QTR-Quadtone RIP

I must have missed something significant about QTR. I cannot work out how do create a .acv curve and/or a .icc file.
I have characterised and linearised the inks with this printer, I can view the ink curves and I can see the ink curve but what next. Can someone please explain, as if talking to a simpleton, what to do next?

Cheers
Greg

"Greg" <gregnixon@...> wrote:
>
> I must have missed something significant about QTR. I cannot work out how do create a .acv curve and/or a .icc file.


Making an *.acv curve is a bit of an art.  My experience in attempting to explain the process and helping others suggests that unless you are very experienced with acv curves, it's too frustrating to try.  I generally recommend people stay with the curves I've made and include in my Zip files that contain profiles for the various printer/inksets I've used.  



> I have characterised and linearised the inks with this printer, I can view the ink curves and I can see the ink curve but what next.

Linearization is generally the last step in making a profile.  So, after that has been done successfully, the next step is usually to start making great prints and enjoy your B&W photography.  However, it sounds like you're not at the point that the prints you're getting are to your satisfaction.


As I recall, you are using Eboni-6 in an Epson 1400.  I assume you've read my PDF on the combo (http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Eboni-6.pdf) and downloaded the profiles I've provided (http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/1400-Eb6-Profiles.zip).

I tend to recommend that people start slow and easy.  First, just try the Epson driver with no ICC and the driver's "Color Controls" (gamma 2.2).  Second, try some of the ICCs that have been provided and see how they work.  If the profiles are less than perfect, the third thing to try is to simply re-linearize an existing profile -- QTR rip or Create ICC-RGB. 

The goal of all of this is to make prints that reasonably match the monitor and otherwise give you the output you need to enjoy your photography.  Diving into the details of making profiles from the ground up is not something that most should try, particularly if you're just starting out.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com

Hi Paul,

Thanks again for your reply. I was under the impression that QTR has the tools to make an ACV curve and an ICC profile, using the density data from the 21 step printout and the data from the linearised curve.
In the folder "Program Files > QuadtoneRIP > Eye-One" or the mac equivalent, there are 3 program files QTR-Create-ICC, QTR-Create-ICC-RGB, and QTR-Linearise-Data. I have yet to work out how to use these tools. The first step is to use the ACV curve. How is that created?

I was planning to do this to be able to "Soft Proof" the images before printing.

With your suggestions and advice I was able to create a good profile using the UTFS-N 4 colour 6 ink set in my 1410 printer. The results look good and I am pleased with the prints. I should have given you some feedback earlier but I have been out of the state for a few weeks. 

Cheers
Greg Nixon


--- In QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com, "Paul" <roark.paul@...> wrote:

>
> "Greg" <gregnixon@> wrote:
> >
> > I must have missed something significant about QTR. I cannot work out how do create a .acv curve and/or a .icc file.
> 
> 
> Making an *.acv curve is a bit of an art.  My experience in attempting to explain the process and helping others suggests that unless you are very experienced with acv curves, it's too frustrating to try.  I generally recommend people stay with the curves I've made and include in my Zip files that contain profiles for the various printer/inksets I've used.  
> 
> 
> 
> > I have characterised and linearised the inks with this printer, I can view the ink curves and I can see the ink curve but what next.
> 
> Linearization is generally the last step in making a profile.  So, after that has been done successfully, the next step is usually to start making great prints and enjoy your B&W photography.  However, it sounds like you're not at the point that the prints you're getting are to your satisfaction.
> 
> 
> As I recall, you are using Eboni-6 in an Epson 1400.  I assume you've read my PDF on the combo (http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Eboni-6.pdf) and downloaded the profiles I've provided (http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/1400-Eb6-Profiles.zip).
> 
> I tend to recommend that people start slow and easy.  First, just try the Epson driver with no ICC and the driver's "Color Controls" (gamma 2.2).  Second, try some of the ICCs that have been provided and see how they work.  If the profiles are less than perfect, the third thing to try is to simply re-linearize an existing profile -- QTR rip or Create ICC-RGB. 
> 
> The goal of all of this is to make prints that reasonably match the monitor and otherwise give you the output you need to enjoy your photography.  Diving into the details of making profiles from the ground up is not something that most should try, particularly if you're just starting out.
> 
> Paul
> www.PaulRoark.com
>

On 10/29/2011 06:30 PM, Paul wrote:

> Making an *.acv curve is a bit of an art.  My experience in attempting to explain the process and helping others suggests that unless you are very experienced with acv curves, it's too frustrating to try.  I generally recommend people stay with the curves I've made and include in my Zip files that contain profiles for the various printer/inksets I've used.

> Paul
> www.PaulRoark.com

Paul,

It is a lot of trial and error, I have always admired your skill and 
patience in that work. The more as I'm right now creating similar curves 
in Qimage for a HP K5400 Officejet loaded with HP Vivera pigment MK, PK, 
Grey and Light Grey. Using the Windows driver for that printer. Qimage's 
curve editing is more limited but on the other hand the curves can be 
used as a Qimage Printer Filter which is applied as a very last step 
before the print data is created. The image can so be kept as a 
greyscale image in the print page  preview etc. Qimage's color 
management allows me to add an extra QTR B&W profile for the smaller 
adjustments and softproof. It also gives me all the other Qimage 
Ultimate features.


-- 
Met vriendelijke groeten,   Ernst

Try: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Wide_Inkjet_Printers/

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Greg,

>
> ... I was under the impression that QTR has the tools to make an ACV curve
> and an ICC profile, using the density data from the 21 step printout and
> the data from the linearised curve.
>

As far as I know, QTR does not make *.acv curves.


In the folder "Program Files > QuadtoneRIP > Eye-One" or the mac
> equivalent, there are 3 program files QTR-Create-ICC, QTR-Create-ICC-RGB,
> and QTR-Linearise-Data. I have yet to work out how to use these tools. The
> first step is to use the ACV curve. How is that created?
>

Not all of these require an acv curve.  For example, if the output of the
Epson driver does not match the monitor with respect to relative densities,
one can simply use a text file with the Lab L readings from a 21-step test
print to "linearize" the output via an ICC.  No acv curve is needed.

I often use the Epson driver, assisted by an ICC made with Create ICC-RGB
to print Eboin-6.  I use acv curves in the ICCs for several reasons.  A
couple of the reasons are, first, if there is quite a difference in density
between the 95% and 100% patch on the 21-step test print when no ICC or
curve is used, then there is insufficient information to allow Create
ICC-RGB to interpolate accurately, and the final curve will not be as
perfect as I like them.  So, I make a general correction curve to get more
information down in the deep shadows so the program doesn't have to "guess"
so much.

A second reason I use acv curves with the 1400 and Eboni-6 is to reduce the
warmth of the highlights.  By using the light Eb6-Y ink (2% Eboni) in the
highlights, about one Lab B unit is cut off the warmth there.


> I was planning to do this to be able to "Soft Proof" the images before
> printing.
>

You would not want to add a curve to an ICC that is used just for that.  If
the output is good, just read the 21-step test print and drop the text file
of the Lab L, A & B readings into Create ICC or Create ICC-RGB.

I hope this helps.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com

>
>


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