Kodak Printer Printe User Manual

VinylJet 36TM  
Printer Reference Guide  
Text P/N 219476-1  
Copyright © Eastman Kodak Company, 2002  
NOVAJET®, KODAK®, ENCAD®, CadJet®, Extreme Color Printing™, VinylJet™,  
and Quality Imaging Supplies™ are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company.  
Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.  
Except as provided below, no part of this manual may be copied or distributed,  
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated in any human  
or computing language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,  
magnetic or otherwise, or disclosed to a third party without the express written  
permission of Encad, Inc., 6059 Cornerstone Court West, San Diego, CA 92121,  
U.S.A.  
Certain manuals are distributed by Eastman Kodak Company in an electronic  
format on CD-ROM or over the internet. The registered user of a KODAK or  
ENCAD product whose manuals are distributed in this fashion may print one  
copy for their personal use only.  
Revision History  
Beta September 6, 2002  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
FCC Statement (U.S.A.)  
The United States Federal Communications Commission has specified that the following notice be brought  
to the attention of users of ENCAD printers.  
FEDERALCOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO AND TELEVISION INTERFERENCE FOR CLASS  
A DEVICE  
Statement  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to  
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful  
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency  
energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to  
radio communications.  
User Instructions:  
If the equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined  
by turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the  
following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by ENCAD could void the user’s authority to operate  
the equipment.  
Note: This product was FCC certified under test conditions that included the use of shielded I/O cables and  
connectors between system components. To be in compliance with FCC regulations, the user must use  
shielded cables and connectors and install them properly.  
VDE statement  
Hiermit wird bescheinigt, daß der Drucker in Übereinstimmung mit den Bestimmungen der BMPT-  
AmstbIVfg 234/1991 funkentstört ist. Der vorschriftsmäßige Betrieb mancher Geräte (z.B.  
Meßsender) kann allerdings gewissen Einschränkungen unterliegen. Beachten Sie deshalb die  
Hinweise in der Bedienungsanleitung.  
Dem Zentralamt für Zulassungen im Fernmeldewesen würde den Inverkehrbringen dieses Gerätes  
angezeigt und die Berechtigung zur Überprüfung der Serie auf die Einhaltung der Bestimmungen  
eingeräumt.  
iii  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Industry Canada  
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-  
Causing Equipment Regulations.  
Cet apparell numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement sur le  
matériel brouilleur du Canada.  
Material safety data sheet  
To obtain information on the proper use, handling, and disposal of any ENCAD  
AquaVinyl (AV) ink, consult the material safety data sheet included in the ink kit or obtain  
a copy from ENCAD at:  
6059 Cornerstone Court West  
San Diego, California 92121-3734  
(858) 452-4350  
International users should contact their local dealer or distributors.  
General operating safety  
The use of a <HAR> cord set (rated 10A, 250VAC) with the proper plug configuration  
for the country where the device will be used, is required for continued safety compli-  
ance.  
Ein harmonisiertes (<HAR>) Netzkabel (min. 10A, 250V~) mit dem vorgeschriebenen  
Netzstecker für das entsprechende Land in dem das Gerät installiert wird, ist unbedingt  
notwendig für die elektrische Sicherheit.  
El uso de cable poder <marcado HAR> (capacidad de 10A, 250V~), con el enchufe  
apropiado para el país donde se use el producto, es requerido para acatamiento de  
seguridad eléctrica.  
L' emploi d' un cordon surmoulé <HAR> (estimé 10A, 250V CA) avec la configuration  
de la fiche convenable pour le pays où l' appareil sera utilisé, est exigé pour la  
conformité à la sécurité continuée.  
iv  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
For your safety  
This section provides safety guidelines. Test results indicate safe Federal agencies emissions  
levels per OSHA-PEL and ACGIH-TLV.  
Vapors may arise from the printer during printing. For additional  
information, and for information on proper disposal of materials, refer to  
the Materials Safety Data Sheet.  
Always unplug the printer before servicing it.  
Proper room ventilation and housekeeping are required. This is  
accomplished by providing fresh air circulation into the room, not  
necessarily by a filtration and/or external ventilation device.  
“Vapors” which arise during printing may adhere to certain surfaces.  
Please be sure to clean any residue with soap and water to keep your  
working area clean and safe.  
Use vinyl/PVC media only.  
Keep hands, hair, and clothing away from the infrared (IR) lamp.  
If you are operating the printer within the state of California, to comply  
with California Proposition 65, the “Proposition 65” placard provided with  
Prop 65  
your printer must be posted.  
Media must be attached to the takeup roll when printing.  
Do not leave printer unattended.  
v
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Manual conventions  
Indicates a procedure for you to follow in order to perform a specific function.  
Read the accompanying explanatory text before following the step-by-step  
procedure.  
!
Indicates a warning. Ignoring the warning can damage the printer or result in an  
unsatisfactorily printed image.  
Indicates a tip or suggestion that can make using the printer easier or improve  
your printed images.  
Other reference materials  
In addition to this guide, the following additional documentation is included with your  
printer:  
Quick Start Guide - Tells you how to attach the printer stand, load media, install car-  
tridges, and connect the printer to your computer.  
CD-ROM - contains the following:  
Documents  
EFPU Guide  
Reference Manual  
Maintenance Guide  
Quality Primer  
Applications  
EFPU  
Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME Drivers  
Flexibanner (Trial Version on separate CD)  
Other  
Demo Files  
vi  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Contents  
Chapter 1 Printer setup ........................................... 1-1  
Printing ........................................................................................... 1-2  
Obtaining quality results ................................................................... 1-2  
Caring for your ink and cartridges ...................................................... 1-3  
Chapter 2 Printer options ........................................ 2-1  
Returning to the default settings ........................................................ 2-1  
Printing the settings ......................................................................... 2-1  
Important notes about image size vs. dpi............................................ 2-1  
Color mode .................................................................................... 2-2  
Choosing quality mode options .......................................................... 2-2  
Choosing feed media options ............................................................ 2-3  
Media counter.................................................................................. 2-3  
Choosing paper options .................................................................... 2-4  
Auto-load delay ................................................................................ 2-4  
Save media ..................................................................................... 2-5  
Auto-Wipe ....................................................................................... 2-5  
Defining user setup .......................................................................... 2-5  
Choosing a language ........................................................................ 2-6  
Choosing ink options ........................................................................ 2-7  
Printer default settings ...................................................................... 2-9  
Chapter 3 Printing ................................................... 3-1  
Chapter 4 HP-GL/2................................................... 4-1  
CAD printing modes ......................................................................... 4-1  
Printing vector data .......................................................................... 4-1  
Accessing HP-GL/2 features ............................................................. 4-2  
Palette select .................................................................................. 4-2  
Control ............................................................................................ 4-3  
Rotation .......................................................................................... 4-3  
Reprints .......................................................................................... 4-4  
Nesting ........................................................................................... 4-5  
Nest time ........................................................................................ 4-6  
Ink limit ........................................................................................... 4-7  
vii  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Appendix A Installing additional memory............... A-1  
Acceptable SIMM sizes ................................................................... A-1  
SIMM installation ............................................................................ A-1  
Appendix B Menu tree ............................................ B-1  
Main menu at a glance .................................................................... B-1  
Main menu ..................................................................................... B-2  
Feed media menu ........................................................................... B-2  
Setup menu at a glance (Bold indicates the default) ........................... B-3  
Utility menu at a glance (Bold indicates the default) ........................... B-4  
Setup menu.................................................................................... B-5  
Utility menu .................................................................................... B-8  
Appendix C Technical information ......................... C-1  
Appendix D Error messages................................... D-1  
Cartridge errors ............................................................................... D-1  
Appendix E Troubleshooting ...................................E-1  
roubleshooting quick list .................................................................. E-1  
Isolating problems ........................................................................... E-1  
Printer health.................................................................................. E-2  
Data Transfer .................................................................................. E-9  
Application Software....................................................................... E-11  
Calling for Help ..............................................................................E-13  
Customer Technical Support ...........................................................E-14  
viii  
 
