Support-NP

Problems shared by the NP1600 and NP1660

Problem: Front panel of printer stuck in WAIT.

Solution: Reload software. If the printer is an NP-1660 running 3.1.0 software, you can use the Recovery Boot Diskette instead of a complete software reload.

Problem: Front panel switches from READY to PROCESSING and back to READY, and nothing prints.

Solution: The most common reason is that a proprietary key (i.e. PostScript) has expired. If you are printing from Windows or MAC applications, this is almost certainly the cause. A PostScript Key is required to print from Windows or Macintosh applications. To verify the presence of a key, do a status check from telnet, print a test page, or check status from ImageWeb (printer OS release 1.5.0 & higher). Please contact Codonics Customer Service for information on purchasing a permanent key.

Another possibility is that our driver is not being used to send the job. Check your driver settings.

Non-PostScript images: All images should be saved as RGB or grayscale and never CMYK mode. Filenames may not contain spaces or special characters, i.e. $, '.

Problem: Unable to print over the parallel port.

Solution: Check the following information:

If printing from Windows or Macintosh applications, check to see if there is a PostScript key installed.
Go to PARALLEL on the setup menu from the front panel.
There are several options, depending on the printer OS. The first should be MODE. Select MODE by hitting Online/Setup. There are two options, DATA and COMMAND. Unless otherwise instructed, make sure that the asterisk is next to DATA. If it is not, press Online/Setup while DATA is displayed on the front panel. On older printer OSes, Data mode is referred to as "Timeout Mode."
After selecting DATA, hit the down arrow to DEVICE. If printing from Windows, this option should be set to 1. If it is set to 0, perform a Level 0 Reset, and go back to the beginning of this section. The default device value is 2, which will not prevent printing but will scale the image incorrectly.
Check the Parallel Port setting in the BIOS of your workstation. The Parallel port should be set to Standard or Normal. Use ECP or EPP only if Standard is not available. Do not use Bidirectional.

Problem: Unable to print from Mac OS 8.1 and higher.

Solution: Two options. The first allows Ethertalk printing. The second switches to LPR printing.

Ethertalk Solution: Contact us for the LaserWriter Server Patch. Your printer must have at least version 1.5.0 installed in order to install this patch.

LPR Solution: This LaserWriter includes LPR printing capability, which is faster than Appletalk. To use LPR, please do the following:

Be sure the printer and Macintosh both have valid IP addresses. Contact your system administrator to obtain these.
Go to the Desktop Printer Utility.
Add an LPR printer.
Enter the IP address of the printer.
Set the queue name to the number 1.
Select Internet printer, not Appletalk printer.

The printer will then be selectable from the desktop and from the print menu within applications but not from the Chooser.

Problem: How to install the NT 4.0 driver for the NP-1600 or NP-1660 running 2.2.6 software.

Solution: The printer utilizes LPR print services. Windows NT does provide LPR, but they are not part of the standard installation. This information is now available as a technical brief in addition to this guide.

The printer must have a valid PostScript Activation Key in order to print from Windows. To order a PostScript key, please contact our Media department at 1-800-444-1198 or 440-243-1198, or go to the Media section of this web site.

To add LPR print services, please do the following:

In the Control Panel, click Network.
Go to the Services tab and look for "Microsoft TCP-IP Printing." If TCP-IP printing is installed, then cancel out of this menu. If not, the NT installation CD or files are required. Click "Add" and select "Microsoft TCP-IP Printing" from the list of options. The workstation will need to be restarted.

To install the driver:

Go to Start --> Settings --> Printers and start the Add Printer Wizard. When it asks for the type of port, click "Other" and select LPR port from the list.
Two pieces of information will be required: the host name or IP address, and the name of the device providing LPR. The first line is the IP address of the printer; on the second line enter only the number "1". (this tells the printer to use its Unscaled device, which is proper for PostScript images).
If you want to print to Slidemaker, Bracketing or one of the FMF devices, this second line needs to correspond to that device number, i.e. bracketing is 9 or 8, slidemaker is 135, etc.
When prompted for the driver, click Have Disk for our driver. Browse to the file containing the NT 4.0 .inf file.
Finish the installation as you would for any other printer. If this installation will be used as a print server, it is a good idea to keep the printer name to 8 characters, with no special characters.

