Skycut D Series User manual

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Skycut Series D with Sure Cuts A Lot
August 20, 2020
You can expect updates to this manual over the next few months
Do NOT read this entire manual… unless you want to.
•At the start of Chapters 1 - 4 are short sections with references to find what you need plus some important
reminders. PLEASE read these short sections at the very least and refer back to them, when needed.
•Chapters 1 and 2 are very important in terms of correctly setting up your Skycut to work with SCAL and
learning the ins and outs of cutting.
•Chapter 3 is for those owners wanting to perform print and cut applications.
•Chapter 4 covers using the Skycut accessory tools and dual head applications.
•Chapters 5 –12 are specific to SCAL and present every function in the software, many of which you may
never need.
It’s not practical to print this entire manual because:
•It’s a waste of paper and ink if you only ever need certain sections.
•The live links to videos and section numbers in the manual will not work.
•This manual will be updated from time to time.
•You cannot search on individual words.
Also:
•Note the green icons which link to videos related to the section in which they are located. These
videos will enhance your learning experience.
_______________________________________________________________
© 2018-2020 Sunrise Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved

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Table of Contents
SKYCUT SERIES D WITH SURE CUTS A LOT ................................................... 1
1. INTRODUCTION AND SETTING UP ................................................................................................................. 9
1.00 QUICK REFERENCE FOR THIS CHAPTER ..........................................................................................................9
1.01 SUPPORT.......................................................................................................................................................9
1.02 SAFETY AND WARNINGS.................................................................................................................................9
1.03 WARRANTY..................................................................................................................................................10
1.04 UNPACKING .................................................................................................................................................10
1.05 CONTENTS...................................................................................................................................................10
1.06 PARTS OF THE SKYCUT.................................................................................................................................12
Front...............................................................................................................................................................12
Right Side.......................................................................................................................................................12
Left Side:........................................................................................................................................................13
Back: ..............................................................................................................................................................13
1.07 ACCESSORIES..............................................................................................................................................13
1.07.1 Tables (optional) .................................................................................................................................13
1.07.2 Test Pen..............................................................................................................................................14
1.07.3 Skycut Blades .....................................................................................................................................15
1.07.4 Blade Installation.................................................................................................................................15
1.08 PREPARING AND CARING FOR THE CUTTING MAT...........................................................................................16
1.08.1 Tips on Using the Cutting Mat.............................................................................................................16
1.08.2 Cleaning and Replenishing the Cutting Mat .......................................................................................16
1.09 PINCH WHEELS............................................................................................................................................17
1.10 CONTROL PANEL..........................................................................................................................................18
1.10.1 Set Screen ..........................................................................................................................................19
1.11 REGISTERING AND INSTALLING SCAL............................................................................................................19
1.12 CONNECTING THE SKYCUT TO YOUR COMPUTER...........................................................................................20
1.12.1 USB Connection..................................................................................................................................21
1.12.2 Wi-Fi Connection.................................................................................................................................21
1.12.3 Wireless Stand-Alone .........................................................................................................................24
1.12.4 USB Flash Drive..................................................................................................................................24
1.13 VERIFY COMMUNICATION AND TEST DRAW SHAPES.......................................................................................27
1.13.1 Setup for Drawing ...............................................................................................................................27
1.13.2 Drawing Your First Shape...................................................................................................................28
1.14 DEFAULT SETTINGS TO CONSIDER................................................................................................................35
1.14.1 Advanced Settings..............................................................................................................................35
1.14.2 General Settings .................................................................................................................................37
1.14.3 Sys Information...................................................................................................................................39
1.15 MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................................................................40
1.16 OTHER USEFUL TOOLS AND SUPPLIES ..........................................................................................................40
2. CUTTING...........................................................................................................................................................42
2.00 QUICK REFERENCE FOR THIS CHAPTER.........................................................................................................42
2.01 WHAT YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT CUTTING .....................................................................................42
2.01.1 You Have To Make Mistakes..............................................................................................................42
2.01.2 Record Your Successes .....................................................................................................................43
2.01.3 Installing the Blade Holder, Test Pen, or Accessory Tools.................................................................43
2.01.4 Adjust the Speed, Force, and Number of Passes Based on the Material and Shapes......................44
2.01.5 Perform Test Cuts!..............................................................................................................................44
2.01.6 Keep the Cutting Mat Clean and Sticky..............................................................................................44
2.01.7 Don’t Get Frustrated, Get Help! ..........................................................................................................44
2.02 CHOICES BEFORE CUTTING..........................................................................................................................45
2.02.1 Controlling Which Shapes Will Cut.....................................................................................................45

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2.02.2 Controlling Where Shapes Will Cut.....................................................................................................46
2.02.3 Selecting the Tool to be Used for Cutting...........................................................................................46
2.02.4 Determining the Cut Settings..............................................................................................................48
2.03 CUT SETTINGS.............................................................................................................................................48
