Will this module add to assistant to run an edge?

[Kevin.Beck]

hi.
I`ve been looking into this too.

I believe you need the colour master. But no dout I`ll get corrected if I`m wrong.

If you go to canlinks site, there is a comparison chart between Omega and Signlab.

From what I can gather, it`s swings and roundabouts.

Omega 2.0 is either out or close to being sold. Which is suppossed to close any gap there was.

When I get my edge, I`ll try to go with SL, as I am already used to it`s features, although e6 has differant features.

[Brian Hays]

You will need Colormaster to get all the graduated fills colour management & all the other colour related stuff.

As Cox are the only people you can buy the module from at present it’s very expensive as they sell a package including training, foils etc. Tony could probably tell you much more.

You may well be able to buy it elsewhere soon, I think for about £800 ish.

[Bob Gilliland]

Outline,

I’m going to contradict Kevin and Brian and state that anyone at the “Pro” package or above will be able to take advantage of the Thermal module. Colormaster is not required in order use the Thermal module (at least that is the way it is in North America). The Thermal module comes in two flavors so to say; the “standard” thermal module and the module with Edge driver support.

List pricing here in the United States is as follows:

• Thermal Module (with Roland ColorCAMM support) $350.00 USD
• Thermal Module stand alone purchase (with Gerber Edge Driver support) 800.00 USD
• Thermal Module with package purchase (with Gerber Edge Driver support) $500.00 USD

For the question of purchasing the module over Omega, or vice a versa; tough one to answer in my opinion. Both programs have positives qualities, both have some less then desirable attributes as well. Neither product is perfect or the ultimate package everyone would like (and what software is?), but both are more then capable of operating an Edge/Edge2 on their own. Those that actually harness the positives of both packages will experience the best of both worlds.

In Kevin’s situation, he already has SignLab experience so it only seams natural for him to stay with SignLab instead of getting Omega. If you’re a long time Gerber software users and design “exclusively” within that software and are happy, moving to SignLab may be such a good choice. Something that Omega 2.0 will offer that past Gerber software hasn’t is a “demo” mode. This will allow you to acquire distribution media and install the software to “try it out” before purchasing, all without a dongle. It’s crippled in the normal fashion, no saving, copying, output, etc. but that is “norm” procedure for most software packages in such mode.

Omega 2.0 does erase some of the deficiencies that existed when being compared to SignLab, others still remain, and it puts a trick or two up it’s sleeve that SignLab doesn’t currently offer. Again, both have plus and minus points. Get a demo of both and try it out for yourself. What one do you feel more comfortable with or feel works best for you?

As for the release of Omega 2.0: It was “officially” announced at the big ISA sign show here in the States last weekend. US dealers were told they could start accepting orders this past Monday, April 7, with a “possible” ship date of this coming Monday the 14th. “Updated” information was released with dealers now indicating a release date of Monday, April 28. All of this is of course for Gerber dealers here in the US and repeated information as indicated to me. Not sure how soon Spandex or ND Graphics will be releasing it, or at what pricing structure (perhaps Jon Aston can reveal that when appropriate). For existing Omega 1.x users here in the States, the upgrade price is listed at $369.00 USD.

And what’s this about only “one” current UK source, hogwash! I know of at least “one” US based company that will sell into the UK, so that alone makes it at least two places to purchase. 😮 🙂 That’s not my reason for being here, so if interested, drop a PM or email direct. Look for some announcements based around your big sign show (late May??) as it relates to software and the Edge.

And as a side note, care to share any additional information about yourself “Outline”? As in a real name? Or perhaps some type of informational sig file or related? Just makes for a nicer exchange on the board IMHO. 🙂

[tony winterbottom]

sorry for the delayed responce, been out on the road, Bob is correct, SL Pro can have the thermal module added
in the UK we do not split the Roland Driver and the Edge, you get both
plus all foil support for all 3rd party foils

upgrade from Assistant to Pro + thermal module

on site training and installation is additional
send me a PM if you want to know costs etc

I have to say North American prices are different to that of UK
not much however, and we do offer a bundle rather than just the module
if you dont want the value added then we do just supply the module
at £800

[Brian Hays]

You are not contradicting me Bob, I never said you have to have colormaster, just saying to get the best from it it’s a good idea.

You told me you didn’t sell the module without foils, training etc Tony. (?) (?)

[tony winterbottom]

we prefer not too