QTR-Quadtone RIP

Joel,
There are several possible causes. Apparently, the droplet rejects the file if there is not a 
steady progression from light to dark. If for example you have printed a step wedge where 
the 90, 95 and 100 percent blocks are over-inked they may read a lower dMax.

This is why I have found that first I have to determine what resolution and paper type to use 
to ensure the best dMax. For example, there is one paper I tested that, when printed at 2880 
with PK ink on a 2200 the dMax was highest at about 60% and then started to get lower 
again. When printed at 1440 the dMax was best at 100%, and as high as the best reading at 
2880.

Also, I have found that it is best to read the step wedges with several sheets of blank paper 
underneath. The paper, even heavy photo rag etc. is somewhat transmissive and it may be 
that the spectrometer light is bouncing off the desk and causing a problem.

David