I’m finally setting up my laser with my computer, but the supplied cables don’t reach with my shop layout. What cables should I buy to extend the connection?
There are three hookups on the back of the laser: PC, camera, and Ethernet. Do I need all three, or just certain ones? Any advice would be appreciated.
You don’t actually need to use all three connections. For the laser itself, you only need either the PC USB connection or Ethernet both work for data transfer, and many people prefer Ethernet since it’s more reliable for larger files.
The camera has its own dedicated USB port, so if you plan to use the camera, you’ll need a separate USB cable for that. In this case, an active USB 3.0 extension cable is recommended if you’re running a long distance (something like 50ft works well).
So, in short:
Laser → PC or Ethernet (choose one)
Camera → USB (requires its own cable)
A lot of users find Ethernet to the laser + active USB cable for the camera to be the most stable setup.
The camera port on the back of the machine is for connecting the camera to your computer. You’ll need a cable for this as well if you plan to use the camera.
You can choose either of the other two connection methods, but the USB connection is the most stable. If you are using a Mac, don’t forget to get a docking station or USB hub.