Digital BW, The Print

>... I am finding smoothness is indeed an issue with the 
>QTR/Epson UC combo. If I use 1440, images look a little 
>on the grainy side ...

>When I use 2880 things get darker and grittier and 
>shadows over-ink to the point of the rollers picking 
>up ink before it can dry...

There are reasons I put the LLK in my 2200 setup.  It will take care of the
smoothness issues and probably help the banding issue.  Other problems you
mention could be profile problems.

> I am using the PK cartridge and Ilford Smooth Pearl ...
> I like the feel and look of this paper but maybe I 
> need to go back to matt for BW. 

The 4K inkset I describe at http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/4K+.pdf can
print both matte and glossy without ink changes, as can the UT-3D, described
at http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/UT-3D_Readme.pdf.  Some profiles are
posted for the 3D inkset.  That one can also be profiled, at least for
neutral matte prints, with the ColorVision PFP software.

>Judging by your comments I should be able to get acceptable 
>results from the QTR/EPson UC combo so I would like to persist 
>until I am getting the best out of this combo.

I'd stick with 2880 and make your own profiles with QTR.  Try running a
calibration print (with slider at 100) and setting the default ink limit at
the point that gives the best damx.  Leave the ink limit box for the LK
blank.  Fill in the density box in the usual manner.  Do this for both the
PK and MK -- in different profiles.  If you see blotchiness in the midtones,
then the LK limit will need to be lowered.  Whether you'll be able to avoid
the banding with the 2200 may depend on the individual printer and how well
made it is.  You might be able to reduce banding by having more ink overlap,
but do this via manually pulling the black curves out further, with no LK
going into the 100% black end.  You can convert the curves into a list of
points by just noting the coordinates at the curve generated when you push
the Create Curve button on the Curve Creator.  Look for bulges in a curve
due to the smoothing algorithm.  You may need to pin down the K curve with a
series of points at 0.  For the best glossy dmax, try putting some full
strength cyan in at 100% and the deep shadows.

Good luck.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com