Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.

0
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Table of Contents
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................3

Cutter Parts....................................................................................................................................................4

Front View................................................................................................................................................. 4

Detail of Carriage Arm.............................................................................................................................. 5

Right Side View......................................................................................................................................... 6

Left Side View............................................................................................................................................7

Back View.................................................................................................................................................. 8

Detail of Pinch Roller (Back View).............................................................................................................9

Control Panel............................................................................................................................................... 10

Setting Up.................................................................................................................................................... 15

Selecting a location for your cutter..........................................................................................................15

Connecting the cutter to a computer...................................................................................................... 15

If using Serial Cable ............................................................................................................................ 16

If using USB Cable................................................................................................................................17

Testing the Plotter and Computer Ports.............................................................................................. 19

Installing the Pen Carriage....................................................................................................................... 19

Replacing the Pen Carriage...................................................................................................................... 20

Installing a New Blade..............................................................................................................................20

Replacing a Worn Blade........................................................................................................................... 21

Preparing for Cutting................................................................................................................................21

Specifications...............................................................................................................................................25

Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................................... 26

2
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Introduction
Redsail is the manufacture of laser cutters, CNC Routers and vinyl cutters, we are one member
of China Industry Software Association with many software copyrights. Our company invests a
lot in support service and technical development.

Redsail has many software and firmware copyrights about Vinyl cutter, we are the pioneer of
China Vinyl Cutter supplier. Redsail can provide Coreldraw plug‐in software(Cutmate2.3), this
unique software support the Vinyl Cutter work with Coreldraw 11,12, X3, X4, X5 cutting out
directly. Redsail Vinyl cutters support the Artcut, WinPCSIGN, FlexiSign, VinylMaster, SignCutPro
and other most of sign making software.
Note: If you use the Flexsign, it is suggested that use the Flexi 6 or the lower version.

Redsail plotters can cut sticker and decal vinyl, masking film for painting or etching, vinyl
lettering, decorative scrapbooking papers, card stock, stencils, as well as all kinds of T‐shirt heat
transfer media like flex, flock, Magi Cut colored paper for garments.

Redsail Vinyl Cutter is low cost and high performance sign making machine, has an optional Red
dot/mark alignment function for Contour cutting.

Thank you for choosing a RS series cutter from Redsail. Our REDSAIL plotters give users the
ability to afford a quality entry level cutter while still receiving the durability and dependability
needed to move you through all stages of your cutting experience, from beginner to expert
alike.

This manual is here to help provide a starting point in the learning process of the REDSAIL
plotters or to vinyl cutting in general. Please read it thoroughly and follow the steps carefully to
help ensure a trouble‐free experience with your new machine.

If you have any questions along the way, please feel free to contact us at
[email protected] or call customer service at +86 531 86516855/56/57.

We hope you enjoy your experience with the RS series cutters and the Redsail family.

3
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Cutter Parts
Before you start cutting, you should familiarize yourself with the cutter and its basic
parts and functions:

Front View

Control Panel ‐ Used to provide input directly to the cutter. Covered in detail in the “Control
Panel” (page 10) section of this manual.

Carriage Arm ‐ Holds the Blade (or Pen) Carriage. Shown in detail on page 5.

Pinch Rollers ‐ Holds the media tightly to the feed roller below. Back view shown in detail on
page 9.

Feed Rollers ‐ Positions the cutting material during operation.

Left Side Cover ‐ Contains the Power Cable Port, Power Switch and Fuse Cartridge for the
cutter. Shown in detail on page 7.

Right Side Cover ‐ Contains the USB and Serial cable ports for the cutter
Shown in detail on page 6.

4
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Details of Carriage Arm

Blade/Pen Carriage Slot Holds the Blade/Pen Carriage in place.

Allows access to the Blade/Pen Carriage

Locking Knob
Slots for exchanging/replacing Carriages.

5
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Right Side View

USB Cable Port Used to connect a USB cable from the cutter to a
computer.

