Digital BW, The Print

> This 1280 with UT2 inks wants very different file pre-processing than
> I did for the simpler BO on a 785EXP...

The issue may be the match between the monitor and the print.  That is a
problem of non-color-managed workflows.  In the past, we adjusted the view
of the monitor in Photoshop with custom dot gain curves to match the print.
Many didn't bother, so the match was not that good, and different setups
printed differently.

I have now switched to a color managed approach.  I'm using Roy's Create ICC
program to make ICCs that are used in the Print Preview step of Photoshop or
Elements.  I recommend a Gray Gamma 2.2 space in PS Color Settings.  This is
also the most common default, and is what is used by the Web.  Then when a
proper ICC is inserted, the print will match the monitor.

I have some 1280 UT2 ICCs I can send you off list if you'd like to see how
that approach works.  If it works or is an approach that is appealing, the
best system is one where you make your own custom ICCs using Roy's program.
You can embed my curves (sometimes as modified to eliminate flat spots on
the curves) into your custom ICC and have a linearized output that takes
into consideration your system as well as the ink and paper variations.
It's a very powerful workflow.

> Paul - I downloaded both your "Purging test pattern - 6 color" and the
> 21-step files.  The test pattern printed the 6 distinctly different
> tones without any problems.  Does that mean it "passed" or is there
> anything else it can tell me?

The tones it printed should match the scan of the output that is also posted
on the web.  The idea is to be sure the inkset is correct.  The scanned
image may be off a bit, but if things look radically different, there is a
problem.

> Also, the 21-step patterns (I printed all of them) printed a very
> smooth set of transitions from dark to light.  In fact, it was
> downright impressive how subtle the density changes were.

That suggests the system is working as intended.

>  You
> mentioned that you use different ones depending on the dmax of the
> paper-ink combination.  How to I find that combination for the
> paper/inks I'm using - is it a published?

Assume EEM and PhotoRag are at 1.68.  I don't have a list.

The only difference is the target density.  As the dmax gets higher, the
adjacent values also get higher.  However, I used a standard 50% value.  The
21-step files are all that same except for the typed in density targets --
which are an older standard that is closer to Dot Gain 20% and not Gray
Gamma 2.2, the target I now recommend for a color managed approach.

Good luck.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com