Printer setup  
1
This Reference Guide describes the VinylJet 36TM printer. This chapter provides an  
overview of the printer. Refer to the Quick Start Guide for setup instructions.  
The printer is a wide-format color inkjet printer that gives you professional-quality output  
on uncoated vinyl, using aqueous-based inks. Designed specifically for the needs of small  
sign shops, the VinylJet 36 lets you experience the value of exceptional, full color graphics  
on banners and signs designed for outdoor use.  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Printing  
Your printer features thermal ink cartridges with 208 jets. Reservoirs hold up to 500 ml of  
ink. You can print with four colors of ink (CMYK) which yield millions of colors.  
The printers accept raster-oriented data in the format of HP RTL or HPGL. In this mode,  
printing begins immediately after the first complete line of HP RTL data is received.  
There are many Raster Image Processors (RIPs) which convert Postscript or CGM to  
HP RTL. When choosing a RIP or a file format converter for output to the printer, make  
sure it has the features you need. (Contact your ENCAD distributor or dealer for an up-  
to-date listing.) If your applications do not support HP RTL, there are several software  
utilities available to convert various raster file formats (TIFF, GIF, BMP, etc.) into HP  
RTL.  
Obtaining quality results  
You have probably seen a demonstration of your printer's capabilities or sample output. If  
so, you are aware of the superb color graphics which can be obtained on uncoated vinyl  
media. Note, however, that to obtain high-quality results, you must consider several  
factors. Follow the simple guidelines in the sections that follow to obtain excellent results.  
Use the right inks and media  
ENCAD’s commitment to Extreme Color encompasses media, ink, and cartridges. A team  
of color scientists and media specialists work with world class ink and media manufactur-  
ers to develop supplies that are scientifically matched to ENCAD printers.  
1-2 Printer Setup  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Caring for your ink and cartridges  
• Handle cartridges only on the plastic areas. Touching the copper electrical interconnect  
or the inkjets can damage the cartridge.  
• Use only AV ink intended for the VinylJet36. Do not mix inks.  
• Do not shake ink refill containers.  
• Store ink and cartridges in the same environment as the printer whenever possible.  
• If you remove a cartridge from the printer, do not leave it exposed to the air for an  
extended period because the jets may clog. Replace the original tape on the jet plate.  
Place the cartridge in a cartridge garage or sealed plastic bag and store it in a closed  
area at room temperature. Keep it out of direct sunlight.  
• Open new cartridges only when you are ready to install them.  
• Use only ENCAD-brand ink refills and cartridges.  
• Drawings containing both black and color elements require alignment of the cartridges  
to each other as described in the Quick Start Guide.  
Choose the right media  
The VinylJet 36 is designed to print ONLY on uncoated vinyl media, not on paper.  
Caring for your media  
Store media in its original packaging in a cool, dry area until you are ready to use it. The  
environment should be stable; i.e., no extremes of heat and cold, and non-condensing  
humidity. If conditions are outside the operating ranges recommended for the printer, allow  
the media to acclimate in the operating environment for at least 48 hours before using it.  
If you remove a roll of media from the printer, be sure to store it in a manner which keeps  
it clean and dust-free. Ideally, you should return it to its original packaging for storage.  
Print on the correct side! Roll media is wound with the printable side out.  
Handle with care! Handle your media carefully to avoid creases, scrapes, and tears.  
Avoid crushing or damaging roll media edges.  
Printer Setup 1-3  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Choose the correct printing mode  
By choosing from a variety of color, quality, and resolution modes, you can make choices  
between drawing quality, colors, and speed. When printing images with large areas of  
color, always choose one of the enhanced printing modes (Enhanced or Best).  
Use the right software  
The quality of the software driver or the RIP can be very important, especially when  
printing continuous tone images. Error diffusion or stochastic screening algorithms can  
yield photo-like images, even when these images are scaled to full size. Software without  
advanced imaging features may produce images which are grainy when enlarged.  
1-4 Printer Setup  
 
Printer options  
2
You can define printer options through your application software or by choosing settings  
from the printer's control panel. The following printer options are described in this  
chapter:  
Initialize (return to printer default settings)  
Print Mode  
Paper Options  
User Setup  
Returning to the default settings  
Pressing the Setup/User Setup /Init Settings buttons returns all printer options to the  
factory defaults. All saved user settings are lost. The table at the end of this chapter  
shows the printer defaults.  
Printing the settings  
Pressing the Setup/User Setup/Print Settings buttons causes the printer to print a  
listing of its current settings. Be sure to have media loaded before you start.  
Important notes about image size vs. dpi  
The printer always prints at 600 dpi. DPI (dots per inch) refers to the resolution at which  
your image is created, not the resolution at which it is printed. If your image is created at  
300 dpi, it will print at 1/4 the size of the original. Therefore, you will want to save it at  
600 dpi before printing.  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Color mode  
Color mode refers to whether you are printing in color, grayscale or monochrome.  
To choose the color mode  
1
2
3
Press Setup/Print Mode/Color Mode.  
Choose Color, Mono, or Gray.  
Press OK.  
Choosing quality mode options  
Your printer offers several print quality modes which let you make choices between  
speed and quality.  
The quality mode you use depends on various factors, such as your software applica-  
tion and whether you’re printing in color or monochrome. Each quality mode directly  
affects the printing speed and quality of the image you print, so you should understand  
the differences.  
Each of the quality modes attempts to strike a balance between speed and quality,  
with the quality mode providing quality images at a reasonable printing speed for most  
users. Whenever you choose a quality mode other than Enhanced, you will choose to  
emphasize either speed or quality. Draft and Enhanced modes are suited for jobs  
with light solid fills. These modes are not recommended for printing images, because  
bleeding may occur in areas of heavy fills or dark shading when printed with these  
modes.  
There are four print quality modes.  
Draft - A 30% ink depletion mode. This mode generally is used when speed is more  
important than quality. Use it to check position, layout, color, etc. It will rarely be used  
for finished quality images.  
Enhanced - Fast, better than average quality.  
Photo - This setting is for fast, average quality (default)  
Best - For images that have sections of high quality continuous tone where quality is  
more important than printing speed.  
2-2 Printer Options  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
To choose print quality  
1
2
3
Press Setup/Print Mode/Quality Mode.  
Choose the desired quality.  
Press OK.  
Choosing feed media options  
Feed media options allow you to:  
• advance the media*  
• display/enter Media Counter values  
*Media feeding and loading are described in the Quick Start Guide.  
Media counter  
Media Counter gives you a means of estimating the amount of media left on a roll.  
When a new roll of media, or a used roll where the remaining length is known, is installed  
on the printer, you can enter the length of the roll into the printer's front panel display. As  
the printer prints, this amount is decremented. You can view the estimated amount of  
media remaining on the printer's front panel display. When you are ready to remove the  
roll, you can print the estimated amount of media remaining on the roll. When you reload  
this media, you can use this figure to enter into the printer's front panel display. The  
media counter can be reset to 0 to avoid confusion if it is not being used. The media  
counter will not decrement below 0. The current value of the media counter is main-  
tained across power cycles but is not stored as a user parameter.  
To enter a media length value  
1
2
3
Press Feed Media/Media Counter.  
Set the media length.  
Press OK.  
Printer Options 2-3  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
To display the current value  
1
2
3
Press Feed Media/Display Counter.  
View the current value.  
Press EXIT.  
To print the current value  
1
2
3
Press Feed Media/Display Counter.  
Press Print Counter.  
Press EXIT.  
To reset the media counter  
1
2
3
Press Feed Media/Media Counter.  
Press Reset Counter.  
Press OK.  
Choosing paper options  
Paper options let you define the following:  
Auto-Load Delay • Save Media  
Auto-Wipe  
Auto-load delay  
Auto-Load Delay lets you set the time between when the printer senses the media and  
when printing starts. This lets you manually reposition the media if necessary. The  
default is 6 seconds, selectable from a range of 1-12 seconds.  
To set auto-load delay  
1
2
3
Press Setup/Paper Option/Auto-Load Delay.  
Choose the delay time.  
Press OK.  
2-4 Printer Options  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Save media  
When the Save Media is On (the default), the media advances only as far as needed to  
print the image. With the Save Media option turned off, the printer advances the length of  
a standard sheet, for example, 24x36 or 36x48 inches.  
To turn off Save Media  
1
2
3
Press Setup/Paper Option/Save Media.  
Choose Off.  
Press OK.  
Auto-Wipe  
The cartridge jet plates are periodically wiped during printing. The default for this func-  
tion is ON. If you are having problems with banding, you can sometimes solve the  
problem by setting the wiper to OFF; however, this can cause clogging of the inkjets.  
To turn off the wiper  
1
2
3
Press Setup/Paper Option/Auto-Wipe.  
Choose Off.  
Press OK.  
Defining user setup  
You can save the options you use most frequently so you don’t have to reconfigure the  
printer each time you print an image. You can define up to eight different combinations of  
options and save them with a user number ranging from 1-8. Select the user number you  
want to use before sending an image to the printer.  
Note: If your printer driver has host-controlled settings, the user setup may be overrid-  
den. If possible, disable the driver control settings.  
You can save settings for the following options:  
• Auto-Wipe On or Off  
• Color Mode  
Quality Mode  
Save Media On or Off  
Printer Options 2-5  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
To save user setup  
1
2
3
Press Setup/User Setup/Save User.  
Scroll to the number for the user settings.  
Press OK.  
To use a previously saved user setting  
1
2
3
Press Setup/User Setup/Select User.  
Scroll to the number for the user settings (i.e., user 1, user 2, etc.) to use.  
Press OK.  
Choosing a language  
Printer menus and options can be displayed in the following languages: English, German,  
French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, traditional and simplified Chinese, Japanese, and  
Korean.  
To choose a language  
1
2
3
Press Setup/User Setup/Language.  
Choose the language to display.  
Press OK.  
Printing the settings  
Pressing the SetupMenu/User Setup Menu/Print Settings buttons causes the printer  
to print a listing of its current settings and configuration. Be sure to have media loaded  
before you start.  
Returning to the default settings  
Pressing the Setup Menu/User Setup Menu/Init Settings buttons returns all printer  
options to the factory defaults. All saved user settings are lost. The table at the end of  
this chapter shows the printer defaults.  
2-6 Printer Options  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
LCD contrast  
The LCD Contrast function lets you adjust the brightness of the control panel. The range  
is 1-16, where 16 is less contrast. The default is 9. Note that if brightness is set too high,  
you may not be able to see the text displayed on the control panel.  
To set LCD contrast  
1
2
3
Press Setup/User Setup/LCD Contrast.  
Choose the contrast value.  
Press OK.  
Choosing ink options  
Ink options let you define the following:  
• Ink reduction • Ink Preheat  
Dry EOP • Manual EOP  
Ink reduction  
Ink reduction lets you reduce the percentage of ink laid down by the printer. This feature  
applies only to HPGL/2 format images (vector-based images) and has no effect on  
continuous tone images. It is especially useful for images with large amounts of printed  
area and helps to avoid bleeding or oversaturating the media. It does, however, change  
the appearance of colors, so you may want to run a small test print.  
To set ink reduction  
1
2
3
Press Setup/Ink Option/Ink Reduction.  
Choose a reduction percentage - 12.5, 25%, 37.5, or 50%.  
Press OK.  
Printer Options 2-7  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Ink preheat  
Cartridge heat settings are optimized for media being printed in a standard office  
environment. If you are experiencing banding, poor fills, or too much dot gain, and you  
have tried all other means to correct these conditions, you may want to experiment  
with the ink preheat settings. These will vary depending on the ambient temperature  
where the printer is located and the media used.  
When you adjust the ink settings, you are increasing or decreasing the heat from the  
default temperature. Pressing the + (plus) button increases the temperature, pressing -  
(minus) decreases it. When you have reached the limits of the temperature range, the  
panel will display either MAX or OFF. These settings are saved in the printer. If you  
change to a different type of ink, you may need to change the heater settings to  
accommodate the new ink type.  
Only the default setting is recommended. However, if you are working in a cold or dry  
environment, try turning the heat up for a larger dot size. If the heat is turned up too  
far, the ink may run or sputter. Settings which are too low may result in reverse  
ghosting. If you are working in a humid or hot environment, turn the heat down for a  
smaller dot size. Generally a change of one or two increments is all that is needed.  
To set the ink preheat time  
1
2
3
Press Setup/Ink Option/Ink Preheat.  
Choose a preheat value.  
Press OK.  
Dry EOP  
End of page dry ON enables the printer at the completion of the print job to automati-  
cally advance the media at the printing speed 12 inches to fully pass the IR heater. The  
media is then fed back into the printer at 25% of the normal reserve speed to avoid  
cockling on the retract move. End of Page dry OFF does not perform this at job  
completion and should be used when multiple plots are being printed.  
To set dry EOP  
1
2
3
Press Setup/Ink Option/EOP Dry.  
Choose On.  
Press OK.  
2-8 Printer Options  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Printer default settings  
USER SETTINGS  
COLOR MODE  
QUALITY MODE  
AUTO-LOAD DELAY  
SAVE MEDIA  
DEFAULT  
OTHER OPTIONS  
COLOR  
MONO, GRAY  
PHOTO  
DRAFT, PHOTO, ENHANCED, BEST  
6
1-12 SEC.  
OFF  
ON  
CALIB XY  
ON  
OFF  
SELECT USER  
SAVE USER  
1
1 TO 8  
1 TO 8  
METRIC  
1
UNITS SELECT  
LANGUAGE  
ENGLISH  
ENGLISH  
GERMAN, FRENCH, ITALIAN, SPANISH,  
PORTUGUESE, JAPANESE. TRADITIONAL AND  
SIMPLIFIED CHINESE, KOREAN  
SYSTEM SETTINGS  
DEFAULT  
OTHER OPTIONS  
LCD CONTRAST  
MEDIA COUNTER  
DRY EOP  
9
1-16  
0
1-500 FT.  
OFF  
ON  
CALIBRATION SETTINGS DEFAULT  
OTHER OPTIONS  
0…20  
DEADBAND  
N/A  
SLOW DEADBAND  
CYAN VERTICAL  
0
-2…+2  
-9…+9  
-9…+9  
-9…+9  
-9…+9  
-9…+9  
-9…+9  
32-34  
0
MAGENTA VERTICAL  
YELLOW VERTICAL  
CYAN HORIZONTAL  
MAGENTA HORIZONTAL  
YELLOW HORIZONTAL  
PAPER AXIS  
0
0
0
0
0
33.00  
Printer Options 2-9  
 
