#################################################### # # # Welcome to the CarveWright Designer! # # # #################################################### Sections: I. Installation II. Introduction and Help III. Software Updates IV. Release Notes ### (I) Installation ################################ ********************************************************************** ** ** ** NOTICE: Users upgrading from versions 1.122 or earlier WILL be ** ** required to relicense the Designer software. ** ** ** ********************************************************************** Windows 2000, XP : Simply insert the CD-ROM and the installation should begin automatically. MacOS X : Insert the CD-ROM and double-click the CarveWright.dmg disk image file to mount the CarveWright application drive. Then drag the CarveWright application into your Applications folder. ### (II) Introduction and Help ###################### Thank you for your interest in the CarveWright Designer package. The intuitive point-and-click design of the CarveWright software allows you to produce an endless variety of original carvings - in a matter of minutes. Choose from an extensive library of 3-D design elements to arrange, combine, resize, or alter as desired. When you first run the CarveWright Designer software you will be presented with a "Welcome to CarveWright" Start Wizard with clickable links to create a new project, open your last project, or view the documentation. The documentation also contains a Tutorials section with step-by-step instructions for accomplishing common tasks. If you need assistance, please feel free to contact us. Our goal is to create the best possible product, and we want to hear from you! LHR Technologies, Inc. 710 East Southmore Ave. Pasadena, TX 77502 Tel. +1 713 473-6572 http://www.carvewright.com info@carvewright.com ### (III) Software Updates ########################## Getting the latest updates for your CarveWright Designer software is very simple. From within the software, click the Help menu and select the "Check for Updates" item. Your browser will be launched and directed to the CarveWright website with information about available updates. ### (IV) Release Notes ############################ 05 Sep 2008 -- Differences between versions 1.131 and 1.130 * Added ability to combine grouped patterns into a new saved pattern * Added ability to use designed board depth instead of measured depth for boards that are thicker than designed--enables cuts of thinner stock * Added ability to hide carvings in Designer, hidden carvings are not cut * Added ability to control tabs on cutouts * Added max pass depth option for all cut and vector operations * Added support for 1/16" cutting bit (Coming Soon!) * Improved outline patterns tool to work with carved regions * Improved to allow board reload when board measurements fail on double-sided board * Improved cutout ordering to prevent problems with nested cutouts * Improved zero-skipping algorithm * Fixed Help->Sample Projects for Mac, and improved user interface * Fixed problem with cut-throughs over board tracking sensor * Fixed bug where text sometimes did not change mode properly * Fixed bug preventing resize of zero radius circles 26 Jun 2008 -- Differences between versions 1.130 and 1.126 * Performed major overhaul of machine feed rates and pass depths to improve quality and accuracy * Added colorized 2D-view in Pattern Editor * Added tabbed display for multiple windows * Added logic to use running Designer, instead of opening a second Designer * Added magic wand in Pattern Editor * Improved brush selection in Pattern Editor * Improved Designer to prevent opening the same file multiple times * Improved board roller logic to improve accuracy * Fixed problem with drafts in cardinal directions * Fixed bug where pattern name was lost when saving MPW file * Fixed crash when resizing mirrored paths * Fixed crashes in Pattern Editor when operating on cropped patterns * Fixed bug causing wrong pattern size in scans saved as MPW files * Fixed bug where mirrors of textured surfaces lost interval setting on reload * Updated hardware manual 23 Jan 2008 -- Differences between versions 1.126 and 1.125 * Fixed disappearing cut paths and related project corruptions * Fixed Error 7 while uploading projects with more than 5 bits * Fixed segmentation faults during compile of some projects using vectors * Fixed extra paths when outlining scaled patterns * Fixed MPW's not remembering depth after save 20 Dec 2007 -- Differences between versions 1.125 and 1.124 * Added export to PNG in Pattern Editor * Added new Draft option to Text and Pattern objects, to reduce chip out * Added ability to resize patterns during Image Import * Added inset/offset off vector paths * Added resize toolbar to Pattern Editor * Added soft edge brush to Pattern Editor * Added link to new online tutorials page in Help menu * Added safe depth checking of drill and vector operations * Fixed scan import to maintain original size * Fixed bug causing "stair steps" in patterns * Fixed Mac registration page rendering * Fixed velocity problems in Rip cuts (and similar operations) * Fixed math error causing some motions to move much slower than commanded * Fixed occasional crash when compiling vector carvings * Improved Pattern Editor blur tool 07 Dec 2007 -- Differences between versions 1.124 and 1.123 * Fixed bug preventing some patterns from being licensed * Fixed bug with Jog to Position not prompting for bit change * Improved licensing user interface 21 Nov 2007 -- Differences between versions 1.123 and 1.120 * Updated licensing model to support new pattern libraries * Added options to remember license server login information * Added new icons for different file types support by the