Summary of Contents for AGFA SelectSet Avantra Series
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SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide Part Number: M00123-0002...
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Shielded I/O cables should be used for equipment connections in order to ensure FCC emission limits are met. Any changes or mod- ifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Agfa Division, Bayer Corporation could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
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SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide Part Number: M00123-0002...
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ITS QUALITY, OR PERFORMANCE, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Agfa reserves the right to revise this document and to change the contents without any obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes.
Table of Contents Overview of Documentation ............xiii This User Guide ...............xiii Other Manuals.................xiii Audience ..................xiv Product Overview Introduction ...................1–1 Specifications and Features............1–2 Parts of the Imagesetter..............1–5 Media Compartment ..............1–5 Main Power Switch..............1–5 The Control Panel ..............1–7 Product Options ................1–7 Avantra 20 and 25 Options...........1-7 Avantra 30 Options ..............1-9 Avantra 36 and 44 Options..........1-10 Imaging System Configuration..........1–12...
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Using the Imagesetter Control Panel Introduction ...................2–1 Control Panel Description ............2–2 Overview of Screens..............2–3 Basic Controls ................2–5 Using Plus, Plus Plus, Minus, and Minus Minus ....2–7 Using Accept and Cancel ............2–8 Flashing Buttons ..............2–9 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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Displaying and Setting Parameters...........2–10 Selecting a Screen..............2–10 Displaying Current Parameter Settings......2–12 Selecting Parameters ............2–13 Specifying Numerical Values ..........2–14 Starting Up and Shutting Down the Imagesetter ....2–15 Starting Up the Imagesetter..........2–15 Viewing Software Revisions..........2–17 Shutting Down the Imagesetter .........2–17 Using Control Panel Screens............2–18 The Run Screen................2–19 Basic Operating Modes............2–19 Monitoring Jobs with the Progress Bar ......2–20...
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Using Feed Amounts Functions .........2–47 The Utilities Screen ..............2–48 Definition of Utilities Functions ........2–49 Using Utilities Functions.............2–51 The Configuration Screen............2–52 Definition of Configuration Functions......2–54 Using Configuration Functions..........2–56 Using Auto Dial Out to Report Fatal Errors .....2–57 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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Running Exposure Tests Introduction ...................3–1 Using The Exposure Test Page.............3–2 Test Page Components ............3–2 The 4 DPI’s Test Page ............3–4 Running Exposure Tests ...............3–5 When to Image a Test Page ..........3–5 How to Image a Test Page ............3–6 Basic Steps...............3–6 Guidelines ................3–7 Evaluating a Test Page ..............3–9 How to Read a Test Page ............3–9...
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Unloading Media Using the Utility Screen.......4–26 Overriding Error 44: Cut Not Allowed ......4–27 Correcting Error 80: Bridge Is Not In Light Mode...4–28 Boot Errors ...................4–30 Displaying Boot Errors ............4–30 Bypassing Boot Errors ............4–31 Remote Diagnostics..............4–32 viii SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
SelectSet Avantra Series Product Overview SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel Operations SelectSet Avantra Series Exposure Tests SelectSet Avantra Series Diagnostic and Error Messages SelectSet Avantra Series Imagesetter Maintenance Note: For information on the SelectSet Avantra On-line Processor, refer to the guide for your specific imagesetter.
Operation of the software applications, computers, and other hardware in use with the imagesetter Operation of the RIP that drives the SelectSet Avantra imagesetter This basic knowledge is critical to the effective and successful opera- tion of this imagesetter. SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Introduction This product overview provides the following information about the SelectSet Avantra imaging system: Specifications and features Parts of the imagesetter Product Options Imaging system configuration Operating environment Safety information Please read the Safety Instructions and Laser Safety Information sections later in this chapter before you operate your SelectSet Avantra imagesetter.
449 x 635 mm 449 x 635 mm Resolutions 1200, 1800 1200, 1800, 2400 dpi 2400, 3600 dpi Imaging Speed 417 sq. in./min. 625 sq. in./min. @ 1200 dpi @ 1200 dpi 1–2 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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The SelectSet Avantra 30 is a medium-format, internal drum laser imagesetter designed to provide high standards of image quality and versatility. The following table lists its basic specifications. Avantra 30 Maximum 29.7" x 25" Image Size 754 mm x 635 mm Resolutions 1200, 1800, 2400, 3600 dpi Imaging Speed...
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The Avantra imagesetters use reloadable supply cassettes that accept daylight-loadable or darkroom-loadable media. Media Optimization Through the RIP, you can program the imagesetter to rotate jobs for the most efficient use of media. 1–4 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Parts of the Imagesetter This section describes the basic components of the SelectSet Avantra imagesetter. See Figure 1.1. Media Compartment The media compartment contains: Supply Cassettes Supply unexposed media to the imaging drum. Load them with bulk rolls of media. Take-up Cassette Receives imaged media from the imaging drum.