Codonics NP-1660 Troubleshooting

Problem: Film Typing. What's it about, and when to use it.

Solution: The film typing mechanism accounts for small variations between lots of film. Film typing is not necessary; it is an image quality option and the printer can function without it. A printer which has not had the update diskette installed must have the type set to 000. A printer which has the diskette installed can be set to any valid type. Details on selecting a film type are in the film typing technical brief. (PDF) New Codonics printers ship with the film typing installed and 015 as the film type set in the front panel. A level-0 reset will return the printer to type 000, however.

Common Questions:

Q: Do I need to install the film typing diskette?
A: New 1660s shipped from Codonics already have film typing installed. Check the SYS ADMIN option in the front panel of the printer. If the RELEASE number is followed by -xx, where xx is a two-digit number, then you do not need to install film typing. For example, 2.2.6-01 indicates that film typing has already been installed. 3.1.0 software does not require a suffix and has the film typing included in the base install..

Q: How often do I need to install film typing?
A: Once. It does not get deleted if you shut the printer down or change the film. The only times you would need to reinstall the diskette are if the entire printer OS gets reloaded.

Q: I changed my media type and now the printer goes from READY --> PROCESSING --> READY.
A: Has the Media Type Update Diskette been installed? Did you install a valid film type? Current valid types are 000, 010 - 019. First check SYS ADMIN on the front panel to ensure that the release number is followed by "-xx" where xx = a two-digit number, i.e. 2.3.2-01. Then, check the currently installed film type under MEDIA --> GRAY (DV) FILM TYPE. If you do not have the film typing diskette and the printer has not been updated, set the film type to 000 in order to print. If you do have the film typing diskette installed, make sure the film type number is valid, i.e. 010-019.

Q: What about DirectVista^TM paper, or ChromaVista^TM media?
A: ChromaVista ^TM does not have a typing mechanism. DVPaper does not have an update and MUST be set to 000.

Q: I'm not sure what my film type is.
A: If you have the box the film came in, look for a sticker that says "Type XXX" where XXX is the 3-digit number to enter in the front panel. If the box is not available, use type 015.

Problem: DV Film prints too light.

Solution:

1) The most likely cause is a mismatched DV Film Type. For more information on the film typing mechanism please read this tech brief. Make sure the printer software is 2.2.6 or higher; make sure the media type update is installed (go to sys info and check for a "-xx" suffix, i.e. 2.2.6-01) and that the setting under MEDIA --> GRAY(DV) --> FILM TYPE equals the film type on the yellow sticker on the film box.

Check the gamma, contrast and DMAX settings. In some versions of software a Level 0 Reset will reset the DMAX to 1, which is extremely light. DMAX default is 8. Gamma default is 1.0 and contrast is 0. Gammas above 2.5 or contrasts +/- 50 can cause prints to look wildly incorrect.

Make sure that the notch in the film faces you and is on the right side of the tray.

If the problem is only occurring when you have a single sheet or very few sheets left in the film tray, contact us to receive a special backing board.

2) DICOM only: Current release of DICOM permits a DMAX of 300. Older releases of DICOM had a max of 200. Check your DMAX setting in your application to ensure that the density is high enough.

3) The printer may be having a problem with the media type sensor. This is particularly suspect if the problem happens randomly at various points in a stack of media. Contact Codonics for repair options.

Problem: DV Film prints too dark.

Solution: Similar to film printing too light, there are several possible causes.

Check the film type. Lower numbers create darker prints.

Check your gamma, contrast, and DMAX values. Higher DMAX creates darker prints. Generic factory default DMAX is 8 (approx. 3.0 OD), gamma is 1.0, contrast is 0. Perform bracketing prints if necessary.

DICOM only: The printer can accept a dmax setting up to 300. Ensure that the DMAX setting in the application is not too dark.

Problem: Message: "Image Compensation Failed" appears on all Direct Vista^TM film prints.

