LightBurn to LinuxCNC Bridge (l2l)

A Python-based TCP server that acts as a bridge between LightBurn (laser cutting software) and LinuxCNC (CNC machine control software). This program simulates a GRBL-controlled machine for LightBurn while capturing and storing G-code programs for use with LinuxCNC.

Features

• GRBL Simulation: Presents itself as a GRBL 1.1f controller to LightBurn
• G-Code Capture: Receives and stores G-code programs from LightBurn
• Status Monitoring: Real-time connection status with visual indicators
• Program Management:
  • Automatic backup creation with timestamps
  • Program viewer in separate window
  • Clean program status display
• Internationalization: Prepared for multi-language support (German/English)
• Robust Connection Handling: Proper socket management and port reuse

Requirements

• Python 3.6 or higher
• tkinter (usually included with Python)
• Linux system with LinuxCNC (for the target use case)

Installation

1. Clone or download the repository
2. Ensure Python 3.6+ is installed
3. No additional dependencies required (uses only standard library)

Usage

Starting the Program

python3 lightburn2linuxcnc.py

Configuration

The program uses these default settings (can be modified in the code):

• Host: 0.0.0.0 (accepts connections from any IP)
• Port: 23 (standard telnet port)
• Log File: lightburn_log.txt
• Program File: lightburn_program.ngc

LightBurn Setup

1. In LightBurn, go to Machine Settings
2. Set Connection Type to Network
3. Enter the IP address of the computer running this bridge
4. Set Port to 23
5. Set Controller to GRBL

Program Interface

The main window displays:

• Status Section: Connection status and program reception status
• Status Light: Visual indicator (gray=waiting, green=connected, red=error)
• Action Buttons:
  • Create Backup: Creates timestamped backup of current program
  • Current Program: Opens program viewer window
  • Quit: Safely closes the program

Program Viewer

Click "Current Program" to open a separate window showing:

• Complete G-code program content
• Read-only display
• Close button to return to main window

File Structure

lightburn2linuxcnc/
├── lightburn2linuxcnc.py    # Main program
├── lightburn_log.txt        # Communication log (created automatically)
├── lightburn_program.ngc    # Current G-code program (created automatically)
├── lightburn_program_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.ngc  # Backup files (created on demand)
└── README.md               # This file

How It Works

1. Server Startup: Program starts TCP server on port 23
2. LightBurn Connection: LightBurn connects and receives GRBL identification
3. G-Code Reception: Program receives G-code commands from LightBurn
4. Status Simulation: Responds with appropriate GRBL status messages
5. File Storage: Saves G-code to lightburn_program.ngc
6. Program Completion: LightBurn receives completion status

Status Messages

• "Receiving program...": Displayed when first G-code command arrives
• "Program received": Displayed when connection ends (program complete)

Backup System

• Automatic: Program file is always updated with latest G-code
• Manual: Click "Create Backup" to create timestamped copy
• Format: lightburn_program_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.ngc

Troubleshooting

Port Already in Use

• The program includes proper socket cleanup
• If you get "address already in use", wait a few seconds and try again
• The program uses SO_REUSEADDR to allow immediate restart

Connection Issues

• Ensure firewall allows connections on port 23
• Check that LightBurn is configured for the correct IP address
• Verify network connectivity between LightBurn and bridge computer

Program Not Receiving

• Check status light (should be green when connected)
• Verify LightBurn is sending to correct IP/port
• Check log file for error messages

Development

Internationalization

The program is prepared for internationalization:

• Translation dictionaries for German and English
• get_text() function for text retrieval
• Easy to add new languages

Extending Functionality

• Add new buttons in the button frame
• Extend GCodeServer class for additional commands
• Modify status display for custom information

License

This project is open source. See LICENSE file for details.

Contributing

Feel free to submit issues, feature requests, or pull requests to improve the program.

Version History

• v1.0: Initial release with basic GRBL simulation and G-code capture
• Features: TCP server, status monitoring, backup system, program viewer