Kodak 210433-1, ENCAD 1500 TX User Manual
User's Guide
for
ENCAD 1500 TX
Digital Textile System
TM
P/N 210433-1
Copyright ENCAD, Inc. 1998
®
ENCAD
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
, Quality Imaging Supplies and Digital Textile System are trademarks of ENCAD, Inc.
1500 TX User's Guide
W ARRANTY CLAIMS
United States
ENCAD®, Inc., warrants the 1500 TX printer (“PRODUCT”) to be free from defects in workmanship
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.
ENCAD reserves the right to make changes or improvements to Products, without incurring any
obligation to similarly alter Products previously purchased.
Buyer’s sole and exclusive rights pursuant to this Warranty shall be for the repair or replacement of
defective Product. ENCAD specifically disclaims any and all other warranties, expressed or
implied, including but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose. In no event shall ENCAD be liable for any loss of profit or other commercial
damages, special, incidental or consequential damages, or any other damages or claims, whatsoever.
This Warranty gives Buyer specific legal rights, and Buyer may also have other rights that vary
from state to state.
This Warranty applies only to printers purchased from ENCAD, or authorized ENCAD distributors
or dealers. The intent of this Warranty is to repair or replace defective Products subjected to
normal wear and tear, when operated according to ENCAD instructions.
This warranty does not cover damage to the Product resulting from the following:
· Accident or negligence.
· Unauthorized modification of the Product.
· Adverse environmental conditions.
· Service of the Product by other than an ENCAD authorized service provider.
· Unauthorized or improper use, including but not limited to:
- Use in applications for which the Product was not designed.
- Using cartridges, ink, or media other than ENCAD TX products.
- Lubricating any part of the printer.
Internationally: Contact your dealer or distributor for warranty information.
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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. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy , and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
User Instructions:
If the equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by ENCAD, Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
Note: This product was FCC certified under test conditions that included the use of shielded I/O cables and
connectors between system components. To be in compliance with FCC regulations, the user must use
shielded cables and connectors and install them properly.
VDE Statement
Hiermit wird bescheinigt, daß der Drucker in Übereinstimmung mit den Bestimmungen der BMPTAmstbIVfg 234/1991 funkentstört ist. Der vorschriftsmäßige Betrieb mancher Geräte (z.B. Meßsender) kann
allerdings gewissen Einschränkungen unterliegen. Beachten Sie deshalb die Hinweise in der
Bedienungsanleitung.
Dem Zentralamt für Zulassungen im Fernmeldewesen würde den Inverkehrbringen dieses Gerätes angezeigt
und die Berechtigung zur Überprüfung der Serie auf die Einhaltung der Bestimmungen eingeräumt.
Industry Canada
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
Regulations.
Cet apparell numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement sur le matériel brouilleur
du Canada.
1500 TX User's Guide
iv
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
International users should contact their local dealer or distributors.
General Operating Safety
The use of a <HAR> cord set (rated 10A, 250VAC) with the proper plug
configuration for the country where the device will be used is required for
continued safety compliance.
Ein harmonisiertes (<HAR>) Netzkabel (min. 10A, 250V~) mit dem
vorgeschriebenen Netzstecker für das entsprechende Land in dem das
Gerät installiert wird, ist unbedingt notwendig für die elektrische
Sicherheit.
El uso de cable poder <marcado HAR> (capacidad de 10A, 250V~), con
el enchufe apropiado para el país donde se use el producto, es requerido
para acatamiento de seguridad eléctrica.
L' emploi d' un cordon surmoulé <HAR> (estimé 10A, 250V CA) avec
la configuration de la fiche convenable pour le pays où l' appareil sera
utilisé, est exigé pour la conformité à la sécurité continuée.
Other reference materials
In addition to this User Guide, the following additional guides are
included with your printer:
Quick Start - Tells you how to assemble and install the printer's hardware.
Software Drivers - Readme files on the 1500 TX CD-ROM contain
information for installing and using the various drivers and utilities.
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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.
✓ Indicates a tip or suggestion that can make using the printer easier or
improve your printed images.
Manual organization
It is not necessary to read this manual from cover to cover. Reading
Chapters 1 through 3 will give you an understanding of printer's basic
operation. Your particular needs will determine how you use the rest of
the guide.
Chapter 1 Introduction - Introduces the printer and provides basic
guidelines for getting the best print quality.
Chapter 2 Getting started - Describes the printer's components and
explains the basic steps needed for using the printer after it has been
assembled and connected to your computer. Includes procedures for
installing and priming ink cartridges and loading media.
Chapter 3 Setting printer options - Explains how to use some of the
printer's features.
