Skycut EV24 with SignMaster Pro User manual

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Skycut EV24 with SignMaster Pro
August 25, 2022
•Do NOT read this entire manual… unless you want to. But taking the time to familiarize yourself with the
organization of the manual and the topics covered can assist you in finding the answers you might 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 web sites in the manual will not work.
•This manual will be updated from time to time.
•You cannot search on individual words. Use Ctrl+F (or command+F on a Mac) to locate all instances of a
particular term.
Also:
•Videos of interest can be found at the following link: Skycut Support Videos
________________________________________________________________
© 2018-2022 Sunrise Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved

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Table of Contents
SKYCUT EV24 WITH SIGNMASTER PRO................................................................1
1. INTRODUCTION AND SETTING UP..........................................................................................................4
1.0QUICK REFERENCE FOR THIS CHAPTER ........................................................................................................4
1.1SUPPORT...................................................................................................................................................4
1.2SAFETY AND WARNINGS..............................................................................................................................4
1.3WARRANTY................................................................................................................................................5
1.4UNPACKING ...............................................................................................................................................5
1.5CONTENTS.................................................................................................................................................5
1.6PARTS OF THE SKYCUT ...............................................................................................................................6
Front...........................................................................................................................................................6
Front with Cover Open................................................................................................................................7
Right Side...................................................................................................................................................7
Left Side.....................................................................................................................................................7
Back...........................................................................................................................................................8
1.7ACCESSORIES............................................................................................................................................8
1.7.1 Assembling the Skycut Stand.............................................................................................................8
1.7.2 Test Pen............................................................................................................................................8
1.7.3 Skycut Blades....................................................................................................................................8
1.7.4 Blade Installation ...............................................................................................................................9
1.7.5 Cutting Mat......................................................................................................................................10
1.8PINCH WHEELS ........................................................................................................................................11
1.9CONTROL PANEL ......................................................................................................................................12
1.9.1 Menu...............................................................................................................................................13
1.10MAINTENANCE........................................................................................................................................13
1.11OTHER USEFUL TOOLS AND SUPPLIES......................................................................................................14
2. SIGNMASTER.............................................................................................................................................15
2.0QUICK REFERENCE FOR THIS CHAPTER ......................................................................................................15
2.1INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE.......................................................................................................................15
2.1.1 Installing SignMaster from a Download.............................................................................................15
2.1.2 Installing SignMaster from a CD.......................................................................................................15
2.2CONNECTING THE SKYCUT TO YOUR COMPUTER .........................................................................................18
2.2.1 USB Connection ............................................................................................................19
2.2.2 Connecting the EV24 to a Wi-Fi Network ..........................................................................20
2.2.3 USB Flash Drive .............................................................................................................23
2.2.4 Loading and Cutting a .PLT File from the USB Drive........................................................................25
2.3TEST DRAW SHAPES.................................................................................................................................26
2.3.1 Setting up the EV24 for Test Drawing...............................................................................................26
2.3.2 Test Drawing ...................................................................................................................................28
3. CUTTING ....................................................................................................................................................33
3.0QUICK REFERENCE FOR THIS CHAPTER ......................................................................................................33
3.1WHAT YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT CUTTING....................................................................................33
3.1.1 You Have To Make Mistakes............................................................................................................33
3.1.2 Record Your Successes...................................................................................................................33
3.1.3 Installing the Blade Holder, Test Pen, or Accessory Tools................................................................34
3.1.4 Adjust the Speed, Force, and Number of Passes Based on the Material and Shapes.......................34
3.1.5 Perform Test Cuts!...........................................................................................................................35
3.1.6 Keep the Cutting Mat Clean and Sticky............................................................................................35
3.1.7 Don’t Get Frustrated, Get Help!........................................................................................................35
3.2CHOICES BEFORE CUTTING .......................................................................................................................35

