To Prospective Users of Codonics
NP1600 Dye Diffusion Printer
The new Codonics printer has some improved features. This is an abbreviated guide/overview that will give you some information, particularly on using the new Netscape interface. Be sure to look at the appropriate pages from the Codonics User's Manual. Do not send any images without discussing the operation of the printer and your specific needs with John Fournelle, johnf@geology.wisc.edu or 2-7964. Only a limited number of machines in Weeks Hall have permissions to access the Codonics.
Web Page interface: (Netscape viewer only):
Point browser to http://colorprobe (or http://144.92.137.34)
To print an image, select "Send a Print" -- Username -- pick one and be consistent. Your email name would be good, or last name and initial. You might wish to use two different ones in limited cases, esp. if using B&W (see below). Username is also used for accounting.
File: click on the browse button and pull up the file. ¡¡WARNING!! Thou shalt not have any spaces or symbols like semi-colons in the filename as this will definitely cause you minutes-hours of trouble trying to figure out why nothing is coming out of the printer. (blame it on UNIX)
Device: SCALED:If you want your image to cover the maximum area of the paper and don't care if portrait or landscape, select scaled. If you do care if portrait or landscape orientation, then go to user settings and select never or always, depending on your preference.
UNSCALED: Use only for postscript images (or it you're willing to gamble and end up with a postage stamp). If you have a precise image size that you need (e.g. thesis, publication, etc) postscript is the way to go. This is usually not an option under "Save as"; rather, you PRINT but not to a printer but to a file (select and view for yourself if you've never done that). Postscript is generally the default. You will select this postscript file to send under unscaled device.
Color versus black & white
I have selected color media as "default". Assume the color ribbon is in. To be sure you can check the "Printer Status" web page: mono = B&W; cmy = color. A few selected individuals have training to exchange the ribbons. (Clean gloves must be used and rolls not to be set down on benchtop). After using B&W, color ribbon should be replaced.
Settings to optimize images
The machine default images are set to for color, so in most cases you do not have to do anything with setting up 'settings' for your particular username
You can yourself set these 3 values listed below to "optimal" settings
{or set this one --- MCM -- [currently I'm testing this out] You correct a test image so that the output is the same as on your screen (adjusts hue, saturation and intensity differences)} for experts only
Antialiasing is set (default) to best, so that jaggedness should be removed from text and line drawings.
WARNING: if you save images in 72 dpi or some similiar low resolution format (e.g. in Photoshop), you will get lousy looking images. Save them at 300 dpi, which is the nominal resolution of the printer.
Black and White
Because the Codonics paper can curl in humid air, please keep only 10-12 sheets in the printer, unless you know you are going to need more. Additional paper (and transparencies) are stored in the grey standup cabinet on the other side of the room
Essential Info
1. These image formats are recognized: Postscript, TIFF, GIF, JPEG, RAS (Sun Raster), SGI (Silicon Graphics RGB), BMP (Microsoft Windows Bitmap), XWD (X Window Dump), PBM/PGM/PPM, TGA, PCX, CATIA
2. Output media is 8.5 by 11 inch. Beware that the IMAGE AREA is not this dimension. There is 0.25" margin on the left and right, and 1.05" on top and bottom (viewing as portait format). Anything extending over that will be chopped off.
Accounting:
The software will keep a running account of each user's usage. However, please assist by filing in or updating the 3x5 card in the box next to the printer, indicating PI and Account to be billed.
For Manual: see John Fournelle for these noted below:
Description of attached pages from the Codonics User's Manual:
Chapter 13 on Image Web (I have crossed off sections most likely not necessary for you to read). In particular, you should look at: Getting Started, p 13-2 to 13-3
Send a Print, p. 13-4
Fixed Multiformatting Page p. 13-6 (maybe)
35mm SlideMaker page p. 13-7 (rarely)
User Settings Page p. 13-8 (if you are going to do B&W, you will want to set up settings under username_BW)
Printer Status p. 13-9
Online Manuals p. 13-17
Example page from Printer Status
Chapter 10 on Color Managment, not necessary to read in most cases
Chapter 11 on Postscript, explanation, useful to read
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(Images can also be sent via FTP or Fetch as was done
previously)