posted
hello- I'm a new-old comer. I originally registered in 1997 posted a few times and then got lost. I've still "visited" on several occasions but just got between a rock and hard place, and need your generous help.
For YEARS I have been using graphix advantage 6.2 on win98. I also use (struggle through)corel draw9 and adobe photoshop. I decide ok, time to upgrade everything to winxp. aaaugghh*%#*@#! turns out, GA6.2 doesn't work on winxp. so, I bought older laptop w/ win98 to load my GA on. I've networked everything so I can convert, transfer and spend lots of valuable time doing things that drive me nutz!
I see these options, and wondered (desperately) if anyone has any suggestions/opinions.
1) sit down and spend time to LEARN corel draw9 (oh, by the way, I have co-cut9 and when I found out I couldn't use GA/winxp - I thought, no problem, I'll get my co-cut out... ... only to find out that co-cut9 doesn't work on xp either!!! I would have to upgrade co-cut, and corel draw to 10, but then 11 will be out soon, so... back to where I'm at- I know I'm going to have to put out some money and I would like to spend it wisely!)anyway learn corel9 and use some other form of cutter software (?)
2)I can get flexsign @ half price because I have my GA dongles- but not a deal if not a good program. Any users???
3)Explore other sign softwares-
I'm really @ a crossroad. I have also been thinking very heavily about printing- but that's another time (except if it would make a difference in what type of software I'll be going to (like if rip stuff is included)
I have a good 13+ years of .plt files on zips. Does anyone know of a program that I can open GA .plt files without having to export first,(to .ai or .eps) before importing??? Omega is NOT an option for me, it cost me 2 weeks of lost production besides losing numerous files
thanks for any help offered. share-in y reardon
oh yes, I am mainly vinyl.
Posts: 1 | From: naples, fl | Registered: May 2004
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posted
there is alot of computer jivin' going on that I am not sure of. If I were you, make sure flexi works on xp first! one thing I do know.... you can not open a .plt file in flexi.... sorry
-------------------- Ken McTague, Concept Signs 57 Bridge St. (route 107) Salem MA 01970 1-978-745-5800 conceptsign@yahoo.com http://www.pinheadlounge.com/CaptainKen
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"A wise man once said that, or was it a wise guy?" Posts: 2425 | From: Salem, MA | Registered: Apr 1999
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I do not understand your comments on Omega and 2 weeks lost production and lost files.
I use Omega daily and would never go back to GA EVER!
With your 13 years of Gerber knowledge it is going to cost your more in lost production time as you swing the LARGE learning curve not to mention your collection of .plt files.
It would be in your best interest to buy the gerber upgrade because it does work on xp and take advantage of your 13 years experience and your inventory of .plt files.
Corel 9 also works in xp so 10, 11 or 12 ( which they are up to now) is not necessary.
I am not sure if Signlab can open .plt files now but again you are talking a major learning curve wich will result in many hours of learning and lost time, the best way is to use what you know to make a living and learn as you go if you want to change.
-------------------- Bob Rochon Creative Signworks Millbury, MA 508-865-7330
"Life is Like an Echo, what you put out, comes back to you." Posts: 5149 | From: Millbury, Mass. U.S. | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
If you are interested, Signlab 6.1 and 7 can import Gerber PLT and GCA files reasonably well. Signlab 6.1 and 7s gerber import handles foil and vinyl info while earlier versions like SL 5.3 and befor just went after the cut info. You could download the demo off of the web site and test the Gerber import yourself. www.cadlink.com Couldnt resist the post as i wrote this filter myself. By the way, I believe you also get a discount with a trade in.
-------------------- Frank Droog SignLab programmer Posts: 91 | From: ottawa,ont,Canada | Registered: Jun 2003
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you could also just go back to W98 since it cost you so much trouble... but I agree with Bob R. Omega may not be perfect, & it sounds like you already had a bad experience, but It looks to me like your best choice for learning curve, old plt files, & future growth into digital printing. Flexi does have a good rip included & should also meet your needs, but with a less familiar interface (steeper learning curve) same with Signlab probably.
posted
If you have access to Omega, why not get the free training CD from Gerber. It's a lot easier when you can watch the powerpoint show & videos.
I recently upgraded to signlab7 for the Edge and the 2 training CD's made all the difference. I never would have bought the product without the training CDs. Now I want to see one covering the new features version 7.
