Digital BW, The Print

Hello everyone,

New to the forum.

I recently received a free R300, whose head was clogged.  I ran the MIS purge print page, and have the printer printing well without streaking or banding on the original oem inks.

I'm referencing the file below for carbon-6 printing:

http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Carbon-6.pdf

Since the R300 is not an 8-color printer, I assume that the mixing ratios for the K, C, M, LC, LM, and Y positions are what I would use?  These ratios are by mass, correct?

I also assume that I need:

-a set of empty R300 cartridges from MIS
-1 18 oz. bottle of Eboni MK
-syringes for injecting the ink (?)
-Kodak Photoflo 200 and glycerol

Do I need to clean out the remaining color ink before introducing the MIS ink?  Does MIS provide instructions explaining how to fill their cartridges (I have never refilled carts before)?

Also, I do not own a spectrophotometer (although I do have a Monaco Optix XR for calibrating my monitor).  I also do not own a copy of QTR.  I know there are directions for using a flatbed scanner for making profiles, but do I need QTR to do this?

I appreciate any assistance very much.
David

"dlwearl26" <dlwearl26@...> wrote:
>
> I recently received a free R300, whose head was clogged.  I ran the MIS purge print page, and have the printer printing well without streaking or banding on the original oem inks.

If the heads are clean, that ought to be a good printer for Carbon-6.  I believe it's like the 220 that I have used quite a bit.  I may have profiles (but am not at home to check that).

 
> I'm referencing the file below for carbon-6 printing:
> 
> http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Carbon-6.pdf
> 
> Since the R300 is not an 8-color printer, I assume that the mixing ratios for the K, C, M, LC, LM, and Y positions are what I would use?

Yes. 


>  These ratios are by mass, correct?

Yes. 

For the base mixing it matters the most. I think the glycerol specific gravity is 1.26.  All of the others are  close  enough to 1 or small enough ratios with flexible  enough percentages that they'd be the same, but the glycerol does need adjustment for its weight (which helps hold  up the carbon).

Once the base is  mixed, you can go with either weight or volume.  Having a good scales is the accurate way to go for small volumes.



> 
> I also assume that I need:
> 
> -a set of empty R300 cartridges from MIS

Yes.  Those  might still be the types you reset manually.  So, you may need a resetter.

> -1 18 oz. bottle of Eboni MK

You could get away with 4 oz.


> -syringes for injecting the ink (?)

Yes, and a bottom  fill adapter.  It's best if modified per 
http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Modified-Bottom-Fill-Adapter.pdf

These bottom fill adapters will cut easily with a sharp scissors.


> -Kodak Photoflo 200 and glycerol

I'd  also use the Edwal LFN.  It's an impressive surfactant.


> 
> Do I need to clean out the remaining color ink before introducing the MIS ink?

I would.  I'd fill the empty carts with just the base first and blow  out the color inks.

>  Does MIS provide instructions explaining how to fill their cartridges (I have never refilled carts before)?

(I'm not sure.)

I cut the bottom seal with a sharp knife, carefully.  Remove the plug  that is  over  the reservoir.  Fill half way.  Use the bottom fill adapter on a syringe to pull the base/ink through the outlet, removing the air from the outlet (just pull until you're  getting a fair amount of base).  Fill the reservoir.  Put the plug in the reservoir.  Remove the plug  from  the air inlet (usually the plug  on top that near the back of the cart).  Insert the filled cart into the slot.


> Also, I do not own a spectrophotometer (although I do have a Monaco Optix XR for calibrating my monitor).

I like the DataColor spectro.  It makes reading my standard 21-step test strips very easy, outputting a text file that is  easy to open in Excel to check out the graph of the curve.  That saves as a text file on the desktop and can be simply dragged and dropped  into QTR's Create ICC-RGB to make  an ICC that will print that inkset very well on almost all coated matte inkjet papers -- with my obvious  favorites being Epson HP and Premier Art's Smooth Fine Art 325 and Smooth BW 200.

