230/2430 Users Manual

If your cutter communication ports look like this:

cutter use this users manual. Graphic i-TECH users manual

If your cutter communication ports look like this:

use this users manual.

tmc/mmc i-TECH users manual

Title: TMC/MMC error codes

If your cutter communication port looks like this

use this manual

230 i-TECH users manual

230 MEDIA Loading

230/2430 Remote Panel Program Installation

The Remote Panel Programs allow accessing the functions of the Allen Datagraph cutters from the computer instead of the front panel of the machine. The Remote Panel programs include the firmware for the machine. Allen Datagraph recommends that if you are not having any problems with your cutter that you do not upgrade your firmware. Only install the Remote Panel Program. You should only update the firmware after consulting Tech Support. The build number of the Remote Panel Program must match the build number of the firmware in your cutter. You can find the firmware build number on your cutter by installing one of the builds, then click on setup -> main menu on the installed program. If the build numbers do not match, download and install the correct remote panel. If you need older versions of the remote panel, Please click here to request the version you need.

If you have a machine with a serial number greater than P6625, firmware version 1.87 or later and your cutter was manufactured after April of 2000 you can probably upgrade your firmware following the links shown below. If you have an earlier machine you must call Allen Datagraph to determine if there is an update available.

Note: Upgrading firmware can cause undesirable effects if the new firmware does not support your old hardware. Be sure you have your old firmware install available so you can go back to it if the new firmware does not work correctly. If you need your old firmware install and do not have the media that came with your machine, 
Please click here to send a request for the firmware you need.

If your cutter communication ports look like this

use this remote panel.


Firmware upgrades require factory assistance.
Please click here to send a support request to see if there is an upgrade available.

If your cutter communication port looks like this, use this remote panel.


2xx/3xx or 24 button build 2.47b Latest version 10-2-7
2xx/3xx or 24 button build 2.47a Stable Tested 3-20-6

Title: TMC/MMC error codes
Cutters made prior to 12/28/2001 have an older version of the remote panel.

This panel only works on older machines. It may allow you to control your old cutter from your PC without changing its firmware. This panel only supports Windows ME, 98 and 95 operating systems and only supports COM1-4. No support is available for this panel. Provided as-is without warranty.
Old Allen Remote Panel

Title: Installing a Firmware and/or Remote Panel Upgrade
Abstract: This procedure details the firmware or Remote Panel upgrade procedure. Normally firmware is only sent to customers when a software problem is reported that has been fixed in a later version of the software.
Last update 9-2-4

230/2430 Technical Support Bulletins

Title: Setup for Window XP/2000 to Eliminate E56, E57, E58 Errors
Abstract: Windows XP default for communications port connected to cutter causes E56, E57 & E58 errors. You need to change this default before the cutter will operate properly. This bulletin also gives general troubleshooting tips for diagnosing the cause of system level communication errors. There is also a "How To"  on clearing jobs from the print queue.


Last update 4-2-4

Title: Display HPGL file contents Build 8
Abstract: This program reads an HPGL file and displays/prints the graphic image that it represents. It also converts the file to a format that is easy for Microsoft Excel to read and graph. The Excel file is written to c:/Program Files/Allen Datagraph/Display HPGL/HpglOutput before combine.xls  during the display processing of the file. To graph using Excel, install Microsoft Excel. Open the file with Excel by double clicking on the file name after locating it with Windows Explorer. Then select columns A & B. Click on View -> Tools -> Chart. Use the graphing tool to generate a scatter plot. A new feature for build 6 is digitizing and sending jobs with an origin, skew, and scale.

Last update 5-21-3. Size: 953,184 bytes


How to Install: Download File, Run Setup, Start, Programs, Allen Datagraph, Display HPGL

Title: Manual Contour Cutting without SmartMark Option
Abstract: This TSB shows how to send a contour cut to the cutter with CorelDraw. This requires a digitizing site and firmware dated later that 1-24-03. E.g. All i-TECH cutters and Allen cutters with firmware version 2.17 or later.

