PNC & SCAL - Problems

[cbauer50]

I am trying to do the PNC with the new SCAL version.

None of the arrow buttons move my blade (both in the software & on my keyboard).

Anyone else having this problem?

I am using XP.

Thanks.

Carol

[Suzan]

Is your machine on line. I always forget to make sure it is online, and I have noticed that if I take too long in moving things around it stops working.

[cbauer50]

Yes, it is online. I've tried about 5 times now.

I need a video! LOL

I've tried following Dawn's directions (which seem to be different than the directions shown in the software).

Carol

[Suzan]

I know Rachellann will see this when she is online, I haven't messed with SCAL pnc very much. I am sorry.

[cbauer50]

Thanks, Suzan. I will just wait.

Carol

[Tyler]

Make sure you can do a normal cut with scal and that you have communication okay first.

Then try a PNC. make sure the machine is online and that you are quick to respond or the communication will be closed.

[cbauer50]

Okay - I finally got it to work, but my carriage moves in increments that I can't get exactly on the dot. It isn't that far off, but enough that I can't get the laser exactly over the dot. I tried using both the arrow keys on the screen and on my keyboard. Is there something I'm missing?

Also, when it moved to the 3rd registration mark, it was WAY off. Is that normal?

When it cut, it was off, too. I tried going into the Calibrate Laser to change the values, but am more confused now. Not sure if I need to add, subtract, etc.

Call me stupid! LOL I did the PNC in MTC, and it seemed so easy.

Also, while I'm here - I'm still confused where to set the laser light - 1-1/2" from the right edge of the paper or 2"? I've read so many posts and am getting more confused. Then I read to set it at the lower, right corner of the paper.

Sorry to be such a pest, but I want to love SCAL and my Cougar - so please bear with me.

Carol

[dlhill]

Set the knife point, not the laser, at the bottom right hand corner of the cutting area of your mat.

[cbauer50]

Is that just for the PNC or for everything I cut?

What do I use the laser light for then?

Carol

[dlhill]

For everything you cut. I just use the laser for print and cut.

[cbauer50]

I thought I didn't use the laser for PNC?

I'm getting more confused by the minute. Maybe I should foret using SCAL and go back to using MTC.

Carol

[Gigi]

You have to use the laser to find the center the registration marks for the print and cut. It's not that hard, really. That's all you use the laser for in SCAL and Inkscape. I don't use MTC so cannot speak to that, but the laser gives an awesome PNC.

[cbauer50]

Hi Gigi (how are you!) - okay but I thought someone said don't use the laser.

So where do I actually set the laser for PNC? Bottom, right corner of paper? 2" from the right edge? 1.5" from right edge?

I know it shouldn't be so confusing and don't know why I am so confused. It's not like I am completely new to this - I had a KNK Maxx for a few years.

Maybe it's because I'm so used to using MTC. Also, I never had to worry about the 2", 1.5" stuff with the Maxx - so this is really throwing me off.

Carol

[Gigi]

First of all, if you are comfortable using MTC, maybe you should use what works best for you. Just trying to lower your stress level. (Hi Carol!)

I think you are confusing two things. The laser in PNC is for finding the center of your registration marks - that's all. You don't worry about setting it in a certain number of inches because you are only setting the laser to the exact center of your registration marks. Hope that helps.

[cbauer50]

<<The laser in PNC is for finding the center of your registration marks - that's all. You don't worry about setting it in a certain number of inches because you are only setting the laser to the exact center of your registration marks. Hope that helps.>>

See - I didn't know that. I don't remember reading that any place that you set it to the exact center of the registration marks. But maybe I just missed it! That is entirely possible.

Off to try it again!

Thanks, Gigi.

Carol

[Gigi]

You are welcome. Hope it helps.

[cbauer50]

I absolutely give up! I tried everything suggested.

Centering the laser in the middle did not work. Then I tried 2" from the right edge. After I get to the 1st reg. point and press the origin button (on the screen) my blade holder goes all the way to the right - up against the machine and I can't move it with the arrow keys. Have to turn it off and cancel the PNC. Same thing happens if I set the origin 1.5" from the right edge.

I have my paper right along where the red borders end on the mat. Have the mat set to 8.5 x 11 and using the smaller cougar mat (12" x 16").

I'm really frustrated right now and mad at myself for not being able to accomplish this.

Sorry to vent.

Carol

[Gigi]

Carol -

You don't press the origin button on the screen. I have not used the SCAL PNC, but from all that I am reading you do not press the origin button at all. I think you may be trying the wrong thing and hitting the wrong buttons. Are you starting with the top left registration mark? You should be clicking "next" as you go from one registration mark to another. Look at the tutorial attached. Not sure what directions you are following , but try this. I will email it to you because it's too large to upload here apparently.


Don't give up - sending now.

[Tyler]

Sorry - haven't gotten to read everything here, but I believe the origin button and the next do the same thing in SCAL.

I really want to make a video on this, but I have been so busy with the forum, I just haven't had the chance.

[Gigi]

Oh sorry Tyler - it's not what I saw on the directions so just was going from that. Still hoping the pdf I sent last night will help!

Let us know Carol. (and yes Tyler - you NEED to do a video!!)