Connecting your machine

FoamSync talks to your controller over USB (serial). Before the first connection, set the machine up once under SET → MACHINE, then connect from the top bar.

1. Machine setup (SET → MACHINE)

• Controller — leave on Auto (detect on connect) for most users. FoamSync probes the firmware on connect and configures itself. Override only if auto-detect picks the wrong one.
• Tower distance (Z), Rail length (X), Max height (Y) — your machine’s physical envelope, in mm. These bound the work area and the soft limits.
• Motion — cut / travel / return speeds (mm/min), logic mode, approach clearance.
• Wire & heater — wire length, max wire angle (the lean limit used by the wire-safety check), heater mode. See Heater & wire safety.
• 5th axis — enable only if your machine has a rotary axis.

Changes save automatically (you’ll see “Changes saved automatically” at the bottom).

2. Connect

In the top-right of the window:

1. Pick your COM port from the port field (FoamSync lists available serial ports; click the refresh icon if your controller was plugged in after launch).
2. Press CONNECT.

FoamSync opens the port, runs the handshake, and detects the firmware. Watch the log panel (bottom-right):

[OK] Connected · COM5
[FW] detected: GRBL
[INFO] Ready.

The top bar now shows the firmware badge (e.g. FW GRBL) and the port; the DISCONNECT button replaces CONNECT.

Trial mode: during the 7-day trial, real hardware is locked — you’ll only see the built-in VIRTUAL_DRIVER, which simulates a machine so you can learn the workflow. Activate a paid tier to connect real hardware.

3. Read the status

The status bar along the bottom shows, left to right:

• CONNECTED / DISCONNECTED and the active driver (your port, or VIRTUAL_DRIVER).
• MAT — the selected material preset.
• STOCK — the default foam-block size.
• HEATER — the heater control mode.
• SIM — lit when you’re on the virtual driver (no real motion).

The machine-state field (in the DRO row) reads ON / READY / RUN / ALARM as reported by the controller.

Firmware notes

If auto-detect reports the wrong firmware or the handshake stalls, see Troubleshooting → Connection.

What’s next

With the machine connected (or on the virtual driver), run Quick Lab calibration.