Just downloaded trial versions of both

[AnointedHands]

whoohoo....I got the firmware to update successfully. I guess now I just have to play with SCALS, and I can begin cutting, right?

Do I still need to have CDS Software on my computer? (common sense tells me I may need to keep that in case I need to update firmware/drivers in the future?)

In updating the DSS software and firmware, you can run into problems with SCAL. I personally have decided to go "SCAL" and not do any of the updates. I did only one (the first update) and not only did it blow out my Cricut but when I got the new one, it was cutting lines across my SCAL and DSS cuts. Had to uninstall the update, reinstall the original and then do a firmware update...haven't looked back.

If you need the carts, by all means take the chance but know that there may be consequences.

[karenpcpnp]

HI.

I have been "lurking" on these boads to see what everyone thinks of the SCAL and would like to purchase it.

I have the baby bug that has the 1.0 firmware. I was going to download the free version of DSS (to update the firmware) and then buy the SCAL - but after reading all the problems I am not sure that will work. I don't want to buy the DSS and then buy SCAL. Any suggestions??

[jaybee]

You can only update the firmware of the Cricut with Design studio.You can do this using the trial version.You can carry on using the trial version of Design Studio using the George cart.If you want to use all your carts with Design Studio you have to puchase the full version.You can then use SCAL trial version, but a cut will be made through your design, you have to buy SCAL and verify using the code provided by Craftedge to be able to cut anything useful.Hope this helps.

[karenpcpnp]

I have read that alot of people have had problems when they downloaded the trial verision of DSS and then tried to use SCAL. In reading previous posts it was suggested to use http://download.yousendit.com/13163905724EEF32 - but when I go there it says it has " used its allowed downloads" and previous posts say not to use the hallmark site. Where should I go to download a free verison of DSS - all I want to do is update the firmware on my "baby cricut" so I can purchase SCAL.