Designjet 600 - Most Common Questions Answered by HP

When I trip over something interesting on the way to something else I just can't ignore it, I have to share it with all the other folks who love these old plotters! Here's a FAQ from HP about the Designjet 600 and the difference between the A model and the B Model. Who would have thought there was a difference? Even the Plotter Princess doesn't know EVERYTHING!

Check out this:

Section I

HP DesignJet Printer (C1633B) Improvements Over The HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A)The HP DesignJet printer (C1633A) is virtually identical to the HP DesignJet printer (C1633B). The HP DesignJet printer (C1633B) has the following improvements:

Major

• HP-GL language emulation (7586B)
  
• Media save feature

Minor

• User-selectable drying times
  
• Pen-width front panel selections set to industry standards
  
• Default menu reset added to front panel
  
• Time out selection added to HPGL language selection
  
• "Out of Media" message at the end of a roll
  
• Merge control

HP DesignJet 600 Printer Improvements

• D- and E-size models offered (C2847A and C2848A, respectively)
  
• 600-dpi quality output via enhanced print mode
  
• 300-dpi quality draft output
  
• One pixel lines via software or the front panel
  
• Double the memory; 4 MB standard, up to 20 MB expandable
  
• Expanded print margins (5 mm sides, 10 mm leading and trailing edges
  
• Kanji Level II fonts m ROM SIMM for Japan
  
• Queuing and nesting
  
• Page size selections for scaled drawings
  
• Mitsubishi translucent media support for Japan
  
• Erasable solution for Japan only
  
• Media bypass for poorly cut sheet media
  
• Multilingual demo plot
  
• Supports Portuguese language in addition to English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese
  

No Upgrade Kit For HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) To The HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThere is no upgrade kit for the HP DesignJet printer C1633 A/B. There are many complicated electronics parts changes between the original HP DesignJet printer C1633 A/B and the HP DesignJet 600 printer. The cost for these parts and for the lengthy and complicated installation process would have made HP price such an upgrade kit at $4,000. While this may not be an inhibitor for everyone, it was also determined that installing the kit would be risky due to its complexity.

Section II

Throughput - HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe actual plotting time for virtually any final-quality E-size plot on paper is less than 6 minutes, no matter how complex.

Of course, plotting time is only one component of throughput. Transmission speed and rasterization speed must also be considered. Because HP DesignJet printers rasterize as they plot (also known as "on the fly") transmission time is a function of the type of data accepted. HP-GL/2 files are accepted at 10 KB/second, RTL files are accepted at 60 KB/second. Transmission speed is the main variable in determining total throughput. Plot times (in minutes) for all media and modes are as follows. These reflect actual plotting time only and do not include dry time. Where two times are shown, the first is for media that is rotated so the longer dimension is in the carriage travel direction.
Ink Drying Time -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterIn roll-feed mode, the printer allows time after the plot is finished before activating the automatic cutter to insure that the plot will be completely dry before being released into the output bin. Ink drying time depends on the media used, the print mode, and on the front panel selection for dry times.

HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A), HP DesignJet 600 Printer

In the front panel "Printer Setup" menu on the HP DesignJet 600 printer and the "Plot Mgmt" menu on the HP DesignJet printer (C1633B), the user can choose from three drying time modes: Normal (default), Fast, or None. "Normal" mode has the longest times and is best for humid conditions or for plots with heavy area fill. "Fast" mode is best for dry environments or line drawings. "None" will cut and release the plot immediately; therefore, it is recommended only when the user is standing at the printer waiting to take the plot. Drying times for each mode are:

Recommended Plot Volumes -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterTypical recommended volumes are up to 15 per day for the HP DraftMaster printers and up to 40 plots per day for the HP DesignJet printers.

Note that these are just general guidelines and will depend on the size and complexity of your plots. Also, these numbers apply to normal daily usage; most users have periodic peaks when they need to produce more plots than usual. In this case, the HP DesignJet printers can reliably produce a minimum of eight E-size final plots, or the equivalent, each hour. For those customers who normally do more than 40 plots per day, HP recommends purchasing a second HP DesignJet printer. HP also recommends that the customer purchase a service contract for heavily used machines after the warranty period has expired.


