AGFA SelectSet Avantra User manual

Part Number
209602-001
Abc
SELECTSET AVANTRA USER GUIDE
A Guide to Your Drum Laser Imagesetter
#

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful inter-
ference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
CAUTION: Only computers and other peripheral devices which as a minimum
comply with Class A limits should be used with this equipment. Shielded I/O
cables should be used for equipment connections in order to ensure FCC
emission limits are met. Any changes or modifications to this equipment not
expressly approved by Agfa Division, Miles Inc. could void the user’s author-
ity to operate the equipment.
CANADIAN RADIO INTERFERENCE
REGULATIONS STATEMENT
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emis-
sions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of
the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le présent appareil numerique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépas-
sant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques (de la class A) prescrites
dans le Réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministére des
Communications du Canada.

Part Number
209602-001
Abc
SELECTSET AVANTRA USER GUIDE
A Guide to Your Drum Laser Imagesetter
#

Part Number 209602-001
Note to Users
Agfa Division, Miles Inc. (also referred to as “Agfa”) reviews all customer documentation
and software for accuracy before shipment. Occasionally, in spite of precautions, the
product you receive may differ somewhat from the customer documentation shipped to
you. Generally, if such variations are known to exist and to significantly affect operation,
a release note accompanies the documentation or software. If you receive such a note,
be sure to read it before using the product.
Copyright © 1993 by Miles Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a re-
trieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by
any means, whether electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, or manual,
without prior written permission from Agfa Division, Miles Inc., 200 Ballardvale Street,
Wilmington, Massachusetts 01887.
Disclaimer
This document was prepared by Customer Documentation, Agfa Division, Miles Inc. Il-
lustrations are meant to be representative of, but not duplicates of, actual equipment
and software. Agfa shall not be responsible for any errors or omissions. Please report any
errors to Customer Documentation, Agfa Division, Miles Inc., 200 Ballardvale Street,
Wilmington, Massachusetts 01887.
AGFA MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE CON-
TENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT OR THE SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN THIS DOCUMENT,
ITS QUALITY, OR PERFORMANCE, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Agfa reserves the right to revise this document and to change the contents without any
obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes.
Trademarks
AGFA and the Agfa rhombus are registered trademarks of Agfa-Gevaert N.V. Agfa is a
registered trademark, SelectSet and Avantra are trademarks of Miles Inc. PostScript is
a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated which may be registered in certain
jurisdictions.
Other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders and have been used in an editorial fashion with no intention of
infringement.
Colophon
The following typefaces appear in this document:
Text ................................... Bookman
Headings ........................... Helvetica* Bold
Captions ........................... Helvetica Light Oblique
*Helvetica is a trademark of Linotype AG and/or its subsidiaries.

Table of Contents
Preface
Purpose.........................................................................................xv
Audience.......................................................................................xv
Overview ......................................................................................xvi
How to Use this Guide ...........................................................xvii
Other Manuals ...........................................................................xviii
Chapter 1: Getting Acquainted
Introduction................................................................................1–1
Parts of the Imagesetter...............................................................1–2
Media Compartment ..............................................................1–2
Main Power Switch ................................................................1–2
The Control Panel..................................................................1–4
Specifications and Features.........................................................1–5
Options.......................................................................................1–6
Your Imaging System...................................................................1–8
Raster Image Processors ........................................................1–8
• iii

Safety Information.......................................................................1–9
Laser Information ..................................................................1–9
Laser Safety Instructions .....................................................1–10
General Safety Instructions..................................................1–11
Sound Level.........................................................................1–12
Labeling...............................................................................1–12
Chapter 2: Basic Control Panel Operations
Introduction................................................................................2–1
Start Up and Shut Down Procedures...........................................2–2
Shut Down Procedure............................................................2–3
About the Control Panel ..............................................................2–3
Control Panel Screens .................................................................2–4
Basic Controls.............................................................................2–6
Special Features of Plus and Minus ......................................2–7
Special Features of Accept and Cancel ..................................2–7
Using Functions..........................................................................2–8
Select a Screen ......................................................................2–8
To Set a Parameter ................................................................2–9
Press Some Buttons Twice ...................................................2–11
Buttons Display Current Setting..........................................2–11
iv •

Chapter 3: Using the Control Panel
Introduction................................................................................3–1
The Run Screen...........................................................................3–2
Operating Modes....................................................................3–2
Progress Bar..........................................................................3–2
Current Job Information........................................................3–3
Pause Pending.......................................................................3–3
The Pause Screen........................................................................3–4
Load a Media Supply .............................................................3–5
Feed and Cut.........................................................................3–5
Unload...................................................................................3–6
Display Job History ...............................................................3–7
Run and Pause Status Icons........................................................3–8
Media Status .........................................................................3–8
Engine Status......................................................................3–11
Job Status...........................................................................3–13
Supply Alarm.......................................................................3–14
Take-up Alarm.....................................................................3–15
• v