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Figure 1.1 The SelectSet Avantra Imagesetter. —Media compartment. —Main power switch. —Control panel 1–6 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
The Control Panel The SelectSet Avantra control panel is a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a pressure sensitive surface. This animated, touch-screen control panel includes intuitive icons that make it easy for you to change settings and monitor progress. Status icons on the screen display information about the imagesetter.
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DualSupply Cassettes FlexMedia Registration Punches: Head Punch Stoesser only Stoesser, Bacher 2000, or Bacher 2000 USA Tail Punch Stoesser, Bacher 2000, or Bacher 2000 USA Custom Punches Upgrade Option Extra Cassettes 1–8 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Avantra 30 Options Avantra On-line Processor (OLP) With the OLP option, you no longer need to use take-up cassettes in your daily operation. Instead, you can program the imagesetter to automatically advance and cut exposed media and send it through the bridge to the processor to be developed. Custom Punch Option This option lets you design your own custom punching system.
Extra media supply cassettes and take-up cassettes are available to help you operate more efficiently. For example, you might choose to purchase a separate supply cassette for each type of media you use. 1–10 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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The following table lists the options available: Option SelectSet Avantra 36 SelectSet Avantra 44 On-line Processor Punches: Head Punch Stoesser, Bacher 2000, Stoesser, Bacher 2000, or Bacher 2000 USA or Bacher 2000 USA Tail Punch Stoesser, Bacher 2000, or Bacher 2000 USA Custom Punches Upgrade Option EasyLoad Media Cart...
Imaging systems that support the SelectSet Avantra imagesetters can be made up of many different combinations of hardware and software. To use your imagesetter most effectively, you need to understand all the components of your unique imaging system. 1–12 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Raster Image Processors Every SelectSet Avantra imagesetter is driven by a raster image processor (RIP). The RIP performs two functions: 1. It interprets the data generated by applications running on the front-end computer of your imaging system. 2. It converts this data to a form that can be used by the imagesetter. The SelectSet Avantra imagesetter can be used with a wide choice of software and hardware RIPs.
These devices emit radiation that is considered hazardous in the Code of Federal Regulations and international standards. You are not exposed to this level of radiation as long as the protective covers remain in place and interlocks are not bypassed. 1–14 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Laser Safety Instructions WARNING: To avoid hazardous radiation exposure, follow these instructions: Do not use controls or adjustments other than those specified in the user documentation that comes with this imagesetter. Do not perform procedures other than those specified in the user documentation that comes with this imagesetter.
The power cord is damaged or frayed. Liquid has been spilled into the imagesetter. The imagesetter has been physically damaged. The imagesetter does not operate normally, even when you follow the operating instructions. 1–16 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
CFR Subchapter J in effect as of the date of manufacture. Figure 1.3 CDRH compliance label, located on the rear panel. It reads: Agfa Division certifies that this product conforms to all applicable provisions of 21 CFR Subchapter J in effect as of the date of manufacture.
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NICHT DEM STRAHL AUSSETZEN! Figure 1.5 Multilingual warning label, located near the front and rear punch inside the imagesetter. It reads: DANGER LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO BEAM 1–18 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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DANGER—LASER RADIATION WHEN OPENED AND INTERLOCK DEFEATED AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO BEAM Figure 1.6 Warning label located on the drum interlock mechanism. DANGER ADVERTENCIA LASER RADIATION WHEN OPENED RADIACION LASER SI SE ABRE AND INTERLOCK DEFEATED Y DESACTIVAN LOS INTERRUPTORES DE SEGURIDAD AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO BEAM EVITAR LA EXPOSICION CON EL HAZ VORSICHT!
EMC directive (83/336/EEC) and is tested to EN 50 081-1, EN 55 022 Class A, and EN 50 082-01 Note: Compliance with these regulations requires the use of shielded cables. The user is responsible for procuring properly shielded cables. 1–20 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Introduction This section provides information about the SelectSet Avantra imagesetter and operator control panel. Topics include: A description of the parts of the operator control panel An overview of control panel screens and an introduction to their use Procedures for starting up and shutting down the imagesetter Definitions of and procedures for using the functions on each control panel screen Using the Imagesetter Control Panel...
These are called status icons. Screen: The complete set of icons that appears on the control panel at one time is called a screen. 2–2 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Overview of Screens There are six control panel screens: Run screen — The Run screen appears if the imagesetter is ready to image a job and the RIP is connected when you first start up the imagesetter. A progress bar appears at the bottom of the Run screen.
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Pause screen to reach one of the four control panel screens for setting job parameters. Note: Icons with folded corners indicate that additional screens appear after you press them. Icons without folded corners carry out an immediate action. 2–4 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Basic Controls The buttons (pressure-sensitive icons) listed below are the basic controls in the control panel screens. Press each button to use the function indicated. Abort: Appears on all screens. On the Run screen, Abort cancels a job that is being imaged. On the Pause screen, Abort cancels feed or cut functions.
