slice&dice

All it took was blowing a few 'huffs and puffs' into your bank account! Good to see this one resolved. Congrats.

My only suggestion at this point is to remove the USB key, and blow/puff into the USB connection itself. I know, it sounds dumb, but I've had USB sticks that wouldn't be recognized, but literally work fine after a few lip-pursing blasts of air. I don't know why.

I'll drift back into this one and tackle this request head-on: "Is there another inexpensive program out there that could take the place of Flexi starter, and could also read FS file " My first reaction to this was "no" (MzSkeeter didn't directly confirm, but I suspect her opinion is the same). So, we're left with your primary issue right now, which is getting your MH cutter running (again, an assumption since this is the Refine thread, you've got an MH?) Let's start with that, OK? The Flexi conundrum is secondary, and not mission-critical right now, in my view.

Whenever the word "dongle" appears, I just giggle.

I'm sure MzSkeeter will chime in here, she's well-versed on FlexiStarter. For your needs, maybe just run SignBlazer to cut with the machine (MH?) The reading of FS files will be an issue, since those are proprietary to FlexiStarter and won't be accessible to SB.

Wow, this is the ultimate necro-thread! If anyone doubts the lengths we sometimes go through to troubleshoot, this one is evidence. Without any acknowledgement from Sophie of a resolution, I may add. What I'm mostly noticing recently is that USCUTTER buyers aren't joining here with their reviews and comments on new machines -- MH100/200/300 -- and I think the reason is that those units have been installing and performing well, without any concerning issues. And for the record, I'm still utilizing Signblazer in the production of signs and banners, with my SC2.

The blade mechanism of a vinyl cutter is dependent on free rotation of the blade in the holder (spins on a bearing). The unit's cutting head slides the blade across the vinyl ('floats' on the backing paper) and allows that blade to drag and spin according to direction of travel. Once you go through the backing paper, you've created blockage of that motion.

Well, this one requires a bit of clarification. Ungroup or BreakApart/Split Objects would probably work.

You seem to know your way around these PORTconfig:ADVANCED manipulations & changing designations (don't worry about manually assigning a ComPort that's already in use, as a reboot will get Windows to realign the whole hardware shebang and allow you to use Com3 if you want). I personally prefer the SignBlazer program, and although I work inside the VM workspace sometimes, it's SBE as a rule, and I've been doing so since first getting into this game with my first USCUTTER machine and an actual SB install disc!

With Fathers' Day approaching, I thought it would be a good opportunity to suggest a great present for dad (or granddad). USCUTTER is having a SALE on two of their most popular budget machines (MH and SC) which are fully warranteed but 'refurbished' (maybe with new motherboard, carriage or other components). https://uscutter.com/refurbished-34-sc2-vinyl-cutter-with-stand-and-catch-basket/ and https://uscutter.com/refurbished-34-mh-vinyl-cutter-with-design-cut-software/ The SC includes a media catch basket with the stand, which is a very nice set-up to keep the vinyl from spilling onto the floor! Normally selling new for over $550, this refurb unit is now just $375. (and it comes with the VM software, worth $50 by itself) And for the low, low price of $270. the MH is a decent value proposition for pops to play around with and get addicted to this stuff, just as we all have. [[[ NOTE: These cutters are the big 30" ones, and there are also 24" models available on Sale for even less money. ]]] I can't think of a better way to say to Dad "You're #1" -- and get him into a fulfilling (retirement?) activity that he'll love.

What version of WindowsOS? This is for sure related to COM PORT designations and configuration. It's beyond my pay grade to proceed further. Drop back in here to let us know if you sort it out.

You can try approaching the District Manager of your local Highway Dep't. They have parking-sign blanks, and maybe you can get them to sell you a stack?

We're back to the PORTS again, in the Device Manager. There should be a VCP STM32 listed (assuming you have Win 7 or 8 or below -- Starting from Windows® 10, the STM32 driver is not applicable for use).

eBay?

The VCP connection should be listed under PORTS, not USB. You asked to get this LP working on VinylMaster, I believe that my method will work. (The fact that SignBlazer manages to function with the assigned USB Port7 is indeed interesting, but irrelevant to the subject of this thread, which is an attempt to migrate away from SBE and start using VM for both machines).

CoreArt, whazzup? First of all, as far as we know, SignBlazer supports Com ports 1-4 only so how are you successfully using COM7? Interesting to see that configuration in SBE (screenshot). Check this little item out -- it creates a Virtual Com Port, (STM32) and that should allow VM to just see the LP using that. https://quadmeup.com/stm32-virtualcomport-driver-for-windows

Fortunately for you, it's a very basic Serif block font. And remember, the grass is always greener...where the cows roam. Y-W

Lubalin Bold (Standard installed font with SBE) Rockwell Bold is also in the same ballpark. Here's a bit of grass if you need some.

Since you're essentially a hobbyist, the MH871 is fine. They even are selling a refurb unit, for only $340, and knowing how USCUTTER stands behind their warranties, that can be a great deal for a guy like you. [[[ EDIT TO ADD: I just noticed that on the USCUTTER webpage for MH 34" (model 871) they're offering the $340 price for a NEW unit as well, which is strange to see that a refurb and new are equal in cost, but such is the manner of management, such that they have their own unique marketing methods! ]]] I operated an MH871 for several years in a retail setting, while noticing it does tend to track kinda poorly over long distances (like 12-15 feet) but you aren't in a banner-production mode anyway.

The SignBlazer program uses RedSail machine driver to run the MH. (And Liyu to run the SC2). Honestly, I would be shocked if the MH100 now being sold isn't compatible with RedSail, or perhaps Copam or Roland. USCUTTER isn't any longer supporting SBE, obviously, so they can't run that test for you. When you say "a Lot of files..." how many are we talking about being used regularly? If it's just on occasion, then EXPORT the specific graphic you require and IMPORT to VM, which is the default program provided along with the new cutters. Also, the price difference between the new Mh100 and the old MH is about $100, which is probably worth spending to get a better upgraded unit than the outdated MH. We've not had anyone review it here, so cannot reference a user who's noted the advantages or relative quality. That being said, I'm fairly certain you won't have issues with being an adopter.

Please put in a ticket to Future Corp. (producer of the VM software) This is an issue only they can resolve. (by adding new machine drivers to their program) Honestly, I would venture a guess that the regular MH drivers will work on these updated units. (I've run older MH cutters over the years with RedSail drivers).

You really should make a dial that goes up to 11. This is Spinal Tap-the movie reference

The numbers you typed are Sans-Serif typeface and the ones in your original part (as pictured) are Serif font. Not a critical matter, of course, but just thought I would mention it to a newbie.

NOTE to CHASE: This is not in reference to the VCP Driver which was offered by me above. That little Virtual Com Port item is a stand-alone bit of code, which provides you with a Device Driver for USB that appears on the drop-down list of connections, and allows communication with the cutter's USB chipset (Serial Emulation).

Try using the Virtual Com Port driver. https://quadmeup.com/stm32-virtualcomport-driver-for-windows