Alps Electric MD-1300 User manual

User’s Guide
for Macintosh

For US Customers
Copyright© 1998 by ALPS ELECTRIC (USA), INC.
This guide may not be copied wholly or in part without prior written permission from ALPS ELECTRIC (USA), INC.
Regardless of the contents of this guide,ALPS ELECTRIC (USA), INC. will not bear the responsibility for negative effects incurred
as a result of the operation of this equipment.
The contents of this guide are subject to change without prior notification.
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this guide. However, if you should discover an error or an omission, please bring it to
our attention.
ALPS, Micro Dry, and Micro Dry Logo are trademarks of ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD. of Japan.
Macintosh, Finder, QuickDraw, Balloon Help and System7 are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
AppleTalk and ColorSync are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. QueueMonitor, QueueWatcher and QueueINIT are
registered trademarks of Palomar Software, Inc. Other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders.
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, ALPS has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
ALPS ELECTRIC (USA), INC.
3553 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95134
Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
BBS: [phone]
WWW: http://www.alpsusa.com
Part Number: 105775-00
For European Customers
Copyright© 1998 by ALPS ELECTRIC (IRELAND) LIMITED
This guide may not be copied wholly or in part without prior written permission fromALPS ELECTRIC (IRELAND) LIMITED.
Regardless of the contents of this guide, ALPS ELECTRIC (IRELAND) LIMITED will not bear the responsibility for negative
effects incurred as a result of the operation of this equipment.
The contents of this guide are subject to change without prior notification.
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this guide. However, if you should discover an error or an omission, please bring it to
our attention.
ALPS, Micro Dry, and Micro Dry Logo are trademarks of ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD. of Japan.
Macintosh, Finder, QuickDraw, Balloon Help and System7 are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
AppleTalk and ColorSync are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. QueueMonitor, QueueWatcher and QueueINIT are
registered trademarks of Palomar Software, Inc. Other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders.
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, ALPS has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
ALPS ELECTRIC (IRELAND) LIMITED
Clara Road,
Millstreet Town,
Co. Cork,
Ireland.
Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Printed in Japan.

1
RADIO &TELEVISION INTERFERENCE
UNITED STATES. The equipment described in this guide generates and uses radio frequency
energy. If it is not installed and used in accordance with the instructions in this guide, it may
cause interference with radio and television reception.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
If necessary, you should consult your dealer or experienced radio/television technician for
additional suggestions. You may find helpful the following booklet, prepared by the Federal
Communications Commission: How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems.
This booklet is available from the United States Government Printing Office, Washington,
D.C. 20402. The booklet number is 004-000-00345-4.
Note:Changes or Modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s right to operate this equipment.
Peripherals used in conjunction with this equipment must be connected via shielded interface
cables. Use of unshielded interface cables may result in interference to radio and TV reception,
and may void the user’s right to operate this equipment.
Declaration of Conformity
Model Number: MD-1300
Trade Name: ALPS
Responsible party: ALPS ELECTRIC (USA), INC.
Address: 3553 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95134 USA
Telephone number: [phone]
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.Operation is subject to the follow-
ing two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.
2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
4. Do not use this product near water.
5. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. The product may fall, causing
serious damage to the product.
6. Slots and openings on the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided for ventilation. To
ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, do not block or
cover these openings. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a
bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface. This product should never be placed near or over a
radiator or heat register. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation unless
proper ventilation is provided.
7. This product should be operated from the type of power source indicated on the marking
label of the AC adaptor. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your
dealer or local power company.
8. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where the cord
will be walked on.
9. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total of the ampere
ratings on the products plugged into the extension cord do not exceed the extension cord
ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into the wall outlet
does not exceed 15 amperes.
10. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric
shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
11. Except as explained elsewhere in this guide, don’t attempt to service this product yourself.
Opening and removing those covers that are marked “Do Not Remove” may expose you
to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing on those compartments to
service personnel.
12. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel
under the following conditions:
A. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
B. If liquid has been spilled into the product.
C. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
D. If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed.
Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions since improper
adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive
work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal operation.
E. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
F. If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service.

