Wondering about engravelab - Engraving Etc. Forum

<body> <h1>Full Version: <a href="https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.36">Wondering about engravelab</a></h1><a name="a6713_36"></a><p><b>From: logojohn</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.36">#36</a>]<br /> 24 Apr 2007<br /><b>To: ALL</b></p> <div class="quotetext" id="quote"><b>quote: </b></div><div class="quote">but the most powerful software available.</div><br /> <br /> Roy must be on the road somewhere between Midland and Luckenboch with another blackberry outage or he might have a comment ;-) <br /> <br /> I have to admit I haven't done any in-depth comparison in a long time so maybe things have changed with recent advancements in engraving software. But after using XLG for over 10 years I still find features I didn't know were there.<br /> <br /> Don't even count gravograph out just yet. The rep came by last week and they are rolling out large demo vans across the country shortly for easy on site demos. Especially their gift machine looks like something to consider.<br /> <br /> I am likely wrong (again) but I thought EngraveLab and GravoStyle were software that would only work with one or a few engraver brands. Is there one that will work with all or at least several brands without expensive upgrades to control units etc.<br /> <br /> When our old dahlgrens were rapidly becoming extinct about 10 years ago, I salivated while looking at the engraving magazines with comparisons of features of different systems. I remember Xenetech always had almost every long list of features checked yes with most others way behind. That was a big reason we converted to them way back then not to mention Jeanette's unrelenting headlock and armbar. I also liked the z axis clearance of over an inch without adjusting anything to about 7" by raising the bridge and/or adjusting the spindle vs. the half inch of the dahlgren. With the auto sensing you don't have to continually check settings.<br /> <br /> After being stuck with Dahlgrens that could no longer be upgraded, a big selling point was the continual upgrades so we wouldn't be orphaned again. Some of the major upgrades such as; from 16bit to 32bit software; isa long cards to pci cards and available network connection available now with the viper technology are not free but the cost is far less than replacing the whole system. The first tables have passed 10 years old and have a lot of life left with minimal replacement parts needed with daily brutal use since we use numerous hatch filled logos and truetype fonts that cause rapid back and forth strokes at high speed.<br /> <br /> We got an epilog laser about 8 years ago before Xenetech made them and are still using it on a daily basis. But on the orphan side, they refused to fix some major flaws in the driver they released for winXP such as you could no longer change power and speed as it is lasering and the mapping to speed and power by color doesn't work although<br /> they did add a very useful photo mode which is the bomb on crystal and acrylic. So our second laser is a 9 month old Xenetech. I still have some issues to be resolved with quality and ease of lasering grayscale bitmaps with it vs. the Epilog so the jury is still out overall but for production basic things is wins hands down. I guess I should feel fortunate the Epilog still works well with the original laser tube and no recharging even though $400 worth of bearings and x axis motor need replaced every year.<br /> <br /> With the newer 32 bit xlg version you can have several windows of it open at one time for preparing the next layout, calling up previous layouts or logos for the sales people with customers waiting, making logos, printing sublimation or OEM transfers, exporting to the Xenetech networked laser or direct printing to the Epilog laser.<br /> <br /> there he goes again (devil) <br /> <br /> Some of the biggest time thus money saving features I like about XGW32 for production sake is that it just does things most modern windows applications do. With the old 16 bit version you could only have 8 digit folder and file names and a limited number of files per folder and could not do file management. Now you can have longer names that are easier to recognize except for logo names are still 8. You could not do file management on the fly while viewing folders/files through the program.(rename files, delete files, copy/paste and move files, etc. but it is a little thing that is a big time and convenience saver for me.<br /> <br /> If you are just starting and only have a few repeat customers that is no big deal now but what about a few years from now if you have success. For 35,642 saved job files and over 4,000 engraveable/laserable logos, it is. We have a folder for every customer and several have over 20 departments or branches that order and I can find most :-& jobs right away for a busy customer in a hurry that wants to see it. I also save by product code so creating a new layout for anybody is faster than starting from scratch.