2.1.2

Beacon 2.1.2 — Windows

Fixed

• In rare cases the main window could stop updating after a status change (the new colour fade could produce an invalid colour). Fixed.

Also in this version (new since 2.1.0)

• Install on Arduino — put Beacon's stack light program on an Arduino Uno straight from Beacon, no Arduino IDE needed.
• Job name in the header — while a job runs, the top of the main screen shows the file being cut.
• Framing looks different from Ready — a marching outline and a turning ring, like LightBurn's framing line.
• Animations — the Running glow breathes and colours fade between statuses (Settings → Display → Animations).
• Relay buttons — right-click to rename or remove them; a switch to hide them from the main screen.
• Settings on one page, a clearer setup assistant, and test mode that looks exactly like a real status.

⚠️ If you use LightBurn's API (API or Both mode)

To show job names from the API, go to Settings → Detection → Connect again and click Allow in LightBurn's pop-up.

Mac

Mac stays on 2.1.0 for now: download it from the v2.1.0 release.

Beacon 2.1.1

Beacon 2.1.1 — Windows

New

• Install on Arduino — put Beacon's stack light program on an Arduino Uno (or Nano) straight from Beacon, no Arduino IDE needed. Settings → Arduino light: pick how your relays switch (LOW or HIGH) and your buzzer type (passive or active), then press Install on Arduino. Works with genuine Unos and CH340 clones.
• Job name in the header — while a job runs or is paused, the top of the main screen shows the file being cut instead of "Live Laser Status". Long names shrink to fit, then are shortened with "…". Job notifications use the same name.
  • API / Both modes: the name comes from LightBurn's API.
  • Screen mode: the name comes from LightBurn's title bar, so it works with any LightBurn version.
• Framing looks different from Ready — while framing, the dashed green outline marches around the window (like LightBurn's framing line) and a dashed ring turns around the orb. Ready stays still.
• Animations — the Running glow slowly breathes, and status colours fade into each other. Turn them off in Settings → Display → Animations (Framing keeps its ring either way).
• Relay buttons — right-click a relay button on the main screen to Rename… or Remove it. New switch: Settings → Relay buttons → Show on the main screen (off hides the buttons; their automatic rules keep working).

Improved

• Settings shows every category on one fast, scrolling page.
• The setup assistant has clearer, more descriptive steps.
• Test mode now looks exactly like a real status, so you can preview everything without a laser.
• When LightBurn is too old for its API (before 2.2), Beacon says which version is open instead of a generic error.

Fixed

• A thin grey line after the Screen / API / Both buttons (and similar) at 125% display scaling.
• Scrollbars now match the dark and light themes.
• Renaming a relay button from the main screen no longer fails when Settings hadn't been opened yet.

⚠️ If you use LightBurn's API (API or Both mode)

To show job names from the API, Beacon now also asks for LightBurn's project permission. Go to Settings → Detection → Connect again and click Allow in LightBurn's pop-up. Beacon only reads the file name with it. Until you reconnect, the name comes from LightBurn's title bar instead.

Mac

Mac stays on 2.1.0 for now; its download links are on the v2.1.0 release.

V2.1.0-beta

Beacon uses REST API introduced in the latest LightBurn 2.2 update, which allows for job monitoring and Arduino automations. For all other LightBurn versions under 2.2 which do not have the REST API integration, Beacon uses OCR Python algorithms to screen read the laser status, which effectively allows for full Arduino integration in all LightBurn versions, 2.2 included (although I still recommend using REST API mode, or for increased reliability, use the OCR + REST API mode, which uses both, strictly for 2.2 release of LightBurn). MUST HAVE LIGHTBURN LASER WINDOW OPEN IF THE VERSION IS LOWER THAN 2.2; IN VERSION 2.2 LIGHTBURN CAN BE MINIMIZED. Both old and new versions will work with Beacon minimized

Now available on MacOS Intel/Silicon and Windows 10/11

Beacon features:

1. OCR/REST API connection to any Lightburn versions (API only for latest version). 2.2 features a toggle to have both OCR and REST API connectivity at the same time for a smoother experience. Mode in BETA. Regular mode is default REST API connectivity.
2. Custom button mapping for unlimited relay connections and automations. Example usage scenario: automating jigs; automating exhaust fans and LED indicator lights. Sensor input also available for implementing toggles on trigger, example usage: custom enclosure door was opened, triggers an event such as a buzzer sound or triggers an LED light.
3. Custom notifications and custom sound loader system for easy sound change - Windows Notification/Discord/Telegram integration and more.
4. Wifi connections to ESPs to have WiFi LEDs in another room as per user request, as some people run their lasers in a garage and want the LEDs to light up far away to indicate laser status.
5. Remote phone dashboard on the same WiFi network to view statistics and laser status.
6. Usage reports - have daily, monthly, yearly reports with down to second precise stats with graphs, can be regular graphs or with full job cost breakdowns. Can also be sent via a Telegram integration on a schedule or triggered manually. Example usage scenario: a daily or weekly report of the total run time, as well as laser cost breakdowns send to a phone remotely.
7. Light and Dark modes.
8. More coming! Please suggest

Legal Note: I did not reverse engineer or tamper with original LightBurn software to make this app. Everything is legally made and uses API keys made and supported by LightBurn in the latest 2.2 update. OCR is simply a screen reading Python script that detects the words “ready” “disconnected” etc..
LightBurn is a trademark of LightBurn Software, LLC. Beacon is an independent project and is not affiliated with, endorsed or sponsored by LightBurn Software, LLC.