ZBE CHROMIRA User Manual

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ZBE CHROMIRA PRINTER

User's Manual

Rev. 3/2005

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Summary of Contents for ZBE CHROMIRA

Page 1 ZBE CHROMIRA PRINTER User’s Manual Rev. 3/2005...
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Breakthroughs happen… CHROMIRA MANUAL CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ......................... 5 ABOUT ZBE ........................6 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................7 GETTING TO KNOW THE CHROMIRA ................9 INTRODUCTION ........................9 CHROMIRA SOFTWARE ....................10 CHROMIRA PRINTER ..................... 10 Chromira...
Page 3 STARTING IT UP ......................10 THE CHROMIRA PRINTER MAIN SCREEN ..............11 THE CHROMIRA PRINTER DIALOG BOXES ............... 11 CHROMIRA WORKSTATION ..................17 INITIAL SETUP ......................17 MAIN PRINT SCREEN ....................18 SUBMIT PRINT ......................19 PULL DOWN MENUS ....................21 ICC PROFILES ......................
Page 4 CHROMIRA SCALING FACTOR DIRECTIONS ..............41 CHROMIRA MOTION CONTROL RESET AND RE-BURN PROCEDURE ......42 APPENDIX A: CHROMIRA DECK CONNECTOR FUNCTIONS ........44 APPENDIX B: CHROMIRA COMPUTER REAR-PANEL CONNECTIONS ......45 APPENDIX C: MOTION CONTROL MODULE ..............46 APPENDIX D: X-RITE 810 DENSITOMETER COM PORT SETTINGS ......47 X-RITE 810 / 811 CONFIGURATION MENU SETTINGS ........
Page 5 WHERE TO CALL FOR HELP For questions or comments, or if you have any troubles with your new Chromira printer, please contact your local dealer, or ZBE directly at: Rev. 3/2001...
Page 6 ZBE, Incorporated 1035 Cindy Lane Carpinteria, CA 93013 (tel) 805-576-1600 (fax) 805-576-1601 E-mail: info@zbe.com Or visit our web site www.zbe.com for the latest Chromira information. Chromira...
Page 7: Introduction
Chromira will provide you ultra efficient productivity through ZBE’s unique workflow system, which employs “Chromira Workstation” software. Chromira Workstation offers a user-friendly suite of integrated features that makes the Chromira digital imaging system one of the most productive digital solutions available from beginning to end. With this system, there are no “front end”...
Page 8: About Zbe
In addition, Chromira offers an open architecture system and does not require expensive, dedicated RIPs. Chromira printers can utilize any RIP that outputs an RGB TIFF, with seamless and automatic integration into an existing RIP’s workflow. This means that operators can select the RIP solution that best meets their needs and budget.
Page 9: General Specifications
In 1992, ZBE developed the Starlite 55 Colorhead. The Starlite 55 has gained the reputation of being the brightest, and fastest, professional color light source available. In 1994, ZBE developed the Sentinel Auto-focus Enlarger. The Sentinel is known for being the fastest professional enlarger available.
Page 10 Windows NT (embedded in printer). Print Head: LED Technology (Patents Pending). Resolution: 300 PPI; 425 PPI visual resolution with ZBE’s proprietary Resolution Enhancement Technology (Patents Pending). Color Depth: 36 bit. Speed: 5” per minute for 30” paper, depending of file size and degree of enlargement or reduction.
Page 11 Each workstation has full control of: print size, image rotation, print job priority, borders, text notes on prints, color balance, and number of prints. Multiple Chromira printers are supported. Open System: Compatible with all commercial RIP packages. Dedicated RIP is NOT required. Compatible with any off-the-shelf color management software.
Page 12 Changes or modifications not expressly approved by ZBE, Inc. can void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Page 13: Getting To Know The Chromira
ZBE, Incorporated’s Chromira Digital RA4 Printer and its assembly parts were determined to conform with the European Community norms. The Chromira was approved in all testing and evaluations necessary to verify compliance with the applicable requirements of UL 1950, CSA 22.2 No. 234, EN 60950 following the directive of 73/23/EEC, and of EN 50081, EN 5022, EN 50082, and EN 61000 following the directive 89/336/EEC.
