Silhouette Cameo 5 Unboxing & First Cuts - What Went Wrong & How to Fix It

[@bobapthorpe]

Thanks - this was really well done. I got my Cameo 5 yesterday and was fairly well shocked at how little documentation and guidance there was on setup and operation right out of the box ("Scan for more info" and a QR code is nowhere near acceptable for a device of this complexity). Good to know there's standard USB support; now I just need to scrounge up a USB-A cable for initial setup and firmware update. I will say that the packaging engineer who secured the innards for transit is an absolute hero. Or maybe they just love blue tape... :)

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

So glad it helps! Yes, it is packaged very well for shipping. Each machine release and more working and movable parts, I think they find new ways to make sure it's not damaged in transit globally.

[@marcilenemccabe1308]

Thank you for such a clear and concise tutorial. I was a bit nervous about the installation since I had such issues with my 4, but this went flawlessly. I appreciate all the work you do making these KZbins.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Yay! You are welcome! So glad to hear that it helped! Thank you!

[@mommakatz4370]

I'm so glad you had issues and could walk us through them. I learned a lot with your detailed steps and also am glad you are able to report the bugs and get them cleared up before we purchase the machine and download the software. Thank You so much. You're easy to follow.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

So glad it helps. While it's frustrating to have issues, especially on camera, it happens to us all. Thank you!

[@NightwingGurl]

Thank you so much for this! I got a cameo 5 and is my first, i messed up my mat, it has all paper residue stuck to it and i used a bit of water and it messed up the glue, my heart sank and just left it to the side. Now with your video im a little confident to try again.... after i figure out how to save my new one time used mat.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Get a new cutting mat and then use that one for something else like a painting mat, etc. The glue is water soluble and should not be washed. Here are some tips to getting the most out of your cutting mats - silhouette-secrets.com/2019/02/12/tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-silhouette-mat/

[@blueskyjax]

Can you do a print and cut with the cameo 5 please?

[@YourMagicLine]

Hello. My cameo 5 got cameo 4 firmware. Now it behaves like cameo 4 (turning it off/on with one click, characteristic sounds, an unsuccessful attempt to drag the carriage when starting the magician, the studio desinger program finds it as cameo 4 and functions are available for it and possible only for this machine (for example, a heat foil pen is defined as a craft knife)). I tried to download the micro firmware for Cameo 5 from the manufacturer's website, but that file does not work. Perhaps you can tell me what can be done to return the machine to cameo 5 firmware (the program does not offer new updates).

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

You will need to contact Silhouette Support regarding this issue.

[@KaysCutz]

I prefer to see the good the bad and the ugly in a video as it is honest and you learn how to troubleshoot when things go wrong and sooner or later they do with any brand. Silhouette have got a bit sloppy with their software over the years but hopefully they will knuckle down and test better in future before releasing anything as they have serious competition with the Cricut maker 3.

[@jenna0616]

I couldn’t disagree more. I have had 2 Cricut Maker3’s (going on my 3rd) as my second replacement). The Calibration is terrible, awful precision not to mention absolute lack of Customer service when issues do arise. I’m done wasting my time and money on Cricut. Cameo5 is showing up to be much more superior especially in the print then cut arena.

[@KaysCutz]

@ I was thinking of getting either a cricut maker or silhouette c5 and I am going to go with another silhouette. They are not perfect either but I have always had a silhouette and this confirmed my choice. So the video helped me choose as I can see the Cricut maker is not better than the SC5

[@annperz4132]

Will the premium blade qork in the camoe 5 too?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Yes, with an adapter. silhouette-secrets.com/2024/01/13/a-guide-to-silhouette-cameo-5-blades-and-tools-free-pdf-chart/

[@EE-tp8yt]

I loved this video, thank you! Can you tell me what desk that is and where it is from? I would love to get one.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

It is a Husky adjustable work bench table from Home Depot.

[@nicknapier8209]

Where did you get adjustable work table. Liked video. Nick napier

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

It's a Husky Workbench from Home Depot. I love it! Very handy.

[@laboo7257]

I can't tell you what a relief it is to see your video. I was gifted the Cameo Pro5 and was disheartened to see there were no instructions, Quick start, nothing. Agreed with @bobathorpe, the QR code is less than acceptable. Thank you again!

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

You are welcome! So glad it helps!