Last update 3-20-6


Example files used in this document

Title: No Communications to Cutter
Abstract: This TSB is written to help users debug communication problems where the cutter appears to ignore everything the computer sends to the cutter. In this document it is assumed that the cutter is connected to the COM port of your computer.
Last update 10-17-3

Title: Calibration to Size (i960 and MMC (serial numbers ending with M)) Calibration to Size  (TMC serial number ends with T )
Abstract: This TSB is written to help users calibrate the size of objects cut to be the same as indicated by the artwork design program.
Last update 8-15-3

Title: Technical Adjustments to Restore Cut Quality to Normal
Abstract: If cut quality is not as good as when you received your machine there are several mechanical adjustments that can be checked that affect the quality of the objects drawn by the cutter.
Last Update 11-13-5

Using the controlled depth adjustment
Abstract: This support bulletin shows the usage of the controlled depth knife holder to allow cutting very thin materials. You would need to use this procedure when higher forces cut through the backer in places and not through the material in other places.
Last update 5-4-4

Electrical Test for Encoder (cutter/dfs)
Abstract: This TSB describes a procedure to test the encoders on motors used by Allen Datagraph. You can use this test if you suspect the encoder on your motor is malfunctioning.
Last Update 10-4-4

Title: Upgrade procedure from rev 1 to rev 3 servo control board
Abstract: In June of 2004 Allen Datagraph released the rev 3 servo control board. This procedure describes the steps to be taken if you need to install a rev 3 servo control board in your cutter and you had a rev 1 servo control board.
Last Update 1-7-5

Hot Tip Technical Support Bulletins

Title: using cross over lan cable
Abstract: The default IP address in build 8 software for MMC causes crossover connection between PC and MMC cutters to malfunction. Changing the IP address in the MMC to a non-APIPA address, allows reconnection by Windows software without rebooting Windows operating system.

Setup for Window XP/2000 to Eliminate E56, E57, E58 Errors
Abstract: The Windows XP default for the communications port connected to the cutter, causes E56, E57 & E58 errors. You need to change this default before the cutter will operate properly. This bulletin also gives general troubleshooting tips for diagnosing the cause of system level communication errors.  There is also a "How To" on clearing jobs from the print queue.
Last update 4-2-4

Title: Display HPGL file contents Build 8
Abstract: This program reads an HPGL file and displays/prints the graphic image that it represents. It also converts the file to a format that is easy for Microsoft Excel to read and graph. The Excel file is written to c:/Program Files/Allen Datagraph/Display HPGL/HpglOutput_before combine.xls during the display processing of the file. To graph using Excel, Install Microsoft Excel. Open the file with Excel by double clicking on the filename after locating it with Windows explorer. Then select columns A,B. Click on View, Tools, Chart. Use the graphing tool to generate a scatter plot. New Feature build 6 digitize and send job with origin, skew, and scale. Last update 5-21-3. Size: 953,184 bytes
How to install: Download file, Run Setup, Start, Programs, Allen Datagraph, Display HPGL

Title: Manual Contour Cutting without SmartMark Option
Abstract: This TSB shows how to send a contour cut to the cutter with CorelDraw. Requires digitizing site and firmware dated later that 1-24-03. E.g. All i-TECH cutters and Allen cutters with firmware version 2.17 or later
Last update 3-20-6
Example files used in this document

Title: Recommended USB devices
Abstract: The following USB to Serial Port devices have been tested with Allen Datagraph Cutters and found to work with the Cutter Driver and other cad systems. Also a list of serial and usb-serial cards that do not work.
Last update 7-14-4

Title: No Communications to Cutter
Abstract: This TSB is written to help users debug communication problems where the cutter appears to ignore everything the computer sends to the cutter. In this document it is assumed that the cutter is connected to the COM port of your computer.
Last update 10-17-3

Title:  Calibration to Size  (Graphic Serial Number ends with G)
 Calibration to Size  (Classic serial number ends with T)
Calibration to Size (i960 and mmc (serial numbers end with M))
Abstract: This TSB is written to help users calibrate the size of objects cut to be the same as indicated by the artwork design program.
Last update 8-15-3