Chapter 4 Maintenance - Includes instructions for periodic maintenance functions such as refilling ink reservoirs, replacing ink cartridges,
and periodic cleaning of the ink cartridges and service station.
Appendix A Calibration - Explains what to look for in the calibration
plots and how to make the adjustments.
Appendix B Installing additional memory - Explains how to install
additional memory for printing large files.
Appendix C Menu tree - Explains the menu structure.
1500 TX User's Guide
vi
Appendix D Error messages - Explains the error messages and provides suggestions of what to do when you see them.
Appendix E Glossary - Explains terms used in the manual.
Appendix F T echnical information - Lists the technical specifications for
1500 TX printer.
Appendix G Supplies - Includes a complete list of ENCAD media, ink,
cartridges, and spare parts and information for ordering supplies for your
printer.
Appendix H Communication and cabling - Provides the printer's serial
cable requirements and details on setting serial communication parameters.
Appendix I Troubleshooting - Provides answers to commonly asked
questions and solutions to typical problems.
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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 ..................................2-4
Using the take-up roll ............................................................................2-5
Moving the carriage ..............................................................................2-6
Installing the cutter ................................................................................2-7
Filling the ink reservoirs ........................................................................2-8
Filling the ink cartridges ........................................................................2-9
Priming the ink delivery lines...............................................................2-12
Priming the ink cartridges ...................................................................2-14
Aligning the ink cartridges (color calibration) ......................................2-17
Cartridge recognition ..........................................................................2-18
Pausing the printer..............................................................................2-18
Canceling a print.................................................................................2-19
Chapter 3 Printer options .................................................3-1
Returning to the default settings ............................................................3-1
Printing the settings...............................................................................3-1
Choosing print mode options.................................................................3-3
Choosing paper options ........................................................................3-5
Defining user setup...............................................................................3-9
Choosing ink options...........................................................................3-10
1500 TX User's Guide
viii
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..................................................................4-8
Maintaining the NovaPrime..................................................................4-10
Preparing your printer for transport or storage...................................4-10
Returning the printer for service..........................................................4-11
Accessing printer information.............................................................4-11
Appendices
A Calibration.......................................................................................A-1
B Installing additional memory............................................................B-1
C User interface..................................................................................C-1
D Error messages...............................................................................D-1
E Glossary..........................................................................................E-1
F Technical information.......................................................................F-1
G Ordering supplies............................................................................G-1
H Serial cable.....................................................................................H-1
I Troubleshooting.................................................................................I-1
Introduction 1
This user guide covers the 1500 TX Digital T extile 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 experience the creative freedom of exceptional graphics quality . The printer
cuts hours of production time, while giving you the dramatic impact of
high fidelity images.
1500 TX printers are being used for many types of printing needs:
• T extile design • Strike-offs
• Sample yardage • Posters/storyboards
• Banners • DTP
• Signs • Packaging prototypes
• Displays • Fine art
• Proofing • Exhibits
INTRODUCTI ON
1500 TX User's Guide
1-2 Introduction
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 .
These printers feature a continuous-feeding ink system which uses 500ml
reservoirs for each color, so you never have to worry about running out of
ink halfway through a big print job. Before starting a print job, just look at
the transparent plastic reservoirs to check the ink supply . When the ink
supply is low , just open the cap and refill.
The printers accept raster-oriented data in the form of HP RTL format.
In this mode, printing begins immediately after the first complete line of
HP RTL data is received. Depending on the software used, millions of
colors are possible, yielding superb results for continuous-tone images.
Y our printer comes with TX Print, a software RIP designed specifically
for textile printing applications. It includes a visual interface, and features
which include tiling, rotating, and repeating of images.
Obtaining quality results
Y ou have probably seen a demonstration of your printer's capabilities or
sample output. If so, you are aware of the superb color graphics which
can be obtained, and the variety of fabrics and papers you can use. Note,
however, that to obtain high-quality results, you must consider several
factors. Follow the simple guidelines in the sections that follow to obtain
excellent results.
Introduction 1-3
1500 TX User's Guide
INTRODUCTION
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. Used together, the
ENCAD inks and media provide the widest color gamut available,
making our fabrics and media ideal for applications from proofs to
presentations.
When you choose ENCAD's T extile Inks (TX) and special coated
fabrics, you can be confident you're producing the most saturated and
vibrant colors possible. ENCAD's complete line of T extile Inks and pretreated fabrics blend to deliver the color depth necessary to print strikeoffs and samples. T extile Inks can also be used with ENCAD's Quality
Imaging Supplies media to print stunning presentation boards. Get
consistent results yard after yard by using ENCAD TX inks, fabrics and
media with your 1500 TX printer .
