Datacolor User to User Support Group.

>Hi,
>
>I have a Epson R1800 and the test image is dark! Lots of patches
>almost look black.

It's supposed to be that way. When you print the test image with color
management turned off (as you're supposed to); it comes out dark, and
measures that way, exactly as you're seeing.

You haven't built a PROFILE yet.

When you build a profile from the measurements; and then USE that profile
when you print "real" images; it will compensate for the darkness of
the test print (as well as color shifts and other idiosyncracies of
the non-color-managed printer).

-- 
David Miller
Senior Software Developer, Digital Color Solutions
ColorVision