Sunrise Electronic Technology Skycut Series User manual

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Skycut Series V with Corel Draw Plugin
March 16, 2023
Do NOT read this entire manual… unless you want to.
•At the start of Chapters 1 - 3 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 Corel Draw
and learning the ins and outs of cutting.
•Chapter 3 is for those owners wanting to perform print and cut (contour cut) applications.
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.
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.
________________________________________________________________
© 2018-2023 Sunrise Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved

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Table of Contents
SKYCUT SERIES V WITH COREL DRAW PLUGIN ...........................................1
1. INTRODUCTION AND SETTING UP.............................................................................................................4
1.00QUICK REFERENCE FOR THIS CHAPTER ......................................................................................................4
1.01SUPPORT.................................................................................................................................................4
1.02SAFETY AND WARNINGS............................................................................................................................4
1.03WARRANTY..............................................................................................................................................5
1.04UNPACKING .............................................................................................................................................5
1.05CONTENTS...............................................................................................................................................5
1.06PARTS OF THE SKYCUT .............................................................................................................................6
Front...........................................................................................................................................................6
Right Side...................................................................................................................................................7
Left Side.....................................................................................................................................................7
Back...........................................................................................................................................................7
1.07ACCESSORIES ..........................................................................................................................................8
1.07.1 Assembling the Skycut Stand (optional) ...........................................................................................8
1.07.2 Tables..............................................................................................................................................8
1.07.3 Test Pen..........................................................................................................................................9
1.07.4 Skycut Blades..................................................................................................................................9
1.07.5 Blade Installation............................................................................................................................10
1.08PREPARING AND CARING FOR THE CUTTING MAT .......................................................................................11
1.08.1 Tips on Using the Cutting Mat ........................................................................................................11
1.08.2 Cleaning and Replenishing the Cutting Mat....................................................................................11
1.09PINCH WHEELS ......................................................................................................................................12
1.09.1 Raising and Lowering.....................................................................................................................12
1.09.2 Pinch Wheel Locations...................................................................................................................13
1.10CONTROL PANEL ....................................................................................................................13
1.10.1 Set Screen.....................................................................................................................................14
1.11INSTALLING THE COREL DRAW PLUGIN......................................................................................................15
1.12CUT AND SET FUNCTIONS........................................................................................................................16
1.12.1 Cut Icon.........................................................................................................................................16
1.12.2 Set Icon.........................................................................................................................................17
1.13CONNECTING THE SKYCUT TO YOUR COMPUTER ........................................................................17
1.13.1 USB Connection ...........................................................................................................18
1.13.2 Wi-Fi Connection ...........................................................................................................................18
1.13.3 Wireless Stand-Alone.....................................................................................................................21
1.13.4 USB Flash Drive ...........................................................................................................22
1.14TEST DRAW SHAPES...............................................................................................................................25
1.15ADDITIONAL CONTROL PANEL SETTINGS ...................................................................................................28
1.15.1 Advanced Settings.........................................................................................................................29
1.15.2 General Settings............................................................................................................................32
1.15.3 Sys Information..............................................................................................................................33
1.16MAINTENANCE........................................................................................................................................34
1.17OTHER USEFUL TOOLS AND SUPPLIES......................................................................................................34
2. CUTTING ....................................................................................................................................................36
2.00QUICK REFERENCE FOR THIS CHAPTER ....................................................................................................36
2.01WHAT YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT CUTTING..................................................................................36
2.01.1 You Have To Make Mistakes..........................................................................................................36
2.01.2 Record Your Successes.................................................................................................................36
2.01.3 Installing the Blade Holder, Test Pen, or Accessory Tools..............................................................36

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2.01.4 Adjust the Speed, Force, and Number of Passes Based on the Material and Shapes .....................38
2.01.5 Perform Test Cuts!.........................................................................................................................38
2.01.6 Keep the Cutting Mat Clean and Sticky..........................................................................................38
2.01.7 Don’t Get Frustrated, Get Help!......................................................................................................38
2.02CHOICES BEFORE CUTTING .....................................................................................................................38
2.02.1 Controlling Which Shapes Will Cut.................................................................................................38
2.02.2 Controlling Where Shapes Will Cut.................................................................................................39
2.02.3 Controlling the Cut Order ...............................................................................................................41
2.03CUT SETTINGS .......................................................................................................................................42
2.03.1 Force.............................................................................................................................................42
2.03.2 Cut Speed and Up Speed ..............................................................................................................42
2.03.3 Knife Offset (aka Blade Offset).......................................................................................................42
2.03.4 Close (aka Overcut).......................................................................................................................43
2.03.5 Passes...........................................................................................................................................44
2.04PRESETS ...............................................................................................................................................45
2.05SETTING THE ORIGIN BEFORE CUTTING.....................................................................................................47
2.05.1 Setting an Origin Using the Camera...............................................................................................48
2.06OTHER CUT SETTING FUNCTIONS.............................................................................................................49
2.06.1 Advance Mode...............................................................................................................................49
2.06.2 Mirror.............................................................................................................................................50
2.06.3 Dashed / Perforated Cutting...........................................................................................................50
2.07IMPORTANT CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU CUT! ...............................................................................................51
2.08SCALE CALIBRATION ...............................................................................................................................51
2.09TEST CUTTING FLOW CHART FOR THE SKYCUT..........................................................................................54
2.10SETTINGS FORM FOR CUTTING MATERIALS ...............................................................................................55
2.11SUGGESTED SETTINGS FOR VARIOUS MATERIALS ......................................................................................56
3. PRINT AND CUT (CONTOUR CUT)............................................................................................................58
3.00QUICK REFERENCE FOR CHAPTER 3.........................................................................................................58
3.01WHAT IS A PRINT AND CUT (PNC)?..........................................................................................................58
3.02WHAT IS A PNC CALIBRATION?................................................................................................59
3.03CAMERA CALIBRATION PROCEDURE .........................................................................................................59
3.04PERFORMING A PNCFROM COREL DRAW .................................................................................62
3.04.1 Summary of Steps .........................................................................................................................62
3.04.2 Step-by-Step Simple PNC Project..................................................................................................62
3.05INACCURATE CUTS .................................................................................................................................65
3.05.1 Tweaking the Calibration Values....................................................................................................66
3.05.2 Inaccurate Tracings........................................................................................................................67
3.05.3 Incorrect Cut Settings.....................................................................................................................67
3.06REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS...............................................................................................................68
APPENDIX A TROUBLESHOOTING FAQ’S..................................................................................................70
A1COMMUNICATION ISSUES ...........................................................................................................................70
A2OPERATING ISSUES...................................................................................................................................71
A3CUTTING/DRAWING ISSUES ........................................................................................................................72
APPENDIX B ACTIVATING COMMANDS ......................................................................................................76

