Software confusion - SOMEONE REPLY....PLEASE, MARCO? ANYONE?

[WanderingWombat66]

Hello,

I have purchased a Chinese ebay machine and have got it up and running after a couple of hours (mirror alignment is a nightmare), anyway I am now ready to buy the X7 DSP upgrade kit for D/K40 small CO2 laser machine but I am getting confused by the software element. I have spent a few hours going through the forum, so apologise if this question if this question has been asked. I did see one about software but it didn't answer my specific questions.

First thing is, I see some saying that you need LaserCad, while others say it is already installed with the controller.

Another thing I have seen on posts is people talking about CorelDraw software, do I need this? and if I do can I use the Home and Student version or do I need the very expensive full commercial version.

Although I am new to laser cutters, I have got a CNC machine that I built myself. I run ArtCam software from Delcam that has a Laser element to it. It exports DXF files, could I use this software with the DSP controller.

Thank you in advance for any help and suggestions. I new to the forum, so hope I have got this in the right place.

Dawn (from the UK)

[yaddatrance]

LaserCad is a free download that only works with the X7 and the AWC-608. You can download it on this forum (Direct Link: viewforum.php?f=55)

You do not need coreldraw. LaserCad supports a variety of common file formats. Vector like AI and DXF as well as a bunch of image formats like BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG, etc... (including weird embroidery ones too)
There is a plugin for corel so if you have it, it can send the drawing straight to lasercad, but its more of a convenience feature than any sort of requirement. In fact, I use autocad (Which also has a plugin) but instead I usually just save as DXF and import it from LaserCad anyways.

The native format is in mm so remember to export in mm, otherwise you'll have to rescale the imported data.

[WanderingWombat66]

LaserCad is a free download that only works with the X7 and the AWC-608. You can download it on this forum (Direct Link: viewforum.php?f=55)

You do not need coreldraw. LaserCad supports a variety of common file formats. Vector like AI and DXF as well as a bunch of image formats like BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG, etc... (including weird embroidery ones too)
There is a plugin for corel so if you have it, it can send the drawing straight to lasercad, but its more of a convenience feature than any sort of requirement. In fact, I use autocad (Which also has a plugin) but instead I usually just save as DXF and import it from LaserCad anyways.

The native format is in mm so remember to export in mm, otherwise you'll have to rescale the imported data.

Thank you for your answer, all makes sense now.