Trials of a plotter conversion!

[TOTALLYRC]

I have a HP 7585B plotter that runs the confidence test but won't talk to a pc.
The best I can do is get an error light.

I made a new cable according to the HP site that goes from 25 pin to 9 pin but it doesn't work. The guy I got it from was never able to get it to work either.

I think that the serial port on the printer is bad.
I have used several serial devices on the computer so I know the computer port works. I have tried using several different computers just to be sure but nothing happens.

At this point I am considering just gutting the printers electronics.
I can install new stepper drivers and drive it with Mach3.

I would like to keep it running as a plotter as well since I would like to plot out some model airplane plans.

I have several questions.

1. Any chance of getting it to run via the serial port?
2.What is a good sign cutting software package that will output either dxf, hpgl or Gcode?
3. Does anyone know of a way to convert Dr Stika files to dxf or something useable?

I currently use Dr Stika on my Roland SX-8 and it works well.
It however doesn't allow you to export anything.

If I go the stepper conversion route I can always plot the airplane drawings since they are in dxf format and I can change pens manually.


Thanks for any help that you can give.

Mike

[Kipper]

I use artcut9 software for my plotter and it works fairly well......I'd rather have Mach run it though as it's a more efficient proposition to choose what gets cut first!

[TOTALLYRC]

Hi Kipper,
I have been using Dr Stika for my small cutter and I enjoy it. If I could get the plotter to work form the serial port then I could use that to do the cutting.
Since I can't seem to get it to work I am looking for other options.

Thanks for chipping in.

Mike

[TOTALLYRC]

Any and all opinions are welcomed.
I know I can gut it and run Mach3 on it but I would really like some input as to compatible software.

Mike