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Kodak 210433-1 User Manual

Wide-format color inkjet printers
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User's Guide
for
ENCAD 1500 TX
Digital Textile System
TM
P/N 210433-1
Copyright ENCAD, Inc. 1998
®
ENCAD
, Quality Imaging Supplies and Digital Textile System are trademarks of ENCAD, Inc.
Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computer Corp.
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 ENCAD in an electronic format on CD-ROM or over the
internet. The registered user of an ENCAD product whose manuals is distributed in this
fashion may print one copy for their personal use only.
REVISION HISTORY
Rev. A
February 1998

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  • Page 1 User's Guide ENCAD 1500 TX Digital Textile System P/N 210433-1 Copyright ENCAD, Inc. 1998 ® ENCAD , Quality Imaging Supplies and Digital Textile System are trademarks of ENCAD, Inc. Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computer Corp. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

  • Page 2: Warranty Claims

    1500 TX User's Guide WARRANTY CLAIMS United States ENCAD ® , Inc., warrants the 1500 TX printer (“P ”) to be free from defects in workmanship RODUCT and materials for a period of 180 days from the date of purchase. In order to submit a Warranty claim, please contact the ENCAD Help Desk at (619) 452-4350.
  • Page 3 1500 TX User's 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 the ENCAD printers. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO AND TELEVISION INTERFERENCE FOR CLASS B DEVICE Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

  • Page 4: Material Safety Data Sheet

    1500 TX User's Guide Material safety data sheet To obtain information on the proper use, handling, and disposal of any ENCAD TX ink, consult the material safety data sheet included in the ink kit or obtain a copy from ENCAD, Inc. at: 6059 Cornerstone Court West San Diego, California 92121-3734 (619) 452-4350...
  • Page 5 1500 TX User's 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.
  • Page 6 1500 TX User's Guide Appendix D Error messages - Explains the error messages and pro- vides suggestions of what to do when you see them. Appendix E Glossary - Explains terms used in the manual. Appendix F Technical information - Lists the technical specifications for 1500 TX printer.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    1500 TX User's Guide Contents Chapter 1 Introduction ............1-1 Printing with 1500 TX printers ............... 1-2 Obtaining quality results ................ 1-2 Chapter 2 Getting started ..........2-1 Using the control panel ................2-2 Setting the language ................2-3 Loading media ..................2-3 Using the power media feed and take-up system ........
  • Page 8 1500 TX User's Guide Chapter 4 Printer maintenance and storage ....4-1 Periodic maintenance ................4-1 Removing and storing ink cartridges ............. 4-3 Replacing the reservoirs ................ 4-4 Installing new cartridges ................ 4-4 Purging ink delivery lines ..............4-5 Periodic cleaning .................. 4-6 Cleaning the service station ..............

  • Page 9: Chapter 1 Introduction

    Introduction This user guide covers the 1500 TX Digital Textile System. 1500 TX printers are wide-format color inkjet printers that give you professional-quality output with all the brilliance liquid ink. For artists, designers, and business professionals, ENCAD printers let you experi- ence the creative freedom of exceptional graphics quality.

  • Page 10: Printing With 1500 Tx Printers

    1500 TX User's Guide Printing with 1500 TX printers The 1500 TX wide format inkjet printers let you create huge designs. The length of your printed piece can be the length of a roll of media. Only Extreme Color Printing combines the technical sophistication of the ENCAD printers with the unique qualities of ENCAD TX proprietary inks and media, which includes a variety of popular fabrics, photogloss, coated canvas, and matte paper.
  • Page 11 1500 TX User's Guide 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 manufacturers to develop supplies that are scientifically matched to the 1500 TX series.

  • Page 12: Caring For Your Ink And Cartridges

    1500 TX User's 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. • Be sure the ink in the cartridges matches the ink in the reservoirs. •...
  • Page 13 1500 TX User's Guide 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.
  • Page 14 1500 TX User's Guide This page intentionally blank. 1-6 Introduction...

