Masso firmware version 5.13 and greater, M4 will be used to turn on the laser in the MDI. M3 will no longer fire the laser without an associated move command. The instructions linked below assume you have selected the laser using a T111 M06 command.
Please see Masso instructions for M3
Please see Masso instructions for M4 and turning the laser on for aiming.
The Masso controller is a very advanced and complex controller. With frequent firmware revisions moving the target, it has been challenging to keep our instructions fully up to date. We are currently working to update the documentation we have published.
Per Masso’s documentation, M3 and M4 behave differently for laser operation, especially on newer firmware.
M3 – Laser Output Enable
M3 does not immediately fire the laser.
It only arms the laser output and requires a motion command to produce laser output.
According to Masso:
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M3 enables the laser output
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The laser will only emit when there is an associated movement command (G1, G2, G3, etc.)
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This behavior is intentional for safety and prevents accidental firing while stationary
Masso documentation:
Example (laser will fire because there is motion):
M3
G1 X50 F1000 S500
Example (laser will NOT fire):
M3
M4 – Laser Output On (MDI / Manual Use)
M4 immediately turns the laser on, even without motion.
This is the correct command to use when testing the laser from the MDI or for stationary output.
According to Masso:
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M4 turns the laser output on immediately
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No movement command is required
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Intended for testing and manual control
Masso documentation:
Example (laser fires immediately):
M4 S500
Summary
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Use M3 for normal cutting or engraving jobs where the laser should only fire during motion
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Use M4 when testing the laser in the MDI or when you need the laser on without movement
With Masso firmware 5.13 and newer, this distinction is enforced and expected behavior.