Gerber OMEGA 2.6 User manual

Copyright Notice
COPYRIGHT 2007 Gerber Scientific International. All Rights Reserved.
Portions Copyright © 2001 artofcode LLC. This software is based in part on the work of the Independent JPEG
Group. Portions Copyright © 1998 Soft Horizons. All Rights Reserved.
Ghostscript Included.
This document may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without written permission of the
copyright owner.
This document is furnished to support OMEGA. In consideration of the furnishing of the information contained in
this document, the party to whom it is given assumes its custody and control and agrees to the following:
1 The information herein contained is given in confidence, and any part thereof shall not be copied or reproduced
without written consent of Gerber Scientific International.
2 This document or the contents herein under no circumstances shall be used in the manufacture or reproduction
of the article shown and the delivery of this document shall not constitute any right or license to do so.
Printed in USA
OMEGA, GERBER MAXX, GA, Gerber ColorID, Gerber P2C, GERBER SOLARA UV, ART Path, Gerber enVision, FasTrack,
ImageRIP, ODYSSEY, GERBER EDGE FX, Sabre, GerberColor, Spectratone, and Support First are trademarks and GRAPHIX
ADVANTAGE, GERBER EDGE, EDGE, Gerber Scientific Products, and GSP are registered trademarks of Gerber Scientific
Products. Adobe Illustrator and PostScript are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated. Artifex, the Artifex logo, Ghostscript,
and the Ghostscript logo are registered trademarks of Artifex Software, Inc Allen Datagraph is a trademark of Allen Datagraph,
Inc. Aristo AG50 and AG130 are registered trademarks of the Aristo Graphic Systeme GMBH & CO KG. ENCAD and NovaCut are
registered trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company. Graphtec and SignJet PRO are trademarks of Graphtec America, Inc. HPGL is a
trademark and HP is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company. Ioline is a trademark of Ioline Corporation. Mimaki is a
trademark of Mimaki Engineering Co., LTD. Roland PNC is a trademark and Roland is a registered trademark of Roland Digital
Group. Summa is a registered trademark of Summa Inc. Vytek is a trademark of Vinyl Technologies, Inc. Wild is a registered
trademark of Leica. Windows, Microsoft, and Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other
countries. Zund is a registered trademark of Zund System Technik AG. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. Radio Shack is a registered trademark of Radio Shack Corporation. Sentinel is
a trademark of SafeNet, Inc. Onyx is a registered trademark of Onyx Graphics.
PANTONE® Colors displayed may not match PANTONE-identified standards. Consult current PANTONE Color Publications
for accurate color. PANTONE® and other Pantone, Inc. trademarks are the property of Pantone, Inc. © Pantone, Inc., 2005.
Pantone, Inc. is the copyright owner of color data and/or software which are licensed to Gerber Scientific Products to distribute
for use only in combination with Gerber OMEGA 2.6. PANTONE Color Data and/or Software shall not be copied onto another
disk or into memory unless as part of the execution of Gerber OMEGA 2.6.

Variables
There are many variables in process reproduction of colors generated by the GERBER EDGE and GERBER MAXX, any one of
which may affect the quality of the Gerber simulations of PANTONE Colors, including:
Type of media/paper used
Type of ink film used
Effective final resolution
Dot structures/halftones
For optimal results we recommend that the following materials be used:
1. 3M Scotchcal 220-10 or 225-10 Gloss White Vinyl
2. GerberColor SUPER CMYK Foils
THE PANTONE-IDENTIFIED COLOR DISPLAYED ON THE PRINT AND/OR COPY GENERATED BY THIS
SOFTWARE HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED NOR ARE THEY APPROVED BY PANTONE, INC. TO BE IN
COMPLIANCE WITH PANTONE, INC.'S COLOR VALUES OR STANDARDS. Consult current PANTONE Color
publications for accurate colors.

SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT
This is an agreement between you, the end user, and Gerber Scientific International and its suppliers ("GSI"). By opening the sealed software package
or using the GSI Software, you are agreeing to be bound by the terms of this agreement.
If you do not agree to the terms of this Agreement, promptly return all copies of the software, the media (CD-ROM, floppy diskettes, etc.) package, and
all accompanying materials (including any GSI security device), to the GSI-authorized distributor where you obtained them for a full refund of the price
of the GSI software.
Otherwise, YOU AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING:
Grant of License to you by GSI You May:
1. Use the GSI Software on a single computer (with a single terminal) at a single location together with the applicable GSI security device(s).
2. Make a single additional copy of the GSI Software for archival or backup purposes to be stored in a secure environment.
3. Transfer the GSI Software to another party, provided that: (a) this Agreement, all copies of any and all versions of the GSI Software,
accompanying materials, and any applicable security device(s) are transferred together to the same recipient; and, (b) the recipient agrees
to the terms of this Agreement. (If you are leasing any GSI equipment utilizing the GSI Software, please refer to your lease agreement for
any prohibitions on transfer).
License Restrictions. You may NOT:
1. Use the backup copy for any purpose except for reinstalling the GSI Software on your computer in the event of a computer failure.
2. Make any copies of the GSI Software (in whole or in part) except for the archival or backup copies specifically authorized in the Grant of
License, above.
3. Decompile, reverse assemble, reverse engineer, or make any other attempt to decipher the GSI Software or any applicable GSI security
device(s) or otherwise determine the source code of the GSI Software, or assist or permit others to do any of the foregoing.
4. Develop, make, or use a functional equivalent of, or modify, the applicable security device(s), or assist or permit others to do any of the
foregoing.
5. Revise, reproduce, or distribute the GSI Software documentation.
6. Retain any copies of the GSI Software, including its documentation, if you transfer the GSI Software to another party; or make any transfer
except as specifically authorized in the Grant of License, above.
If you violate any of the foregoing license use restrictions, your license automatically terminates and you no longer have the right to use or transfer the
GSI Software. Such termination is in addition to any other civil or criminal remedies available to GSI or any other companies that have an ownership in
or relating to the GSI Software.
LIMITED WARRANTY - MEDIA AND SECURITY DEVICE
GSI's only warranty with respect to the materials provided to you is that the media (CD-ROM, floppy diskettes, etc.) on which the GSI Software may be
contained, and any applicable GSI security device, will be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of 90 days from the date of original
purchase. GSI's only obligation will be to repair or replace, at GSI 's election, such media or GSI security device found to be defective. To avail
yourself of the foregoing limited warranty, you must first inform GSI of the defect and return the media/security device to a GSI-authorized distributor
during the warranty period. The foregoing Limited Warranty is made to the end user only and does not apply to media/security devices damaged by
accident, abuse, misuse, or modification. GSI DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
NO WARRANTY - GSI SOFTWARE
The GSI Software and accompanying written materials are provided to you "AS IS." GSI does not warranty that the GSI Software will meet your
requirements, that the operation of the GSI Software will be error free or will match the appearance and description in the written documentation, or
that the GSI Software will function on your computer or will not interfere with any other program you may have on your computer. GSI DISCLAIMS
ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO THE GSI SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING WRITTEN MATERIALS.
NEITHER GSI NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DISTRIBUTION OF THE GSI
SOFTWARE, ACCOMPANYING WRITTEN MATERIAL, CD-ROM OR DISKETTE MEDIA, AND/OR SECURITY DEVICE WILL HAVE ANY
OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY TO ANY BUYER OR END USER OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF USE, OR ANY
INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE (EVEN IF GSI HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE) THAT
ARISE OUT OF OR ARE IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR OBTAINING OR ATTEMPTING TO USE THE SOFTWARE, WRITTEN MATERIALS, CD-
ROM OR DISKETTE MEDIA, AND/OR SECURITY DEVICE (including, without limitation, lost profits, downtime, goodwill, loss of use, damage to or
replacement of equipment or property, and costs of recovering, reprogramming, replacing or reproducing any program or data stored in or used with
the GSI Software).
COPYRIGHT OWNERSHIP
The GSI Software, accompanying written materials and applicable security device(s) are owned by GSI or its suppliers, and the GSI Software and
accompanying written materials are protected by United States copyright laws and international treaty provisions. In addition to the above license use
restrictions, copyright protection limits the making and use of copies of the GSI Software. There may be civil and criminal penalties for copyright
violations.
U.S. GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS
The GSI Software and accompanying written materials are provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS. Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is
subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at 52.227-7013 or
subparagraphs (c)(1) and (2) of the Commercial Computer Software - Restricted Rights at 48 CFR 52.227-19, as applicable. Contractor/manufacturer
is Gerber Scientific International/83 Gerber Road/South Windsor/CT 06074.
If any provision of this Agreement is found to be unlawful, void or unenforceable, then that provision shall be severed from this Agreement and will not
affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions. This Agreement is the entire agreement between you and GSI concerning the subject matter
hereof. No GSI distributor, agent or employee is authorized to modify this Agreement, and no representation shall be binding upon GSI, unless it is in
writing and signed by a GSI officer. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut, U.S.A., without regard to principles or
applications of choice of law rules or international treaties.