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3.2.1 Controlling Which Shapes Will Cut...................................................................................................35
3.2.2 Controlling Where Shapes Will Cut ..................................................................................................41
3.2.3 Selecting the Tool to be Used for Cutting .........................................................................................43
3.2.4 Determining the Cut Settings............................................................................................................44
3.3CUT SETTINGS .........................................................................................................................................45
3.3.1 Force...............................................................................................................................................46
3.3.2 Cut Speed and Up Speed ................................................................................................................46
3.3.3 Blade Offset.....................................................................................................................................47
3.3.4 Overcut............................................................................................................................................48
3.3.5 Passes.............................................................................................................................................48
3.4PRESETS .................................................................................................................................................50
3.4.1 Saving a Preset for a Blade Type.....................................................................................................50
3.4.2 Saving a Preset for a Material..........................................................................................................51
3.5SETTING THE ORIGIN BEFORE CUTTING.......................................................................................................53
3.6OTHER CUT SETTING FUNCTIONS...............................................................................................................53
3.6.1 Mirror...............................................................................................................................................53
3.6.2 Weeding Options.............................................................................................................................54
3.6.3 Weld Text........................................................................................................................................55
3.7IMPORTANT CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU CUT!.................................................................................................56
3.8SCALE CALIBRATION .................................................................................................................................57
3.8.1 Scale Calibration Using Millimeters for Measurement.......................................................................57
3.8.2 Scale Calibration Using Inches for Measurement .............................................................................60
3.9TEST CUTTING FLOW CHART FOR THE SKYCUT............................................................................................63
3.10SETTINGS FORM FOR CUTTING MATERIALS ...............................................................................................64
3.11SUGGESTED SETTINGS FOR VARIOUS MATERIALS ......................................................................................65
APPENDIX A TROUBLESHOOTING FAQ’S..................................................................................................67
A1COMMUNICATION ISSUES ...........................................................................................................................67
A2OPERATING ISSUES...................................................................................................................................68
A3CUTTING/DRAWING ISSUES ........................................................................................................................69
APPENDIX B: WIRELESS STAND-ALONE CONNECTION...........................................................................72

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1. Introduction and Setting Up
1.0 Quick Reference for This Chapter
•How to use the control panel: Sections 1.9
•How to adjust the blade holder: Section 1.7.4
•Where to position the pinch wheels: Section 1.8
•The cutting mat is too sticky (or not sticky enough): Section 1.7.5
Important Notes:
•Please read Section 1.2 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.
1.1 Support
•Thank you for choosing a Skycut EV24 digital die cutter. Before using a blade in your new cutter, we urge
you to practice with the test pen, making sure you understand where shapes will cut.
•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 A 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:
[e-mail].
•For additional information and support with the Skycut, please check out the following:
Skycut web site: https://www.skycutcutter.com/
Skycut Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/skycutcuttingplotter/
Skycut Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Skycut
Skycut YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrPn5hFLbiRNDgccY8iXwoA/videos
•For SignMaster support, please go to http://signmaster.software/support/
1.2 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 itself or touch any circuitry while it is plugged in.
•DO NOT attempt to move the blade carriage while the cutter is powered on.
•DO NOT touch or jam the plotter’s track while it is operating.
•DO NOT shake the cutter while it is operating.
•DO NOT cut any materials that have staples or other embellishments attached.

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•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 or small items to fall into the cutter.
•Mount the EV24 on its included stand or place it on a sturdy and stable table, desk, or trolley.
•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 levers into the upward position. Remove
the blade from the blade holder and cover the tip of the blade with the plastic cap.
1.3 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.
1.4 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, zip ties on either side of the blade carriage, and tape on either end of the cutting strip. Be very
careful when removing the zip ties –it’s best to cut those ties from behind the machine versus in front.
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 1.7.5 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.
1.5 Contents
•Besides the EV24 cutter and cutter stand, your box should also contain the following items:

