Digital BW, The Print

Hoppy,

>...
>Epson 890 with UT2 ink set including photoblack.
>Paper is Epson Premium Glossy. 

>When I print a 21 step wedge there is 
>missing ink in the 100% block (0 value)(banded and light).

>... nozzle check shows six unbroken 4 line staggered strips.

It seems odd that a 21-step would show no black if the nozzle check is fine.

For settings, see http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/UT2-Readme.htm 


>File>print with preview>print document (profile: Untagged grey
>color handling> No color management 

This should be OK for basic "Color Controls" printing.

>(also tried let printer determine)

I have not tried this.

>Print>name 890>properties> media type PGPP>color Mode 
>Custom


>advanced color controls

"Color Controls" printing gives rather limited control.  I always used the
curves on an RGB file and then "No Color Management" in the driver.

> Gamma 1.8 (and tried 2.2) Mode>Vivid Photo 1440dpi
>Brightness +10, contrast -3, C+7, M-7,


The missing black ink is a mystery.  Other that that, I'd try some of the
curves and the procedures outlined in the Readme file, above, for such.  

Note also that at http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/UT2-curves.html I've posted
some ICCs that work with the UT2 inkset.  The use of curves embedded in an
ICC allows one linearize the output, perhaps resulting in a better grayscale
ramp for your particular printer than a "canned" profile can give.

Good luck with the system.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com