QTR-Quadtone RIP

I have been reading recent posts and looking in the archives but I am still having difficulty 
working with QTR.  I have used QTR on a MAC system for some time but have never tried to 
create new curves or linearize a curve.
I have experience making custom profiles, determining ink limits,  and linearizing a printer 
so I understand the concepts.  Where I have difficulty is making it work using QTR.
I have read the pdfs on calibrating but I have not had any luck editing the existing text files.  
I would also like to customize the curves for an Epson 9600 that has the K7 inks but all the 
ink description files are ".quad" files and not ".txt" files.  I have tried using existing text files 
from other printers and edited them as a 9600 curve but still no success.
Another problem I have is that I have a DTP 41 and all the supporting files are designed for 
the eye one spectro.  I have edited a few of the step wedges to meet the proper specs for 
strip reading in a DTP 41.
I am able to get good monitor to print matching with color and I would like to be able to do 
the same with grayscale printing.
Any help would be appreciated.