ENCAD inks and media give you optimal image quality through:
• Scientifically matched ink and media
• Ultra-wide color gamut or process standard
• Wide range of media: a variety of fabrics and popular media such as
matte paper, photo paper, and canvas.
1500 TX User's Guide
1-4 Introduction
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.
• Do not shake ink refill containers.
• Store ink and cartridges in the same environment as the printer
whenever possible.
• If you remove a cartridge from the printer, do not leave it exposed to
the air for an extended period because the jets may clog. Replace the
original tape on the jet plate. Place the cartridge in a sealed plastic bag
and store it in a closed area at room temperature. Keep it out of direct
sunlight.
• Open new cartridges only when you are ready to install them.
• Use only ENCAD-brand ink refills and cartridges.
• Drawings containing both black and color elements require alignment
of the cartridges to each other . See Appendix A for details.
Choose the right media
Job Media
Sample yardage
Strike-offs
Textile designs
Cotton knit
Cotton plain weave
Rib knit
Cotton heavy twill
Polyester knit
Art specialty Canvas
Banners
Client, marketing
presentations
Photo-realistic images
Posters
Trade shows
Photo Gloss
Premium Matte
Introduction 1-5
1500 TX User's Guide
INTRODUCTION
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.
If you remove a roll of media from the printer, be sure to store it in a
manner which keeps it clean and dust-free. Ideally , you should return it to
its original packaging for storage.
Print on the correct side! Roll media is wound with the preferred side
out.
Handle with care! Handle your media carefully to avoid creases, scrapes,
and tears. A void crushing or damaging roll media edges.
W ear gloves! Photographic paper-based media is very susceptible to
scratching and creasing and may absorb skin oils. Fingerprints on
the media prior to printing may result in visible fingerprints after ink
is applied.
Choose the correct printing mode
There are four modes of printing, giving you freedom to tradeoff printing
quality and speed. Normal and draft modes can be used for most fabric
designs. If banding occurs, use Quality or Enhanced mode. Be sure to use
Enhanced mode when printing on Photogloss media.
1500 TX User's Guide
1-6 Introduction
This page intentionally blank.
GETTING STARTED
Getting started 2
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
• the printer is turned on before attempting to print
• driver software is installed. Refer to the Readme files on the
driver disks provided with your printer . Details on using the drivers
are contained in the PC Connectivity Guide on the CD-ROM.
1500 TX User's Guide
2-2 Getting Started
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. The menu tree in Appendix C summarizes all the printer modes
and their functions.
Printer control panel
T wo types of menus are displayed: action menus provide a list of additional menus
or immediate tasks to perform. Selection menus let you view and modify values.
Choosing menu functions
T o select a function, press the button adjacent the function displayed.
The display will list options available for the selected function. Press the Next
Option or Prev . Option buttons to view the selections. When the selection you
want displays, press the button for the option and press OK.
Depending on the type of menu, you can return to the previous menu level by
pressing the OK or Exit button. Press Exit consecutively to return to the main
menu.
Press the Cancel button to restore the previous setting and exit the menu.
Getting Started 2-3
1500 TX User's Guide
GETTING STARTED
Setting the language
Y our printer can display menu items and messages in English, German, French,
Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Japanese and Chinese.
➪➪
➪➪
➪ To choose a language
1 Press Setup, User Settings, Language, and the button for the language
you want.
2 Press OK.
Loading media
You can use either roll media or cut sheets; the default is roll media. To ensure
straight paper loading and avoid skewing, be sure to hold the media parallel to
the platen line. Use the load lines on the platen as a guide to correctly load
media. The printer includes sensors which detect the presence of media and
activate the feed and take-up mechanisms.
Roll media must have an inside diameter of 2 or 3” and a maximum outside
diameter of 6". If your media has an inside diameter of 3”, use a core adapter
supplied with your printer . If you plan to store prints on the take-up roll, you
may want to have extra cores available.
! IMPORT ANT! The printer can use media up to 60" wide. The rolls
can be heavy, so you may want to have someone help you to load
them. Before starting, be sure that you have a take-up roll core
available which is the same width as the media you are loading.
! If your roll media has wrinkled or damaged edges, cut off the
damaged part of the roll prior to loading to prevent the media from
jamming in the printer.
1500 TX User's Guide
2-4 Getting Started
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 .
When the unit is first turned on, the feeder may turn for a few seconds. If the
take-up turns, the sensor is blocked. Clear anything blocking the sensor before
proceeding.