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The Abort button appears on all control panel screens. The Run button appears only on the Pause screen. The Pause button appears on all screens except for the Pause screen. Figure 2.3 Left: Run screen. —Abort. —Pause. Right: Pause screen. —Abort. —Run. 2–6 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Using Plus , Plus Plus , Minus and Minus Minus Press Plus, Plus Plus, Minus, or Minus Minus to make selections as follows: Plus or Minus Use Plus or Minus to cycle through selections. When you press Plus or Minus, the display cycles through the different selections for a function.
Figure 2.4 The Feed Amounts screen. Left, before you change a parameter. Right, after you press either —Minus Minus, —Minus, —Plus, or —Plus Plus to change a parameter, —Cancel and —Accept appear. 2–8 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Flashing Buttons To perform some functions, you must press a button twice. Whenever a button requires that you press it a second time, it flashes. For example, as shown below, you must press the Load Supply button twice to load media from a supply cassette into the imagesetter. To Load a Supply: Press once and the icon Press again to complete...
1. Press Pause to go to the Pause screen. 2. Press the button for the screen you need. The following diagram lists the functions on each of the four function screens. 2–10 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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Configuration Image Mode Auto Centering Units of Measure Processor Timeout Plate Exposure Output Mode Viewing Angle Volume Auto Dial Out Humidifier Cassette Setup Utilities Select Supply Retract Punches/Nips Cassette Number Feed Amounts Media Type Feed Punches Feed Amount Switch Supply Media Thickness Feed/Cut Amount Reverse Feed...
F PL Figure 2.5 As you select different types of media in the Cassette Setup screen, the Media Type button displays the change. Left, film selected; center, paper selected; right, plate selected. 2–12 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Selecting Parameters Some functions, such as Image Mode, require you to select a parameter from a list of options. To select a parameter from a list of options: 1. Press the icon that represents the parameter you need to change. 2.
3. Accept or Cancel: Press Plus or Minus to Press Accept to change change the media amount. the media amount, or... Range: ...press Cancel to discard. 0.0 to 250.0 feet 0.0 to 76.1 meters 2–14 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Starting Up and Shutting Down the Imagesetter Starting Up the Imagesetter Follow these steps to start up the SelectSet Avantra imagesetter: 1. Turn on the imagesetter. Press the top of the power switch located to the left of the control panel. A progress bar appears at the bottom of the control panel screen as the imagesetter starts up.
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Figure 2.8 The Pause Screen appears if the imagesetter is not ready. 3. Turn on the other parts of your imaging system. 4. To ensure consistent results, let the imagesetter run for twenty minutes before you begin to image jobs. 2–16 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Viewing Software Revisions At start up, the control panel displays a dial-out button, a progress bar, and the revision levels of its firmware. Firmware is the basic operating software for the SelectSet Avantra imagesetter. This infor- mation can be helpful when diagnosing system problems. SYSTEM START-UP DL: xx OCP: xxxx...
11.0 of PSE. If you have an earlier version of PSE software, see the RIP and Avantra User Tools section in this user guide. Also refer to the documentation that comes with your RIP. 2–18 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
The Run Screen Startup Abort Pause Basic Operating Modes The SelectSet Avantra imagesetter has three operating modes in the Run screen: Idle: The imagesetter is ready and waiting to image a job. Busy: The imagesetter is imaging a job. Pause Pending: The imagesetter goes into Pause mode when the job it is currently imaging is complete.
LaserWriter drivers used to send the job. Typically, jobs sent or saved with 7.x LaserWriter drivers post the job name. Jobs sent or saved with 8.x drivers post only the sending Macintosh’s name. 2–20 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Selecting and Canceling Pause Pending Mode To enter Pause Pending mode, press Pause on the Run screen while the imagesetter is busy. The Pause button blinks to indicate Pause Pending. When the current job is finished, the Pause screen appears. You can perform media operations, check parameters, etc.
The Load Supply A and Load Supply B icons appear on the Pause screen if no media is loaded. Once media is loaded, the Load Supply icons are replaced by the Feed and Cut and Unload icons. 2–22 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Loading Media from a Supply Cassette When you press Load, the imagesetter advances media from a supply cassette into the drum. To Load a Supply: Press once and the icon Press again to complete flashes. loading or..press Abort to cancel. Feeding and Cutting Media Press Feed and Cut to advance media out of the drum.
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The imagesetter ignores the Feed and Cut Amount set in the Feed Amounts screen. Figure 2.11 The display changes to show that the media has been cut. 2–24 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Unloading Media When you press Unload, the imagesetter: 1. Checks for media in the take-up cassette or imaged media in the drum. 2. Executes a feed and cut if media is detected in either place. 3. Rewinds the media in the drum back into the supply cassette. To Unload: Press once and the icon Press again to complete...