Mechanical Adjustments to Restore Cut Quality to Normal
Abstract: If cut quality is not as good as when you received your machine there are several mechanical adjustments that can be checked that affect the quality of the objects drawn by the cutter.
Last Update 11-13-5

Using the controlled depth adjustment
Abstract: This support bulletin shows the usage of the controlled depth knife holder to allow cutting very thin materials. You would need to use this procedure when higher forces cut through the backer in places and not cut through the material in other places.
Last update 5-4-4

Electrical Test for Encoder (cutter/dfs)
Abstract: This TSB describes a procedure to test the encoders on motors used by Allen Datagraph. You can use this test if you suspect the encoder on your motor is malfunctioning.
Last Update 10-4-4

Upgrade procedure from rev 1 to rev 3 servo control board
Abstract: in June of 2004 Allen Datagraph released the rev 3 servo control board. This procedure describes the steps to be taken if you need to install a rev 3 scb in your cutter and you had a rev 1 scb.
Last Update 1-7-5

Magnetic Sign Users Manual and Remote Panel

Magnetic Sign Technical Support Bulletins

Title: using cross over lan cable
Abstract: Default IP address in build 8 software for MMC causes crossover connection between PC and MMC cutters to malfunction. Changing the IP address in the MMC to a non-APIPA address, allows reconnection by windows software without rebooting windows operating system.

Setup for Window XP/2000 to Eliminate E56, E57, E58 Errors
Abstract: Windows XP default for communications port connected to cutter causes E56, E57, E58 errors. You need to change this default before cutter will operate properly. This bulletin also gives general trouble shooting tips for diagnosing the cause of system level communication errors. Also a How To on clearing jobs from the print queue.
Last update 4-2-4

Title: Display HPGL file contents Build 8
Abstract: This program reads an HPGL file and displays/prints the graphic image that it represents. It also converts the file to a format that is easy for Microsoft Excel to read and graph. The Excel file is written to c:/Program Files/Allen Datagraph/Display HPGL/HpglOutput before combine.xls during the display processing of the file. To graph using Excel, Install Microsoft Excel. Open the file with Excel by double clicking on the filename after locating it with Windows explorer. Then select columns A,B. Click on View, Tools, Chart. Use the graphing tool to generate a scatter plot. New Feature build 6 digitize and send job with origin, skew, and scale. Last update 5-21-3. Size: 953,184 bytes
How to install: Download file, Run Setup, Start, Programs, Allen Datagraph, Display HPGL

Title: Manual Contour Cutting without SmartMark Option
Abstract: This TSB shows how to send a contour cut to the cutter with CorelDraw. Requires digitizing site and firmware dated later that 1-24-03. E.g. All i-TECH cutters and Allen cutters with firmware version 2.17 or later
Last update 3-20-6
Example files used in this document

Title: Recommended USB devices
Abstract: The following USB to Serial Port devices have been tested with Allen Datagraph Cutters and found to work with the Cutter Driver and other cad systems. Also a list of serial and usb-serial cards that do not work.
Last update 7-14-4

Title: No Communications to Cutter
Abstract: This TSB is written to help users debug communication problems where the cutter appears to ignore everything the computer sends to the cutter. In this document it is assumed that the cutter is connected to the COM port of your computer.
Last update 10-17-3

Title:  Calibration to Size  (Graphic Serial Number ends with G)
 Calibration to Size  (Classic serial number ends with T)
Calibration to Size (i960 and mmc (serial numbers end with M))
Abstract: This TSB is written to help users calibrate the size of objects cut to be the same as indicated by the artwork design program.
Last update 8-15-3

Mechanical Adjustments to Restore Cut Quality to Normal
Abstract: If cut quality is not as good as when you received your machine there are several mechanical adjustments that can be checked that affect the quality of the objects drawn by the cutter.
Last Update 11-13-5

Using the controlled depth adjustment
Abstract: This support bulletin shows the usage of the controlled depth knife holder to allow cutting very thin materials. You would need to use this procedure when higher forces cut through the backer in places and not cut through the material in other places.
Last update 5-4-4