➪➪
➪➪
➪ To load roll media
1 Slide the rolled media onto the media (upper) roller , orienting it as shown
below. Slide the media guide into the roll core, and tighten the guide to
secure the roll by turning the blue knob clockwise. Standing behind the
printer, insert the media's leading edge into the back of the printer ,
aligning the paper edge with the alignment mark on the platen. The
printer will sense the presence of the media and automatically feed it.
2 As printing progresses, media is looped down in front of the take-up core
until it is detected by the sensor on the printer stand leg. The take-up rolls
then activate to roll the media.
Be sure not to block the sensor!
3 Press Load Media to move the media into printing position.
Getting Started 2-5
1500 TX User's Guide
GETTING STARTED
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. If you are using the dryer, position it so that the fans blow on the media.
➪➪
➪➪
➪ To use the take-up roll
1 Set the printer to Take-up mode by pressing Setup/Paper Options Menu,
Supply Type/Take-up, then press OK. This enables the take-up roll and
disables the cutter.
2 Install an empty core onto the take-up guides. Be sure that the core width
matches the width of the media you are using.
3 Slide the roll guide into the media core, and secure it by tightening the
locking mechanism. If you moved the sensor mounting bracket before
loading the roll media, be sure to return it to its normal position.
Since media cores can be narrower than the media, position the media
guide 1/8” from the end of the core and lock it into place.
4 Press Feed Media/Forward to advance enough media to allow its
leading edge to come to the center of the take-up roll.
1500 TX User's Guide
2-6 Getting Started
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. The take-up roll is
then activated to roll the media.
Be sure not to block the sensor!
Note: If you are running narrow media, and depending on ambient
temperature and humidity , you may want to set a dry time and/or turn on
the dryer as described in Chapter 3 if you are running a long plot.
Because of the print speed and the narrow media, the ink may otherwise
not have sufficient time to dry before the media is rolled onto the take-up
core.
➪➪
➪➪
➪ To unload the take-up roll
1 Press the Cut button to cut the media.
2 Remove the roll from the printer and release the adjustable roll guide.
Moving the carriage
When not in use, the cartridges rest in the service station at the right side of the
printer . This device seals the inkjets to prevent them from drying out. If power is
turned on, always use the Utility/Access Cartridges button to move the
carriage away from the service station so that you can install, change, adjust
or clean the ink cartridges or the service station.
Getting Started 2-7
1500 TX User's Guide
GETTING STARTED
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.
The exception to this is ribbed media which cannot be cut with the
cutter. It is OK to use scissors to cut ribbed media.
➪➪
➪➪
➪ T o install the cutter
1 Press the Access Cartridges button to move the carriage to the
left, out of the service station.
The cutter fits in the printer on the left side of the carriage. Install
the cutter by inserting it into the carriage.
2 Push the cutter into the slot until it clicks into place.
3 Press the Access Cartridges button to move the carriage back into
the service station. This ensures that the cutter blade is in the home
position.
1500 TX User's Guide
2-8 Getting Started
➪➪
➪➪
➪ To remove the cutter
1 Press the Utility/Access Cartridges button to move the carriage to the
center of the platen.
2 Press the knife latch down.
3 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. In extreme cases, you might see an error message stating
"Carriage Axis Failure".
You can order replacement cutters from ENCAD by calling
800-45-ENCAD, (619-677-5071) or fax ENCAD at 619-549-7894. Users outside
the U.S. can call their local ENCAD sales center .
Filling the ink reservoirs
! Use of inks other than ENCAD TX series ink may cause damage to
the printer.
The printer can support long, uninterrupted printing runs because each of its four
reservoirs holds 500ml of ink. The ink reservoirs are located at the printer's left
side.
Note: When running at carriage speeds faster than the default, it is recommended that ink levels in the reservoirs be no more than 300ml maximum.
Getting Started 2-9
1500 TX User's Guide
GETTING STARTED
➪➪
➪➪
➪ To fill the ink reservoirs
1 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.
2 Remove cap from the bottle.
3 Make sure the ink color and type matches the reservoir and pour in the
ink. Be sure to use only TX ink in all the reservoirs and TX series ink
cartridges. Replace the cap on the reservoir.
4 A complete second set of plumbing is provided, so there are two color-
coded quick connect fittings for changing to another type of ink.
Be
sure that each reservoir is connected to the same color fitting.
5 Repeat for the remaining reservoirs, then close the cover .
1500 TX User's Guide
2-10 Getting Started
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.
Each refill kit contains a 20 ml container of ink (squeeze bottle) which is enough
to fill the cartridge approximately half full and is the proper amount for correct
function of the ink system.
Note: Y ou should fill, connect, and prime one color at a time. Fill all
cartridges and reservoirs only with TX ink.
