Need Help!- OMNISIGN PLUS PRO 3000

[woodenink]

I purchased this machine and the hardware looks fairly good.
I have set it up and installed the software, BUT---I CANNOT get it to recognize a .bmp file--which it is supposed to do.
I have photographed the screen to show what I mean.
The .bmp file is directly from the omnisign disc, I have tried creating other bmp files in paint(I have a folder full of bmp files that I have used on another laser engraver).
When I press start the error message comes up " Engrave only support 2 -bit bitmap". ???? Can someone explain to me pretty please with cream and strawberries, what does that mean,? what am I doing incorrectly?
Amos
PS the Machine uses LaserCut 5.1 software and the machine looks exactly like XYZ-TECH machine, so if you have an XYZ and have a solution it would be appreciated. thanks Amos

[zax15uk]

If it only supports 2-bit (4-color) images, you would need to dither the image.





Photograv does this, or you can use Photoshop/PhotoPaint or some other program.

Zax.

[Litografa]

woodenink, for last week here was at least three topics about this brand of laser. Why you do not ask supplier about possible solutions?

[woodenink]

Zax, thank you for your prompt reply, I do have PhotGrav, but what do you mean "dither " the image, sorry for being so nieve about this, I think photograv won't save the file as a 2 bit bitmap. A little extra help for this novice would really be appreciated, thanks, Amos

[woodenink]

My dear Litographa, if only you knew the heartache/stress/frustration the seller has been in this area, their machine looks good, solid construction, neat wiring, but service is not as good as it ought to be, only emails!!!; and often not answered as they ought to be-promptly. Also, their knowledge doesn't seem up to scratch, they could have answered this question two weeks ago, but no, only general answers, I even offered to stand by the phone and they could talk me through one item, still no answer-sob- so I turn to fellow members, and immediately received help, thanks thus far, Amos

[Litografa]

Very strange as I saw pictures of their equipment from inside and on pictures equipment LOOKS VERY GOOD, especially all electronic boards are made perfect! Usually if equipment looks good - service also is good but this is exemption

[woodenink]

Yes, Equipment does LOOK GOOD, I am an electronic technician of many years and was very impressed with the layout of cables and quality of workmanship-it is the service I am talking about in this case. Being in the service industry I understand what good service is-but-sadly-this case is not good service. Although, I will give them this-they ARE trying to help me. Amos

[Litografa]

Let's hope they will read this topic, will improve service and you will be lucky user Good Luck! Laser equipment is fantastic - you will love it!

[zax15uk]

Originally Posted by woodenink what do you mean "dither " the image

I think they mean 1-bit (black and white) image, with the single bit being either on or off. 2-bit is very unusual.

So anyway, when you dither the image it creates halftones which use different spacing of the dots to simulate grayscales. I added example images to my first reply.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dither
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halftone

Since the laser can either fire the laser or not it is a 1-bit device, ok this isn't strictly true as you can adjust the power to create true 3D or gray levels but in practice most machines use a fixed power and adjust perceived power using PWM or frequency.

Open in Photograv, set the size and DPI to match your laser and final size and then save the output as 1-bit (b/w) bmp.

Zax.

[woodenink]

Zax and Lithgrafa, you have been extremely helpful to me, I will experiment tomorrow evening, for now, here in Australia it is time I went to bed before I turn into a pumpkin!!! Any further hints and advice please input and I will try to answer soon, many thanks, Amos

[Litografa]

Be honestly - Zax was helpful as usual , and I was good in word support

[Pierke]

Hello Lithografa and zax, and all the people,

its nice to be here in the forum
People helps other people!


Pierke