Logic Seeking -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterLogic seeking speeds up throughput by only moving the pens and carriage over the areas where the image will plot. Thus, the carriage and pens do not need to make the entire trip across the media width. This is especially effective for plots without borders.


Vector Parsing and Rasterization Speed -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe vector parsing rate of the formatter in HP DesignJet printers is 3000 vectors/second

The rasterizer in HP DesignJet printers rasterizes about 8,000 vectors/second.

Note that rasterization is faster than the carriage speed and will virtually never cause overall plotting time to increase because rasterization and plotting occur simultaneously.


Choice of 80960 Processor -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterHP chose the Intel 80960 processor because the speed of this processor allowed us to perform a very fast vector-to-raster conversion without the need for special-purpose graphics ICs. Also, the 80960 is a family of processors, which gives us the flexibility to continue using the architecture for future generations of printers if appropriate.

An example of this is our ability to process 600 x 600 dpi information in virtually the same time as 300 dpi information (600 only).


Delay in Starting to Plot -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterUnlike HP pen printers, HP DesignJet printers store all received plot file information before plotting. This is typical of "raster" printers, which take in vectors, or lines, and then convert the vectors to raster data or dots. When receiving vector data, all the data must be received before the plot is begun. Even with this data storage, HP DesignJet printers are significantly faster than pen printers.

Section IIIImage and Print Quality 600 DPI (HP DesignJet 600 Printer Only)In Enhanced mode, the HP DesignJet 600 printer creates 600-dpi print quality. The actual resolution is 600 x 600 addressable dpi. No change of pens is necessary. The HP DesignJet 600 uses a 600-dpi vector-to-raster converter to map dots onto a 600-dpi grid. Every location on this grid is addressable at 600 dpi. Proprietary firmware algorithms calculate the exact location of ink placement to create smooth curves and straight low angle lines. Specific algorithms address the edges of filled areas to produce smooth surfaces. Dots are removed from the 600 dpi image to ensure that the same amount of ink is used for both final and enhanced modes. Because the increase in resolution requires two pen carriage passes, 600-dpi enhanced plots take twice as long to plot.


300-DPI Draft/Final Modes -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterHP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe "final" print mode is true 300-dpi plotting; a 300-dpi pen is used and every location on the 300-dpi grid receives a drop of ink as defined by the drawing. In the "draft" mode (300 X 300 dpi addressable), although a 300-dpi pen is used, the printer selectively removes half of the ink to produce an image with lighter density. The HP DesignJet 600 printer uses a 300 X 300 dpi grid and also uses the same sophisticated algorithms as used in the 600 X 600 enhanced mode. Therefore, lines have far fewer jags, curves are smooth, and areas have crisp edges. Draft mode is the same resolution as final mode, but is up to twice as fast as final mode and from three to five times as fast as enhanced mode, and it uses half the ink. Because it uses half the ink, draft print quality contrast is reduced.


HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B)The HP DesignJet printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) have draft modes (150 x 300 dpi) which used a 150 X 300 dpi grid for placing ink drops.


Single-Pixel Line Width -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe HP DesignJet printer can plot lines as fine as 0.08 mm (1 pixel). This line width can be selected from the front panel by using the printer pen palette and selecting .13 mm line widths. Front panel line widths are expressed in terms of ISO standard line widths; actual line widths vary slightly. When using software, specify any line width smaller than .l0 mm and the printer will plot a single pixel line.


Raster Mapping to 600 DPI (HP DesignJet 600 Printer Only)When 300, 400, or 406 dpi raster files are received, they are mapped onto a 300-dpi grid. Final quality is the highest quality you will get (true 300 dpi).

The HP DesignJet 600 printer cannot process 600-dpi raster data files. That would require a faster processor than HP currently has.

