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Software Options for a New Hermes Vanguard 3200
I recently acquired a New Hermes Vanguard 3200 engraving machine with an EP module and very old Dos based software running in a Dos shell in Windows 98.
The unit works flawlessly, but the old software only allows for simple text and about 6 fonts.
My machine has an air piston that controls the up/down stroke of the graver (I was told this might be pertinent) .
I am considering buying a used copy of Gravostyle 98 to drive the EP unit, or a new copy of Engravelab to drive the EP unit, or a driver set from Solustan Inc. that would allow me to send Corel files directly through the existing EP control module.
I will NOT consider spending $2000-$2500 or more for a complete EP module replacement system from Solustan.
HERE ARE MY QUESTIONS:
1) Does Gravostyle 98 include drivers for all New Hermes machines, or was it originally intended only for the specific machine it was sold for (I do know about the required security dongle).
I have an opportunity to buy an old copy of Gravostyle 98 and dongle that came with an IS200 machine.
I'm including a pic of the Key Level of the software.
There is a line on the key page that says "Post Processors for other tables" which is NOT checked.
Does that mean there are no drivers for my table?
The used Gravostyle software and dongle would be maybe $400
2) Anyone with experience on Engravelab? I downloaded their fully functional Demo Version (good for 15 days)
There is not a specific driver for the Vanguard 3200. They have a generic EP module driver, and a driver for the V3400
I am having an intermittent problem of the graver sometimes driving off the edge of the table...or worse, right into the clamp when trying to engrave DXF files.
Engravelab says they need to consult with their techs.
The Engravelab software will be $500-1800 depending on level.
I have obvious concerns buying expensive software that may occasionally ruin my engraving bits AND work.
3) Solustan seems to offer a driver based solution, like a print driver. They say I should be able to send a file from Corel (or other programs that generate a line drawing) directly to the existing EP module. They may be able to offer me a free demo. If this works it will be $600.
I would appreciate any advice.
I own numerous CNC machines, and am used to using G-Code programming and systems like Mach3 or Flashcut CNC.
I didn't realize how proprietary engraving machine software was...fortunately I got the entire working machine for $430, so there is room for reasonable upgrading costs.