HP DesignJet 430 Printer
HP DesignJet 450C Printer
HP DesignJet 488CA Printer
User’s Guide
E Copyright Hewlett-Packard
Company 1997, 1998
Manual part number:
C6082-90001
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C6082-90001 English
User’s Guide
HP DesignJet 430, 450C and
488CA Printers
First edition, October 1998
Finding information
This User’s Guide for the HP DesignJet 430, 450C and 488CA printers contains
the following types of information:
Setup
Use
Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Reference material.
T o 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:
430
450C/488CA
Information specific only to the HP DesignJet 430 is shown like this.
Information specific only to the HP DesignJet 450C and 488CA is shown like
this.
All other information is applicable to all printers.
The accompanying Quick Reference Guide contains selected information to help
with everyday use of the printer. It is designed to be stored in the plastic pocket at
the side of the printer.
Where to find the most commonly needed information
To find how to ...Go to ...
Install the printer
Connect the printer
Configure the printer using the Setup Sheet
Load media
Chapter 1
"
Page 1–17
"
Page 1–19
"
Page 2–9
"
Set the print quality
Check cartridge alignment
Replace a cartridge
ii
Page 3–15
"
"
Chapter 5
"
Page 7–2
To find how to ...Go to ...
cover
Clean the cartridge nozzles by priming them
Interpret the lights on the front panel
Clear a media jam
Solve print quality problems
Order accessories
T o find any other information ...
Main controls of your printer
"
Page 7–7
"
Chapter 8
"
Page 9–5
"
Page 9–12
"
Page 10–17
Go to the index
"
at the back
this manual.
of
media load button
media lever
front panel
power switch
iii
www.designjet-online.hp.com
Direct access to HP and the information you
want, when you need it. Register now!
HP DesignJet Online is a free, web-based “user club” exclusive to HP DesignJet
users. Having registered, the user has unrestricted access to a range of useful
services, the emphasis being on “useful”, as this is definitely not a sales-oriented
site.
Communication from HP to users includes:
a quarterly newsletter focussing on usage tips, technical briefings and examples
of HP DesignJet applications around the world;
full information on worldwide HP Customer Care contacts;
an online HP DesignJet Diagnosis troubleshooting tool;
a calendar of HP DesignJet-related events and programs;
online access to training videos and selected user documents;
and immediate information on new products.
Communication from the users to HP includes:
feedback on HP DesignJet features;
automatic contact with HP Customer Care from the troubleshooting tool, for HP
to follow up;
and the chance to ask technical questions on large-format printing to industry
experts.
And finally, communication from user to user includes the chance to win prizes by
submitting HP DesignJet success stories, as well as a user-to-user discussion forum
where users can share best practices and ask for advice from their fellow
professionals.
HP DesignJet Online is available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish
and Portuguese.
iv
Contents
Finding informationii
Main controls of your printeriii
www.designjet-online.hp.comiv
Welcomeix
1Setting up your printer
Fast track1–2
Setup checklist1–3
T ask 1: Check that you have all the items required1–4
T ask 2: (Optional) Install a memory expansion module1–6
T ask 3: Position the printer1–8
T ask 4: Switch on1–9
T ask 5: Load the print cartridge(s)1–10
T ask 6: (Optional) Change the language1–14
T ask 7: Connect the printer to your computer1–17
T ask 8: (Optional) Configure the printer1–19
T ask 9: Set up the printer in your application software1–24
T ask 10: Send a sample or demonstration print1–26
CONTENTS
2Working with media
Caring for your media2–2
Choosing media2–2
Supported media types and relative costs2–3
Physical characteristics of media types2–4
Recommended print quality settings and recommended media for color
prints2–5
T ypical media-type choices by application2–6
Before loading media2–7
Before sending your file2–8
Loading sheet media2–9
T o load a sheet (without the roll-feed option installed)2–9
T o realign the sheet manually (if necessary)2–13