3
Table of Contents
Introduction.............................................................................. 6
Service, Support and Supplies ................................................ 7
Product Label ...........................................................................8
Chapter 1 Major Functions and Operations .........................................................9
Getting Your Printer Ready...............................................................10
Getting Your Printer Ready.....................................................10
Removing the outside packing materials .........................10
Opening the front cover ...................................................11
Removing the carriage packing material .........................11
Closing the front cover .....................................................12
How to attach the Macintosh interface module................12
How to remove the Macintosh interface module..............12
Locating the printer ......................................................... 12
Connecting Cables ................................................................ 13
Connecting the printer to your computer .........................13
Power cord connections ..................................................14
Name and Function of Each Part of the Printer..............................15
Printer (Front View) ................................................................15
Printer (Rear View) ................................................................ 16
Inside the Printer ....................................................................16
Paper Feed Switch ................................................................ 17
Control Panel..........................................................................17
Installing Ink Cartridges....................................................................18
Identifying Ink Cartridge and Paper Types ............................ 18
Installing Ink Cartridges......................................................... 19
Exchanging Ink Cartridges .....................................................21
Loading Paper....................................................................................22
Paper Types and Available Feeding Modes ...........................22
Notes and precautions about paper................................ 23
Loading Paper in Automatic Feed Mode ................................24
Letter / A4 size of High Grade Paper, plain paper, laser
paper, and transparencies .............................................. 24
4" x 6" / 100 x 148 mm of Photo Realistic Paper and
Photographic-Quality Paper, and Photographic-Quality
Labels ..............................................................................25
Loading Paper in Manual Feed Mode ................................... 27
Installing the Printer Driver ............................................................. 29
Purpose of the Printer Driver ..................................................29
Preparing for Installation ........................................................29
System Requirements ............................................................29
Contents of the Installation Disks .......................................... 29
Installing the Printer Driver .....................................................30
Using Balloon Help ................................................................ 31

4
Selecting the MD-1300 Driver ................................................31
Testing the Printer ..................................................................33
Page Setup Dialog Box....................................................33
Print Dialog Box ...............................................................33
Print Preview....................................................................34
Turning the Power On or Off ............................................................35
Turning on the Power ............................................................ 35
Turning off the Power ............................................................ 35
Printing Operations ...........................................................................36
Printing (Monochrome)...........................................................36
Requirements ..................................................................36
Placing an ink cartridge in your printer ............................36
Loading the paper in your printer .................................... 37
Setting up the printer driver for printing ...........................38
Printing (Color) .......................................................................40
Requirements ..................................................................40
Placing ink cartridges in your printer................................40
Loading the paper in your printer .................................... 40
Setting up the printer driver for printing ...........................41
Printing.............................................................................42
To Print in Colors Similar to Those in a Photograph ....... 43
Chapter 2 Various Printing Operations...............................................................47
Photographic-Quality Color Printing .............................................. 48
Printing on Photographic-Quality Paper (4" x 6" / 100 x 148 mm) 53
Printing on Photographic-Quality Labels.......................................58
Printing Full Color Data at 1200 x 600 dpi.......................................63
Full Color & Photo Realistic Finishing (Glossy Finish) .................67
Printing in Spot Color (Metallic and White Color printing)............69
Single Spot Color Printing............................................................ 70
Multi Spot Color Printing ...............................................................75
Full Color + Spot Color Printing in Multi-page Mode.....................83
Simultaneous Full Color + Spot Color Printing ............................ 91
Printing Greeting Cards ....................................................................97
Printing on Photo Realistic Labels ............................................... 101
Printing on Back Print Film ........................................................... 105
Making Iron-on Transfers................................................................113
Printing on Overhead Transparencies.......................................... 120
Undercoating with a White Ink Cartridge ..................................... 125
Photo Realistic Finishing (Glossy Finish) in Multi-page Mode . 129
Chapter 3 Printer Driver ....................................................................................133
Functions of the Printer Driver...................................................... 134
Using the Chooser................................................................134