Job History. This is the amount of media that has been passed through the drum. The amount is displayed in the unit of measurement currently specified in the Configuration screen. 2–26 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Run and Pause Screen Status Icons This section describes status icons that appear in the Run screen and the Pause screen. Figure 2.12 The Run Screen (left) and the Pause Screen (right). —Media status, supply A. —Media status, supply B. —Engine status.
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Figure 2.14 The media status display. —Media width. —Media Thickness. —Media type, alignment mode, and imaging mode. —Cassette program number. —Media remaining. —Tail punch, Avantra 25, 30, and 44 only. —Head punch. 2–28 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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36.00 in 248.0 ft Figure 2.15 Sample of Media-Specific Information. —Media width. —Media thickness (in mils). —Media remaining. Figure 2.16 Punch modes. Adjust in Cassette Screen. These symbols are used as a convention to represent the different punch configurations that are available. —Punches off.
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The three media types are listed top to bottom. Change media type using the Cassette Screen. A—Film. B—Paper. C—Plate. #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 Figure 2.19 Cassette program number. Select the program number using the Cassette Screen. 2–30 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Viewing Engine Status Figure 2.20 The Engine Status area in the center of the control panel indicates whether on-line or off-line processing is specified in the Configuration screen. Figure 2.21 Left, on-line processing. The take-up cassette is removed and the on-line processor (OLP) is displayed. Right, off-line processing.
If the imagesetter is imaging a job, this number includes the job being imaged. The counter advances every time a job is started, even if you abort the job before it is complete. 2–32 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Viewing Humidifier Status The Run screen indicates if the Humidifier is on and running at the correct humidity or if it the humidity is too low. The humidifier maintains the relative humidity in the imagesetter drum at 50% ±5%. Figure 2.23 —Humidifier on.
The imagesetter continues imaging until the supply cassette is completely empty. At this point, error message 4, Out of Media, appears on the control panel. Figure 2.25 Supply alarm icon. Appears in both the Run and Pause screens. 2–34 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Monitoring the Amount of Media in the Take-up Cassette Specify the Take-up Alarm amount on the Feed Amounts screen under the Pause screen. When the media fed into the take-up cassette exceeds this amount, an alarm icon appears. The alarm blinks and the imagesetter goes into Pause Pending mode;...
F = Film P = Paper PL = Plate Choices: Punches All Avantras Punches disabled Head punches only Avantra 25, 30 and 44 only Tail punches only Head and tail punches more... 2–36 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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Cassette Setup, continued... Range: Media Thickness Avantra 20 and 25 Avantra 30 3 to 8 mil 3 to 8 mil Avantra 36 and 44 3 to 12 mil Range: Media Amount 0.0 to 250.0 ft. 0.0 to 76.1 m Range: Media Width Avantra 20 Avantra 25...
Note: On some models, certain functions, such as dual supply cassettes and media punches, are extra-cost options. If an option is not installed, the icon that controls it is grayed out (dimmed). 2–38 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Using Cassette Setup Functions The steps for using the Select Supply and Exposure functions differ slightly from those of the other Cassette Setup functions. Instructions for using Select Supply and Exposure appear later in this section. The steps for using the other Cassette Setup functions are: 1.
Note: The Avantra 25E does not have the 3600 dpi setting. As a result, 3600 dpi is not an available selection for resolution. See Chapter 3: Running Exposure Tests in this user guide for informa- tion on running and evaluating test pages. 2–40 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Storing Supply Cassette Parameters You can define up to five different sets of supply cassette parameters and store each of them under its own cassette program number. If you define and use cassette parameters, you can change a group of parameters on the SelectSet Avantra imagesetter just by selecting a different cassette program number.
Specifying a Supply Cassette and Program Number Once you select a supply cassette, assign a cassette program number to it so you can use preset parameters as follows: 3600 2400 1800 1200 Select Supply A or B: Select Cassette Program Number: 1.
0.0 to 39.0 in. 0 to 99 cm Avantra 36 and 44 0.0 to 78 in. 0 to 198 cm Interpage Spacing Range: 0.0 to 10.0 in. 0 to 25.4 cm more... 2–44 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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Feed Amounts, continued... Supply Alarm Range: 0.0 to 250.0 ft. 0.0 to 76.2 m Take-up Alarm Range: 0.0 to 100.0 ft. 0.0 to 30.5 m Distance to Punches Range: 0.48 to 10 in. 12 to 254 mm Range: Plate Overlap Avantra 20, 25, and 30 0.0 to 0.51 in.
Plate Overlap: The amount that images overlap when imaging is being performed on plate material. For more information on using plate material as the imaging media, see Using Plate Material in the Media Handling section of this user guide. 2–46 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Using Feed Amounts Functions The steps for using Feed Amounts functions are: 1. Select a function. For example, press plate overlap. 2. Use the Plus, Plus Plus, Minus, and Minus Minus Press to display the value you want. 3. Press Accept. Press Abort to cancel and Press Accept to confirm return to the Pause screen.