Printing  
3
The way you print from your computer depends on the driver or RIP you have installed.  
Your printer comes with a Windows driver and one RIP:  
Windows driver for general use  
EFPU  
Flexibanner (trial version)  
Printing a file  
The Windows driver allows you to print from virtually any Windows-based application.  
To print a file using the Windows driver  
1
2
3
4
5
Open the file from within an application.  
Choose File/Print.  
Select your printer.  
Click Features.  
From here, Page Setup and Advanced tabs allow you to adjust printer specific  
options for your print file. Generally, you should only need to set paper size and  
orientation options.  
6
Click OK, then click OK again to send your file to the printer.  
Notes about printing  
Print only on untreated vinyl. This printer is not intended for printing on coated vinyl or  
other media.  
This printer is not designed for unattended operation. Be sure that the media weight bar is  
placed on the media as shown in the Quick Start Guide. This keeps the media the correct  
distance from the IR bulb and helps to assure proper ink curing.  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
End of Print function  
The End of Print function moves the last part of a print down under the IR bulb to cure it.  
However, this does not work at the end of a roll. Vinyl media is taped to the core of the  
supply roll. Before printing, be sure there is sufficient media left on the roll to do the print  
and advance the entire print past the IR bulb to cure it. You can determine whether there  
is sufficient media by choosing Feed Media Menu/Media Counter.  
3-2 Printing  
 