Contents
Chapter One: Welcome ..............................................................................................................1
About Getting Started .............................................................................................................................1
Notes and tips .......................................................................................................................................1
Full OMEGA 2.6 Kits...............................................................................................................................2
CD ONLY OMEGA 2.6 Kits ...................................................................................................................3
New features in OMEGA 2.6..................................................................................................................4
Reference Manual Overview..................................................................................................................5
Computer Hardware and Software Requirements .............................................................................7
Windows operating systems compatibility.......................................................................................8
Chapter Two: Installing OMEGA Software.............................................................................9
Installation steps ......................................................................................................................................9
Understanding security issues...............................................................................................................9
Understanding the Sentinel System Driver........................................................................................10
Installing OMEGA 2.6 Software...........................................................................................................10
Installing OMEGA 2.6 software for New Users and GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE upgrades ........11
Installing OMEGA 2.6 software........................................................................................................12
Choosing the setup type ....................................................................................................................13
Installing OMEGA 2.6 software for OMEGA 2.0 - 2.1 Users ...........................................................17
Choosing the setup type ....................................................................................................................19
Installing OMEGA 2.6 software for OMEGA 1.5x users ..................................................................23
Understanding the Sentinel System Driver.....................................................................................23
Understanding security key conversion..........................................................................................23
Installing OMEGA 2.6 software........................................................................................................24
Configuring the ports after OMEGA 2.6 installation........................................................................31
Activating Arabic language support...................................................................................................32
Chapter Three: Adding Output Devices ............................................................................... 33
Adding output devices after OMEGA installation ...........................................................................33
Installing vinyl printers.........................................................................................................................34
Local vinyl printers.............................................................................................................................34
Installing the GERBER EDGE/EDGE 2 as a USB printer..............................................................46
Errors and Possible Solutions............................................................................................................47
Remote vinyl printers.........................................................................................................................48
Networked vinyl printers..................................................................................................................51
Adding or deleting an ink jet printer ...............................................................................................53
Adding or deleting a plotter.................................................................................................................55
Installing fonts from the OMEGA Font CD .......................................................................................61
Uninstalling fonts ...............................................................................................................................62
Installing a purchasable Gerber Library Pack....................................................................................63
Using the Gerber Device Profile Manager..........................................................................................64
Installing ICC profiles using the Gerber Device Profile Manager ...............................................64
Filtering ICC profiles using the Gerber Device Profile Manager .................................................66
Removing ICC profiles using the Gerber Device Profile Manager..............................................67
Making the required update to Sabre firmware................................................................................69
Troubleshooting the Sabre firmware update..................................................................................71

Chapter Four: Beyond Getting Started................................................................................. 72
Registration card....................................................................................................................................72
Locating the System ID and Serial Number.......................................................................................72
Getting Help right in OMEGA 2.6.......................................................................................................73
Finding a topic.....................................................................................................................................74
Finding additional topics in the Topic pane ...................................................................................74
Finding previously-viewed topics....................................................................................................75
Printing topics .....................................................................................................................................75
Customer support..................................................................................................................................76
OMEGA 2.6 software support...........................................................................................................76
Gerber hardware.................................................................................................................................76
FastFacts...............................................................................................................................................76
Chapter Five: Troubleshooting .............................................................................................. 77
Questions and answers .........................................................................................................................77
Technical support messages.................................................................................................................78
Chapter Six: HPGL Plotter Installation................................................................................. 80
Working with HPGL plotters...............................................................................................................80
Verifying communication settings ...................................................................................................80
Customizing plotter setup.................................................................................................................81
Chapter Seven: Networking Devices .................................................................................... 83
Connecting and sharing output devices.............................................................................................83
Index.......................................................................................................................................................... 88