The Utilities Screen Press Pause, then Utilities. Retract Punches and Nips Feed Switch Supplies Reverse Feed (Avantra 30, 36 and 44 only) Move Flapper Bridge Shuttle/Weight (Avantra 36 and 44 only) 2–48 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Definition of Utilities Functions Retract Punches and Nips: Rollers, called nip rollers or supply rollers, and punches hold media in place. Press Retract Punches and Nips to release media. Use this function to clear jammed media. Cut: Cuts media with no media feed. Before the imagesetter makes the cut, it checks to make sure that at least 6 in.
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Note: If you press the Bridge Shuttle/Weight button to place the bridge in light mode and do not raise the bridge within 25 sec- onds, it automatically returns to heavy mode. 2–50 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Using Utilities Functions The steps for using Feed Utilities functions are: 1. Select a function. For example, press cut. 2. Press Accept. Press once and the icon Press again to confirm. flashes. Press Cancel to reject Press Abort to cancel and your new settings.
Positive Right Read Positive Wrong Read Negative Right Read Negative Wrong Read Autocentering Choices: Flush left Centered Units of Measurement Choices: English in/ft Metric Processor Timeout Range: 0 to 255 minutes more... 2–52 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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Configuration, continued... Plate Exposure Mode Choices: Expose only the page area Expose the page area and the area to the left and right Expose the page area, the left and right, and the punch area Output Mode Choices: Take-up cassette On-line processor Viewing Angle Range:...
Note: Be careful not to set the Processor Timeout too short (i.e., 2 or 3 minutes). If you set it too short, the timeout may expire before the next job is sent from the RIP, wasting 4-5 in. of media between each job. 2–54 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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Plate Exposure Area: The imagesetter exposes the pages you send from your front-end application on an area of the plate material. The imagesetter can expose some additional sections of the plate material as follows. See Figure 2.27 for illustrations of the plate exposure icons. No additional area An area to the left and right of the page An area to the left and right of the page as well as the punch area...
Press to display the setting you want. 3. Press Accept. Press Abort to cancel and Press Accept to confirm return to the Pause screen. your settings. Press Cancel to reject your new settings. 2–56 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Using Auto Dial Out to Report Fatal Errors You can program an Avantra imagesetter to automatically dial out through its internal modem when it detects a fatal error. The Auto Dial Out button in the Configuration screen lets you turn this feature on and off.
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3. If the imagesetter can boot up, turn off Auto Dial Out. The example in the preceding section, Using Configuration Functions, shows how to select the Auto Dial Out mode. Use the procedure in that section to turn Auto Dial Out off. 2–58 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Introduction The SelectSet Avantra laser imagesetters produce high-resolution type and graphic images. To attain the quality that SelectSet Avantra imagesetters can deliver, you need to use the optimum exposure setting for your imaging medium. Before you begin production, always run and evaluate exposure tests. To maintain high-quality standards, repeat the exposure tests at regular intervals.
A reference band near the center of the page is imaged at the current exposure set in the Cassette Screen. The reference band is indented at the left edge of the test page. See in Figure 3.1. 3–2 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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The increment, or difference in the exposure setting from one band to the next, is indicated by indents at the right end of the test page. See Figure 3.2. Figure 3.2 Indents show the increment value, expressed in exposure units. The resolution is indicated by a bar code.
Each image uses a different resolution. The reference band for each image is exposed at the current setting for that resolution. All four images use the same increment value. Figure 3.4 The 4 dpi’s test page. 3–4 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
When you change emulsion batches. (The product label attached to each case and each roll of Agfa photographic media is stamped with a number that identifies the emulsion batch.) When you load a new roll of media or when you replace the chemicals in your media processor.
Press Abort to cancel and 2400 dpi, 1, 5, or 10 return to the Pause screen. 3600 dpi, 1, 5, or 10 Press Cancel to reject your new settings and remain in the Cassette screen. 3–6 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Guidelines When selecting an increment value, follow these guidelines: An increment value of 10 is useful when you are not sure what the exposure setting should be (for example, when evaluating a new type of media). The higher value yields the widest range of exposures on the test image.
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Processor Timeout function in the Configuration screen is turned on (set to any valid value other than 0). 3–8 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Evaluating a Test Page After you process the exposure test page, read and evaluate it. Use a densitometer to measure the density and determine which exposure is the best for your purposes. How to Read a Test Page To read the exposure values for each band on a test page, hold the page with the reference band indent to the left and the increment value indents to the right.
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Step -1 (592) - (1 x 10) = 592 - 10 = 582 Step -2 (592) - (2 x 10) = 592 - 20 = 572 Step -3 (592) - (3 x 10) = 592 - 30 = 562 Lower exposures… 3–10 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Using a Densitometer Use a densitometer to measure density and determine optimum exposure. Note: Make sure that you know how to use your densitometer before you begin the evaluation procedure. Density Density is the darkness of a photographic image. It is expressed as a number.