Plotting Colored Objects --HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterHP DesignJet printer plot colored objects with varying shades of gray, when PALETTE = SOFTWARE on the front panel (this is the default setting). Those who want all black lines can either assign all objects to the black pen identified by the application software or set PALETTE = PRINTER on the front panel and configure the pen palettes.

Section IV

Nesting (HP DesignJet 600 Printer Only)The HP DesignJet 600 printer nests (placing plots side by side on the paper) any supported paper sizes.

When queuing and nesting is "on" you can select either "optimal" or "in order." Optimal nesting minimizes paper waste. The printer looks ahead in the queue and groups and plots a "nest" of like-sized small plots (A/A4 - B/A3). In-order nesting, nests like-sized plots in the order they are received. The nesting time-out can be set to control the length of time the printer should wait for like-sized plots before plotting will begin. Plots with raster data cannot be rotated and therefore cannot be nested. Such files will plot individually.

Supported page sizes include all those listed on the front panel(ANSI A-E, ARCH A-E, ISO A0-A4, JIS B0-B4). Make sure that the front-panel page size settings are set to match your choice of media standard (BEST ANSI/ISO/JIS/ or ARCH) to create nested plots which accurately reflect media sizes as defined by your software.

Nesting is only supported for roll media.


Queuing (HP DesignJet 600 Printer Only)The HP DesignJet 600 printer will queue or spool plots like the HP DraftMaster printers, although plots are held in RAM instead of on a hard disk as with the HP DraftMaster MX printer. Queuing is a basic feature of the HP DesignJet 600 printer. HP also supports the following queue operations: move plot to top of queue, replot up to 99 copies, and delete a plot. When set to "on," the queue will hold up to 32 vector or raster plots, depending on the amount of memory and file size. Queued plots are assigned a position in the queue based on order received. Each plot is identified by number of vectors or by a plot name if specified by software. Old plots are retained in the buffer after plotting if memory is available, until printer is reinitialized.


Switching Print Modes -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterHP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B)While plotting, you can toggle between draft and final modes.


HP DesignJet 600 Printer - As above, additionally: you cannot switch to or from enhanced mode during plotting. The printer waits until the current plot is completed before selecting enhanced mode. (The 600-dpi processor is not accessible in real time.) This is indicated by a flashing light (on the front-panel print-mode LCD’s) indicating that the mode will switch at the end of the plot. Be sure to set QUEUING=ON if print mode changes are common in your workplace. You will be able to retrieve the previously plotted file from the negative queue and replot it with the newly selected print mode. (See next paragraph.)


Replot and Multiple Copies (HP DesignJEt 600 Printer Only)The HP DesignJet 600 printer does not have a front panel replot button. Simply go into the QUEUE under the PLOT MANAGEMENT and move the desired file to top of queue (position #0, also known as the current plot). Select COPIES=n, where "n" is the desired # of copies. The next plot out will be the replotted one.

NOTE: The queue only holds four previously plotted files, so you must retrieve a plot before it is flushed from the queue.
Page Size (HP DesignJet 600 Printer Only)Page size selections in the Page Format menu work under one specific condition; if your software package allows you to scale the plot to the paper size selected, it will send the SC, or "scale" command. In this case the front-panel page size selection determines the plot size. This how the internal demo plot works. Front-panel page size selections are ignored in the following cases: Most HP-GL/2 software drivers use a PS instruction to define a page size; this software page size selection will override the front panel setting. HP-GL or HP-GL/2 software with no PS or SC instruction, plot the image in absolute printer units; in this case, the software defines the page size, and front-panel page size settings are also ignored.


Expanded Margins

Expanded margins, available when using roll media only, allow the plot to printed closer to the leading and trailing edges of the media. Expanded front and back margins are 10 mm (as compared to 17 mm when MARGINS=NORMAL). Side margins for all plots are 5 mm. These also apply when plots are rotated. Some applications and businesses require a maximum of 10 mm margins.

