Digital BW, The Print

on 2/19/02 2:52 AM, Kevin Gulstene wrote:

> When these went in there was
> another period of waiting (24hours) and then I got an almost perfect nozzle
> check - and of course banding.
> 
> I have not seen this problem with nozzle checks before.  You can see a scan
> of the test pattern at http://www.designinsite.ca/photo/banding.html
> One of the lines thinner, but at the same vertical location as its
> predecessor.  I have tried everything to get rid of it.  Windex, folded
> paper towel, getting it drunk et. Al.  Although the banding is not severe
> (maybe this is what others had referred to as micro-banding) it is
> noticeable in areas of smooth or continuous light tones - like foreheads.
> 
> If anyone has any insight into this before I buy a new printer I would
> really appreciate it.

Kevin,

Fret not. Your nozzle check is, as you say, almost perfect, but it isn't
perfect. Your 5th horizontal line on your bottom row is slightly deflected
and that's enough to give you banding. Don't print until you get a PERFECT
nozzle check from every color position

I reserve the aggressive cleaning treatments you speak of for fully blocked
nozzles. For a slight problem like yours one or two head cleaning cycles
(using the drivers utility) usually clears that right up. If not I put the
windex/fantastic on the parking pad and turn the printer off for a few
hours, then do another cleaning cycle or two.

Once you get a perfect nozzle check from every color position do a head
alignment (preferably on the paper you will print on - thickness matters)
and you should be in good shape.

Todd