2.03.1 Pressure..............................................................................................................................................48
2.03.2 Speed and Up Speed..........................................................................................................................49
2.03.3 Blade Offset ........................................................................................................................................49
2.03.4 Overcut................................................................................................................................................50
2.03.5 Multi-Cut..............................................................................................................................................50
2.04 PRESETS .....................................................................................................................................................53
2.05 SETTING THE ORIGIN BEFORE CUTTING.........................................................................................................56
2.05.1 Setting an Origin Using the Camera ...................................................................................................57
2.06 OTHER CUT SETTING FUNCTIONS .................................................................................................................59
2.07 IMPORTANT CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU CUT!...................................................................................................59
2.08 RESOLUTION/SCALE CALIBRATION................................................................................................................60
2.08.1 Skycut Resolution Using Millimeters for Measurement ......................................................................61
2.08.2 Skycut Resolution Using Inches for Measurement.............................................................................62
2.09 TEST CUTTING FLOW CHART FOR THE SKYCUT..............................................................................................65
2.10 SETTINGS FORM FOR CUTTING MATERIALS ...................................................................................................66
2.11 SUGGESTED SETTINGS FOR VARIOUS MATERIALS..........................................................................................67
3. PRINT AND CUT (CONTOUR CUT) ................................................................................................................69
3.00 QUICK REFERENCE FOR CHAPTER 3.............................................................................................................69
3.01 WHAT IS A PRINT AND CUT (PNC)? ..............................................................................................................69
3.02 WHAT IS A PNC CALIBRATION?.....................................................................................................................70
3.03 CAMERA CALIBRATION PROCEDURE..............................................................................................................70
3.04 PERFORMING A PNC IN SCAL......................................................................................................................73
3.04.1 Summary of Steps...............................................................................................................................73
3.04.2 Step-by-Step Sample PNC Project.....................................................................................................74
3.05 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PRINT AND CUT APPLICATIONS ........................................................................79
3.05.1 Registration Mark Settings..................................................................................................................79
3.05.2 Inaccurate Tracings ............................................................................................................................80
3.06 PRINTING A PNC PROJECT FROM OUTSIDE OF SCAL....................................................................................81
3.07 PNC FROM USB FLASH DRIVE .....................................................................................................................82
3.07.1 PNC from Flash Drive –Single Cut ....................................................................................................82
3.07.2 PNC from Flash Drive –Using Array Mark for Repeats .....................................................................83
3.07.3 Mark Set Options ................................................................................................................................86
4. ACCESSORY TOOLS ......................................................................................................................................89
4.00 QUICK REFERENCE FOR CHAPTER 4.............................................................................................................89
4.01 DUAL HEAD CALIBRATION.............................................................................................................................89
4.02 DRAWING WITH THE TEST PEN......................................................................................................................92
4.02.1 Draw and Cut ......................................................................................................................................93
4.03 EMBOSSING AND SCORING ...........................................................................................................................94
4.03.1 General Info on Embossing ................................................................................................................94
4.03.2 Score and Contour Cut (Print and Cut) Project ..................................................................................95
4.03.3 Embossing Paper or Cardstock ..........................................................................................................97
4.04 SCRATCH ENGRAVING..................................................................................................................................98
4.04.1 Engraving a Metal Tag........................................................................................................................99
4.04 SETTINGS FORM FOR ACCESSORY TOOLS...................................................................................................103
5. SCAL: INSTALLATION, PREFERENCES, AND WORKSPACE..................................................................104
5.01 INSTALLING SCAL......................................................................................................................................104
5.01.1 Selecting and Downloading the Software.........................................................................................104
5.01.2 Activating the Software .....................................................................................................................105
5.01.3 Installing the USB Driver...................................................................................................................107
5.01.4 Installing Your Cutter ........................................................................................................................107
5.02 MAIN SCAL SCREEN..................................................................................................................................107
5.03 LIBRARY ....................................................................................................................................................108
5.04 PROPERTIES PANEL ...................................................................................................................................109
5.05 CUSTOMIZING THE PROPERTIES PANEL /WORKSPACE.................................................................................110

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5.06 DOCUMENT PANEL.....................................................................................................................................114
5.06.1 Mat Size ............................................................................................................................................114
5.06.2 Orientation.........................................................................................................................................115
5.06.3 Units..................................................................................................................................................116
5.06.4 Show Grid .........................................................................................................................................116
5.06.5 Show Guidelines...............................................................................................................................117
5.06.6 Workspace Alpha..............................................................................................................................118
5.06.7 Show Outlines Only ..........................................................................................................................118
5.06.8 Show Print Margins...........................................................................................................................118
5.06.9 Show Reg Marks...............................................................................................................................119
5.06.10 Show Page Color............................................................................................................................119