Page 14 Software  This next section is meant to familiarize you with the Chromira Printer’s software system. This system is comprised of three programs: Chromira Printer Controls all internal operations of the Chromira machine. Performs all actual image data processing. Manages the print job queue, under the user’s direction from Chromira Workstation.
Page 15: Chromira Software
When you first start the Chromira Printer program (Chromira Printer.EXE), a start-up self-test screen will appear and will run through a comprehensive battery of tests. If all is well at the end, the Chromira Printer’s main screen will appear. If there are any failed self-tests, the self-test screen will remain, indicating them in red.
Page 16 Note: If there is no paper loaded in the Chromira, the “Tension Paper Test” will fail. This is normal. Simply click Finish to close the self-test screen and proceed to the main screen of the Chromira Printer program. Chromira...
Page 17: The Chromira Printer Main Screen
The Chromira Printer Main Screen This is the main operations screen of the Chromira Printer control program. This is the screen that will be displayed most of the time while the machine is in use or Control Buttons: Offer convenient access to various important functions and dialogue boxes.
Page 18 Preferences: Displays the Preferences Dialog Box, where you can set various aspects of the Chromira’s behavior. Test Print: Places a Chromira Test Image into the print queue. This is the Calibration Image that you will use to calibrate the Chromira for optimal print quality.
Page 19: The Chromira Printer Dialog Boxes
The Chromira Printer Dialog Boxes In this section we take a look at the various dialog boxes available in the Chromira Printer software. These boxes allow us to modify various settings, such as those pertaining to the type of papers we use in the Chromira.
Page 20 This is the “Emulsion” name that appears in the main screen of the Chromira Printer program. You can type any words here that you wish, usually a description of the material, and perhaps the emulsion batch number from the particular roll you are using.
Page 21 Width: The width of the physical roll of material, in inches. Emulsion In/Out: This setting tells the Chromira which way the material is wound on its core. It is important for the machine to know which direction to turn its cure hubs when tensioning the paper.
Page 22 The settings are explained below. Printer Name: This field simply allows you to assign a name to this individual Chromira Printer. This is the name that appears for this printer when selecting among multiple Chromira printers from the Chromira Workstation program.
Page 23 The Paper Edge Offset number is in printer pixels, 100 per inch. The Calibration Image that is used for the Chromira’s calibration has a scale at the left end of the image. This scale can be used to determine how much to change this number if your prints are not positioned properly on the page.
Page 24 This function will reset the exposed footage anytime the machine has been reloaded. Automatic Screen Blank When Door Opened: With this feature checked, the Chromira monitor will blank to a dark screen when any of the paper access doors are open. Automatic Screen Restore When Door Closed: With this function checked, the Chromira monitor will to restore to its normal function when both of the paper access doors are closed.
Page 25 Automatic Paper-Straightening: With this function checked, the machine will drive the paper back and forth 2 times with a distance of 24 inches to allow the paper to straighten itself. After, the paper will be returned to its original position so no paper is wasted. Print Info Customization: Users can customize the data line.
Page 26 Diagram A Chromira...
Page 27: Chromira Workstation
ZBE provides three programs, which are associated with the Chromira. The Chromira Workstation allows the user to submit and set preferences for each image ready for printing. It acts as the main “Front-End” for Chromira, letting you setup hotfolders and submit print jobs directly. The Chromira Workstation may be loaded on to any computer as longs as the computer meets certain criteria.
Page 28 If you have multiple printers, you must browse for all and then select the one you want to print to as active. When complete, click the OK button to end the initial set up. You are now ready to submit prints to the Chromira Printer via this location.
Page 29: Main Print Screen
1- Print Queue: Lists all images from any workstation that has been submitted to the Chromira Printer. It counts for running prints, prints on hold, and prints waiting to be printed. The Print Queue will allow any number of images to be submitted, permitting the machine has enough paper length to print all images.