HP-GL/2  
4
This chapter discusses setting printing parameters generally used with vector-  
based files, including palette selection, printer control, rotation, reprints, nest time,  
nest enable, and ink limit.  
ENCAD's implementation of HP-GL/2 supports vector/raster merge and  
conforms to "The HP-GL/2 and HP RTL Reference Guide, Third Edition" by  
Hewlett-Packard Company (Addison-Wesley, 1997, ISBN 0-201-31014-7).  
Please refer to this guide for details on HP-GL/2 commands.  
Printing modes  
Your printer offers several print modes which let you make choices between  
speed and quality. The procedure for selecting print modes is described in Chap-  
ter 2.  
The print mode you use depends on various factors, such as your drawing  
application, whether you’re printing in color or monochrome, and what type of  
media you’re using. Each print mode directly affects the printing speed and  
quality of the image you print, so you should understand the differences.  
Draft or Photo modes are suited for drawings with light solid fills. These modes  
are not recommended for continuous tone printing images, because bleeding may  
occur in areas of heavy fills or dark shading when printed with these modes.  
Printing vector data  
When printing vector data, you can control certain options from your software  
application, or you can assign control to the printer and set its options. Whether  
you assign control to the software (the default) or the printer depends on your  
personal preferences. You might choose to override software control because the  
software is not providing the features you want.  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Accessing HP-GL/2 features  
The following functions are available from the HP-GL/2 menu: palette select,  
printer vs. software control, rotation, ink reduction (see Chapter 2), reprints, nest  
time, nest enable, and ink limit.  
To access HP-GL/2 features  
1
From the main menu, choose Setup Menu/HP-GL/2 Options.  
Press Select.  
2
The HP-GL/2 Options menu displays with further options.  
Palette select  
Palette select lets you choose either the HP-GL/2 or AutoCAD palette. Both  
palettes allow 256 active colors with eight colors predefined. The predefined  
colors for each palette are shown in the following table.  
HP-GL/2  
AutoCAD  
Pen 0  
Pen 1  
Pen 2  
Pen 3  
Pen 4  
Pen 5  
Pen 6  
Pen 7  
White  
Black  
Red  
White  
Red  
Yellow  
Green  
Cyan  
Green  
Yellow  
Blue  
Blue  
Magenta  
Cyan  
Magenta  
Black  
To choose a palette type  
1
2
3
4
From the main menu, choose Setup menu/HP-GL/2 Options/Palette.  
Press Select.  
Use the up or down arrow button to display either AutoCAD or HP-GL/2.  
Press Select.  
4-2 HP-GL/2  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Control  
Control determines whether certain printing parameters are set in the software  
application or overridden by the printer's front panel. Control overrides the  
following parameters of the HP-GL/2 header file: repeat plot (RP) and enable  
auto cutter (EC).  
Repeat Plot: With Control set to Printer, the printer will ignore RP commands  
in the plot file and only print one plot. From the printer's front panel you can  
specify additional copies using the Reprints menu.  
Enable Auto Cutter: With Control set to Printer, the printer will ignore EC  
commands in the plot file and will not automatically cut after each plot. From the  
printer's front panel, you can enable automatic cutting or initiate a command for a  
single cut.  
Do not override software control when sending merged raster/vector data to the  
printer.  
To set control  
1
2
3
4
From the main menu, choose Setup Menu/HP-GL/2 Options/Control.  
Press Select.  
Use the up or down arrow button to display either Software or Printer.  
Press Select.  
Rotation  
The printer automatically prints an image with the long side on the paper axis. To  
better fit images and save media, you can use the Rotation option to turn vector  
files counterclockwise 90 degrees at a time. If the rotation specified won't fit on  
the media or contains raster images, it will not be rotated. When the Rotate value  
is set to AUTO, the algorithm will automatically rotate the plot if it determines  
that the rotation will save media (regardless of whether Nesting is enabled). If  
Rotate is set to 0, the plot will not be rotated. The Control function does not  
override the RO command in the plot file.  
Note: Rotation is supported for HP-GL/2 files only. It is not supported for RTL  
files.  
HP-GL/2 4-3  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
To rotate the image  
1
2
3
From the main menu, choose Setup Menu/HP-GL/2 Options/Rotation.  
Press Select.  
Use the up or down arrow button to display the desired rotation angle (0, 90,  
180, 270, Auto).  
4
Press Select.  
Reprints  
You can print up to 99 copies of a specific vector file. When Reprint is set to 0,  
only one image is printed.  
To make multiple prints  
1
2
3
From the main menu, choose Setup Menu/HP-GL/2 Options/Reprints.  
Press Select.  
Use the up or down arrow button to display the desired number of reprints (0  
to 99).  
4
Press Select.  
4-4 HP-GL/2  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Nesting  
Nesting allows the user to save media by printing multiple plots along the horizon-  
tal width of the media. This feature makes the most efficient use of  
consumables and reduces the time required to print multiple plots.  
When nesting is active, HP-GL/2 plots will be stored within the printer, accumu-  
lating in a nest. Printing will only begin when a nest becomes full, when a nesting  
timeout occurs, if printer memory is exhausted, or when a plot that is incompat-  
ible with the current nest is received.  
A nest is full when the printer determines that no further jobs can be fitted across  
the page.  
Nest timeouts are governed by the Nest Time parameter, which is set via the  
printer’s front panel.  
If the printer runs out of memory, the current nest will be printed immediately,  
so that memory may be reclaimed for use by new plots.  
An incompatible plot is either a non-HP-GL/2 plot or an HP-GL/2 plot which  
has different job characteristics than the current nest, such as quality, dpi, or  
margins.  
If any of the following plot parameters are different between one plot and the  
next, the last plot will be incompatible with the current nest, causing the nest to  
begin printing immediately.  
The following parameters are monitored for nest compatibility:  
• Print quality;  
• Number of passes;  
• Print direction;  
• Speed;  
• Color mode;  
• DPI;  
• Dry time;  
• Margins;  
• Wipe on/off; and  
• Media Save.  
HP-GL/2 4-5  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
The following parameters will not affect nesting:  
• Ink limiting;  
• Replots;  
• If Auto Rotation is enabled, then the nesting algorithm is free to rotate  
the plot if it determines that doing so will save media. Plots are sequen-  
tially fitted across the page from right to left; and  
• The HP-GL/2 EC command can be used to control cutting. If any plot in  
a nest has the cutter enabled, the plotter will cut after the nest.  
To enable nesting  
1
2
3
4
Fromthemainmenu,chooseSetup Menu/HP-GL/2 Options/Nest Enable.  
Press Select.  
Use the up or down arrow button to display Nest On or Off.  
Press Select.  
Nest time  
Nest time is the amount of time the printer waits for the next plot to fill the  
current nest.  
The printer will begin printing whenever the printer has been idle for the speci-  
fied time interval. The time is reset whenever a print job is received.  
To define nesting wait time  
1
2
3
4
From the main menu, choose Setup Menu/HP-GL/2 Options/Nest Time.  
Press Select.  
Use the up or down arrow button to display the desired nest time.  
Press Select.  
4-6 HP-GL/2  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Ink limit  
The printer can assign an ink limit to polygon fills and wide vectors. This helps  
prevent bleeding. The default for this option is On. If you are using high quality  
media, this option may not be needed and can be turned off.  
To enable the ink limit  
1
2
3
4
From the main menu, choose Setup Menu /HP-GL/2 Options/Ink Limit.  
Press Select.  
Use the up or down arrow button to display ON.  
Press Select.  
HP-GL/2 4-7  
 
Installing additional memory  
A
ylJet 36 ships with 32 MB of DRAM, upgradable to a maximum of 128 MB, 64  
The Vin  
MB per socket. Additional memory helps to free the host computer more quickly.  
Acceptable SIMM sizes  
Printer memory may be upgraded by installing 72-pin 60 nanosecond (or faster) SIMMs  
that are either 32 or 36 bits wide. (The printer does not use parity bits.) The SIMMs must  
not exceed a height of 2 inches (5 cm) and must conform to JEDEC Std. 21-C, release 4.  
The printer will accept 4 MB, 8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB or 64 MB SIMMs. Recommended  
SIMMs are ENCAD P/N 210610 (32MB SIMM).  
SIMM installation  
The SIMMs are located on the MPCB inside the right cover. The MPCB comes with  
one SIMM slot empty and a 32 MB RAM SIMM installed on the board. The following  
procedures describe how to remove the right cover, remove any currently installed  
SIMM(s), install new SIMM(s) and replace the cover. You will need a #2 Phillips screw-  
driver to complete the procedures.  
!
ALWAYS UNPLUG THE POWER CORD BEFORE BEGINNING.  
! To avoid static damage to the printer, never touch the circuit board or its components  
without first touching the bright metal portions of the printer. Static damage is more likely  
when the relative humidity is low. If possible, wear a grounding strap when touching the  
circuit board.  
To remove the right cover  
1
2
3
Disconnect the power and the interface cables.  
Remove the printer's top cover.  
Remove the three screws under the right side of the printer which attach the right side  
cover and the two screws which attach the cover to the right plate.  
4
5
6
Slide back the pin that holds the right cover to the rear cover.  
Move the right cover, being careful to clear the parallel port on the back of the unit.  
Carefully disconnect the ribbon cable from the connector on the PC board and the  
other two cables that go to the cover.  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
To remove the SIMMs  
1
2
Facing the top of the SIMMs, push the side  
clips gently to the outside (away from the  
SIMM).  
Push over and pull out, being careful not to  
damage the fingers on the top.  
To install the new SIMM  
Insert at a 45 degree angle and slowly push the SIMM to a 90o angle until the  
1
two side clips snap into place. Make sure the SIMM is fully seated.  
2
3
Carefully reconnect the ribbon cable harness to the connector on the PC  
board. Reattach the other connectors removed earlier.  
Reinstall the right cover and top cover.  
Installing additional memory A-2  
 
Menu tree  
B
This section contains an overview of the printer's menu tree. Text items in italics indicate  
that selecting the option gives access to a menu with further options. Items in bold are  
the default option.  
Main menu at a glance  
Main Menu  
Load Media  
Cut  
Pause  
Reset  
Feed Media Menu  
Forward  
Media Counter  
Display Counter  
Backward  
Exit  
Setup Menu  
Utility Menu  
Exit  
Print Mode Menu  
Paper Option Menu  
HP-GL/2 Menu  
User Setup Menu  
Ink Option Menu  
Serial Comm Menu  
Exit  
Prime Menu  
Access Cartridge  
Color Calib Menu  
Calibration Menu  
Display Settings  
Print Settings  
Service Menu  
Exit  
 