[@Pockets_Of_Peace]

Very informative, but I can’t decide between cricut maker 3 or cameo 5. I would like to do lots of craft prints (from card stock, vinyl, foils etc), t shirt, and maybe stickers etc… Also, I have heard cameo can do what a cricut can but more and better.

[@KarenLeanneCreates2024]

Hi! I need to know how to calibrate how my machine cuts. I'm just cutting basic vynil, and the cut is about 1/2" above the top edge of the vynil, cutting into my mat margins. I can't find any info anywhere! I'm having to move my vynil up into the margins or move the design down...but sometimes it actually works properly after I have made those adjustments...making this a hit and miss situation. Please help!!! I am getting ready for a show!❤

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@KarenLeanneCreates2024 are you using a Silhouette cutting mat? 3rd party cutting mats are not the same size margins as a Silhouette mat. Silhouette machines are calibrated specifically to the margins on a Silhouette cutting mat and load to the exact location of the top left corner of the cut area on a Silhouette cutting mat. If using a Silhouette cutting mat, make sure you have a mat set on the Page Setup panel.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@KarenLeanneCreates2024 this video shows exactly what I mean about 3rd party mats. It affects both but placement and print and cut accuracy kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGGpoaJro5KNZ6csi=mImh_1Ld2a1ppzND

[@KarenLeanneCreates2024]

@SilhouetteSecrets I am using the original mat. This is a new machine. It started working better this evening, Although I noticed the arrow controls on the machine don't do anything except feed the mat in and out. I am getting my files, and managed to get the cuts done today! Thanks for your help and videos!

[@3zoz688]

Thank you dear for the effort really appreciate. Does the cameo 5 supports the auto feeder?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

It will be compatible in the near future, but they have to make a new plate to connect it so it's the right height and distance for the ASF.

[@3zoz688]

@@SilhouetteSecrets Thank you! dear I need your email if it’s possible I have issue with my cameo 5

[@Syed.Bukhari.110]

Hi, can you cut mylar 10mil (0.2mm) on cameo 4? Please make a video if you can. Thanks and regards

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Not easily. 7 mil is about the thickestbi see user ls cut with several passes. It can be done, but dulls a blade quickly and takes time, patience, and testing.

[@Syed.Bukhari.110]

Thanks for your reply 😊

[@Didomum]

thanks for the video that really told me a lot I don't think this is the one for me. I just want a machine to cut standard stickers I print of the computer so I don't have to do it by hand. this its a nice looking machine but to big for my space I hope I can find what I need. thanks again you was very helpful.

[@osirisflight]

thanks for the heads up, re software, wasnt aware they forced a minimum version... nearly bought a machine that I wouldnt be able to use... my mac cannot go higher than Mac OSX 10.13.6

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

It's not something you can re-engineer for older software easily, so yes, a new software version is needed. Especially if a computer OS is no longer bring updated or the computer cannot be.

[@wiedmakers]

I have a bug that I’m wondering if it’s essentially the same or atleast related to your bug. SS (latest version) will not allow me to cut larger than 12” unless I rotate the design layout to vertical. As you increase the size the work area increases but the cut line stays at the 12” mark. Switching to the send screen doesn’t fix it but changing the layout from horizontal to vertical does. The obvious workaround is to rotate the design but all of my designs are already saved and setup horizontally and are over 24”, so a bug fix would be ideal. I messaged SA support and they recommended going back to a previous version. The only reason I upgraded was because I just added a C5 to the workforce so obviously that’s not going to work either.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

It's a bug that was implemented in v4.3 or v4.4 - I can't even remember now. You are just going to have to rotate your designs and learn to work with it going forward. We've been living with it for years now.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

While it is technically a bug.... it does make sense.... the width can not be wider than the machine can cut. The height has to be the larger number. This is why you have to rotate it.

[@wiedmakers]

@@SilhouetteSecrets Ummm, no? I don’t know if your default settings are different or you’re not understanding what I’m saying, but I’ve only had SS for about 2 years and I have always worked with it horizontally. This is only a problem for me in 4.5.735 which I installed for the first time on the 24th. If I uninstall it and go back to my previous version (4.4895) it’s fine. I did just figure out a fix though. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@JemarhelSupriana]

Hi I have a question maybe you can help me answer these: Are the mats used on the Cameo 4 compatible with cameo 5? Are the tools knife, pen holder tool for calligraphy compatible with cameo 5 or do I need to buy a add on or entirely new set of tools?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Yes, the mats and tools from the Cameo 4 can be used in the Cameo 5.