  • Page 15: Chapter 2 Getting Started

    Getting started This chapter gives you details on setting up your printer and using the functions available on its panels. Before you start, be sure that: • the power cord is plugged in • you have connected your printer to your computer using either a parallel or serial cable •...

  • Page 16: Using The Control Panel

    1500 TX User's Guide Using the control panel The control panel at the right side of the printer includes eight buttons and a display which indicates modes and settings. An overview is provided here so that you can load media and cartridges. Details on menu options are included in Chapters 3 and 4.

  • Page 17: Setting The Language

    1500 TX User's Guide Setting the language Your printer can display menu items and messages in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Japanese and Chinese. To choose a language Press Setup, User Settings, Language, and the button for the language you want.

  • Page 18: Using The Power Media Feed And Take-Up System

    1500 TX User's Guide Using the power media feed and take-up system The power media feed and take-up system facilitates long, unattended printing runs by automatically unwinding and rewinding media as prints are generated. It includes a feed roll, a take-up roll, and sensors which prevents media from coming into contact with the floor.

  • Page 19: Using The Take-Up Roll

    1500 TX User's Guide Using the take-up roll The take-up roll allows unattended printing by automatically winding printed media onto a core. In this mode, the automatic cutter is disabled. When using this option, be sure that the media sensor on the printer's right leg is not blocked. Depending on the ambient humidity, temperature, and amount of ink coverage, you may want to turn on the dryer and/or set a dry time as described in Chapter 3.

  • Page 20: Moving The Carriage

    1500 TX User's Guide Using at least three pieces of tape, attach the leading edge of the media to the take-up roll at the left, right, and center of the core. As printing progresses, the media is looped down in front of the take-up core until it is detected by the sensor on the printer leg.

  • Page 21: Installing The Cutter

    1500 TX User's Guide Installing the cutter You need to install the cutter if you want the printer to automatically cut the media after printing. Be careful when handling the cutter to avoid injury. Do not use an external knife to cut media as this can damage the platen and prevent the media sensors from operating properly.

  • Page 22: Filling The Ink Reservoirs

    1500 TX User's Guide To remove the cutter Press the Utility/Access Cartridges button to move the carriage to the center of the platen. Press the knife latch down. Pull the cutter out of the carriage. When the cutter becomes worn, it can cause the carriage to jam or can cause a ragged media cut.
  • Page 23 1500 TX User's Guide To fill the ink reservoirs Open the cover on the left side of the printer to access the ink reser- voirs. Unscrew the cap of one reservoir. Open only one reservoir at a time to prevent contamination with other ink colors. Remove cap from the bottle.

  • Page 24: Filling The Ink Cartridges

    1500 TX User's Guide Filling the ink cartridges The printer is designed to use only ENCAD 104 jet cartridges. Using other cartridges will cause the printer to beep and prevent it from printing. Installation of new ink cartridges involves filling the ink cartridges, connecting the cartridge to the quick connect fitting and priming the jet plate with the NovaPrime.
  • Page 25 1500 TX User's Guide Remove the cap on the squeeze bottle. Insert the needle of the squeeze bottle into the hole on the top of the empty cartridge. Slowly push it down until it bottoms out, then retract it by approximately 1/8".

  • Page 26: Priming The Ink Delivery Lines

    1500 TX User's Guide Attach the cartridge tube assembly to the carriage only. Repeat for each cartridge. Priming the ink delivery lines After filling the ink reservoirs and ink cartridges, you will need to prime each of the four ink delivery lines to establish ink flow through the lines and ink cartridges. The NovaPrime is provided for this purpose.
  • Page 27 1500 TX User's Guide Press the button on the NovaPrime to activate the vacuum and draw ink through the line. When ink is visible in the NovaPrime sight tube, remove the cartridge needle from the NovaPrime and insert it into the hole in the top of the ink cartridge.
  • Page 28 1500 TX User's Guide Place the suction end of the NovaPrime over the jet area of the cartridge. Make sure the NovaPrime is making good contact with the jet area. Pulse the pump 3 - 5 times, until the ink is visible in the NovaPrime sight tube, maintain good contact between the inkjet plate and the pump for an additional 5 seconds.

