Digital BW, The Print

Any pointers on how to do this?
I have an Epson 1160 with VTBlax dedicated B&W inks. How does one 
determine what the curves should look like for each of the 4 inks (if 
indeed all inks should be on)? I know how to set the ink limits but 
after that the ink shapes section is a bit of a mystery. I tried 
using the Black ink, dark grey ink etc sample curves and just got a 
very dark print.
Is there a simple step by step way of doing this that would at least 
get me to a reasonable starting point? 

I realise I might be missing something obvious (it has been known) 
but all and any help would be appreciated.