Designer * Added support for new hardware revisions * Added ability projects to remember stain and finish * Added ability to set a default stain and finish for new projects * Added checks on max carving depth and max cut through for machine protection * Added file associations for MPL (license files), MPN (pattern collections), PTN (pattern files), MPW (pattern editor artwork files), and MWM (CarveWright firmware files) * Added ability to replace default firmware * Added new Pattern Depot icon on toolbar and help menu, which will open the new CarveWright Pattern Depot store in your web browser * Added "Show Licenses" option to Help menu * Made "Jog To Touch", "Sleep Time", and "Scanner Type" options persistent * Improved registration wizard * Improved cutmotor error detection logic * Improved measurement sequencing * Updated installation package, future updates should require only a patch * Updated included Flash Player to version 9 (Windows only) * Fixed slow motion during measure back edge bug * Fixed bug preventing import of patterns whose name included apostrophes * Fixed bug preventing import of large scans or images 06 Mar 2007 -- Differences between versions 1.119 and 1.120 * Improved cut motor sensor failure detection * Improved bit find to account for machine variation * Fixed broken rip operations: rip cut, joint, etc 27 Feb 2007 -- Differences between versions 1.036/1.115 and 1.119 * Added easier-to-use registration wizard * Added centerline text upgradable option * Added ability to directly open and import PTN files * Added option to center grid lines on the board * Added option to format a memory card that cannot be read * Added cut motor RPM option to sensor check menu * Changed to a mechanical homing process to improve reliability * Improved mechanical and optical bit find reliability * Improved X axis range of motion * Improved surface touch and depth find process * Fixed failure during cut-to-size of boards that are too thick * Fixed hang on some machines when entering an extended demo code * Fixed preferences dialog and hardware optimization settings * Fixed launch of the user's preferred web browser 29 Nov 2006 -- Differences between versions 1.035/1.113 and 1.036/1.115 * Added new maximum depth option for scans * Fixed missing textures and surfacings * Fixed hardware revision issue with bit find 02 Nov 2006 -- Differences between versions 1.031 and 1.035/1.113 * First release for CompuCarve (1.113) * Added support for Scanning Probe (1.035) * Added registration and licensing support * Changed flash card filesizes and freespace reported to KBytes * Changed flash interface to lock sectors for safety * Fixed centerline text corruption issue on Macs when text is very long * Fixed negative rout depth bug in edge rout * Removed roller test 28 July 2006 -- Differences between versions 1.028 and 1.031 * Added Y reindex at beginning of project * Changed depth find process (depth flag no longer needed!) * Improved X/Y backlash correction * Improved operation of vectors for small radii * Fixed carving depth of small circles (<0.7" circumference) * Fixed drills when bit is same size as commanded hole. * Fixed feather above board * Fixed scaled text issues * Fixed drills to keep commanded depth, even if deeper than board depth * Fixed quality issues with tops of letters * Fixed occasional crash when placing concentric cirles * Fixed slow text dialog response which ocurred on some PCs 08 May 2006 -- Differences between versions 1.026 and 1.028 * Machine will now collect failure trace information * Added feature to scale groups of figures together * Added feathering above board for quality * Added resizing and moving of groups when only the parent is selected * Added Carving List icon for path-type carvings * Added "Close" option to File menu * Added prompt when flexshaft lubrication is required * Improved sharpness of corners in routed paths * Improved support for asian and middle-eastern text entry * Improved Calibrate Offsets function to reduce bit noise * Widened toolbar numerical entry boxes * Fixed prompting for cutting bit on back side of board * Fixed size display for double sided boards * Fixed paste between instances of Designer software * Fixed error when saving patterns with no name * Fixed Peaks texture zeroes that don't feather properly * Fixed several machine sleep/wakeup conditions * Fixed potential crash on older systems with thousands of fonts * Fixed import of image types through pattern toolbox * Fixed problem grouping carvings on back face of board * Fixed occasional program hang during project upload * Fixed carving ordering problem when clipping * Fixed several issues with image import procedure 05 Apr 2006 -- Differences between versions 1.025 and 1.026 * Added arc centerpoints * Added parallel and perpendicular tools * Added support for alpha mask when importing images * Improved text centerlining quality * Improved ability to select and drag line segments * Improved Calibrate Offsets feature for better centering on length * Improved aux roller tracking * Fixed problem measuring the length of more than one board * Fixed machine settings corruption issue * Fixed depth offset correction during Calibrate Offsets * Fixed carving of tops of text * Fixed enabling of depth entry box in bit select dialog * Fixed occasional hang when closing windows * Fixed error when cutting pieces exactly one inch in thickness * Fixed slow length measurement of board * Fixed occasional "Possible Board Removal" warning 15 Mar 2006 -- Differences between versions 1.024 and 1.025 * Added ability to arc text. * Added "Floor Edges" checkbox during image import. * Added Utility Toolbar for useful drawing functions. * Added 3D graphics hardware acceleration preference. * Added board size information to Project menu on machine. * Reversed front edge measurement for higher accuracy. * Improved precision of vertex locations. * Improved edge rout procedure to minimize effects of board slippage. * Improved tabbies when combined with edge routs. * Improved constraint solving engine. * Use fewer passes when cuts are combined with edge routs. * Allow modifications to carving data while groups are selected. * Allow searching within Favorites collection. * Fixed several issues with importing and drag/drop of images. * Fixed ability to save a board with metric measurements. * Fixed unnecessary bit change prompt and invalid cut state. 