When you run a full hextone monotone in the printer the Epson driver  is easy to control  and use in a color  managed workflow.  When I put  in inks like  my dyes or HP Pk/LK, or when I print on Arches uncoated HP, I use QTR -- the rip.

>  I also do not own a copy of QTR. 

You'll definitely want one.

> I know there are directions for using a flatbed scanner for making profiles, but do I need QTR to do this?

Not completely, but  you'll want QTR for the script that makes this easier and  for Create ICC-RGB and  the rip, eventually.


By the way, I compared Lab L ramps  measured  with a spectro and measured with a flatbed and the Q13, using the QTR PS script -- the results were  virtually identical -- very nice to see.  A flatbed is  clearly a viable option,  although I think the spectro makes it easier.

Good luck  with the setup.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com

Hi Paul,

I now have the R300 working with the dilutions, and I managed to pick up the Datacolor spectro and Spyder3Print software, as well as QTR.  So, now I have more questions.

1) I am getting some micro-banding with the R300, that seems to change depending on the image.  It appears to manifest itself more with areas of continuous tone, rather than in images with numerous areas of high local contrast (if that makes any sense).  I am using some leftover stock of Epson HWM paper, that I used years ago when I was last doing this kind of stuff.

2) I have a copy of QTR, but I'm rather baffled about what to do with it.  As far as I understand, I need to print your 21-step test chart, measure it with the spectro, and then create a profile with it?  Where in the program is this "Create-ICC" drop point?

3) Have you experimented with toning in a printer that has only 6 ink positions?  I generally don't mind warm black and white prints, but I would occasionally like to print them cooler.  I do know that the choice of paper stock has much to do with this.

Thanks,
David


3) Can the 21-step wedge be printed from lightroom?  

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Paul" <roark.paul@...> wrote:

>
> "dlwearl26" <dlwearl26@> wrote:
> >
> > I recently received a free R300, whose head was clogged.  I ran the MIS purge print page, and have the printer printing well without streaking or banding on the original oem inks.
> 
> If the heads are clean, that ought to be a good printer for Carbon-6.  I believe it's like the 220 that I have used quite a bit.  I may have profiles (but am not at home to check that).
> 
>  
> > I'm referencing the file below for carbon-6 printing:
> > 
> > http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Carbon-6.pdf
> > 
> > Since the R300 is not an 8-color printer, I assume that the mixing ratios for the K, C, M, LC, LM, and Y positions are what I would use?
> 
> Yes. 
> 
> 
> >  These ratios are by mass, correct?
> 
> Yes. 
> 
> For the base mixing it matters the most. I think the glycerol specific gravity is 1.26.  All of the others are  close  enough to 1 or small enough ratios with flexible  enough percentages that they'd be the same, but the glycerol does need adjustment for its weight (which helps hold  up the carbon).
> 
> Once the base is  mixed, you can go with either weight or volume.  Having a good scales is the accurate way to go for small volumes.
> 
> 
> 
> > 
> > I also assume that I need:
> > 
> > -a set of empty R300 cartridges from MIS
> 
> Yes.  Those  might still be the types you reset manually.  So, you may need a resetter.
> 
> > -1 18 oz. bottle of Eboni MK
> 
> You could get away with 4 oz.
> 
> 
> > -syringes for injecting the ink (?)
> 
> Yes, and a bottom  fill adapter.  It's best if modified per 
> http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Modified-Bottom-Fill-Adapter.pdf
> 
> These bottom fill adapters will cut easily with a sharp scissors.
> 
> 
> > -Kodak Photoflo 200 and glycerol
> 
> I'd  also use the Edwal LFN.  It's an impressive surfactant.
> 
> 
> > 
> > Do I need to clean out the remaining color ink before introducing the MIS ink?
> 
> I would.  I'd fill the empty carts with just the base first and blow  out the color inks.
> 
> >  Does MIS provide instructions explaining how to fill their cartridges (I have never refilled carts before)?
> 
> (I'm not sure.)
> 
> I cut the bottom seal with a sharp knife, carefully.  Remove the plug  that is  over  the reservoir.  Fill half way.  Use the bottom fill adapter on a syringe to pull the base/ink through the outlet, removing the air from the outlet (just pull until you're  getting a fair amount of base).  Fill the reservoir.  Put the plug in the reservoir.  Remove the plug  from  the air inlet (usually the plug  on top that near the back of the cart).  Insert the filled cart into the slot.
> 
> 
> > Also, I do not own a spectrophotometer (although I do have a Monaco Optix XR for calibrating my monitor).
> 
> I like the DataColor spectro.  It makes reading my standard 21-step test strips very easy, outputting a text file that is  easy to open in Excel to check out the graph of the curve.  That saves as a text file on the desktop and can be simply dragged and dropped  into QTR's Create ICC-RGB to make  an ICC that will print that inkset very well on almost all coated matte inkjet papers -- with my obvious  favorites being Epson HP and Premier Art's Smooth Fine Art 325 and Smooth BW 200.
> 
> When you run a full hextone monotone in the printer the Epson driver  is easy to control  and use in a color  managed workflow.  When I put  in inks like  my dyes or HP Pk/LK, or when I print on Arches uncoated HP, I use QTR -- the rip.
> 
> >  I also do not own a copy of QTR. 
> 
> You'll definitely want one.
> 
> > I know there are directions for using a flatbed scanner for making profiles, but do I need QTR to do this?
> 
> Not completely, but  you'll want QTR for the script that makes this easier and  for Create ICC-RGB and  the rip, eventually.
> 
> 
> By the way, I compared Lab L ramps  measured  with a spectro and measured with a flatbed and the Q13, using the QTR PS script -- the results were  virtually identical -- very nice to see.  A flatbed is  clearly a viable option,  although I think the spectro makes it easier.
> 
> Good luck  with the setup.
> 
> Paul
> www.PaulRoark.com
>

"dlwearl26" <dlwearl26@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Paul,
> 
> I now have the R300 working with the dilutions,

Which base mix are you using?  Specifically, are you using version B with the Edwal?

> 
> 1) I am getting some micro-banding ...

That could be from lots of causes.  Of course, be sure you have a perfect nozzle check.  Use the highest quality printing, with high speed off.

What driver, profiles, etc. are you using?

Note that OEM inks are really good and the R300 is an older printer that was made for dyes.  If you scan at high enough resolutions you see evidence of the nature of our printers eventually.  So, there are degrees of quality here.  I have never seen perfection if the scanner is good enough.  On the other hand, there are lots of us making prints that almost all viewers consider essentially perfect, but it's not easy and not all printers can do it.

 
> 2) I have a copy of QTR, but I'm rather baffled about what to do with it. 

It takes a while.  There are tutorials and workshops.

>...  Where in the program is this "Create-ICC" drop point?

See the Eye-One folder in the QTR download.

 
> 3) Have you experimented with toning in a printer that has only 6 ink positions?  I generally don't mind warm black and white prints, but I would occasionally like to print them cooler.  I do know that the choice of paper stock has much to do with this.

See http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Eboni-4-Plus.pdf

I'm aware of interest for more neutral printing as well as glossy.  I'm not ignoring it.  You'll be seeing more here soon on this issue.


> 3) Can the 21-step wedge be printed from lightroom?  


I assume so.  I have but don't often use Lightroom.  I'm a Photoshop and QTR guy.  Learning new software is not what I do for entertainment.  I understand LR's attraction for many, but it doesn't have the tools I need, and PS CS5 has the same raw converter -- which I really like.  I don't have a database problem that is serious enough to need that LR function.

Good luck with the setup.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com