5
Page Setup Dialog Box ....................................................... 137
Print Dialog Box....................................................................140
Colors Dialog Box................................................................ 143
Using Background Printing ........................................................... 146
Error Display ................................................................................... 149
Error Display........................................................................ 149
Appendix ...........................................................................................................151
Cleaning the Printer ....................................................................... 152
Cleaning the Main Unit .........................................................152
Cleaning the Print Head ...................................................... 153
Cleaning the Platen ............................................................. 154
Exchanging Cleaning Pads (for Photographic-Quality Color Printing) . 155
ready / insert Button Functions .....................................................156
Indicator Lights Summary ............................................................. 157
Normal Printing Mode.......................................................... 157
Indicator light status ...................................................... 157
Alarm status shown by indicator lights.......................... 157
Troubleshooting ............................................................................. 158
What to Do If the Power Is Shut Off While Printing
(due to power failure, disconnected power cord, etc.)..........158
What to Do When a Cartridge Change Error Occurs .......... 159
Clearing Paper Jams........................................................... 160
Troubleshooting ....................................................................161
Specifications ..................................................................................173
General Specifications .........................................................173
Interface .............................................................................. 174
Connector ..................................................................... 174
Connector Signals .........................................................174
DIP Switches ....................................................................... 174
Printable Area .......................................................................175
Available Supplies ...........................................................................178
MD-1300 Supplies List .........................................................178
Ink cartridges ................................................................ 178
Print media.................................................................... 178
Other ............................................................................. 178
Index ................................................................................................ 179

6
Introduction
Your new Alps MD-1300 Photographic-Quality Color Printer is the first versa-
tile dye-sublimation printer to bring true photographic quality to the desktop.
UsingAlps' patented MicroDryTM Photographic-QualityInksand Photographic-
Quality media you can print detailed, continuous-tone images, similar to pho-
tographs. Take images from a variety of sources — scanners, digital cameras,
the Internet, PhotoCDs, and more. Edit, crop, and resize those images using
the photo software provided, and print them out in rich, vivid, water-resistant
color onto Photographic-Quality Paper and Labels.
TheAlpsMD-1300 Photographic-QualityColor Printer isalsoextremelyversatile
— it's almost like having two printers in one. Using the Alps standard Micro
DryTM inks and Alps special paper, you can print exquisite 1200 x 600 dpi color.
You can even print 600 x 600 dpi color onT-shirt transfers, overhead transpar-
encies, greeting cards, and more with fadeproof, smearproof, and waterproof
inks. You can even use Micro DryTM metallic inks to add sparkling touches to
business cards, letterhead, and invitations.
Your new Alps MD-1300 Photographic-Quality Color Printer is easy to install
and easy to use. The enclosed Quick Start Guide will get experienced users
upand running quickly. This User's Guide will providedetailed informationand
instructions about set-up and operation, to help you take full advantage of this
printer's many features.

7
Service, Support and Supplies
It is our goal to make your Alps MD-1300 ownership a satisfying experience. Our
Alpssupportstaffis availableto assist youin settingup andoperatingyourprinter.
If needed, our convenient repair service is at your disposal.
For US Customers
Please refer to the product support information below, or write us at Alps Electric
(USA), Inc., 3553 North first Street, San Jose, CA, 95134.
Product Support
For information or assistance with the setup, operation, troubleshooting, or re-
pairof yourAlps MD-1300 printer,youmayfirst wishto call the dealer fromwhom
you purchased your printer.If necessary, please feel free to call the Alps Electric
Help Desk at 1-800-449-2577, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 am through
6:00 pm Pacific time.You may also contact our CompuServe forum (GO ALPS),
ourweb site (http://www.alpsusa.com), or our BBS(1-408-432-6424) at anytime.
Supplies
Supplies such as ink cartridges, paper, transparencies, back print film or greet-
ing cards are available through your Alps Dealer. For your added convenience,
these supplies are available through Alps Direct Connect at 1-800-950-2577.
Warranty
Please refer to the Alps Warranty Card included with your MD-1300 printer.
For European Customers
Product Support
For information or assistance, refer to the service and support information below
or write to ALPS ELECTRIC (IRELAND) LTD., Clara Road, Millstreet Town, Co.
Cork, Ireland.
Forfreephone product information and technicalsupport contact ALPSbydialling
the number for your country.
Country Telephone Country Telephone
Austria 06608375 Netherlands 060226732
Belgium 080072632 Norway 80011639
Denmark 80016059 Spain 900982907
Finland 0800113550 Sweden 020794434
France 0800907266 Switzerland 0800559953
Germany 0130825268 United Kingdom 0800973405
Italy 167780052 Portugal 050553050

8
If your country is not listed ALPS can be contacted at
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
www: http://www.alps.ie
Warranty
Please refer to the Alps Warranty Card included with your MD-1300 printer.
Product Label
The label for this product can be found in the position shown below:
Position of Label
This label is applied to products.