Technical Support Bulletins

Title: using cross over lan cable
Abstract: Default IP address in build 8 software for MMC causes crossover connection between PC and MMC cutters to malfunction. Changing the IP address in the MMC to a non-APIPA address, allows reconnection by windows software without rebooting windows operating system.

Setup for Window XP/2000 to Eliminate E56, E57, E58 Errors
Abstract: Windows XP default for communications port connected to cutter causes E56, E57, E58 errors. You need to change this default before cutter will operate properly. This bulletin also gives general trouble shooting tips for diagnosing the cause of system level communication errors. Also a How To on clearing jobs from the print queue.
Last update 4-2-4

Title: Display HPGL file contents Build 8
Abstract: This program reads an HPGL file and displays/prints the graphic image that it represents. It also converts the file to a format that is easy for Microsoft Excel to read and graph. The Excel file is written to c:/Program Files/Allen Datagraph/Display HPGL/HpglOutput before combine.xls during the display processing of the file. To graph using Excel, Install Microsoft Excel. Open the file with Excel by double clicking on the filename after locating it with Windows explorer. Then select columns A,B. Click on View, Tools, Chart. Use the graphing tool to generate a scatter plot. New Feature build 6 digitize and send job with origin, skew, and scale. Last update 5-21-3. Size: 953,184 bytes
How to install: Download file, Run Setup, Start, Programs, Allen Datagraph, Display HPGL

Title: Manual Contour Cutting without SmartMark Option
Abstract: This TSB shows how to send a contour cut to the cutter with CorelDraw. Requires digitizing site and firmware dated later that 1-24-03. E.g. All i-TECH cutters and Allen cutters with firmware version 2.17 or later
Last update 3-20-6
Example files used in this document 

Title: Recommended USB devices
Abstract: The following USB to Serial Port devices have been tested with Allen Datagraph Cutters and found to work with the Cutter Driver and other cad systems. Also a list of serial and usb-serial cards that do not work.
Last update 7-14-4

Title: No Communications to Cutter
Abstract: This TSB is written to help users debug communication problems where the cutter appears to ignore everything the computer sends to the cutter. In this document it is assumed that the cutter is connected to the COM port of your computer.
Last update 10-17-3

Title: Calibration to Size
Abstract: This TSB is written to help users calibrate the size of objects printed to be the same as indicated by the computer cad program. Use the Smart Mark Setup (Calibration, sensor offset, sensor size) if you plan to cut labels.
Last update 8-15-3

Mechanical Adjustments to Restore Cut Quality to Normal
Abstract: If cut quality is not as good as when you received your machine there are several mechanical adjustments that can be checked that affect the quality of the objects drawn by the cutter. 
Last Update 11-13-5

Using the controlled depth adjustment
Abstract: This support bulletin shows the usage of the controlled depth knife holder to allow cutting very thin materials. You would need to use this procedure when higher forces cut through the backer in places and not cut through the material in other places. 
Last update 5-4-4

Electrical Test for Encoder (cutter/dfs)  
Abstract: This TSB describes a procedure to test the encoders on motors used by Allen Datagraph. You can use this test if you suspect the encoder on your motor is malfunctioning. 
Last Update 10-4-4

Upgrade procedure from rev 1 to rev 3 servo control board
Abstract: in June of 2004 Allen Datagraph released the rev 3 servo control board. This procedure describes the steps to be taken if you need to install a rev 3 scb in your cutter and you had a rev 1 scb. 
Last Update 1-7-5

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