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1.6 Parts of the Skycut
Front
•Alignment Markers: indicate to the user the available positions for the pinch wheels
•Blade Carriage: moves the Blade Holder Seat left and right
•Blade Holder Seat or Jaw: holds the blade holder, test pen, and other accessories
•Control Panel: used to change settings, set up Wi-Fi, cut PLT files, and more
•Cutting Strip: protects a blade when cutting backed materials without using a cutting mat
•Grit Shafts (5 in total on EV24): allow the pinch wheels to grip the mat or material so they can be moved in
and out of the cutter during cutting
•Pinch Wheels (4 in total on EV24): grip the mat or material so that the grit shafts beneath will feed the mat
or material in and out during cutting
•Ruler: for measuring and aligning rolled materials
Left
End
Cap
Control Panel
Alignment Marker
Pinch Wheel
Right
End
Cap
Carriage
Ruler
Cutting Strip
(light gray and smooth)
Grit Shafts
(dark gray and
rough)
Blade Holder Seat

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Front with Cover Open
Right Side
Left Side
Reset
Button
USB Flash
Drive Port
USB Port
•USB Flash Drive Port: used to load PLT files via
control panel for cutting
•USB Port: option to connect computer to Skycut
with included USB cable
•Reset Button: used to reset Skycut’s cutting
buffer (does not reset calibrations)
•Power Port: plug power cable into this port
•On/Off Switch: power cutter on or off
On/Off
Switch
Power Port
LED Light
Alignment Marker
Carriage Belt
Grit Rollers
(dark gray and rough)
Control Panel Cable
Head Cable
Platen

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Back
1.7 Accessories
1.7.1 Assembling the Skycut Stand
•If you purchased the optional stand, please refer to this for detailed instructions on assembling the
stand and mounting the cutter onto it.
1.7.2 Test Pen
•The test pen is used in calibrating the Scale (Section 3.8) and is also recommended for test drawing while
you are learning where shapes will cut based on various software settings. Note that a small piece of wax
needs to be removed from the pen’s nib before use. You may also wish to cut off the very top of the pen
refill so that it more easily fits into your EV24:
1.7.3 Skycut Blades
•There are three kinds of blades that fit inside a Skycut blade holder:
Spring goes over the top of the pen insert
and stops at a small ridge on the insert
•Pinch Wheels (4 on 24” model): grip the mat or material so that the grit
shafts beneath will feed the mat or material in and out during cutting
•Pinch Wheel Lever: raises and lowers the pinch wheels
Pinch Roller Lever
Pinch Rollers
Platen
Right
Cover
Left
Cover

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The 45°red capped blade is suited for cutting thinner materials such as paper, all cardstock types, heat
transfer vinyl, and wall/auto/decal vinyl.
The 60°blue capped blade is a much longer blade and is well-suited for cutting thicker materials, such
as gum paste, craft plastic, craft foam, and rhinestone template material.
Sold separately is the 30°yellow capped blade. It is a wide blade and is well suited for cutting thin
fabric and window tint film. It has been reported that it also works well with cardstock that has been
exposed to humidity.
•Note that the blades all have a cutback on the opposing side of the blade (right side, in the prior photo). This
reduces the blade offset value and allows for better detailed cutting of small shapes.
1.7.4 Blade Installation
•The blade must be carefully inserted into the blade holder. Do this over a soft surface (e.g., over a hand
towel). It’s important to protect the fragile blade. To install, follow the numbered steps as shown:
•The Blade Length (also called Blade Exposure or Blade Depth) is how much blade is exposed at the
bottom of the blade holder. For optimal cutting, you want this length to match the thickness of the material
or be just a tiny bit longer.
•When setting the Blade Length (Step 4 in the prior photo), hold the blade holder up next to the material
before pressing the material to the mat, so that you can more accurately set the length to match the
thickness of the material. For very thin materials, like vinyl and thin paper, just the very tip of the blade will
be protruding from the bottom of the blade holder. In fact, you should just barely be able to feel it with your
fingertip and not be able to see it very well, if at all. Having the blade fully extended will never result in better
cutting. In fact, it can cause skewing, tearing of the material, damage to the blade, and damage to the mat
or cutting strip.
•A good way to test your blade length is to fold a piece of the material onto itself and then cut a line into the
material by hand. Press firmly but not too hard, as more force will not determine if the blade is set to the
right length. If the blade cannot cut through the material, you will need to extend the blade. If the blade cuts
through the material and cuts into the next layer, you need to retract the blade. If the blade cuts through the
material but does not cut into the layer below, you have the perfect length.
Red Blue Yellow
3. Turn the brass ring
counterclockwise until
loosened.
4. Turn the large ring clockwise or counter-
clockwise to set blade length to match the
thickness of the material being cut.
5. Turn the brass ring clockwise
until locked back in place.
1. Push in this button
and hold so that a blade
can be inserted OR
removed.
2. Gently insert non-sharp end
of the blade into the holder.
An internal magnet will pull
the blade inwards.
Then release the button on
top of the holder