VInylJet 36TM Reference Manual  
Main menu  
Load Media  
Cut  
moves media into or away from the platen.  
cuts media.  
Pause  
provides access to further options for canceling print jobs, reinitializing  
the printer, or examining the job.  
Reset  
clears the print buffer. When cancelling a print, first remove it from the  
computer's print queue, then press the Reset button on the printer.  
Feed Media Menu  
provides access to further options for moving the media forward or  
backward and entering/displaying media length values.  
Setup Menu  
Utility Menu  
provides access to further submenus for setting printing options.  
provides access to further submenus for calibration and other func-  
tions.  
Feed media menu  
Forward  
advances media toward the front of the printer.  
Media Counter  
provides access to additional options where the length of a roll of  
media (0 to 500') can be entered and the media counter reset.  
Display Counter  
displays a screen where the current value of the media length can be  
viewed and printed on the media.  
Backward  
Exit  
moves media toward the back of the printer.  
returns to Main menu.  
B-2 Menu Tree  
 
VInylJet 36TM Reference Manual  
Setup menu at a glance (Bold indicates the default)  
Setup Print Mode Menu  
Color Mode  
Color, mono, gray  
Quality Mode  
draft, photo, enhanced, best  
Exit  
Paper Option Menu  
Auto-Load Delay  
Save Media  
Auto-Wipe  
Exit  
1-12, 6  
On/Off  
On/Off  
HPGL/2 Menu  
Palette Select  
Control  
Rotation  
Nesting Menu  
Reprints  
HP-GL/2,AutoCAD  
Software, Printer  
90, 180, 270,Auto  
0...99 (0)  
Ink Limit  
Exit  
On/Off  
User Setup Menu  
Select User  
Save User  
Units Select  
Language  
1-8, 1  
1-8, 1  
English, Metric  
English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese,  
Japanese, simplified and traditional Chinese, Korean  
Init Settings  
Print Settings  
LCD Contrast  
Exit  
1-16, 9 (16 is less contrast)  
Ink Option Menu  
Ink Reduction  
Ink Preheat Menu  
EOP_Dry  
0, 12.5, 25, 37.5, 50  
-7 (off) to 7 (max) for each cartridge (0)  
On, Off  
Exit  
Menu Tree B-3  
 
VInylJet 36TM Reference Manual  
Utility menu at a glance (Bold indicates the default)  
Utility  
Prime Menu  
Prime All  
Clean  
Prime Single  
Start Routine  
Access Cartridge  
Color Calib Menu  
(color) vertical  
(color) horizontal  
Calib Print Test  
Calibration Menu  
Use Calib XY On/Off  
Paper Axis Test  
Color Db Menu  
Open Jet Menu  
Paper Axis  
Display settings  
32.00 - 34.00 (33.00 default)  
Print settings  
Service menu  
Calibration menu  
Diagnostics menu  
About  
Cartridge Info  
Test Print  
B-4 Menu Tree  
 
VInylJet 36TM Reference Manual  
Setup menu  
Print Mode Menu  
provides access to options for color, quality, dots per inch, and EOP  
dry.  
Paper Option Menu  
HP-GL/2 Menu  
User Setup Menu  
Ink Option Menu  
Serial Comm Menu  
Exit  
provides access to options for loading paper.  
provides access to options for setting HP-GL/2 features.  
provides access to options for defining and saving user settings.  
provides access to options for setting ink reduction and dry time.  
provides access to options for setting communications parameters.  
returns to the main menu.  
Print Mode  
Color mode  
provides access to a further menu to select color (default), mono-  
chrome, or grayscale printing.  
Quality mode  
Exit  
provides access to a further menu to select the print mode.  
returns to the Setup menu.  
Paper Option Menu  
Auto-Load Delay  
provides access to a further menu to change the delay between when  
the media is positioned for loading and when loading occurs. This  
allows users to adjust the media if necessary. Select 1-12 seconds.  
Default = 6.  
Save Media  
provides access to a further menu to turn Save media On (default) or  
Off. When set to On, printing will stop at the end of the image rather  
than scrolling out the full paper size.  
Auto-Wipe  
Exit  
provides access to a further menu to turn the Auto-wipe function On or  
Off (default). When on, the cartridges are wiped during printing.  
returns to the Setup menu.  
Menu Tree B-5  
 
VInylJet 36TM Reference Manual  
HP-GL/2 Menu  
Palette Select  
provides access to a further menu to select an AutoCAD color palette  
or a generic HP-GL/2 palette.  
Control  
determines whether certain printing parameters are set in the software  
application or overridden by the printer's front panel display.  
Rotation  
provides access to a further menu to enable rotation and set the  
rotation angle.  
Nesting Menu  
Reprints  
Ink Limit  
Exit  
provides access to a further menu that controls nesting.  
controls the number of copies that are printed.  
limits the amount of ink that is used in polygon fills and wide vectors.  
returns to the Setup menu.  
User Setup Menu  
Select user  
provides access to a further menu to select a previously saved user  
configuration. Default = User 1.  
Save user  
Units select  
Language  
provides access to a further menu to save the current printer configura-  
tion to the selected user number. Default = User 1.  
provides access to a further menu to choose the calibration units:  
English (default) or Metric.  
provides access to a further menu to select the language used for the  
display. Choose from English (default), German, French, Italian,  
Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, simplified and traditional Chinese,  
Korean.  
Init settings  
returns the printer to its default settings. All previously saved options  
are erased.  
Print settings  
LCD contrast  
prints the current printer settings.  
lets you select the contrast level of the display. Range is 1-16, 9  
(default) (16 is less contrast)  
Exit  
returns to the Setup menu.  
B-6 Menu Tree  
 
VInylJet 36TM Reference Manual  
Ink Option Menu  
Ink reduction  
(applies to HPGL/2 only) provides access to a further menu in which to  
set the percentage by which to decrease the amount of ink emitted to  
help prevent bleeding or pooling of ink. Options are 0, 12.5, 25, 37.5,  
and 50.  
Ink preheat  
EOP_Dry  
provides access to a further menu in which you can select the car-  
tridge for which you want to set the preheat value. Then you can set  
the ink preheat value for each cartridge. Options are -7 (off) to 7 (max)  
(default = 0).  
EOP (End of page drying) ON enables the printer at the completion of  
the print job to automatically advance the media at the printing speed  
12 inches to fully pass the IR heater. The media is then fed back into  
the printer at 25% of the normal reserve speed to avoid cockling on  
the retract move. End of Page dry OFF does not perform this at job  
completion and should be used when multiple copies are being  
printed.  
Exit  
returns to the Setup menu.  
Menu Tree B-7  
 
VInylJet 36TM Reference Manual  
Serial Comm Menu (Bold indicates the default)  
For use by technical support only.  
Baud rate  
provides access to a further menu to select the baud rate: 9600  
(default), 19200, 38400.  
Data bits  
7, 8  
Parity bits  
provides access to a further menu to select parity: None (default),  
Even, Odd.  
Exit  
returns to the Setup menu.  
Utility menu  
Prime Menu  
provides access to further selections for prime single, prime all, start  
routine, and clean.  
Access Cartridge  
Color Calib Menu  
moves the ink carriage away from the service station for installing and  
replacing cartridges and the media cutter.  
provides access to further menus for printing the color calibration test  
pattern and for entering values determined by examining the test  
patterns.  
Calibration Menu  
Display Settings  
Print Settings  
provides access to a further menu for calibration options and diagnos-  
tics.  
displays information such as media and page width and height, on  
time, and cumulative plot time.  
prints information such as media size, firmware revision, RAM size,  
and plot hours.  
Service Menu  
Exit  
provides access to the Service menu (technical support only)  
returns to the Main menu.  
B-8 Menu Tree  
 
VInylJet 36TM Reference Manual  
Prime menu  
Prime All  
Prints the prime pattern for each cartridge.  
Prime Single  
Provides access to a further menu in which you can choose to prime  
an individual cartridge.  
Start Routine  
Clean (Color)  
Prints a recovery pattern/jet status plot.  
Causes the selected cartridge to clear its jets by expelling a small  
amount of ink into the service station.  
Clean All  
Clears the jets for all the cartridges. Select this function whenever the  
printer has been idle for four hours or more.  
Color Calibration Menu  
(Color) Vertical  
(Color) Horizontal  
Calib Print Test  
lets you enter the number which corresponds to the best vertical  
alignment in the test pattern for the C, M, and Y cartridges.  
lets you enter the number which corresponds to the best horizontal  
alignment in the test pattern for C, M, and Y cartridges.  
prints the current heads, current horizontal head to head, and other  
calibration patterns described in the Quick Start Guide.  
Calibration Menu (Bold indicates the default)  
Use Calib XY  
provides access to a further menu in which you can set this function  
On (default) or Off.  
Paper Axis Test  
Color Db Menu  
prints the paper axis test pattern.  
provides access to a further set of menus in which you can print the  
color deadband test pattern and set deadband velocity compensation  
for each cartridge.  
Open Jet Menu  
Paper Axis  
provides access to a further set of menus in which you can print the jet  
status pattern and set the compensation for jets in each cartridge.  
provides access to a further menu in which to enter values determined  
by examining the paper axis test pattern.  
Menu Tree B-9  
 