Note: V isually inspect each cartridge before filling it. Make sure the blue
tape is intact on the jet area of the cartridge. Do not remove tape at this
time! Inspect the IC chip on the cartridge. Make sure it is secure and in
approximately the location shown on the following figure. If any cartridge
is damaged, use one of your spare cartridges in its place and contact your
authorized ENCAD distributor/dealer for return/replacement of the
defective cartridge.
➪➪
➪➪
➪ To fill the ink cartridges
Note: Before starting, you may want to have paper towels handy and
wear disposable gloves.
! Leave the blue tape over the jet area until you are ready to prime the
jet plate.
! Do not touch the jet area or the flex contact area of the cartridge.
Getting Started 2-11
1500 TX User's Guide
GETTING STARTED
1 Remove the cap on the squeeze bottle.
2 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".
3 Slowly press the plunger , dispensing all of the ink into the cartridge.
4 Recap the bottle.
5 Install the cartridge in the carriage.
! Caution: do not remove the blue tape yet.
1500 TX User's Guide
2-12 Getting Started
6 Attach the cartridge tube assembly to the carriage only .
7 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.
This procedure only needs to be done the first time you set up the printer . It is not
necessary when refilling the reservoirs or replacing ink cartridges.
When filling more than one color of ink, be sure to thoroughly wipe any excess ink
from the NovaPrime before working with the next color to avoid the possibility of
color cross contamination.
➪➪
➪➪
➪ To prime the delivery lines
! W ork with one ink color at a time to prevent contaminating another
color.
1 Press Utility/Access Cartridges to move the carriage to the position
which allows replacement of the ink cartridges.
Note: It is very important that the ink delivery line is not twisted.
2 Insert the needle into the small hole on the NovaPrime.
Getting Started 2-13
1500 TX User's Guide
GETTING STARTED
3 Press the button on the NovaPrime to activate the vacuum and draw ink
through the line.
4 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. Be sure the needle is tightly connected.
5 Gently tighten the fitting (~1/4 turn) to prevent air leaks. Do not over-
tighten.
6 Remove the cartridge from the carriage and remove the blue tape from
the jet area of the cartridge.
1500 TX User's Guide
2-14 Getting Started
7 Place the suction end of the NovaPrime over the jet area of the cartridge.
8 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.
When removing the NovaPrime, use the silicone tip to wipe and clean the
jet plate. Remember to clean the silicone tip of ink before moving to the
next cartridge.
9 Check that there are no twists in the ink delivery line.
Check for ink on the jet plate. Continuous bleeding of the jet plate
indicates a loss of vacuum in the cartridge or an air leak in the lines.
Correct this before proceeding.
10 Insert the cartridge into the carriage.
11 Print the Prime pattern as described in the next section, then align the
cartridges as described later in this guide.
Getting Started 2-15
1500 TX User's Guide
GETTING STARTED
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, especially with prolonged exposure to the air or with disuse. Printing the Prime
pattern helps to clear the jets and to check that the ink cartridges fire properly .
ENCAD recommends that you prime the cartridges daily to ensure the best
possible print quality .
The 1500 TX includes a feature called Open Jet Detection and Compensation.
This feature helps maintain optimal print quality and gives you the confidence to
print long, unattended jobs. During multi-pass printing, the 1500 TX will automatically compensate for jets found to be electrically damaged. The only
intervention needed is to verify that there are no clogged jets and then choose
which print mode is most appropriate for your needs. This is by printing the
Prime test pattern and then setting the print mode accordingly .
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➪➪
➪ To prime the ink cartridges
1 With media loaded, press Utility/Prime.
A test pattern prints.
2 If the printed results are unsatisfactory , run the test several more times
to unclog the inkjet nozzles.
➪➪
➪➪
➪ To interpret the Prime test pattern
The test pattern consists of bands of color for each cartridge and a
sloping line. Within the Prime test pattern, each jet is represented with
a short horizontal line. T ogether , these short horizontal lines form a
“stair step” pattern. Electrically defective jets appear as solid bars.
Clogged jets appear as gaps or misdirected lines in the “stair step”
pattern. The print modes for which compensation is available are
shown clearly above the Prime.
1500 TX User's Guide
2-16 Getting Started
Clogged jets
Clogged jets cannot be automatically detected and therefore must be cleared
manually . T o clear a clogged jet, clean and prime the affected cartridge according
to the instructions on page 4-8 of the Users Guide. Y our goal is to eliminate all
gaps in the “stair step” pattern before starting your job.
Electrically defective jets
Y our 1500 TX automatically discontinues use of electrically defective jets and
instead uses other jets to compensate for them.
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