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•When conducting a test cut, be sure to check your mat (or the top of a backing sheet) for cut lines after the
test. You should be able to set the length to get clean cuts but with only fine lines or no lines in the mat or
backing sheet. If you do see deep cut lines, retract the blade length ~¼ of a turn counterclockwise. Repeat
your test cut.
1.7.5 Cutting Mat
Tips on Using the Cutting Mat
•Always use a mat to hold the material to be cut unless the material has its own protective backing. For
example, vinyl and iron-on transfer both come with a layer that you do not cut. Thus, this backing layer
serves as the carrier for cutting. Paper and cardstock do not have a backing, thus they must be cut on the
mat.
•IMPORTANT! A new mat may be too sticky if you are cutting certain products. This can cause difficulty in
removing cut items without tearing. Place an old but clean bath towel over the surface of the mat and press
with a brayer or rolling pin. Then pull up. Test the stickiness by pressing the palm of your hand in the middle
of the mat and lifting. If the mat remains stuck to your hand, repeat until the mat can still be lifted but will
release. It should only take a few pressings to greatly reduce the stickiness, as tiny (too small to be visible)
fibers from the towel are added to the surface.
•Do not leave the pinch wheels in a down position when the Skycut isn’t in use. This warps the plastic
sooner, shortening the useful life of the cutting mat.
Cleaning and Replenishing the Cutting Mat
•When mats begin to lose their stickiness, they can be washed:
Use a mild dishwashing detergent, warm water, and a soft brush to thoroughly clean the surface. You’re
not trying to scrub the adhesive but just wet the invisible fibers that have been deposited from your
cutting materials and get them released from the glue.
oRinse well, shake off excess water, and place sticky side down onto a bath towel.
oThoroughly dry the non-sticky side of the mat with another towel.
oPull the mat up and the sticky side should now be dry enough for immediate use. Test by making
sure the mat will stick to your hand.
•While washing with soap and water should revive the original adhesive, you can add more adhesive if
necessary:
Virtually any repositionable adhesive may be used on the cutting mat. Some of the popular choices
include: Krylon Easy Tack, Aleene's Tack It Over and Over (view the video at the start of this section),
Crafter's Companion Stick and Spray, Zig 2 Way Glue with wide tip, Craft Smart Off 'N On, and Scotch
Repositionable Craft Stick. There’s another spray adhesive, Scotch Super 77, which does not leave a
sticky surface but is excellent for stabilizing paper and cardstock.
If you are cutting thicker materials, such as oil board or styrene, then you may want to experiment with a
stronger adhesive and use painter’s tape to secure the material to the mat. If you are cutting thin paper,
then you may want to experiment with a lighter adhesive.
Mat
Material
Perfect Length Too Long Too Short