5.06.11 Show Template...............................................................................................................................119
5.07 SNAP TO....................................................................................................................................................120
5.08 OTHER PREFERENCES ...............................................................................................................................120
5.09 ZOOMING AND PANNING .............................................................................................................................121
5.09.1 Zooming ............................................................................................................................................122
5.09.2 Panning.............................................................................................................................................122
5.10 UNDO/REDO ..............................................................................................................................................123
5.10.1 Undo..................................................................................................................................................123
5.10.2 Redo..................................................................................................................................................123
5.11PROJECTS AND PAGES...............................................................................................................................123
5.12 HELP RESOURCES .....................................................................................................................................124
6. SCAL: HANDLING FILES AND ORGANIZING LAYERS ............................................................................126
6.01 OPENING FILES..........................................................................................................................................126
6.01.1 Opening a New File/Project ..............................................................................................................126
6.01.2 Opening an Existing .SCUT File.......................................................................................................126
6.02 SAVING SCAL FILES..................................................................................................................................127
6.03 CUSTOMIZING THE LIBRARY ........................................................................................................................127
6.03.1 Shapes Tab.......................................................................................................................................128
6.03.2 Fonts Tab..........................................................................................................................................132
6.03.3 Projects Tab......................................................................................................................................132
6.04 LAYERS PANEL...........................................................................................................................................134
6.04.1 Introduction to the Layers Panel.......................................................................................................134
6.04.2 Parts of the Layers Panel..................................................................................................................135
6.04.3 Creating Folders and Moving Layers................................................................................................138
6.05 THE ESHAPE STORE...................................................................................................................................141
6.06 IMPORTING OTHER FILE FORMATS ..............................................................................................................141
6.06.1 Importing Vector Files.......................................................................................................................141
6.06.2 Importing Raster Files.......................................................................................................................143
6.06.3 Importing Fonts.................................................................................................................................143
6.07 EXPORTING IN OTHER FILE FORMATS..........................................................................................................143
6.07.1 Exporting in SVG Format..................................................................................................................144
6.07.2 Exporting in JPG, PNG, BMP and TIFF Formats .............................................................................144
6.07.3 Exporting in FCM Format..................................................................................................................145
6.07.4 Exporting in PLT Format...................................................................................................................145
6.07.5 Exporting to SCAL2 ..........................................................................................................................146
7. SCAL: MANIPULATING AND COLORING SHAPES ..................................................................................147
7.01 BASIC SHAPES...........................................................................................................................................147
7.01.1 Rectangle..........................................................................................................................................147
7.01.2 Rounded Rectangle ..........................................................................................................................147
7.01.3 Circle and Oval..................................................................................................................................148
7.01.4 Triangle .............................................................................................................................................148
7.01.5 Polygon .............................................................................................................................................148
7.01.6 Star....................................................................................................................................................148
7.01.7 Spiral.................................................................................................................................................149
7.02 SELECTING ................................................................................................................................................149
7.02.1 Basic Selection Handles ...................................................................................................................150
7.02.2 Advanced Selection Handles............................................................................................................150
7.03 DELETING ..................................................................................................................................................152

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7.04 MOVING.....................................................................................................................................................152
7.05 RESIZING,SCALING,AUTO FIT ....................................................................................................................154
7.05.1 Resizing ............................................................................................................................................154
7.05.2 Scaling ..............................................................................................................................................155
7.05.3 Auto Fit..............................................................................................................................................156
7.06 ROTATING..................................................................................................................................................157
7.07 SKEWING AND DISTORTING.........................................................................................................................158
7.07.1 Skewing.............................................................................................................................................158
7.07.2 Distorting...........................................................................................................................................159
7.08 MIRRORING AND FLIPPING ..........................................................................................................................160
7.09 LOCKING AND UNLOCKING ..........................................................................................................................160
7.10 HIDING AND SHOWING................................................................................................................................161
7.11 GROUPING AND UNGROUPING.....................................................................................................................161
7.11.1 Group ................................................................................................................................................161
7.11.2 Ungroup ............................................................................................................................................162
7.12 BREAKING AND MERGING............................................................................................................................162