Serial (COM) Cable Port Used to connect a serial cable from the cutter to a
computer.

Only one of the connection cables should be used to connect the cutter to
a computer. Not both.

6
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Left Side View

Power Cable Port Used to connect a power cable from the cutter to a wall
outlet or surge protector.

Power Switch Main power switch for turning the power of the cutter
on(1) or off(0).

7
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Back View

Pinch Rollers Holds the media tightly to the feed roller below. Back view shown
in detail on next page.

8
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Detail of Pinch Roller (Back View)

Pinch Roller Tension Knobs Adjusts the tension of how tightly the pinch roller
is held to the feed roller below.

Pinch Roller Release Lever Allows you to release Pinch Rollers (either so they
can be moved from side to side or to allow media
to be easily fed below them) by pulling up on the
Release Levers.

9
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Control Panel

The main screen of the cutter allows you to set the main settings of the cutter including the
cutting speed and cutting force options. It also allows you to cut a test pattern or check the
amount of force that is currently set.

10
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

RESET Button

Press “RESET” button when online or offline, clearing the

memory of the machine, and setting the origin of carriage arm
to its rightmost position.

RESET

ONLINE Button

Press “Online” button when online, then it will be Offline.

Press “Online” button when offline, then it will be Online.

Press “Online” button when the machine working, then the

machine will stop working. Press “Online” button again,
recover the last work.

ONLINE

11
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

TEST Button

Will cut a small test shape so that the current force and speed
settings cutter will be tested. You can use this to determine
the proper force and speed setting needed for different
materials without wasting large amount materials from cutting
full designs.

Press “TEST” button when offline, the machine will make self‐
test.

TEST

P+ Button

Adjust the cutting force

For increasing the force when online, the highest force is 500g.

A cutting force of 100g is a good general starting place to work

from when trying to determine the force needed for a specific
material. All cuttable materials will differ in the amount of force
needed so proper testing should be always made to determine
the amount of force to use. The amount of force used should be
enough to fully penetrate the material to be cut while not enough
to cut through the backing material.

P+

For moving the carriage arm to the left position when offline.

12
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

P‐ Button

Adjust the cutting force

For reducing the force when online, the lowest force is 50g.

A cutting force of 100g is a good general starting place to work

from when trying to determine the force needed for a specific
material. All cuttable materials will differ in the amount of force
needed so proper testing should be always made to determine
the amount of force to use. The amount of force used should be
enough to fully penetrate the material to be cut while not enough
to cut through the backing material.

P-

For moving the carriage arm to the right position when offline.

S+ Button

Adjusts the cutting speed

For increasing the speed when online, the highest speed is

600mm/s

A cutting speed of 16 inch/s is a reasonable default speed that

can be used for most cuts. When working with smaller and
more detailed images, a slower speed may be required. When
working with larger and less detailed images, a higher speed can
be used to shorten the operation time.

For moving Y axis to the back position when offline.

S+

13
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

S‐ Button

Adjusts the cutting speed

For reducing the speed when online, the lowest speed is

25mm/s

A cutting speed of 16 inch/s is a reasonable default speed that

can be used for most cuts. When working with smaller and more
detailed images, a slower speed may be required. When working
with larger and less detailed images, a higher speed can be used
to shorten the operation time.

S-
For moving Y axis to the front position when offline.

OK Button

For confirming your operation.

OK

14
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Setting up
If you are setting up for the first time please take a moment to refer to the Packaging Guide to
take account of all the included components and accessories. For help with Stand Assembly,
please refer to the included instructions.

Selecting a Location for Your Cutter

The first step to setting up your cutter is finding a good location for the machine.

Consider these factors when you are selecting a suitable place:

You will need to have access to both the front and rear of the machine for operations as well as
for loading and unloading new vinyl rolls. Try to find a space with adequate access to both the
front and back of the machine.