1
Chapter One:
Welcome
Welcome to OMEGA™ 2.6, the state-of-the-art design and production system for the sign,
graphics, and screen-print industries. OMEGA 2.6 teams powerful design and production
features in a friendly, easy-to-use package.
About Getting Started
To help you put your OMEGA 2.6 software to work as quickly as possible, refer to the chapters
that apply to your system and software.
Chapter Two: Installing OMEGA Software tells you how to connect the security key needed to
run OMEGA 2.6 and provides installation instructions for OMEGA 2.6 software. Refer to this
chapter if you need to activate Arabic for OMEGA.
Chapter Three: Adding Output Devices gives detailed instructions on installing hardware
devices for your system. Please refer to the following manuals for specific device install
instructions: GERBER EDGE®, GERBER EDGE FX™, GERBER P2C™, GERBER SOLARA
UV2™, GERBER MAXX™ 2, Gerber enVision™, ODYSSEY™ and ODYSSEY XP.
Chapter Four: Beyond Getting Started presents helpful information on selected topics and
suggests where you will find other useful OMEGA 2.6-related information.
Chapter Five: Troubleshooting contains questions and answers to common problems and error
messages.
Chapter Six: HPGLPlotter Installation discusses custom installation for HPGL plotters.
Chapter Seven: Networking Devices describes how to setup a GSP® network.
Notes and tips
The following conventions are used in this manual:
Note: A note contains important information that could affect the successful completion of a
task.
Tip: A tip contains a suggestion or to remind you of something that may appear elsewhere in
the manual.
CAUTION: A caution statement contains information which, if not observed, could
result in damage to the equipment.

2 Getting Started
Welcome
Full OMEGA 2.6 Kits
The full OMEGA 2.6 kit is for the following installations: OMEGA CP, CS, GA to OMEGA 2.6
Upgrades, OMEGA 1.5x to OMEGA 2.6 Upgrades (except PS and EDGE-RIP Upgrade), Level to
Level (including GA Select or GA Elite to OMEGA 2.6 CP, OMEGA CL or OMEGA CS to
OMEGA 2.6 CP Upgrades).
ITEM DESCRIPTION
1 OMEGA 2.6 Security key
2 Software Password Envelope & Card (only in certain OMEGA
1.5x to OMEGA 2.6 upgrades)
3 OMEGA 2.6 System Software CD
4 OMEGA Font & Library CD
5 OMEGA Gerber Profile CD
6 OMEGA Overview CD
7 Manual, OMEGA 2.6 Getting Started
8 Manual, OMEGA 2.5.1 Learning Guide
9 OMEGA Mouse Pad
10 Lit, Read Me First
11 GSP Registration Card
12 OMEGA Reference Manual coupon
13 Inside Software Kit Components box
14 OMEGA Software Kit sleeve
15 Outside Software Kit shipping box
16 Security Key Return mailer & bubble bag (upgrade kits only)

3
CD-ONLY OMEGA 2.6 Kits
The CD-Only OMEGA 2.6 kit is for the following installations: OMEGA CP MIP, CS MIP, LS,
PS, OMEGA 1.5x PS & EDGE-RIP to OMEGA 2.6 Upgrades, OMEGA 2.0-2.1 to OMEGA 2.6
Upgrades.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
1 OMEGA 2.6 Security key (not in OMEGA 2.0-2.1 Upgrades)
2 Software Password Envelope & Card (only in OMEGA 1.5x
& OMEGA 2.0-2.1 to OMEGA 2.6 Upgrades)
3 OMEGA 2.6 System Software CD
4 OMEGA Overview CD
5 OMEGA Gerber Profile CD
6 OMEGA Font & Library CD
7 Manual, OMEGA 2.6 Getting Started
8 Lit, Read Me First
9 GSP Registration card
10 Shipping foam
11 Software Kit Shipping box
12 Security Key Return Mailer & Bubble bag (OMEGA 1.5x PS
& EDGE-RIP to OMEGA 2.6 Upgrade kits only)

4 Getting Started
Welcome
New features in OMEGA 2.6
For the most detailed information and video screen captures of the newest features in OMEGA,
see the presentations, “What’s New in OMEGA 2.5” and “What’s New in OMEGA 2.5.1” on the
OMEGA Overview CD. The “What's New in OMEGA 2.6” presentation is located on the GSP
website: www.gspinc.com.
For detailed tutorials of most OMEGA tools, see the OMEGA Learning Guide.
These are the new feature highlights in OMEGA 2.6:
Windows® Vista® compatibility.
Gerber Sabre™ routers will cut more quickly when contours are processed from
ART Path™ rather than in the Sabre firmware.
Cut order sequencing of pre-OMEGA 2.5 vinyl-only jobs is now similar to OMEGA
2.0 sequencing.
New accelerator keys for Composer tools including Outline, Distortion, Warp,
Shadow, and Effects.
New Tools toolbar with Outline, Shadow, Warp, Distortion, Effects,
Repeats/Merge, and Posterize Image/Raster to Vector.
Enhanced right-click, context menus for Tools, Detail Edit, and TOWS tools.
Measure Mode “measuring tape” can display as a single line so it does not obscure
the view of the OMEGA work surface.
Shape > Distance Around Objects now shows measurements in several units such
as inches, feet, and yards.
Track time for file creation and editing with the new Elapsed Time feature.
Job output information such as vinyls and foils used, size and repeats display in File
> Properties dialog box.
Vinyl can now be assigned to a single member of a group.
Import multiple files (may be different types) using a single import operation.
Spacing allows objects to be placed at a user-defined distance.
GerberCUT targets can now be placed around jobs automatically or manually.
Graphtec™ model CE-500 plotter now supported.
Material updates including reformulated Cobalt Blue, new Heat Transfer Vinyl,
updated GerberColor™ Spectratone™ palettes, Spectratint and Spectrashade added
to the Spot Color and Spectratone palettes.