No Raster Rotation -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 printerFiles containing only raster or mixed raster and vector data cannot be rotated due to the need to plot raster data as a continuous stream; it is not sorted and re-mapped as vector data is.

Also, because raster data cannot be rotated, the HP DesignJet 600 printer cannot nest plots that have raster data.


Long-Axis Plotting -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 printerThe maximum length on an HP DesignJet printer is 50 feet. Because the HP DesignJet printer does not have a take-up reel, the user will need to guide the media as it comes out. Also, memory limitations need to be taken into account.

Section V

Pause/Continue (HP DesignJet 600 Printer Only)PAUSE = ON selection is used to interrupt the queue so as to change media or pens. Data transmission is NOT interrupted, the current plot is completed, and the printer simply waits to plot the next plot until you have selected PAUSE=OFF. This is not an online/offline function.

Automatic Cutter Operation -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 printerThe cutter can only be disabled through software. (EC1; turns the cutter off and EC; turns the cutter on.) Note that the cutter is not activated until the plot is complete, even for long-axis plots.

Media Bypass (HP DesignJet 600 Printer Only)Media bypass is used in those rare cases when poorly cut single-sheet media fails a correct media load. MEDIA BYPASS = ON allows a single sheet with up to 1.0 cm of edge skew (a squareness problem) to be loaded. You must accept the risk of plotting off the edge of the media and re-adjust your software margins to avoid this possibility. Media bypass also increases the risk of paper jams. HP recommends HP media for those who cannot purchase quality media in their region.

Print Cartridge QuestionsPen Longevity, Number of Plots -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterWith the high-volume print cartridges (HP part number 51626A), this ranges from approximately 180 plots for relatively simple E-size drawings down to about 70 plots for complex drawings.

NOTE: D-size or draft mode will give twice the longevity.
Print Cartridge Compatibility -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe high-capacity print cartridges (HP part number 51626A) is compatible with HP DesignJet printers. The high-capacity pens have twice the ink of the current cartridges.

Longevity, Shelf Life -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterHP cannot guarantee the print quality if the expiration date on the print cartridge box has passed, but there is no risk in trying the cartridges. HP is constantly working to improve the longevity and print quality yielded by the print cartridges, so the best advice is to use cartridges with dates that have not expired.

Pen Maintenance -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterLeave the cartridges in the printer until they run out of ink. The pens are automatically capped when not in use, assuming you allow the pens to return to the "service station" on the left-hand side before turning the power off.

Time to Change Print Cartridges -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterAlthough the HP DesignJet printer does not have an out-of-ink detection system, if PEN CHECK= ON ((default setting in the Plot Mgmt. menu on the HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and Printer Setup menu on the HP DesignJet 600 printer)), the print cartridge service station automatically checks before each plot to verify that all the nozzles are firing properly, and a "Service Pens" message appears on the front panel display if any of the nozzles fail. Before this message appears, there may be several bad plots created that should be discarded due to insufficient ink. Both cartridges need to be changed at the same time, since they use ink at a similar rate.

PRINT CARTRIDGE (PEN) ALIGNMENT PROCESS -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 printer - When the print cartridges are manufactured, the inkjet "nozzle plates" are placed on the body of the cartridge with a level of precision that is appropriate for one-cartridge printer lines. However, in order to achieve the highest print quality in the HP DesignJet printer with any two cartridges, the bodies must be adjusted so that the nozzle plates are in perfect alignment with each other. This process takes approximately 4 minutes and is only done after print cartridges are removed or replaced. The HP DesignJet printer does this by: having each print cartridge print a test pattern that is readable by the carriage sensor, adjusting one cartridge’s position mechanically with a cam while holding the other cartridge fixed, and electrically controlling dot placement.

Section VI

Media Print Modes -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterTo get the optimum print quality on paper, select "paper" media on the front panel to get great draft, final, or enhanced print quality. Even more excellent quality paper images can be gotten by using paper media, but instead selecting "translucent" or "vellum" media on the front panel. This "two-pass" mode will produce excellent print quality (though at a slower speed than paper mode).