7.12.1 Break Apart .......................................................................................................................................163
7.12.2 Merge................................................................................................................................................163
7.13 ARRANGING (ORDERING)SHAPES...............................................................................................................164
7.14 FILL &STROKE:FILL ..................................................................................................................................166
7.14.1 No Fill................................................................................................................................................167
7.14.2 Color Fill............................................................................................................................................168
7.14.3 Pattern Fill.........................................................................................................................................169
7.14.4 Gradient Fill.......................................................................................................................................170
7.14.5 Opacity..............................................................................................................................................172
7.15 FILL &STROKE:STROKE ............................................................................................................................173
7.15.1 Stroke Settings..................................................................................................................................173
7.15.2 Stroke Line Style...............................................................................................................................177
7.15.3 Converting Strokes into Closed Shapes...........................................................................................177
7.16 DROPPER TOOL.........................................................................................................................................178
7.17 CUTTING,COPYING,PASTING,DUPLICATING ...............................................................................................179
7.17.1 Cutting to the Clipboard ....................................................................................................................179
7.17.2 Copying to the Clipboard ..................................................................................................................179
7.17.3 Pasting from the Clipboard ...............................................................................................................179
7.17.4 Duplicating –Duplicate .....................................................................................................................180
7.17.5 Quick Duplicate.................................................................................................................................180
7.18 ALIGNMENT................................................................................................................................................180
7.18.1 Align to Page.....................................................................................................................................181
7.18.2 Align to Selection ..............................................................................................................................182
7.19 DISTRIBUTE ...............................................................................................................................................183
7.19.1 Distribute to Page..............................................................................................................................184
7.19.2 Distribute to Selection.......................................................................................................................185
7.19.3 Distribute to Selection Below ............................................................................................................187
8. SCAL: WORKING WITH TEXT.....................................................................................................................190
8.01 TEXT OPTIONS...........................................................................................................................................190
8.02 SELECTING A FONT ....................................................................................................................................190
8.02.1 Choosing a Font from the Font Menu...............................................................................................190
8.02.2 Choosing a Font via Font Preview....................................................................................................190
8.02.3 Temporarily Installing a Font.............................................................................................................192
8.03 ADDING TEXT OPTIONS ..............................................................................................................................193
8.04 FOUR MODES OF TEXT...............................................................................................................................194
8.04.1 Type Tool..........................................................................................................................................194
8.04.2 Vertical Type Tool...........................................................................................................................194
8.04.3 Type on Path Tool...........................................................................................................................195
8.04.4 Type on Arch Tool.............................................................................................................................196
8.05 TEXT SETTINGS..........................................................................................................................................197
8.06 OTHER TEXT EDITING.................................................................................................................................199
8.07 CREATING A CONNECTED LETTER TITLE......................................................................................................200
8.08 INCORPORATING SHAPES INTO A TITLE........................................................................................................201
8.09 WELDING TITLES IN IMAGINATIVE WAYS ......................................................................................................202

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8.10 STENCILING LETTERS.................................................................................................................................202
8.11 OPEN PATH FONTS (OPF)..........................................................................................................................203
8.12 KNOCKOUT ................................................................................................................................................204
8.13 TITLE CRAWL.............................................................................................................................................205
8.14 APPLICATIONS USING THE SIZING FUNCTION ...............................................................................................206
8.14.1 Sizing Lettering for Particular Fonts..................................................................................................206
8.14.2 Sizing Letters for Welding Inside Rectangles ...................................................................................207
8.15 OTHER TEXT EFFECTS ...............................................................................................................................207
9. SCAL: TRACING AND DRAWING ............................................................................................................... 208
9.01 RASTER VERSUS VECTOR...........................................................................................................................208
9.02 FINDING EASY IMAGES TO TRACE................................................................................................................209
9.03 TRACE FUNCTION.......................................................................................................................................210
9.03.1 Trace Settings...................................................................................................................................210
9.03.2 Monochrome Trace of a Colored Image: Effects of Contrast ...........................................................214
9.03.3 Monochrome Trace of a Silhouette Image: Effects of Smooth.........................................................215
9.03.4 Monochrome Trace of a Detailed Image: Effects of Despeckle and Detail......................................216
9.03.5 Monochrome Trace of a Coloring Book Image: Single Line Threshold and Blackout......................218
9.03.6 Monochrome Trace of a PNG File with a Transparent Background.................................................219
9.03.7 Monochrome Trace for a Print and Cut Application: Effect of Resample .........................................220
9.03.8 Resample Versus Smooth and the High Pass Filter.........................................................................222
9.03.9 Color Layers Trace............................................................................................................................224
