Roland PC-60 - any Software?

[hbanko 2]

Hi Guys,

I got a very cheap (and ancient) Roland ColorCAMM PC-60. I know that driver support and software is a problem. But I am fine using it through a Windows XP VM if required. I am actually more of a Mac user and the single Software that I found that listed the scanner in its compatible devices was SignCut Pro 2. Cutting vinyl works with it, but it doesn't have any design functions and I consider it rather expensive to just "drive a cutter". Right now I am not even looking intro printing with it but even options to get it to cut are limited.

I have read that people "just use the software from the Roland website" to work with it. But I couldn't find anything besides firmware and drivers. The XP driver is probably the only useful thing from their website.

Q1: Can you point me to that particular software or any other (old) software that I can use?

The cutter understands two protocols: CAMM-GLIII and RD-RTL. I would assume that even if this particular cutter isn't listed, it would be to some extend compatible to other or even different manufacturer models.

Q2: To what cutters would the PC-60 be considered compatible?

I have tried e.g. EasyCut Pro and picked PNC. But that doesnt do anything... Also InkCut as a free alternative and picking PNC-900 doesn't do anything.

Any help would be appreciated. I am new to the world of vinyl cutting :-)

[haumana 1,220]

Sign Blazer Elements - totally free, and probably just as ancient, if not more so, than your Roland. It has design and cut abilities.

[hbanko 2]

Thanks Haumana, found it and it cuts. Running in a Windows XP VM and the PC-10 is connected via an ethernet print server.

Do you also have a hint for what to use in combination with the print function?

Anyone info on compatibilty?

[haumana 1,220]

Have you tried to Goolge for any info regarding the machine? I found this: http://support.rolanddga.com/Docs/Documents/departments/Technical Services/Manuals and Guides/PC60_Applications_Sofware_Guide.pdf

It might help put you on the right path.

[hbanko 2]

Thanks again, you were right. In that PDF is outlined how easily printed stickers can be made with Corel Draw. To cut them out I just have to put a dotted line or certain color line around the image - which exactly I define in the printer driver.

Haven't tried printing yet. Will give it a go tomorrow. Fingers crossed that the head is still good. I got plenty of ribbons that came with it.

[Wildgoose 4,200]

You might also try Flexi Pro. It is $60/month but likely you could print and cut through them. I use it on an ancient Gerber edge printer and can cut through a Gerber enVision or my Summa. Expensive but versatile. 

[mark-s 1,126]

I run flexisign pro 8, windows XP with my old PC 60  works great, print and cut.

If you can on old copy of flexisign pro 7.5 or 8 you`ll be good to go.

mark-s

[hbanko 2]

Oh wow, it seems I can source Flexi 8.6 and that runs even on MacOS. Will definitely give it a go.

Where do you guys get ribbons? Some people sell "refills" on eBay. I bet this is some generic stuff that can be obtained from many different sources.

[mark-s 1,126]

Never had a problem with the off brand ribbons, always seemed to work fine.

Still have some original roland ribbons,  stocked up years ago when they were cheap.

mark-s

[hbanko 2]

Just did the test and the print head is working perfectly fine. Also got Flexi 8.1 running in a Windows XP VM. No luck getting it for Mac OS. But I am not complaining.

I found one shop in Italy selling ribbons for 6 Euro. But minimum order is 25 and then it has to be shipped to Australia.