[@JemarhelSupriana]

@@SilhouetteSecrets thank you for your swift reply. And the tools of cameo 4 can they be used on the 5?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@JemarhelSupriana yes.

[@Unominious]

is that a hp omen latop?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@Unominious yes.

[@jtech8959]

siser juliet or cameo 5? which is better?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

That really depends on the user and what they want to do with it.... this might help - kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4PRaH2fo5iGZ7ssi=u9j7qgquRU4XN6pW I use and teach both.

[@lilqueeniescraftingismypassion]

So in order to operate the C5 you have to upgrade the version so does this mean you no longer can run other cameos curios ect? Or is Shilhouette trying to make everyone buy a new computer for each machine? 🤔 🙄

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Anytime a new machine is released, you have to update the software in order to access that new machine - they don't go back to older software versions and recode everything to make it retroactive. You can still use all of the older Silhouette model machines on the new software version. Silhouette still supports all the older model machines and makes the software compatible with them.

[@lilqueeniescraftingismypassion]

Thank you so much, I was super stressed about updating 💜

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@lilqueeniescraftingismypassion You are welcome!

[@michaeljimenea535]

Hello madam, Asking from Philippines, Want to ask if have you already tried to use premium blade using the latest cameo 5? Im a cameeo5 User, my auto blade is not that sharp anymore. So im planning to buy premium blade. Will be happy, when i see response. Thankyou more power!!!!

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@michaeljimenea535 yes. The Premium blade will work with a black adapter. There are 4 adapters and are the same as the Cameo 4. A 1 mm manual blade is the equivalent of a premium blade and no adapter needed photos of the adapters can be found here - silhouette-secrets.com/2020/06/14/lets-explore-cameo-4-tools/

[@AirLineASMR]

Hi. can you tell me please if the power adapter support 220v? or it just for 110v?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Depends on what country you are in. Please refer power supply questions to your Silhouette retailer as they will know your exact need for your country.

[@AirLineASMR]

@@SilhouetteSecrets Unfortunately, I do not have a retailer in my country. I'm thinking of ordering this product via Amazon USA

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@AirLineASMR Then it will come with a U.S. plug. Please contact Silhouette Support at silhouetteamerica.com for more specific details. The power source can be specific to the machine and using the wrong one can have a negative affect.

[@AirLineASMR]

​@@SilhouetteSecrets Thank you for the reply :) I will contact their support.

[@sherielynn5305]

I just got a cameo 5 for Christmas. Can I use the premium blade with an adaptor in cameo 5?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Yes, the black adapter. bit.ly/3PZ8oio affil

[@sherielynn5305]

@@SilhouetteSecrets Thank you!!!!

[@Angelika5378]

Could you use a 3rd party foiling quill pen? We r memory keepers has a set with 3 sizes and adapters for different cutters but the pens need to be connected via usb so they heat up...

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

You can try..... it would be the same as the Cameo 4. However, the We R Makers adapters do not work well as they were designed for machines before the Cameo 4 was released. silhouette-secrets.com/2021/08/22/silhouette-cameo-4-beginner-foil-quill/

[@emaesam8757]

Hello, I have a problem with re-cutting again when I turn off Bluetooth or disconnect the cable because I have another device, Cameo 4. I want it to work at the same time, knowing that the program was last upgraded to Business Edition😞

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

You don't have to disconnect anything. If the Business Edition upgrade is active, you switch between machines on the Send tab silhouette-secrets.com/2019/05/21/using-multiple-silhouette-machines/

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

If it shows as unknown, ignore it and select it anyhow.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/h36rfKGIqdCAZrM

[@curiousnaba5497]

Hi! I've finally received my Cameo 5 after making the decision to get it a few months ago. I purchased it in november and it arrived a few weeks later because of customs, but I was so excited to finally use it until updating the firmware caused my cameo to no longer connect via bluetooth or through USB. I've tried changing the USB dongle and everything else on their website, but nothing worked. Turning on the cameo works just about fine, but it's just collecting dust now since it won't connect to any device wired or through bluetooth. Would you know if there's a way to hard reset it or fix this? I've reached out to them via email and their facebook but I havent received a reply and its been a few days already..