9.03.10 Single Color Trace ..........................................................................................................................226
9.03.11 Draw Mask Function .......................................................................................................................229
9.03.12 High Pass Filter Application............................................................................................................232
9.04 DRAW FUNCTIONS......................................................................................................................................234
9.04.1 The Draw Tool...................................................................................................................................234
9.04.2 Freehand Drawing.............................................................................................................................237
9.04.3 Brush Drawing...................................................................................................................................237
9.05 MANUAL TRACING OF AN IMPORTED IMAGE..................................................................................................238
9.05.1 Importing an Image for Manual Tracing............................................................................................238
9.05.2 Manual Tracing Using the Draw Tool................................................................................................239
9.05.3 Editing the Trace...............................................................................................................................240
9.05.4 Using Symmetrical Mirror to Complete the Trace.............................................................................242
10. SCAL: EDITING........................................................................................................................................... 244
10.01 SIMPLIFY .................................................................................................................................................244
10.02 SPLIT PATH..............................................................................................................................................245
10.03 CLOSE PATH............................................................................................................................................247
10.04 JOIN PATHS .............................................................................................................................................247
10.05 PATH OFFSET..........................................................................................................................................248
10.06 ERASER...................................................................................................................................................250
10.07 KNIFE AND CROP......................................................................................................................................251
10.07.1 Using Knife......................................................................................................................................252
10.07.2 Using Crop......................................................................................................................................252
10.08 WHICH CUTTING TOOL TO USE?...............................................................................................................253
10.09 RULER.....................................................................................................................................................254
10.10 THE SHAPE TOOL -PATH AND NODE EDITING............................................................................................256
10.10.1 Moving a Path.................................................................................................................................256
10.10.2 Reshaping a Path ...........................................................................................................................258
10.10.3 Examples of Smoothing Curves......................................................................................................261
10.10.4 Applications for the Shape Tool......................................................................................................262
11. SCAL: DESIGNING ......................................................................................................................................263
11.01 WHERE DO ISTART WITH LEARNING TO DESIGN?......................................................................................263
11.02 PROJECT INFO .........................................................................................................................................263
11.03 GUIDELINES.............................................................................................................................................264
11.04 TEMPLATES .............................................................................................................................................265
11.04.1 Mat Template Window ....................................................................................................................265
11.04.2 Template File Settings ....................................................................................................................267
11.04.3 Importing Your Own Templates ......................................................................................................268

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11.05 SHADOW LAYER.......................................................................................................................................269
11.05.1 Shadow Layer Settings...................................................................................................................269
11.06 BOOLEAN OPERATIONS ............................................................................................................................272
11.06.1 Union...............................................................................................................................................272
11.06.2 Intersection......................................................................................................................................273
11.06.3 Exclude ...........................................................................................................................................274
11.06.4 Front Minus Back............................................................................................................................275
11.06.5 Back Minus Front............................................................................................................................275
11.07 CLIP PATH AND CLIP MASK.......................................................................................................................276
11.07.1 Clip Path..........................................................................................................................................276
11.07.2 Clip Mask ........................................................................................................................................277
11.08 DUPLICATE ROTATED ...............................................................................................................................278
11.08.1 Duplicate Rotated Settings .............................................................................................................278
11.08.2 Using Duplicate Rotated to Design a Wreath.................................................................................280
11.08.3 Using Duplicate Rotated to Design a Frame ..................................................................................280
11.09 OBJECT ON PATH.....................................................................................................................................281
11.09.1 Designing a Scalloped Oval............................................................................................................283
11.09.2 Warp a Shape to a Path..................................................................................................................284
11.09.3 Remaining Settings.........................................................................................................................286
11.10 WRAPPER................................................................................................................................................286
11.11 LATTICE...................................................................................................................................................288
11.12 RHINESTONES..........................................................................................................................................292
11.12.1 Guidelines for Rhinestone Pattern Design......................................................................................292
11.12.2 Rhinestone Outline .........................................................................................................................293
11.12.3 Rhinestone Fill ................................................................................................................................295
11.12.4 Editing Rhinestone Designs............................................................................................................296
11.12.5 Adding an Outline to a Rhinestone Design.....................................................................................297
