Digital BW, The Print

Fortunately I haven't had any real problems for a couple of years but I have finally run into one that has me stumped.
 
I have a 1400, use QTR with a CIS and many of my images are suddenly looking like a topographical map!  Where the tonality changes from one shade to another, instead of it being a smooth/blended transition it is is more like a map where the altitude of the terrain is changing.  
 
The heads are clean ( only one or two lines missing which should not be enough to really screw up a print, right?), but when I do a print head alignment, the first line across prints boldly like it should but line 2 and three are printed so light I can't really see them.  I've done this enough times in the past to know all three lines should print boldly.
 
I switched out my CIS and put the OEM color inks in and the prints and tests came out fine, (not sure I did a printhead alignment but the color image was fine).
 
Then I completely cleaned the printer as per Dana's terrific video on youtube and reinserted the continuous inks.  
 
Good nozzle check, no line 2 & 3 on the print head alignment and the images are still like the topographical maps.  
 
It would appear that the printer is OK and the problem is in the CIS or the inks.  But if the CIS wasn't delivering the ink or the inks had too much sediment despite the fact that I shake both the bottles and the carts, then I wouldn't get a good nozzle check.  
 
I'm so lost and could really use some help.  Does this problem sound familiar to anyone?


Mark Sloane 
925 820 4112 Home
 
 


      

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