Page 30: Submit Print
For each of the three, the workstation software will display the following on an information bar above the queue window: 1- Status: Using the signal light icon will show if the Chromira is printing, on hold, or done. 2- File Name: Displays the file name of the image that has been submitted.
Page 31 The main function of the workstation is to submit prints to the Chromira Printer. Before explaining the process of submitting prints, an explanation of Printer functions is necessary. The Chromira Workstation prints via the network. ZBE designed a system that removes the so-called “Front End”...
Page 32 (ppi). An image with a high resolution contains more, and therefore smaller, pixels than an image of the same printed dimensions with a low resolution. The Chromira Printer is a 300 ppi printer. Thus any file that is not 300 ppi will need to be resampled up to 300 ppi using an interpolation method.
Page 33 9- Resample Image: Resampling refers to changing the pixel dimensions (and therefore file size) of an image. When you downsample (or decrease the number of pixels), information is deleted from the image. When you resample up (or increase the number of pixels), new pixel information is added based on color values of existing pixels.
Page 34 Each crop mark takes up a ¼ inch. The last of the selection is “Chromira Trim Marks”. This operates only with the Chromira Trim. Please see the Chromira Trim manual for direction on its function. 18- Print Data: This Function, when checked, will print a data line with the image.
Page 35: Pull Down Menus
21- Print: Clicking on this button will submit the print to the Chromira for printing. Sharpening: The operator has the ability to manipulate the focus of the file by applying this feature. It allows the user to sharpen the image without changing the structure of the TIFF file.
Page 36 Lab Name: Gives the workstation operator the ability to list the lab name with the submission of the print. 3- Long File Names: Allows for long file names. Chromira...
Page 37: Icc Profiles
Once this is done, you will be ready to set up the hot folder using the Chromira Workstation. Select the pull down menu “Hot Folders”. Select “Edit Hot Folder” function and the Hot Folder window will appear.
Page 38 ICC-compliant applications. The Chromira uses an ICC engine to interpret the ICC profiles that describe the RGB color space you are using in your system. You can select from existing ICC profiles or create your own.
Page 39 Check the box if the file to be printed has the input profile embedded in it. If it does not, click on the “Select Profile” button. The following window will appear: It is here that you must browse for the input profile. Once done, click OK. You may also override any existing profile.
Page 40: Chromira Balance
Click on the browse button located at the top of the window: Find the Chromira.PR file and select it. Once this is done, verify that it has been accepted by looking at the emulsion and material type. The current emulsion and material type should be displayed.
Page 41: Balancing The Chromira Printer
Balancing the Chromira Printer Overview The ZBE Chromira Printer provides the user with the means to calibrate the printer for use with nearly any RA-4 type of photographic material. This "self-calibration" allows your lab to maintain the Printer through an in-house procedure, without the aid, and associated delays and expense, of an outside technician.
Page 42 Scan Balance: The scan balance provides the user the ability to correct for scan lines which printers of this sort can produce. Densitometer Balance: The densitometer balance controls the color balance of the printer. Both of these balance procedures will be covered in detail in this section. Chromira...
Page 43: Procedure
Procedure Start by deciding where the balance application should be installed. The Balance application does not need to be on the Chromira computer. It can be on any other computer as long as the computer meets the following requirements: a. Computer is a PC, preferably Windows (any version, example, 95’ 98’) or Windows NT.
Page 44: Judging The Test Print
Emulsion dialog box in the Chromira Printer program. These Test Prints are placed in the print queue just like all other Chromira print jobs; they will show up in the Chromira Workstation program's queue view. The Test Print is simply a job that prints the "Test Image.TIF"...
Page 45 There are other things to consider, in some cases. If the print is both off-color, and it has lines in it, then you will need to run both types of analysis. Following are a few rules that will guide you through this process: >...
