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computer shuts down off with cutter in use HELP!!

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2K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  marcelolopez  
M
#1 ·
Any suggestions??
my computer (windows XP) just shuts down anytime i go to use my cutter. it ONLY happens when using my cutter.. and im on my computer all day with other things problem free. someone suggested maybe a virus, but i dont think so since it only happens when i use my cutter.
i have flexistarter software and a seiki cutter. using a IBM laptop with windows XP. any suggestions?? its so irritating.. the computer just shuts off as though i held down the power button.

I have to unplug everything, remove the battery (laptop), and then it will restart..

there is a little cylinder thing on the usb cord, its black inside, is that some sort of surge protector? maybe i need a new usb cord? could the cutter send surges of energy to the computer and computer shuts down to protect itself?
so weird!! please help!!
 
M
#2 ·
Is it connected to the USB port straight? not through any hub?
Can you connect it to a different computer to see what happen?
I would also check swapping the cord with another device you may have
and see if you can replicate same problem in the other computer.
 
M
#3 ·
yes, its connected with usb. the usb cord has cylinder type thing in the middle of the cord (actually near the end of the plug) kinda like a what you might see on your laptop charger cord. I wondered if that was some type of surge protector that went bad because its black.. i cant remember if its always been like that, the rest of the cord is clear. and the OUTER part of the cylinder is clear, but inside is black.
I did try the usb from my printer (no cylinder thing) and the computer still shuts off..
my computer is chinzie.. only 512 of memory.. windows XP, 1.4 Ghz,(i think). would that have anything to do with it? i did manage to get 2 small graphics cut.. but gave up after the 5th shut down LOL..

i have another computer i can use, but what a pain to re-install everything and switch over my graphic files.. i guess i might have to go that route..
 
M
#4 ·
The cylinder is a ferrite kind of "surge protector", but I don't think it has
something to do with your problem (or the computer's ). I suspect it could
be your laptop's USB port.
If you can try just installing the software and plugging the cutter there,
just to see what happens. You don't have to move your files, not for now.
Is there anything else attached to the UBS port in the laptop ?
I don't think it is because the amount of RAM, even when it is low.
Good luck and please report back.
 
#5 ·
Yes... the "black cylinder" is a ferrite. It's there to reduce electrical interference (both emitted and recieved).
Simple question.... is the laptop pluged into the wall when you're trying to use your plotter, or is it running on battery??
I had problems with my cutter when running off the battery. I had the US Cutter slashing problem (diagonal cut across material). Seems the USB output levels are different (probably due to power management features) when running on AC and on battery. I plugged my laptop into the wall and all my problemss went away.
 
D
#6 ·
Static Electricity, cutters are notorious for the amount of static electricity they produce. Make sure that your cutter is grounded to the outlet (your not using a 3 prong adapter or anything like that). Isolate the computer to another outlet or through a UPS.
 
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