QTR-Quadtone RIP

Hello,
If I only want to print in black and white with no toning, do I need to 
use two curves. I am using Win XP, epson R1800 3MK inks.
  Secondly, why would one need to use custom curves? I read the 
information on making custom curves, and being new to this I do not 
have the vocabulary to undersrtand the directions fully.

 I went back to the origin of this group and started reading the posts. 
I hope I do not have to read two years worths of postings to learn how 
to use the QTR in order to use it properly. Or is using the QTR the 
digital equivalent of using the Zone System?


thanks 
Frank

Frank,

Having not used the 3MK/R1800 combo myself as a disclaimer: no, one 
curve is sufficient. The Eboni MK is neutral in itself. This is 
different for more traditional ink setups that use diluted carbon 
inks. They are noticably warmer than neutral. To offset this and get 
a neutral curve, the carbon/warm curve is combined with a cool curve. 
One could do this by actually using a cool and a warm curve in QTR or 
by creating/using a neutral curve that combines the warm and cool 
pigments under the surface.

One good reason to create your own curves is if you start using 
papers that are not yet supported. Another reason would be if you go 
to non-standard ink setups (if there's anything like a standard ink 
setup in B&W printing...).
 
On the learning curve: start using existing curves. QTR as printing 
tool in itself is simple to use. But sometimes getting the whole 
workflow correct is a hurdle. Make sure your monitor is properly 
calibarated and that you use the right QTR gray print profiles.

Joost


--- In QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com, "frankjay02" <frankjay02@...> 
wrote:
>
> Hello,
> If I only want to print in black and white with no toning, do I 
need to 
> use two curves. I am using Win XP, epson R1800 3MK inks.
>   Secondly, why would one need to use custom curves? I read the 
> information on making custom curves, and being new to this I do not 
> have the vocabulary to undersrtand the directions fully.
> 
>  I went back to the origin of this group and started reading the 
posts. 
> I hope I do not have to read two years worths of postings to learn 
how 

> to use the QTR in order to use it properly. Or is using the QTR the 
> digital equivalent of using the Zone System?
> 
> 
> thanks 
> Frank
>