Loading roll media2–16
T o change the roll2–16
T o feed roll media into the printer2–19
T o load a sheet with the roll-feed option installed2–24
v
Contents
Unloading media2–25
Drying time2–25
T o unload a sheet at the end of a print2–26
T o unload a sheet under any other circumstances2–26
T o cut and unload a print from a roll2–27
3Controlling your print’s appearance
Ways to control the print’s appearance3–2
Page size3–3
When do you need to adjust the page size in the printer?3–4
T o adjust the page size in the Setup Sheet3–5
Page size and clipped prints3–6
Rotating a print3–7
Can you rotate any drawing using the Setup Sheet?3–7
T o rotate a print using the printer’s Setup Sheet3–7
Exactly what is rotated?3–8
The Rotate feature and clipped prints3–9
How does Rotate interact with your software?3–9
Printing a mirror image3–10
Changing the treatment of overlapping lines (Merge feature)3–11
Changing the printer’s logical pen characteristics3–12
Printing color drawings in monochrome3–13
T o switch from color to monochrome3–13
Important points about monochrome printing3–14
Choosing an appropriate print quality3–15
T o change the print quality on the front panel3–16
Print quality recommendations3–18
4Managing your prints
T o cancel a print4–2
T o copy a print4–2
T o advance the media4–3
5Special internal prints
Their purpose and how to print them5–2
Using the Black Cartridge Alignment Sheet5–4
Using the Color Cartridge T est Sheet5–8
Using the Print Quality T est Print 5-12
Printing the Print Quality T est Print 5-13
vi
6Reconfiguring your printer
T o see the current configuration of the printer6–2
T o change the serial interface settings6–3
T o change the graphics language setting for less common applications6–3
T o change the I/O timeout setting6–4
T o upgrade your printer with more memory6–4
File size and memory usage6–4
T o upgrade your printer with a network interface6–4
T o upgrade the HP DesignJet 430 printer with color6–5
7Maintaining your printer
Replacing cartridges7–2
When to replace cartridges7–2
Using genuine HP supplies7–3
Before replacing cartridges7–4
T o replace one or more cartridges7–5
Cleaning the cartridge nozzles (priming)7–7
Cleaning the printer7–9
Contents
CONTENTS
8Front-panel lights and keys
Front-panel lights8–2
Front-panel keys8–7
9T roubleshooting
Using the documentation9–2
Locating the source of your problem9–3
Solving media-handling problems9–4
If the printer will not accept your media9–4
If the printer continually rejects your media, with the Load Media light
flashing9–4
Clearing a media jam9–5
Solving communication problems9–8
Solving problems with print position or content9–9
If the print is completely blank9–9
If the output contains only a partial print9–9
If the print is clipped9–10
If the entire print is in one quadrant of the correct printing area9–10
If one print overlays another print on the same sheet9–10
If the output is distorted or unintelligible9–11
vii
Contents
If the printer has drawn a different print from the one you were
expecting9–11
If pen settings seem to have no effect9–11
Solving print-quality problems9–12
If there are white streaks in solid areas or gaps in lines9–12
If there are jagged vertical or horizontal lines9–14
If there are slightly warped lines9–14
If there are color “shadows”9–14
If a cartridge is not printing at all9–14
If the print quality appears to be poor just in one part of the print9–14
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 fills9–15
If ink smears after you remove a print9–15
Solving miscellaneous problems9–16
If the printer does not print9–16
If the printer seems too slow9–16
Getting help9–17
What to do before you call9–17
If a repair is needed9–18
Serial (RS-232-C) cables10–10
Interface cables10–11
Regulatory notices10–12
Ordering accessories10–16
HP part numbers for HP DesignJet Papers and Films10–19
How to order supplies and accessories10–20
11Glossary
Index
Documentation map
Please give us your feedback
viii
(removable pages)
Welcome
Welcome
An introduction to the HP DesignJet 430, 450C and 488CA printers
and their accessories
WELCOME
430
450C/
488CA
The HP DesignJet 430, 450C and 488CA are large-format inkjet printers
employing HP disposable print cartridge technology.