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With most repositionable adhesives, you can control the tackiness based on the amount applied. Thus,
always add a little bit at a time. As mentioned above, if you add too much, just apply a layer or two of
cotton fibers by pressing with a bath towel.
•Other reported methods for cleaning mats:
Use a plastic scraper (an old credit card will suffice) to scrape off any random material pieces remaining
on the mat after a cut.
For finer particles of paper or lint, you can use a lint roller. Tear off a sheet and then press down and pull
up across the surface of the mat to clean in sections. Baby wipes can accomplish the same task.
To completely remove adhesive from the mat, apply Goo Gone, Duck Adhesive Remover, or Avon’s Skin
So Soft Bath Oil across the surface. Allow a minute to soak in and then scrape off with a sharp metal
spatula. Repeat, as necessary, until the mat is thoroughly clean and no longer sticky. Wash, dry, and
then add any repositionable adhesive.
•When necessary, the rubber wheels and the grit shafts may be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol or Un-Du.
Apply the cleaner to a clean lint-free rag and rub the entire wheel and/or grit shaft until free of adhesive.
1.8 Pinch Wheels
•The levers on each pinch wheel are used to raise the wheels for loading the material and/or mat and lower
the pinch wheels for cutting.
•Lift up an invididual lever to raise that pinch wheel:
•Note that for a pinch wheel to grip properly, it must be positioned over a grit shaft. To facilitate alignment,
note the white rectangles positioned along the horizontal bar behind the blade carriage. With the levers in
the up position, slide the pinch wheels along the bar, as needed:
•When using the cutting mat, it is recommended that the material be placed in the middle of the mat and the
mat placed roughly in the middle of the cutter. Then use the second and fourth pinch wheel locations for
two pinch wheels. This keeps the pinch wheels off the material and provides an equal balance while the mat
moves in and out during cutting:
Wheels should be centered over grit
shafts which are directly below the
white rectangles
Pinch wheel is in
the up position.
Pinch wheel is in
the down position.

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•Note that if your material is very wide, then it is fine to have the pinch wheels over the material. However,
you may need to be extra careful when removing any cut shapes or waste material in those locations.
1.9 Control Panel
•When you first power on the EV24, the following SPEED and FORCE Screen or Home Screen will be
displayed after several seconds:
•The functions of the buttons on this control panel are:
RECUT: Recuts the last completed job which is stored in the EV24’s memory.
UDISK: Opens the UDISK window allowing access to files on a USB thumb drive plugged into the
EV24’s USB Flash Drive port. Files must be saved in .PLT format to appear in the menu (See Sections
2.2.3 and 2.2.4 for details).
MENU: Opens a menu of additional functions (See Section 1.9.1 for details). It can also be pressed in
other modes to return to the SPEED and FORCE Screen.
FS:Press this button once and the SPEED and FORCE settings will light up indicating you are in FS set
mode. The X- and X+ buttons can now be used to change the SPEED. The Y- and Y+ buttons can be
used to change the FORCE. (See Sections 3.3.1 and 3.3.2).
TEST: Press the TEST button to cut a small square. This is recommended to ensure a clean cut is
achieved with the current settings before proceeding with a cut job.
PAUSE: Pressing this button will pause the cutting process in case any changes need to be made.
Pressing again will resume the cut.
X and Y and OK buttons are used in the following ways:
oThe X- and X+ buttons move the carriage left and right, while the Y+ and Y- buttons move the grit
rollers. This allows you to start cutting anywhere on the media (i.e., establish an origin).
oAs mentioned above, these same buttons will change the SPEED and FORCE settings when the
FS button has been activated. Pressing OK (or repressing FS) will then deactivate FS mode.
Middle two pinch wheels
are placed under 2nd
and 4th white rectangles
Pinch wheels are approx. the
same distance from the
outside edges of the cutting
mat

