HP DesignJet 755cm Plotter

HP DesignJet 755CM Printer
Users Guide

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Manual part number

C3198-90091
First edition, September 1996
Printed in Europe
Adobe is a trademark of
Adobe Systems Incorporated
which may be registered in
certain jurisdictions.
Customer re-order number

C3198-60051
Adobe PageMaker Adobe

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PageMaker are trademarks
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Incorporated which may be
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HP-GL/2 are trademarks of
Hewlett-Packard Company.
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of Corel Corporation.
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Apple Computer Inc.
Microsoft and MS-DOS
are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.
Microsoft Windows is a
registered trademark of
Microsoft Corporation.
PANTONE and PANTONE
MATCHING SYSTEM are
licensed trademarks of
Pantone, Inc.
PANTONE* Colors
generated by the
HP DesignJet 650C plotter are
four-color process simulations
and may not match
PANTONE-identified solid
color standards. Use current
PANTONE Color Reference
Manuals for accurate color.
PANTONE Color simulations
are only obtainable on this
product when driven by
qualified Pantone-licensed
software packages. Contact
Pantone, Inc. for a current list
of qualified licensees.
*Pantone, Inc.s
check-standard trademark for
color. Pantone, Inc., 1988
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trademark of Adobe Systems
Incorporated
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and other countries, licensed
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Notice
The information contained in
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C319890091 English
Users Guide
HP DesignJet 755CM Printer

C3198B
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Finding Information
This Users Guide Contains:
A comprehensive explanation of all the printers features.
The Quick Reference Guide Contains:

Some information that you are most likely to need on a day-to-day basis. For
example, the front-panel menu structure and media-type selections. It is stored
in the pocket at the back of the printer.
Where in this manual

to find the most commonly needed information
To find how to ...
go to ...
Install the printer
chapter 1
Connect the printer
page 1-24
Choose media
page 3-2
Load media
page 3-9
Replace the cartridges
page 3-25
See the printers current configuration
pages 7-2 and 7-3
Clear a media jam
page 9-8
Solve print quality problems
page 9-16
Interpret a front-panel message
page 10-2
Order accessories
page 11-13
To find any other information ...
go to the index at the back

of this manual.
On page D-1 at the back of this manual, you will find a Documentation Map,
listing useful documents to help with:
Setting Up and Using the Printer
Using Application Software
Getting Support
Programmers Reference.
ii
CONTENTS
Contents
Finding information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
1 Setting Up The Printer
Fast Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Set Up Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Task 1: Check that You Have All the Items Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Task 2: Switch On and Change the Language from English (Optional) . . . . . . . 1-6
Task 3: Load Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Task 4: Load the Print Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Task 5: Print a Demonstration File (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Task 6: Connect the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Task 7: Configure the Interface (Serial Interface Users Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
Task 8: Set Up Your Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
Task 9: Print a Test File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-36
Extra Tips for UNIX Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-37
2 Learning How To Use the Front-Panel Display (Tutorial)

The Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
The Display Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Printing the Menus Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Description of the Menus Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Entering the Menu System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Navigating the Menu System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Menu Graphics Used in This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Other Types of Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
iii
Contents
3 Working With Media and Cartridges

Choosing Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Five Important Points about Media Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Supported Media Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Physical Characteristics of Media types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Cost and Color Support of Media Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Combinations of Media Type and Print Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Typical Media-Type Choices by Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Caring for Your Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Loading Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
To Change a Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
To Load a Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Compensating for Badly Cut Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
To Adjust Skew Tolerance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Unloading Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Drying Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
To Adjust Drying Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
To Unload a Sheet after Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
To Remove an Unused Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Replacing Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
When to Replace Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Before Replacing Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
To Replace One or More Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
iv
4 Controlling the Page Format

Page Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Do You Need to Adjust the Page Size in the Front Panel? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
To Adjust the Page Size in the Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Page Size and Clipped Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Page Size and Nesting (Roll Media Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Adjusting the Margins (Roll Media Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Margins and Automatic Cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Rotating a Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Rotating a Drawing from the Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
To Rotate a Drawing from the Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Exactly What is Rotated? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
How Does Rotate Interact with Your Software? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
For PostScript files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
For Non PostScript files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411
Printing a Mirror Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Changing the Scale of a Printed Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Scale and Page Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
5 Controlling a Prints Overall Appearance

Ways to Control the Prints Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Why Change the Appearance of the Print Using the Front Panel Rather Than
from the Software? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Changing Pen Widths and Colors Using the Printers Internal Palettes . . . . . . . 5-4
To See the Current Palette Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
To See the Colors Available For a Palette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
To Change the Palette Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
To Change the Selection of the Current Palette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Changing the Treatment of Overlapping Lines (Merge Feature) . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Changing the Overall Lightness/Darkness of a Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Printing Color Drawings in Monochrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
To Switch Between Color and Monochrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Choosing an Appropriate Print Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
To Change the Print Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
CONTENTS
Contents
Contents
6 Managing Your Prints

Managing Pages Being Printed or Drying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
To Cancel a Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
To Cut a Page Before Drying is Complete (Roll Media Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
To Pause while Printing a Series of Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Managing Pages Not Yet Printed (The Queue) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
To Start Printing a File That is Waiting For a Timeout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
What is The Queue? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
To Identify a Page In The Queue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
To See the Size of a Page In The Queue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
To Prioritize a Page in The Queue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
To Delete a Page From The Queue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
To Make Copies of a Page in The Queue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Avoiding Media Waste by Nesting Pages (Roll Media Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
What is Nesting? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
When Does the Printer Try to Nest Pages? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Which Pages Qualify for Nesting? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Which Pages May be Rotated? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
To Turn Nesting On or Off and Choose the Nesting Method . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
What Happens to Nesting if You Turn Queueing Off? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
How Long Does the Printer Wait for Another File? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Getting the Best From Nesting (Nesting and Margins) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Nesting and the Rotate Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
vi
7 Reconfiguring Your Printer

To See the Current Overall Configuration of the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To See the Current Configuration of the Front-Panel Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Change the Front-Panel Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recalibrating the Printer for Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Recalibrate the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A Quick Guide to Whether Recalibration is Necessary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Recalibrate the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Restore the Factorys Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the Graphics Language Setting for a Different Application . . . . . . . .
To Change the Graphics Language Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphics Language and Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the Interface Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Change the Serial Interface Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Change the I/O Timeout Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7-2
7-3
7-4
7-5
7-5
7-5
7-6
7-6
7-7
7-7
7-8
7-9
7-9
7-9
8 Maintaining the Printer

