QTR-Quadtone RIP

Lou, Thanks so much for the response. I neglected to mention that I am running all this on 
Mac OS X, so I don't have the QTR GUI with Curve Creation module/Linearization tab. 
Wouldn't that figure! Please let me step back and detail what I do have:

I printed the 21-step wedge w/o any profiling or changes and then spot measured with 
PrintFix Pro device. This generated a text file with a list such as follows:

1	96.76
2	92.53
3	88.14

etc. I saved the list as a text file. The last few values are very bunched up i.e., 20=20.76 
and 21=20.75. When I have printed on the Arches paper, I've had best results using the 
Moab Entrada FANat Curve, but as these numbers indicate, the shadow detail is a bit 
blocked up. I was hoping to get very similar results as are produced with the Moab curve, 
but open up the shadow detail.

So I take the txt file, and I can do two things: when I drop it in the QTR-Create-ICC script 
in the QTR downloaded Eye-One folder, I get back another txt file, this time with step 
values in 5% increments, Density values, and Lab values that match my readings. In 
addition, there is the L curve, and I can see where the L's start to curve downward at step 
95 and 100. In addition, I get an icc profile back.

Alternatively, when I drop my original txt in QTR-Linearize-Data, I get back a similar txt 
file with the same step, density, LAB, and curve data, but this time the last line reads 
"LINEARIZE="96.76 92.53 88.14 ... 20.75". None of the values change from my original 
readings. 

Now that I have these files, I am not sure how to use them to accomplish my goal of 
opening up the last bit of shadows. I had assumed I would ultimately end up with another 
curve to choose from in my QTR printer dialog box that would produce desired results. 
Am I supposed to use the txt file with the Linearize message to create a curve or am I 
supposed to use the icc profile? If so where do I put these files or how do I use them?

I did try running a print with my QTR-ArchesInfinity.icc profile as both the Proof and as 
the Printer Profile (letting Photoshop manage color); in the QTR printer dialog box, I didn't 
select any curve because I don't have any new option to choose from.  This generated a 
very ugly, muddy print--obviously incorrect. 

If anyone could give guidance on how to properly use the icc profile or the linearize txt file 
in a Mac OS X context, I'd be grateful!

Thanks much.

Scott--- In QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com, "Louis Dina" <lou@...> wrote:
>
> Scott,
> 
> First, read a test print (21 step grayscale) printed with you 
> UNlinearized file, and save it as a text file.  When you drag this 
> text file with the 21 step readings to Create-ICC, a new text file 
> should be created and it will open up on your screen (at least it 
> does on Windows).  At the bottom, it should show you a line with all 
> 21 steps sorted in ascending or descending order.  Highlight this 
> entire line with your mouse and copy it (Control-C on the PC).  Then 
> go to the linearization tab in the Curve Creation module of QTR and 
> click the paste button.  These sorted numbers should be pasted into 
> the linearization window.  Then save the profile.  You just 
> linearized your file if you did everything correctly.
> 
> Lou
> 
> --- In QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com, "scott.romans" <scott.romans@> 
> wrote:
> >
> > I share Jens's confusion. I am using a Piezography NK7 inkset in an 
> Epson R1800, trying 
> > to get the best results with Arches Infinity paper. The darkest 
> tones are pretty blocked up 
> > and I wanted to linearize a profile. I have printed and measured a 
> 21 step-wedge test 
> > print. I have dropped this into Create_ICC_Profile, but do I simply 
> use this profile when I 
> > print in order to open up the shadows? Or is there something I need 
> to do to linearize this 
> > profile before I use it? I've looked for a recent post to give 
> basic instructions and have 
> > found none, so a reference or any help would be greatly 
> appreciated! Thanks!
> > 
> > 
> > --- In QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com, "JensGerbitz" <jensgerbitz@> 
> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi everyone,
> > > 
> > > I'm in the process of linearizing QTR curves per the Eye-One-
> > > ReadMe.pdf found in the QTR Eye-One folder.
> > > 
> > > So far I have been able to create a .txt file with a graph from a 
> > > scanned Step-21x4-random.tif printout (on HM PR 188), and then 
> > > creating the graph by dragging the .txt file onto QTR-Linearize-
> > > Data.exe.
> > > 
> > > However, I'm lost starting at the "Linearize a QuadToneRIP Curve" 
> > > section.  I understand what the goal of the process is, but I how 
> do 
> > > I "...simply create the ink description file, doing the 
> > > partitioning."?  Is this done in the QTR Curve Creator under 
> > > the "Gray Curve" tab or under one of the Toner Curver tabs?  If 
> so, 
> > > are the numbers given in the article for GRAY_SHADOW and 
> > > GRAY_HIGHLIGHT fields the ones I should use (8 & 6 respectively)?
> > > 
> > > How do I make the quad curve?  Is the Step-21-gray stepwedge 
> created 
> > > from the new quad curve?
> > > 
> > > I figure these are enough question for the moment, appreaciate 
> any 
> > > help!
> > > 
> > > Cheers,
> > > Jens
> > >
> >
>