VInylJet 36TM Reference Manual  
Service Menu (Bold indicates the default)  
Calibration Menu  
Diagnostics Menu  
provides access to calibration options.  
provides access to a further set of menus for performing diagnostics  
(tech support only) and for printing the color test.  
About  
provides information about the printer's firmware version, BROM, RAM,  
and printer size.  
Cartridge Info  
provides information about the type and color of ink in each cartridge  
stall, and the extent to which the cartridge is used. Cartridge usage is  
displayed in milliliters. The display changes in 2ml increments. 300ml  
indicates that the cartridge should be replaced. When 700ml is  
displayed, the cartridge will stop functioning.  
Test Print  
Exit  
automatically prints a test file stored in ROM on the printer. Use only  
under direction of technical support.  
returns to the Main menu.  
B-10 Menu Tree  
 
Technical information  
MEDIA TYPES:  
Untreated calendared vinyl, cast vinyl,  
C
INTERFACES:  
Bidirectional Parallel (IEEE 1284)  
10/100BaseT (optional)  
banner vinyl  
POWER:  
MEDIA ROLL PARAMETERS:  
Inner roll core: 2" +/- 1/16", and 3" +/- 1/16"  
with adapter  
200 - 240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz, 7 amps  
Consumption:  
20 W Idle  
Max. outside roll diameter: 6"  
Max. roll width: 36"  
Max. media weight: 60 lbs.  
1000 W Typical  
1500 W Maximum  
RESOLUTION:  
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT:  
59° - 85°F (15°- 30°C)  
600 x 600 dpi  
20 - 70% RH, Non-condensing  
FEATURES:  
Power feed and takeup  
8 user-savable settings  
Power PC 33 MHZ processor  
Ink cartridges (4)  
STORAGE ENVIRONMENT:  
40° - 95°F (4°- 35°C)  
5-80%RH,Non-condensing  
500 ml ink reservoirs (4)  
Two sets of ink lines (8)  
Ink priming system  
CERTIFICATIONS:  
Safety  
UL 1950, 3rd Edition  
CSA 22.2 – 950  
EN 60 950  
LINE LENGTH ACCURACY:  
NOM-019-SCFI-1993  
IEC 950, 2nd Edit.  
AS/NZS 3260  
+/- 0.2% in paper and carriage axis.  
Image frame length (x-axis) variation  
+/- 0.2% and with (y-axis) variation +/-0.06%  
+/-0.024" (.6mm).  
EMI  
FCC Part 15 (Class A)  
CSA C108.8  
EN 55 022 Class A  
CE Mark  
CISPR 22- Class A  
AS/NZS 3548  
BUFFER:  
Two 72-pin, 32-bit wide DRAM sockets.  
32 MB standard.User upgradeable to 128  
MB, 60 ns or faster, ENCAD approved.  
Made in the U.S.A.  
 
VInylJet 36TM Reference Manual  
DIMENSIONS:  
Height (with stand)  
(platen above floor)  
44" (1120 mm)  
87" (2209.8 mm)  
28" (710 mm)  
Width  
Depth  
Weight  
printer and stand  
140 lbs. (62.2 kg)  
Print width  
24" min. to 36" max. printable  
Technical information C-2  
 
Error messages  
D
A yellow LED on the control panel lights to indicate error conditions.  
When the yellow LED lights, check the display for messages which will help you  
determine the status of the printer and possible corrective action to take.  
Cartridge errors  
The printer automatically performs tests on the cartridges and uses the informa-  
tion to improve image quality, monitor cartridge life, and update the user with  
system status. Some tests are performed between prints and require no user  
input, while others require user input.  
The following table shows cartridge-related error messages.  
Error Message  
Corrective Action  
Unrecognized cartridge  
Be sure the cartridge is the appropriate ENCAD  
cartridge for your printer model. Your printer will  
not work with cartridges from other models.  
Remember, the printer is reading the value  
programmed into the chip on the cartridge, it is not  
actually detecting the cartridge type. Replace the  
cartridge if necessary.  
Cartridge end of life attained.  
Unrecognized ink type.  
Replace cartridge. You can check cartridge status  
by choosing Disp Cart Info from the Service menu.  
End of cartridge life is indicated as 700ml.  
Be sure the cartridge is the appropriate ENCAD  
cartridge for your printer model. Your printer will  
not work with cartridges from other models. Ink  
type information is stored on the cartridge chip. If  
you are using a new type of ink which has been  
introduced since you purchased your printer, you  
will need to upgrade the printer's firmware to  
accommodate the new ink type. Check ENCAD's  
web site at www.encad.com for instructions.  
When the cartridge error is displayed, choose Service Menu/Cartridge Info to get  
information about the cartridge. Press Utility Menu/Access Cartridge to move  
the cartridges out of the service station. After the cartridge has been replaced,  
cleaned, etc., press Access Cartridge again to return the cartridges to the service  
station.  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Memory Errors  
If the "Insufficient raster memory" message displays, press the Reset button on the Main  
Menu to clear the message and abort the print job.  
Error messages D-2  
 
Troubleshooting  
E
This appendix contains valuable information to help you solve the most common  
printer problems. The problems addressed are divided into these types:  
- Printer health  
- Print quality  
- Data transfer  
- Application software  
Troubleshooting quick list  
Many common problems can be solved by checking for just two items:  
- Is the printer connected to a good power source?  
- Does the printer driver software match the emulation selected on the printer?  
Isolating problems  
You can quickly isolate problems to either the printer, computer/printer interface, or  
application software using the following procedure:  
1. Turn the printer OFF, then ON.  
2. Load media, then run a prime to assure that all jets fire.  
3. Perform a color calibration.  
If your printer fails during any of the above steps, call your ENCAD distributor/dealer  
or call ENCAD Technical Support. Otherwise, continue with the steps that follow.  
4. Send a sample print directly to the printer through the parallel port. For example,  
on Windows 95/98, type: copy /b <filename>.rtl lpt1. On Windows NT type: print /  
d:lpt1 <filename>.  
5. If your computer is running on a network, login and copy the sample file to the  
printer over the network.  
6. If steps 4 or 5 fail, repeat them using another computer.  
If any of these steps fail, your printer may not be correctly connected to your  
computer and/or network. Contact your network administrator or your ENCAD  
dealer. Otherwise, continue with the steps that follow.  
7. Print directly to the printer from several software applications.  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
8. If you are networked, login and try printing from several software applications.  
9. If steps 7 or 8 fail, repeat them using another computer or remove from the network  
and test standalone.  
If one application fails, but others print successfully, that can indicate a problem with a  
specific software package. Call technical support of the failed product. If all the applica-  
tions fail, determine what they have in common; for example, a RIP box or Windows  
driver. Call technical support of the particular vendor.  
Printer health  
"Smoke" is coming from the media.  
This is actually water vapor coming off the media as it cures. This is normal.  
Printer will not turn on  
Make sure the power cord is securely attached to the printer and plugged into an operat-  
ing outlet.  
Make sure the power switch is turned on.  
Be sure that the grill in front of the IR bulb is securely engaged in the interlocking switch  
clip.  
Printer intermittently reboots  
Clean and reseat memory SIMMs.  
Replace memory SIMMs. (See Appendix A.)  
Check that power is coming to the printer.  
Display does not come on  
Check that the power cord is plugged in and the printer switch is turned on.  
Printing doesn’t start immediately when a file is sent  
If you are using a Windows application, be sure the Print Manager is OFF. Turn off the  
Print Manager with the ENCAD Windows driver.  
E-2 Troubleshooting  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
File will not print  
If you are using a parallel cable, be sure it meets the specifications of IEEE 1284.  
Check your electrical connections.  
From your software application, print to a file and send the file to the printer in DOS  
using the DOS Copy command. At the DOS prompt, type COPY /b filename  
portname (LPT or COM port). Alternately, use the GO.EXE program which can be  
GO filename.  
In Windows 95/98/NT4.0/2000/ME, you can use the EFPU, available on the System  
CD.  
Slow printing under Windows  
Windows applications naturally print slower than DOS applications. Be sure the Win-  
dows Print Manager is turned OFF.  
Cutter doesn’t work or tears the media  
Make sure the cutter is properly installed. (See Quick Start Guide.)  
TURN POWER OFF and clean the inside of the black belt using alcohol and a lint-  
free cloth. Push the carriage back and forth to access all areas of the belt. Manually  
push the carriage all the way to the left to force the cutter to drop. Turn power on.  
If the cutter is worn, replace it.  
Carriage jams  
Check for media jams or blockage.  
Be sure the service station is lowering. If it does not lower, push it left and down, or the  
cutter will not disengage.  
Carriage axis failure  
An obstruction in the path of the carriage assembly is hindering carriage movement.  
The obstruction may or may not be visible. Other common causes include dirty encoder  
strip, media interference, worn carriage bushings, cutter malfunction, and loose trailing  
cable connections.  
After checking the following items, reboot the printer to ensure proper operation.  
Note: If the error recurs, observe whether the carriage is in the same or different  
location.  
Troubleshooting E-3  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
If the carriage is in the same spot, check the encoder strip for visible damage (clear  
plastic strip under the trailing cable tray and above the belt) Refer to the figure which  
follows.  
Printer front view  
Encoder strip under second trailing cable cover level,  
(clear plastic strip directly behind the shaft)  
MAKE SURE POWER IS OFF BEFORE PERFORMING THIS STEP. Verify  
that carriage movement is free and smooth by turning the power off and moving the  
carriage from one end of the shaft to the other (make sure there is no binding and that  
nothing is blocking the carriage movement ).  
Clean the top and bottom of the encoder strip using a cotton swab and distilled water (let  
it dry completely, approximately 30 minutes, before trying to operate the printer).  
Remove the cutter from the left side of the carriage and check it for visible damage.  
Make sure cutter version 3 (or newer) is installed (see the figure which follows).  
3
Check the shaft for visible damage (carriage moves back and forth on it during opera-  
tion).  
Clean the shaft with a lint free cloth and isopropyl alcohol (let it dry completely before  
trying to operate the printer).  
Check the belt for visible damage such as fraying and pieces coming off it.  
Check the trailing cable (cable that moves during printer operation) for visible damage.  
E-4 Troubleshooting  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Check whether the idler assembly (located at the left end of the belt) moves freely.  
Check whether it is cracked or broken.  
Ink cartridges do not fire properly  
Be sure that cartridges and the service station are cleaned daily to maintain good print  
quality. (See the Maintenance Guide.)  
Cartridges may wear out after extended use. Try replacing the cartridge.  
Store cartridges in a sealed container at room temperature when not in use for ex-  
tended periods of time.  
Make sure the protective tape is removed from the cartridges.  
Remove the cartridge and reinstall it, or clean the electrical contact on the cartridge  
and carrier. Be sure it is clean and dry. Be sure the cartridge is seated properly.  
Various jets are clogged or stop firing  
Remove, clean, and reinstall cartridge. Use alcohol to clean the jet area if ink has dried  
on it.  
Clean service station; clean cartridge again.  
Clean cartridge electrical contacts using a cotton swab moistened with water. Dry  
contact. Do not use acetone or any other harsh cleaner as this may cause damage to  
the flex cable.  
Jet may have failed. Bypass the jet using the Open Jet menu available from Utility  
Menu/Calibration Menu. If that doesn't help, replace cartridge.  
Check to see whether spray from printing has contaminated the flex contact. Remove  
the cartridge and wipe the carriage flex and cartridge flex with a cotton swab moist-  
ened with water.  
Ink spills on the flex cable  
Flex cable refers to the copper contacts on the carriage where the cartridge seats.  
Clean the flex cable gently with a cotton swab moistened with water. Do not use  
acetone or any other harsh cleaner as this may cause damage to the flex cable.  
Printer settings are lost when printer is turned off or rebooted  
Be sure to save your printer settings to a User number. (See "Saving User Settings" in  
Chapter 2.) When you are ready to print, select the User number that you saved.  
Troubleshooting E-5  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
What if I need a firmware upgrade?  
You can download firmware upgrades from ENCAD’s Internet web page  
(www.encad.com).  
Firmware Download Procedure (Upgrade/PrinterRefresh)  
You can use the ENCAD File Print Utility (EFPU) to download new firmware to  
your printer. The EFPU can be found on the System CD.  
For Windows:  
1. Using the EFPU, send the XXXX.ROM file to the printer. Approximately 20 - 40  
seconds later, the unit will reboot, indicating the download was successful. After a  
one second delay, the printer will automatically reboot. The printer should come up  
normally. Verify the new firmware revision by sequencing through Utility Menu/  
Service Menu/About.  
2. If there is no beep, reboot printer and reseat parallel port connection. Resend the  
.ROM file to the printer.  
Print Quality  
Many of the print quality concerns can be resolved by priming, cleaning, and calibrating  
the cartridges. When this is the case, “clean, calibrate, or replace” is indicated with other  
solutions. Refer to the following chapters for details:  
Clean - see Maintenance Guide  
Calibrate - see Quick Start manual.  
Replace - see Quick Start manual.  
No print appears  
Check that tape has been removed from the printhead of the cartridge.  
Make sure that the septum valve in the carriage and the needle two-piece septum, and  
the tubing part of the needle are tight and don't leak. Because this printer uses lots of  
heat, with time, the connections in the needle may become loose.  
Be sure that ink levels are correct. Less than 50 ml in the reservoir can cause the lines to  
lose prime. Refill the reservoirs and reprime if necessary.  
White lines or large gaps on print or portions of characters missing  
Clean, calibrate, or replace cartridges.  
Make sure the media feeds freely.  
E-6 Troubleshooting  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Overall print quality is poor  
Clean, calibrate, or replace cartridges.  
Make sure the printer is positioned on level ground.  
Use a higher quality print mode.  
Be sure the media tension bar is inserted on the media as shown in the Quick Start  
Guide.  
If you are using banner vinyl, be sure to insert the spacer bar into the media guides and  
run the media over the spacer bar.  
Be sure that the platen temperature and IR lamp settings are correct for the media you  
are using.  
Be sure you are using genuine ENCAD AV inks.  
Blot the nozzle plate and nozzles with a wet lint-free cloth after every 50 ml of printing.  
This will help assure good quality printing and lengthen the cartridge life. Dry blot with a  
lint-free cloth and make sure ink comes out. Run the prime pattern.  
Streak marks  
Clean the service station daily, or more often, depending on the number of prints you are  
running. (See the Maintenance Guide.)  
Clean, calibrate, or replace cartridges.  
Ink is not cured properly  
If the IR bulb has more than 1000 hours of printing, it may need to be replaced. (See the  
QUick Start GUide.)  
Colors print as monochrome  
Be sure the print mode mode is set correctly. To change a specific drawing from mono-  
chrome to color or vice versa, you must switch the print mode setting and re-transmit the  
file.  
Ink smears after removing the print  
Besure that the platen heat and cure temperature are set correctly. It may be necessary  
to adjust the temperature depending on the ambient temperature in the room where the  
printer is used. Refer to the Quick Start Guide for details.  
Troubleshooting E-7  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Smudged or dark characters  
Make sure the media is straight and unwrinkled when loading it into the printer.  
Clean, calibrate, or replace cartridges.  
Try a different print mode.  
Improperly formed or misaligned characters  
Calibrate cartridges.  
Color problems or shadowing  
Calibrate cartridges.  
Excessive graininess  
Perform color deadband compensation. Refer to the Quick Start manual.  
Colors are not correct or sections of print missing  
Clean, calibrate, or replace cartridges.  
Check ENCAD's WEB site or bulletin board and download the latest Windows drivers.  
These drivers have calibrated color tables which act as a filter to your file and make the  
colors come out closer to what is on your computer screen.  
If you are using a third party RIP, contact the RIP vendor to determine whether they  
have updated their color tables to work with ENCAD inks.  
Image is the wrong size  
Be sure that your image file is set to 600 dpi.  
Print contains only partial image  
Check that your image is not larger than the printable area of the media (34.8").  
Jagged vertical lines  
Clean, calibrate, or replace cartridges.  
If these suggestions fail, call Technical Support for instructions on cleaning the encoder  
strip and performing deadband calibration.  
E-8 Troubleshooting  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Splotchy area fill  
Try using Best mode. If the problem persists, clean, calibrate, or replace cartridges.  
Adjust cartridge preheat as described in Chapter 2.  
Excessive banding in area fills  
Consistent banding is generally a hardware problem; inconsistent banding is generally a  
software problem.  
Change the Print Mode option to Best or Enhanced. (See "Print Modes" in Chapter  
2.)  
Clean, calibrate, or replace cartridges.  
Adjust cartridge preheat as described in Chapter 2.  
Portions of lines are missing  
Clean, calibrate, or replace cartridges.  
Clean service station; clean cartridge again; repeat prime.  
Clean carriage flex cable and cartridge electrical contacts; repeat prime. Do not use  
alcohol, acetone, or other cleansers. Use a cotton swab moistened in distilled water.  
Use tap water if distilled water is not available.  
Poor vertical or horizontal line quality  
Perform color calibration. (See Quick Start Guide.)  
Data Transfer  
Printer doesn’t generate a print  
Be sure your printer is connected to the port to which you are sending the file.  
If you are printing over a network, you will need to determine whether the problem is in  
the network. Try connecting the printer directly to your computer and send the file  
again.  
Parallel printing doesn’t work  
Some UNIX workstations have difficulty communicating with the printer using a  
parallel connection. Try connecting the printer to the network using a network interface  
box.  
Troubleshooting E-9  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
To ensure the highest quality and reliability of the data that is sent to the printers, the  
IEEE standard 1284 parallel cable is required to be used when utilizing the parallel port on  
the printers.  
Note: Be sure that your parallel cable does not exceed the maximum of 10 ft.  
This standard uses shielded twisted pair technology that reduces noise and increases  
performance at higher transfer speeds.  
This cable is recommended on all printers built by ENCAD in 1997 and later.  
To order from ENCAD, use part number 208559.  
Try using another parallel cable. Be sure that it is securely connected.  
No output when printing from Unix  
If you encounter “no output” problems when printing from Unix, try the following:  
1. Check the printer hardware.  
- Check that the printer is plugged in and turned on.  
? Check that the cable is connected to the port on the printer and the port on the  
workstation or server.  
- Check that the cable is the correct cable and is not defective.  
- Check that hardware switches for the port are correctly set.  
- Run the demo print available from Utility Menu/Service Menu/Test Print  
to assure that the printer is functioning.  
2. Verify network connections.  
-
On a print client or server, type ping system-name and press Return. This  
command checks that the network link between the print server and print  
client is set up correctly.  
If the message says the system is alive, the network is functioning. The  
message also tells you that either a naming service or the local /etc/hosts  
file has translated the host (system) name entered into an IP address. If it  
hasn’t, you must enter the IP address.  
-
If you get a “not available” message, check the following:  
-
How is NIS or NIS+ set up at the site?  
E-10 Troubleshooting  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
-
-
Do you need to take additional steps to allow the print servers and print  
clients to communicate with each other?  
If your site is not running NIS or NIS+, have you entered the IP address  
for the print server in each client’s /etc/hosts file and entered all print  
client IP addresses in the /etc/hosts file of the print server?  
-
-
Check that the port monitor is configured correctly on the print server.  
Check that the network listen services are registered with the port  
monitor on the print server.  
3. Check the LP print service.  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
On both the print server and print client, make sure the LP print service  
is running.  
On both the print server and client, make sure the printer is accepting  
requests.  
On both the print server and print client, make sure the printer is enabled  
to print requests.  
On the print server, make sure the printer is connected to the correct  
serial port.  
On both the print server and print client, make sure the printer is config-  
ured properly.  
On the print server, make sure the printer is not waiting because of a  
fault.  
Make sure the printer is not set up as a login terminal.  
Application Software  
Isolating a problem to your software  
Sometimes printing problems are application software-specific.  
Try printing the test print available from the Service menu. If it prints correctly, the  
printer’s health is probably good.  
Try printing a simple file from your application or from another application. If this prints  
correctly, the problem may be with your software.  
If you are using a Windows application and the file does not print from Windows, try  
printing a file from DOS. If this prints correctly, your problem may be with your Windows  
driver or Windows setup.  
Troubleshooting E-11  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Difficulty generating prints ranging from A to D size  
Many software applications limit the maximum print size to “C” or “D” size due to the  
way that they map their internal coordinate system to memory.  
Some applications which limit maximum print size are listed below:  
-
-
-
-
-
-
Microsoft Word: 22 x 22”  
Lotus 123: 17 x 22”  
CorelDRAW: 30 x 30” (TIFF files are limited to 11 x 17”)  
Microsoft Project: 36 x 61”  
Micrographx Designer: 68” maximum  
Ashlar Vellum: 101” maximum  
Windows GDI Print Length Limitation  
The Windows operating system uses a Graphics Device Interface which limits printing to  
16,000 pixels. The media length at 300 dots per inch is equal to 16,000 divided by 300.  
What all this means is:  
There is a limit of 53" for vector data in Windows 95. For raster images, the limit is 109".  
These limits are imposed by the Windows 95 Graphics Device Interface (GDI). The  
limitation of 53" is based upon a 16,000 pixel limit for a vector. The printer has a resolu-  
tion of 300 Dots Per Inch (DPI). To find the largest size divide 16,000 by 300 to get the  
size in inches. (53.333"). The limitation of 109" is for the size of the digital word that is  
sent between the application and the driver. This word is 16-bits long. The maximum  
positive value that can be placed in a 16-bit word is 32,767. Therefore, by dividing 32,767  
by 300 we get 109.223". Many Windows applications limit the maximum print size to "C"  
or "D" size due to the way that they map their internal coordinate system to memory.  
Some applications which limit maximum print size are listed below:  
Microsoft Word: 22" x 22"  
Lotus 123: 17" x 22"  
Microsoft Project: 36" x 61"  
QuarkXPress: 48" x 48"  
Micrographx Designer: 68" maximum  
Ashlar Vellum:  
Adobe PageMaker:  
CorelDRAW:  
101" maximum  
42" x 42"  
30" x 30"*  
*(TIFF files are limited to 11" x 17")  
*Note: This is a 30" x 30" page size, and is relevant to Corel 5.0 applications only.  
CorelDRAW 6 and later versions are now capable of supporting page sizes beyond 36 x  
36 inches to a maximum of 150 feet x 150 feet. Due to a limitation in the HP DesignJet  
650C Series printers driver, the maximum attainable page size is approximately 55 x 55  
E-12 Troubleshooting  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
inches. Larger page sizes may be attainable if the resolution in the driver is lowered. This  
limitation also applies to the HP 750C printer, and 16 bit printer drivers under Win95.  
Programs that use their own internal drivers that bypass the Windows operating system  
are not real common but they do exist. Also, other driver programs or RIPs were  
created specifically to achieve special capabilities including: increased speed, scaling,  
color correction / calibration, extended print length, etc.  
These programs don't use their own O/S (operating system). But, they create certain  
conditions that bypass those particular areas of the Windows O/S limitations. Some  
programs with internal drivers to print from include: AutoCAD, MicroStation, FlexiSign  
Pro, PosterShop, CactusJet, etc. External printer driver RIPs are made by Pisa, Fiery  
(EFI), ZenoGraphics, Intelligent Systems, Wasatch, etc.  
It should also be noted that this limitation is only because of the GDI limitations. ENCAD  
printers do not have this limitation. Length limitations are a function of software or RIP  
parameters. Any conflicts that do not use the GDI interface should be directed to the  
software vendors.  
Calling for Help  
If you have tried the suggestions in this manual and still need assistance, call the ENCAD  
dealer where you purchased your printer.  
Before you call technical support for help, be sure that you have all of the following  
information available:  
Printer Information  
model  
firmware revision (letter)  
memory  
serial number  
Computer Information  
model  
operating system  
Troubleshooting E-13  
 