Replacing the Print Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Normal Printer Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Print the Service Configuration Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8-2
8-2
8-3
8-4
vii
CONTENTS
Contents
Contents
9 Troubleshooting
Using the Documentation to Help Solve Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Locating the Source of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Solving Media-Handling Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
If the Front Panel Keeps Indicating that Media is
Misaligned or Mispositioned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
If Media Crumples When You Load it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
If Prints Do Not Feed Out Properly From the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
If The Automatic Cutter Does Not Cut Immediately
When a Print Has Finished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
If the Automatic Cutter Does Not Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
If Prints Fall on the Floor After Being Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
If a Sheet Is Ejected When You Switch On the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
If Prints Do Not Stack Properly in the Bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Solving Print Cartridge Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
If the Access Cartridges Key Does Not Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
If the Printer Runs the Cartridge-Alignment Routine Unexpectedly . . . . . . . 9-7
If Brand New Cartridges Have Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Clearing a Media Jam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Solving Communication Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
If There is a Problem Communicating between Your Computer
and the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Solving Problems with Image Position or Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
If the Print Is Completely Blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
If the Output Contains Only a Partial Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
If the Image Is Clipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
If a Long-Axis Print Is Clipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
If the Entire Image Is in One Quadrant of the Correct Printing Area . . . . . 9-13
If the Image Is Unexpectedly Rotated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
If the Print Is a Mirror Image of Your Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
If the Print Is Inaccurate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
If the Print Is Distorted or Unintelligible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
If One Image Overlays Another on the Same Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
If Pen Settings Seem To Have No Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
If the Printer Produces a Black and White Print When You
Expected a Color Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
If a Gray Box Appears Where an Image Should Be . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
If the Printer Has Printed a Different Print Than the One You
Were Expecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
If the Quality Of A Color Print Is Not as Sharp as You Were Expecting . . . 9-15
viii
Solving Print-Quality Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If the Color Is Not as Expected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If there Are White Streaks in Solid Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If There are Other Gaps in Solid Areas Or in Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If There are Jagged Vertical or Horizontal Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If There are Slightly Warped Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If There are Color Shadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If One or More Cartridges are not Printing at All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If There are Blurred Lines (Ink Bleeds from Lines) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If There are Blotchy Areas (Uneven Fill Density) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If the Print Is Too Dark Or the Color Too Saturated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If There Is Pronounced Banding in Area Fills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If Ink Smears After You Remove a Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Solving Front-Panel Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If the Access Cartridges Key Does Not Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If the Cancel key Does Not Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If None Of the Front-Panel Keys Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If Page Format/Rotate Does Not Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If a Display Message Will Not Clear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If a System Error Message Is Displayed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If an Out Of Memory/Data Was Lost Message Is Displayed . . . . . . . . . .
File Size and Memory Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Solving Miscellaneous Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If the Printer Does not Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If the Printer Seems Too Slow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If the Printer Waits Too Long to Print a Nest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If the Printer Performs the Cartridge-Alignment Routine Unexpectedly . . .
If the Bail (Black Metal Bar) Does Not Lower All the Way . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to Do Before You Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If a Repair is Needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9-16
9-16
9-16
9-17
9-18
9-18
9-18
9-18
9-19
9-19
9-19
9-20
9-20
9-21
9-21
9-21
9-21
9-21
9-21
9-22
9-22
9-22
9-23
9-23
9-23
9-24
9-24
9-24
9-25
9-25
9-25
ix
CONTENTS
Contents
Contents
10 Front-Panel Messages
11 Reference
Printer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
Interface Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-7
Interface Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Regulatory Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-10
To Obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-10
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-10
Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-10
Telecommunications Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-11
Ordering Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13
HP-GL/2 and HP RTL Programming Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-16
How to Order Supplies and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-16
12 Glossary
Index
Documentation Map
Please Give Us Your Feedback (Removable)
Welcome
WELCOME
Welcome
A Five-Minute Guide To Your Printers Main Features
The HP DesignJet 755CM printer is an E/A0 size large-format inkjet printer which
can print in color or monochrome.
Colors
Your printer uses a set of four disposable print cartridges containing yellow, cyan,
magenta and black inks. All other supported colors are generated from these four,
up to a total of over 16 million different colors for all your needs. Two sets of four
cartridges are supplied with the printer. From time to time, you will need to
replace them.
Also supplied with the printer is an HP Color Management Kit, which includes
software and documentation to help you print the colors you expect on your
HP DesignJet 755CM printer. The software in this kit includes various color
profiles: PANTONE process color simulation tables, Adobe PhotoShop
profiles, and Adobe PageMaker profiles.
Print Quality
Print resolution can be in true 300 dots per inch or addressable 600 dots per inch
depending on the print quality you have selected. You can choose between three
levels of print quality Best, Normal, or Fast either from your software or from
the printers front panel.
xi
Welcome
Media
You can print on rolls or sheets up to E/A0 size.
A large variety of media types are supported:
High-gloss photo paper*
Semi-gloss photo paper*
High-gloss film*
Matte and clear film
Coated paper
Heavy coated paper (one roll is supplied with the printer)
Opaque bond
Translucent bond
Natural tracing paper
Vellum.
*One roll of one of these glossy media types is supplied with the printer. In
addition, a small sample of several of the above is supplied.
User Interface
xxxxxxx
yyyyy
The printers front panel includes an easy-to-use interface with a two-line display,
giving you access to a comprehensive set of printer functions and to a number of
useful internal prints.
Page format
Size
This manual includes a short tutorial to teach you how to navigate around the
menus. Wherever a front-panel feature is explained in this manual, a simple
graphic shows you how to access that feature in the front-panel menus.
xii
Welcome
To make sure that your printer prints exactly what you were expecting in terms of
size, position, orientation, color and quality the key is to use the correct driver for
the combination of your application software and your printer, and to be confident
that it is configured correctly.
Three types of drivers are supplied with your printer:
HP DesignJet PostScript drivers for Macintosh (QuickDraw and
QuickDraw GX) and Microsoft Windows applications,
HP driver for users of Microsoft Windows applications,
HP drivers for AutoCAD users.
These drivers come with printed and on line documentation to help you install and
configure them correctly. If you are printing using one of these drivers, then refer
to the drivers documentation, as well as this manual, for advice on the use of this
printer.
Generally, software applications include their own drivers too. With this printer
we have provided free of charge a set of Software Application Notes for the most
popular applications. If you find your own application in these notes, we
recommend that you use the information they contain as an overall guide to
configuring the software for your printer.
PS
Applies only to
PostScript files
PS
Does not apply

to PostScript
files
The printer behaves differently when it receives a PostScript1 file than when it
receives a file in another language (HP-GL, HP-GL2, or RTL). For example, the
printers ability to scale images applies only to PostScript files, while its ability to
queue files does not apply to PostScript files. Therefore you will see the two
symbols on the left used now and then in this manual.
IMPORTANT. The printer does not support PostScript files created in Chinese,
Korean and Taiwanese software applications.
If you dont know whether your application sends PostScript files to a printer,
consult your software documentation.
Here, and throughout this manual, references to PostScript files mean files sent to the printer using
the HP DesignJet PostScript driver supplied with the printer and installed by you on your Macintosh
or PC.
xiii
WELCOME
Software Applications and Drivers
Welcome
Front View
Window
Print Cartridges
(Inside)
Front Panel Display

Front Panel
Media Lever
Media-Entry Slot
ON/OFF Switch
Roll Cover
Media Bin
1835
xiv
WELCOME
Welcome
Rear View
Parallel-Interface
Serial-Interface
Slot For Optional Network Interface
Socket For
Power Cord
Pocket For
Quick Reference Guide
And Media Knife
Slots For Upgrades

(Behind Cover Plate)
1844
xv
Welcome
Connections
Your printer comes with an HP JetDirect network interface card, for LAN
connections, as well as serial and parallel interfaces for a direct connection to your
computer.
Memory
Your printer comes with a memory of 75 Megabytes (3 Megabytes of internal
memory and 72 Megabytes of usable memory). No expansion is possible. For
further details of the memory specification, see page 9-22.
xvi
SETUP
Fast Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Set Up Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Task 1: Check that You Have All the Items Required . . . . . . 1-4
Task 2: Switch On and
Change the Language from English (Optional) . . . . . 1-6
Task 3: Load Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Task 4: Load the Print Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Task 5: Print a Demonstration File (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Task 6: Connect the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Task 7: Configure the Interface (Serial Interface Users Only)1-26
Task 8: Set Up Your Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
Task 9: Print a Test File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-36
Extra Tips For UNIX Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-37
Setting Up the Printer

Installation, Connection,
and Configuration
1-1
Fast Track
Fast Track
If You Meet All the Following Requirements:
You want English as the language of the front-panel display and of the printers
sample prints.
You are experienced at installing printers.
You are going to use roll media and print in color.
You know whether to connect the printer directly to your computer or to a
network and whether to use the serial or parallel interface, and you already have
the right cable.
(Serial interface users) Your computers RS-232-C settings are 9600 baud, no
parity, 8 data bits and 1 stop bit.
... Just Follow the Six Steps on this Page, and Skip the Rest of this Chapter.
1 Connect the power cord and switch on.

2 Load the roll of media supplied, following the instructions on the label inside
the printers roll cover. Watch the front-panel display for further
instructions.
3 Press Access Cartridges, open the printers window, remove the tape from
the four cartridges and load them into the carriage on the left side of the
printer.
4 Close the window and let the printer run its automatic cartridge-alignment
procedure.
5 Switch off the printer and your computer, connect the interface cable, and
then switch them on again.
6 Choose your driver disk(s) and color profile disk(s), read the instructions on
the label, and follow any printed instructions accompanying the disks. For
many Macintosh, Microsoft Windows or AutoCAD applications, the driver is
shipped with the printer. For other applications, see page 1-35 for advice,
and, if necessary, contact your software vendor.
Thats All!
1-2

Set Up Checklist
Set Up Checklist
You should already have unpacked and assembled the printer, following the
Assembly Instructions in the box. Now you can set up the printer, using the
checklist below as you complete each task explained in this chapter.
Done? ( )
SETUP
Task
1 Check that you have all the items required.

2 Switch on and change the language from English (optional).
3 Load media.
4 Load the print cartridges.
5 Print the demonstration print (Optional).
6 Connect the printer to your computer.
7 Configure the interface (Serial interface users only).
8 Set up your software.
9 Print a test file.
1-3

Task 1: Check that You Have All the Items Required
Task 1: Check that You Have All the Items Required
Supplied
1 You need the following items, which were supplied with the printer.
Power cord
The power cord supplied with your printer should meet the plug requirements for
your area. However, different power cords (international options) are available. If
necessary, contact your dealer or HP Sales and Support Office.
A roll of HP glossy paper
A roll of HP Heavyweight Coated Paper
Eight print cartridges:
Two yellow
Two cyan
Two magenta
Two black
Software
The following software packs were supplied with the printer. Whether you need
them depends on which application(s) you intend to use.
HP DesignJet PostScript Drivers for Macintosh

HP DesignJet PostScript Driver for Microsoft Windows
HP Plotter Drivers for AutoCAD
HP Driver for Microsoft Windows
HP Color Management Kit
1-4
Setting up the printer

Task 1: Check that you have all the items required
2 Inspect the printer itself and the above accessories. If you received any item in a
damaged condition, notify the dealer or HP Sales and Support Office where you
purchased the printer, and file a claim with the carrier.
Not supplied
3 You will also need the following items, which were not supplied with the printer.
Interface cable
SETUP
For details of suitable cables, see page 11-8.
1-5

Task 2: Switch On and (Optional) Change the Language from English
Task 2: Switch On and Change the Language From

