10 or 11 banding lines at begining of print on my Z3200...hmm?

[Phil Indeblanc]

There are I'm sure many options of how to trouble shoot this, but I thought I would post here and ask the experienced experts if you have had this happen.

Before I noticed it, I did a new calibration on first the Matte Lithro Realistic. On the finished target, I noticed the PhotoBlack and Gray at the edge of the page gave me some banding. Did a cleaning on that head, and it didn't go away. I did 2 calibrations, and then a third, which looked better but not clear.
So I ran a test as this is new paper to me, and things look pretty good.

Then I did the EveryDay Satin no GE, and that chart printed clear on the PK and Gray, BUT the start of the page had this banding with smudge looking marks . The banding without smudge occurred on a large print I did.

What could be causing this, and how do I clear it up?

Thanks!

[Mark Lindquist]

First, Try running "paper advance calibration" from the front panel of the printer. 

If the roll has excessive curl, that could be another cause of the problem.
If it's a new roll, it may work itself out.  Try supporting the paper with a table as it is coming out of the printer.

If you're getting consistent smudges, that indicates a head strike.

It also sounds like there may be still some print head issues from the printer sitting idle.

Find Wayne Fox's printer excercise chart and run that - see if it is printing cleanly.

[Phil Indeblanc]

I looked on his site, and no luck finding the charts here http://cwaynefox.com/myBlog/Printing/Printing.html

Maybe someplace I missed? He is very knowledable and I've always enjoyed his posts.

But it makes sense from what you say of the roll. my flat sheets dont do this. I think I better Droll the edges before hand. But yes, that Gray and PK is banding a bit.

I wiped it with some 90%IPA, but I should use an amonia mix solution until I get a replacement. Its the one head I don't have in my stock. 70% distilled water, Amonia and 10% IPA bath for an hour or so I hope clears it up? Maybe warmed up in an ultrasonic bath. I should likely tape the contacts and keep it shallow.

[Mark Lindquist]

Scroll down on this page to his post- there are 2 images he refers to there:

http://http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?topic=95942.0

[Phil Indeblanc]

Got it, thanks. So I'll print these off and see. On cut sheet I have no problem. I think I need a $300 D Roller? !;-P

[Mark Lindquist]

Got it, thanks. So I'll print these off and see. On cut sheet I have no problem. I think I need a $300 D Roller? !;-P

I use a roll of paper.  Just roll out the roll on a table and the print in curl down.  Roll the paper roll with the print in it back up carefully and slowly and let it sit.  Heavier paper takes a little longer.  Really as simple as that.

Doesn't hurt the roll of paper - just means sacrificing a few feet - no big thing.

There's your homemade de-curler....

[Phil Indeblanc]

That is a good idea. If i use a roll of canvas it maybe easier to handle without messing up the canvas.

[Phil Indeblanc]

Yes, it was the roll curled.  No more lines.

I did have to swap out a PK ink as it went empty towards the end of a print. I did the swap it out with a new cart, but the print shows a slightly faded gutter running across the page in that area.
I thought these were supposed to be able to switch out and continue printing with no harm no foul?!  Hmmm. Well so much for that feature! I know my old HP 130 had no issues doing a swap mid print.
It maybe the image being continuous tone?

[Mark Lindquist]

When I got a 24" Z that was given to me, it had been sitting idle for a long time.  It took me a long time to sort out the print head issues.  I did extensive head cleanings and diagnostic charts, cleaning all the heads and contacts, and replacing two that wouldn't print perfectly in the diagnostic image. 

If your printheads are not printing absolutely perfectly, there could be an issue.  I have had no issues with ink cartridge change and print continuation.

It could vary from image to image, paper to paper, however, I guess.

[Phil Indeblanc]

I ran "the Wayne Cox charts", and they were perfect on the individual colors. The one that transitions from blue did show something. Hard to explain. I will post an image today some time.

So I don't know if its the heads. But paper type and drying may have been it. I am using Everyday Pigment Satin.
I have to rerun the print.

[Mark Lindquist]

the only way you can really tell if the printheads are working correctly is to print a diagnostic chart and study it carefully to identify where the problems are, if there are.

[Phil Indeblanc]

Yeah, true, it would keep it from remapping and not seeing any flaws, if any.