Freezing while cutting... "checking mat"

[eric_in_or]

So, I'm new to SCAL and Cricut in general... but I'm getting pretty frustrated with the cutting process freezing up at the "checking mat" stage. It doesn't seem to matter what shapes that I'm cutting, but it freezes in completely random times. I can cut the same project 10 times, and it might finish it once and freeze up the other 9 times at random stages between start and finish. It does seem to be more successful with simple cuts, probably because it's done sooner. I'm using SCAL 1.016 for Mac OS X (10.5.5) and a Cricut Personal with firmware 1.32. Any ideas? I've tried rebooting both machine and computer many times, and it has no effect. Is it worth trying to dig up a copy of the older firmware (1.1) and loading that?

[Tingha Treasures]

HI
I had the same problem I found that my mobile phone software was still taking over the USB port and even though everything was plugged in etc it was stoppping my cricut cutting.

Hope thats a help
Christine

[kristin_leanne]

I had the same problem and kept starting and restarting, uninstalling, reinstalling, you get the idea. It actually turns out that I did not have enough RAM for my computer, so I bought some more and have not had another problem with it since, and I use it all of the time. kristin

[koalagal60]

I am having these problems with my new SCAL software. I have tried EVERYTHING to get it to go. I have even tried it on a couple of different pcs. Plenty of RAM, Drivers installed, Firmware 2.3 on Cricut expression. Rebooted both pc and CE several times. Just when I do the design in the Software and Press Cut with Cricut it pops up the window saying "checking mat" and that is as far as it goes. Everything just freezes including my CE. Not happy with this!
Can someone help?

[wreed06]

If turning off the Cricut, rebooting the computer and turning the Cricut back on doesn't work, I would send an email to Todd. Rebooting should reset everything. Sometimes the software gets confused. I've only had this problem a time or two and a reboot always took care of it.

[eric_in_or]

The solution recommended by Todd was to load firmware 1.1, and it worked. I no longer have any troubles with freezing. As a side benefit, the SCAL software now correctly reports it's cutting progress, rather than a constant "checking mat." So, my recommendation (take it for what it's worth: not much) is to install firmware 1.1 if you are using the Mac OS X version. If you are in need of the firmware, try googling: "Cricut_DesignStudio_Installer.zip" or go directly to http://www.mediafire.com/?nalmwm4wids