English (Optional)
The printers front-panel menus and all the printers sample files are available in
the following languages1: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese,
and Spanish. By default, the language is English.
Be sure that the power cord supplied with your printer matches your ac
power connection requirements. Use only three-wire (earth-grounded) power
cords with this printer.
WARNING
1 Make sure that the power switch on the front of the printer is OFF.
2
Plug the power cord into the socket at

the back of the printer, and then into
your power outlet.
1848
If English OK
or if you have
already
changed the
language
Switch on the printer by pushing the power switch. Then go to Step 5.
ON
If there is no sound, nor any light on the front panel, you have a power problem.
1843
1 The physical front-panel overlay is also available in Chinese and Korean.
1-6

Task 2: Switch On and (Optional) Change the Language from English
If English not OK 4
or if you want
to change the
language
Hold down the Enter key on the front panel and then switch on the printer by
pushing the power switch.
Enter
SETUP
1 Press and hold
2 Switch ON
Release the Enter key when STATUS / Initializing appears on the front-panel
screen. If there is no sound, nor any light on the front panel, you have a power
problem.
1843a
When the word English appears on the front-panel screen, press the or
key until your language appears. Then press Enter.
LANGUAGE
English
Enter
0014
1-7

Task 3: Load Media
Task 3: Load Media

For advice on the availability and use of different media types, see the section
starting on page 3-2.
IMPORTANT Because the next task is to load the cartridges and carry out the
automatic cartridge alignment procedure, you must load opaque media at this stage
for example, coated paper as this is needed for the alignment procedure.
Either of the rolls supplied with the printer is suitable.
To load roll media, start with step 1 below.
To load sheet media, go to page 1-15.
To Load a Roll
1 Make sure the printer wheels are locked (the brake levers pressed down) to prevent
the printer from moving.
2
Open the roll cover and remove the empty spindle by pulling firmly on each
end. The two ends are different: end A has a media stop and end B a smaller
endcap, as shown on the next page.
Roll cover
Place the spindle vertically on the floor, with the media stop at the bottom,
ready for the new roll.
1865
1-8

Task 3: Load Media
Remove the new roll from its wrapping. Remove the endcap from the top
of the spindle, and slide the new roll onto the spindle. The leading edge of
the media must wind clockwise.
SETUP
Endcap removed.
If the media stop falls off, push it back

in until it snaps into position.
A
0015
Push the endcap back in, making sure that the tabs are flush against the ends of
the roll. Push it far enough to be firm, but do not use excessive force as this
may break the tabs.
0016
1-9

Task 3: Load Media
Insert the spindle so that the large media stop (A) is to the right and the
small endcap (B) to the left. Push in firmly on both ends. Be sure the
media remains flush against the media stop.
A
Media path
0017
The relationship of the media to the roller must be as shown in the

diagram above.
1837
6 Check the leading edge as it unwinds from the spool. If it is uneven, trim it as
explained in step 7. Otherwise go to step 8.
1-10

Task 3: Load Media
The media cutting knife used in the next step is sharp. Be sure the printers
wheels are locked. Keep fingers clear of the cutting path. Keep media cutting
knife away from children.
WARNING
Trim the leading edge of the media roll:

a Pull the media over the top of the machine and lay it over the cutting track.
SETUP
b Use the media cutting knife in the pocket located at the back of the printer
to cut off the first few inches of the media.
c Retract the blade and return the media cutting knife to its pocket.
1838
1-11

Task 3: Load Media
a Pull the media towards you and, holding it from the sides, align its right
edge with the perforated line on the entry platen.
b Insert the leading edge into the printer, until the page buckles slightly.
c Let go of the media when the printer begins to pull it in.
1839
Press the key next to the front-panel display to indicate you are loading a roll.
Sheet load >
Roll load
>
0014
1-12
Setting up the printer

Task 3: Load media
Press the or key until the display shows the type of media you are loading
(for example, if you are using the roll of HP Heavyweight Coated Paper
supplied with the printer, scroll to Heavy coated paper) and then press the
Enter key.
SELECT MEDIA
Heavy coated paper
SETUP
10
Enter
0014
11
a When the front panel instructs you, lift the media lever.
b Take hold of the edges of the media now extending from the exit slot and
pull the media toward you until taut. Then align the left and right edges of
the media so that they are flush with the edges of the roll.
c When the front panel instructs you, lower the media lever.
0018
1-13

Task 3: Load Media
12
a When the printer instructs you to close the roll cover, rewind the media stop
in the direction shown by the large arrow below, to take up any slack in the
roll. Make sure that the leading edge of the media is outside the roll cover,
and then close the cover.
b Press the key to continue. The printer trims off the first few inches of
media.
c The roll media is now loaded and ready for printing.
1-14
1840

Task 3: Load Media
To Load Sheet
You can load a sheet in either portrait or landscape orientation. (Your choice of
orientation is significant when sending a file from your software, but for the
moment it doesnt matter.)
Printing will be on the underside. So, if loading Coated paper, load with
the coated side down. For advice on other media types, see page 3-17.
1 Make sure the media lever is down and the roll cover is closed.
2
a Holding the media from the sides, align the right edge with the perforated
line on the entry platen.
b Insert the media until it buckles slightly, that is, push all the way to the
media stops. Let go of the media when the printer begins to pull it in.
1841
1-15
SETUP
or

Task 3: Load Media
Press the key next to the front-panel display to indicate you are loading a
sheet.
Sheet load >
Roll load
>
0014
Press the or key until the display shows the type of media you are loading
(if you are using heavyweight coated paper, scroll to Heavy coated paper), and
then press the Enter key.
SELECT MEDIA
Heavy coated paper
Enter
0014
5 The printer moves the sheet in and out to check its size and alignment, and then
advances it to the start of the page. When sheet loading is complete,
STATUS / Ready is displayed.
If you have persistent difficulty loading media, this may indicate poorly cut media
see page 3-20 for advice.
1-16

Task 4: Load the Print Cartridges

Eight cartridges are supplied with your printer: two each of yellow, cyan, magenta
and black. The printer will operate successfully in monochrome with just the black
cartridge loaded (except on glossy media), but these instructions assume that you
are loading all four cartridges.
Do not touch the stainless steel strip that runs the length of the printer behind
the cartridge carriage; its edge is very sharp. Keep hair, jewelry, clothing,
and foreign objects away from the printer mechanisms.
WARNING
a Press the Access Cartridges key and wait for the cartridge carriage to
come to a complete stop next to the front panel.
b When the carriage stops, open the window.
1849
1-17
SETUP
IMPORTANT Your printer is designed to operate only with the four cartridge
types whose part numbers are listed on page 11-15, and samples of which are
supplied with the printer.
Cartridge types

2 Notice that each stall in the empty carriage has a dot indicating the color: you must
put the correct cartridge in the correct stall.
For users with color-vision deficiencies: You can identify the colors of the
cartridges by the part numbers on the boxes see page 11-15. The sequence of the
stalls is, from left to right, yellow, cyan, magenta and black.
CAUTION
It is essential to load the cartridges with the printer switched ON, otherwise you
will get poor print quality, and the reliability of your cartridges will be
impaired.
It is essential to load the cartridges in the correct stalls, otherwise not only will
your colors be wrong, but also print quality may be impacted.
WARNING
Keep new and used print cartridges out of the reach of children.
1-18

1754
For each cartridge:

a Take the cartridge out of its box.
SETUP
b Remove the colored protective tape and tab from the cartridges nozzles.
c Match the color of the cartridges label with the color of the dot above the
stall.
d Insert the cartridge in the correct stall. Press down lightly and push the
cartridge away from you until it snaps into place.
Yellow
Cyan
Magenta
Black
If the front-panel display says Reseat cartridge, then remove the cartridge
indicated in the display and insert it again. Do so until the message
disappears.
0019
1-19

4 When all four cartridges are successfully installed, the printer automatically runs
the cartridge-alignment procedure. When the front-panel displays STATUS /
Ready, the procedure is complete. You can throw away the small print produced
during the cartridge alignment procedure.
To make your cartridges last as long as possible, you should not remove them once
they are installed, except to replace them.
CAUTION
Now that the cartridges are loaded, never turn the printer upside down, or ink
will spill.
1-20

Task 5: (Optional) Print a Demo
Task 5: Print a Demonstration File (Optional)

Before you connect your printer to a computer, it is a good idea to print one of the
internal sample files. This ensures that the printer itself is operating properly.
SETUP
1 If media is not already loaded, load a roll or a sheet, as explained earlier in task 3.
For advice on the availability and use of different media types, see the section
1-21

On the front-panel display, go to Demos, as shown below.

STATUS
Ready
Press Enter
SHORT MENUS
Queueing & Nesting
Press
SHORT MENUS
Demos
Press Enter
DEMOS
Palette
Palette prints the Palette

Demo, which is explained on
page 5-5.
Press Enter to choose this or to get to the next option

DEMOS
PostScript
PostScript prints a PostScript

demo stored in the printers
firmware.