  • Page 29: Priming The Ink Cartridges

    1500 TX User's Guide Priming the ink cartridges Before printing and at regular intervals during printing, the printer wipes the ink cartridge jets at the service station. This function is user selectable during printing or between prints. Still, ink cartridge jets can become clogged, espe- cially with prolonged exposure to the air or with disuse.
  • Page 30 1500 TX User's Guide Clogged jets Clogged jets cannot be automatically detected and therefore must be cleared manually. To clear a clogged jet, clean and prime the affected cartridge according to the instructions on page 4-8 of the Users Guide. Your goal is to eliminate all gaps in the “stair step”...

  • Page 31: Aligning The Ink Cartridges (Color Calibration)

    1500 TX User's Guide Choosing a Print Mode The Prime test pattern will show which Print Modes can fully compensate for the defective jets in each cartridge. The same print mode must be available for all four print cartridges in order to provide full compensation. In the preceding example, 4-pass printing is the only mode in which full compensation can be achieved.

  • Page 32: Cartridge Recognition

    1500 TX User's Guide Black Color Vertical head-to-head test pattern Press Cyan Adjust - Vertical. Examine the printout and enter the number that represents the best color alignment for cyan-vertical. See Appendix A for details. Repeat for each color and for horizontal alignment as well. Cartridge recognition The printer is designed to use only ENCAD TX cartridges.

  • Page 33: Canceling A Print

    1500 TX User's Guide Canceling a print To cancel a print, first send a cancel order from the computer using the appropri- ate command for your software application. For example, you can delete the file in the Print Manager/Print Options. To clear the buffer after cancelling a print, press Reset.
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  • Page 35: Chapter 3 Printer Options

    Printer options You can define printer options through your application software or by choosing settings from the printer's control panel. The following printer options described in this chapter: • Initialize (return to default settings) • Print mode • Paper Options •...
  • Page 36 1500 TX User's Guide USER SETTINGS DEFAULT OTHER OPTIONS COLOR MODE COLOR MONO QUALITY MODE NORMAL DRAFT, QUALITY, ENHANCED, USER PRINT PASSES 1, 3, 6 CARRIAGE SPEED 1-10 PRINT DIRECTION AUTO-LOAD DELAY 1-12 SEC. MEDIA STANDARD US ENGR, US ARCH, ISO A, M_DIN, GRAPHICS, MET OVER A, ISO B, SPECIAL MARGINS NORMAL...

  • Page 37: Choosing Print Mode Options

    1500 TX User's Guide Choosing print mode options Your printer offers several print modes which let you make tradeoffs between speed and quality. The print mode you use depends on various factors, such as your software application, whether you’re printing in color or monochrome, and the type of media you’re using.

  • Page 38: Color Mode

    1500 TX User's Guide Color mode Color mode refers to whether you are printing in color or monochrome. To choose the color mode Press Setup/Print Mode/Color Mode. Choose Color or Mono. Press OK. Print modes There are five print modes. Draft and Normal modes are suited for high speed priting on most fabrics.

  • Page 39: Choosing Paper Options

    1500 TX User's Guide Print direction Print direction specifies whether the inkjets fire on both passes of the carriage over the print area (bidirectional), or just on the return pass (unidirectional). If you’re printing an image with heavy fill or shading, unidirectional can reduce running and ink bleeding.

  • Page 40: Media Standard

    1500 TX User's Guide Media standard When you create an image, you determine its size at the computer. It's important that you know the size of the image and load the appropriate size media because the printer automatically defines the print area based on the loaded media's width.
  • Page 41 1500 TX User's Guide To set margins Press Setup/Paper Option/Margins. Choose Normal or Expanded. Press OK. 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.

  • Page 42: Save Media

    1500 TX User's 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 full print area of the loaded media. For example, if a 36 inch roll is loaded, the printer advances the length of the print area for a standard 36 x 48"...

  • Page 43: Defining User Setup

    1500 TX User's Guide 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.

  • Page 44: Choosing Ink Options

    1500 TX User's Guide Choosing a language Printer menus and options can be displayed in the following languages: English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. To choose a language Press Setup/User Setup/Language. Choose the language to display. Press OK.

  • Page 45: Dry Time

    1500 TX User's Guide Dry time Unattended prints might require drying time to prevent the ink from smearing when the image touches the takeup roll or previously printed images. In addition, you may want to change drying time depending on the media you are using, the ambient temperature and the humidity.
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  • Page 47: Chapter 4 Printer Maintenance And Storage

    Printer maintenance and storage This chapter provides information on the following: • Periodic maintenance • Preparing your printer for storage or transport • Using the information function. To Assist you in printer maintenance, an optional kit is available, P/N 210468-00. Periodic maintenance Periodic maintenance functions which you will want to perform to assure continued quality printing include:...
  • Page 48 1500 TX User's Guide To fill the ink reservoir Note: Before starting, you may want to do the following: • Have paper towels handy. • Wear disposable gloves. Open only one reservoir at a time to prevent ink fromacciden- tally contaminating another color. Assemble the pouring spout by attaching the tube to the lid.

  • Page 49: Removing And Storing Ink Cartridges

    1500 TX User's Guide Removing and storing ink cartridges To remove cartridges Note: If you lay down a cartridge with ink in it, lay it on its front side so that the flex contacts face up. This prevents ink from leaking out either the top opening or out the jet area on the bottom.

  • Page 50: Replacing The Reservoirs

    1500 TX User's Guide Replacing the reservoirs Remove all the cartridges before replacing the ink reservoirs. Open the left front cover to access the reservoirs. Leave the caps on the reservoirs. Disconnect the quick connect fitting for each reservoir, noting the color of the fitting to which it was connected.

  • Page 51: Purging Ink Delivery Lines

    1500 TX User's Guide Each time you place new ink cartridges in the printer, prime and calibrate them to ensure the highest quality printed images. Priming is covered in Chapter 2 and calibration procedures are discussed in Appendix A. Ink cartridges generally last as long as the ink in a reservoir. When a cartridge misfires or the quality deteriorates, you will want to replace it.

  • Page 52: Periodic Cleaning

    1500 TX User's Guide Periodic cleaning To assure the best quality printing, you should clean the cartridges and service station once a week. In addition, you should wipe any areas of the printer exposed to ink and the print shaft using a lint-free cloth moistened with water.
  • Page 53 1500 TX User's Guide Materials to use for cleaning • Isopropyl alcohol (industrial grade) • Lint-free soft cloth/paper wipe • Dry lint-free cloth • Cotton swabs • Ultrasonic cleaner (if available) • Distilled/Reverse osmosis water (purified water) • Canned/compressed air. Components to annually inspect The following components should be cleaned and inspected for damage on an annual basis and replaced if necessary.

  • Page 54: Cleaning The Service Station

    1500 TX User's Guide To clean the ink cartridge jet plate Press the Utility/Access Cartridges buttons to move the carriage away from the service station. Disconnect the quick connect fittings, noting the color of the fitting to which the cartridge was connected. Remove the ink cartridge from the printer by gently pulling the top of the cartridge toward you, then lifting it up out of the carriage.
  • Page 55 1500 TX User's Guide To clean the service station Select Utility/Access Cartridges to move the carriage away from the service station. Raise the printer cover. Locate the service station release tab at the right end of the service station base. Move it gently to the left and lift to remove the entire service station assembly.