5
Reference Manual Overview
The printed OMEGA 2.5 Reference Manual is not included with the OMEGA 2.5 or higher
release. You can order it separately, either by returning the Reference Manual coupon, or for
OMEGA CD-only kits that do not include a coupon, you can purchase the OMEGA Literature
kit.
For your convenience the OMEGA 2.5 Reference Manual is included as a PDF file, along with
other OMEGA documentation on the OMEGA CD. You can either read the desired chapters on-
line or print them as you need them. All the information in the OMEGA Reference Manual is
also in the OMEGA 2.6 On-line Help system. See Help for the most up-to-date information.
The Reference Manual is divided into books and chapters, presenting information about the
hundreds of tools, commands and features incorporated in OMEGA. Each book is reviewed
below with a short summary of the contents of that particular book.
Book One: Welcome
The first book introduces you to the OMEGA suite of programs and provides information on
where and how to get help. The details of opening, closing, and saving files are outlined in Book
One.
Book Two: Understanding Composer Tools
This book describes the basic tools of Composer including how to set up the work surface,
maximizing your productivity. This book also includes information on working with Layers.
Book Three: Creating the Basic Design Text and Shapes
Book Three presents OMEGA solutions for basic job design. Information can be obtained on
tasks such as drawing a box, manipulating parts of your design, working with connected fonts
and special characters, arranging objects in your job and Dimensioning, which can be used to
provide detailed measurements for the installation of sign components.
Book Four: Adding Color to the Design
OMEGA provides many ways to add color. You can design with hundreds of vinyl colors, or
print using thermal or ink jet printers with spot and process foils.
Book Five: Making the Design Print and Cut Correctly
It is important to understand the steps needed to correctly design a printed job. This book
describes the five steps to follow to ensure that your printed job will be successful the first time.
It also includes tips and techniques to solve print registration problems and ensure that the
design cuts correctly.
Book Six: Color Management and Importing/Exporting Files
This book describes OMEGA Color Management. It is easy to use and allows you to see on-
screen what colors will look like when they are outputted to a plotter or printer. Included in this
book are instructions on how to import and export industry standard file types.
Book Seven: Adding Artwork and Other Files to the Design
The information in this book explains the variety of artwork types that OMEGA offers: images,
clip art, scanned art, and digitized art.

6 Getting Started
Welcome
Book Eight: Editing the Design and Shapes
This book includes information on the basic Windows commands and Detail Edit. Editing is the
process of adding, moving, changing, or reducing the points in a shape.
Book Nine: Adding Flair to the Design
This book shows you how to add visual excitement to your design. The tools include Outline,
Shadow, Distortion, Warping, Special Effects (created by combining shapes and library
designs), and Fit Text to Path.
Book Ten: Repeating Text and Objects
Repeating, adds design elements by allowing you to not only repeat a shape or groups of
shapes, but also to save time by automatically merging text from a list or a number sequence
with non-changing text.
Book Eleven: Managing, Converting, and Designing Fonts
This book gives you information on managing your fonts, viewing and printing installed fonts,
converting TrueType fonts and designing and building your own fonts.
Book Twelve: Outputting the Job from Composer
After a job is designed, you can output it by: sending the job to a plotter, sending the job to a
thermal printer, or sending it by email.
Book Thirteen: Printing and Cutting the Job
The production component in the OMEGA suite of programs is the GSPPlot program. It
processes files that are output from Composer (or other compatible graphic design programs),
creating the necessary files for printing and plotting.
Book Fourteen: GSP Tray and Installing Hardware and Software
This book explains how to add hardware or software to your OMEGA system and how to
obtain system information such as the serial number and the software revision level.
Book Fifteen: Networking
A network is a combination of workstations (one or more) connected to servers used to
exchange information, increase performance, and access resources connected to the servers.
OMEGA allows you to share output devices such as a plotter, vinyl printer, or an inkjet printer
on networked workstations for remote plotting and printing.
Book Sixteen: Matching Colors with ColorID
This book explains how to match a source color to another color using Gerber ColorID™.