The HP DesignJet 430 prints in monochrome and uses a single cartridge,
containing black ink, one of which is supplied with your printer.
The HP DesignJet 450C and 488CA print in color or monochrome, using yellow, cyan, magenta and black cartridges, a
set of which is supplied with your printer. All other supported
colors are generated using these four cartridges.
ix
Welcome
Accessories
Roll-feed kit
Legs assembly
Extra spindles
430
You have a large series of accessories available for use with your printer,
including:
A roll-feed kit
A separate legs assembly
Extra spindles for the roll-feed, for easy changing of rolls
Memory expansion modules.
In addition, for the HP DesignJet 430:
A color upgrade kit, allowing the printer to be upgraded to a HP DesignJet
450C.
For the full range of available accessories, see page 10–17.
x
Welcome
450C/488CA
Media
1
You can print on sheet media up to E/A0 size or D/A1 size, depending on the
printer model you have.
With the addition of the optional roll-feed kit, you can also print on roll media up
to E/A0 or D/A1 width.
A large range of media types is supported2:
Bright White Inkjet Paper
Translucent bond
Natural tracing paper
Vellum
Coated paper
Heavyweight coated paper
Matte and clear film.
In addition, on the HP DesignJet 450C and 488CA:
High-gloss film.
High-gloss photo.
WELCOME
For best quality prints, use HP media, as your printer’s configuration is optimized
for it and tested with it. For details of HP media, see page 10–20 and any separate
HP media literature supplied with the printer.
T o indicate which media type you have loaded, use the printer’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 printer. For the latest information, contact your HP dealer or local HP
Sales and Support office, or see page iv for information about HP’s web site.
2. There may be differences between the ways some media types are used for color and for monochrome printing. Refer to “Choosing media” on page 2–2.
xi
Welcome
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 printing routine.
The highest resolution in color, for the HP DesignJet 450C and 488CA, is 300 dpi
(dots per inch) and the highest addressable* resolution in monochrome, for the HP
DesignJet 430, 450C and 488CA, is 600 dpi. T o select a print quality option, use
either the keys on the printer’s front panel or the printer driver in your software.
Configuration settings
0.13
0.18
0.25
By pressing the Setup key on the front-panel of the printer, you can print the
printer’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 printer. The
printer will read your request and re-configure itself automatically.
Each time you print one of these Setup Sheets it shows the printer’s latest
configuration—and so please keep the latest one filed with your Quick ReferenceGuide in the pocket at the side of the printer, so that a service engineer would know
the current configuration even if the printer is temporarily inoperable.
* The “addressable” resolution refers to the smallest movement the print head can make between
dots rather than to the size of the dot.
xii
Welcome
488CA
Software applications and drivers
T o make sure that your printer 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 printer, and to be confident
that it is configured correctly.
T wo types of HP drivers are supplied with your printer:
For users of AutoCAD
For users of Microsoft 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 printer a set of Software ApplicationNotes. 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 printer.
The CD–ROM that is supplied with the HP DesignJet 488CA contains some useful
guidance on which drivers you should install. When you have set up your printer,
check this information; you will be prompted again to do this on page 1–24.
WELCOME
Up-to-date information about drivers and software support is available from HP’s
web site; see page iv.
Memory
Your printer comes with a basic memory of 4MB. Note that there is not a
one-for-one relationship between the printer’s memory and the maximum size of
file that it can print. 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 9–16.
* 4MB and 8MB memory expansion modules are not available with the HP DesignJet
488CA.
xiii
xiv
1
Fast track1-2
Setup checklist1-3
Task 1: Check that you have all the items required1-4
Task 2: (Optional) Install a memory expansion module1-6
Task 3: Position the printer1-8
Task 4: Switch on1-9
Task 5: Load the print cartridge(s)1-10
Task 6: (Optional) Change the language1-14
Task 7: Connect the printer to your computer1-17
Task 8: (Optional) Configure the printer1-19
Task 9: Set up the printer in your application software1-24
Task 10: Send a sample or demonstration print1-26
SETUP
1
Setting up your printer
1–1
Setting up your printer
Fast track
Fast track
If you meet all the following requirements:
If you are happy with English as the language for the printer’s internal prints
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 printer directly to a PC
If you are going to use a parallel connection
... just follow these five steps, and skip the rest of this chapter.