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1. Introduction and Setting Up
1.00 Quick Reference for This Chapter
•How to download and set up the Corel Draw plugin: Section 1.11
•How to set up communication between a computer and Skycut: Section 1.13
•How to use the control panel: Sections 1.10 and 1.15
•How to adjust the blade holder: Section 1.07.5
•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 1.13.4
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 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: http://www.sky-cut.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
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.
•DO NOT shake the cutter while it is operating.

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•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 - 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 1.08 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:

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# Description Image Quantity
1Power cable 1
2USB Cable 1
360° Blade(blue cap) 1
445° Blade(red cap) 2
5Blade Holder 1
6Test Pen and 1 Refill 1 set
7Cutting Mat 1
1.06 Parts of the Skycut
Front
Alignment Marker
Pinch Wheel
Control Panel
Left
End Cap
Right
End Cap
Blade
Carriage
Ruler
Cutting Strip
(lt. gray)
Grit Shaft (dark
gray and rough)
Blade Holder Seat (Jaw)
Front
Table

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•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, calibrate camera, cut PLT files, and more
•Cutting Strip: protects a blade when cutting backed materials without using a cutting mat
•Front Table: keeps cutting mat supported horizontally
•Grit Shafts (5 on 24” model): 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 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
•Ruler: for measuring and aligning rolled materials
Right Side
Left Side
Back
Reset
Button
USB Flash
Drive Port
USB Port
Pinch Wheel Lever: See
Note
on next page
Pinch wheels
Back Table
•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

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1.07 Accessories
1.07.1 Assembling the Skycut Stand (optional)
•If you purchased the optional stand, please refer to this for detailed instructions on assembling the
stand and mounting the cutter onto it.
1.07.2 Tables
•The following instructions are for the original table design. If the tables you purchase have brackets that are
not part of the table, please watch this video:
•While the two tables attach onto the cutter and do not require any support, you may prefer to not use them,
especially if you are only cutting rolled materials. However, if you are using the cutting mat, the support they
provide will keep the mat horizontal, thus reducing the chance of the mat drooping and causing materials to
separate from the adhesive on the mat.
•The screws required for attaching are already installed in the Skycut. They will be removed and then, after
aligning the holes in the table, replaced to securely attach the table.
•It’s much easier to install if you have a second person available to hold the tables in place while the screws
are being inserted. It is also helpful to have a flashlight shining on the inside of the tables to better see the
holes for alignment.
•The two tables are identical. Start with either the front or the back of the cutter.
•There are a number of screws mounted on the inside of the end caps. The ones to be removed are the
second and third from the bottom. They are also the only two with washers:
•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
•Back Table: keeps cutting mat supported horizontally
Remove these two screws
from right-side end cap
Note: Newer models no
longer have a single lever.
Each pinch wheel has its own
lever to raise and lower.

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•Align the holes in the sides of the table with the holes in the end caps. Note in the following photos how the
flat part of the table is on the outside:
•Insert the screws previously removed through the aligned holes and screw back into place. Then repeat on
the other side of the cutter.
1.07.3 Test Pen
•The test pen should be used until you are comfortable with the operation of your Skycut and know, with
certainty, where images will cut. The test pen should arrive pre-assembled. However, if you want to change
out the insert to the red ink insert, note how the test pen is assembled:
1.07.4 Skycut Blades
•There are three kinds of blades that fit inside the Skycut blade holder:
Red Blue Yellow
Spring goes over the top of the pen insert
and stops at a small ridge on the insert
Remove these two screws
from left-side end cap
Flat part is on the outside
Right side
Left side
These are the screws that are
inserted through the holes in the
table and into the end caps

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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 fabric,
felt, and tint. It has been reported that it also works well with cardstock that has been exposed to
humidity.
•Note that the red capped blade and blue capped blade have a cutback on the opposing side of the blade
(right side, in the earlier photo). This reduces the blade offset value and allows for better detailed cutting of
small shapes.
•Additionally, there are other tools sold separately, including a stand, an engraving tool and a
creasing/scoring tool.
1.07.5 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) 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 really 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.
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 button on top of
holder