Solution: The NP-1660 printer requires Print Head Calibration for optimal image quality. The purpose of the "Image Compensation Failed" message is to inform users that, while the printer is working properly, images are not going to be the quality expected from a Codonics printer.

If the operating system software is reloaded on an NP-1660 printer or in the event of corruption of the thermal printhead compensation files, printhead calibration will have to be re-applied. The Thermal Print Head Calibration (tph) diskette was included with the printer shipment. This diskette is UNIQUE to each printer; do not substitute the tph diskette from another unit.

There are 2 parts to this procedure. First, the Printhead Profile Calibration Key needs to be entered into the front panel KEYS menu. Second, the update diskette needs to be installed.

The Printhead Profile Calibration Key enables Printhead Profile Calibration.

The key MUST be installed before the diskette.
If you install the profile diskette before the key, there will be no warning that the install failed, but all prints will have the message, "Image Compensation Failed!" on them. The stat page or T1 test print will also indicate that there is no profile installed.
The key is entered into the KEYS menu, like any other activation key (PDF) installation.
The key takes the form: 99printhead_serial_number00 Where the print head serial number is the 6-digit alphanumeric found, of all places, on the print head itself -- or on the print head profile diskette.
The printhead serial number on the diskette MUST match the number on the printer, or prints will not be the quality expected.
When the printhead profile is properly installed, the t1 test print and/or stat command from telnet will read: PRINTHEAD Key=998G909900 Calibrated (14-Dec-1998, 8G9099),tph
where the Key= the printhead profile calibration key.

Install it using the Update procedure (Update diskette pdf):

Insert the Printhead Profile Calibration Diskette into the floppy drive of the printer. Note: This diskette is UNIQUE to each printhead. Substituting another printer's diskette will either fail (if it doesn't match the profile key) or produce REALLY streaky prints (if the matching key is installed).
Press Online/Setup.
Press the down arrow until UPDATE displays.
Press Online/Setup, and press it again to confirm the update. The printer will not reboot itself.

If you no longer have the printhead calibration diskette contact Codonics Technical Support. Be sure to have the printer serial number and the print head serial number. To find the print head serial number, open the lid of the printer, remove the ribbon spools, and look for a 6-digit alphanumeric number located just under the print head element.

Problem: "MEDIA MISMATCH" appears on the front panel of the printer.

Solution: When printing on DV media, remove the ribbon from the printer and ensure that the blue slider on the right side of the paper tray is set to the correct size.

Store the ribbon in its original packing, or contact Codonics Customer Support to receive a ribbon holder.

For ChromaVista™ media, check the blue slider on the right side of the paper tray and make sure that it is not set to 8.5"x14" (XLA) while there is a ribbon intalled for A or Long A-size paper. XL paper requires a different ribbon.

Problem: What's the printable area of DVFilm?

Solution: 2280x2565 pixels, or 7.6 x 8.55 inches.

Problem: What's the printable area of XLW paper (9.5"x14")

Solution: 9.5"x14" or 2550 x 3600 pixels.

Problem: Front panel switches from READY --> PROCESSING --> READY.

Solution: If ChromaVista media works properly, the front panel MEDIA setting may have been changed to an invalid number. To correct:

Press Online/Setup.
Press the down-arrow until MEDIA displays.
Press Online/Setup.
Press the down-arrow until (GRAY)DV displays.
Press the down-arrow until the display reads FILM TYPE, and press Online/Setup.
Press Online/Setup, and, using the up- and down-arrow, change the first number to 0, then press Online/Setup. Continue until the display reads 000.
When 000 displays, press Online/Setup. Press the down-arrow until EXIT displays, and press Online/Setup to return to READY.

Windows and Mac users: ensure that a PostScript Key is installed.

Ensure that the slider on the paper tray is set to the correct size (8"x10" for DVfilm, 8.5"x11" (A-size) for DV Paper.) If the slider is set to OPTION 1 or OPTION 2, the printer will return to READY without printing anything.

Problem: Unable to print to DVpaper. CV media works normally.