The Cassette Setup Screen ........................................................3–16
Exposure Settings................................................................3–18
Cassette Parameters ............................................................3–19
Specifying a Cassette Number..............................................3–20
List of Cassette Parameters..................................................3–21
The Feed Amounts Screen .........................................................3–22
Definitions...........................................................................3–23
The Utilities Screen ...................................................................3–24
To Use Utilities Functions....................................................3–25
Definitions...........................................................................3–25
The Configuration Screen ..........................................................3–26
Definitions...........................................................................3–27
Image Mode .........................................................................3–28
Chapter 4: Media Operations
Introduction................................................................................4–1
Loading Media into Supply Cassettes...........................................4–2
Installing Loaded Supply Cassettes..............................................4–6
Removing Supply Cassettes.........................................................4–9
vi •

Take-up Cassettes.....................................................................4–11
Removing Take-up Cassettes ...............................................4–11
Inserting Take-up Cassettes.................................................4–12
Opening and Closing the Media Slot.....................................4–13
Chapter 5: Exposure Tests
Introduction................................................................................5–1
The Test Page..............................................................................5–2
The 4 DPI’s Test Page.............................................................5–4
Running Exposure Tests .............................................................5–5
When to Image a Test Page ....................................................5–5
How to Image an Exposure Test Page.....................................5–6
Reading a Test Page...............................................................5–8
Evaluating Test Pages................................................................5–10
Densitometers .....................................................................5–10
Set the Exposure .................................................................5–10
Chapter 6: Diagnostics and Error Messages
Introduction................................................................................6–1
Error Procedures.........................................................................6–2
Clearing Errors......................................................................6–2
Resetting ...............................................................................6–2
• vii

Error Messages ...........................................................................6–3
Special Error Procedures...........................................................6–15
Unload Media Using the Utility Screen.................................6–15
Overriding Error 44: Cut Not Allowed...................................6–16
Remote Diagnostics...................................................................6–17
Boot Errors ...............................................................................6–18
Bypassing Boot Errors.........................................................6–19
Chapter 7: Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Introduction................................................................................7–1
Clearing Media Jams...................................................................7–2
Remove Nip Drive Assembly...................................................7–2
Clear Media from Drum: Access from the Left ........................7–5
Clear Media from Drum: Access from the Right......................7–7
Clear Media from Input Side ..................................................7–9
viii •

Maintenance .............................................................................7–11
Exterior ...............................................................................7–12
Interior ................................................................................7–12
Supply Cassettes .................................................................7–12
Take-up Cassettes ...............................................................7–12
Supply Rollers .....................................................................7–13
Intake Filters .......................................................................7–14
Punch Trays ........................................................................7–15
Chapter 8: Avantra 20/25 OLP Bridge Operation
Introduction................................................................................8–1
Product Description.....................................................................8–2
Set Up the Processor Option........................................................8–4
Special Points to Remember...................................................8–5
Bridge Operating Sequence..........................................................8–6
To Optimize Output ...............................................................8–7
Clearing the Bridge Media Path ...................................................8–8
Removing the Bridge Access Panels........................................8–8
Bypassing the Bridge.................................................................8–10
• ix

Chapter 9: Avantra 20/25 OLP Processor Operation
Introduction................................................................................9–1
Processor Description..................................................................9–2
Starting the Processor .................................................................9–2
The Processor Control Panel........................................................9–3
Idle State...............................................................................9–4
Run State ..............................................................................9–4
Alarm Signals..............................................................................9–5
Status Signals .......................................................................9–5
Function Keys........................................................................9–5
Automatic Functions...................................................................9–6
Jog Function .........................................................................9–6
Automatic Start and Stop ......................................................9–6
System Clock ..............................................................................9–7
Changing the Time ......................................................................9–8
Auto On/Off................................................................................9–9
Select On/Off Mode, Display On/Off Time .............................9–9
Setting On and Off Time ......................................................9–10
Checking the On/Off Selection.............................................9–11
Checking Preset Values .............................................................9–12
Changing the Developer Time ....................................................9–13
Changing Temperature..............................................................9–14
x •

Changing Replenishment Rates .................................................9–15
Standby Replenishment.............................................................9–16
Other Functions........................................................................9–17
Sound..................................................................................9–17
Pan Light.............................................................................9–17
Dryer Saver .........................................................................9–18
Man. Repl............................................................................9–18
Man. Start ...........................................................................9–18
Density 15%, 50%, 85%.......................................................9–19
Offline Operation.......................................................................9–20
Programming.............................................................................9–21
Selecting Programs ..............................................................9–21
Revising Programs ...............................................................9–21
Processor Maintenance..............................................................9–23
Daily Maintenance...............................................................9–23
Weekly Maintenance............................................................9–24
Monthly Maintenance ..........................................................9–27
Switches and Sensors................................................................9–29
Processor Status and Error Messages........................................9–29
• xi

