Hello, I"m new here. I just downloaded the trial version of SCAL on Friday and am trying to cut with it now. First question... do I leave a cartridge in the machine when I"m trying to cut from the SCAL software? I can get on and write the letters I want it to cut, then it stops at the little box that says "cutting with Cricut" ...
and getst stuck on "Checking Mat..."
what am I doing wrong?
Hello and help...
Re: Hello and help...
Yes, you need to have a cart (any cart) in your bug before it will cut.
Regarding the message you are getting: Have you updated the firmware on your bug? If not, there is a link on this message board for that file.
Shari
Regarding the message you are getting: Have you updated the firmware on your bug? If not, there is a link on this message board for that file.
Shari
Bug Safe: http://www.pbase.com/bugsafe/inbox
My Blog - "The Bug Stop" - where you can find my .cut files:
http://thebugstop.blogspot.com/
Re: Hello and help...
ok... thank you for your quick responce! I went to update the firmware and I don't kow what that is now! I looked online and it says to install the cd? I don't have a cd. I have the smaller cricut and it says 1.0 when I turn it on. is this something I should have gotten when I bought it?
Re: Hello and help...
OK, I know this must be a pain for us newbies! i'm sorry, but I will be sooo thankful for any help! 
I am now guessing I need the Cricut Design Studio before using SCAL??? I have just downloaded the trial version and am I right, this is just a program to make it easier to do what I can do on my bug?
I am now guessing I need the Cricut Design Studio before using SCAL??? I have just downloaded the trial version and am I right, this is just a program to make it easier to do what I can do on my bug?
Re: Hello and help...
ok, this is just my own rambling thread! 
I have uploaded the trial version of the Design studio and updated teh firmware! whoohoo!!! and I was able to cut something from the DS. Now the DS is just to make it easier to use the cricut, right?
I have uploaded the trial version of the Design studio and updated teh firmware! whoohoo!!! and I was able to cut something from the DS. Now the DS is just to make it easier to use the cricut, right?Re: Hello and help...
whohoo! I think I did it!
Re: Hello and help...
GoChandra -
No, you are not talking to yourself - I was 'out' for awhile.......<smile!>
You need just the trial version of Design Studio Software (DSS) because the trial version updates the firmware on your bug. Now, you can continue to use the trial version of DSS but you can only 'cut' with the George (came with the little bug) or Plantin School Book (came with the Expression). You can do alot with just the trial version of DSS - don't hestitate to get familiar with DSS and all it's features.
Now that you have updated your firmware, you can now use Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL). SCAL is a software program that can cut TTF fonts (true type fonts) (basically, any font currently installed on your computer) - which is something DSS can not do.
So, DSS and SCAL are different software packages. Each does different things when using your bug with them (you do need an A/B USB cord to connect your bug to you computer - use a direct USB connection, don't use a hub). You need to have a cart, any cart, in your bug to cut using SCAL.
There's more info to share ......... but start with this info and get familiar with what you can NOW do with your bug.
When you want to 'continue' to spread your wings then the fun REALLY begins! You can download a ton of free fonts and dingbats to use within SCAL; you can download a free graphics program (Inkscape) and begin to create your own designs or alter graphics you find on the internet.
It's a whole new world out there with SCAL - we welcome you to it!
Shari
No, you are not talking to yourself - I was 'out' for awhile.......<smile!>
You need just the trial version of Design Studio Software (DSS) because the trial version updates the firmware on your bug. Now, you can continue to use the trial version of DSS but you can only 'cut' with the George (came with the little bug) or Plantin School Book (came with the Expression). You can do alot with just the trial version of DSS - don't hestitate to get familiar with DSS and all it's features.
Now that you have updated your firmware, you can now use Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL). SCAL is a software program that can cut TTF fonts (true type fonts) (basically, any font currently installed on your computer) - which is something DSS can not do.
So, DSS and SCAL are different software packages. Each does different things when using your bug with them (you do need an A/B USB cord to connect your bug to you computer - use a direct USB connection, don't use a hub). You need to have a cart, any cart, in your bug to cut using SCAL.
There's more info to share ......... but start with this info and get familiar with what you can NOW do with your bug.
When you want to 'continue' to spread your wings then the fun REALLY begins! You can download a ton of free fonts and dingbats to use within SCAL; you can download a free graphics program (Inkscape) and begin to create your own designs or alter graphics you find on the internet.
It's a whole new world out there with SCAL - we welcome you to it!
Shari
Bug Safe: http://www.pbase.com/bugsafe/inbox
My Blog - "The Bug Stop" - where you can find my .cut files:
http://thebugstop.blogspot.com/
Re: Hello and help...
heehee, thanks so much! I actually managed to get it to cut the trial version yesterday! I'm really impressed with myself for getting it to work and how easy SCAL is to use! Thanks so much! Not going to let my poor Bug sit in the box any longer! I already have a lineup of friends who want to learn!
Thanks so much and now your stuck with me, I'm going to see what the rest of you girls are up to on here!
Thanks so much! Not going to let my poor Bug sit in the box any longer! I already have a lineup of friends who want to learn! Thanks so much and now your stuck with me, I'm going to see what the rest of you girls are up to on here!
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junqueandroses
- Posts: 34
- Joined: Sat Apr 12, 2008 5:38 pm
Re: Hello and help...
I NEED help......I have tried 3 times to update the firmare on my E and it just doesn't happen. I have used the link on the FAQ page and it still is version 2.0....What am I doing wrong????Ant help will be greatly appreciated as I want to PLAYYYYY!!!!!TIA...Lyla
Re: Hello and help...
The same happened to me...I found instruction (step by step) on the cricut site...It turns out it was ME not doing it right...I'll see if I can find them for you....
I'm back...I think this is where I found the info you might need. There are some links at the bottom...http://www.cricut.com/messageboard/tm.aspx?m=1321904
I'm back...I think this is where I found the info you might need. There are some links at the bottom...http://www.cricut.com/messageboard/tm.aspx?m=1321904
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Shirl
Shirl