Measures how much light passes through processed film. Use for evaluating film. Reflection Densitometer Measures how much light is reflected by an opaque image. Use for evaluating photographic paper, plate material, or press print. 3–12 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Controlling the Development Process Development is the chemical process that makes an image appear on exposed photographic material. You must control the development process to ensure that the processed medium will have the density you expect it to have based on the exposure settings you used. Development Variables to Control Development of the photographic image is affected by: The length of time the photographic material is in the developer,...
Under-replenishment for film produces inadequate working density. Over-replenishment for paper does not harm the end result. 3–14 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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Chapter 4 Diagnostic and Error Messages...
Introduction This section provides information on diagnostic and error messages for all models of SelectSet Avantra imagesetters. Topics include: How the control panel displays error messages How to clear error messages from the control panel How to reset the system after errors occur List of error messages and corrective actions Procedures for correcting certain media and operator errors Definition of boot errors and procedures for bypassing them...
Messages and Corrective Actions later in this chapter. To clear the error message from the control panel: 1. Identify the error message, then press Pause. 2. Correct the problem and reset the system if necessary. 4–2 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Resetting the System To correct some errors, you need to reset the system. Errors that require a system reset are identified in the next section, List of Error Messages and Corrective Actions. To reset the system: 1. Turn the imagesetter off and let it remain idle for a few minutes.
Reset the imagesetter and retry the original operation. If the error returns immediately, the carriage may be getting caught on media in the drum. See Unloading Media Using the Utility Screen later in this chapter. 4–4 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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3 Cutter Jam The power cutter is jammed. Check for a media jam in the cutter area. Follow the procedures given in the Troubleshooting Media Jams section of this user guide. Check to make sure that the cover is in place over the cutter.
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Utility Screen later in this chapter. 7 Output Side Punch Jam Retry the operation. If the error persists, call for service. 8 Cutter in Media Path Go to the Utilities screen; press Cut, then Accept. 4–6 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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10 Output Device Mismatch The imagesetter has detected a mismatch in output devices selected. Check to make sure that the correct take-up cassette size called for in the cassette parameters is inserted into the imagesetter. If this is correct, make sure that the installation of the take-up cassette is not being attempted while on-line processing is being requested.
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23 Boot Diagnostic Error Hardware error detected while attempting to boot. Reset. If the error persists, call for service. 25 Carriage Switch Broken Hardware error. Reset. If the error persists, call for service. 4–8 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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27 Processor Alarm Signal The OLP is reporting an alarm. This message appears as an overlay on the screen that is currently displayed on the imagesetter control panel. The imagesetter will finish the current job, but will not image another job or advance media until you correct the error at the processor.
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38 Focuser Jam Hardware error. Reset. Call for service if the error persists. 39 Polarizer Error Hardware error. Reset. Call for service if the error persists. 4–10 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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40 Diagnostic Error Hardware error. Reset. Call for service if the error persists. 41 Bridge not in Position Open the media compartment and make sure that the bridge is completely lowered. Figure 4.2 Make sure that the bridge is completely lowered. 42 Right Side Door Open The right door is not securely closed.
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Open the side panel to determine the problem. This error is usually caused by a crinkle in the media. Use Unload to clear the error. 48 Invalid Engine Configuration Hardware error. Reset. If the error persists, call for service. 4–12 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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49 Hardware Error Reset. If the error persists, call for service. 50 Hardware Error Reset. If the error persists, call for service. 51 Bridge Communication Error An error occurred in communication between the imagesetter and the bridge. Reset. If the error persists, call for service. 52 Bridge Jam Before Center Sensor W 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ f ? ? W &...
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Figure 4.3 Bridge for the Avantra 20/25 on-line processor. —Top cover. —Bottom cover. Figure 4.4 Locations on the Avantra 20/25 bridge media path. —Media slot. —Lower section. —Top section. —Entrance to media processor. 4–14 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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Figure 4.5 Bridge for the Avantra 30 on-line processor. —Top cover. Figure 4.6 Locations on the Avantra 30 bridge media path. —Media slot. —Bridge —Entrance to media processor. Diagnostic and Error Messages 4–15...
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4.8 for the Avantra 36 and 44. If you find no media, remove the nip drive assembly. (This procedure is described in the Troubleshooting Media Jams chapter of this user guide.) 4–16 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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Figure 4.7 Bridge for the Avantra 36/44 on-line processor. Figure 4.8 Locations on the Avantra 36/44 bridge media path. —Media slot. —Top section of bridge. —Buffer area. Diagnostic and Error Messages 4–17...
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58 No Processor Communication The on-line processor is not communicating with the imagesetter. Check the processor to make sure that it is turned on and that the cables are connected. 4–18 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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59 Processor Top Door Open The top door in the on-line processor is open. This message appears as an overlay on the screen that is currently displayed on the imagesetter control panel. The top door needs to be open when you use the processor off-line.