DEMOS
Samples prints a CAD demo

stored in the printers firmware.
Samples
DEMOS
Menu
Menu prints a menu tree of

the entire front-panel menu
structure.
Press Enter
If when you choose PostScript or Samples, a further menu is displayed with a

choice of demos, select the one you require, by pressing or , and then press
Enter.
1-22

3 The Receiving light flashes while the file is being processed, and then the printer
starts printing. After it has finished:
On roll media, the printer waits for the ink to dry, if necessary, and drops the
page into the media bin.
On sheet media, wait until the ink is dry, if necessary (see the front-panel
display for an ink-drying message), and then gently pull the sheet from the
printer. On HP Coated Paper, you dont need to wait at all.
4 Examine the print, with the following questions particularly in mind:
SETUP
Are the lines clean and complete?
Are the area fills smooth?

Is the color of good quality?
Unless you changed it, the print-quality setting on the front panel was Best. If you
have any concerns about the print quality of the sample files, use the
troubleshooting advice starting on page 9-16.
1-23

Task 6: Connect the Printer to Your Computer

For UNIX systems, see also the tips starting on page 1-37.
If You are Connecting the Printer Directly To a Network

Your can connect your printer directly to a Local Area Network using its HP
JetDirect Print Server. Depending on your needs, you may want to use the
network interface instead of, or in addition to, the parallel and serial interfaces.
HP JetDirect Print Server
1845c
For information concerning your HP JetDirect Print Server, see the

HP JetDirect Print Server Software Installation Guide, supplied with this printer.
1-24

If You are Connecting the Printer Directly to Your Computer

1 Decide whether to use the parallel or serial interface.
If your computer and your application software support it, use the parallel
interface, as it is faster. You can connect both the parallel and the serial interface
simultaneously if you wish: the printer uses the interface that first receives data.
2 Choose an interface cable.
To achieve the best performance from your printer, we recommend you only use
genuine Hewlett-Packard interface cables, whose reliability and performance have
been thoroughly tested to give trouble-free performance.
3 Switch OFF the printer and then the computer.
4
Connect one end of the cable to the appropriate port on the back of the printer.
Port for parallel-interface

cable (printer end of cable:
36-pin male)
Port for serial-interface cable

(printer end of cable:
25-pin male)
1844
5 Connect the other end of the cable to your computer. For help on choosing the
correct port on the computer, refer to your computer documentation.
6 Switch ON the computer and then the printer.
1-25

SETUP
A list of recommended HP cables for various computers starts on page 11-8.

Task 7: (Serial Interface Users Only) Configure the Interface
Task 7: Configure the Interface (Serial Interface Users

Only)
The following table shows the settings available for the printers serial interface
parameters, the factory defaults and the most likely requirements for different
computers.
Serial (RS-232-C) Settings
Likely requirement for ...
Parameter
Available
settings
Baud rate
1200
Macintosh
PC
Unix
(2 )
9600
9600
(2 )
None
None
2400
4800
9600
19200
38400
Parity1
None (0)
Even
Odd
Italics = factory default

1
Parity of None = 8 data bits, 1 stop bit

Parity of Even or Odd = 7 data bits, 1 stop bit
Consult your software documentation.
The settings on the printer must match those of the computer and software sending
the data. Use their documentation to find the requirements. If in doubt, try with
the above suggestions. If the printers defaults already match the requirements,
then you can skip the rest of this task.
1-26

To Change the Printers Serial Interface Settings
The instructions that follow explain how to specify and apply Configuration A.
Configuration B can be specified in the same way. To restore the factory default
configuration see page 7-6.
SETUP
Through the front-panel display, you can create and save two sets of configurations
for the serial interface, called Configurations A and B. By default they are set to
the factory defaults shown in the table on page 1-26. The factory default
configuration is always available as well, giving you up to three stored
configurations to choose from.
1-27

On the front-panel display, change the Menu mode from Short to Full.
STATUS
Ready
Press Enter
SHORT MENUS
Queueing & Nesting
Press
SHORT MENUS
Demos
Press
UTILITIES
Menu mode=Short
Press Enter
MENU MODE
Short*
Press
MENU MODE
Full
Press Enter
UTILITIES
Menu mode=Full
Press Previous
FULL MENUS
Utilities
1-28
If FULL MENUS is displayed instead

of SHORT MENUS, you can skip this
step and go to step 2.

Get to the routine for defining a new serial configuration.

FULL MENUS
Utilities
Press
FULL MENUS
SETUP
I/O setup
Press Enter
I/O SETUP
Modular
Press
I/O SETUP
RS232C
Press Enter
RS232C
Config=Factory
Press
RS232C SETUP
Define config
Press Enter
DEFINE CONFIG
Config A
Press Enter
CONFIG A
Baudrate=9600
1-29

Configure the serial interface to match your software configuration.

CONFIG A
Baudrate=9600
This example changes the configuration

to 19200 Baud and Even parity.
Press Enter
BAUDRATE
9600*
Press
BAUDRATE
19200
Press Enter
CONFIG A
Baudrate=19200
Press
CONFIG A
parity=None(0)
Press Enter
PARITY
none(0)*
Press
PARITY
Even
Press Enter
CONFIG A
Parity=Even
Press Previous until you return to ...
1-30
RS232C
Config=Factory

Switch to the new configuration.

RS232C
Config=Factory
Press Enter
CONFIG
SETUP
Factory*
Press
CONFIG
Config A
Press Enter
RS232C
Config=A
STATUS
Press Previous until you return to ...
Ready
1-31

Task 8: Set Up Your Software

This section gives a simple overview of the software-configuration tasks you need
to perform and is designed for those users unfamiliar with this type of task. It also
points to documents containing detailed, application-specific advice.
More experienced users may prefer to go straight to those documents.
For UNIX systems, see also the tips starting on page 1-37.
Basic Terminology
Application software
Application software means the software from which you intend to send files to
your printer for example, a graphics package, a desktop publishing system, a
CAD system, etc.
Drivers
Your application software needs to know to which type of printer it is sending

information. This knowledge, and other configuration information, is held in a
driver. The driver is a piece of software that handles communications between
your application software and your printer.
To make sure that your printer prints exactly what you expect in terms of size,
position, orientation, color and quality use the correct driver for the combination
of your application software and your printer.
1-32

Typical Checklist of Tasks to Set Up Your Software

1 Identify which driver you need.
Some are supplied with this printer, as listed in the table on page 1-34. Others are
supplied with your application software.
This list may be accessed, for example, through Printer type (in Macintosh
applications), Printer setup (in Microsoft Windows applications) or CONFIG / Add
a Printer (in AutoCAD). In most cases, you dont need to add the printer for each
individual software application, but, for example, just once for all Microsoft
Windows applications.
4 Install any extra color management software on your computer.
For example, you may want to install the software in the Color Management Kit
supplied with this printer, in order to be able to print simulations of PANTONE
colors. How to do this is explained in the documentation included in the kit.
5 Configure the driver and any color management software.
This usually involves a series of dialog boxes where you can specify such items as
default media type, print quality etc.
IMPORTANT
In most cases these settings will override any settings you make on the front panel
of the printer.
1-33
3 Add this printer to the device list in the software (Done as part of the installation
routine with the PostScript driver.)
SETUP
2 If necessary, install the driver on your computer.

Software and Accessories Supplied with This Printer

Use the information in the table below to decide if you need to install and set up
any of the software supplied with this printer.
Item
For use on
Installation and Setup
HP JetDirect
Print Server
Macintosh
Hardware pre-installed in your printer.
Unix
PC
Set up the software, as instructed in the

HP JetDirect documentation.
Macintosh
Firmware pre-installed in your printer.
PC
Install the software on your computer.
HP DesignJet
PostScript Drivers1

documentation supplied.
HP Driver for Microsoft
Windows 95 and 3.1
PC

driver documentation.
Applications1
HP Drivers for
AutoCAD1
PC
Color Management
Kit
Macintosh
Install the profiles on your computer.
PC

Color Management Kit documentation.

driver documentation.
These items are updated from time to time. For details of which software
versions are supported, see the documentation included with them.
Note for users of Microsoft Windows applications

In most cases, you can use either of the following two drivers:
If your files include embedded EPS (encapsulated PostScript) images, use the
PostScript driver. To use one, you do not need to install the other as well, but you
can install both if you wish.
1-34

Other Applications
If you are going to use applications other than AutoCAD, Microsoft Windows or
Macintosh applications, first check any Software Application Notes supplied with this
printer, to see if the application is covered there. If not, here is some general advice.
The device list in your software may not be up to date with the latest printers
available. If the HP DesignJet 755CM is not quoted by name in your applications
device list, select an alternative printer as follows:
Comments
Preference Device
SETUP
This table does not apply to PostScript files.
1 HP DesignJet 750C
PS
2 HP DesignJet 350C or
HP DesignJet 330
3 HP DesignJet 250C or
HP DesignJet 230
4 HP DesignJet 220
5 HP DesignJet 650C
With a preference for

