Using Siser Romeo with Vinylmaster LTR

[jillkmorgan 2]

I purchased a Siser Romeo to use to cut the files from my slower BN20a.  I also want to use it for simple SVG cutting.

Since it isn't a recognized cutter in the Vinylmaster software, is there a way to set it up?  It sees it as a generic 20" plotter and of course it is a 24" plotter.  The software that comes with the Romeo is okay, but they want $8 a month to be able to save a file as anything other than a Siser Romeo file.  I already have 3 different programs I can use - Vinylmaster LTR, EasyCut Studio and Silhouette Business Edition.  I really don't want another one.

 

Jill

[haumana 1,220]

You might want to design outside of the proprietary software (i.e. Illustrator, CorelDraw, Inkscape, Designer, etc.), and just import the graphics into the cutting software.

Is VM able to export to a compatible format for the Romeo?

[jillkmorgan 2]

 

You might want to design outside of the proprietary software (i.e. Illustrator, CorelDraw, Inkscape, Designer, etc.), and just import the graphics into the cutting software.

Is VM able to export to a compatible format for the Romeo?

I design in Illustrator. When doing print and cut for the BN20a the files are all png.  If I use Leonardo Studio (the Romeo software) I have to pay $8 a month to save as png to print out on the bn20a and then cut in Romeo.

If I can use VM then I can export as png, print on BN20a and then cut on Romeo. No $8 a month for the privilege.

For cutting regular SVGs, I would have to put them in VM, then export as SVGs and the open in LS to print out on Romeo.  The LS software is very basic. Not really meant for designing, simply to set cutting parameters and then sending to cutter.  I'm sure they will slowly improve it but since I have so many other choices, it seems silly to pay out more money for more software.

Is there a way to find out of VM has added the Siser cutters to their software?  I don't see a way to update the software, simply upgrade.  I've had it for a couple of years, so surely in that time there have been updates and more cutters added.

Jill

[haumana 1,220]

If you can find out who the original manufacturer is for that machine, then you're 85% there.  Then you'd be able to test out VM using the correct 'driver.'

In the meantime, if you're designing in AI, but needing your format to be in .png, then just export your design from AI to a .png format.  CorelDraw, Inkscape, and Affinity Designer also have the ability to do that as well. 

I rarely design in whatever proprietary software is provided to me, but I have a few machines that I need to use to send the job properly to it.

[jillkmorgan 2]

 

If you can find out who the original manufacturer is for that machine, then you're 85% there.  Then you'd be able to test out VM using the correct 'driver.'

In the meantime, if you're designing in AI, but needing your format to be in .png, then just export your design from AI to a .png format.  CorelDraw, Inkscape, and Affinity Designer also have the ability to do that as well. 

I know I can export as PNG in almost all my software. But it doesn't have the registration marks required for print and cut. To use the software that comes with the Romeo (Leonardo Studio) I have to add the registration marks.  Then I would have to export as PNG. I can't send to the BN20a directly. I have to save it, then open BN20a software (name escapes me for the moment), import the PNG and then print.  The BN20a operates from a different computer.  Then put the printed png in the Romeo for cutting. 

I have discovered I can run the Romeo from EasyCut Studio.  Might have to use that.

I am hoping down the road VM will add the Siser cutters to their long list of supported cutters.

Jill

[slice&dice 2,450]

Jill, be aware that FutureCorp. offers several different versions of their software.

They have one version for machines like Vevor, they call it SignMaster. Then, there's the USCUTTER software, which is sold and distributed by USCUTTER to handle the machines provided by USC. And also, a 'retail' configuration, that is available directly from FutureCorp. ---   have you talked to FutureCorp? They are the only ones who can respond to your queries about this.

 

[jillkmorgan 2]

 

Jill, be aware that FutureCorp. offers several different versions of their software.

They have one version for machines like Vevor, they call it SignMaster. Then, there's the USCUTTER software, which is sold and distributed by USCUTTER to handle the machines provided by USC. And also, a 'retail' configuration, that is available directly from FutureCorp. ---   have you talked to FutureCorp? They are the only ones who can respond to your queries about this.

 

I purchased mine from US Cutter.  I did go to their page and put in my PSN to see what cutters were supported and the Siser cutters were not there.  I will contact and see what FutureCorp says.  Thanks.

