HELP -- Problem Cutting w/SCAL

[MamaD]

I hope someone here can help me with this problem. Every time I cut a file in SCAL, I have to turn off my expression, shut down SCAL, re-open SCAL & turn my expression back on (in that order) to cut again. It always cuts fine the first time, but any subsequent cut (regardless whether it's the same file or a new one), I have to go through this procedure. SCAL seems to get stuck on "checking matt" and never gets past that point. If I cancel the cut and go back to try to cut again, it does the same thing. If I just try to turn off my expression, it won't turn back on unless I unplug all the cords, plug them back in, and turn SCAL off and back on again.

Has anyone else had this problem? Suggestions??

[firstcut]

MamaD,
The trick is to power cycle your Cricut BEFORE you have the problem. Make your first cut, turn the Expression off then on with the power button, then make your next cut, and so on. As long as you remember to do that you won't have to restart SCAL or anything else.
I just made it a habit of power cycling before every cut until I downgraded the firmware which took care of the issue permanently. Tech support can give you the details on that.
Kay

[MamaD]

Thanks for the tip, Kay! I haven't played with my cricut or vinyl the last week or so, but when I do I'll try this. I did get a prompt reply from tech support with instructions for downgrading the firmware. Does this mean I won't be able to use DS? (...not that I do much anyway since it is on the partitioned 1/2 of my disk -- love my Mac, but hate that DS is only windows compatible -- but I occasionally like to play over there).

[firstcut]

Once you do the downgrade you will be back at an old version of DS without the latest features or cartridges . It is a tradeoff you will have to decide whether you want to make.