HP Draftpro DXL (7575a) Plotter as Vinyl Cutter

[jgaler]

Here's what I have:
HP Draftpro DXL plotter
Mimaki blade
Inkscape software
PC with Windows 7
USB to serial connector

I've been trying to make these things work together to make a vinyl cutter out of the Draftpro with very limited success. I think I have the serial connection functioning properly.

I can't seem to get the Inkscape to give the plotter an HPGL file with the proper coordinates that allow it to plot/cut correctly. I've tried to figure out transformations, but I'm missing something about the coordinate systems of the plotter and the Inkscape software and how they work together.

I've been picking at the project for several months, and I'd like to either have some success, or some reason to junk this project because it's hopeless.

Does anyone out there have any advice or direction on where to go with this?

Thanks,

Jim

[underdog]

I have a working DraftPro 7575A. Why don't you try to divide and conquer?

First get the manual for the plotter off the internet. Second there is a key combination that lets the plotter self-test. Find the key combination in the manual. Have a pen and a D size piece of paper ready for the test. If the plotter runs its self print test then you know the internals of the plotter are OK and the problem is in the communications or the software instructions. Get an autocad print file from a friend and send it to the plotter or download a trial version of a CAD package and output something from it. If it runs, the communications parameters are fine and it will run correct HPGL. Then you are down to the output of your chosen software. Then you can call the company and get their help to work it out. Also make sure the driver for your plotter is the right one. See the internet for this too.

I hear a lot about vinyl cutting with plotters, for what purpose? Signs?

[Ozheat]

The key is that the HP DXL and EXL have the origin (0,0) in the center of the page