Solution: The front panel MEDIA setting may have been changed to an invalid number. To correct:

Press Online/Setup.
Press the down-arrow until MEDIA displays.
Press Online/Setup.
Press the down-arrow until (GRAY)DV displays.
Press the down-arrow until the display reads PAPER TYPE, and press Online/Setup.
Press Online/Setup, and, using the up- and down-arrow, change the first number to 0, then press Online/Setup. Continue likewise until the display reads 000.
When 000 displays, press Online/Setup. Press the down-arrow until EXIT displays, and press Online/Setup to return to READY.

Windows and Mac users: ensure that a PostScript Key is installed.

Ensure that the slider on the paper tray is set to the correct size (8"x10" for DVfilm, 8.5"x11" (A-size) for DV Paper.)

Problem: How do I do a complete install of NP1660 software?

Solution:

3.1.0 software
First, try the Recovery Boot Diskette.
If that fails, perform a complete reinstallation.

2.2.6 software
These instructions will take you step-by-step through installing NP1660 2.2.6 software, applying printhead compensation, and installing update diskettes. Please note that a complete installation reformats the printer's hard drive; any files, including the accounting log, will be deleted.

Software Installation Tech Brief (pdf, 193K)

Summary

Check current software release to determine whether to perform a full install or an upgrade.
Make a backup of network and user settings, option activation keys, and security and accounting entries. Accounting logs and imageweb security information will be deleted when performing a complete software installation. Single-diskette upgrades will not affect these files.
Install software.
Install printhead profile calibration diskette
Install any necessary update diskettes (i.e. 2.2.5)
Install user settings, IP address, and security and accounting information.

Check Current Software Release

If you are upgrading software rather than re-installing it, note the following:

Front Panel: Press Online/Setup. Press the down arrow until SYS INFO displays. Press Online/Setup. Make note of the software release. Press Online/Setup to return to the previous menu. Press the down arrow until EXIT displays. Press Online/Setup to return the printer to READY.
Print a T1 test print.
Telnet into the printer and type "stat".

2.2.0 and higher: Update diskette procedure, not full installation. Backup procedure is optional but recommended.

2.1.11 and 2.1.10: Full install to 2.2.0 and upgrade to 2.2.x. Follow this complete procedure. Back up files and settings, if possible.

2.1.4 - 2.1.9: Full install to 2.2.0 and upgrade to 2.2.x. Follow this complete procedure. Back up files and settings, if possible.

Older than 2.1.4 -- please contact Codonics. These printers will likely require hardware modifications.

Making Backups

If you are performing a full software installation as part of an upgrade, please do the following. If you are recovering from a system crash, it may not be possible to perform these backups.

If you have not done so, do a T1 test print. This will serve as a record of root user settings, option activation keys, and the IP address.
If you use subnet, gateway, or nets information, record these numbers in the TCP/IP worksheet of the user's manual.
If this printer has security and accounting enabled, or has stored user settings, please refer to the Advanced Backup instructions. Accounting logs and imageweb security information will be deleted during software installation.

Installing Software

This procedure takes approx. 1 1/2 hour to complete. There is a long stretch in the middle where human presence is not strictly required.

Power down the printer.
Insert the boot diskette into the floppy drive.
Power on the printer.
The printer should read "working", and the green light on the floppy drive should stay on. If it does not, skip to this section.
After a minute or two the printer will start to beep repeatedly. This is the signal to install the next diskette. When the printer senses that the proper diskette is loaded it will make a higher pitched ("happy") beep.
Continue through the remainder of the installation diskettes. When the printer reaches the last diskette it will flash up various numbers. This is your signal to go to lunch. For approximately the next hour, the printer will reformat the hard drive and rebuild its OS. Pop out that last diskette and go have a pizza.

If the printer errors during installation, go here for troubleshooting tips.
When the printer is finished reinstalling it will give a series of 4 beeps. It will then reboot itself. Wait 1 minute after the front panel says READY before continuing to the update disks below.

Printhead Profile Calibration

Printhead profile calibration is necessary for producing good DV prints. Uncalibrated printers will insert the message, "Image Compensation Failed!" on every DV print. Contact Codonics if you require this diskette.