Appendix A: Image Quality
Introduction................................................................................A–1
Importance of Optimum Exposure.........................................A–1
Definitions ..................................................................................A–2
Density..................................................................................A–2
Dmax ....................................................................................A–2
Exposure...............................................................................A–3
Development .........................................................................A–3
Replenishment ......................................................................A–4
Guidelines for Quality .................................................................A–5
Appendix B: Tips and Tricks
Introduction................................................................................B–1
Using Plate Material....................................................................B–2
Switching Media Supplies ...........................................................B–6
Processor Replenishment ............................................................B–8
Automatic Replenishment......................................................B–8
STDBY Replenishment................................................................B–9
Manual Replenishment..........................................................B–9
Minimum and Maximum Settings........................................B–10
xii •

Appendix C: RIP User Tools
Introduction................................................................................C–1
RIP User Tools Defined................................................................C–2
RIP Tools Match Control Panel Functions..............................C–2
User Tools Charts .......................................................................C–3
Pause....................................................................................C–3
Cassette Setup ......................................................................C–3
Feed Amounts.......................................................................C–4
Configuration........................................................................C–5
Special Tools .........................................................................C–5
SelectSet Avantra Special Tools...................................................C–6
Virtual Cassette Operating Mode ...........................................C–6
Media Optimization ...............................................................C–7
Index
• xiii

Preface

Preface • xv
Purpose
This guide describes how to operate the SelectSet™ Avantra™ family
of internal drum laser imagesetters.
Audience
This guide is written for operators who are familiar with:
• Basic concepts of desktop publishing.
•Operation of the software applications, computers, and other hard-
ware in use with their imagesetter.
• Operation of the RIP that drives the SelectSet Avantra.
This basic knowledge is critical to the effective and successful opera-
tion of this imagesetter.

xvi • SelectSet Avantra User Guide
Overview
Chapter 1: Getting Acquainted
Features, options, parts of the imagesetter, safety information.
Chapter 2: Basic Control Panel Operations
Startup procedure, features of the control panel, basic description of
the control panel screens, how you perform different functions at the
control panel.
Chapter 3: Using the Control Panel
Detailed description of the six control panel screens and how to use
them. Also describes the status icons that appear on the control panel.
Chapter 4: Media Operations
Use of supply cassettes; filling them with media, inserting and remov-
ing them from the imagesetter. How to insert and remove take-up cas-
settes.
Chapter 5: Exposure Tests
How to perform and evaluate exposure tests using the test page files
that are part of the SelectSet Avantra software.
Chapter 6: Diagnostics and Error Messages
Definitions of the different error messages that appear on the control
panel screen and corrective action. Accessing a remote diagnostic
device. Boot errors and how to recover from them.
Chapter 7: Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Basic maintenance procedures for the imagesetter, procedures for
clearing media jams.
Chapter 8: Avantra 20/25 OLP Bridge Operation
Overview of the Avantra 20/25 OLP, setting up the imagesetter to use
the on-line processor, how the bridge works, how to bypass the bridge,
and how to clear media jams in the bridge.

Preface • xvii
Chapter 9: Avantra 20/25 OLP Processor Operation
Describes the operation of the on-line media processor, how to set time,
temperature, replenishment rates and other parameters, using the pro-
cessor off-line, maintenance procedures.
Appendix A: Image Quality
Information about the photographic principles used by the SelectSet
Avantra family of imagesetters.
Appendix B: Tips and Tricks
Applications information to help you use the SelectSet Avantra more
effectively.
Appendix C: RIP User Tools
Information about RIP user tools designed specifically for use with
SelectSet Avantra imagesetters. These tools are provided with your Agfa
RIP.
How to Use this Guide
Read Chapter 1: Getting Acquainted before you begin to use your Select-
Set Avantra imagesetter.
Read Chapter 8: Avantra 20/25 OLP Bridge Operation and Chapter 9:
Avantra 20/25 OLP Processor Operation before you use the on-line pro-
cessor.
The rest of the manual has been prepared to be both a training and ref-
erence guide, to be used as needed.
This guide assumes that you are familiar with the operation of all the
other parts of your imaging system.

xviii • SelectSet Avantra User Guide
Other Manuals
This guide is only one part of the documentation you need as you set
up and operate your imagesetter. To get more information, you need to
refer to other user guides and manuals.
A raster image processor, or RIP, drives your imagesetter. A number of
different RIPs can be used with the SelectSet Avantra. Each comes with
its own documentation. RIP documentation provides information about
RIP user tools, fonts, and PostScript® language as it applies to the
SelectSet Avantra.