C2858B/C2859B rather
than C2958A/C2859A
6 HP DesignJet 200
7 HP DesignJet 600 or
HP DesignJet
8 HP-GL/2 Device
or a similar option including

a reference to HP-GL/2
9 HP 7600
10 HP 7595B DraftMaster SX or
HP 7596B DraftMaster RX or
HP 7599A DraftMaster MX or
HP 7595C DraftMaster SX Plus or
HP 7596C DraftMaster RX Plus or
HP 7599B DraftMaster MX Plus
11 HP 7586B
12 HP 7580 or
HP 7585
If you choose these

devices you may not be
able to use your plotters
lotter s
parallel connection
depending on the
application software.
The devices in the gray boxes support only HP-GL. The others all support
HP-GL/2 and HP-GL.
1-35

Task 9: Print a Test File
Task 9: Print a Test File

The sample files explained in task 5 simply verify the operation of the printer
itself. Having connected the printer to your computer and configured the drivers or
other software for your requirements, you should now be in a position to send a
test using one of your own files.
Among the points you should be looking out for are:
Did the Receiving light on the front panel come on?
Do you see any error message on the front-panel display?
Does the image appear in the size, orientation and position on the sheet that you
expected?
Is any of the image clipped?
Are the lines of the correct width?
Are the colors an exact representation of what you expected?
If you find any problem at all, start by consulting chapter 9 of this manual,
Troubleshooting. There you will find advice on many different types of
problems, from obtaining no output at all, to tracking down the reason for a
specific print-quality issue. In case you do not solve your problem with the
information supplied there, chapter 9 also contains advice on where else to turn for
help.
1-36

Extra Tips for UNIX Users
Which Interface?
You can connect the printer to your workstation in one of two ways:
Via the UNIX print-spooling system, using any of the interfaces: network,
parallel or serial
Directly using the serial interface
Recommendations
The print-spooling system is recommended, so that printing takes place in the

background while you continue using your application. A network interface is also
recommended, as it will give you not only more flexibility in locating the printer,
but also the possibility of network integration and centralized printer
configurations using BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol) and TFTP (Trivial File Transfer
Protocol).
If you choose the parallel interface, you may need a parallel-interface card for
your workstation. Contact your workstation supplier for details.
1-37
The Adobe PostScript drivers supplied with this printer are for Macintosh and
Microsoft Windows applications only, and not for UNIX applications. Most UNIX
applications that output PostScript files include their own embedded PostScript
driver. If you have any queries about whether your application supports this
printer, or have any output problems that may be linked to a UNIX PostScript
driver, first check your software documentation and, if necessary, contact your
software vendor for advice.
SETUP
PostScript Applications

Print Spooler Configuration Examples

Example 1: Configuring the SunOS 4.1.3 print spooler for Sun SPARCstations
(parallel interface)
In order to perform the following steps you must be superuser.

1 Create a directory for print spooling. All application users need read and write
permission for this directory. For example, from the command line of a shell, type:
mkdir /usr/spool/cad
chmod 777 /usr/spool/cad
2 Edit the /etc/printcap file to set up the printer configuration. You must assign a
name to each printer managed by the print spooler. Refer to the example below if
you need help completing this step.
Add the following lines to your /etc/printcap file. The example assumes:
your printer is named djet,
the device name of your parallel port is /dev/bpp0, and
your spool directory is called /usr/spool/cad.
# Entry for an HP printer on a parallel port
djet:\
:mx#0:sf:sh:\
:lp=/dev/bpp0:\
:sd=/usr/spool/cad:\
:lf=/usr/adm/lpderrs:
1-38

(serial interface)
In order to perform the following steps you must be superuser.

permissions for this directory. For example, from the command line of a shell,
type:
3 Add the following lines to your /etc/printcap file. The example assumes:
your printer is named djet, and
your printer is connected to the device named /dev/ttya

, and

the spooling directory you created in step 1 is called /usr/spool/cad.
# Entry for an HP printer on a serial port
djet:\
:lp=/dev/ttya:sd=/usr/spool/cad:br#9600:\
:lf=/usr/adm/lpderrs:\
:sf:sh:mx#0:xc#0177777:xs#040040:fc#050:\
:ms=evenp:
4 Make sure the printers baud rate is 9600 and parity is even.
(network interface with HP JetDirect)
See the Configuration Guide shipped with the HP JetDirect Network Interface.
1-39
2 Edit the /etc/printcap file to set up the printer configuration. You must assign a
name to each printer managed by the print spooler. Refer to the example below if
you need help completing this step.
SETUP

Example 4: Configuring the Solaris 2.x print spooler for Sun SPARCstations
In order to perform the following steps you must be a superuser or belong to the
special sysadmin (GID=14) group. If you are using the NIS+ name service, you
may need NIS+ permissions to modify the printer table. Refer to your Sun
documentation for details.
permission for this directory, so you must be a superuser to perform this step. For
example, from the command line of a shell, type:
2 Start the Administration Tool utility (from OpenWindowst).

% /bin/admintool
3 Load the Printer Manager window, and, from the Add Printer edit menu, select Add
Local Printer.
4 In the Add Local Printer dialog box:
Item
Select ...
Printer Name:
For example, HP DesignJet 755CM
Printer Type:
Other, and set it to Unknown.
File Contents:
Any.
Banner:
Not required.
For full details on how to use the Printer Manager option of admintool, consult your
Sun documentation.
5 Exit admintool.
6 For serial connections:
a Make sure the printers baud rate is 9600 and parity is even.
b From the command line of a shell, as superuser, enter the following:
lpadmin p pname o stty=9600 evenp cstopb ixon ixoff
where pname is the same as Printer Name in step 4. It is assumed that /usr/sbin
is in the superusers path.
1-40
FRONT-PANEL
TUTORIAL
The Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

The Display Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Printing the Menus Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Description of the Menus Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Entering the Menu System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Navigating The Menu System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Menu Graphics Used in This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Other Types of Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Example 1: Changing Margins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Example 2: Changing the Drying Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Learning How To Use the Front Panel

Display
Tutorial
2-1
Learning How To Use the Front-Panel Display

The Front Panel
The Front Panel

The front panel of the HP DesignJet 755CM printer is shown below:
Display section
Status lights
Printing mode keys
Action keys
The purpose of this tutorial is to explain the use of the display section. The other
sections and their use are described later in this manual.
The display section is used primarily for setting the printers configuration, so,
before the tutorial, print the current configuration You can return to this
afterwards.
1 Make sure that media is loaded. See page 3-9 for loading information.
2 Print the Current Configuration print, by pressing the and keys
simultaneously.
Previous
STATUS
Press these two
simultaneously
Ready
Enter
Keep the print for later reference.
2-2

The Front Panel
The Display Section

The display section of the front panel consists of the display itself and the four
display keys to its right (Previous, , and Enter).
Previous
STATUS
Display keys
Ready
FRONT-PANEL
TUTORIAL
Enter
The display can show two lines of text and is used for displaying:
Menus, for example:

Menu title
UTILITIES
Menu mode=short
Menu option
In this case, you can use the display keys to navigate the menu system
and select menu options.
Messages, for example:
Load error
Remove media
These messages may concern machine status, actions required or

errors.
In this case, you can use the display keys to respond to messages.
See chapter 10, Front panel messages for more information.
2-3

Printing the Menus Print
Printing the Menus Print

You can see the complete menu structure available on the printer by printing the
Front-Panel Menus print. To help understand the menu structure and its navigation,
print it now:
1 Check that media is loaded. See page 3-9 for loading information.
2 Select the Menu option from the DEMOS menu, as described in chapter 1, task 5
The Front-Panel Menus print will be printed.
Description of the Menus Print

Look at the Front-Panel Menus print . It shows the full menu structure. Here is a
sample section of it (concerned with pen settings):
There are six columns:
1 contains the highest level

menu options.
6 contains the lowest level
menu options.
A
Row associated with
first level menu A
(Pen settings).
Area expanded for use in
the navigation example
on page 2-7.
2-4

Entering the Menu System
Entering the Menu System

With a STATUS screen displayed, for instance:
STATUS
Ready
press the Enter key.
or the FULL MENUS screen:
Only menus shaded yellow in

Front Panel Menus print
accessible (Shaded
gray if printing in black only).
FULL MENUS
Queueing & Nesting
SHORT MENUS
Queueing & Nesting
FRONT-PANEL
TUTORIAL
Either the SHORT MENUS screen:
All menus accessible.
is displayed, with the Queueing & Nesting option shown.1

Change to full menu mode, if necessary. See page 1-28.
You are now in the 1st level menu, shown in the 1st column of the
Front-Panel Menus print.
1 You may not be able to access the menu system immediately, if the current task overrides
it. If this happens, wait until the task is completed and try again.
2-5

Navigating the Menu System

Once in the 1st-level menu, you navigate the system using the display keys.
Press Previous to display the previous menu level, without

changing any menu selections (equivalent to moving left []1
one column in the Front-Panel Menus print).
Press to scroll up, or to scroll down

through the options in a menu (equivalent
to moving up [] or down [] a column in
the Front-Panel Menus print).
The option list is continuous, allowing you
to move from the bottom to the top by
pressing or from the top to the bottom
by pressing .
Press Enter to:
a select an option and move to the next menu level, when in
the menu system (equivalent to moving one column to the
right [] in the Front-Panel Menus print).
b add to the configuration, your displayed choice from the options
available in the lowest level menu [].
1 The colored arrows
, shown in square brackets above, are used to represent
pressing the relevant keys once, in the following navigation example.
2-6

Use this example to practice navigating the menu system. It assumes that
you have entered the menu system from the STATUS screen and wish to
change the Merge setting in Pen settings. The colored arrows on the
excerpt of the Front-Panel Menus print below correspond to the
numbered instructions.
1 Press the key five times to display the Pen settings option.
2 Press the Enter key to select the option and move to the Pen settings
second-level menu. The Palette option is displayed.
3 Press the key once to display the Merge option.
FRONT-PANEL
TUTORIAL
4 Press the Enter key to select the option and move to the Merge
third-level menu. The option currently selected is displayed with a *.
5 Change the displayed option by pressing the or the key.
6 Press the Enter key to set Merge equal to the new displayed value. You
will be returned to the Merge second-level menu.
7 To exit the menu system, press the Previous key twice.