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65 Media Warranty Met Information message. Life media warranty has been met or exceeded. Auto dial out sends information to field service and displays this message during the next start up. 4–20 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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66 Continuous Media Feed Media rollers are continuing to move with or without media feed. Clear error code. Reset. If the error persists, call for service. 67 Media Blocking Take-up Sensor Media is detected in the cutter area. Remove and process the take-up cassette containing media.
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An attempt was made to put the bridge in light mode while it is in the up position. The bridge is already in light mode if it is in the up position. Clear the error code and continue. 4–22 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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74 Foot Not Attached An attempt was made to put the bridge into light mode when the bridge foot is already removed. It is not necessary to use Bridge Shuttle/Weight to put the bridge into light mode if the bridge foot is not attached.
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See the Correcting Error 80: Bridge Is Not In Light Mode section later in this chapter for detailed instruc- tions on how to correct this error condition. 4–24 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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81 Vector in service Reset. If the error persists, call for service. 82 Unknown bridge error Reset. If the error persists, call for service. 83 Buckle in drum Try to feed media by pressing the Feed button. If the error persists, clear the jammed media. 84 Missing spinner index pulses Reset.
If you cannot unload the media or the error persists after following this procedure, open the imagesetter and try to free the carriage. See the Troubleshooting Media Jams chapter in this user guide. If you cannot correct the problem, call for service. 4–26 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Overriding Error 44: Cut Not Allowed When you press Cut in the Utilities screen, the imagesetter checks to make sure that at least 6 inches (15 cm) has been fed past the cutter. Message 44, Cut Not Allowed, appears if not enough media has been fed.
The shuttle motor is located in the back corner at the top right side of the bridge. 4–28 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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5. Wait until the shuttle motor stops running before you attempt to lift the bridge again. The bridge is not in light mode until the shuttle motor stops running. CAUTION: Do not lift the bridge while the shuttle motor is run- ning.
Displaying Boot Errors If an error occurs during bootup, the error icon and the Plus button appear on the control panel. System Start-up Startup Press Plus to bypass the boot error. 4–30 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Bypassing Boot Errors If you encounter an error code numbered 100 or above, try to bypass it. The system will attempt to complete its bootup. To bypass boot errors: 1. Restart the imagesetter. 2. When the boot error is detected, an error icon and the Plus button appear on the screen.
While the modem is active, the control panel looks like this: CAUTION: Never turn off the imagesetter while the modem is active. Doing so could damage the imagesetter operating soft- ware. 4–32 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Introduction This section provides instructions and guidelines for maintaining SelectSet Avantra imagesetters. It begins with maintenance procedures that apply to all models of SelectSet Avantra imagesetters and ends with additional, model-specific maintenance procedures. Always refer to these maintenance instructions and guidelines when cleaning the imagesetter.
You can also use adhesive rollers used for removing lint from clothing. See Figure 5.1. 5–2 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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Figure 5.1 Supply rollers in the media compartment. Imagesetter Maintenance 5–3...
Method: Shut down the imagesetter. From the rear of the image- setter, pull out the filter and replace it. Use part number C00305- 001. Contact your service provider for information about ordering replacement filters. 5–4 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Cleaning Avantra 20 and 25 Punch Trays Check the punch trays every three months. Perform the following procedure to empty them. 1. Turn off the imagesetter. 2. Open the left side bottom door. See Figure 5.3. 3. There are two punch trays, both below the imaging drum. They are bright red.
Method: Shut down the imagesetter. Open the right side bottom door. Reach inside and to the left and loosen the thumbscrew that retains the right side top door. Swing the right side top door open. See Figure 5.5. 5–6 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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Figure 5.5 Opening the right side top door. —The thumbscrew. The filter is located on the inside back panel of the side door. Pull out the filter and vacuum it. Replace the Drum Intake filter. This filter is approximately 3/4 in. (19 mm) thick and is made of several different layers. Interval: Once a month or more frequently if necessary.
The punch tray is located toward the back of the imagesetter. See Figure 5.6. Gently slide the red tray out. Empty it and slide it back in. Close the side door and restart the imagesetter. 5–8 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Cleaning Avantra 36 and 44 Intake Filters Check both the Electronics Enclosure Intake filter and the Drum Intake filter every day to make sure they are not blocked. Figure 5.7 Avantra 36/44 imagesetter with the right door open. —Drum intake filter and the electronics enclosure filter. Clean the Electronics Enclosure Intake filter weekly.
Cleaning the Avantra 44 Supply Punch Chaff Tray Perform the following procedure to empty the the supply punch chaff tray. 1. Turn off the imagesetter. 2. Raise the top cover. See Figure 5.9. 5–10 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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Figure 5.9 The Avantra 36/44 imagesetter with the top cover open. 3. Remove the upper light shield that covers the rear of the media supply area. Lift it straight up and out of the imagesetter. 4. Lift up the lower hinged light shield and push it out of the way to the back of the imagesetter.