11.12.6 Using Purchased Rhinestone Fonts and Designs..........................................................................299
11.13 JIGSAW PUZZLE .......................................................................................................................................301
11.14 3D ROTATE .............................................................................................................................................304
11.15 3D EXTRUDE (SCAL PRO ONLY) .............................................................................................................305
11.16 BARREL DISTORTION................................................................................................................................307
11.17 BULGE.....................................................................................................................................................308
11.18 CANNED ..................................................................................................................................................310
11.19 WAVE......................................................................................................................................................311
11.20 BRIDGE WARP .........................................................................................................................................312
11.21 DROP SHADOW........................................................................................................................................313
11.22 QR CODE................................................................................................................................................316
11.23 SYMMETRICAL MIRROR.............................................................................................................................317
12. SCAL: OUTPUT...........................................................................................................................................319
12.01 THE STYLE PANEL....................................................................................................................................319
12.02 PREVIEW .................................................................................................................................................320
12.03 PRINTING.................................................................................................................................................322
12.04 WEEDING (SCAL PRO ONLY)...................................................................................................................324
12.05 TILING (SCAL PRO ONLY) .......................................................................................................................326
12.06 CUT SETTINGS.........................................................................................................................................328
12.06.1 Cut Window Settings.......................................................................................................................328
12.06.2 Presets............................................................................................................................................332
12.06.3 Cut by Color (SCAL PRO only).......................................................................................................333
12.06.4 Tiles (SCAL PRO only) ...................................................................................................................338
12.06.5 Extras (SCAL PRO only)................................................................................................................339
12.06.6 Cut Order (SCAL PRO only)...........................................................................................................341
12.06.7 Layers (SCAL PRO only)................................................................................................................342
12.07 CONTROLLING WHERE SHAPES WILL CUT.................................................................................................345
12.07.1 Overview .........................................................................................................................................345
12.07.2 Origin Point .....................................................................................................................................347
12.07.3 WYSIWYG ......................................................................................................................................349
12.07.4 Center Point....................................................................................................................................351
12.08 PATH DETAILS AND REVERSE PATH ..........................................................................................................353
12.09 LINE FILL .................................................................................................................................................354

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12.10 PIERCE....................................................................................................................................................355
12.11 NEST.......................................................................................................................................................356
APPENDIX A SHORTCUTS AND ICONS IN SCAL5.......................................................................................360
APPENDIX B TROUBLESHOOTING FAQ’S....................................................................................................367
B1 COMMUNICATION ISSUES...............................................................................................................................367
B2 OPERATING ISSUES.......................................................................................................................................368
B3 CUTTING/DRAWING ISSUES ...........................................................................................................................370
B4 SOFTWARE ISSUES .......................................................................................................................................372
APPENDIX C SCAL DETAILS.......................................................................................................................... 375
C1 SCREENSHOT OF SCAL SCREEN...................................................................................................................375
C2 BARS ...........................................................................................................................................................375
C2.1 Menu Bar.............................................................................................................................................375
C2.2 Toolbar ................................................................................................................................................376
C2.3 Projects Bar.........................................................................................................................................376
C2.4 Pages Bar............................................................................................................................................376
C2.5 Status Bar............................................................................................................................................376
C3 PANELS........................................................................................................................................................376
C3.1 Tools Panel..........................................................................................................................................376
C3.2 Properties Panel..................................................................................................................................377
C4 PREFERENCES .............................................................................................................................................377
C4.1 Preferences: General Tab...................................................................................................................377
C4.2 Preferences: Edit Tab..........................................................................................................................378
APPENDIX D ORIGINAL CAMERA CALIBRATION........................................................................................380
D1 CAMERA CALIBRATION PROCEDURE ..................................................................................................380
D2 TWEAKING THE CALIBRATION VALUES............................................................................................................382
D3 DUAL HEAD CALIBRATION .............................................................................................................................384
APPENDIX E ACTIVATING COMMANDS.........................................................................................................388

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1. Introduction and Setting Up
1.00 Quick Reference for This Chapter
•How to download and set up SCAL: Section 1.11
•How to set up communication between a computer and Skycut: Section 1.12
•How to use the control panel: Sections 1.10 and 1.14
•How to adjust the blade holder: Section 1.07.3
•Where to position the pinch wheels: Section 1.09
•The cutting mat is too sticky (or not sticky enough): Section 1.08
•How to use the USB Flash Drive feature: Section 1.12.4
Important Notes:
•Please read Section 1.02 regarding safe operation of the Skycut.
