Datacolor User to User Support Group.

I upgraded my Spyder3Print software to the new V4.1.1 from the prior V3 level before starting to re-profile my paper/printer combination.  I am running Windows XP at the latest level and the Spectro is Model 1005.  

I printed 3 sets of 225 EZ Color targets on two pages each (actually 240 color patches) using different media settings. I then tried to profile one of the sets and either have a hardware problem or a problem as the result of the installation of 4.1.1.  The resulting profile is way off.  The Spyder3Print softproof is almost not visible as is all pale white and an off yellow/green.  A test print is really color shifted. Before profiling, I cleaned the white tile using mild soap and water with a paper towell.

Since color squares A1 and A2 on page 1 are pure black and white, I used the Tools->Measure function to see what was being read by the Spectro.  For black I got L= 88.82, a=-21.10, b=61.59 which is the yellowish green I see in the soft proof.  For white I got L=89.95, a=-0.98, b=-1.47.  This is a matte paper with no whitners.

I checked an existing profile of the same paper created on the old version of the software (several months ago) to see what the black and white squares had read as.  Black was L=22.75, a=0.76, b=0.97 and white was L=94.19, a=0.84 and b=0.30.  This was from a 729 patch target which I have been as the profile for many prints for several months.

Obviously I am not getting good readings after installing 4.1.1 but since I have not profiled anything for several months, the question is whther this is a bad install of 4.1.1 or has the Spectro gone bad?

>>Since color squares A1 and A2 on page 1 are pure black and white, I used the Tools->Measure function to see what was being read by the Spectro.  For black I got L= 88.82, a=-21.10, b=61.59 which is the yellowish green I see in the soft proof.  For white I got L=89.95, a=-0.98, b=-1.47.  This is a matte paper with no whitners.

That's right for white, but crazy for black. If your spectro is getting that type of black reading then nothing else matters. You can try an older software version as a sanity check that it's not a SW- based issue, but odds are it's hardware. Unless you have a cabling issue, odds are it's the spectro. 

Most DC1005 units are no longer under warranty, so there is not likely to be a solution short of getting support to give you a reduced price on an upgrade to the newer stripreader. Tell them I suggested it. ;-)

C. D. Tobie
Global Product Technology Mngr.
Digital Imaging & Home Theater
Datacolor.com
CDTobie@...

On Sep 2, 2010, at 9:32 PM, "Rollin H" <rhill3@...> wrote:

> Since color squares A1 and A2 on page 1 are pure black and white, I used the Tools->Measure function to see what was being read by the Spectro.  For black I got L= 88.82, a=-21.10, b=61.59 which is the yellowish green I see in the soft proof.  For white I got L=89.95, a=-0.98, b=-1.47.  This is a matte paper with no whitners.