Roll Media -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterSizesThe core should have an inner diameter of 2 inches and an outer diameter of 2.125 inches. The maximum diameter of the roll is 3.8 inches. Roll widths can be 24 inches or 36 inches (also 11.6 inches in Japan).

Intermediate Roll Widths - Complete testing has been done on rolls that are 24 inches or 36 inches wide. While there is no inherent reason why other sizes between 24 inches and 36 inches will not work, testing has not been performed and no guarantee can be made.

Media Compatibility -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe HP DesignJet printer offers very good print quality on most commonly available bond paper (including some recyclables). Alkaline bond media may exhibit area fill problems. On some translucents and a few vellums, print quality may not be acceptable. For plotting on polyester film, customers must use HP inkjet film designed specifically for use with the HP DesignJet printer.

PEN PRINTER MEDIA COMPATIBILITY -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 printerHP pen printer media can be used with the HP DesignJet printer, with the exception of polyester film (see previous answer).

NO LIST OF APPROVED MEDIA -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 printerHP does not publish a list of vendors whose media work well with the HP DesignJet printer. There are two reasons for this policy. First, the wide variety of media used in CAD applications (bond, vellum, translucent, etc.) would make comprehensive testing very difficult. Second, media formulations change frequently, so the list would be outdated quickly.

Questions on FilmNeed for Special Film -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 printerThe special film sold for the HP DesignJet printer has a top coating that allows the ink to penetrate. On standard film, the ink will bead up on the surface and may take a lot longer to dry.

Film Size -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe film is only sold in rolls that are 36 inches or 24 inches wide and 125 feet long. Cut sheet packages are also available.

Film Plot Permanence -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterFilm can be stacked without the plots (and images) smearing or sticking to each other as long as the normal dry time is selected from the front panel. The purpose of the dry time is to dry the ink completely.

Film Archivability -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe archiving spec for the HP DesignJet polyester film is for 1 year (or more) in office light, or 20 years in dark storage. In addition, it can be used for 100 or more diazo reproductions.


MEDIA ERASIBILITY -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 printerHP has tested bond, vellum and film, and the ink cannot be erased from these media.

No Media Waste (HP DesignJet 600 Printer Only)There is no media waste between plots because the printer is always in paper saving mode. There are only two situations when media waste occurs: when a roll is loaded, the printer trims off approximately 5 inches (12.7cm); and when print cartridges are changed, about 16 inches (40 cm) are used for pen alignment.

Media Recycling -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterAll media used with the HP DesignJet printer can be recycled, although some recyclers may request that you separate the vellum, since it is a cotton-based product, while the bond and translucent are wood pulp based. And remember that the film would need to be returned to a plastics recycler.

Section VII

Memory and File Capacity QuestionsMemory Expansion Sources -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe SIMMs supplied for the HP DesignJet printer are tested to work with the equipment and are purchased from specific vendors meeting HP’s high standards. Our experience is that non-HP memory usually works fine with the HP DesignJet printer. However, HP does not support other vendor’s SIMMs if they fail to work. HP’s SIMMs are 72 pin, 36 bit, 80 nanosecond.

Memory Expansion, HP Part Numbers -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterHP DesignJet 600 PrinterHP part numbers C2065A (4 MB) and C2066A (8 MB)

HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B)HP part numbers C2064A (2 MB) and C2065A (4 MB)

Memory Expansion, RAM Capacity -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterHP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe total RAM capacity is 20 MB. This includes the 4 MB on an internal circuit installed at the factory. There are two available SIMM expansion slots, each of which can accept either an 8 MB or 4 MB board. Thus the total RAM can be 4, 8, 12, 16, or 20 MB. The amount of RAM can always be verified by plotting the CONFIG plot.

HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B)The total RAM capacity is 10 MB. This includes the 2 MB on an internal circuit installed at the factory. There are two available SIMM expansion slots, each of which can accept either a 2 MB or 4 MB board (NOTE: 8 MB SIMMs will only register as 4 MB!) . Thus the total RAM can be 4, 8, 12, 16, or 20 MB. The amount of RAM can always be verified by plotting the CONFIG plot.

Additional RAM Installation -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterIf only one RAM SIMM module is installed, it must be installed in the bottom slot. If two memory modules are installed, it is recommended that the first of the two boards be installed in the top slot. The second board can then immediately be installed in the lower slot. (Product design requires that if two boards are installed, the top one go in first.)

Memory, Maximum File Size -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterHP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe HP DesignJet 600 printer’s standard 4 MB RAM will hold multiple plot files, up to approximately 3.5 MB, depending on file content. The size of the file is determined after processing. When HP-GL/2 files are sent to the printer, this compacted language is expanded into raster data which may consume larger amounts of memory than the original file sent from software. Memory usage may be especially high when an HP-GL/2 plot contains large, filled polygons; for example, an original file of 700 KB can actually exceed the 4 MB standard memory. Users with these types of plots should invest in expanded memory, especially if they want unattended nested plots.

HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B)The standard 2 MB RAM of the HP DesignJet printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) will hold one plot file, up to approximately 1.6 MB, depending on file content. The size of the file is determined after processing. Using the optional memory modules to expand RAM will not enable the printer to accept more than one plot. It will, however, increase the size of the file the printer can accept.

Memory, Number of Vectors -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterHP DesignJet 600 PrinterApproximately 900 K vectors, after file processing.

HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B)Approximately 500 K vectors, after file processing.

Out of Memory Message -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe front panel will display the message "Out of memory/Data was lost" when you try to download a file that is too big to fit into memory. This indicates that additional memory must be installed to plot this drawing.

Memory, Raster Files -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe HP DesignJet printer will download as much raster data as will fit in the memory before beginning to plot. There is no need for a complete raster file to be downloaded to memory before plotting because raster data is plotted without a vector-to-raster conversion. The advantage to adding memory for raster files is to free up the computer more quickly.

Section VIII

Connectivity: Interface I/O’sModular I/O’s (MIO)Current HP JetDirect Print ServersP/N
Description
J2550A
Ethernet/802.3 (10Base-T/RJ-45)
J2552A
Ethernet/802.3 (10Base-T/RJ-45 and 10Base2/BNC)
J2555A
Token Ring/802.5 (DB9 and RJ-45)

NOTE: 1) These cards are multi-protocol capable. 2) UNIX (R) Software not included.
No Ethertalk and Localtalk Support -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThese are the only two HP JetDirect cards which the HP DesignJet printer does not support. Although these cards may physically fit in the HP DesignJet printer’s slot, they require commands found only in PCL5 and PostScript (TM), neither of which is supported by the HP DesignJet printer.

HP-IB MIO Card Configuration (HP DesignJEt 600 Printer Only)NOTE: This card has been discontinued, but may still be available (October 1994)). The front panel setting in the HP DesignJet 600 printer overrides the DIP switches on the HP-IB card (HP part number C1642A).
Connectivity: Other QuestionsCable Length -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 Printer

The maximum cable length for the parallel or serial interfaces is 6.9 ft. (2.1 m) for Centronics parallel and 50.0 ft. (15.2 m) for RS-232-C serial. If a non-HP Centronics cable is being used, data may be lost during transmission. If so, try using an HP cable to correct this failure.

Front Panel I/O Configuration, Centronics Parallel -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe HP DesignJet printer does not list interfaces like Centronics that do not require configuration. Since the HP DesignJet printer automatically scans all I/Os for data input, the user does not need to "select" the parallel port. To switch from one I/O to another, turn the printer off and on or reset the printer through the Utilities menu.

Switch Boxes for Peripheral Sharing -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterMost manual switch boxes do not have surge protection in them. HP recommends either sharing the peripherals using an electronic switch box with the appropriate surge protection, or buy another Centronics I/O board for your PC so that each peripheral has a dedicated port.