 

Jill

[jillkmorgan 2]

I sent in a support ticket to FutureCorp and interestingly enough under the dropdowns for Type of Problem was Leonardo Design Studio.  So it must have been designed by them for Siser.  That may be why the Siser cutters aren't on the list.  Guess I will find out later.  If not, I will use Easy Cut Studio, even though I love my VM.

Jill

[slice&dice 2,450]

OK, Jill, let us know what you discover. It's not going to address any widespread user problem here, but still, it's always nice to see things resolved.

[jillkmorgan 2]

 

OK, Jill, let us know what you discover. It's not going to address any widespread user problem here, but still, it's always nice to see things resolved.

Heard back from FutureCorp.  According to them, Siser cutters are only supported by Leonardo Design Studio.  Well, they are wrong as I am now using it with Easy Cut Studio.

Jill

[slice&dice 2,450]

Hi again Jill, thanks for checking back with that reply from FC support.

I think you misunderstood the answer that FurtureCorp. gave you. What they seem to be saying is that the Siser cutter is not featured within their regular VinylMaster program(s) and is "proprietary" for the LDS software to pair with it.
In other words, they don't have a Siser machine driver built into any of their Vinyl-Master branded products, and only the Leonardo Studio can provide that.

That being said, you have found a work-around program with ECS, which fortunately has a driver for your unit. (FutureCorp. was telling you that THEIR apps aren't compatible, but as you've discovered, there is some other developer which placed the Siser cutters into EasyCut's program coding.)

Just out of curiosity, what attracted you to the SISER unit? Was there some feature or configuration you liked, versus a regular USCUTTER Chinese knock-off of Roland-type cutters? (SC2, or LP3, Prism-Cut or Titan models?)

[jillkmorgan 2]

This is the quote out of their email.  And the only words in it:  "Siser cutters are compatible only with Leonardo Design Studio at this stage".  This is probably because they wrote the software for Siser.

Pricing was the main factor.  I have a GCC cutter (but it doesn't do print and cut) and of course the Cameo and Cricut for small jobs.  I wasn't going to buy one but the BN20a is slow to cut. I'm quite happy with the Romeo, I just didn't realize at the time that you had to pay a fee to use the software features I needed.

I am in Canada so some of those cutters aren't available here. When searching, most cutters were $1500 and up.

Jill

[darcshadow 1,626]

I think you're missing what slice was trying to say. It's not that other programs can't use a Siser cutter, it's just that the only software FC supports is the Leonardo Studio. 

Here's another example. MicroSoft will say that MS Office is only compatible with with Windows 10 and newer. However there are plenty of people out there that have gotten MS Office to run on older versions of Windows, and even various versions of Linux. There are almost always other ways to run things, just the vendor doesn't want you to use them and doesn't directly support them.

[haumana 1,220]

 

I think you're missing what slice was trying to say. It's not that other programs can't use a Siser cutter, it's just that the only software FC supports is the Leonardo Studio. 

Here's another example. MicroSoft will say that MS Office is only compatible with with Windows 10 and newer. However there are plenty of people out there that have gotten MS Office to run on older versions of Windows, and even various versions of Linux. There are almost always other ways to run things, just the vendor doesn't want you to use them and doesn't directly support them.

True that.  I've spent countless efforts making "incompatible" software work with different computers.  It's like they're trying to test my ability to circumvent the way they want their program to install and run.  Challenge accepted!!     Clearly there are times when I simply have too much time on my hands 

[Wildgoose 4,200]

 

True that.  I've spent countless efforts making "incompatible" software work with different computers.  It's like they're trying to test my ability to circumvent the way they want their program to install and run.  Challenge accepted!!     Clearly there are times when I simply have too much time on my hands 

Agreed with you and darcshadow. The work-arounds are there if you are diligent and patient. I OWN an older CS5 Adobe Illustrator version for Mac that I used for a long long time and didn't have to pay monthly rent for the cloud based stuff that it has become. Once apple upgraded their intel it started causing issues with several things when running it. Namely it would crash AI if I was trying to scroll through the font list in a certain way (the way I usually do it). I lived with it until I upgraded to my current new iMac and finally broke down and started paying subscription to avoid the crash and fight that running the old CS5 was giving me. Don't love the payment but I write it off and the upside is I have access to AI on several computers now and can store my work in the cloud if I want to be able to mess with it from other locations. I pay the price because I am doing business and it works for me but if I were a hobbyist it would be a tough pill to swallow. 

