Calcomp model 30

[rgammage]

Hello RCpilot82

I agree with CalG .... in my day NO calcomp had parallel connections .... the set up file for the Eagle is probably not appropriate ... but definitely try serial. Set to 9600, n, 8, 1 or 9600, 7, E, 1 is where I would start.

Good Luck

Richard

[rcpilot82]

ok, here is a link to the type of cable I am using.
http://www.computercablestore.com/6_...Ca_PID225.aspx
i installed winline and it printed a test page. I am NOT going to pay $200 for a driver though. My computer only has the db25 (lpt) port as an outlet. no serial connection (9 pin) available. I didn't have a chance to try the eagle software yet. I am using signgo,win xp. the only purpose of this plotter will be to cut vinyl graphics out. is there any alternative to the winline program? I have the original drivers for the plotter both in DOS and Windows but they won't install in xp.

[CalG]

You might consider an old desk top 'puter with a serial port. Then just transfer HPGL files to the plotter. A "Driver"might send a bunch of stuff that is not appropriate for vinyl cutting. The files should be stripped of all pen select (color) commands etc. when a knife is fitted.

Check out "Chiplotle". It is a GPL software that provides connectivity through serial adapters USB/9 pin etc.

[rcpilot82]

thanks for the info, I'll see if I can come up with something.

[CalG]

Just checked that link.

Your Calcomp Plotter has a Centronics port????? Seems like the LPT solution is possible then.

To bad there is so little CalComp info available. I've passed on a nearly free plotter or two for that reason. It might be worth your efforts though, kind of a self accomplishment thing.

Have you looked at SignBlazer" It's a free download, an denerates HPGL files. A bit unstable, and there is ONLY the trial version with a couple of start up screens to pass through to get to the application.

I "plot to file" often in windoz, then send the file to the plotter via a serial port utility For just a command or two - echo "<put the text command here" /dev/ttyS0-(linux) though at times I merely- "cat or cp <file.plt> /dev/ttyS0- from a terminal.

[CalG]

This came via the winline pages

Your Calcomp DesignMate works with several languages. To use your DesignMate with WinLINE, configure your plotter to use the HP-GL language.

* Power ON the plotter.
* Install pen(s) in turret and place turret in DesignMate.
* Load Media (8.5 in. X 11 in. is recommended).
* Make sure both pinch rollers are down.
* Press SET UP button. (Wait until the plotter stops plotting).
* Choose AUTO for ORIENTATION.
* To choose the current value, press SET UP.
* To change to the next value (option) press ON LINE. The plotter will draw a box around the value that you selected.
* Choose 100% for SCALE (when pen is at 100% press SET UP).
* Choose 10 ips/250 mmps (3024) or FINAL PLOT (3036) for VELOCITY.
* Choose CP-GL or HP-GL Large.
* Choose CENTRONICS for PORT TYPE (LPT) or RS232 (for serial).
o Baud - 9600
o Parity, data bits - 8, none
o Handshake - hardware
* Choose DISABLED for PLOT MANAGER.
* Choose ENGLISH for LANGUAGE.
* Lift up the pinch rollers and take the media out to save the settings.
* Load media for plotting.

Sure seems that the LPT port is available. ;-) As well as HPGL CPGL languages.
My experience with plotters is with the serial connections however.

Some ACAD info here http://discussion.autodesk.com/forum...hreadID=474201

[rcpilot82]

Where can i get the sign blazer download??

[rcpilot82]

I found it here: http://support.uscutter.com/index.ph...eid=23&nav=0,5

[rcpilot82]

Success.....I think. Set up the plotter per the above parameters. Installed signblazer with the update patch. set the SB printer to generic hpgl and hit print. Believe it or not it printed out my test page! Now I need a knife and holder and I'm set to get creative. So in conclusion.... I don't like signgo at all and it don't like me. The chipolte software while neat is above my undertanding to get it to work. And finally you can plot in xp and through the LPT port to this plotter. Anyone know where to get a holder for a knife in the US?

[rcpilot82]

Is there a way to "trick" the plotter into thinking it has a pen in it at all times? I had to take the bottom plastic part off of the plotter to re-shape it for the vinyl pen and for some reason it is not "seeing" a pen anymore and can't make it through the startup cycle. it appears that there is a sensor (4 wires) that is to tell the plotter when a pen is in the holder. I have no idea what I messed up but i must have done something bad. The part I modified was not part of the trigger, it was just a part to help hold the pen in place. now I am lost. any ideas??

[piedsurvey]

If you still have the 3024 designmate, I am interested in it. Please call 919-496-3797 Piedmont Surveys, Inc. in Louisburg, NC

Thanks

Chip

[Ablainey]

Ive had a model 83 gathering dust for over 15 years. I finally got round to bringing life to it with a view to either fixing it or hacking it into a reprap machine.
Well it is up and running now. Here is everything needed to get one of these huge doorstops plotting:

Plotter switches (at rear):
xxx-x-x
---x-x- x is switch position. so up,up,up,down,up,down,up

Baud rate 9600
Parity off
Even
8 bit
CPGL
ANSI

I bodged together a null modem cable from an old 9pin and a 25pin. This is the pin out I have used:

9DB (computer) 25DB (plotter)
1------------------ 7+8
2------------------ 2
3------------------ 3
4------------------ 6
5------------------ 7
6------------------ 20
7------------------ 8
8------------------ 8
9------------------ no connection

Power up the plotter. it should do a quick self test and finish with the "VIEW" light on.
press Next then View. (view light goes off, plotter is ready to plot in A3)
Put on a piece of A4 paper line up at bottom and against left edge of white bed in portrait layout. It will stick down to the static bed.
Press A/A4 button, light comes on.
use blutack to put a pen in the holder. (see below for how to bodge a pen)
press P1 (pen travels to bottom right of paper)
Its now ready to plot something on A4


Software for plotting was signgolite download here http://www.signgo.com/download/index.html
When installing it I added an Ioline artpro plotter, but this driver didn't work (use the universal driver as described below).
Run signgo, click on Settings>Sheet properties and change the sheet size to 11.4567 x 8.0315 (A4) this will change the main screen to landscape layout, but will plot in portrait layout. If you get the number the wrong way round teh plotter will plot off the side of the bed and simply stop dead.
Use the text input icon in the main screen (left toolbar), draw a box with it, then the pop up will apear. Type something in the text box. ok.
The cut icon will now be active, click it.
Change the plottable area (lower left) to 11.5 x 8.5. Then drag your text to the middle of the preview panel.
Click the cut tab. Change the "current cutter" dropdown to universal plotter driver.
hit start.

You should now be plotting.
the movement might appear very juddery, but the plot from these old beasts is very precise and neat.
(NOTE: output from signgo is reversed as it is cutting software)


For a test pen use a sharpie. (The holder isn't strong enough to hold a full sized pen off the bed, so you will need to shorten them to make them light enough.)
Use a pair of pliers or grips to pull the black end out of the body. Cut the felt ink holder level with the short black part and use insulating tape over the end to seal it, making a really short pen ( the lid should still fit). Put the remaining felt in the left over body and seal it in for later use when your short pen runs dry (just take out the dry pad and cut a new piece) . Use blu tack to hold the short sharpie in place in the holder. Carefull not to click the holder Up as it will get locked there and wont go down without quite a bit of force. the pen holder should be easy to move up and down manually. Push the holder down and adjust the tip of the sharpy to just touch the paper.
You can do a similar thing to bodge it with finer pens.