Electrical Test for Encoder (cutter/dfs)
Abstract: This TSB describes a procedure to test the encoders on motors used by Allen Datagraph. You can use this test if you suspect the encoder on your motor is malfunctioning.
Last Update 10-4-4

Upgrade procedure from rev 1 to rev 3 servo control board
Abstract: in June of 2004 Allen Datagraph released the rev 3 servo control board. This procedure describes the steps to be taken if you need to install a rev 3 scb in your cutter and you had a rev 1 scb.
Last Update 1-7-5

Vinyl Cutter Users Manual and Remote Panel

Vinyl Cutter Technical Support Bulletins

Title: Tracking
Abstract: This 25.7mb video describes how to load and track material in the cutter.
Last update 4-4-7

Title: using cross over lan cable
Abstract: Default IP address in build 8 software for MMC causes crossover connection between PC and MMC cutters to malfunction. Changing the IP address in the MMC to a non-APIPA address, allows reconnection by windows software without rebooting windows operating system.

Title: Setup for Window XP/2000 to Eliminate E56, E57, E58 Errors
Abstract: Windows XP default for communications port connected to cutter causes E56, E57, E58 errors. You need to change this default before cutter will operate properly. This bulletin also gives general trouble shooting tips for diagnosing the cause of system level communication errors. Also a How To on clearing jobs from the print queue.
Last update 4-2-4

Title: Display HPGL file contents Build 8
Abstract: This program reads an HPGL file and displays/prints the graphic image that it represents. It also converts the file to a format that is easy for Microsoft Excel to read and graph. The Excel file is written to c:/Program Files/Allen Datagraph/Display HPGL/HpglOutput before combine.xls during the display processing of the file. To graph using Excel, Install Microsoft Excel. Open the file with Excel by double clicking on the filename after locating it with Windows explorer. Then select columns A,B. Click on View, Tools, Chart. Use the graphing tool to generate a scatter plot. New Feature build 6 digitize and send job with origin, skew, and scale. Last update 5-21-3. Size: 953,184 bytes
How to install: Download file, Run Setup, Start, Programs, Allen Datagraph, Display HPGL

Title: Manual Contour Cutting without SmartMark Option
Abstract: This TSB shows how to send a contour cut to the cutter with CorelDraw. Requires digitizing site and firmware dated later that 1-24-03. E.g. All i-TECH cutters and Allen cutters with firmware version 2.17 or later
Last update 3-20-6
Example files used in this document

Title: No Communications to Cutter
Abstract: This TSB is written to help users debug communication problems where the cutter appears to ignore everything the computer sends to the cutter. In this document it is assumed that the cutter is connected to the COM port of your computer.
Last update 10-17-3

Title:  Calibration to Size  (Graphic Serial Number ends with G)
 Calibration to Size  (Classic serial number ends with T)
Calibration to Size (i960 and mmc (serial numbers end with M))
Abstract: This TSB is written to help users calibrate the size of objects cut to be the same as indicated by the artwork design program.
Last update 8-15-3

Mechanical Adjustments to Restore Cut Quality to Normal
Abstract: If cut quality is not as good as when you received your machine there are several mechanical adjustments that can be checked that affect the quality of the objects drawn by the cutter.
Last Update 11-13-5

Using the controlled depth adjustment
Abstract: This support bulletin shows the usage of the controlled depth knife holder to allow cutting very thin materials. You would need to use this procedure when higher forces cut through the backer in places and not cut through the material in other places.
Last update 5-4-4

Electrical Test for Encoder (cutter/dfs)
Abstract: This TSB describes a procedure to test the encoders on motors used by Allen Datagraph. You can use this test if you suspect the encoder on your motor is malfunctioning.
Last Update 10-4-4

Upgrade procedure from rev 1 to rev 3 servo control board
Abstract: in June of 2004 Allen Datagraph released the rev 3 servo control board. This procedure describes the steps to be taken if you need to install a rev 3 scb in your cutter and you had a rev 1 scb.
Last Update 1-7-5

Title: Pinch Wheel Spring
Abstract: Recommended Pinch Wheel Springs based on Material