Page 46: Performing A Scanner Analysis
To perform a Scanner Analysis, you will need to use a computer with both a working UMAX PowerLook II or PowerLook III model scanner hooked up to it, and the Chromira Balance Program. The computer you use does not necessarily have to be the one in the Chromira.
Page 47: Performing A Densitometer Analysis
If you intend to run a Densitometer Analysis after this Scanner Analysis, you can skip straight to the Densitometer Analysis, then Apply Changes at the end of both Analyses. Performing a Densitometer Analysis The Densitometer Analysis is used to correct the color of the Test Image, and to get all of the steps in the Grey Scale at proper grey intervals, providing the best tonal range for the photographic material being calibrated.
Page 48: Advance Settings
For dura-trans or clear materials (transparent or translucent films), the D-Max targets should be set to about 2.90 to 3.00 to start with. Please see the section "D-max Failure" near at the end of this document, or contact ZBE, for more information.
Page 49: Calibration Pitfalls
Curve Gamma: The Curve gamma determines the slop of the contrast curve. The default setting is set to 1.8. Once again, this value should not be changed unless directed by a ZBE technician. Calibration Pitfalls As with any procedure, with the Calibration process of the Chromira, things can go wrong.
Page 50 This maximum darkness is the D-max for that material. The condition known as D-Max Failure can happen when you have set a D-max target in the Chromira Balance program’s Densitometer window that is too high for the Chromira to achieve on the particular material being used.
Page 51 To find the proper D-Max targets for your material, do the following: 1. In the Chromira Printer program, go into the Emulsion dialog box. At the bottom of this window, locate the color balance settings for the Emulsion. These are the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Density values.
Page 52: Lines That Do Not Go Away
If D-Max Failure is not the cause for your Test Print lines not going away, verify that your network settings are correct. This can be a cause even if the Balance program is running on the Chromira Printer computer. When you click the “Apply Changes” Chromira...
Page 53 Chromira Balance, you should see two messages in the text window of that program that say that the Emulsion (EMU) file “has been backed up”, and that it “has been copied back to printer.” If you do not see these messages each time you complete a balance cycle (“Apply Changes”), or see some other error...
Page 54 The machine is likely OK. Lines appear all the way across the The Chromira head is Experiencing a paper, but go away after 24 inches or slight “drift” in balance. This can be less of print, or fan in after about 24 overcome by printing about 12 inches inches of print.
Page 55 Rev. 3/2001...
Page 56 Lines appear all the way across the There is likely a speck of dirt on the print, but only appear in small groups, Chromira’s drum that is riding or as sinlgle lines, every 25 inches of underneath the Drum Position Encoder.
Page 57 information. Rev. 3/2001...
Page 58 Lines appear all the way across the The Drum Drive belts are dirty, or are at print, but appear inconsistently, in no incorrect tension adjustment. apparent order. Printer may also experience slow printing speed. Please contact ZBE for more information. Chromira...
Page 59: Technical Documents
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS Simple Windows NT Networking Setup Rev. 3/2001...
Page 60 You should also have your Windows NT Installation Disk handy (if doing this procedure on a Chromira NT computer, this disk will not be needed). Please perform the following steps on each NT workstation: 1.
Page 61 with its specific drivers, then add the new card in Network properties after rebooting. If your cards appears ok here, proceed to the next step. 7. Click the Protocol tab. In the list that appears here, you may see a listing for “TCP/IP Protocol”.
Page 62 If you get “Request Timed Out” then the network wiring between the computers, or the hub, is not functional. If this works, the hardware (cabling, hub, network cards) is ok on both computers. This will mean that the problem is in the Network setup. Chromira...
Page 63 If “ping” worked, try the Start menu, then Find, then Computer. Enter the name of the other computer. Click Find Now. This should find the other computer (if you got the name right!) even if it is in another Workgroup. If Find does not work, please review the settings you made during the setup procedure.
