Monport Onyx 55 CO2 Laser Production Changes

Update, 8/1/2024: The new version of the machine is called the Onyx-R and as information is becoming available, it’s obvious the internals of the machine are very different. Even the dimensions of the case are slightly different. Are the changes for the better or the worse? The Laser Channel has started a new YouTube series to cover the Onyx-R, but so far no significant insights.

I’ve had my machine for over a week and have been working with Monport support to try to get Lightburn to recognize the KT332NZ (EC) controller that, although it lacks RUIDA branding is supposed to be a RUIDA controller. Lightburn won’t automatically detect the controller, nor does adding the device manually get the software to recognize the Onyx-R. The support is via e-mail, so it’s a day turn around for every iteration of the support process – hopefully a resolution is imminent 🙂

In January 2024 The Laser Channel on YouTube was commissioned by Monport to do a series on the Onyx 55 desktop CO2 laser engraver. When I received my machine 7 months later there were quite a few unexpected changes. Let’s take a look at what I’ve found so far – images on the left were from The Laser Channel, on the right, my machine.

Different front panel, recessed switch
Remote for fan, reducer tube not included in mine
Plastic guides, spare lens and laser targets not included in mine
Mirrors and mirror mounts are different in mine
Laser head has been mostly redesigned
New laser head is not magnetic mount
Rotary switch has been relocated on my unit
Coolant tank has been relocated to the left side, different power supply
Beam attenuator and shunt connector not in production unit
The original Onyx used the Ruida 644XS controller and was automatically detected by Lightburn. The Onyx-R uses the KT332NZ (EC)
My unit did not come with any sample materials