Digital BW, The Print

Using QTR with a quad ink set, without correctly configured ink
descriptor files and curves, etc., will not help you get the most from
this setup.
It would be worth asking on the quadtone RIP list to see if anyone
there has 3000 quad ink QTR experience. I did it, but so long ago that
the setup I came up with is not relevant. I don't even have it any more.
You should be able to overcome the effect you see and get very smooth
prints. That's the whole point of using quad inksets, but they need to
be used correctly to get the benifits. As Paul suggested some curves
for use with the RGB driver will work as well.

But... regarding paper advance. print a 16x20 inch thin line box (A
rectangle of tone is a waste of ink) and measure it on the paper. If
it is not exactly 20" long, the paper advance is incorrect. If it is
not square by measuring from corner to oposite diagonal corner, and
have that equal in both corner sets, the paper is skewing through the
printer.
All of this will result in microbanding.
I even installed stronger tension springs in my 3000s. Not a fun job
and of questionable value.
As I've said before, it's very hard to tell the difference here
between well done 3000 quad prints and 9600/StudioPrint quad prints
with the naked eye.
Tyler


--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "fotojali"
<jporkkala@y...> wrote:
>
> I don't think it's the paper thickness because I tried this with
> Archival Matte.
> 
> But I downloaded QuadTone RIP and tried it (first time ever) and made
> a few quick tests using "1440 super" resolution and different dither
> algorithms. And the banding was gone with every dithering settings
> (except with "very fast" which was awful). The prints were grainier,
> but I kinda like it, it's like "digital Tri-X" which someone mentioned
> here earlier, maybe combined with Rodinal ;-).
> 
> I'm just learning QTR, but it could be the solution, or .. ?
> 
> --fotojali
> 
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Tyler Boley"
> <tyler@t...> wrote:
> >
> > You will get microbanding due to inacurate paper advance with the
> > thick papers.
> > This may or may not be what you are experiencing, but be sure and test
> > it with a paper under 250gsm or so.
> > That's the only catch with a 3000, crappy paper advance.
> > Regarding dot size, I'd suggest a good partioned aproach using QTR.
> > The dots will become very untintrusive if visible at all.
> > Tyler
> > 
> > --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "fotojali"
> > <jporkkala@y...> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi,
> > > 
> > > I am starting my b&w printing with Epson 3000 and MIS Full Spectrum
> > > Neutral Inks. After a few test prints I really like the neutral tone
> > > of the inks, and I think I will be able to live with the 3000's
larger
> > > dot size...
> > > 
> > > BUT, I am getting some disturbing microbanding (dark thin lines)
that
> > > show at closer inspection. If there are Epson 3000 users on the
list:
> > > how are you avoiding this?
> > > 
> > > My nozzle checks are perfect, and I have made the head alignment
> > > several times using the actual paper I'm printing on. I think the
> > > Epson driver I'm using is the latest version.
> > > 
> > > Would a software RIP correct this, and if so, which one should I
try?
> > > 
> > > Thanks
> > > fotojali
> > >
> >
>