Page 64: Changing Win Nt To Allow Non-Adminstrators To Run The
Changing WinNT to allow non-Administrators to run the Chromira Application As Administrator, Go to Start Settings Control Panel Devices Scroll down to the entry labeled “Galil” Choose “Startup” and change the type to “Automatic” Reboot Chromira...
Page 65: Replacing Chromira Linear Encoder Strip
Replacing Chromira Linear Encoder Strip This document outlines the replacement of the Chromira’s Linear Encoder Strip. This Encoder Strip, mounted to the air-rail of the machine, passes through a Linear Encoder in the head carriage, and allows the computer to place the pixels onto the photo paper as the head traverses the length of the air-rail.
Page 66 2. With the Air-Pressure turned ON, move the head over to your left. 3. Loosen and remove the two screws (“B”) holding the right end of the Encoder Strip. This will free both the retainer block and the end of the Strip. Chromira...
Page 67 4. Remove the Encoder Strip by carefully sliding it to the right. You may have to bend the free end toward you slightly to get the other end to clear, but keep it level. Move the head further to the left if necessary to get the old Strip out. 5.
Page 68 (with your fingers or a pair of needle-nose pliers). While holding the strip tight, position it up or down as needed, and tighten the screws with your other hand. Double check that the strip’s position in the slot is Chromira...
Page 69 centered top to bottom, and tighten the screws very tight to hold the strip in final position. 13. Move the head to the left, leaving access to the left end clamp. 14. With the head near the left end of the rail, look at the Encoder Strip’s position in the Encoder Body slot.
Page 70 Chromira...
Page 71: Chromira Scaling Factor Directions
“i” on it. You would then enter 1.00756 into the Length Scale box. 6. That is all it takes to successfully set the scaling for your Chromira Printer. To make sure that this scaling factor gets applied to each of your prints, you must check the resample button in Chromira Workstation when you submit a print.
Page 72: Chromira Motion Control Reset And Re-Burn Procedure
Chromira Motion Control Reset and Re-Burn Procedure Please follow these procedures exactly as stated: Chromira...
Page 73 The Galil Motion Controller allows Chromira to operate its motors and perform the precise movements needed for printing.  The following procedure should be performed if the Chromira Computer’s Windows NT installation has been rebuilt using the ZBE System Recovery Disk.
Page 74 12. In the text editor, click File, then Open. A standard Windows-style File Open box will appear. 13. Browse for the file C:\Chromira Printer\Motion Program.dmc . This is located in the same folder as the ChromiraPrinter.EXE program. Click Open. There should now be text in the editor window, with some rows of asterisks (*) at the top.
Page 75 17. The controller has now been reconfigured. Close this program completely so that you come back to a blank Windows desktop. 18. Re-connect the AC Power plug removed in step #2. 19. Restart the Chromira Printer program in the normal manner. Rev. 3/2001...
Page 76: Appendix A: Chromira Deck Connector Functions
Appendix A: Chromira Deck Connector Functions Take-Up Side of Machine Paper Take-Up Tensioner Arm Motor/Encoder Limit-Switches Mounting Door Switches Screws Paper Advance Button Tensioner-Arm Pots Drum Position Encoder Side Plate End of and Motors machine on this side. on this side.
Page 77: Appendix B: Chromira Computer Rear-Panel Connections
Appendix B: Chromira Computer Rear-Panel Connections LEGEND: Mouse This drawing depicts the rear of the PC that controls the Chromira Printer. Each (Mini-DIN 6-Pin) Connection Name connection is labeled as follows: Keyboard Standard PS-2 Compatible Mouse connection (Type of Connector found on PC)
Page 78: Appendix C: Motion Control Module
2 CURR INTEGRATOR = Set to OFF Full 8 turns 6 turns 6 turns 3 VEL INTEGRATOR = Set to ON Pot 2 : Full Full Full Full 4 TEST / OFFSET = Set to OFF Pot 3 Chromira adjust adjust adjust adjust Pot 4:...
