I am wondering this too. I just got an email from ScrappingTable.com -Keknl wrote:I have been using SCAL2 with my Cricut Personal Cutter. I also am using the new Cricut Craft Room, which is now requiring that I update the firmware on my Cricut. If I do this, will it block SCAL2? Does anyone know? Ugh!
Know your Cricut's firmware.
The new Cricut CraftRoom software program is getting a lot of attention but there is one thing you must know if you want to continue using your SCAL software with your Personal Cutter, Create, Expression, Cake or Cake Mini.
The Cricut CraftRoom requires a firmware update that is not supported by SCAL. In other words...
...if you update your Cricut's firmware with the Cricut CraftRoom software, you may no longer be able to use it with SCAL.
Below, I am showing the pop-up window that immediately appears when you start Cricut CraftRoom and have the Cricut connected and powered-on.
As you can see, it has detected the Cricut's firmware and is advising that I must update to be compatible with the Cricut CraftRoom. What this actually means is that you can explore and play with the Cricut CraftRoom but you cannot cut anything from it unless you update your Cricut's firmware.
Rest assured...you are in control.
You are the only person who can change the firmware on your Cricut Personal Cutter, Create, Expression, Cake or Cake Mini. This can only be done by deliberately using the update firmware feature in the older Cricut Design Studio or the new Cricut CraftRoom software programs.
If you're happily using SCAL then there is no need to update your Cricut firmware beyond the versions listed below. Keep in mind these are the highest supported firmware version numbers. If yours is a little less, don't worry.
Personal Cutter: 1.34
Create: 1.54
Cake Mini: 1.54
Expression: 2.35
Cake: 2.35
To check your Cricut firmware, just turn it on and watch the display. Depending on the model, you will see something like v.1.3 or v. 1.54 or v.2.3 or v.2.34, etc.
Recommendation
If you want to explore the new Cricut CraftRoom, I suggest that you unplug the USB cable from your Cricut. This is better than just having the machine turned-off and it will absolutely prevent you from accidentally changing its firmware. The pop-up window appears quickly and, in a surprised moment, you could click the wrong button.
It's just too bad that they couldn't work together. I love the flexibility of SCAL, but the CraftRoom is nice for using the cartridges.