Connection Issue: SCAL 5 Pro Mac w/ GCC Expert II LX Cutter

Discuss various cutting machines for SCAL
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ozzycoll
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Jan 06, 2020 10:23 pm

Connection Issue: SCAL 5 Pro Mac w/ GCC Expert II LX Cutter

Post by ozzycoll »

Hi,

I recently purchased a GCC Expert II LX and I'm having difficulties with sending files to cut through SCAL 5 Pro (Trial Version).

I've gone into the cutter settings and selected the cutter from the list, but when I attempt to cut I get an error the says "Cutting Machine Not Found", when I attempt to test connection... no response from the machine.

Could anyone advise on troubleshooting this issue, am I missing something entirely, compatibility, driver installation etc.?

I'm running the most recent version of SCAL Pro 5 (Trial), my system is Catalina 10.15.2, and the cutter is a GCC Expert II LX.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
SandyMcC
Posts: 1114
Joined: Mon May 09, 2011 7:01 am

Re: Connection Issue: SCAL 5 Pro Mac w/ GCC Expert II LX Cut

Post by SandyMcC »

A few questions:

(1) Did you install the driver for your cutter? I found the instructions online in the user manual:

http://uscribe.com.au/wp-content/upload ... Manual.pdf

(2) Are you able to cut from another program successfully?

(3) Have you checked the USB cable to make sure it is securely plugged into both the cutter and your computer?

(4) Maybe try a different USB cable if you still can't get it communicating. USB cables for printers are typically the same type used for cutters.
Sandy McCauley
Owner of http://www.iloveknk.com/
ozzycoll
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Jan 06, 2020 10:23 pm

Re: Connection Issue: SCAL 5 Pro Mac w/ GCC Expert II LX Cut

Post by ozzycoll »

SandyMcC wrote:A few questions:

(1) Did you install the driver for your cutter? I found the instructions online in the user manual:

http://uscribe.com.au/wp-content/upload ... Manual.pdf

(2) Are you able to cut from another program successfully?

(3) Have you checked the USB cable to make sure it is securely plugged into both the cutter and your computer?

(4) Maybe try a different USB cable if you still can't get it communicating. USB cables for printers are typically the same type used for cutters.
Hey, thanks for getting back to me!

I have looked into installing a driver, but the only ones I'm finding on the GCC download area are .exe files that I believe are only compatible with PC?

There is no mention of any Mac compatible drivers, and frustratingly there are no instructions for setting up with Mac although they claim it is compatible with MacOS via SCAL 4 software (which is the reason I purchased this particular model). Could the problem be that I am using SCAL 5 instead of SCAL 4?

I'm unaware of any other Mac software that is compatible with this particular model, and I have not been able to cut with any other software.

I have also ensured that all the physical parts are connected securely. I will try another printer cable today, although I would be surprised if this is the issue as the cable is brand new along with the machine.
SandyMcC
Posts: 1114
Joined: Mon May 09, 2011 7:01 am

Re: Connection Issue: SCAL 5 Pro Mac w/ GCC Expert II LX Cut

Post by SandyMcC »

SCAL5 should definitely be working with your cutter. And I do think installing the driver will do the trick.

Did you try this site?

https://www.gccworld.com/download.php?sid=driver

Did you try GCC World on Facebook? Here's a link:

https://www.facebook.com/GCCWorld/

If neither work, I can go to a Facebook group for vinyl owners and possibly find someone there to help you.
Sandy McCauley
Owner of http://www.iloveknk.com/
ozzycoll
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Jan 06, 2020 10:23 pm

Re: Connection Issue: SCAL 5 Pro Mac w/ GCC Expert II LX Cut

Post by ozzycoll »

SandyMcC wrote:SCAL5 should definitely be working with your cutter. And I do think installing the driver will do the trick.

Did you try this site?

https://www.gccworld.com/download.php?sid=driver

Did you try GCC World on Facebook? Here's a link:

https://www.facebook.com/GCCWorld/

If neither work, I can go to a Facebook group for vinyl owners and possibly find someone there to help you.
Hey Sandy,

So I've tried reaching out the GCC directly for some support, but still no luck. They seem to think it may be an issue with the USB connection, but we'll see how that goes.

Would you be able to reach out to that Facebook group and see if anyone is running a similar setup or if anyone has any ideas for further troubleshooting?

Thanks again for all the help!

- Austin
SandyMcC
Posts: 1114
Joined: Mon May 09, 2011 7:01 am

Re: Connection Issue: SCAL 5 Pro Mac w/ GCC Expert II LX Cut

Post by SandyMcC »

I did! I decided to just go ahead and post but no one responded. :( I do think working directly with GCC (and your dealer) is the best option. There could be something defective in your new cutter. Good luck and if it does turn out to be something that should have been done in SCAL, please post back and I'll add it to my tech support notes.
Sandy McCauley
Owner of http://www.iloveknk.com/
Createinspain
Posts: 32
Joined: Wed Oct 30, 2019 3:54 am

Re: Connection Issue: SCAL 5 Pro Mac w/ GCC Expert II LX Cut

Post by Createinspain »

I use a Silver Bullet Platinum and had similar issues for ages. I now have a USB type B to a USB C on my new MacBook Pro.
There seemed to be an intermittent problem, but now I have that type of connection all is well. I do wonder if it is a Mac issue with connectors that are frequently used (unplugged) as mine is. In the past, changing the cable has done the job, even if I didn't think it needed it. What I noticed with my latest upgrade, is that the connection to the cutter side is a lot firmer and it hasn't (no I am not going to tempt fate)...you fill in the blanks!
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