PLOTTER SETUP - QUICK GUIDE TO PROBLEMS
see
also
Plotter
Setup Diagram
2. Check that the cable being used in no longer than 15ft (5 meters) - if it is you may experience loss of data being transmitted to the Plotter, which may be the problem.
3. If a switching box is being used to switch between the Plotter and a Printer have it removed to eliminate it as a potential problem. Also if LPT 2 is being tried and doesn't work, try unplugging the Printer from LPT 1 and plug the Plotter into this port and try Plotting from LPT 1 - which is proven to work with the Printer.
4. Check that the Plotter works with other sign software? if it does, check that the other software confirms what port and settings the Plotter is using? If it does, apply these to the Plotter Setup Utility to save time.
5. For any Plotter to work with VinylMaster Pro it must be turned on, plugged in and INITIALIZED if it's not INITIALIZED it will not work no matter what is tried. To initialize a Plotter it usually has to be turned on, have vinyl inserted, have the handle lifted up or pushed down to grip the vinyl and then press a button on the machine for it to test the area and go into READY MODE.
6. Check that the cable and port used to communicate with the Plotter are known before attempting to cut. If not the only alternative is to use 'Trial by Error' to establish which port is being used.
7. Try using the Printer/Parallel Port and Cable first, to eliminate Serial Port settings issues and to ensure the Plotter is working with VinylMaster Pro. Unfortunately some Plotters do not have Printer Ports.
8. If the Plotter does the Circle Test but won't cut designed work check that 'Test' is off in the Vinyl Spooler before cutting as some Plotter's do not reset once sent a test cut.
9. If using the printer/parallel (LPT) cable make sure that the computer is set to Normal or SPP in the BIOS settings of the motherboard - not ECP + EPP. Normal = SPP = Standard Serial Port ECP + EPP = Enhanced Parallel Port. To alter this setting restart the computer and keep pressing delete. Once the BIOS settings come up navigate your way through to find the Parallel Port settings and change to SSP/Normal, then save the settings and restart the computer.
10. If using the serial (COM) cable the serial port settings must be set to match the Plotters - this is done on Screen 5 of the Plotter Setup Utility. Refer to the Plotter's manual or the your existing sign software for these settings or telephone the plotter manufacturer for these details. See Specific Brands of Plotter Problems in the VMP Help Topics for more info.
11. Check that the Plotter Setup Utility is set to Absolute or Relative on Screen 3 to match the Plotter' settings. If unknown try both. You can refer to the Plotter's manual or supplier for this information.
12. Check that the Plotter is set to take HPGL Plotter Language or Code not a specific or manufacturers code. If it is, this MUST be changed to HPGL before the Plotter will work, unless the Plotter's Code actually matches any other Code on Screen 3 of the Plotter Setup Utility i.e. GPGL for Graphtec Plotters - But the Plotter must also be set to GPGL. Both the Plotter Setup Utility and the Plotter must match each other.
13. If you have an old Gerber e.g. a IVB or Super Sprint you MUST have a Cadlink fast board for this model to work. Other than these Plotters all others should work once set up correctly. T0 purchase a fast board please Contact our Denver office.
14. If all else fails install the Generic Text Only printer Driver through Windows. To do this is easy and there is a simple step by step guide to doing this on the very last screen of the Plotter Setup Utility 'only in V2.1 onwards' Follow through this help file to set up this Printer Driver. Then use this in place of the Plotter Setup Utility.