If you now reenter the menu system and repeat steps 1 to 4, you will see
the option that you selected displayed with a *.
1
Pen settings
Palette=
Merge=
Define palette
Software*
Palette A
Palette B
Factory
Off*
On
Palette A
Palette B
Factory
Note: A character in a menu option box indicates that another level of

menu is available.
2-7

Menu Graphics Used in This Manual

At the end of this chapter, there are some examples of navigating the menu system,
showing all the menu displays available. In the rest of this manual, when you need
to use the menu system, a simple menu graphic will appear in the left margin
giving a concise explanation of how to navigate to the exact place.
The graphics look similar to this, but further levels may be shown:
First column selection
Represents pressing Enter
Menu mode required, and other useful

information for item
2-8
Second column selection
Full menu mode

Default: 0
Affects next file sent
Stays after power off

Other Types of Screen
Other Types of Screen

Other screens, such as those displayed for selecting media type during
media loading:
SELECT MEDIA
Coated paper
FRONT-PANEL
TUTORIAL
or for changing the language:

LANGUAGE
English
are in fact further examples of selection menus which are not part of the
main menu system. These behave in the same way as other menus, in that
you can scroll through the options using the and keys and select a
displayed option using the Enter key.
2-9

Examples
Examples
Example 1: Changing Margins
Page format
Margins
Full menu mode

Default: Normal
Affects next file
In the section of this manual that describes how to adjust the page margins, the
icon on the left is shown, indicating that you should go to the MARGINS menu as
follows.
With the STATUS screen displayed:

STATUS
Ready
1 Enter the menu system by pressing the Enter key.

Either the SHORT MENUS screen or the FULL MENUS screen is
displayed with the Queueing & Nesting option. If necessary, see page
1-28 and change to full menu mode.
FULL MENUS
Queueing & Nesting
2 Press the key once, or the key 6 times, to display the required option.
FULL MENUS
Page format
3 Press the Enter key.

PAGE FORMAT
Size=ISO
Continued...
2-10

Examples
4 Press the key twice, or the key twice, to display the required option.
PAGE FORMAT
Margins=Normal
5 Press the Enter key to display the MARGINS menu.

MARGINS
Normal
FRONT-PANEL
TUTORIAL
6 Use the and keys to display the available options and, when the one
required is displayed, press the Enter key to select it as the value for
Margins.
Example 2: Changing the Drying Time

Device setup
Drying time
The section on adjusting the drying time, to suit different environmental

conditions, contains the icon shown on the left, indicating that you should go to the
DRYING TIME menu. This example assumes that the display is in full menu mode
following example 1, but can be used in short menu mode.
All menu modes

Default: Normal
With the STATUS screen displayed:

STATUS
Ready
1 Enter the menu system by pressing the Enter key.

The FULL MENUS screen is displayed with the Queueing & Nesting
option.
FULL MENUS
Queueing & Nesting
Continued...
2-11

Examples
2 Press the key 3 times, or the key 4 times, to display the required option.
FULL MENUS
Device setup
3 Press the Enter key. (If the display is in short menu mode, you will
notice that the screen shown after instruction 4 below is displayed at
this point, so go to instruction 5.)
DEVICE SETUP
Lang=PostScript
4 Press the key once, or the key 4 times, to display the required option.
DEVICE SETUP
Drying time=Normal
5 Press the Enter key to display the DRYING TIME menu.

DRYING TIME
Normal*
6 Use the and keys to display the available options and, when the one
required is displayed, press the Enter key to select it as the value for
Drying time.
2-12
MEDIA AND
CARTRIDGES
Choosing Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Caring For Your Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Loading Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Unloading Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Replacing Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Working With Media and Cartridges
3-1
Working with Media and Cartridges

Choosing Media
Choosing Media
Your printer supports many types of paper and other media types. Choosing the
best media type for your requirements is the first (and most important) step in
ensuring good print quality. It is recommended you only use genuine
Hewlett-Packard media, whose reliability and performance have been developed
and thoroughly tested to give trouble-free performance and optimal print quality.
For details of Hewlett-Packard media, see page 3-3 and the HP DesignJet Papers
and Films catalog supplied with the printer.
Five Important Points about Media Types

When selecting different opaque paper types, be aware that you will use
significantly less ink printing on coated types than on normal opaque bond.
Most media types are supported , However the quality of some prints may not be as
good if you do not use HP media. For media details, see the table on page 3-5.
Whenever you load a roll or a sheet, the printers front-panel display prompts
you to specify which media type you are loading. It is absolutely essential for
good print quality to specify this correctly. The table on page 3-3 gives you all
the information you need. If media is already loaded and you are unsure which
media type was specified, go to Utilities / Statistics in the front panel, as
explained on page 7-2.
You should also be aware of which print quality setting (best, normal or fast)
you are using. You can set this either from your software or from the printers
front panel (the software driver setting will override any print quality setting
made on the front panel). The combination of media type and print quality
settings automatically tells the printer how to place the ink on the media for
example, in terms of ink density and number of passes of the cartridges. For
more details, see the tables on page(s) 3-6 and 3-7. There are print quality
improvements which can be made using sharp lines on the front panel menu or
in the Windows driver, this is described on page 5-15.
Included with this printer is a HP DesignJet Papers and Films catalog which
gives ordering details for Hewlett-Packard media supplies. To get the latest
version of this document, contact your local HP Sales and Support office.
3-2

Choosing Media
Supported Media Types

Media Type on the
Front-Panel Display
Also Known As
Commercial Name of HP Media1
Coated paper
Special paper
HP Coated Paper for the

HP DesignJet 750C Plus and 755CM
Special inkjet paper

Color inkjet paper
Matte paper
Note: HP Special Inkjet Paper is not

supported on the HP DesignJet
755CM printer.
Presentation
Heavy coated paper
Heavyweight coated paper

Heavyweight special paper
Heavyweight inkjet paper
Heavyweight color inkjet paper
HP Coated Heavyweight Paper for the

HP DesignJet 750C Plus and 755CM
Note: HP Heavyweight Special
Inkjet Paper is not supported on the
HP DesignJet 755CM printer.
Heavyweight matte paper

Matte film
Matte polyester
HP Matte Film
Poly matte film

Mylar
Translucent film
HP Clear Film
MEDIA AND
CARTRIDGES
Clear film
Clear polyester
High-gloss photo
High-gloss photo paper
HP High-Gloss Photo Paper
High-gloss paper
Semi-gloss photo paper
HP Semi-Gloss Photo Paper
Semi-gloss photo
Semi-gloss paper
High-gloss film
High-gloss white film
HP High-Gloss White Film
Opaque bond
Printer paper
HP Opaque Bond
Translucent bond
HP Translucent Bond
HP Natural Tracing Paper
Tracing paper
YHP Tracing Paper
Extra translucent bond

Vellum
HP Vellum
From time to time, new media types may become available. For up-to-date information, please contact
your HP dealer or local HP Sales and Support Office.
3-3

Choosing Media
Physical Characteristics of Media types

Physical Characteristics
Media Type on the
Front-panel Display
Opacity
Matte or
Glossy
Special coated
side for printing?
Coated paper
Opaque
Matte
Yes1
Heavy coated paper
Opaque
Matte
Yes
Matte film
Semi-opaque Matte
Yes
Clear film
Clear
Yes
High-gloss photo
Opaque
Glossy
Yes
Semi-gloss photo
Opaque
Glossy
Yes
High-gloss film
Opaque
Glossy
Yes
Opaque bond
Opaque
Matte
No
Translucent bond
Semi-opaque Matte
No
Semi-opaque Matte
No
Vellum
Semi-opaque Matte
No
When loading coated paper into the printer, ensure the coated side is facing
downwards.
3-4