1 If the printer is without legs, place it at the edge of a stable platform.
Place the printer at the edge of the support, so that sheets exit without hitting
the top of the stable platform
Leave enough space for your largest
sheet size to hang freely from the media
exit slot without touching the ground
2 Connect the power cord and the parallel cable, securing it with the cable clip, and
then switch the printer on.
3 Open the cover and load the supplied print cartridge(s) into the carriage on the left
of the printer. For help, use the label on the printer near the carriage and the
documentation in the cartridge box. Don’t forget to remove the tape from the
cartridge(s).
4 If you haven’t already done so, install the media deflector extensions (as described
in the Printer unpacking and assembly instructions).
1–2
Level surface
Setting up your printer
Setup checklist
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!
Setup checklist
Having unpacked and assembled the printer, you can use the checklist below as
you complete each task explained in this chapter.
Task
Check that you have all the items required1–4
1
(Optional) Install a memory expansion module1–6
2
Position the printer1–8
3
Switch on1–9
4
Load the print cartridge(s)1–10
5
(Optional) Change the language1–14
6
Page
Done? (n)
SETUP
1
Connect the printer to your computer1–17
7
(Optional) Configure the printer1–19
8
Set up the printer in your application software1–24
9
Send a sample or demonstration print1–26
10
1–3
Setting up your printer
T ask 1: Check that you have all the items required
Task 1: Check that you have all the items required
Supplied
430
450C/
488CA
1 You will need the following items, which were supplied with the printer:
Power cord
The power cord supplied with your printer 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 430:
– One black (HP part number 51640A).
For the HP DesignJet 450C and 488CA:
– One yellow (HP part number 51644Y)
– One cyan (HP part number 51644C)
– One magenta (HP part number 51644M)
– One black (HP part number 51640A).
Software
The following two software packs were supplied with the printer. Whether you
need them depends on what application(s) you intend to use.
– Driver for AutoCAD
– Driver for Microsoft Windows applications.
Media deflector extensions
The deflector extensions should already have been fitted as part of the assembly
of your printer (see the the Printer unpacking and assembly instructions).
2 Inspect the printer 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 printer, and file a claim with the carrier.
1–4
Setting up your printer
T ask 1: Check that you have all the items required
Not supplied
Optional
488CA
3 You will also need the following items, which were not supplied with the printer:
Interface cable
For details of suitable cables, see page 10–11. Note that the cable is supplied
with the HP DesignJet 488CA printer.
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 print.
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 10–18.
HP JetDirect EX print server
This is required if you intend to connect your printer 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.
Note that the HP JetDirect EX print server is supplied with the HP DesignJet
488CA printer; you can find detailed information about it on the compact disk
supplied with the HP DesignJet 488CA printer.
SETUP
1
1–5
Setting up your printer
T ask 2: (Optional) Install a memory expansion module
Task 2: (Optional) Install a memory expansion module
For details of the memory modules available, see page 10–18. You may install
only one.
1 Make sure that the printer is switched OFF and that neither the power cord nor an
interface cable is connected.
2 Unscrew the cover plate at the back of the printer, and remove it.
1–6
Setting up your printer
T ask 2: (Optional) Install a memory expansion module
CAUTION
Before handling a memory module, either put on a grounding wrist strap and
attach the end to the metal chassis of the printer, or touch the outer metal
surface of the printer with your hand. Otherwise, static electricity from your
body could damage the memory module.
3 Take 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.) T o do this, first hold the module at an angle, and then gradually push it
back until it clicks into place vertically.
Notch
2
1
SETUP
1
Slot nearest to you
5 Replace the cover plate and screws.
Push until it clicks into place
1–7
Setting up your printer
T ask 3: Position the printer
Task 3: Position the printer
If you have fitted the optional legs assembly, this task does not apply.