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oIn some of the other control panel screens, the Xand Ybuttons will be used to select other options
and the OK button will accept these options or changes in settings.
1.9.1 Menu
•Pressing the MENU button provides access to the following five options:
WIFI: Connect the EV24 to your home or office router for wireless connectivity (refer to Section 2.2.2).
Scale: This setting is used to input the sizing calibration (refer to Section 3.8).
Advance mode: Three options for where the blade holder moves at the end of a cut:
oTo Start: return the blade holder to the origin (the location immediately before the cut was started)
oTo End: advance the blade holder to the top of the completed cut with the option to move an
additional distance (or retract)
oTo Left: advance the blade holder to the left of the completed cut with the option to move an
additional distance (or retract)
Language: This screen offers a choice of three languages: Mandarin, English, and Spanish. You can
choose one of these for the language in which all settings and menu communication are displayed.
System: This screen displays hardware and firmware versions, Baud rate, and other settings that
should need no adjustment unless directed by a Skycut technical representative.
1.10 Maintenance
Skycut machines do not require any kind of lubrication or routine checks. However, here are a few things to
keep in mind for successful operation of your cutter:
•Keep the pinch wheels clean. Depending on the adhesive being used on the cutting mat, it’s possible for the
pinch wheels to become sticky and pick up small pieces of cardstock or other material being cut. This can
lead, in some cases, to the mat skewing or ruining materials during subsequent cuts. To clean the pinch
wheels, use a lint-free cloth and an adhesive remover such as isopropyl alcohol or Un-Du to clean the pinch
wheels thoroughly.
1. Select from
three options
2. Enter extra
feed length, if
applicable
Y- / Y+ move up/down
menu
X-
/ X+: change
selection

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•Keep the grit shafts clean. Equally important as the pinch wheels, the grift shafts beneath the cutting mat
should also be free of adhesive and tiny bits of material. They can be cleaned the same way as the pinch
wheels. Note: Do not pour cleaner onto a grit shaft. Instead, dab some adhesive remover onto a lint-free
cloth and then use the damp cloth to clean the shafts. You can also use tweezers to remove any material or
adhesive that is stuck to a shaft.
•Keep the cutting mat clean and sticky. As mentioned in the Section 1.7.5, the cutting mat can be washed
with soap and water to remove small invisible pieces of material which are reducing the tackiness of the
cutting mat. After drying, you can add more repositionable adhesive, if needed.
•Check your blade holder, as needed. If suddenly you cannot get a clean cut, check the blade holder for any
tiny slivers of material that may have been caught up by the blade and fed up inside the blade holder.
•If you cut vinyl or other backed materials regularly, you may need to replace the cutting strip at some point.
You will be able to tell based on seeing deep cuts in the strip and an inconsistency in the cutting. Contact
your dealer for information on obtaining a replacement.
1.11 Other Useful Tools and Supplies
•The following list has items you may or may not need while enjoying your Skycut. These are suggestions
based on twelve years of collecting information from other cutter owners:
Brayer or Rolling Pin: (1) to apply lint from a towel onto an overly sticky mat (2) to press materials
evenly onto a mat for cutting
Post-It Notes: (1) for setting blade/tool tip height above a material (2) for draw and cut applications
Old Fluffy Bath Towel: (1) to dry a washed mat (2) to apply an invisible layer of lint onto an overly-
sticky mat
Dishwashing Soap: (1) to remove visible and invisible fibers from the mat, thus renewing the adhesive
(2) to clean the mat well before adding more adhesive
Soft Brush: (1) to gently remove waste scraps during the washing of a mat. Refer to Section 1.7.5.
Artist Palette Knife: (1) to gently remove cut shapes from a mat (2) to scrape off small waste pieces
from a mat
Blue Painter’s Tape: (1) to tape around the edges of thicker materials that might slip during cutting
Repositionable Adhesives: (1) to add more adhesive to a cutting mat (most any brand or type can be
used, provided it is repositionable). Refer to Section 1.7.5 for suggestions and instructions.
Adhesive Removers: (1) to completely strip a cutting mat of adhesive (2) to disarm adhesive long
enough to remove large scraps of material that will not peel off
Lint-free Cloth: (1) for dusting off your cutter and cleaning pinch wheels and grit shafts
Awl or Paper Piercer (or other sharp pointed tool): (1) to pick or lift out a test cut to verify results
Stabilizers: A stabilizer is an adhesive material that is applied to the bottom of the material you are
cutting so that cleaner cuts can be achieved. The stabilizer works in one or more of the following ways –
(1) provides firmer contact with the cutting mat (2) provides a final layer that does not need to be cut if
the stabilizer will be removed after cutting (3) prevent some slightly-elastic materials from being
stretched by the blade. Recommended stabilizers include freezer paper, Thermo-web Heat n’ Bond,
and Steam-a-Seam 2.
Double-sided Tape: (1) For securing metal tags or charms to the cutting mat for engraving
Non-slip Shelf Liner: (1) To place under cardstock and other material when embossing

