You don't mention what control software you are using, I believe the Desk Engrave is just CAM software, no?
If so they probabally stipulate a Z height for a normal Z Axis position, What would probabally work better in your instance is two M codes one for pen down & one for pen up. as you probabally do not require any z axis control?
A 24vdc solenoid could be used with a 2n7000 transistor if fed from the printer port.
Al.
CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
Albert E.