HP (Hewlett-Packard) 488ca User Manual

HP DesignJet 430 Printer HP DesignJet 450C Printer HP DesignJet 488CA Printer
User’s Guide
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E Copyright Hewlett-Packard Company 1997, 1998
Manual part number: C6082-90001
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Notice
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Hewlett-Packard Company.
Hewlett-Packard assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document nor does it make expressed or implied warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
The Hewlett-Packard Company shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages in connection with, or arising out of the furnishing, performance, or use of this document and the program material which it describes.
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Hewlett-Packard Company Barcelona Division Avda. Graells, 501 08190 Sant Cugat del Vallès Barcelona, Spain
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 information ii Main controls of your printer iii www.designjet-online.hp.com iv Welcome ix
1 Setting up your printer
Fast track 1–2
Setup checklist 1–3 T ask 1: Check that you have all the items required 1–4 T ask 2: (Optional) Install a memory expansion module 1–6 T ask 3: Position the printer 1–8 T ask 4: Switch on 1–9 T ask 5: Load the print cartridge(s) 1–10 T ask 6: (Optional) Change the language 1–14 T ask 7: Connect the printer to your computer 1–17 T ask 8: (Optional) Configure the printer 1–19 T ask 9: Set up the printer in your application software 1–24 T ask 10: Send a sample or demonstration print 1–26
CONTENTS
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 Recommended print quality settings and recommended media for color
prints 2–5
T ypical media-type choices by application 2–6 Before loading media 2–7 Before sending your file 2–8 Loading sheet media 2–9
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 media 2–16
T o change the roll 2–16
T o feed roll media into the printer 2–19 T o load a sheet with the roll-feed option installed 2–24
v
Contents
Unloading media 2–25
Drying time 2–25 T o unload a sheet at the end of a print 2–26 T o unload a sheet under any other circumstances 2–26 T o cut and unload a print from a roll 2–27
3 Controlling your print’s appearance
Ways to control the print’s appearance 3–2 Page size 3–3
When do you need to adjust the page size in the printer? 3–4 T o adjust the page size in the Setup Sheet 3–5 Page size and clipped prints 3–6
Rotating a print 3–7
Can you rotate any drawing using the Setup Sheet? 3–7 T o rotate a print using the printer’s Setup Sheet 3–7 Exactly what is rotated? 3–8 The Rotate feature and clipped prints 3–9
How does Rotate interact with your software? 3–9 Printing a mirror image 3–10 Changing the treatment of overlapping lines (Merge feature) 3–11 Changing the printer’s logical pen characteristics 3–12 Printing color drawings in monochrome 3–13
T o switch from color to monochrome 3–13
Important points about monochrome printing 3–14 Choosing an appropriate print quality 3–15
T o change the print quality on the front panel 3–16 Print quality recommendations 3–18
4 Managing your prints
T o cancel a print 4–2 T o copy a print 4–2 T o advance the media 4–3
5 Special internal prints
Their purpose and how to print them 5–2 Using the Black Cartridge Alignment Sheet 5–4 Using the Color Cartridge T est Sheet 5–8 Using the Print Quality T est Print 5-12
Printing the Print Quality T est Print 5-13
vi
6 Reconfiguring your printer
T o see the current configuration of the printer 6–2 T o change the serial interface settings 6–3 T o change the graphics language setting for less common applications 6–3 T o change the I/O timeout setting 6–4 T o upgrade your printer with more memory 6–4
File size and memory usage 6–4 T o upgrade your printer with a network interface 6–4 T o upgrade the HP DesignJet 430 printer with color 6–5
7 Maintaining your printer
Replacing cartridges 7–2
When to replace cartridges 7–2
Using genuine HP supplies 7–3
Before replacing cartridges 7–4
T o replace one or more cartridges 7–5 Cleaning the cartridge nozzles (priming) 7–7 Cleaning the printer 7–9
Contents
CONTENTS
8 Front-panel lights and keys
Front-panel lights 8–2 Front-panel keys 8–7
9 T roubleshooting
Using the documentation 9–2 Locating the source of your problem 9–3 Solving media-handling problems 9–4
If the printer will not accept your media 9–4
If the printer continually rejects your media, with the Load Media light
flashing 9–4 Clearing a media jam 9–5 Solving communication problems 9–8 Solving problems with print position or content 9–9
If the print is completely blank 9–9 If the output contains only a partial print 9–9 If the print is clipped 9–10 If the entire print is in one quadrant of the correct printing area 9–10 If one print overlays another print on the same sheet 9–10 If the output is distorted or unintelligible 9–11
vii
Contents
If the printer has drawn a different print from the one you were
expecting 9–11
If pen settings seem to have no effect 9–11
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 the print quality appears to be poor just in one part of the print 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 print 9–15
Solving miscellaneous problems 9–16
If the printer does not print 9–16 If the printer seems too slow 9–16
Getting help 9–17
What to do before you call 9–17 If a repair is needed 9–18
10 Reference
Printer specifications 10–2 Interface specifications 10–8
Parallel (Centronics) cable 10–9
Serial (RS-232-C) cables 10–10 Interface cables 10–11 Regulatory notices 10–12 Ordering accessories 10–16
HP part numbers for HP DesignJet Papers and Films 10–19
How to order supplies and accessories 10–20
11 Glossary
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 Reference Guide 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 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 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 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 printer 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 printer to your computer 1-17 Task 8: (Optional) Configure the printer 1-19 Task 9: Set up the printer in your application software 1-24 Task 10: Send a sample or demonstration print 1-26
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 required 1–4
1
(Optional) Install a memory expansion module 1–6
2
Position the printer 1–8
3
Switch on 1–9
4
Load the print cartridge(s) 1–10
5
(Optional) Change the language 1–14
6
Page
Done? (n)
SETUP
1
Connect the printer to your computer 1–17
7
(Optional) Configure the printer 1–19
8
Set up the printer in your application software 1–24
9
Send a sample or demonstration print 1–26
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 AutoCADDriver 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:
yellowcyanmagentablack.
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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