Section 4: The Controller ScreenOnce an image or text is ready to be cut, it's time to access the Controller screen. The Controller is used to determine the material type and cutting specifications before going through the actual motion of cutting. This is so the blade can go at the correct speed and cut to the correct thickness specifications for the particular material type you are using.Before continuing, make sure the blue power light on the Silhouette is lit, indicating that the power is on.
To access the Controller screen, click on the Controller button
TROUBLESHOOTING: If this button is grey and not able to be selected, your driver has not been installed OR you have not adjusted your File > Preferences to the correct Silhouette model. If you have selected the correct model and this icon is still grey, you may find a resolution to install the driver through our online trouble-shooting by clicking here. Once you have clicked on the Controller button, you will see an output screen as follows:
The "Port" listed may be different (though it should list "USB" followed by a number). This screen is the software telling your computer you are going to be accessing the Silhouette. The number of "Copies" refers to how many times the Silhouette will attempt to cut the current job. Generally, you will keep this at "1". Once you click on "OK", you should see the Controller screen, similar to the one shown below:
TROUBLESHOOTING: If you receive an error message regarding starting the Controller, you may find a resolution through our online trouble-shooting by clicking here. When first opened, the Controller will by default show the "Operation Guide"at the bottom, which is the step-by-step guide to going through all Controller options. Keeping this open will force you to go through every step, which is usually not necessary. You can click on the button labeled "Hide the operation guide" in the upper right-hand corner of the Controller window.
This will change the button to display "Show the operation guide." You will still have the option to turn it back on should you wish to do so. The first step in the Controller Screen will be to determine the type of material you want to cut. To do this, click on the "Media Type" drop-down arrow and select the most appropriate media type. Most crafters will initially want to cut a medium to thicker cardstock material, so we would suggest selecting the "Index 90 lbs" media type as a good starting point.
We would also suggest checking the box labeled "Adjust Settings" to allow you to make any adjustments to the cutting speed or cutting thickness during later steps. We would also further suggest to un-check the "Track Enhancing" option that is initially defaulted.
The "Track Enhancing" feature is a feature that will roll your cutting mat or material into and back out of the Silhouette several times prior to cutting. This is performed in order to gain a better grip on the material being cut to ensure registration is not lost, or in other words, so that the cut lines line up properly from the starting point to the ending point. It is not necessary when using the cutting mat. Note that changes made to your Controller set up will remain modified until you select to manually adjust them. |
(labeled as "Craft ROBO" when highlighted). It is located along the top bar of icons.
