QTR-Quadtone RIP

I use moslty Windows XP.  My procedure below is for that setup.

While I have mostly used the older Spyder software, with my 
manual procedure I think there is only one minor change -- 
where the data is stored.  It used to be stored in the 
/Program Files directory 
("C:\Program Files\ColorVision\PrintFIX PRO\Data\Export").
  
This caused problems with Vista, which is trying to protect that directory from viruses. 
 
The latest version of the software stores the data in a user directory:
"C:\Documents and Settings\[User name]\Application Data\Datacolor\Spyder3Print\Data\Export"  

I make shortcuts on my Desktop to these locations.  (Right click on Desktop, New>Shortcut)

I've made a 21-step test file that works very well with the spectro.  See http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/21-Step.jpg  
I'd save this as a Tiff file. 
 
The test strip is easiest to use if a small white mark is put on 
the side of the spectro orifice that you'll see as you measure 
the 21-step test strip.  

(For strip reading procedures, the 4x21 random charts may be a better.)

Of course, the first thing one has to do with the spectro every 
time it's used is to calibrate it (Tools>Calibrate).

To measure a test strip, click on Tools>Measure.  I hit Export 
and name the file using the printer, inkset, paper and other 
abbreviations in the name that might be needed.

After measuring manually from white to black (takes 1 minute), 
hit "Done" and the data is saved as a text file in the 
folders mentioned.

I usually open the data text files first with Excel and graph 
(Insert>chart>line) the results to see if the curve is smooth.  
A kink will throw off the linearization.  A smooth bow is fine.

The data is in columns with Lab L at the left, then A and B.

For the QTR Rip, the Lab L data can just be copied and pasted into the Linearization tab.

For Create ICC, I open with or copy the Lab L data to Notepad.  
This file is saved on the Desktop with the names as mentioned above.  The file is then simply dragged to the Create-ICC icon.  
An ICC and output text file will appear on the desktop.

I hope this helps.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com