•Report any damage or missing contents to your dealer promptly.
•Retain the original box and packing materials in case you ever need to ship your Skycut.
1.01 Support
•Thank you for choosing a Skycut digital die cutter. Before using a blade in your new cutter, we urge you to
read Chapters 1 and 2 and watch the videos linked in these chapters.
•If you run into difficulties with the operation of your Skycut, turn off the power and look for a solution in this
manual. Note that Appendix B is a Troubleshooting section. If you continue to have technical questions or
issues, please contact your dealer as soon as possible.
•If anything is missing from your order or you have mechanical issues with your Skycut, please contact your
dealer as soon as possible. You can also contact Skycut directly using this email address:
[email protected].
•For additional information and support with the Skycut, please check out the following:
Skycut web site: http://www.sky-cut.com/
Skycut Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/skycutcuttingplotter/
Skycut YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrPn5hFLbiRNDgccY8iXwoA
•For SCAL support, please check the list of resources in Section 5.12.
1.02 Safety and Warnings
Please be aware of the following safety guidelines when working with the Skycut:
•Pinch Points: Keep hands, long hair, loose clothing, jewelry, etc. away from the moving parts.
•Risk to Children and Pets: Please supervise children around the cutter when it is in use.
•Movement and Touching: Do not move the Skycut or touch any circuitry while it is plugged in.
•DO NOT touch or jam the plotter’s track while it is operating. If the cutter is damaged, it is the owner’s
responsibility.

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•DO NOT shake the cutter while it is operating.
•DO NOT cut any materials that have staples or other embellishments attached.
•DO NOT touch the cutter with a magnet. It is safe, however, to cut magnetic materials, such as those used
on refrigerators and car exteriors.
•DO NOT allow any liquids to spill into the cutter.
•DO NOT allow small items to fall into the cutter.
•Place the Skycut on a sturdy and stable table, desk, or trolley. The optional Skycut stand can also be used.
•Always turn off the Skycut when not in use. Leaving the cutter turned on for extended periods of time can
possibly damage the machine.
•Always turn off the Skycut before unplugging or removing the power cable from the wall outlet or power
strip.
•Unplug the Skycut from a wall outlet or power strip during an electrical storm or when the cutter will not be
used for an extended period of time.
•Transporting: When transporting the cutter, move the pinch wheel lever into the upward position. Remove
the blade from the blade holder and cover the tip with the plastic cap.
1.03 Warranty
•IMPORTANT! If your Skycut is damaged during shipment or appears to be defective, your dealer should be
notified as soon as possible.
•For additional information regarding your warranty, please refer to your Skycut dealer.
•It is recommended that you retain the original box with packing materials in case you ever need to ship your
Skycut.
1.04 Unpacking
•Verify that you have received all contents. There is a checklist in Section 1.05. Please notify your Skycut
supplier immediately if anything is missing.
•Remove all packaging before turning on the Skycut. Currently, the cutter ships with two end cap foam
protectors, four plastic zip ties, and tape on either end of the cutting strip. Be very careful when removing
the zip ties - only cut those ties and NOT the black cable behind them. Gently remove the tape at the ends
of the cutting strip by rolling the tape away. Do not pull straight up.
•Because the cutting mat must be folded over to fit into the box, it may have become slightly rounded during
shipping. Gently and only partially roll the mat in the opposite direction to remove the roundness and place
on a flat table to make sure the mat now lies horizontally to the surface. Refer to Section 1.08 for additional
instructions on preparing the mat for use.
•Use the enclosed test pen as you experiment and become familiar with operating the Skycut. Place scrap
paper on the mat and simply draw shapes rather than cut them. This will prevent possible damage to the
blade, mat, and cutting strip as you learn where shapes will cut and the basic operating procedures.
1.05 Contents
•Besides the cutter, your box should also contain the following items: