HP 350C User Manual
C4699-90031 English
HP DesignJet 330 and 350C
Plotters
User’s Guide
330
350C
ii
This User’s Guide for the HP DesignJet 330 and 350C plotters contains the
following types of information:
setup
use
maintenance
troubleshooting
reference material.
To help with finding specific information, a comprehensive table of contents is
provided at the front and an alphabetical index is provided at the back.
You will notice the use of symbols in the left margin and shaded backgrounds to
the text. These are used to identify different types of information as follows:
Information specific only to the HP DesignJet 330 is shown like this.
Information specific only to the HP DesignJet 350C is shown like this.
All other information is applicable to both plotters.
The accompanying Quick Reference Guide contains:
selected information to help with everyday use of the plotter.
It is designed to be stored in the plastic pocket at the side of the plotter.
Finding information
iii
Where to find the most commonly needed information
To find how to ... Go to ...
Install the plotter.
Chapter 1
Connect the plotter.
Page 1–17
Configure the plotter using the Setup Sheet.
Page 1–19
Load media.
Page 2–9
Set the print quality .
Page 3–15
Check cartridge alignment
Chapter 5
Replace a cartridge.
Page 7–2
Clean the cartridge nozzles by priming them.
Page 7–7
Interpret the lights on the front panel.
Chapter 8
Clear a media jam.
Page 9–5
Solve print quality problems.
Page 9–12
Order accessories.
Page 10–15
To find any other information ...
Go to the index
at the back
of
this manual.
iv
v
Finding information ii
Welcome ix
1 Setting up your plotter
Fast track 1–2
Setup checklist 1–3
Task 1: Check that you have all the items required 1–4
Task 2: (Optional) Install a memory expansion module 1–6
Task 3: Position the plotter 1–8
Task 4: Switch on 1–9
Task 5: Load the print cartridge(s) 1–10
Task 6: (Optional) Change the language 1–14
Task 7: Connect the plotter to your computer 1–17
Task 8: (Optional) Configure the plotter 1–19
Task 9: Set up the plotter in your application software 1–24
Task 10: Send a sample or demo plot 1–26
2 Working with media
Caring for your media 2–2
Choosing media 2–2
Supported media types and relative costs 2–3
Physical characteristics of media types 2–4
HP DesignJet 350C: Recommended print quality settings and recommended
media for color plots 2–5
T ypical media-type choices by application 2–6
Before loading media 2–7
Before sending your file 2–7
Loading sheet media 2–9
To load a sheet (without the roll-feed option installed) 2–9
To realign the sheet manually (if necessary) 2–14
Loading roll media 2–17
To change the roll 2–17
To feed roll media into the plotter 2–21
To load a sheet with the roll-feed option installed 2–26
Unloading media 2–27
Drying time 2–27
To unload a sheet at the end of a plot 2–28
To unload a sheet under any other circumstances 2–28
To cut and unload a plot from a roll 2–29
CONTENTS
Contents
vi
3 Controlling your plot’s appearance
Ways to control the plots’ appearance 3–2
Page size 3–3
When do you need to adjust the page size in the plotter? 3–4
To adjust the page size in the Setup Sheet 3–5
Page size and clipped plots 3–6
Rotating a plot 3–7
Can you rotate any drawing using the Setup Sheet? 3–7
To rotate a plot using the plotter’s Setup Sheet 3–7
Exactly what is rotated? 3–8
The Rotate feature and clipped plots 3–9
How does Rotate interact with your software? 3–9
Plotting a mirror image 3–10
Changing the treatment of overlapping lines (Merge feature) 3–1 1
Changing the plotter’s logical pen characteristics 3–12
Printing color drawings in monochrome 3–13
To switch from color to monochrome 3–13
Important points about monochrome printing 3–14
Choosing an appropriate print quality 3–15
To change the print quality on the front panel 3–16
4 Managing your plots
To cancel a plot 4–2
To copy a plot 4–2
To advance the media 4–3
5 Special internal plots
Their purpose and how to print them 5–2
Using the Black Cartridge Alignment Sheet 5–3
Using the Color Cartridge Test Sheet 5–7
Contents
vii
6 Reconfiguring your plotter
To see the current configuration of the plotter 6–2
To change the serial interface settings 6–3
To change the graphics language setting for less common applications 6–3
To change the I/O timeout setting 6–4
To upgrade your plotter with more memory 6–4
File size and memory usage 6–4
To upgrade your plotter with a network interface 6–5
To upgrade the HP DesignJet 330 plotter with color 6–5
7 Maintaining your plotter
Replacing cartridges 7–2
When to replace cartridges 7–2
Using genuine HP supplies 7–3
Before replacing cartridges 7–4
To replace one or more cartridges 7–5
Cleaning the cartridge nozzles (priming) 7–7
Cleaning the plotter 7–9
8 Front-panel lights
9 Troubleshooting
Using the documentation 9–2
Locating the source of your problem 9–3
Solving media-handling problems 9–4
If the plotter will not accept your media 9–4
If the plotter continually rejects your media, with the Error and Load Media
lights flashing 9–4
Clearing a media jam 9–5
Solving communication problems 9–8
Solving problems with plot position or content 9–9
If the plot is completely blank 9–9
If the output contains only a partial plot 9–9
If the plot is clipped 9–10
If the entire plot is in one quadrant of the correct plotting area 9–10
If one plot overlays another plot on the same sheet 9–10
If the output is distorted or unintelligible 9–11
If the plotter has drawn a different plot than the one you were
expecting 9–11
If pen settings seem to have no effect 9–1 1
Contents
CONTENTS
viii
Solving print-quality problems 9–12
If there are white streaks in solid areas or gaps in lines 9–12
If there are jagged vertical or horizontal lines 9–14
If there are slightly warped lines 9–14
If there are color “shadows” 9–14
If a cartridge is not printing at all 9–14
If there are blurred lines (ink “bleeds” from lines) 9–15
If there are blotchy areas (uneven fill density) 9–15
If there is other pronounced banding in area fills 9–15
If ink smears after you remove a plot 9–16
If the print quality appears to be poor just in one part of the plot 9–16
Solving miscellaneous problems 9–17
If the plotter does not plot 9–17
If the plotter seems too slow 9–17
Getting help 9–18
What to do before you call 9–18
If a repair is needed 9–19
10 Reference
Plotter specifications 10–2
Interface specifications 10–8
Parallel (Bi-Tronics/Centronics) Cable 10–9
Serial (RS-232-C) Cables 10–10
Interface cables 10–11
Regulatory notices 10–12
Ordering accessories 10–15
HP part numbers for HP DesignJet Papers and Films 10–18
HP-GL/2 and HP R TL programming information 10–19
How to order supplies and accessories 10–19
1 1 Glossary
Index
Documentation map
Please give us your feedback (removable)
Contents
ix
Welcome
An introduction to the HP DesignJet 330 and 350C plotters and their
accessories
1749a
The HP DesignJet 330 and HP DesignJet 350C are large-format inkjet plotters
employing HP
disposable print cartridge technology .
The HP DesignJet 330 prints in monochrome and uses a single cartridge,
containing black ink, one of which is supplied with your plotter.
The HP DesignJet 350C prints in color or monochrome, using
yellow, cyan, magenta and black cartridges, a set of which is
supplied with your plotter. All other supported colors are
generated using these four.
WELCOME
Welcome
r0006
330
0006
350C
x
Accessories
Roll-feed and legs
assembly
Extra spindles
Media
deflector
with E/A0-size only
1916
You have a large series of accessories available for use with your plotter, including:
A roll-feed kit, including a legs assembly
Extra spindles for the roll-feed, for easy changing of rolls
Memory expansion modules
In addition, for the HP DesignJet 330:
A color upgrade kit, allowing the plotter to be upgraded to a HP DesignJet 350C
For the full range of available accessories, see page 10–15.
Welcome
330
350C
xi
Media
1
You can plot on sheet media up to E/A0 size or D/A1 size, depending on the plotter
model you have.
With the addition of the optional roll-feed kit, you can also plot on roll media up to
E/A0 or or D/A1 width.
A large range of media types is supported
2
:
Opaque bond
Translucent bond
Natural tracing paper
Vellum
Coated paper
Heavyweight coated paper
Matte and clear film
In addition, on the HP DesignJet 350C:
High-gloss film.
For the best-quality plots, use HP media, as your plotter’s configuration is
optimized for it and tested with it. For details of HP media, see page 10–18 and
any separate HP media literature supplied with the plotter.
To indicate which media type you have loaded, use the plotter’s front panel.
1. It is possible that, since the publication of this document, more media types have been tested and
are now supported for your plotter. For the latest information, contact your HP dealer or local
HP Sales and Support office.
2. There may be differences between the ways some media types are used for color and for monochrome printing. Refer to the media advice later in this manual.
WELCOME
Welcome
xii
Print quality
You can choose between three print quality options:
Best
Normal
Fast
In general, the better the print quality you choose, the slower the plotting routine.
The highest resolution in color, for the HP DesignJet 350C, is 300 dpi (dots per
inch) and the highest addressable* resolution in monochrome, for both the HP
DesignJet 330 and the HP DesignJet 350C, is 600 dpi. To select a print quality
option, use either the keys on the plotter’s front panel or the printer driver in your
software.
Configuration settings
By pressing the Setup key on the front-panel of the plotter, you can print the
plotter’s current configuration in a Setup Sheet. If you want to change any of the
configuration settings (for example, line widths) you can do this by simply
marking your changes on the Setup Sheet and feeding it back into the plotter. The
plotter will read your request and re-configure itself automatically .
Each time you print one of these Setup Sheets it shows the plotter’s latest
configuration – and so please keep the latest one filed with your Quick Reference
Guide in the pocket at the side of the plotter, so that a service engineer would know
the current configuration even if the plotter is temporarily inoperable.
* For a definition of “addressable”, see page 10–3.
Welcome
0.13
0.18
0.25
xiii
Software applications and drivers
To make sure that your plotter prints exactly what you were expecting – in terms of
size, position, orientation, color and quality – the key is to use the correct driver for
the combination of your application software and your plotter, and to be confident
that it is configured correctly .
Two types of HP drivers are supplied with your plotter:
AutoCAD users,
for users of MicrosoftR Windows applications.
These drivers come with printed and online documentation to help you install and
configure them correctly .
Generally, software applications include their own drivers too. For some popular
applications, we have provided with this plotter a set of Software Application
Notes. If you find your own application in these notes, we recommend that you use
the information they contain as an overall guide to configuring the software for
your plotter.
Memory
Your plotter comes with a basic memory of 4MB. Note that there is not a
one-for-one relationship between the plotter’s memory and the maximum size of
file that it can plot. However, in case you need to print particularly large files, the
following memory expansion modules are available; 4MB, 8MB, 16MB, and
32MB. The maximum total memory is 36MB (4 + 32). With some drivers, there
are other means of printing large files – for advice, see page 9–17.
WELCOME
Welcome
xiv
1–1
Fast track 1-2
Setup checklist 1-3
Task 1: Check that you have all the items required 1-4
Task 2: (Optional) Install a memory expansion module 1-6
Task 3: Position the plotter 1-8
Task 4: Switch on 1-9
Task 5: Load the print cartridge(s) 1-10
Task 6: (Optional) Change the language 1-14
Task 7: Connect the plotter to your computer 1-17
Task 8: Configure the plotter 1-19
Task 9: Set up the plotter in your application software 1-24
Task 10: Send a sample or demo plot 1-26
Setting up your plotter
1
SETUP
1
1–2
Fast track
If you meet all the following requirements:
If you are happy with English as the language for the plotter’s internal plots.
If you are experienced at installing printers or plotters.
If you don’t want to add extra memory.
If you are going to connect the plotter directly to a PC.
If you are going to use a parallel connection.
... just follow the five steps on this page, and skip the rest of this chapter.
1 If the plotter is without legs, place it at the edge of a stable platform (see
page 1–10).
2 Connect the power cord and switch the plotter on.
3 Open the cover and load the supplied print cartridge(s) into the carriage on
the left of the plotter. For help, use the label on the plotter near the carriage
and the documentation in the cartridge box. Don’t forget to remove the tape
from the cartridge(s).
4 Switch off the plotter and your computer, connect the parallel cable, and then
switch them on again.
5 Choose your driver disk(s), read the instructions on the label and follow the
printed instructions that were shipped with the driver.
That’s all!
Setting up your plotter
Fast track
1–3
Setup checklist
Having unpacked and assembled the plotter, you can use the checklist below as
you complete each task explained in this chapter.
Task
Done? (n)
1
Check that you have all the items required.
2
(Optional) Install a memory expansion module.
3
Position the plotter.
4
Switch on.
5
Load the print cartridge(s).
6
(Optional) Change the language.
7
Connect the plotter to your computer.
8
(Optional) Configure the plotter.
9
Set up the plotter in your application software.
10
Send a sample or demo plot.
SETUP
1
Setting up your plotter
Setup checklist
1–4
Task 1: Check that you have all the items required
1 You will need the following items, which were supplied with the plotter.
Power cord
The power cord supplied with your plotter should meet the plug requirements for
your area. However, different power cords (international options) are available. If
necessary, contact your dealer or HP Sales and Support Office.
Print cartridge(s):
For the HP DesignJet 330:
– One black
For the HP DesignJet 350C:
– One yellow
– One cyan
– One magenta
– One black
Software
The following two software packs were supplied with the plotter. Whether you
need them depends on what application(s) you intend to use.
– Drivers for AutoCAD
– Drivers for Microsoft Windows applications
2 Inspect the plotter itself and the above accessories. If you received any item in a
damaged condition, notify the dealer or HP Sales and Support Office where you
purchased the plotter, and file a claim with the carrier.
Setting up your plotter
Task 1: Check that you have all the items required
Supplied
330
350C
1–5
3 You will also need the following items, which were not supplied with the plotter.
Interface cable
For details of suitable cables, see page 10–11.
Media
For details of supported media types, see page 2–3. As part of the setup routine,
you may need up to three A-size or A4-size sheets, plus whatever size sheet you
prefer for a sample plot.
If you have fitted the optional roll-feed assembly , you can use either roll media
or cut sheets; if not, you can use only cut sheets.
4 If you have bought one, you will also need your:
Memory expansion module
For details of the memory expansion modules available, see page 10–16.
HP JetDirect EX print server
This is required if you intend to connect your plotter directly to a network. For
details of the latest HP JetDirect EX products, contact your local HP Sales and
Support Office. For configuration details, see page 1–18.
SETUP
1
Setting up your plotter
Task 1: Check that you have all the items required
Not supplied
Optional
1–6
Task 2: (Optional) Install a memory expansion module
For details of the memory modules available, see page 10–16. You may install
only one.
1
Make sure that the plotter is switched OFF and that neither the power cord
nor an interface cable is connected.
X
X
1736a
2
Unscrew the cover plate at the back of the plotter, and remove it.
1737
Setting up your plotter
Task 2: (Optional) Install a memory expansion module
1–7
Before handling a memory module, either put on a grounding wrist strap and
attach the end to the metal chassis of the plotter, or touch the outer metal
surface of the plotter with your hand. Otherwise, static electricity from your
body could damage the memory module.
3 T ake the memory module out of its bag, holding the module only by the edges.
4
With the module’s small notch on the left and the metallic edge away from
you, load the module into the slot nearest to you. (The other slot is not for
memory modules.) To do this, first hold the module at an angle, and then
gradually push it back until it clicks into place vertically .
Notch
Push until it clicks into place
Slot nearest to you
1
2
1738a
5 Replace the cover plat and screws.
SETUP
1
CAUTION
Setting up your plotter
Task 2: (Optional) Install a memory expansion module
1–8
Task 3: Position the plotter
If you have fitted the optional roll-feed kit, you must also fit the legs assembly
for stability , so this task does not apply.
If you have not fitted the optional roll-feed and legs kit, position the plotter as
shown below .
For operating temperature and humidity , see page 10–5.
Allow enough space above the plotter to open the cover.
Level surface.
Sturdy support. For plotter
weights, see page 10–4.
Place the plotter at the edge of
the support, so that sheets exit
without hitting the top of the
support.
Leave enough space for your largest sheet size
to hang freely from the media exit slot without
touching the ground.
If the plotter is without legs ...
1739
Setting up your plotter
Task 3: Position the plotter
1–9
Task 4: Switch on
Be sure that the power cord supplied with your plotter matches your ac power
connection requirements. Use only three-wire (earth-grounded) power cords
with this plotter.
1 Make sure that the power switch on the front of the plotter is in the OFF position
(extended).
2
Plug the power cord into the socket at the back of the plotter, and then into
your power outlet.
1740a
3
Switch on the plotter, by pushing the power switch.
on
off
1741
4 If there is no sound, nor any light on the front panel, you may have a power
problem. For troubleshooting information, see chapter 9.
