ATOMOTIV

So I've had a USCutter MH-721 since Oct 2020 and been running it on a laptop with the included VinylMaster (v 4.2) since and have had no issues. This past week as I'm reorganizing my workshop I decided to move the cutter+software to a dedicated local desktop computer. As I reinstalled the software after deactivated it from my old laptop, I was told my product serial number (PSN) has exceeded the activation limit. I contacted Future Corp through their support ticket site and was instructed to follow a link to clear my old computer from the PSN database. As I did that, I then received a message saying my software was upgraded (although I've never purchased anything new, I am assuming that was from v 4.2 from 10/2020 to the v4.3 that I just downloaded) and will need a new PSN. So I followed the link to retrieve new PSN, when I typed in the email that I used to purchase the cutter, I was told my email isn't found. Tried the same for the only 2 other email addresses that I have - not in their system. So now I'm really ticked, I went back and try to just reactivate the software back on my old laptop, but now it says my account has been suspended. I contacted USCutter today by phone, as Future Corp only respond via their ticket system. Rep at USCutter basically told me there's nothing they can do and the issue is on Future Corp's end and he was having the same issues pulling up my information. While I continue to get these automated/standardized replies from Future that only direct me to the same links that don't even load in my browser (both at home and at my work), and giving me responses that don't address or resolve my issues. RECAP: I've deactivated the software from the old computer Activate it to the new computer, it shows it's still in use Attempt to clear the old computer from the PSN, it shows software was upgraded to a new PSN which never happened Attempt to retrieve new PSN using existing registered email, shows I'm not in the system Attempt to reactivate old computer - account suspended I'm not sure if I'm asking for help or just straight up ranting, but please excuse my language - this is bullshit. I paid for the cutter, I should be able to move the software back and forth without jumping through hoops, especially for such a rudimentary program like VM. I can see Adobe doing this with Photoshop/Illustrator type software, but VM is pretty much crap. I do all my work in AI and all VM does is import and cut. I guess my next question is what other options do I have to bypass this Future/VM non-sense? I use Roland CutStudio AI plug-in at my work on the Roland GS-24, but not sure if that is compatible with USCutter, nor do I really have access to the software. USCutter told me today they have another program called Sure Cuts A Lot, but out of principle I refuse to pay them for another software that I should've been able to keep using. Any suggestions on free/cheap standalone program or plug-in (for Illustrator) that I can use to just handle cutting duty? Thanks, Ray

thanks everyone.

yes that's why i went with the refurb originally because i've rarely had bad experiences in refurb electronics and i've done that with phones and cameras in the past. the 1st refurb came DOA, the head was jammed and just grinded and vibrated. then the 2nd one was a little better but the feed roller must've been out of calibration and everything was cut squished in that axis, the test star/square was inconsistent, cut different everytime. both unit were dented and scratched even beyond what i thought a refurb should be. so both were returned and decided to go with a new 28" since all vinyl i'm using are 24" wide. anyhow, i took a hammer and lightly tapped the stuck roller assembly and it came unstuck as it was hung up over the machine screw on the rail. these units (MHs) are definitely entry level. i just wanted to get my feet wet on starting my decal/vinyl "business" (more like a hobby), but didn't want to invest in too much from the get go. but i already got 1 job done and a couple more lined up so i might wind up upgrading in the future shall the need presents itself.

so essentially i got another defective unit. this is the 3rd one i ordered (first 2 were refurb 34") and now this....I mean I understand they are value units, but how do they even stay in business?

I just got my 721 (after trying & returning 2 refurbished 871 that did not work). My 721 far right pinch roller is not adjustable, as in it can't not slide side to side, it's in a fixed position about 2.5" away from the right wall. Where in the 871, all 3 rollers were movable. I don't know if that's the way the 721 is or not, but I rather it does move because all my rolls are 24" wide and I would like to be able to slide the material as far to the left as possible because where that 3rd roller is stationary now, it is about a full inch or so right of where the blade can reach and I'm wasting a bit material. Doesn't sound like much but when most my jobs are small decals, it adds up. Can anyone confirm whether that roller is supposed to be stationary or is mine defective? Thanks.