  • Page 56: Maintaining The Novaprime

    1500 TX User's Guide Maintaining the NovaPrime The NovaPrime is an accessory used to establish ink flow when new cartridges and reservoirs are installed. It is battery operated and uses 4 AA batteries. To replace the battery Remove the screw at the end of the unit and open the NovaPrime. Note the orientation of the battery pack.

  • Page 57: Returning The Printer For Service

    1500 TX User's Guide Returning the printer for service If for any reason, you need to return your printer to ENCAD for ser- vice, you must remove the cartridges, ink reservoirs, and purge the ink supply lines. Before returning the printer, contact ENCAD Techni- cal Support for an RMA number and for complete instructions on preparing your printer for shipment.
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  • Page 59: A Calibration

    Calibration Cartridge calibration For best results, the cartridge calibration must be performed each time you install a new cartridge. The printer draws a series of three patterns. The first pattern, labeled “Current Heads (Y, M, C),” shows yellow, magenta, and cyan + which represent the horizontal and vertical align- ment between the cartridges.

  • Page 60: Defining Calibration Units

    1500 TX User's Guide Examine the patterns to determine which value shows the best horizontal and vertical alignment between cartridges. These are the values you will set in the printer menu. Defining Calibration Units You can set the calibration units to English or Metric. To set calibration units Select Setup/User Setup/Units Select.
  • Page 61 1500 TX User's Guide XY calibration Choosing Utility/Paper Axis Test lets the printer draw a set of vertical marks to calibrate the paper axis and a set of horizontal marks to measure the carriage axis. To measure the marks laid down by the printer, you will need a ruler or scale at least 33 inches (838.2 mm) long.

  • Page 62: Paper Axis Calibration

    1500 TX User's Guide Paper axis calibration To calibrate the horizontal axis Select Utility/Calibration/Paper Axis Test. Measure the test pattern printed when you pressed Utility/Calibration/Use Calib XY. The distance between the marks should be exactly 33 inches (838.2 mm). Press the Next Selection button until the dimension you measure dis- plays.

  • Page 63: Installing Additional Memory

    Installing additional memory Your printer is shipped with 8 MB of RAM and is upgradable to a maximum of 128 MB, 64 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 SIMMs that are either 32 or 36 bits wide.

  • Page 64: B Installing Additional Memory

    1500 TX User's Guide SIMM installation The SIMMs are located on the PCB inside the right cover. The PCB comes with one SIMM slot empty and 8 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.
  • Page 65 1500 TX User's Guide To remove the SIMMs 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.
  • Page 66 1500 TX User's Guide To install the new SIMM Slowly push the SIMM to a 90 angle until the two side clips snap into place. Make sure the SIMM is fully seated. Carefully reconnect the ribbon cable harness to the connector on the PC board.

  • Page 67: Main Menu At A Glance

    Menu tree This section contains an overview of the printer's menu tree. The use of the options is explained in Chapters 2 and 3 of this guide. In the figures that follow, items in italics indicate that selecting the option gives access to further options.

  • Page 68: Feed Media Menu

    1500 TX User's Guide Feed media menu Forward Backward Exit Forward advances media toward the front of the printer. Backward moves media to toward the back of the printer. Exit returns to main menu. C-2 Menu Tree...

  • Page 69: Setup Menu At A Glance

    1500 TX User's Guide Setup menu at a glance Setup Print Mode Menu Color Mode Color, mono Quality Mode User, Draft, Normal, Quality, Enhanced Print Passes 1, 3, 4, 6 Carriage Speed 1-10, 5 Print Direction Uni, bi Exit Paper Option Menu Supply Type Roll, take-up Media Standard...