SETUP
1
Setting up your plotter
Task 4: Switch on
WARNING
1–10
Task 5: Load the print cartridge(s)
1
Make sure that, on the front panel, the Film and Error lights are flashing. If
other lights are on, look up their meaning in Chapter 8.
Error
Film
2
Open the cover. If necessary, wait for the cartridge carriage to move to the
service station (the area on the left of the plotter).
1752a
Cartridge carriage
in service station
350C
330
r1752a
Setting up your plotter
Task 5: Load the print cartridges
330
350C
1–11
Don’t touch the stainless steel strip that runs the length of the plotter behind
the cartridge carriage; its edge is very sharp. Keep hair, jewelry, clothing, and
foreign objects away from the plotter mechanisms.
A set of cartridges was supplied with the plotter:
The HP DesignJet 330 is supplied with one black cartridge.
The HP DesignJet 350C is supplied with four cartridges:
– yellow
– cyan
– magenta
– black
For the 350C, each stall in the carriage has a dot indicating the color of the
cartridge that should be installed: you must put the correct cartridge in the correct
stall. The sequence of the stall colors is, from left to right, yellow , cyan, magenta
and black.
Yellow
Cyan
Magenta
Black
00019
For users with color-vision deficiencies. You can identify the colors of the
cartridges by the part numbers on the boxes – see page 10–17.
Note. It is not recommended to operate the 350C with only the black cartridge
loaded.
SETUP
1
Setting up your plotter
Task 5: Load the print cartridge(s)
WARNING
1–12
3
For each cartridge in the set:
1 Take the cartridge out of its box.
2 Remove the colored protective tape and tab
from the cartridge’s nozzles.
1754
Yellow
Cyan
Magenta
Black
r004
1
2
1
2
330
350C
350C
For the 350C, match the color of the cartridge’s label with
the color of the dot above the stall.
3 Make sure that the plotter is still switched ON. (Never install cartridges
with the plotter switched off.)
4 Insert the cartridge in the stall. Press down lightly and push the cartridge
away from you until it snaps into place. If it is installed correctly , the
Ready light flashes for a few seconds. Otherwise, re-seat it.
0019
Setting up your plotter
Task 5: Load the print cartridges
1–13
4
When all the cartridges are installed,
lower the cover.
On the front panel, the
Ready light
should flash for up to about a minute
and then go off. The
Load Media light
should then be on (together with
Media
Type
and Print Quality lights).
Load Media
If you wish, you can now check your cartridge alignment by running the Black
Cartridge Alignment Routine (See page 5–3). However, this is normally only
required for troubleshooting.
SETUP
1
Setting up your plotter
Task 5: Load the print cartridges
1–14
Task 6: (Optional) Change the language
All the plotter’s internal plots are available in the following languages: English,
French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese. By default, the
language is English. If English is what you want, then you can skip this task and
go to task 7.
To change from English to any of the other languages, you must use the plotter’s
Setup Sheet, as explained below .
1
Load a sheet of A-size or A4-size plain paper, in portrait orientation. For
guidance on loading a sheet, see page 2–9.
When the
Ready light is on, you have loaded the sheet correctly.
Plot will be on underside.
1750
Setting up your plotter
Task 6: (Optional) Change the language
1–15
2
Media
Type
Make sure the front-panel Media Type
is set to
Plain. If necessary, press the
Media Type key until the Plain light is
on.
Plain
3
Press Setup.
Setup
4
When the plot has finished, wait until
the
Load Media light comes on and
the plotter ejects the sheet. Remove
the sheet.
Load Media
SETUP
1
Setting up your plotter
Task 6: (Optional) Change the language
1–16
5
The plot is a Setup Sheet in English. You
can ignore all the information except the
box in the top left, headed “1. Language”.
Take a pencil or black pen and fill in the
oval next to the language you want.
1. Language
Português
Italiano
Español
Deutsch
Français
English
6
Reload it in the plotter, printed side
down and with the large arrow pointing
into the plotter.
When the
Ready light comes on, press
Setup again.
The plotter will now read your marks
and reconfigure itself automatically .
Ready
Setup
7
When the Load Media light comes on
again, remove the sheet and make sure
that the plotter has marked your
selection with a check mark.
Load Media
1751b
Setting up your plotter
Task 6: (Optional) Change the language
Loading...