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Dear community,

I am the proud owner of a newly purchased used Graphtec FC2200/90 flatbed plotter from about 1989 to 1992. The plotter is in a generally excellent condition and ready to use.

Since I have problems using the Plotter with Adobe Illustrator in combination with Cutting Master 4 Plugin, I would like to know, if it is possible to update the plotters firmware to ‘Plotter Firmware v4.50 for Graphtec FC2250’? I am not sure, weather the FC2250 v4.50 Firmware is suitable for my FC2200/90 plotter.

I would also install the ‘Windows Driver OPS662 (v3.90)’ on my Windows Laptop and install ‘Cutting Master 3 for Windows Ver.2.2.1252’ instead of the current version.

I would be extremely grateful for any help!!!

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What does Graphtec support say about their firmware updates?  We're just a bunch of guys and gals who putter around and can handle basic questions regarding the work we do, and sometimes we try to remote (blind) troubleshoot  -- things like user error or mechanical failures or explaining design software workings etc.

What 'problems' are you encountering with this used machine? When you bought it, were these problems evident?

 

 

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In general Firmware is very machine specific and really should not be messed with unless there is a specific issue that the firmware update will address. Typically if you try to load firmware for a different machine it will either not load, or the machine will not work once loaded.

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From reading over 22 years of forum post, a failed update in firmware requires a new main board and not just another attempt to update the firmware.  I would be very reluctant to attempt what you are suggesting on an operating unit.  You could end up with a boat anchor that you cannot get a new main board for 

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Your cutter is listed for set up on Signblazer.   You can save your files back as an older version of .ai and import them into Signblazer.    I would NOT mess with the firmware. You have other options for using the cutter like it is.  Messing with the firmware is NOT advised.   If your wanting a more updated supported software. Go to VinylMaster.com and purchase the VinylMaster Cut for just cutting. Your cutter is listed on their version. 

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First of all, thank you very much for your help. I didn't expect to get so much useful information in such a short time.

@slice&dice
I have already contacted Graphtec Japan, USA, Germany and the Netherlands without receiving any help. As I said, the cutter is in like new condition and has no problems so far. My only problem is controlling the cutting plotter via software.

@darcshadow & @Dakotagrafx
Thank you for the information. Since my machine no longer receives support from Graphtec and no suitable software, firmware and drivers are offered for it, I wanted to install the firmware for a similar model. After your posts I will now keep my hands off it.

@MZ SKEETER
That was really useful! Unfortunately, I am not familiar with cutting plotters, as this is my first. I have now looked at both of the proposed software and will probably get myself a license for “VinylMaster Cut”.

I will hopefully report on it soon when I have made my first cuts.

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