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Are you using a MAC or Windows computer? What happens when you connect it either way? What does it show under the machines icon panel on the Send tab = little machine icon with the red number on it? What version did you update to? I expect it will be awhile for a response from Support due to the holiday closures and the backlog of support requests throughout the holidays.

[@curiousnaba5497]

@@SilhouetteSecrets I originally connected it on my macbook since its my main use for my digital artwork, and it connected fine the first time I turned it on. Once I updated the firmware the machine froze and it said that the firmware update was unsuccessful or it failed. So I restarted everything and redid it but when I turned on the machine it could no longer be found, bluetooth or through USB. I thought it might be my macbook so I went to my windows PC but nothing as well. There's actually no icon of the machine at the bottom of the Send tab, itjust keeps saying that its looking for a machine to connect then it would say that it can't find any nearby. They finally responded today but they essentially told me to follow the steps in their support page which wasn't very helpful since I've already done so.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@curiousnaba5497 everyone has a machine icon in the Send panel I show a photo in this post. silhouette-secrets.com/2020/06/07/lets-explore-v4-the-send-tab-simple/ I'd recommend installing v4.5.738 found under the Legacy section on the website under Software > learn more and see if you can connect. However, if you are using MAC Sonoma OS, then you'll need to use v4.5.770.

[@scrapchick35]

I am. Still in shock that I bought me one. I usually weigh my option but my cameo 4 never been happy with didn't always cut that great. Any woo thanks for your video.. And where did u get your crank table??

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

You are welcome! It's a Husky workbench from Home Depot.

[@AnushkaTedjai]

Where comes the vinyl out when you do a larger cut like 1 meter?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

You tell it what you want it to do. Default is to feed back out or you can set up the crosscut to cut after you are done and it comes out the backside.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/apLGnIJ-Yth3gdksi=tH-3P6E1wk9Y8XJw

[@AnushkaTedjai]

@@SilhouetteSecrets Thank you very much

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@AnushkaTedjai you are welcome!

[@amyb2593]

Hi. My Cameo 5 arrives tomorrow! I'm very excited. In this video you mentioned you were playing with the software before you connected your Cameo 5, and I noticed that "Cameo 5" was showing up on your Page Setup. I have the most recent addition of the Silhouette Studio Software, Business Edition. But I am not seeing the Cameo 5 listed at all on the Page Setup (to play with it before my machine comes like you were showing). What am I am I missing?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

You aren't missing anything. Until you connect to one of the new machines, it will be hidden. As soon as you connect, it unlocks all those options. I connected to machines while I was at the Silhouette Summit and had already been playing with my Curio 2 and Portrait 4 when I recorded this video.

[@amyb2593]

@@SilhouetteSecrets oh, that makes perfect sense! You had mentioned I needed to be connected first on your other video comments. But when I saw Cameo 5 listed on your Page setup, I thought maybe I misunderstood something. Thank you so much for clarifying. I look forward to learning more from you🙂

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@amyb2593 you are welcome!

[@benjamina6915]

Bluetooth has nothing to do with your router at all, it's a direct connection between the computer and the Cameo. The Cameo not connecting through Bluetooth can be an issue if you don't have usb cables or adapters at all. It's also doubtful that 3rd party cutting mats void warranty. I always cut my 3rd party cutting mats the same size as the original. Never used the original at all, it's flimsy. If you have Windows 11 you may need to go into Bluetooth settings, tap on the small arrow on the devices bar (next to the blue add device button). In the screen that now appears change the Bluetooth devices discovery from normal to advanced. Standard will block a lot of devices.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

You are absolutely right - bluetooth connects directly to the Silhouette machine. However, the firmware update requires an internet connection and that is 100% connected to your router as I stated in the video. The firmware update had to be done by usb cable on previous models - this is changing with future machines, however, in the current version of the Silhouette software is not always successful when using the bluetooth connection, which is why I plugged in by usb. My computer did connect to the machine by Bluetooth successfully, however, the firmware did not update as shown in the video. You can find Silhouette's warranty policy on their website about 3rd party tools and mats.

[@benjamina6915]

@@SilhouetteSecrets thank for the explanation, good to hear it will be changing on the new models. I'm considering buying the Cameo 5 with the new electrostatic mat, once reviews get out. Curious to see how think paper that new electrostatic mat can hold. I don't do any vinyl or such, only papers and cardstock for project.

[@SirRonmit]

@@SilhouetteSecrets me as well .. I actually LOST BT after the update and had to connect via USB and perform update again -- now all is good.

[@agent007420ify]

Just upgraded from 3 to 5 and I use it mainly for paper art. I loaded the auto blade correctly, and have not been able to get the auto blade to cut through 65lb Cardstock. Wasted many sheets, even put the blade to 10 and force 30 it’s not cutting through. Anyone else have issues like this? I’m going to reach out to them direct because the blade, machine, all is brand new. Pretty frustrated 😢

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Is the red line inside the blade adjusting to the correct number that you have set on the Send tab? Is the cap on the blade secure and not loose? If those are both fine, then I'd recommend you reach out to Silhouette Support with photos and video of everything so they can see what you see.

[@agent007420ify]

@@SilhouetteSecrets thanks For the reply! Yes, the blade line moves and I even tried with my finger manually to make sure the blade actually comes down more with each click. I’m hoping all I need is a new blade but hesitant to buy one I’ll be so mad if same issue lol.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@agent007420ify buying a new blade will be the fastest way to identify if that is the issue. A new blade would be something that you would eventually use and need anyhow and getting one to test it could be the fastest way to get you on your way to cutting. It will take time for Silhouette to respond and troubleshoot any issues.

[@deniseyerou7815]

Thank you!!!!!!

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

You are welcome!

[@625joecool]

my don't cut and im on my second one ,, some one help

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

It's very difficult to troubleshoot on KZbin comments with that limited information. Follow this exactly step-by-step. It's still relevant for the Cameo 5. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5bGXoaEnbF2sNk Type out a capital B and send that as your test cut. If it doesn't cut, increase the blade depth up 1 and send it to cut again. Does it cut?

[@troycheney3037]

I got the Cameo 5 for Christmas and the power supply is making a high pitched noise. Anyone else with that issue? I’ve contacted customer support but got a standard email back stating the noise is normal.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Yes. Seems to be normal. With the powered housing there is a noise to it, but not everyone can hear it. Most electronic equipment has a noise to it, but it's not audible to all people.

[@brynax170]

The cameo 5 sounds like an alien 😅

[@gabrielapiranej8603]

Can i use My knife from Cameo 4?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

The Kraft blade? Yes.

[@gabrielapiranej8603]

@@SilhouetteSecrets and the Cb09?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@gabrielapiranej8603 that's is a 3rd party tool, and it is not designed or tested by Silhouette.... so they can not guarantee the results, and it voids the machine warranty.

[@AlexKorch-v2k]

After using Cameo 5 for 6 month I went back using Cameo 4 it cuts better and easy to load vinyl. I am very disappointed with Cameo 5 performance. If I could return it I gladly would

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Sorry to hear that. I still use my Cameo 5 and it cuts well.

[@user-jt5vm3mi1w]

Wow Cameo 5

[@corettablackmon7306]

Hello

[@marklola12]

Using a 3rd oarty cutting mat...how exactly would they know you were lol

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

You would be amazed at the signs of it.... but most times, the user shows photos or video of a 3rd party mat being used when troubleshooting. In some older model machines, using 3rd party mats, which can be thicker has been known to stretch the rollers out with extended use. But there are other signs of it too when you get into the aspect of troubleshooting cut issues.

[@user-jt5vm3mi1w]

It sounds a lot quieter than the original Cameo.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@user-jt5vm3mi1w it is much quieter. There is still a sound, but it's a machine, so I expect some noise.

[@rachelbezile6299]

This video shows why I would NOT buy this. Silhouette is degrading in their upgrades on everything 😢

[@overton1963]

So Is Cricut… which is why I am doing more research….

[@jenna0616]

@@overton1963I agree 100% I am going on my now 3rd Cricut Maker 3 in 2.5 years. They are trash and wasting my time and hard earned money. Time to move on. I just bought a Cameo5 today…ugh.

[@bevyjeanheyrman8537]

replay-thanks

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@bevyjeanheyrman8537 you are welcome!

[@larrymayberry2312]

It sounds like the carriage is struggling. Might just be over the video.