  • Page 70: Setup Menu

    1500 TX User's Guide Setup menu Print Mode Menu User Setup Menu Paper Option Menu Ink Option Menu Serial Comm Menu Exit Print Mode Menu provides access to options for color, quality, print passes, carriage speed, and print direction. Paper Option Menu provides access to options for loading paper.
  • Page 71 1500 TX User's Guide Paper Option Menu Supply Type Auto-Cut Media Standard Save Media Margins Auto-Wipe Auto-Load Delay Exit Supply type provides access to a further menu to select the paper feed mode: roll, or takeup(default). Media standard provides access to a further menu to select the media standard: All (default), US_Engr, US_Arch, ISO_A, M_DIN, ISO_B, Special_MAP, Graphic_Arts, US_All, Metric_All.
  • Page 72 1500 TX User's Guide User Setup Menu Select User Init Settings Save User Print Settings Units Select LCD Contrast Language Exit Select user provides access to a further menu to select a previously saved user configuration. Save user provides access to a further menu to save the current printer configura- tion to the selected user number.
  • Page 73 1500 TX User's Guide Ink Option Menu Ink Reduction Dryer Ink Preheat Dry Time Exit Ink reduction not used. Ink preheat provides access to a further menu to set the ink preheat value. Options are Off, 1-7. Default is 2. Dryer provides access to a further menu to turn the dryer Off (default) or On.
  • Page 74 1500 TX User's Guide Serial Comm Menu Baud Rate Data Bits Parity Bit Exit Baud rate provides access to a further menu to select the baud rate: 9600 (default), 19200, 38400. Data bits provides access to a further menu to select 7 (default) or 8 as the data bit.

  • Page 75: Utility Menu At A Glance

    1500 TX User's Guide Utility menu at a glance Utility Prime Access Cartridge Color Calibration Menu Color Calib Cyan, magenta, yellow vertical Cyan, magenta, yellow horizontal Calib print test Calibration Menu Use Calib XY ON/off Paper Axis Test Paper Axis 32.00 - 34.00 Diagnostics (tech support only)

  • Page 76: Utility Menu

    1500 TX User's Guide Utility menu Prime Display Settings Access Cartridge Print Settings Color Calib Menu Service Menu Calibration Menu Exit Prime prints the prime pattern. Access Cartridge moves the ink carriage away from the service station for installing and replacing cartridges and the media cutter.
  • Page 77 1500 TX User's Guide Calibration Menu Use Calib XY Paper Axis Paper Axis Test Diagnostics Exit Use Calib XY provides access to a further menu in which you can set this function on or off. Paper Axis Test prints the paper axis test pattern. Paper Axis provides access to a further menu in which to enter values determined by examining the paper axis test pattern.
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  • Page 79: Error Messages

    Error messages These display messages are helpful in determining the status of the printer and possible corrective action when operation does not appear to be normal. Error Messages Error messages consist of the message “Internal ERROR: Shutdown” on line 2 of the display. On line 4, a specific message will appear. If you cannot clear the error, record the message and the sequence of events leading to the message so that you can describe the problem to ENCAD technical support personnel.
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  • Page 81: E Glossary

    Glossary baud rate The rate of data transfer (bits per second between the computer and printer. The smallest unit of digital information used by a computer or printer. buffer The part of the printer's memory that is used for receiving and processing plot files.
  • Page 82 1500 TX User's Guide parity A method for checking the transfer of information between the computer and printer. platen The surface on which media is placed to print. plot area The area in which the printer prints the image, determined by the width of the media.

  • Page 83: Technical Information

    Technical information MEDIA SIZES: up to 60" wide; see Appendix G. INTERFACES: Bidirectional Parallel (IEEE 1284) MEDIA TYPES: RS-422/232 Encad Cotton Plain Weave 422 to 9 pin 232 for self-service Encad Cotton Jersey Knit Optional 10 Base T, 10 Base 2 Encad Cotton Heavy Twill Encad Cotton Rib Knit BAUD RATES:...
  • Page 84 1500 TX User's Guide Made in the U.S.A. DIMENSIONS Height (platen above floor) 44" (1.12m) Width 95" (2.41m) Depth 28" (0.71m) Weight Print width up to 59.6" printable F-2 Specifications...