Since your cutter is a precision cutting device, you will want to find a location that will be stable
to ensure cutting accuracy. Whether placing the unit on the stand, a floor or a table top, the
accuracy of the machine will be directly related to the stability of the platform it is placed on.
Find a sturdy floor space or table top for the machine and consider a location that will be out of
the way of people and other machines with moving parts while the cutter will be operating.
Excessive moving of the machine can not only disrupt accuracy of cutting but may also cause
electrical components inside the machine to dislodge and require otherwise unnecessary
repairs and maintenance.

Fans located inside of the cutter can draw in outside dust from the area surrounding the cutter.
Excessive buildup of dust can cause either mechanical or electronic malfunctions. Keeping the
cutter as dust free as possible will help ensure trouble free operation. Try to find an area for the
cutter that will be free of any excessive dust and use the supplied cover when not in use.

All cutters will produce a small amount of noise while operating. Please take this into
consideration when selecting a location for your cutting purposes. Do not remove the
grounding plug from the power cord or attempt to use the cutter when it has not been properly
grounded.

Connecting the Cutter to a Computer

Attach the power cord to the cutter and then plug in the unit and turn on the power.

If Using a Serial Cable to connect your cutter to a Computer:

If you are using a Serial Cable to connect your cutter to a computer then no further setup is
necessary. Simply connect one end of the cable to the cutter and the other end to a computer
and setup is complete. If you have more than one serial connection on your computer or you are
experiencing communication issues between your cutter and computer then you may wish to

15
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

verify that the correct COM port is being used in your software setup (see Finding Your Testing
Plotter on the page 18), but for most users the COM port will be COM1.

If Using the USB Cable to connect your cutter to a Computer:

You will need to install drivers for the USB connection to work properly. These drivers can
either be obtained from the supplied drivers disc or downloaded from the support website (in
the downloads section of www.hflaser.com).
If you need download the drivers from our website, then please reading the following:
There are two optional USB port for the cutting plotter. You can check it on “ Device Manager”
of your computer .

If the USB port shows: FT232R USB UART, then you can download the USB
Driver‐FTDI.

If the USB port shows: USB2.0‐Serial, then you can download the USB
Driver‐CH341SER.

If you have more than one serial connection on your computer or you are experiencing
communication issues between your cutter and computer then you may wish to verify that the
correct COM port is being used in your software setup (see Finding Your Testing Plotter on the
page 18), but for most users the COM port will be COM1.

Windows XP Users:
1. Insert the driver disc or download (and unzip if necessary) drivers to your system.
2. Connect the USB Cable to your computer and your cutter. The Found New
Hardware wizard will appear.
3. When asked, “Can Windows connect to Windows Update to search for software?”
select “No, not this time” and click next.
4. When asked, “What do you want the wizard to do?” select “Install from a list or
specific location (Advanced)” and click next.
5. Choose the “Search for the best driver in these locations” radio button and check
the “Include this location in the search” checkbox. Now type (or browse to find) the
location of the downloaded drivers/inserted drivers disc and click next.
6. When the wizard is complete, click the Finish button.
7. The Found New Hardware wizard should appear again. When it does, follow steps
3‐6 again for the second driver.
Windows Vista Users:
If you want to use downloaded drivers, download them before starting the install
process.
1. Connect the USB Cable to your computer and your cutter. Then Found New
Hardware wizard will appear.

16
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

2. When told that “Windows needs to install driver software…” select “Locate and
install driver software (recommended)”.
3. If Windows finds and downloads your needed drivers then the process is complete.
Repeat the previous steps again for the second needed driver. If Windows does not
find and download the needed drivers proceed to the next step.
4. If you are going to install the drivers from the disc insert it when advised by
Windows. If you are going to use downloaded drivers, select “I don’t have the disc.
Show me other options.”
5. Browse to the folder where the drivers are stored and click next.
6. When the wizard is complete, click the close button.
7. The Found New Hardware wizard should appear again. When it does, follow steps
2‐6 again for the second driver.

