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LightBurn Wi-Fi Workflow with MKS DLC32 and FluidNC on the Creality Falcon Pro 10W Laser

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Introduction: True Wireless Laser Control

After replacing the original Creality controller with the MKS DLC32, your laser engraver is now powered by FluidNC, a modern ESP32-based firmware that allows web-based setup and Wi-Fi control.

The final step is to connect LightBurn — the most popular laser design and control software — directly to your machine over Wi-Fi, making cable-tethered operation a thing of the past.

This guide walks through the entire process — from FluidNC setup to LightBurn connection and workflow optimization.

[Insert image: LightBurn connected to DLC32 over Wi-Fi]

⚙️ Step 1: Confirm FluidNC Installation

If you’ve followed the controller replacement guide, your MKS DLC32 should already have FluidNC installed.

To confirm:

  1. Power on the DLC32.
  2. Connect to its Wi-Fi access point (FluidNC-XXXX).
  3. Open your browser and visit: http://192.168.0.1/
  4. If you see the FluidNC WebUI dashboard, your firmware is active and ready.

Now click Wi-Fi Settings → STA Mode, and connect the board to your home router. This gives it a local IP address so LightBurn can find it later.

[Insert image: FluidNC Wi-Fi STA configuration page]

🌐 Step 2: Accessing the Web Interface

Once your board is connected to your home Wi-Fi:

  1. Check your router or serial log to find the assigned IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.108).
  2. Enter that IP in your browser.
  3. You should now see the FluidNC Web Interface remotely over your LAN.

Here you can jog the laser, test power, home the axes, and even upload G-code files directly — all from any device on your network.

[Insert image: FluidNC WebUI home dashboard]

🔧 Step 3: Verify Laser Settings in FluidNC

Before connecting LightBurn, make sure the laser configuration is correct.

Go to Config Editor in the WebUI and check key sections:

axes:
  x:
    steps_per_mm: 80
    max_travel: 400
  y:
    steps_per_mm: 80
    max_travel: 415
laser:
  pwm_hz: 1000
  tool_num: 0

Confirm that:

  • The laser fires correctly when testing from the WebUI.
  • Homing works (if limit switches are installed).
  • Jog commands move in the correct direction.

Save and reboot the board once confirmed.

💻 Step 4: Setting Up LightBurn for Wi-Fi Connection

Now it’s time to connect LightBurn to FluidNC wirelessly.

1️⃣ Create a New Device in LightBurn

  • Open LightBurn → Devices → Create Manually
  • Choose GRBL (ESP32) or GRBL-M3
  • Connection type: TCP/IP
  • Hostname / IP: enter your board’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.108)
  • Port: 23 (default for FluidNC Telnet)
  • Machine area: enter your laser’s size (e.g., X=400mm, Y=415mm)
  • Save the device as FalconPro_WiFi

[Insert image: LightBurn device creation dialog for WiFi connection]

2️⃣ Connect and Test

Select the new device in the Laser panel, then click “Connect”.

You should now see a live status readout — “Ready” or “Idle” — confirming LightBurn is talking to your laser over Wi-Fi.

Try these quick tests:

  • Jog X/Y directions
  • Fire the laser at 2% power
  • Send a simple square engraving

If all commands execute instantly, your Wi-Fi setup is complete!

🧠 Step 5: Understanding How Wi-Fi Control Works

The ESP32 on the DLC32 board hosts a small web server and a Telnet port (port 23) for G-code streaming.

When LightBurn connects via TCP/IP:

  • It sends G-code commands through Wi-Fi instead of USB.
  • The FluidNC firmware buffers and executes them in real time.
  • The WebUI can still be used simultaneously for monitoring.

This means you can:

  • Stream designs from your laptop, phone, or tablet.
  • Start jobs remotely without ever touching the controller.
  • Manage multiple machines from a single network.

[Insert image: diagram showing LightBurn sending G-code to FluidNC via WiFi]

🧩 Step 6: Optimizing Workflow for Daily Use

A smooth Wi-Fi engraving workflow looks like this:

  1. Design artwork in LightBurn (text, logo, or DXF import).
  2. Set layer power and speed (e.g., 10% power, 2000mm/min).
  3. Frame the job to confirm alignment.
  4. Start engraving — watch progress live in LightBurn.
  5. Save the project for next use.

Because the MKS DLC32 runs silently and stores configuration internally, you can power on and start engraving in seconds — no firmware upload required.

🪶 Step 7: Tips for Reliable Wi-Fi Engraving

  • Keep the laser machine within good signal range of your router.
  • Assign a static IP address in your router to prevent reconnection issues.
  • Avoid heavy network traffic while engraving large files.
  • If a job disconnects mid-run, FluidNC will pause safely until communication resumes.
  • Regularly backup your config.yaml file.

For maximum stability, use LightBurn’s “Start From: Current Position” mode to resume interrupted jobs.

🧰 Step 8: Using the FluidNC WebUI Alongside LightBurn

You can open the WebUI in your browser even while LightBurn is running.

It’s useful for:

  • Real-time temperature and status checks
  • Jogging or homing between jobs
  • Updating configuration without reconnecting cables
  • Uploading simple G-code files for quick tests

This flexibility is what makes FluidNC stand out from other firmware — it’s truly a network-ready laser platform.

[Insert image: WebUI and LightBurn open side-by-side]

🌟 Step 9: LightBurn on Linux – A Perfect Match Now

Remember how painful the old Creality controller was under Linux?
Serial port conflicts, driver issues, and random disconnects made it nearly unusable.

With the MKS DLC32, those problems vanish:

  • No USB serial drivers needed
  • Fully works with Linux LightBurn via TCP/IP
  • Rock-solid connection with zero dropouts

It finally gives Linux users a reliable, modern, and wireless engraving experience.

🏆 Conclusion: Wi-Fi Freedom for Your Laser Workshop

Upgrading your Creality Falcon Pro with the MKS DLC32 + FluidNC setup transforms how you work.

No more tangled USB cables, no more firmware headaches — just connect, design, and burn from anywhere in your workshop.

LightBurn communicates smoothly over Wi-Fi, FluidNC handles the motion control, and the ESP32 keeps everything stable and efficient.

For hobbyists and makers, this is the ideal combination of open-source power, ease of use, and cross-platform compatibility — finally giving you full control over your laser.

[Insert image: finished engraving made using Wi-Fi LightBurn workflow]

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