<br /> <br /> Did I beat Rodney's record for longest post yet or should I keep going?<br /> (OK Don Imus, I'll take your word for it since you have good judgment, I'll continue . . . 8-O )<br /> <br /> I think Chuck finally gets it.(Cody, you're next) He is using another engraving software but I bet almost any engraving specific software is superior to coreldraw and much quicker for doing most layouts on awards and many things people use lasers for as well as rotary engravers IF you get assimilated or learn to use it. Resistance is futile.<br /> <br /> I pretty much gave up on most everybody else. Maybe with the launch of the paid forum there will be some spare funds to buy some extra hair extensions for that grass skirt of Chuck's . If someone opens doors on both sides of that beach party room at once and creates a draft he may replace Brittany Spears on utube as the most "revealing video". . . but I digress ??? is the spell checking working yet?<br /> <br /> Maybe I am too old school. But I dread using coreldraw for layouts and rarely do even for the laser. That is what I have been trying to convince people of. Most people must have time to waste trying to tweak coreldraw to do what it wasn't designed to do or don't know any better.<br /> People who have figured it out are likely too busy making money to agree. ;-) . . . using powerful engraving software software to run the laser to. <hr /><a name="a6713_37"></a><p><b>From: Tony (ANTE)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.37">#37</a>]<br /> 24 Apr 2007<br /><b>To: logojohn</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.36">#36</a>] 24 Apr 2007</p> <p>Logojohn,</p> <p>Just like you, I to love to work with XWG software. One thing I miss is spellchecker that was part of original package and it had included French and German spellcheck option along with English and American English. With newer upgrades I can't access them any more.<br /> Have you had at any point French and German spellchecker on your system? I belive it has been dropped in version 4 or 5. It would come handy on numerous occasions.</p> <p>Tony</p><hr /><a name="a6713_38"></a><p><b>From: logojohn</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.38">#38</a>]<br /> 24 Apr 2007<br /><b>To: Tony (ANTE)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.37">#37</a>] 24 Apr 2007</p> <p>I don't remember ever engraving an award with French or German.<br /> I have a regular customer who uses Laotian and just did my first in Chinese.<br /> Down here in "Tejas" a Spanish spell check would be very useful.<br /> My biggest complaint is some of the XLG engraving fonts that don't have some of the tildas and accented letters that are common in Spanish.</p> <p>I had a couple years of Spanish in high school but still have trouble figuring out the scribbling some people give us.</p> <p>Have you every tried or do you use XGW to run the Universal laser or will it work?</p><p class="edit_text">EDITED: 24 Apr 2007 by LOGOJOHN</p> <hr /><a name="a6713_39"></a><p><b>From: Tony (ANTE)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.39">#39</a>]<br /> 24 Apr 2007<br /><b>To: logojohn</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.38">#38</a>] 24 Apr 2007</p> <p>Logojohn, yes I do run Universal laser from XWG all the time.<br /> I find it lot easier to set-up panel layuots in XWG vs. Coreldraw. Using simple drawing tools and place them in x, y coordinates quick and easy.</p> <p>Tony</p><hr /><a name="a6713_40"></a><p><b>From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.40">#40</a>]<br /> 24 Apr 2007<br /><b>To: logojohn</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.36">#36</a>] 24 Apr 2007</p> <div class="quotetext" id="quote"><b>quote: </b></div><div class="quote">I salivated while looking at the engraving magazines with comparisons of features of different systems.</div><br /> <br /> John,<br /> <br /> I bet you are a lot of fun at a party. ( insert laugh here) <hr /><a name="a6713_41"></a><p><b>From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.41">#41</a>]<br /> 24 Apr 2007<br /><b>To: Fred (FREDQ1E)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.35">#35</a>] 24 Apr 2007</p> <div class="quotetext" id="quote"><b>quote: </b></div><div class="quote">There is a training video that takes you thru much of the program avaialable. I can procure this for you. </div><br /> <br /> How much is it? <br /> <br /> Also, my vision rep told me you have an adapter for the chip collector vacuum hose, that would take it up to a shop vac size. I could not download your online catalog because at the end of the download it said, file does not exist.......sigh....<br /> <br /> Thanks again for your input regarding engravelab....it will get used....it has too, but I do not know if it will ever replace Corel for me....maybe one day. <br /> <br /> I uninstalled v6.1 when I got v7.1 since I never used it......my rep says I should put it back on the machine and start to run my laser from it. I guess the question is why can't I run my laser from v7.1? Something to do with the dongle?