Yes, the screws are tight. Based on this thread:
…I opened the controller box, but I didn’t see anything inside that I could plug this cable into. If it had a mini-connector on one end, I could, but oh well. So instead, I took my tiniest flat-point screwdriver and pried the two copper connectors on either side of the female jack out farther, so that they both press against the male jack. I haven’t run a project yet, but the Carve button has been staying green while I fool around since I did that.