If you are using another version of Windows and require specific instructions for installing the
drivers, just also according to the appeared wizard step by step after connecting the machine
and computer with USB cable.
Once your drivers are installed you will need to make a note of the COM port that has been
assigned to your USB Cable connection.

‐Finding Your COM Port

First navigate to the Device Manager by following the below instructions
for your operating system.

Windows 2000/XP Users:

Click Start, Right‐click “My Computer” then select Properties.
Select the Hardware tab.
Click the Device Manager.
Windows Vista/7 Users:
Click Start, then in the "Start Search" box, Type "Dev" (without pressing enter); wait
for a list to show up.
Click Device Manager.
Windows 8 Users:
Click Start, “Control Panel”‐‐‐Click Device Manager

Make a note of which number COM Port is associated with “USB Serial Port”. You will need
this information to properly install your software.
Test plotter make sure the online button is lit up RED. Click the test button on the control panel. It
should create a small square box that you can easily remove the vinyl. If it cuts through the vinyl and the
backing paper you need to reduce the pressure on your control panel. If the test makes the square but
you can not lift the test square off the backing paper you will need to increase the pressure.

17
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

If you are NOT able to perform the test, your computer and the plotter are not communicating. Check
out the images below to make sure the drivers are installed properly.

1. Check your port number in your Device Manager on the computer. Here the port is COM 4.

2. Open Artcut 2009 or your Software as if you were creating a design. Type in abc. Proceed to
cut/plot. Make sure the ’link to’ is the same port as computer

3. Click ‘set up’. Then Click on ‘parameters’. Make sure the DTR/DSR is NOT checked but the other
2 are checked (second image)

18
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Installing the Pen Carriage

Most new users will benefit from practice “cutting” with the supplied pen
carriage until they are comfortable with normal operations of the cutter
and cutting software.

Your Pen Carriage should come assembled and appear as it does in this image. If it does not,
please refer to the pen replacement section below for assembly instructions.

To install the pen carriage:

Loosen the locking knob Drop the pen attachment Tighten the locking knob
on the carriage arm. into place in the slot of on the carriage arm.
the carriage arm.

19
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

To Replace the pen or spring inside of the Pen Carriage: Unscrew the top cap from the Pen
carriage.

Remove the top cap, the pen and the spring. Replace the pen and/or spring as necessary. Slide
the spring onto the pen from the top and insert it back into the pen carriage.

Replace the carriage cap and screw into place.

Once you are familiar with the cutter and its basic functions, install the blade carriage.

Installing a New Blade

Set Brass Ring Remove the Insert the blade Adjust the Adjust the Brass
on Blade protective cover into the top of carriage cap Ring until it fits
Carriage to the from a new the Blade until the blade snug against the
fully down blade. carriage. is protruding Cap. This will
position approximately help keep the
1/64th of an cap in place
inch. during operation

20
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Loosen the locking knob on Place Blade carriage into the Tighten the locking knob on
the carriage arm. carriage arm. the carriage arm.

Replacing a Worn Blade

Press up on the release button (located on the bottom of the blade carriage) to raise the
blade and remove it.

Follow the remaining steps from “Installing a New Blade”

Preparing for Cutting

If you are going to cut from a scrap or single sheet instead of a roll, then skip the next step on
placing a vinyl roll. All other steps will be the same.

Place the roll on the top of the stand rollers

21
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Release the Pinch Rollers by pulling up on the Pinch Roller Release Levers.

Feed the vinyl underneath the pinch rollers (if working from a single sheet instead of a roll, the
vinyl can also be feed from the front).

22
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Adjust the pinch rollers so there is one roller located on each side of the vinyl (one cutter with 3
or more rollers, one roller near the center).
IMPORTANT: Avoid lowering a pinch roller to the gap between the two feed rollers.

Leave a gap of between ½”‐1 ½” from the edge of the roller and the edge of the vinyl on both
sides.