Printhead Profile Calibration Key

The Printhead Profile Calibration Key enables Printhead Profile Calibration.

The key MUST be installed before the diskette.
If you install the profile diskette before the key, there will be no warning that the install failed, but all prints will have the message, "Image Compensation Failed!" on them. The stat page or T1 test print will also indicate that there is no profile installed.
The key is entered into the KEYS menu, like any other activation key (PDF) installation.
The key takes the form: 99printhead_serial_number00 Where the print head serial number is the 6-digit alphanumeric found on the print head itself -- or on the print head profile diskette.
The printhead serial number on the diskette MUST match the number on the printer.

Printhead Profile Calibration Diskette

Install the diskette using the standard Update procedure (Update diskette pdf):

Insert the Printhead Profile Calibration Diskette into the floppy drive of the printer. Note: This diskette is UNIQUE to each printhead. Substituting another printer's diskette will either fail (if it doesn't match the profile key) or produce REALLY streaky prints (if the matching key is installed).
Press Online/Setup.
Press the down arrow until UPDATE displays.
Press Online/Setup, and press it again to confirm the update. The printer will not reboot itself upon completing this particular update.

Installing Other Update Diskettes

Update diskettes include Release 2.2.5 of the printer OS, or DICOM functionality. Use the front-panel update procedure outlined above, or refer to page C-2 of the user's manual for instructions. Fortunately, these updates are not printer-specific, however, most of them will reboot the printer upon installation. Note that the 2.2.5 and 2.2.6 update takes approximately 25 minutes, during which time the printer reads DOWNLOADING. This is not a bad thing. We suggest iced mocha during the wait.

Reinstalling Settings

Reinstall the IP address of the printer and the root user settings from the T1 test print.
Reinstall the various log files from the Advanced Backup section.

DONE!

Windows 2000 and XP PostScript Driver Installation

Release 2.2.6 | Release 3.1

2.2.6 and 3.1 drivers are not cross-compatible. Make sure you are using the correct drivers, and log into your system with Administator privileges.

2.2.6 setup

Use the driver from the diskette or via email. Your printer must have a valid PostScript key installed prior to attempting a test print.

Printer Installation

1. Start --> Settings --> Printers
2. Click "Add Printer"
3. Local Printer <next>
4. Click Create New Port --> from dropdown list, select Standard TCP/IP Port <next>
5. Printer name or IP address = IP address or hostname of printer
6. Let Windows choose the port name. if it leaves the name blank, fill in the number 1.
7. Click OK, then <next>
8. Choose Generic Network Card <next>

Windows will give you a display of the current settings. It may complain that it can't find the device at this point, but it should let you continue the installation. it will also have a "Configure" button in the tab. Click this button. Make 3 changes:

Change Port from Standard to LPR.
Change Device or Queue Name to the number 1.
Put a check in the box marked LPR Byte Counting Enabled.

Click OK.
Click FINISH.

Now it starts the driver installation wizard.

Select Have Disk --> Browse to the NP1660 driver files on diskette or in a temp directory, and select NP1660.inf.
Choose Replace Existing Driver if prompted, NEXT
Name the printer. You can call it what you like, but keep the name simple if you plan to share the printer.NEXT
Select whether you plan to share the printer. If so, make sure the name is 8 characters or fewer.NEXT
Print a test page.NEXT
FINISH.

Windows will complain in 2 places during the initial install. First, it may complain that it can't find pscript.dll. This file is located with the rest of the driver files on your floppy.

Browse to your floppy or temp directory and select this file. Windows may append "i386" onto the directory tree when you attempt to browse; delete this. For example:

a:\winnt40\i386\

you will change to

a:\winnt40\

When you browse to this directory, you will find pscript.dll.

The second time that Windows may complain is to inform you that the driver hasn't been digitally signed. It hasn't. Please acknowledge this message and continue with the installation.

Release 3.1

The 3.1.0 driver is installed in the same way as the driver for 2.2.6 but it has several additional useful features. Click on the Advanced driver properties from within your application or from Start --> Printers --> Printing Preferences --> Advanced. From this window you can change the various image adjustment settings available in the printer's front panel.

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