FAQ

Ray5 Pilot FAQ

What is Ray5 Pilot?

Ray5 Pilot is a local web controller for the Longer Ray5 laser engraver. It provides dashboard controls, SD workflows, status monitoring, GRBL settings, ESP32 tools, camera overlay features, timelapse support, and update helpers.

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Does Ray5 Pilot replace LightBurn?

No. Ray5 Pilot is not a design program. It is a controller/workflow helper for the Ray5.

You can still design in LightBurn or other laser software, then use Ray5 Pilot for import, upload, SD file, camera, and controller workflows.

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What is the GRBL page?

The GRBL page reads and edits Ray5/GRBL $ settings.

It was previously called Firmware Settings.

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What is the ESP32 page?

The ESP32 page reads Ray5 ESP3D information and EEPROM settings.

It can show ESP3D info, WebSocket status, EEPROM settings, and command tools. It can also save EEPROM settings with automatic backups.

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Where are backups stored?

Backups are organized under:

backups/esp32/
backups/grbl/
backups/updates/

Manual download backups go to your browser's download folder.

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Does Ray5 Pilot back up before saving settings?

Yes. GRBL and ESP32 saves create automatic local backups before writing settings.

If the automatic backup fails, the save is aborted.

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What is a safe ESP32 test setting?

Use:

SD/history

It is safer than Wi-Fi, IP, password, port, or radio settings.

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Can I use Ray5 Pilot without the real laser on?

You can use the Ray5 emulator for many tests.

Set Ray5 Pilot to:

Host: 127.0.0.1
HTTP: 8848
WebSocket: 8849

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Why does the update package include a SHA256 file?

The SHA256 file lets Ray5 Pilot and users verify that the downloaded ZIP matches the published release asset.

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Should I upload config.json to GitHub?

No. config.json is local/private. It can contain IPs, paths, and preferences.

Use config.example.json for shareable defaults.