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2. SignMaster
2.0 Quick Reference for This Chapter
•How to download and set up SignMaster: Section 2.1
•How to set up communication between a computer and Skycut: Section 2.2
•How to use the USB Flash Drive feature: Section 2.2.3
2.1 Installing the Software
2.1.1 Installing SignMaster from a Download
•Once you have purchased a registration for SignMaster, the software can be downloaded from the following
link. It’s important to use this link so that the Skycut will be installed as the cutter of choice. You will need
your Product Serial Number that was sent to you. Since you’ll also need this number every time you
update the software, keep this number in a safe place.
https://signmaster.software/smc.htm
•Note where the file will be saved on your computer so that you can later browse to that folder and launch the
.exe file which has been downloaded. Follow the steps in the following Section 2.1.2, starting with Step (4).
2.1.2 Installing SignMaster from a CD
(1) Remove the CD from the case and insert into the CD ROM drive on your computer.
(2) The downloaded file is in.exe format, thus ready to launch.
(3) If Windows Autorun does not initiate a welcome screen, use Explorer to locate and click on the DVD drive
letter for your computer. Double click on the Welcome file and the following window will open:
(4) Click on Install Software and wait for the installation program to open. Select the language you prefer:
(5) Read and accept the license agreement:
Click on Install Software
Select preferred language
and click on
OK

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(6) Enter the Product Serial Number which should have been sent to you by email when you purchased
SignMaster. Note that since you will need this same number any time you update the software, keep it in a
safe place:
(7) Read and accept a second license agreement and then verify the destination for installing SignMaster:
Enter the 20-digit PSN
provided when you
purchased SignMaster
and click on
Next
Read the agreement, click
on the accept option and
click on Next
Note where the program
will be installed and click
on Next

17
(8) Select your preferred Units but note that it can easily be switched once the software is open:
(9) Select Skycut EV24 (or the model you have purchased) from the drop-down menu:
(10) In the next window, you’ll have the option to create a desktop icon and install a thumbnail previewer. Both
are recommended.
Select preferred Units
and click on
Next
Select Skycut EV24 and
click on
Next
Select preferred options
and click on
Next

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(11) At this point, files will be extracted and installed. Wait for the Installation Complete message and click on
OK:
(12) Then the final Finish message will appear and you can choose to open SignMaster or wait:
•If you run into any issues installing or activating the program, please visit this link:
http://www.iifuture.net/faq/index.php?action=show&cat=44
•You may wish to periodically visit the link provided for SignMaster at the beginning of Section 2.1.1 to
download and install any new updates.
2.2 Connecting the Skycut to Your Computer
•Place your Skycut on a sturdy horizontal surface. If using the cutting mat, be sure to allow enough free room
in both the front and the back for the mat to extend during cutting.
•Powering On:
Plug the power cord into a wall outlet or power strip. Connect the power cord to the Skycut on the left
side end cap.
Turn on the power using the power button that is also on the left side end cap. After several seconds,
the light inside the Skycut will turn on and the blade carriage will do a slight jog.
•You have four options for sending files and information from your computer to the Skycut:
Direct USB using the included USB cable
Wi-Fi –adding the Skycut to a home/office network that is also accessed by your computer
Wireless Standalone –connecting wirelessly to your computer
UDISK - Exporting PLT files from SignMaster onto a USB flash drive and then loading those files using
the control panel on the Skycut.
Click on OK
Click on Finish
Leave checked if you wish to
open SignMaster now