Page 79: X-Rite 810/811 Configuration Menu Settings
Appendix D: X-Rite Densitometer Settings X-Rite 810/811 Configuration Menu Settings To set the Com Port Mode for use with ZBE Chromira Balance, Press CAL, then button for “calibrate NO” then “set modes YES”. Press button under words to change their settings to:...
Page 80: X-Rite Densitometer Rs-232 Interface Cable Pinout
For PC’s with a 25-pin Serial Connector, use a standard RS-232 9-Pin-to-15-Pin  adapter. D-9 Female Connector D-25 Male Connector to PC Pin # Function to 810 Pin # Data from 810 to PC Data from PC to 810 Ground Chromira...
Page 81: X-Rite 880 Series Configuration Menu Settings
To begin, be sure the balance program is Version 3.03 or higher. To set the Com Port Mode for use with ZBE Chromira Balance, Press the p1 button (Far left) three times until the menu reads “FUNCTION MENU”. Press the edit button.
Page 82 Set the Stop bits to the default, 1. Set the Densitometer model to X-Rite 880 Series. Click ok To read a strip, click on the Densitometer bar and the Densitometer will read “Insert strip”. Insert strip (Printed on Chromira) as shown below: Insert strip this direction Chromira...
Page 83: X-Rite 414 Configuration Menu Settings
Once strip is read, be sure it has read 17 regions on the Densitometer. If it does not, click the cancel button in the Chromira Balance program and try it again. X-Rite 414 Configuration Menu Settings To set the Com Port Mode for use with ZBE Chromira Balance, press Function and Color.
Page 84: X-Rite 404 Configuration Menu Settings
In the Balance application, press the settings button and set the baud rate to 1200, data bits to 8, stop bits to 1, parity to None, and COM Port to the port the densitometer is currently connected to. Eseco TR-90 Configuration Menu Settings Chromira...
Page 85 To set the densitometer for use with Chromira Balance, first press the Menu button on the upper right of the keypad. Push the Select Probe (left arrow) button five times to scroll through the choices to the System Options menu. Press the Zero Cal key (Yes) to enter the menu.
Page 86 Note: Other model densitometers may work with the Chromira balance application. Check your manual for serial port information and setup instructions. Chromira...
Page 87: Junction Board Replacement Procedure
JUNCTION BOARD REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE This document covers the removal and replacement of the Chromira Junction board or Junction PCB Appendix A (refer back to page 44) shows the view from the top of the machine. There are six (6) screws that mount the junction board, and they are located from the top.
Page 88 14. Replace all other AMP connectors on the bottom side of the deck. 15. Double check to see if all cables is properly seated. 16. Plug Chromira back in and power up the computer. This completes the replacement procedure. Chromira...
Page 89: Chromira Air-Solenoid Installation
Chromira Air-Solenoid Installation Introduction The Chromira Air-Solenoid allows the Chromira Printer to turn off its compressed air supply while not making prints. This will reduce the wear on your air-compressor and prolong its life. This document describes the procedure for the installation of the Air-Solenoid and its related components.
Page 90 Motion Control Power Supply (provided by ZBE) Air Solenoid (provided by ZBE) The installation procedure starts on the following page. For any questions or other problems, please contact you ZBE dealer, or ZBE directly at: ZBE, Inc. 7220 Hollister Ave.
Page 91: Chromira Air-Solenoid Installation Procedure
8. Take out the four screws inside the Power Supply, which hold it to the floor inside the Chromira, and remove the Power Supply from the machine. 9. Locate the Air Inlet Hose in the end-wall of the Chromira where it enters the interior. This is just behind where the Power Supply was mounted.
Page 92 22. Connect the new Power Supply’s AC power cord to the top-most plug in the Chromira’s power strip. Place the cable in the trough provided for it (where the old one was). Note: All switches and manual shut-off knobs should be in the off position. When in this position, it will allow the computer to have control of the air.
Page 93 Control Power Supply. When the machine has started up again, go into the Preferences Menu in Chromira Printer, to set the amount of time the air will stay on after the machine is idle (time range 1 to 60 minutes).