TutorialsSetupVideoBeginner • 3 min• 2026-09-08

Connecting Laetoly PC Driver

How to set up the local PC background driver and establish hardware serial or Wi-Fi communication with your GRBL CNC router.

Table of Contents▼

Overview

Laetoly Web runs in your browser and requires the Laetoly PC Driver running locally on your computer. The Driver performs the CAM toolpath calculations and communicates directly with your GRBL-based desktop CNC controller through an interface supported by your Driver and machine. USB serial is the documented GRBL path; some setups may provide a network connection, so do not assume every machine offers both. This tutorial shows the USB connection from start to finish, including a small jog test.

Step 1: Install the Laetoly Driver

Connect the USB cable to your computer and to the machine. Open the Laetoly Driver you downloaded from the website. If the setup wizard appears, click Next to install it. Once installed, the driver runs automatically.

Step 2: Open the Comms panel

Sign in to Laetoly Web and open the Comms panel on the right. Device State shows Disconnected, while Driver State should show Installed.

Step 3: Select the port

Click Refresh to scan for ports, then select your machine's port. On Windows it may look like COM4. If you are not sure which one it is, unplug the USB cable, click Refresh and note which port disappears.

Step 4: Connect

Reconnect the cable, then click Connect and watch Device State. When it shows IDLE, the connection is ready. A loaded webpage alone does not prove that hardware is connected or ready to run.

Step 5: Test with a small jog

Make sure the workspace is clear. Use the arrow buttons on the Jog panel. If the machine moves as expected, the connection is working.

Default Connection Parameters

GRBL Hardware Connection Defaults
ParameterDefault ValueDescription
Baud Rate115200Standard GRBL v1.1 communication rate
Data Bits8-N-18 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
Connection InterfaceUSB serial; network option depends on the supported build and controllerConfirm the interface and controller compatibility before use
Buffer FlowCharacter-CountingPrevents serial buffer overrun during cut

Next steps