VinylJet 36TM Reference Guide  
Customer Technical Support  
To resolve printer problems, use the suggestions provided in this guide. If you continue to  
have problems, you can get help from any of the following:  
ENCAD Inc. Support  
ENCAD Inc.  
6059 Cornerstone Ct. West  
San Diego, CA 92121-3734  
Main Number  
(858) 452-0882  
(877) ENCADTS  
(858) 558-4672  
Customer Support  
Customer Support FAX  
Home Page  
Warranty Cartridge Exchange  
Supplies Sales  
(877) ENCADTS  
(888) 747-9303  
No. American Sales  
(800) 45-ENCAD  
ENCAD Inc. - France  
Customer Support  
Customer Support FAX  
+33-1-58098100  
+33-1-58098101  
ENCAD Inc. - Germany  
Customer Support  
Customer Support FAX  
+49-89-6603-90342  
+49-89-6603-9043  
ENCAD Inc. -Asia  
Customer Support  
Customer Support FAX  
+852-2881-8969  
+852-2881-0912  
*Priority support is available for all customers - warranty and non-warranty. The cost of  
$2.50 per minute is billed directly to your phone bill. Be sure to have your printer's serial  
number when calling.  
** available for all customers - warranty and non-warranty. For non-warranty customers,  
the cost is $25.00 per call which can be billed to a credit card. Be sure to have your  
printer's serial number when calling.  
E-14 Troubleshooting  
 

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