Installing Lasercut 5.3 on Windows 8

Download the installation program

Instructions can be found for downloading Lasercut5.3 if you CLICK HERE.

To downloaded the Lasercut5.3 install program and drivers CLICK HERE.

Installing Lasercut 5.3 on Windows 8

You will need to switch to your Windows 8 desktop by clicking the desktop icon or typing desktop into the search box.

The installation program will download as a zipped folder and should be in your DOWNLOADS folder. Extract the folder by right clicking the zipped Just Add Sharks Software folder and selection EXTRACT ALL.

When this operation is completed you will see three folders called

• Driver – Laser Cutter
• Driver – Softdog USB Dongle (Win7, 64bits)
• Lasercut 5.3 – Control Software

 

Open the LASERCUT 5-3 – CONTROL SOFTWARE folder and double click the SetUp file soft highlighted below.

Windows 8 will warn you about running a program from an UNKNOWN PUBLISHER at this point simply click YES to continue.

Install the Softdog USB dongle.

A welcome box will appear. Click the INSTALL button to install Lasercut 5.3.

If you try to open the Lasercut program you should see the following error appear twice on screen. This error will appear whenever you try and run Lasercut 5.3 without the SOFTDOG, usb dongle included with your laser cutter. You should be able to find this in the white plastic tool box along with your laser cutters keys, spares and tools.

If the driver files for the SOFTDOG USB DONGLE are already installed on your PC a DEVICE SETUP progress bar will appear on the windows TASK BAR. If you click it, it will look like this.

Add Lasercut 5.3 shortcut to your start screen.

Once the SOFTDOG is installed OPEN LASERCUT5.3. by double clicking on the DESKTOP icon which will be added to your desktop automatically on install. You can create an “APP” icon for your START screen by right clicking the desktop short cut and selecting PIN TO START.

This allows you to start Lasercut from the start screen on Windows 8 should you wish to do so. You can also find this icon in the LASERCUT53 folder witch you’ll find in the route of OS, which is usually your C drive labelled OS (C) folder and is the drive where your Windows operating system and other programs are installed.

Check your model of Laser Cutter in Lasercut 5.3

Lasercut5.3 is used on all our laser cutter models. You will need to ensure you have the correct model selected. To do this open Lasercut5.3.

Find the model identifier at the top of the opened program window. The above example shows the software for the BLACKNOSE A3 laser cutter. If your model is not a BLACKNOSE A3 you will need to run the appropriate BATCH FILE from the LASERCUT53 folder on the route of OS (C). Close Lasercut 5.3 program and located the LASERCUT53 folder.

The BATCHFILES are in alphabetical (not laser cutter size) order called:

• Lasercut 5.3 – Blacknose
• Lasercut 5.3 – Greyfin
• Lasercut 5.3 – Silvertail
• Lasercut 5.3 – Whitetooth

Double click on the appropriate batch file for your machine. You will see the following WARNING appear.

Click where is says “MORE INFO” clicking OK will NOT run the file. Once you have clicked MORE INFO next click RUN ANYWAY. This warning appears as a safeguard. Batch files are used to alter programs.

Open Lasercut 5.3 program.

You should now have the correct model shown at the top of the programme window. In this case the Greyfin A2.

Running in Compatability Mode

Lasercut 5.3 is optimised for Windows 7. Window 8 has a handy feature which allows it to act like Windows 7 for software that is optimised to run on older systems. To run Compatability Mode open the LASERCUT53 folder which you will find in the route of OS (C) drive. Right click on the Lasercut53 icon and select TROUBLESHOOT COMPATIBILITY.

Windows 8 will check for compatibility issues.

Once it has checked for issues, click on TRY RECOMMENDED SETTINGS.

Windows 8 will ask you to TEST COMPATIBILITY and you can do this by clicking the TEST button. This will open the Lasercut 5.3 software. NOTE! You will need to return to the TROUBLESHOOTER window before the settings will be completed. Click NEXT

Click YES, SAVE THESE SETTING FOR THIS PROGRAM.

This reassuring window will appear.

Now “Restart” your computer by using “Power Option” at the top right of your Start screen and choosing “Restart” leave both the laser cutter and your Softdog USB dongle plugged in. Always ensure you plug your laser cutter and dongle in before starting Lasercut5.3 programme.

You can now run your Lasercut 5.3 programme.