<br /> <br /> And finally just what IS a dongle and what does it do? Why is it necessary?<br /> <br /> Thanks<p class="edit_text">EDITED: 24 Apr 2007 by C_BURKE</p> <hr /><a name="a6713_42"></a><p><b>From: Fred (FREDQ1E)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.42">#42</a>]<br /> 24 Apr 2007<br /><b>To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.41">#41</a>] 24 Apr 2007</p> <p>C_Burke,</p> <p>A dongle is a plug that either plugs into your parallel port or more currently a usb port. It cost a few dollars to get a usb dongle but are much better and aften required if running XP.</p> <p>My chip system uses a 6 gallon cannister rather than 1 gal std. It is something you could duplicate. I got no patent on using a big o area of empty space. Probably should have. Would own Rancho Cucamonga. HaHa</p> <p>Please email me off this site for other stuff. I would rather not use this site as a selling means.</p> <p>Often information, advise and products go hand in hand but I know I would not want a sales ad associated with input.</p> <p>I will look into the possible download bug. grrrrrrrrr</p> <p><a href="mailto:Fred@q1engravers.com">Fred@q1engravers.com</a></p><hr /><a name="a6713_43"></a><p><b>From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.43">#43</a>]<br /> 24 Apr 2007<br /><b>To: Fred (FREDQ1E)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.42">#42</a>] 24 Apr 2007</p> <p>Hi Fred,</p> <p>I guess I should have phrased my question differently. </p> <p>I know what a dongle is physically....I just don't understand the point....Corel doesn't use one.....what is it's purpose?</p> <p><br /> I'll be in touch.</p> <hr /><a name="a6713_44"></a><p><b>From: Peter</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.44">#44</a>]<br /> 24 Apr 2007<br /><b>To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.43">#43</a>] 24 Apr 2007</p> <p>Its purpose is to stop the software being thieved for other people to use.<br /> Or even yourself.</p> <p>Your software will not operate without one.</p> <p>Dongle= Key, but for only one computer, you want more, they cost you more. <br /> $1,000 is not out of the question.</p> <p>regards</p> <p>Peter</p> <hr /><a name="a6713_45"></a><p><b>From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.45">#45</a>]<br /> 25 Apr 2007<br /><b>To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.43">#43</a>] 25 Apr 2007</p> Basically a dongle is a piece of hardware used for software copy protection. The software won't run unless it sees that you have the dongle, so it knows you have the right to use the software. <hr /><a name="a6713_46"></a><p><b>From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.46">#46</a>]<br /> 25 Apr 2007<br /><b>To: Dave Jones (DAVERJ)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.45">#45</a>] 25 Apr 2007</p> Is it device specific? In other words, can I run both my laser and rotary engraver from it? <hr /><a name="a6713_47"></a><p><b>From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.47">#47</a>]<br /> 25 Apr 2007<br /><b>To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.46">#46</a>] 25 Apr 2007</p> <p>That would be up to the software. Basically the software checks to see if the dongle is there and if it is then the software does whatever the software does. If no dongle, then the software stops running or might go into a demo mode (again, that's up to whoever wrote the software).</p> <p>There's no specific thing that a dongle allows or not. It's simply a special piece of hardware that software designed to recognize it can then check for it and recognize it.</p> <p>Dongles usually have some encrypted number stored in them that relates to whatever company or software it is used for. So a dongle supplied by, for example, Newtek to use with Lightwave 3D software is useless to run Vision engraving software, even if the dongle is manufactured by the same dongle maker and looks exactly the same. It's internal encrypted number is different so the software doesn't recognize it.</p> <hr /><a name="a6713_48"></a><p><b>From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.48">#48</a>]<br /> 25 Apr 2007<br /><b>To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.46">#46</a>] 25 Apr 2007</p> <p>That all depends on the software.</p> <p>I know of one dongle that will allow you to run all one companies machines from it. But when the code is changed it can run many, but not all, machines from different companies.</p> <p>It all depends on what the writers want to protect and what they want to allow.</p><p class="edit_text">EDITED: 25 Apr 2007 by HARVEY-ONLY</p> <hr /><p align="center">Show messages:  <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.1">1-15</a>  <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=6713.16">16-35</a>  36-48</p> <h4><a href="lthread_list.php?webtag=EE">Back to thread list</a> | <a href="llogout.php?webtag=EE">Login</a></h4> <h6>© 2024 <a href="http://www.beehiveforum.net/" target="_blank">Project Beehive Forum</a></h6> </body>