[jillkmorgan 2]

Romeo is doing the job just fine.  Since support for Leonardo Design Studio is through USCutter, then I am assuming that they have a deal with Siser that they won't add the Siser cutters to their list and inform customers as they informed me, that LDS is your only option.

I have the full Adobe package and always get it during the Black Friday deals.  Can't live without Photoshop and AI. Business depends on them.

Jill

[slice&dice 2,450]

If you have a business operation that depends on a specific functionality of Leonardo DesignStudio, and that functionality is $8 monthly, how is it possible for your business operations to be unable to afford that $100 annually? Tim Horton's coffee every day costs more than that.

USCUTTER is not FutureCorp.
It's up to FutureCorporation's executives to decide on how to configure/program their software, based on a variety of market factors.

Again, the reply you got was that FutureCorporation is not providing you with a Siser driver, and if you are curious as to why that is the case (collusion/deal with USC/technical difficulty?) then ask them directly, and see how they answer. We cannot speak for anyone.

[jillkmorgan 2]

 

If you have a business operation that depends on a specific functionality of Leonardo DesignStudio, and that functionality is $8 monthly, how is it possible for your business operations to be unable to afford that $100 annually? Tim Horton's coffee every day costs more than that.

USCUTTER is not FutureCorp.
It's up to FutureCorporation's executives to decide on how to configure/program their software, based on a variety of market factors.

Again, the reply you got was that FutureCorporation is not providing you with a Siser driver, and if you are curious as to why that is the case (collusion/deal with USC/technical difficulty?) then ask them directly, and see how they answer. We cannot speak for anyone.

Sorry, I meant to say FutreCorp, not USCutter, as the email was from them. I made a simple assumption (could be wrong), as they provide support for the Siser software. And overall, it doesn't really matter why they have chosen not to support the Sister cutters.  They don't offer it so I have to accept that. 

As EasyCut Studio does have a driver for the Siser cutters and is working fine with my Romeo, why would I spend $100 I don't need to? And the Siser software is exceptionally basic.  I would still need to do work in either EasyCut or VM before using LDS. And you can't add multiple PNGs at a time.  One at a time, and go through 3 steps with each file before you can add another one.  Very time consuming.  I am sure they will improve the software over time as it is very young software.

[slice&dice 2,450]

I am not sure what your issue really is here.

At first, you wanted to use VinylMaster, and found out that program isn't handling the cutter you own.

OK, so we suggested to contact them and see if they had an answer about adding that Romeo unit to their supported list and including the right drivers in the software.

They said it wasn't on their agenda, and VM wasn't going to provide drivers for that cutter.

In the meantime, you discovered that ECS had the driver you require. In my opinion, problem solved.

I only mentioned the $100 in the context of business operations, generally. If I needed something to work, and the only way it would work is if I paid a subscription fee (and a very minor one, at that) then my business plan would include that into the overall costs of my operations, and be factored into my client pricing calculations. Like my internet service. And my cellphone service, and my rent, and my advertising budget, and my garbage disposal fees, insurance, etc. etc.

 

[jillkmorgan 2]

 

I am not sure what your issue really is here.

At first, you wanted to use VinylMaster, and found out that program isn't handling the cutter you own.

OK, so we suggested to contact them and see if they had an answer about adding that Romeo unit to their supported list and including the right drivers in the software.

They said it wasn't on their agenda, and VM wasn't going to provide drivers for that cutter.

In the meantime, you discovered that ECS had the driver you require. In my opinion, problem solved.

I only mentioned the $100 in the context of business operations, generally. If I needed something to work, and the only way it would work is if I paid a subscription fee (and a very minor one, at that) then my business plan would include that into the overall costs of my operations, and be factored into my client pricing calculations. Like my internet service. And my cellphone service, and my rent, and my advertising budget, and my garbage disposal fees, insurance, etc. etc.

 

I don't really have an issue any more.  My only issue was using alternate software to LDS.  I already owned ECS and was happy to find that their new update incuded the Siser cutters..

I certainly would have subscribed to the service if I had no alternative.  Or maybe if the software was as good as EC or VM or SBE. 

Anyway, problem solved and I thank all those that took the time to help me out.  A very good bunch of people on this forum.

Jill