See Figure 5.10. The take-up cassette punch tray is located below the cutter area below the nip drive assembly. See Figure 5.8. Figure 5.10 —The Avantra 36/44 imagesetter top and middle access panels. 5–12 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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3. Remove the front light shield, located behind the top and middle access panels, from the cutter area. To release the panel, loosen the three screws on the front of the panel. Slide the panel out and then up to remove it from the imagesetter.
These software tools are part of the Agfa PostScript Support Environment (PSE) software that comes with your Agfa RIP. This appendix describes the RIP and Avantra software tools designed for versions of PSE software prior to version 11.0.
If one operator changes a parameter at the imageset- ter and another operator changes the same parameter by down- loading a tool, the output from your imagesetter may not be what you anticipate. A–2 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
User Tools that Perform Control Panel Functions The following charts list only the tools that are designed exclusively for use with SelectSet Avantra imagesetters. They are grouped accord- ing to the control panel screen that provides the same function. There are additional tools, not listed in this appendix, that affect Avantra imagesetters.
For example, LDR-10 would subtract 10 inches from the feed and cut value. When you specify metric units of measurement, these tools subtract centimeters. For example, LDR-10 would subtract 10 cm from the feed and cut value. A–4 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Configuration Tools These tools perform functions found in the Configuration Screen: Filename Description CENTDS Disables auto-centering. Files are imaged flush with the left edge of the media. CENTEN Enables auto-centering. Files are imaged centered on the media. RIP and Avantra User Tools A–5...
*You can edit the SET_M_O.ON tool to specify the percentage of media to be saved as the criteria for switching spindles. See the last section of this appendix, Using Media Optimization, for more infor- mation. A–6 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
SelectSet Avantra Special Tools This section provides additional information about two special Avantra features controlled by user tools: Virtual cassette mode Media optimization Operating in Virtual Cassette Mode SelectSet Avantra imagesetters equipped with a bridge and buffer to enable on-line processing can operate in virtual cassette mode. Virtual cassette mode works like this: Specify on-line processor as the output mode in the Configuration Screen.
The next job is 8 in. wide and 10 in. deep (203 mm by 254 mm). The job is rotated 90 degrees when imaged. Use SET_M_O.ON to enable media optimization. Use SET_M_O.OFF to disable the function. A–8 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
Figure A.1 Media optimization. A. Hypothetical image. —Width, 8" (203 mm). —Depth, 10" (254 mm). B. As imaged media with media optimization off. —16" (406 mm) C. As imaged with optimization on. —16" (406 mm) Changing the Media Savings Percentage To change the media savings percentage in the SET_M_O.ON tool: 1.
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4 dpi’s test page, 3–4 Bridge not in Position, 4–11 Bridge Out of Position, 4–22 Bridge Shuttle/Weight button, 2–50 Buffer, 1–7, 1–10 Abort button, 2–5-2–6 Busy operating mode, 2–19 Accept button, 2–5 Button icons, 2–2 Alarms Buttons supply, 2–34 Abort, 2–5-2–6 take-up, 2–35 Accept, 2–5 Alignment mode...
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5 No Take-up Cassette, 4–6 Cut Not Allowed, 4–12 6 Media Jam, 4–6 Cutter, 1–5 10 Output Device Mismatch, 4–7 Cutter in Media Path, 4–6 11 Carriage Hit End of Travel, 4–7 Cutter Jam, 4–5 I–2 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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12 Hardware Error, 4–7 59 Processor Top Door Open, 4–19 14 RIP Data Error, 4–8 60 Processor Communication Error, 4–19 15 No RIP, 4–8 61 Hardware Error, 4–19 17 Spinner Speed Error, 4–8 62 Media Error, 4–20 22 Spot Aperture Jam, 4–8 63 Beam Compressor Jam, 4–20 23 Boot Diagnostic Error, 4–8 64 Flapper Jam, 4–20...
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Sensor, 4–21 Flush left alignment mode, 2–29 Jam in Buffer Before Exiting to Focuser Jam, 4–10 Processor, 4–22 Foot Not Attached, 4–23 Jam in Buffer Before Purchase Sensor, Front-end computer, 1–12 4–21 I–4 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...
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Jam Moving Buffer Carriage, 4–22 Media Jam in Bridge, 4–23 Job counter, 2–32 Media Load Is Not Allowed, 4–24 Job History, 2–26 Media loading, 2–23 Job name, 2–26 Media Optimization, 1–4, A–8 Job Status icons, 2–32 Media Status icons, 2–27 Media Thickness, 2–38 Media transport bridge, 1–5, 1–7, 1–10 Media type, 2–28, 2–38...
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1–13 Processor Error, 4–18 user tools and control panel, A–2 Processor Timeout button, 2–54 Run button, 2–5-2–6 Processor Top Door Open, 4–19 Run Screen, 2–3, 2–15, 2–19 Program number, 2–43 I–6 SelectSet Avantra Series Control Panel and Operating Guide...