desertdog10 0 Posted January 16, 2009 Just got my Copam 2500 put together last night! It is a tank! My vinyl should arrive today so haven't been able to play with it yet. Couple of noob questions: 1. I want to use my laptop but don't have a printer port. I have read about problems using USB and wondered if I should just use the serial port? (DB-9 connection) 2. I have Vista on it- is that going to be a problem for me? I will be installing Signcut X2. Thanks and I look forward to getting started! Jeff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ff-extreme 6 Posted January 16, 2009 Welcome, I also have vista with no printer port on the laptop and I couldnt get the copam to work. I use flexi dont know if that will make a differance for you or not. I have to keep an older desktop computer for cutting Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertdog10 0 Posted January 16, 2009 Yikes! :- That's what I was afraid of. I have all laptops in the house and hate to have to buy a desktop for this. Thanks for the reply! Jeff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bayshorecreations 30 Posted January 16, 2009 I am using USB with my laptop and my Refine cutter and it works fine. You can get a port for your laptop tu use with that plug instead of buying a desktop computer. http://www.cablemax.net/detail/index.cfm?nPID=72365 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertdog10 0 Posted January 16, 2009 I have a serial port and a usb. I guess I'll give them a try first before making an other purchases. One more dumb question: -Do I just install the signcut software to get started or do I have to go through the normal "add a printer/(cutter)" windows stuff first? THANKS! -Jeff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GuysSign 4 Posted January 16, 2009 the cutter drivers should be in the signcut program BTW: Welcome to USCutter from New Jersey ;) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
msmith08 2 Posted January 17, 2009 Just got my Copam 2500 put together last night! It is a tank! My vinyl should arrive today so haven't been able to play with it yet. Couple of noob questions: 1. I want to use my laptop but don't have a printer port. I have read about problems using USB and wondered if I should just use the serial port? (DB-9 connection) 2. I have Vista on it- is that going to be a problem for me? I will be installing Signcut X2. Thanks and I look forward to getting started! Jeff I've never had a problem with my cutter and I have a serial to usb adapter on it for my laptop Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yoginaranjo 0 Posted January 17, 2009 welcome to the forum from southern california Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buddy 7 Posted January 17, 2009 Hey Jeff, welcome from Seattle Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertdog10 0 Posted January 17, 2009 Hey all, thanks for the howdy's! I finally got something printed with the UsB cable. What's really hindering me (other than my total lack of understanding vector graphics and Illustrator ) is: 1. How do you tell the Signcut program where to cut from? No matter what position I start the cutter in, it takes off and cuts from the right side of the roll leaving a ton of open vinyl to the left. Subsequent prints of the same graphic just roll more vinly out and cut behind the previous graphic. I'm sure there is a way to get more use out of your vinyl than just the right 4 inches (I HOPE!) 2. I have my down force set tot he lowest setting (50) and still have small pieces picked up (inside of Impact font "O's). There wasn't anything that told me how far to have the cutter sticking out of the holder and I just eyeballed it out a bit. Is this where I adjust it? THanks in ADVANCE!!!! Once I'm not using a roll of vinyl for some 2x4 inch stickers I'm gonna learn these pesky vector graphic if it kills me!! -Jeff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertdog10 0 Posted January 17, 2009 Hopefully my attachments worked. I ordered the vinyl starter kit. The adhesive paper that pulls the decal off (sorry, don't know he official name yet) seems to be too weak to pull the decal off the backing. Also, noticed it is clear like packing tape and any decals I've ordered have been a more opaque paper. Am I using the right stuff? Thanks! -Jeff Still curious about how to use all my vinyl (previous post). Looking forward to the suggestions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GuysSign 4 Posted January 17, 2009 Your talking about application tape... There are many different kinds of app tape. some are low tack, some are med tack, and some are high tack... I use R-Tape Clear Conform. its a High Tack Application tape and is clear for multicolor decals! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mikeness 0 Posted January 18, 2009 You could have a low tac adhesive masking tape but also make sure you burnish the graphic well before attempting to remove the vinyl with the masking tape. I'm not familar with the signcut software you are using but here's one thing you can try. Rather than plotting just one jeep sticker multiple times, modify your file so that you have multiple copies of jeep logo. Add just enough of them side by side in your file so that it will use the most of the width of vinyl you're using. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertdog10 0 Posted January 18, 2009 Thanks Mikeness! What do you mean by "burnish" the vinyl?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mikeness 0 Posted January 18, 2009 What do you mean by "burnish" the vinyl?? The decal's bond is stronger to the release paper than the tape is to the decal. Apply adequate pressure with the squeegie ("burnisher") over the application tape on the vinyl graphic. It needs some pressure but you really shouldn't have to put all your weight into it...if thats the case then the application tape may be the issue. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertdog10 0 Posted January 18, 2009 Ok- that's what I figured. I'm squeeging the heck out of it. Also, I've found that that black vinyl I got is the issue- it seems a bit thicker than the other colors and I haven't had the same problem with the others. Again, thanks for the info. -JJP Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
haumana 1,221 Posted January 20, 2009 to the forum! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