7
Computer Hardware and Software Requirements
OMEGA 2.6 is compatible with Microsoft Windows® XP, 2000, or Vista®. OMEGA 2.6 will
NOT LOAD on Windows 98 or Windows ME.
Windows XP, XP Professional 64, and 2000 Windows Vista 32-bit and 64-bit1
OMEGA CP = Pentium IV, with 512 MB
RAM minimum, 1 GB highly recommended
2 GB of available hard disk space minimum,
20+ GB highly recommended
OMEGA LS = Pentium IV, with 512 MB RAM
minimum, 1 GB highly recommended
2 GB of available hard disk space minimum,
20+ GB highly recommended
OMEGA CS = Pentium III, with 256 MB
minimum, 512 MB highly recommended.
1 GB of available hard disk space minimum,
10 GB highly recommended
OMEGA PS = Pentium IV, with 512 MB RAM
minimum, 1 GB highly recommended.
2 GB of available hard disk space minimum,
20+ GB highly recommended.
These are the recommended minimums. Stronger processors
and more memory (2x minimum or more), and additional
hard disk space will improve performance, especially when
working in data intensive operations such as scanning,
working with images and import/export. The available hard
disk space requirements do not reflect the actual hard disk
size, which may be anywhere from 10 GB to 80 GB or more.
1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor2
1 GB of system memory
Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM
driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (min.)3,
Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel
40 GB of hard disk capacity with 15 GB free
space
DVD-ROM Drive4
Audio output capability
Internet access capability
1. At this time, Windows Vista 64-bit does not support
OMEGA parallel port usage. See the Windows operating
system compatibility chart on the page 8.
2. Processor speed is specified as the nominal operational
processor frequency for the device. Some processors have power
management which allows the processor to run at lower rate to
save power.
3. If the GPU uses shared memory, then no additional graphics
memory is required beyond the 1 GB system memory
requirement; If the GPU uses dedicated memory then 128 MB
is required.
4. A DVD-ROM may be external (not built into the system).
CD-ROM or DVD ROM drive: Required
CDRW or DVDRW drive: highly recommended, for back up and storage of files
3.5” – 1.44 MB floppy drive: (for use with legacy options, fonts, etc)
Ethernet network support: (for use with the GERBER EDGE FX and network connection)
2 USB Ports (OMEGA security key requires 1 USB Port)
Serial Port (9-pin): (for connecting plotters and/or routers) - 2 highly recommended
ECP Parallel Port (25-pin): Required for use with GERBER EDGE 2 (unless you purchase the
USB-to-Parallel option) continued on next page

8 Getting Started
Welcome
Parallel Port (25-pin): Required for use with GERBER EDGE and/or paper printers)
VGA color monitor: with minimum resolution of 1024 x 728 and support of 16 million colors
Microsoft-compatible PS/2 style mouse
Note: Using OMEGA with Intel®-based Macintosh® Computers: Based upon minimal
GSP testing and end-user reports, OMEGA will run on Intel-based Macintosh systems that
are running the Windows XP operating system. There has been minimal testing of outputting
to GSP devices using this configuration. Output to the GERBER EDGE® must occur via a
GSP or off-the-shelf USB-to-parallel cable. Output to plotters must occur via certain specific
USB-to-serial cables. Output to the EDGE 2 must occur using a special GSP USB-to-parallel
cable option. This is not an endorsement of this configuration, but is an alert as to the status.
GSP Technical Support cannot support any Macintosh OSX related issues.
Windows operating systems compatibility
At this time, Windows Vista 64-bit does not support OMEGA parallel port usage. Therefore you
cannot perform Copy-to-USB parallel security key upgrades or communicate with a GERBER
EDGE or EDGE 2 printer via a parallel port when using Vista 64-bit. Gerber recommends that
you use Vista 32-bit or upgrade to a GERBER EDGE FX which communicates via an
Ethernet cable. Alternately, you can render on a Vista 64-bit system and output to a GERBER
EDGE or EDGE 2 using a separate OMEGA Plot Station installed on a Windows XP or
Windows 2000 computer. The following chart details compatibility.
Windows XP 32 Windows XP 64 Windows Vista 32 Windows Vista 64
Design
Composer and other
design functions. Create
and save PLT files.
OK OK OK OK
Rendering
GSPPlot rendering of SPL
files.
OK OK OK OK
Output
EDGE via parallel cable
or off-the-shelf
USB-to-Parallel cable
OK OK OK NO. Use a separate
Plot Station on a
system NOT using
Vista 64-bit.
EDGE 2 via parallel cable
or GSP custom USB-to-
Parallel cable
OK OK OK NO. Use a separate
Plot Station on a
system NOT using
Vista 64-bit.
EDGE FX (Ethernet only) OK OK OK OK
Plotters via serial port OK OK OK OK
Plotters via Radio Shack®
26-183 USB to Serial Cable
OK Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested

9
Chapter Two:
Installing OMEGA Software
This section describes the step by step instructions that ARE REQUIRED to successfully
install OMEGA 2.6. When you install OMEGA 2.6 software, you MUST use a CD-ROM
drive for installation, your computer MUST be running Windows 2000, XP, or Vista. You
must be logged on as an Administrator and you MUST have an available USB port. The
installation steps are divided into three types of users:
New OMEGA users and GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE upgrades on page 11
OMEGA 2.0 – OMEGA 2.1 upgrades on page 17
OMEGA 1.5x upgrades on page 23
Installation steps
Understanding security issues
Installing the OMEGA 2.6 software
Restart the computer to ensure communication with the GERBER EDGE 2
Configuring the ports after OMEGA 2.6 installation
Understanding security issues
All new or upgraded OMEGA 2.6 systems require an OMEGA 2.6 USB security key connected
to the system for the software to run. The exceptions are OMEGA 2.5 and 2.5.1 USB security
keys which will allow the installation of OMEGA 2.6 without a password.
For newly purchased OMEGA CP, CS, LS, OMEGA PS with ART Path, a new
serialized OMEGA 2.6 USB security key is provided in your software kit.
For GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE upgrades, a new serialized OMEGA 2.6 USB security
key is provided in your software upgrade kit.
For OMEGA 2.0/2.1 to OMEGA 2.6 upgrades, an upgrade password is provided. The
installation process will upgrade your existing 2.0/2.1 security key to 2.6
For OMEGA 1.5x to OMEGA 2.6 upgrades, an upgrade OMEGA 2.6 USB security key
is provided in your software upgrade kit, along with an upgrade password. The
upgrade key will use the same serial number as your original 1.5x security key.
Note: OMEGA 2.6 requires the new OMEGA 2.6 USB security key even if you are already
using an OMEGA 1.5x USB security key.

10 Getting Started
Installing OMEGA software
Understanding the Sentinel™ System Driver
The Sentinel System Driver allows your computer to find and work with your OMEGA 2.6
security key. The Sentinel System Driver version 7.3.2 will be automatically loaded during
OMEGA installation. If you are running an older version of the Sentinel System Driver, it will
be upgraded to version 7.3.2.
CAUTION: Only use the Sentinel System Driver version 7.3.2 that is installed from
the OMEGA 2.6 CD. Do not install the Sentinel System Driver from the SafeNet®
website.
Installing OMEGA 2.6 Software
Note: Preference settings from previous OMEGA installations are maintained if a new version
is loaded on top of a previous version without doing an uninstall first.
Follow one of these procedures to install OMEGA 2.6 software:
New OMEGA users and GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE upgrades on page 11
OMEGA 2.0 – OMEGA 2.1 upgrades on page 17
OMEGA 1.5X upgrades on page 23

11
Installing OMEGA 2.6 software for New Users and
GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE upgrades
Installation Process:
Connect the OMEGA 2.6 USB security key.
Install OMEGA 2.6 software.
Restart the computer to ensure communication with the GERBER EDGE 2.
Configure the Sentinel System Driver.
Install Fonts and Device Profiles.
Note: If your keyboard accelerators are hidden, do one of the following procedures to display
them. The procedures assume that Control Panel is in Category View rather than Classic View.
Windows 2000 - Click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Effects. Turn off the check
box Hide keyboard navigation indicators until I use the Alt key.
Windows XP - Click Start > Control Panel > Appearance > Effects button. Turn off the check
box Hide underlined letters for keyboard navigation until I press the Alt key.
Windows Vista – Start > Control Panel > Ease of Access Center > Make the keyboard easier to
use > Make it easier to use keyboard shortcuts and access keys. Turn on the check box for
Underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys.
To install OMEGA 2.6 software, (which is provided on a CD); use a CD-ROM drive for the
installation on a computer which is running Windows 2000, XP, or Vista. You must be logged
on as an Administrator to install software. Your kit contains the OMEGA 2.6 installation CD.
Although screen prompts guide you through the installation, we recommend reviewing the
installation process in the next few pages prior to installation. You may also wish to review
information in:
Chapter Three: Adding Output Devices – if you have a Gerber Sabre™ router and
you need to update the firmware.
Chapter Six: HPGL Plotter Installation - if you are using a plotter which is not
listed in the install screen. (Many different plotters are referred to as HPGL plotters
because they use the HPGL standard command set to communicate. See page 80.)
Chapter Seven: Networking Devices - if you are using printers over a network.