23
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Engage the Pinch Rollers by pushing down on the Pinch Roller Release Levers.

If the cutter is not already on, turn it on now.

Adjust the vinyl to the position where you want to make your cutting start by using the Up and
Down Arrow Keys on the Control Panel.

24
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Adjust the carriage arm to the position where you want your cutting to start by using the Left
and Right Arrow Keys.

Now press the OK button to tell the cutter that this is the location where you would like the cut
to begin.

NOTE: When choosing a starting location for your design, remember that the process will start
in the bottom right area of the design. Please leave enough room to the left of and behind the
starting location to finish your cut.

If you would like to make other adjustments to the pressure, speed, or other settings you can
do so now. If you are setting up for your first cut with the machine then the default values
should be a good starting point. If you make any adjustments to your cutter, make sure that
you return to the main screen before you attempt to cut. If you are unsure how to do
this, refer to the Control Panel section of the manual on page 10.

Specifications

25
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

Troubleshooting

The cutter is unresponsive to Communication issues can arise if the cutter

communications from the was powered on while the software is trying to
computer and software. send data to the cutter. Exiting the cutter
screen of software and returning to the main
software screen may resolve this issue. If not,
save all
work and try exiting the software and restarting
with the cutter powered on. It is good practice
to start software with the cutter powered on to
avoid communication problems.
————————————————
Make sure that your output device in software
is set to the correct COM port.
Your COM port can be found by following the
instructions in the “Finding Your COM Port”
section of this manual on page 14. You can
change your COM Port by right‐clicking on the
COM Port in the device manager and going to
the advanced section of the Port Settings tab.
————————————————
Adjust your Flow Control settings to Hardware
by first locating your COM Port in the device
manager (By following the instructions on page
14), then right‐click the COM Port and select
Properties. On the Port Settings tab, change to
Flow Control option to Hardware.
The cutter performs erratically Some computers do not work well when
during cuts, stops cutting before connected via the USB port of the cutters.
the cut is finished, or cuts lines If you are having problems while cutting and
that do not appear in the design. are using the USB cable to connect from your
cutter to computer, you may wish to try the
serial cable connection to avoid further

26
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

problems. If a serial cable connection is not

available on your computer, you can try a third
party USB to serial connector or a PCI card serial
adapter for your computer.
Vinyl not feeding straight and the Sometimes, during shipping or movement of
rightmost Pinch Roller will not the machine, the right pinch roller will become
move. stuck on a screw located on the back of the
machine. If this occurs and is affecting your
cutting, press forcefully against the pinch roller
until it becomes dislodged from its position. If
needed, remove the screw to re position the
pinch roller in the desired position.
Cuts are jagged or inconsistent. The Blade may be dulled or damaged.
Replace with a new blade and try again.
Make sure that the blade can turn freely (by
attempting to turn it with your fingers while the
release button of the Blade Carriage is pressed).
Adjust the blade depth of the Blade Carriage
and Force setting on the cutter until you are
getting solid, uniform cuts. Start with a blade
depth of around 1/64th\ of an inch and a
pressure setting of 100g and try an increased
pressure setting before attempting to increase
the blade depth.
Slashes are made across the vinyl If the blade is protruding too far from the Blade
from the blade movement during Carriage then it can score and cut material
cutting. during normal operations. If this is occurring,
the blade needs to be adjusted so that it is
protruding a minimal distance from the
carriage.

Other troubleshooting solutions may be found by visiting the Customer Forums or Technical
Support, or by calling the Technical Support Line.

27
Redsail Technology Co., Ltd 201908 V2.0

For your safety, proper use the product，be sure to read this manual carefully
before operation, to be fully understood and save it for your later use. If you have
any suggestions of our products or need our help, please call us at+86 531‐
86516855/56/57.

Special Note: The Company reserves the rights of changing the content and
product specifications without prior notice. All the information to check carefully
make sure accurate. Products are subject to change without notice.

Thank you for choosing Redsail Products!

28