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•Review the information in the following table to understand the differences between these options. Note that
implementing any of these options does not preclude you from changing to another one, as needed.
Connection Options for the Skycut
Option USB Wireless to Network (Wi-Fi) Wireless Stand-Alone UDISK (USB Flash Drive)
Description
The Skycut is connected to the
computer via a USB cable
The Skycut is wirelessly
connected to a network router
The Skycut is wirelessly
connected to the computer.
Files are saved in PLT format
from design software to a USB
flash drive
Requirements USB cable (included)
Wireless network router and
knowledge of router's name
and password
Computer must have wireless
capability
USB flash drive
Pros
Easy to install; Reliable and fast
form of communication.
Skycut can be located
anywhere within range of the
router; Other computers can cut
to the Skycut
Skycut can be located
anywhere within range of the
computer; Other computers can
cut to the Skycut
Skycut can be located
anywhere
Cons
Skycut is physically connected
to the computer; Cannot be
accessed by other computers
at the same time
Requires more steps to set up;
Some routers may require
setting changes in order to
work with the Skycut
Computer is now connected to
the Skycut, thus no wireless
access to the Internet or to
other wireless devices
More steps due to saving and
then loading the file; Cannot
adjust size and certain cut
settings once saved
•The following sections present what steps are required for three of the connections. For Wireless Stand-
alone, which is not commonly used, refer to Appendix B. If you run into connectivity issues with any of
these options, please contact your dealer.
2.2.1 USB Connection
•Plug the small square end of the USB cable into the right end cap of the EV24. Plug the USB end into an
available USB port on your computer.
•In SignMaster, click on the Cut, Plot & Engrave Tools icon (6th from the left on the upper middle
task bar) and select Vinyl Spooler. In the window which opens, click on the Connection tab.
•Verify that Skycut EV24 (or the model you have purchased) is selected under Current Cutter. If not, select
it from the drop-down menu. Under Port Type, select Direct USB Port. In the drop-down menu next to USB
Port, select an option that contains the word “skycut”:
Should read
Skycut EV24
(or the model
you have
purchased)
Select Direct USB
Port
Look for and select an
option with “skycut” in
the name

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•If a USB Port option cannot be located, verify the connection at both the cutter and on the computer. Once
connected, click on Done at the bottom of the window.
2.2.2 Connecting the EV24 to a Wi-Fi Network
•For initial setup using the Wi-Fi option, you may need to place the cutter in the same room or in close
proximity to the Wi-Fi router. This will create a stronger connection and faster Wi-Fi network configuration.
Once the connection is set, you can move the cutter around within the limits of your router’s coverage area.
•You will need the name of the network and the password.
•On the control panel,press the MENU button, select WIFI, and press OK. The following screen appears,
although initially yours will have more blank fields:
•Work in order downwards, starting with SSID:
(1) Use the Ybuttons to highlight SSID in blue. Then press OK and the EV24 will begin scanning for
available networks. This may take a minute before a menu of networks appears. Select the network you
wish to use (should match what your computer is using) and press OK.
(2) Use the Y- button to move down to PassWord and press OK. A screen resembling a keyboard will
appear. Use the Xand Ybuttons to move to appropriate keys in order to enter your network’s password,
pressing the OK button to add a character to the display of your password. Note that the AB key will
toggle to upper case keys, if needed. The button in the lower right will delete the last character showing.
When your correct password appears in the display, move to the OK key, and press it.
(3) Use the Y- button to move down to IP Address. The first three sets of values will be obtained from your
network but will continue to be displayed with the letter “x.”Use the X+ or X–buttons to set the last digits
of the IP Address you wish to use. Press OK.
(4) Use the Y- button to move down to Apply and press OK. Wait a minute or two and the IP Address will
then appear in the orange strip at the top of the display. Your EV24 is now a connected device on your
network.
1. Start with SSID
3. Select IP Address
2. Enter Password
4. Click Apply
Press OK to
open additional
screens