Choosing Media
Cost and Color Support of Media Types

Media Type on the
Front-Panel Display
Cost (Relative to
Each Other)
Recommended for Color?
Coated paper
Low / moderate
Yes
Heavy coated paper
Moderate
Yes
Matte film
High
Yes
Clear film
High
Yes
High-gloss photo
High
Yes
Semi-gloss photo
High
Yes
High-gloss film
High
Yes
Opaque bond
Low
CAD drawings only1
Translucent bond
Low
No
Moderate
Vellum
Moderate
CAD drawings only1

HP media only
The limitations using non-coated media for color depends on:
the amount of filled area in your drawing (the more there is, the less likely that
the print quality on opaque bond will be satisfactory),
the quality of the media.
MEDIA AND
CARTRIDGES
3-5

Choosing Media
Combinations of Media Type and Print Quality

The table below shows that some combinations of media type and print quality are
not recommended.
Media Type on the
Front-Panel Display
IMPORTANT.
Print Quality
(Set Either on the Front Panel or In the Software)
Fast
Normal
Best
Coated paper
OK
OK
OK
Heavy coated paper
OK
OK
OK
Matte film
OK
OK
OK
Clear film
OK
OK
OK
High-gloss photo
Not
recommended
OK
OK
Semi-gloss photo
Not
recommended
OK
OK
High-gloss film
Not
recommended
OK
OK
Opaque bond
OK
OK
OK
Translucent bond
OK
in monochrome
only
OK
in monochrome
only
OK
in monochrome
only
OK
OK
OK
Vellum
OK
OK
OK
If you are using an add-on a third-party Raster Image Processor (RIP), in order to
create additional print modes on your printer, then the above table may not apply.
In this case, consult your RIP vendor for advice on the best settings for your
requirements. A clue as to whether you are using a RIP or not is the message on
the printers front panel while it is printing. If the message STATUS / Printing
(special) appears, then you are using a RIP. If the message STATUS / Printing
appears, then you are probably not using a RIP.
3-6

Choosing Media
Typical Media-Type Choices by Application

Use
Typical Choice of Media2
Probable Choice of
Print Quality3
Imaging and
graphics
packages
color
Matte
Opaque bond (for drafts)

Coated paper
a er
Heavy coated paper (for durability)
Fast, Normal or Best

Fast Normal or Best
Fast,
Normal or Best
Gloss
High-gloss photo
Semi-gloss photo
hoto
High-gloss film
Normal or Best
Normal or Best
Normal or Best
Clear film
Clear film
Best
Drafts
Opaque bond
Vellum
Coated paper
Fast or Normal
Fast or Normal
Final versions
Coated paper
Heavy coated paper (for durability)
Matte film
Clear film
Normal or Best
Normal or Best
Normal or Best
Fast or Normal
Archives
Matte film
Clear film
Best
Normal
Overlays
Clear film
Fast or Normal
Drafts
Opaque bond
Translucent bond
Vellum
Fast or Normal
Fast or Normal
Fast or Normal
Fast or Normal
Final versions
Opaque bond
Matte film
Clear film
Normal or Best
Normal or Best
Normal or Best
Archives
Vellum
Matte film
Clear film
Best
Best
Best
Diazo reproductions
Translucent bond
Vellum
Matte film
Normal or Best
Normal or Best
Normal or Best
Normal or Best
CAD1
monochrome
CAD = Computer-Aided Design

GIS = Geographical Information or Mapping
Systems
2
3
CAD1 and GIS1

color
MEDIA AND
CARTRIDGES
Application
Using the generic media types on the front-panel display

Set either on the front panel or in the software
3-7

Caring for Your Media
Caring for Your Media

Handle film and glossy media by the edge(s) or wear cotton gloves. Skin oils
can interact with ink and cause it to smear.
Make sure the media bin is installed between the printers legs. When the
printer finishes each print on roll media, it automatically cuts the page and drops
it into the bin. Note that mixing page sizes can cause shorter prints to curl and
shuffle in the bin.
Colors will eventually fade or change if exposed to office light or sunlight over
a period of time. Therefore:
avoid exposing your prints longer than necessary to direct sunlight.

ideally, when not using your prints, store them away from any light, for
example, in a drawer.
3-8

Loading Media
Loading Media
To Change a Roll
1 Be sure the printer wheels are locked (the brake lever pressed down) to prevent the
printer from moving.
2
If the old roll is not used up, then to remove the media from the media path:
a Raise the media lever to release the media.
Raise the lever
Wind the roll
MEDIA AND
CARTRIDGES
b Open the roll cover and turn the media stop to wind the media out of the
printer and onto the roll.
c Lower the media lever.

1840a
3-9

Loading Media
Remove the old roll by pulling firmly on each end of the spindle.
1837a
a Rest the old roll upright on the floor so that the media stop (A) is on top.
b Pull out the media stop and the spindle and set it aside.
0021
3-10

Loading Media
From the other end of the old roll, pull out the endcap (B).
B
0022
6 If you are not immediately loading another roll of media into the printer, replace
the endcap on the spindle and place the spindle back in the printer. You can skip
the rest of these steps.
b Turn the spindle upside down, that is, with the media stop at the bottom (and
the end cap still removed)
c Place the new roll on the spindle, so that the leading edge winds clockwise.
Endcap removed
If the media stop falls off, push it back

in until it snaps into position.
A
0015
3-11
MEDIA AND
CARTRIDGES
a Remove the new roll from its wrapping.

Loading Media
Push the endcap back in, making sure that the tabs are flush against the ends of
the roll. Push it far enough to be firm, but do not use excessive force as this
may result in broken tabs.
0016
Insert the spindle so that the media stop (A) is to the right and the endcap (B)
to the left. Push in firmly on both ends. Be sure the media remains flush
against the media stop.
A
Media path
0017
The media should wind up from behind the roll.

1837
10 Check the leading edge as it unwinds from the spool. If it is uneven, trim it as
explained in step 11. Otherwise go to step 12.
3-12

Loading Media
The media cutting knife used in the next step is sharp. Be sure the printers
wheels are locked. Keep fingers clear of the cutting path. Keep media cutting
knife away from children.
WARNING
11
To trim the leading edge of the media roll:

a Pull the media over the top of the printer and lay it over the cutting track.
b Use the media cutting knife in the pocket located at the back of the
printer to cut off the first few inches of the media.
1838
3-13
MEDIA AND
CARTRIDGES
c Retract the blade and return the media cutting knife to its pocket.

Loading Media
12
a Pull the media up and, holding it from the sides, align its right edge with
the perforated line on the entry platen.
b Insert the leading edge into the printer, until the page buckles slightly.
c Release the media when the printer begins to pull it in.
1839
13
Press the key next to the front-panel display to indicate you are loading roll
media.
Sheet load >
Roll load
>
0014
3-14

Loading Media
14
Use the and keys until the display shows the type of media you are
loading1, and then press the Enter key.
SELECT MEDIA
Coated paper
Enter
If you are using software that offers a special print mode for this printer,
then simply press Enter on the first media type displayed (whatever it is), as in
this case it is the software that controls the print mode, not the printer. For
more details on special print modes, see page 3-6.
0014
a When the front panel instructs you, lift the media lever.
MEDIA AND
CARTRIDGES
15
b Take hold of the edge(s) of the media now extending from the exit slot
and pull the media toward you until taut. Then align the left and right
edges of the media, so that they are flush with the edges of the roll.
c When the front panel instructs you, lower the media lever.
0018
1 For advice on media types, see page 3-2.
3-15

Loading Media
16
a When the printer instructs you to close the roll cover, rewind the media stop
in the direction shown by the large arrow below, to take up any slack in the
roll. Make sure the leading edge of the media is outside the roll cover, and
then close the cover.
b Press to continue. The printer trims off the first few inches of media.
1840
3-16

Loading Media
To Load a Sheet
You can load a sheet in either portrait or landscape orientation. Unless using
the Rotate option (see page 4-8), load the sheet in the same orientation as you
have specified in your software. If printing a PostScript file, always load the
sheet with the short edge first, even if your drawing is landscape.
Portrait
(short edge first)
always use for
PostScript files
Landscape
(long edge first)
As you load the sheet, it is the under side on which the printer will print. With
most media types, the two sides are different and so it is important to load the sheet
correctly. Refer to the table below.
Media Type
Media-Loading Tips
Coated paper
Load with the coated side down.
Heavy coated paper
On HP Coated Paper and Heavyweight Coated

Paper, look for the small notch in the corner:
When loading in a portrait orientation, make
sure the notch is on the right side of the leading
edge.
When loading in a landscape orientation, make
sure the notch is on the left side of the leading
edge.
Matte film
Load with the matte side down.
Clear film
Load with the rougher side down.
Load with the glossy side down.

High-gloss film
Opaque bond
Translucent bond
Both sides are the same. If the sheet is curled,

load with the curl up.

Vellum
3-17
MEDIA AND
CARTRIDGES
Which way up?
or
Which way round?