  • Page 85: Ordering Supplies

    Ordering supplies ENCAD media for 1500 TX printers ENCAD offers a full line of inkjet media which gives you brighter, crisper color from your printer. ENCAD TX ink and media are opti- mized to work together and were designed for optimal results on your printer.
  • Page 86 1500 TX User's Guide TX Ink System TX Ink is an extended ink system which reduces the interval between cartridge changes. This system is ideal for unattended printing and large batch runs. Each ENCAD TX proprietary cartridge includes the nozzle mechanics, and electrical connections.
  • Page 87 1500 TX User's Guide Photo Paper This photographic-based media is excellent for posters, photo-realistic images, and framed art. Renderings benefit from quality output with this paper. It is also ideal for client or marketing presentations Photo Semi-Gloss - 7 mil Use with Enhanced Printing mode only.
  • Page 88 1500 TX User's Guide Media Samples Media samples are available so that you may experiment with a variety of media for your application. Because we are always adding new media, call your authorized ENCAD media dealer for a list of current offerings. Media Cutter (pkg.

  • Page 89: Parallel Cable

    Communications and cabling This appendix defines the serial cable requirements for connecting the printer to your DOS based systems. It also includes instructions for setting serial communication parameters. Parallel cable You can use any parallel cable which meets IEEE 1284 standards. RS-232 cable requirements You may build this cable or purchase it from ENCAD, Inc.
  • Page 90 1500 TX User's Guide DB-25P DB-25S DB-25S (DB-9S) Mini-Din-8 Female Male Female HSKO 1 2 (3) 3 (2) HSKI TXD- 4 (7) 5 (8) RXD- 6 (6) 7 (5) TXD+ 6 8 (1) RXD+ 8 20 (4) DTR 22 (9) ®...