My new Corel 12 came with a training CD put out by www.lynda.com a site that specializes in graphics software training. You can subscribe unlimited training ~$25 a month.
ernie
-------------------- Ernie Balch Balch Signs 1045 Raymond Rd Malta, NY 518-885-9899 Posts: 405 | From: Malta, NY | Registered: Jan 2003
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You know what? This post is another example of all the benefits software vendors could enjoy if they setup a booth here in Letterville. Wouldn't it be nice to have a rep from Gerber, Flexi, SignLab and the others who supply our cutting and printing software?
A tip of the hat to Shaun at VinylMaster for jumping on the Letterville bandwagon early and using this forum to address his users issues.
More and more of our vendors are finally starting to realize that Letterville is at least as valuable as a live show when it comes to meeting their users face to face. I admit we don't have the fancy motels and nightlife, but if you are seeking honest feedback from your endusers, you need to have a 24/7/365 day booth here in Letterville.
Something to think about.
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
posted
As far as your question about Flexi... it's just as easy to use as any other design program... once you learn the features, some folks here dont like it and prefer corel or illustrator. to each his own, I like flexi, works great and is easy for me.
-------------------- -------------------- Dave Cox C2 Media Services (Formerly That Sign Guy) dave@c2mediaservices.com -------------------- Full Color Printing Posts: 295 | From: Sacramento CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Hi, we like Flexi too- but can't get 5.7 to work under XP. It works but write-protects the native flexi files so you can't save anything.You can export to AI, EPS, CDR. I set the laptop up todual boot and use w98 for flexi instead with no hitches.
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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posted
thank you for the responses. I lost my "key" so, it's been a couple weeks since I've been able to get back in here. The same day I posted, a guy from Signlab called me. He let me know that Signlab OPENS .PLT FILES! I haven't been able to download the demo from their website because of computer/network/dsl challenges. I am also in the process of moving the physical location of my shop, time is short. Since I've signed on today I see that alot of people seem to use corel and or Signlab. I have a Vinylmaster Pro demo that I'm going to take a look at. Anyone familiar or have opinions on that?
Demonstrated at the ISA sign show,Flexi 7.5 works with winxp, however I'm thinking it doesn't OPEN .plt files- they have to exported as something else first.
When I bought Omega it was new and full of bugs and nasty tricks- gerber was apologetic and said they were working on fixes but that didn't fix my losses. Lesson learned: don't be an alpha user unless I have more time AND money and can tolerate the frustration!
Corel9 works fine on XP but the cutting software, (cocut9) doesn't, so I'd have to upgrade that, then it won't work on corel9 so I'd have to upgrade that... the domino effect. If I'm going to put out $$$, I need to look at the options and move forward with it. Hince the outcry for opinions/shared knowlege. Staying with GA6.2 isn't a great idea because Gerber doesn't support it on win98, and microsoft will soon not support win98. Also my newer scanner doesn't doesnt work with GA6.2, it's 16 bit and my scanner is 48.
I love this place. My intentions are to make it a daily choice. I will introduce myself - as a new resident shortly. Change is good.
Thanks to you all.
-------------------- Share-in Y Reardon Carter's sign shop, inc. 2365 Francis Av., Naples, FL Posts: 29 | From: naples,fl,usa | Registered: Apr 2000
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posted
you dont say what plotter you have but since you had GA softwear ill guess you got a gerber. as for corel, yes a lot of us use corel. some do only design and export to other programs to cut. ive been using corel since version 3 and cutting directly to the plotter. to do this you need a plotter that has a printer port connection. i dont think gerber does.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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joe- I have a Summa T-750 (which I LOVE!). I should check that out. Are you referring to software packaging with the plotter, or just having a parallel port? Right now I'm using a serial port, but it does have parallel. I will have to contact summa. Where in corel does it give you the option to send something to a plotter? I have corel 9.
-------------------- Share-in Y Reardon Carter's sign shop, inc. 2365 Francis Av., Naples, FL Posts: 29 | From: naples,fl,usa | Registered: Apr 2000
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![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
... only to find out that co-cut9 doesn't work on xp either!!! I would have to upgrade co-cut, and corel draw to 10, but then 11 will be out soon, so... back to where I'm at- I know I'm going to have to put out some money and I would like to spend it wisely!)anyway learn corel9 and use some other form of cutter software (?)![[Dunno]](graemlins/dunno.gif)
I have also been thinking very heavily about printing- but that's another time (except if it would make a difference in what type of software I'll be going to (like if rip stuff is included)![[Mad]](mad.gif)
is NOT an option for me, it cost me 2 weeks of lost production besides losing numerous files 
![[Thanks]](graemlins/thanks.gif)
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