If you have not fitted the optional legs kit, position the printer as shown below.
For operating temperature and humidity, see page 10–5.
Allow enough space above the printer to open the cover.
If the printer is without legs ...
Level surface and sturdy support. For printer weights, see
page 10–4.
Leave enough space for your largest sheet size
to hang freely from the media exit slot without
touching the ground.
1–8
Place the printer at the edge of
the support, so that sheets exit
without hitting the top of the
support.
Task 4: Switch on
Setting up your printer
T ask 4: Switch on
WARNING
Be sure that the power cord supplied with your printer matches your ac
power connection requirements. Use only three-wire (earth-grounded) power
cords with this printer.
1 Make sure that the power switch on the front of the printer is in the OFF position
(extended).
on
off
2 Plug the power cord into the socket at the back of the printer, and then into your
power outlet.
SETUP
1
3 Switch on the printer, by pushing the power switch.
After you switch on, the printer will execute a self diagnostic test while flashing
each of the lights for a few moments.
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.
1–9
Setting up your printer
T ask 5: Load the print cartridge(s)
Task 5: Load the print cartridge(s)
1 Make sure that, on the front panel, the Cartridges light is flashing. If other lights
in the upper part (the status and error groups) are on, look up their meaning in
Chapter 8. Any lights in the lower part of the panel (the print quality, media type
and media source groups) are not relevant at this stage.
CARTRIDGES
WARNING
2 Open the cover using the small handle at the center front. If necessary, wait for the
cartridge carriage to move to the service station (the area on the left of the printer).
Cartridge carriage
in service station
430
450C/
488CA
Don’t touch the plastic strip that runs the length of the printer behind the
cartridge carriage. Keep hair, jewelry, clothing, and foreign objects away
from the printer mechanisms.
1–10
A set of cartridges was supplied with the printer:
Setting up your printer
T ask 5: Load the print cartridge(s)
430
450C/488CA
The HP DesignJet 430 is supplied with one black cartridge.
The HP DesignJet 450C and 488CA are supplied with four cartridges:
– yellow
– cyan
– magenta
– black.
For the 450C and 488CA, 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
SETUP
1
For users with color-vision deficiencies. You can also identify the colors of the
cartridges by the part numbers on the boxes—see page 10–19.
Note. It is not recommended to operate the 450C or 488CA with only the black
cartridge loaded.
1–11
Setting up your printer
T ask 5: Load the print cartridge(s)
3 For each cartridge in the set:
a Take the cartridge out of its box.
b Remove the colored protective tape and tab from the cartridge’s nozzles.
450C/488CA
c For the 450C and 488CA, match the color of the cartridge’s label with the color
of the dot above the stall.
d Make sure that the printer is still switched ON. (Never install cartridges with
the printer switched off.)
e Insert the cartridge in the stall. Press down lightly and push the cartridge away
from you until it snaps into place.
Yellow
Cyan
Magenta
Black
2
1
450C/
2
1
488CA
430
f If it is installed correctly , the Ready light flashes three times. Otherwise,
re-seat it.
1–12
Setting up your printer
T ask 5: Load the print cartridge(s)
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).
READY
LOAD MEDIA
Print Quality
lights
Media Type
lights
5 Now check your cartridge alignment by running the Black Cartridge Alignment
Routine (see page 5–4) and the Color Cartridge T est Routine (see page 5–8).
SETUP
1
1–13
Setting up your printer
T ask 6: (Optional) Change the language
Task 6: (Optional) Change the language
All the printer’s internal prints 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.
T o change from English to any of the other languages, you must use the printer’s
Setup Sheet, as explained below.
1 Load a sheet of A-size or A4-size plain paper, in portrait orientation. For help on
how to load a sheet, either refer to the pictures on the right-hand side of the
printer’s media-entry slot, or see the section starting on page 2–9. Don’t forget to
check that the Media Source is set to
Sheet.
When the
Print will be on underside
Ready light is on, you have loaded the sheet correctly.
1–14
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