12 Getting Started
Installing OMEGA software
Installing OMEGA 2.6 software
WARNING: Do not exit or cancel the OMEGA 2.6 installation procedure once it has
begun. Exiting the installation process before completion will damage your security
key.
Note: Preference settings from previous OMEGA installations are maintained if a new version
is loaded on top of a previous version without doing an uninstall first.
To begin OMEGA 2.6 installation
Note: The security key must be connected at all times for OMEGA 2.6 to run properly. If you
need assistance with your system or to locate the USB security key, contact Gerber Technical
Support at 860-644-6971.
1Close any Windows or applications that are running including any virus scan
software. The screen displays the Windows desktop.
2Locate the OMEGA 2.6 USB security key. (It ships in a small, pink
anti-static bag in your OMEGA kit.)
3Plug the OMEGA 2.6 security key into any USB port or hub.
4The Windows Found New hardware wizard should prompt you. Click OK. The USB
drivers will automatically be found.
5Insert the OMEGA 2.6 CD into the CD-ROM drive. (If the OMEGA Setup Wizard does
not start by itself, click Start > Run. Browse the CD for Setup.exe. Select Setup.exe and
then click OK to open the OMEGA 2.6 Setup Wizard.)
Note: The OMEGA 2.6 Setup Wizard has buttons for other procedures and documentation.
6Choose Install Products. An Install Products screen opens.

13
7 Choose Install OMEGA 2.6. The Choose Setup Language dialog box opens. Verify the
correct language is selected.
8 Click Next. The Welcome to Install Shield Wizard dialog box opens.
9 Click Next. The License Agreement dialog box opens. If you agree to the License
Agreement terms, Click Yes. If not, click No and return the complete OMEGA kit to
your distributor.
10 The Customer Information dialog box opens. Enter your name and your company
name. The serial number will automatically register from your security key. Click
Next.
11 The Choose Destination Location dialog box opens. Use the browse button to navigate
the folders to find the location where you want OMEGA 2.6 to be installed.
Note: By default, Setup will install OMEGA in the C:\GSP directory (for new installation) or
the C:\WINDOWS\GSP directory (for some upgrades). Fonts, Libraries, and Software have
their own folders within the GSP directory. Palettes and Manuals are folders within the
GSP\Software folder.
12 Click Next.
Choosing the setup type
The Setup Type dialog box opens. You may choose from the three setup types described below.
Read the explanation for each setup type. Most users should select Typical.
Typical installs all the most common software. Unless you are installing an extra
option or have limited disk space, you should select Typical.
Compact installs the minimum required software options. A Compact installation
does not include online Help files, samples, or on-line manuals. Select Compact only if
you need to conserve hard disk space, such as on a laptop.
Custom lets you specify the options you want to install. Select Custom if you are
adding an option to your system. The setup program will ask you for a password for
each option with the exception of ART Path which does not require a password.
Options can be added at this time, or at a later date.

14 Getting Started
Installing OMEGA software
If you wish to purchase an option, call your Gerber distributor. You will receive
the password when you purchase that option. If you think you have purchased the
option and have not received your password, you will need to find your original
disk or proof of purchase, and then contact Gerber Technical Support at
860-644-6971.
To choose the Setup type
1Choose the setup type you desire: Typical, Compact, or Custom.
2 Click Next.
3 Go to the procedure for the installation type that you selected: Typical and Compact
installations or Custom installation.
To complete Typical and Compact installations
1 In the Select Program Folder dialog box, follow the on-screen instructions. OMEGA 2.6
will begin to install.
2As the processing box displays, an informational OMEGA slide presentation will play.
3Follow the on-screen instructions in the dialog boxes that appear.
4 Once the installation is finished, a font and profile information dialog box opens.
Note: Fonts and profiles must be loaded using the appropriate CD and GSPTray. For more font
information refer to the section “Installing fonts from the OMEGA Font CD,” on page 61. For
more Profile information refer to “Using the Gerber Profile Manager” on page 64.