Machine starts to make zigzag cut when cutting design

[sharonsrivera]

I can cut very simple shapes fine with the Cougar, but when I try to cut several shapes or a detailed shape the machine will start cutting just fine and suddenly the blade just digs into the mat and starts making a small zig-zag cut across the page. I can't tell you how many sheets of card stock I have ruined. Thinking it might be a memory issue, I have waited until the SCAL software says the design has finished being sent to the machine before I go online to cut, but this still happens. It's always at a different place in the project. I have also tried wrapping painters tape around the USB connection to the machine to tighten it up in case it is a communication issue as suggested by someone else on this forum...sorry don't remember who it was, but I read it a couple of weeks ago. Sometimes it will cut hardly any of the design and sometimes it will cut a lot of the design before it freaks out. Anyone have any ideas of what might be wrong?

[Elizabeth]

Hi Sharon, have you seen this thread? viewtopic.php?f=21&t=1950 Sorry I can't be of more help. I don't use SCAL. Hope you get it figured out soon.

[rachellann]

yes in another topic like elizabeth says there is a scal update for us to download and try 3.020 try ity and let Dawn know here on the forum if it works for you.

[sharonsrivera]

I downloaded that version and am giving it a try. The first thing I cut was ok. Let's see if it continues that way. Thanks for your help Elizabeth and Rachellann!

[Elizabeth]

You're very welcome, Sharon!

[sharonsrivera]

The SCAL 3.020 seems to be working just fine! Everything I have cut has cut without being ruined by the blade digging in and zig-zagging across the mat as before. I tried some very detailed cuts and no problem. Thanks!

[Thyme]

Yep, that was one of the problems with Scal, you should be fine with the new build

[Deb Za]

Dawn--now that I have all the things cut for jobs I needed to do--do I get the 3.020 build from you or from the SCAL website? Ready to give it a try!

[Thyme]

Either is fine, it will be the same version

[dlhill]

I just received my Lynx yesterday, and was having the zigzag cut problem using scal 3.19
I downloaded the 3.20 and it seems to be working well.
Thank you!!!

[Thyme]

Excellent!
It seems to have solved all the problems so I think we can count Scal as working perfectly again now

[Elizabeth]

Congrats Denise! Have fun with your Lynx.

[NStramler]

Well the upgrade and "tight" fitting usb cord worked until a few minutes ago.. now I have the ziz zag cuts again.. Any idea of what kind of usb cord to get that will be "tight"? Have tried 4 and none have a tight fit and I am sure this is the problem....

Susie

[Elizabeth]

Hi Susie. I just puchased a Triplite Keyspan serial adaptor. It allows me to use the serial cord that came with my Cougar and a usb port on my laptop. The serial port has little screws to allow for really tight connection. I haven't made many cuts yet, but it seems to be working well so far. I got it from Amazon.com.

[Maria Masri]

HI, I´M NEW TO THE FORUM BUT SEEM TO BE HAVING THE PROBLEM ALSO, 4 DIFFERENT CORDS, 3 DIFFERENT VERSIONS AND ZIGZAG CUTS EVERY TIME..
ANY IDEAS?

[Angel135612]

What software are you using? Does it do with with every design you send to the machine, or just certain ones? Are you sure everything is with in the cut zone?? and there isn't a stray node off the mat some where? Did you only try different USB cords, or did you try a keyspan adapter and serial cord?

[Gigi]

HI, I´M NEW TO THE FORUM BUT SEEM TO BE HAVING THE PROBLEM ALSO, 4 DIFFERENT CORDS, 3 DIFFERENT VERSIONS AND ZIGZAG CUTS EVERY TIME..
ANY IDEAS?

I know Dawn is on top of this. I hope she has been able to help you resolve the issues. Please keep us posted.

[Thyme]

I have responded to Maria and am waiting for a reply from her....