $REC and press Enter to enter recording mode.

4. Start the Engraving Process:

   • Press the Start button in LightBurn to send the job to the GRBL controller. For small projects, this process may complete in seconds.

5. Exit Recording Mode:

   • Return to the LightBurn Console page.

   • Type $REC again and press Enter, or click the Stop button below the console to exit recording mode.

6. Start Offline Work:

   • In the LightBurn Console, type $REC/Run and press Enter to begin offline work.

   • Note: You can skip step 5, as the $REC/Run command automatically exits recording mode after sending the task. Ensure a stable USB connection during data transfer, as interruptions may cause the device to start work unexpectedly.

Setting Up Offline Work with LaserGRBL

LaserGRBL is a free, open-source alternative for GRBL-based CNC machines. Here’s how to set up offline work using LaserGRBL:

1. Add Custom Button:

   • Open LaserGRBL and connect to your NEJE engraver.

   • Add a custom button to streamline offline work commands

2. Start Offline Work:

   • Import your design and use the custom button to for offline execution.

Using Buttons to Control Offline Work

Some NEJE models feature physical buttons for controlling offline work. Here’s how to use them:

• Homing Requirement: If your device has not been homed, it will perform a reset before starting offline work. If homing fails, troubleshoot the issue before proceeding (see the NEJE Wiki for guidance).

• Button Functionality: After starting offline work, press the button to pause the job. Press again to resume. More info about the buttons, please read this.

FAQ about Offline Work

1.MSG: Not all data is saved, can't start offline work. / Warning! ** space used, ** bytes not save.

The amount of offline work data you sent is larger than the storage space of your device. You have three solutions:

• Enable the Gcode clustering function to reduce the amount of data ⭐
• Reduce the image size and increase the line interval to reduce the offline work data.
• Replace a new control board with 256MB storage capacity or upgrade with a new control board NEJE Max Series or NEJE 5 Series

2.How to cancel sending data during the sending process /How to cancel ongoing offline work?

• Lightburn and NEJE Software: Click Stop button
• LaserGRBL: Click Grbl Reset button (with a lightning icon)

3.Is it necessary to work with the connection bridge for offline work?

Not necessary. Sending offline work can work with the connection bridge or grbl mode, but it is not necessary because it only requires a stable USB connection during sending.

4.Can Bluetooth be used to transmit offline work data?

Yes, but it is not recommended to use Bluetooth to transmit offline work data because USB transmission speed is 50 times faster. Please use usb connection.