  • Page 91: Setting Serial Communications Parameters

    1500 TX User's Guide Setting serial communications parameters If your software or hardware platform only has serial communication capabil- ity, check the manuals provided with your system for the required communica- tion parameters prior to setting the RS-422/232 options on the printer. Setting the baud rate Baud rate is the data transmission rate (in bits per second) between your computer and the printer.
  • Page 92 1500 TX User's Guide This page intentionally blank. H-4 Serial communications and cabling...
  • Page 93 Troubleshooting This appendix contains valuable information to help you solve the most common printer problems for 1500 TX printers. The problems addressed are divided into these types: Printer health Print quality Data transfer Application software A separate index is provided at the end of this appendix to help you quickly locate discussions of symptoms and their solutions.
  • Page 94 1500 TX User's Guide 4. Send the demo print directly to the printer through the parallel port. For example, on a PC, type: copy /b <filename>.rtl lpt1. The demo print and other sample prints are provided on your utility disk. 5.
  • Page 95 1500 TX User's Guide Display does not come on Check that the power cord is plugged in and the printer switch is turned Push any control panel button. The display should come on. Printing doesn’t start immediately when a file is sent A short delay between sending the file and starting to print is normal, particularly if you are using a serial port.
  • Page 96 1500 TX User's Guide Takeup roll doesn't turn Be sure the paper feed option is set to Takeup. Takeup roll doesn't stop turning Check that the take-up sensor is not blocked. There should be nothing between the take-up sensor and media. Automatic cutter doesn’t work or tears the paper Make sure the Auto-Cut option is set to ON.
  • Page 97 1500 TX User's Guide Note: If the error re-occurs, observe whether the carriage is in the same or different location. 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.
  • Page 98 1500 TX User's Guide 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. Check whether the idler assembly (located at the left end of the belt) moves freely.
  • Page 99 1500 TX User's Guide Cartridges leaking Check that reservoirs are not overfilled. Various nozzles are clogged or stop firing Repeat prime several times. Remove, clean, and reinstall cartridge; repeat prime. Do not use alcohol on the jet area. Clean service station; clean cartridge again; repeat prime. Clean cartridge electrical contacts using a cotton swab moistened with water.
  • Page 100 1500 TX User's Guide Print Quality Many of the print quality concerns can be resolved by priming, cleaning, and calibrating the cartridges. When this is the case, “Prime, clean, calibrate, or replace” is indicated with other solutions. Refer to the following chapters for details: Prime - see Chapter 2 Clean - see Chapter 4...
  • Page 101 1500 TX User's Guide Line drawings exhibit bleeding Be sure you are printing on the coated side of the media. Roll feed media should be loaded so the coated side is on the outside. If your application software permits, use gamma correction to lighten the color.
  • Page 102 1500 TX User's Guide Colors are not correct or sections of print missing Prime, 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.
  • Page 103 1500 TX User's Guide Excessive banding in area fills Consistent banding is generally a hardware problem; inconsistent banding is generally a software problem. Use specially coated inkjet media. ENCAD provides a full line of high quality inkjet media. (See Appendix G.) Change the Print Mode option to Enhanced.
  • Page 104 1500 TX User's Guide Serial printing does not work Verify that the serial cable is properly connected. Be sure that your baud rate, parity, and emulation are set correctly. (See "Setting Serial Communication Parameters" in Appendix H.) If you are using a serial cable provided by a vendor other than ENCAD, be sure that the pinouts match those in Appendix H.
  • Page 105 1500 TX User's Guide 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...
  • Page 106 1500 TX User's Guide When faxing, please use the Technical Support Fax Report at the end of this manual. ENCAD BBS 619-452-2653 and 619-452-3768 This bulletin board provides 24-hour access. You can download the latest technical bulletins, driver files and test files. Internet WEB Page http://www.encad.com ENCAD’s web site provides 24-hour access to product news, company information and technical support.
  • Page 107 1500 TX User's Guide Index ink smears, I-9 ink spills on flex cable, I-7 ink stops, I-11 intermittent reboot, I-2 application software Internet, I-14 isolating a problem to, I-12 area fills banding in, I-11 line quality horizontal, I-11 vertical, I-11 banding in area fills, I-11 lines BBS, I-14...
  • Page 108 1500 TX User's Guide reboot intermittent, I-2 Serial Cable, I-1 serial printing doesn’t work, I-12 shadowing, I-9 smears, I-9 streak marks, I-8 takeup roll doesn't stop turning, I-4 doesn't turn, I-4 Technical Support Help Desk, I-13 Unix printing to, I-12 I-16 Troubleshooting...
  • Page 109 Index default settings, 3-1 access cartridges, 2-6 diagnostics menu, 3-11 additional memory dry time, 3-11 SIMM installation, B-2 dryer SIMM sizes, B-1 enabling, 3-11 aligning the ink cartridges, 2-17 alignment values, A-2 auto-cut, 3-7 auto-load delay, 3-7 environment auto-wipe, 3-8 operating, F-1 storage, F-1 error messages, 4-1...
  • Page 110 1500 TX User's Guide ink reservoirs filling, 2-8 refilling, 4-1 paper axis calibration, A-4 Inkjet media, G-2 paper options choosing, 3-5 parallel cable, H-1 parity, H-3 language setting, H-3 choosing, 3-10 pausing the printer, 2-18 setting, 2-3 periodic cleaning, 4-6 LCD contrast, 3-11 plot area, 3-6 power, F-1...
  • Page 111 1500 TX User's Guide SIMM installation, B-2 standard features, F-1 storage, 4-1 storage environment, F-1 storing the printer, 4-10 take-up system using, 2-4 technical information, F-1 transporting the printer, 4-10 user settings defining, 3-9 use a previously saved, 3-9 utility menu, 3-9 XY calibration, A-3 XY calibration test pattern, A-3 Index-3...
  • Page 112 1500 TX User's Guide This page intentionally blank. Index-4...

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