The parallel port is the most common method to connect cutters to the computer.

Adjust the following parameters:

The size of the transmission buffer in bytes

If selected, the software will send a data packet to the cutter to test if the cutter is connected before beginning to cut the job.

Whenever possible, the software uses a custom LPT driver to increase the performance of the LPT port.

If selected, the software will use the standard Windows LPT driver. The performance will be diminished, but reliability may be enhanced.

The following settings are enabled when the custom LPT driver is in use:

Use ECP (Enhanced Capabilities Mode) for the fastest possible transmission speed. EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port) is not as fast but may be more compatible.

Using DMA with ECP can increase the maximum bit rate from 2 Mbps to 4 Mbps.

Use this port if your cutter supports a network connection.

The TCP/IP address of the cutter (required).

The port number used for the cutter. Select it from the list or enter a custom port number.

USB drivers are provided with cutters that support them. Make sure the proper drivers are installed when using these ports.

Use this port if you are connecting to the parallel port of a cutter using a USB-to-parallel adapter.

Use this port if you are connecting to the parallel port of a cutter using a USB-to-serial adapter. Make sure the proper drivers are installed when using this port.

FireWire drivers are provided with cutter that support them. Make sure the proper drivers are installed when using these ports.

Some network devices do not work with TCP/IP and only with LPR protocol.

The host name or IP address assigned to the cutter (required).

Depending on the cutter, this can be the cutter name, such as PR1, or the path to a UNIX print queue.

See the FTP listing for common printer names.

Cutters that connect directly to a network may support FTP protocol, allowing the cutting data to be sent to the cutter through FTP.

The host name or IP address assigned to the cutter.

Depending on the cutter, this can be the cutter name, such as pr1, or the path to a UNIX print queue.

Common printer names include:

LPT1_PASSTHRU

LPT2_PASSTHRU

COM1_PASSTHRU

The following settings are available:

If selected, you will be prompted to provide a file name for the output file when each job is saved to the file.

If selected, type the file extension you want to use for the output file in the space provided.

The default folder used for output files. Click Browse to select a folder.

Use this port if your cutter supports the SCSI connection. For more information, see Configure SCSI setups.

Outputs to file in the specified folder using a naming convention specific to the cutter.

This is the serial communications port.

In addition to the standard serial port controls for bits per second, data bits, parity, stop bits, and hardware or software flow control, there are check boxes that enable or disable the following wires: