Digital BW, The Print

"remononaz1" <homershannon@...> wrote:
>
> I mixed up the ink and made a set of cartridges for the 2k-2lk 


http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/1400-Claria-Noritsu-2K2LK.pdf



> printing on Red River Polar Pearl Metallic paper. Before proceeding to print a 21-step gray scale as a first test of the system, I ran a nozzle check, which was good. 

In changing inks at least one extra cleaning cycle is usually needed to clear the residual color out of the system.

 
> I changed my gray scale 21 step scale image to RGB and loaded the .acv RrMetal-PremLset.acv into the curves panel, which turned all the steps, except 21 which is black, to grades of light cyan. 


That is correct.  The cyan channel is the "gray" channel in this setup.


> I then printed the step scale using the QTR1400-CL-2k2lk-RrMetal-PremLset.icc. 


The ICCs are made for un-altered grayscale files.  An RGB file will be converted to grayscale by the ICC.  Do not try to print a file that has also had the curve applied to it.  The reason for the curves in the Zip file is to allow users to make new ICCs.  The curves are embedded into the ICC.  See http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Embedding_Photoshop_Curves_in_ICCs.pdf



>  This yielded a printed step scale that has essentially no color until about step 15, where it begins to get a very light gray. Step 20 has a black line around three sides, filled with a very light gray, and step 21 is totally black. I ran a nozzle check again and it is OK.


Step 15 to 20 would normally be where the C-position ink should be carrying a large part of the image.  The C-position ink is black.  But, if you printed the 21-step that had the curve on it, it'll be too far off to know what would happen.


> 
> I then closed my step scale document, without saving changes, and reopened it. This time I did not convert it to RGB and printed it using the same .icc but without any .acv adjustment.


That is how the system is supposed to be used.


> This yielded a ramp that is nearly white until about the 8th  position (30%), it then ramps pretty evenly but has a very greenish cast from 80% to 90%.


Are you sure the LC position has the Noritsu LK in it?  This sounds like some light cyan ink may still be in the system.


Check that the correct inks are in their designated positions.  Note that the order of the ink in the 1400 is indicated by color patches in the printer.  The chips may not be sensitive to position; so they may work even if installed incorrectly.

Be sure the color ink has been cleaned out with at least one cleaning cycle aside from that done automatically after the ink change.

Good luck with the system.  It makes outstanding high gloss cards for me.  The downside of the Claria/Noritsu B&W is metamerism under fluorescent lights.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com