24 Feb 2006 -- Differences between versions 1.022 and 1.024 * Added calibration function to machine's options menu. * Added sensor test function to machine's options menu. * Numerous improvements to constraint solving engine. * Changed minimum board depth to 1/4" to match machine specs. * Fixed slow or failed startup when system has many fonts. * Fixed erroneous selection of hidden paths. * Fixed dangling midpoints and lost constraints during connects. * Fixed program hang when connecting mirrored paths. * Fixed occasional rendering delays. * Fixed prompt-to-save for File->Exit and multiple windows. * Fixed missing prompt for bit during built-in edge routs. * Fixed case where arcs go crazy when set tangent * Fixed some of the jumpiness when moving vertices around. 19 Jan 2006 -- Differences between versions 1.018 and 1.022 * Added 3/8" straight (jointing) bit to designer. * Added text centerlining and outlining modes to text tool dialog. * Added display of free space on flash memory card. * Added optimizations to reduce bit chatter during routs. * Added prompt for auto-jig and allow override. * Added icons to text selection dialog. * Allow user to reset quality level in middle of project. * Fixed visibly offset backlash motions on X. * Fixed text spacing problems. * Fixed several issues when rendering cut-outs. * Fixed problem that trimmed cut paths to board edges. * Fixed line orientation menu display problem. * Fixed gridline colors and appearance. * Fixed rounding error when displaying constraint value labels. * Fixed problem where ovals would sometimes not display during placement. * Fixed occasional crash when changing form to spiral or sine. * Fixed origins problem when the board is the perfect size. * Fixed STOP key handling for drill and cut-out. * Fixed copy offset of outlined patterns. * Fixed broken cut out after closed form vector. * Paths for cut-outs are now automatically hidden. * Set reasonable limits on numerical entry boxes. 30 Dec 2005 -- Differences between versions 1.016 and 1.018 * Fixed quality display for carving bits. * Fixed surface find issue when a board is removed. * Fixed "Unsupported Bit" error during a drill operation. * Fixed several issues in jog to position. * Fixed inadvertent double-tap of STOP key. * Properly recover when cut motor doesn't spin. * Improved error detection when compiling projects. * Fixed motor buzz in jog to position. * Fixed possible board removal warning when loading a new board. * Improved ramping of tabbies within vectored cut-outs. * Improved quality of looped vectored cuts. * Fixed centering, unnecessary cut-out, and jog to position problems. * Added option menu item to jog board to surface find position. 09 Dec 2005 -- Differences between versions 1.013 and 1.016 * Fixed rendering issue after edits to line lengths and arc radii. * Fixed occasional crash when closing windows or exiting program. * Constrained arc endpoints during motion. * Improved length constraint solving. * Improved reporting of project errors during upload. * Automatically update firmware when accessing flash memory card. * Fixed occasional "Project Unreadable" error when carving. * Better handling of STOP key for Abort/Retry Prompts. * Fixed first double sided pass speed issue in rasters. * Fixed STOP problem when measuring board or finding bit. * Removed unnecessary board motion when jog to position is selected. 21 Nov 2005 -- Differences between versions 1.011 and 1.013 * Added 18 new patterns to library. * Added adjustable inset for edge routs. * Fixed several issues with arc tangency. * Enhanced sharpness of scaled text. * Preserve order when grouping nodes together. * Fixed bug when setting width or height of constrained figure. * Added pattern import/export. * Added "Select Bit" to context menu. * Added mouse wheel zooming. 07 Nov 2005 -- Differences between versions 1.010 and 1.011 * Resolved Z clipping issue during rendering. * Fixed units issue when resizing a board. * Added Flash Manager for organizing files on the flash card. * Fixed broken "dot-matrix" style cut-outs. * Fixed hang problem when USB flash reader is first used. 26 Oct 2005 -- Differences between versions 1.007 and 1.010 * Fixed problem importing image from previous location. * Fixed some help buttons that did not work. * Fixed occasional incorrect pattern depths within groups. * Added auto-jig requirement checking. * Inactivate "Save" button when project is saved. * Fixed undo problem with tweak function. * Fixed issue where breaking a figure did not cancel a region. * Added help for toolbar customization. * Changed to HID driver for USB flash device. * Fixed WindowsME USB compatibility problems. * Offload vector pass depth calculations to machine. * Fixed bit definitions to reflect the machine's settings. * Fixed aspect ratio problem when resizing patterns. * Set scrollbar step increment to a reasonable value. 13 Oct 2005 -- Differences between versions 1.006 and 1.007 * Added 1/2" plungable bit. * Fix drawling problem when placing circles. * Fixed incorrect pattern thumbnails. * Fixed crash when categorizing patterns.