Multiplexing -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe printer does not have built-in multiplexing capability. There is, however, a third-party MIO card that permits up to seven concurrent users: six serial and one parallel. The card is called JetCard/DJ and is sold by Excellink, Inc. at (408) 295-9000 (U.S.). There is also the ShareSpool card by ESI (208) 322-7575 (U.S.)

I/O Speeds -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterRS-232-C (Serial)The default baud rate for the RS-232 interface on the HP DesignJet 600 printer is 9,600 (bits per second). This is roughly equivalent to 1,000 bytes per second. The highest baud rate available on the HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) is 38,400, or about 4,000 bytes per second.

Centronics (Parallel)The Centronics parallel port transmits at 10,000 bytes per second or more. This is faster than the rate at which the HP DesignJet printer can accept data.

No Eavesdrop Mode HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe HP DesignJet printer does not support an eavesdrop mode off a terminal line from a mini-computer or mainframe. This fairly rare configuration is not supported. As a result, the printer would require its own port off the mini- or mainframe.

Connectivity: Languages & DriversHP PRODUCT LINE HP-GL/2 COMPATIBILITY -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 printer

HP-GL/2 "hyper-drivers" (generic drivers written for any HP-GL/2-compatible machine) will provide excellent results on the HP DesignJet printer. HP encourages ISV’s to write generic drivers.

ISPP Support -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe HP-GL/2 Graphics Library (ISPP) support has been discontinued.

HP-GL Compatibility -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PRINTERHP DesignJet Printer (C1633A)Does not support HP-GL language.

HP DesignJet Printer (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThese HP DesignJet printers work with drivers written for the 7586B version of HP-GL which is the most popular version.

Section VIII

Installation not Included -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterInstallation is included only in Japan where our competitors bundle installation with the purchase price. In the rest of the world, users prefer to save money and install their own product. The ease of setup of the HP DesignJet printer is similar to that of a pen printer and does not require an engineer.

Transporting the Product -- HP DesignJet Printer (C1633A) and (C1633B) and HP DesignJet 600 PrinterThe HP DesignJet printer has been built to withstand aggressive stress tests. However, if the product is to be transported after assembly for any distance (more than one city block or over rough cement terrain), certain precautions need to be observed. The media bin, legs, casters, and topcase are susceptible to damage. Types of damage include the following:

• Media bin sticks out and can be bent or break weld points if hit hard.
  
  
• Casters can be broken if the product is dropped any distance on cement or if it is pushed across very rough streets for any distance.
  
  
• Legs and plastic casing may potentially be scratched or marred.
  
  
• Carriage may be dislodged and damaged.
  
  
• Bail star rollers can get bent if carriage not stabilized.
  
  
• Feet can break loose from the leg welds.
  
  

To reduce the likelihood of damage to the printer, HP recommends using certain pieces of the original packaging materials to stabilize and protect the product. This is especially important when using a van or truck for longer distance transportation. Pens and media should not be loaded in the product during transit. The spindle should be loaded and legs and media bin assembled correctly. The original cardboard packing inside the machine should be kept in place. The product legs, casters, media bin and topcase are especially susceptible to damage during transit. Legs should be wrapped with a bubble-wrap type of packaging material.

Repacking Instructions (HP DesignJet 600 printer Only)Order HP part number C2847-90013, HP DesignJet 600 Printer Repacking Instructions.


Kanji ROM SIMM (HP Designjet 600 Printer Only)There are two unused SIMM slots in the area where memory is inserted. The two SIMM slots were designed to accommodate customized memory modules. The only memory module which HP currently offers is the Kanji ROM SIMM which is shipped with each unit to Japan. The Kanji ROM SIMM contains two Kanji Level II fonts, a "stick" font, and an "arc" font. It does not matter which of the two slots you install a single ROM SIMM in, although the installation instructions recommend the top slot. (Kanji ROM SIMM, HP part number C2847-60031)