Loading Media
1 If you need to, unload any roll media (see page 3-9) so that the printing area is
clear.
2 Make sure the media lever is down and the roll cover is closed.
3
a Holding the media from the sides, align the right edge with the
perforated line on the entry platen.
b Insert the media until it buckles slightly. That is, push all the way to
the media stops. Let go of the media when the printer begins to pull it
in.
1841
Press next to the front-panel display to indicate you are loading a sheet.
Sheet load >
Roll load
>
0014
3-18

Loading Media
Scroll until the display shows the type of media you are loading*, and then
press the Enter key.
SELECT MEDIA
Coated paper
Enter
*For advice on media types, see page 3-2.

0014
MEDIA AND
CARTRIDGES
6 The printer moves the sheet in and out to check its size and alignment, then
advances it to the start of the page. When sheet loading is complete, the STATUS /
Ready message is displayed.
3-19

Loading Media
Compensating for Badly Cut Media

You can only use this feature when sheet media is selected on the front panel.
If the media is persistently difficult to load, it could be an indication that it has
been badly cut. That is, it has been cut unevenly with the media width on the
leading edge different to the width of the trailing edge. A front-panel option called
Skew tolerance helps you compensate for the shape of some poorly cut media.
When you properly load the leading edge of poorly cut media along the perforated
line on the platen, you may notice the trailing edge displaces from the line by a
small distance and the printer will not accept the media. The printer can accept
poorly cut media that displaces less than 1.0 cm from the perforated line.
Media that is cut properly should not need the help of the skew tolerance feature.
In fact, using this feature for properly cut media increases the risk of skewing your
print on the page.
To Adjust Skew Tolerance

Device setup
Skew tolerance
Skew Tolerance
in Front Panel
Maximum Acceptable Skew of Loaded Sheet
Off
0.4 cm
On
1.0 cm
Full menu mode

Default: Off
Resets after power off
3-20

Unloading Media
Unloading Media
Drying Time
On some media types, the ink needs to dry before the media is unloaded. For roll
media, the printer automatically allows the appropriate drying time before cutting
the page and dropping it into the media bin. For sheet media, you should wait for
the times shown in the table below before unloading the media.
Typical Drying Times (minutes)
Fast
Normal
or Best
Coated paper
0.25
Coated heavy paper
0.25
Matte film
2.0
Clear film
2.0
High-gloss photo
Semi-gloss photo
Not
recommended
High-gloss film
4.0
4.0
2.0
Opaque bond
0.5
1.0
Translucent bond
0.5
1.0
Natural Tracing paper
0.5
1.0
Vellum
1.0
4.0
Media Type on the

Front-Panel Display
MEDIA AND
CARTRIDGES
Print Quality
In the table above you will see that some media types can be unloaded
immediately.
3-21

Unloading Media
To Adjust Drying Time

You can make a global adjustment to the printers automatic drying times through
the front-panel menus.
Device setup
Drying time
All menu modes

Default: Normal
Drying time
in front panel
Result
None*
None (printer cuts page without delay).
Less
Adjusted for the driest expected environmental

conditions.
Normal
As in the table on page 3-21.
More
Adjusted for the most humid expected environmental

conditions.
* Not recommended if you are using roll media and leaving the printer unattended, as the ink
may smear when the pages are dropped into the media bin.
So if you are operating your printer in an extremely dry environment, choose Less;
in an extremely humid environment, choose More. For environmental
specifications, see page 11-4.
IMPORTANT.
Adjusting drying times purely to speed up the printer is not recommended as the
quality of your print can be impaired.
3-22

Unloading Media
To Unload a Sheet After Printing

1 Wait until the appropriate drying time has passed (see table on previous page no
drying time is necessary for some media types).
2
Gently pull the sheet from the printer.
MEDIA AND
CARTRIDGES
1842
3-23

Unloading Media
To Remove an Unused Sheet

Either ...
1 Press Form Feed and Cut.
2 When the printer has finished feeding it out, pull out the sheet.
Form Feed
and Cut
1842a
or ...
1 Lift the media lever.
2 Pull out the sheet.
3 Lower the media lever.
1842b
3-24

Replacing Cartridges
When to Replace Cartridges
Replace the cartridges in the following three circumstances.
1 When the printer prompts you to replace one or more cartridges
(by displaying Service cartridges on the front panel)
Device setup
Cartridge check
Full menu mode

Default: On
The printer automatically checks before and after every print that the cartridges
are seated correctly and that the nozzles are working, this is called automatic
checking. You can switch off the automatic checking using the front panel
menus.
Note that automatic cartridge checking does not check the ink levels.
MEDIA AND
CARTRIDGES
2 When either poor print quality or the ink-level indicator on the cartridge indicates
that the cartridge is out of ink.
To check a cartridges ink level:
Green = full
A considerable portion of ink has been used.
Cartridge is close to empty.*
Black = empty
* It is recommended to have a replacement cartridge ready by this time.

Note: The ink-level indicator is not an exact gauge of the specific quantity
of ink available over the life of the cartridge.
0002
3 When you are troubleshooting print quality problems. See Chapter 9, page 9-16.
3-25

Before Replacing Cartridges

Four important points:
1 Your printer is designed to operate only with the four cartridge types whose
specific part numbers are listed on page 11-15. Except on glossy media types, the
printer will operate successfully in monochrome with just the black cartridge
loaded, although the Best print quality may not be as good as if all cartridges were
loaded. Otherwise, all four must be loaded.
2 Every time you replace, or even adjust, a cartridge, the printer afterwards runs an
automatic alignment procedure, for which it needs an opaque media type, for
example opaque bond (regular printer paper) or coated paper. So make sure that
either a roll or a sheet of the appropriate media is loaded before you replace a
cartridge. If the automatic cartridge alignment procedure is not run on a suitable
media type, print quality will be affected.
3 Once the cartridges have been installed they should not be removed, except to
replace them. This will ensure the best lifetime for your cartridges.
4 Make sure you are aware of the general warnings and caution below.
WARNING
CAUTION
Dont touch the stainless steel strip that runs the length of the printer behind
and foreign objects away from the printer mechanisms. Keep new and used
print cartridges out of the reach of children.
Only touch the plastic parts of the cartridge. Do not touch, wipe, or attempt to
clean the cartridge nozzles or contacts as they can become clogged or
scratched and are easily damaged.
CAUTION
Each time you access the cartridges to load or reseat them, the nozzles are
exposed to air. If the nozzles are exposed to air (except during printing) for
more than a few minutes at a time, they are susceptible to clogging and
drying.
CAUTION
It is absolutely essential to load the cartridge(s) in the correct stalls, or your

colors will be wrong and print quality may be impacted.
3-26

To Replace One or More Cartridges

If you are responding to a Service cartridges request, go straight to step 4.
1 Start with the printer switched ON.
2 Make sure the front-panel display reads STATUS / Ready (not STATUS / Ready for
media).
a Press the Access Cartridges key and wait for the cartridge carriage to
come to a complete stop next to the front panel.
MEDIA AND
CARTRIDGES
Continued...
1849a
3-27

a When the carriage stops, open the window.

b Press down lightly on the cartridge you are replacing and pull it toward
you. Remove the cartridge from its stall and discard it.
Yellow
Cyan
Magenta
Black
0019
5 Notice that each stall in the carriage has a dot indicating the color: when loading
the new cartridge you must put the correct cartridge in the correct stall.
For users with color-vision deficiencies: You can identify the colors of the
cartridges by the part numbers on the boxes see page 11-15. The sequence of the
stalls is, from left to right, yellow, cyan, magenta and black.
CAUTION
It is absolutely essential to load the cartridges with the printer switched ON,
otherwise you will get poor print quality and the reliability of your cartridges
will be impaired.
It is absolutely essential to load the cartridges in the correct stalls, otherwise
not only will your colors be wrong, but also print quality may be impacted.
3-28

1754
For each cartridge in the set that needs to be replaced:

a Take the new cartridge out of its box.
b Remove the colored protective tape and tab from the cartridges nozzles.
c Match the color of the cartridges label with the color of the dot above
the stall.
MEDIA AND
CARTRIDGES
d Insert the cartridge in the correct stall. Press down lightly and push the
cartridge away from you until it snaps into place.
Yellow
Cyan
Magenta
Black
If the front-panel display says Reseat cartridge, then remove the cartridge
indicated in the display and insert it again. Do so until the message disappears.
0019
3-29

7 When you have finished installing the cartridges, the printer runs the automatic
cartridge-alignment procedure. When the front-panel displays STATUS / Ready,
the procedure is complete. You can throw away the small print produced during
the alignment procedure.
3-30
PAGE
FORMAT
Page Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Adjusting the Margins (Roll Media Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Rotating a Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Printing a Mirror Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Changing the Scale of a Printed Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Controlling the Page Format

Page Size, Margins and Other Controls
4-1

Page Size
Page Size
This chapter explains how to make sure that the printer produces your print in the
page size you want.
Terminology
Media
Page size
Margin
Printing area
Inked area
0023
Page size
This can be specified from the front panel or in the software, where it may be
called Page Size, Media Size, Paper Size etc., and where the options
include, for example, ISO A3, ANSI Letter, Architectural E and Custom. If the
drivers setting is default, the front panel setting is used. Any other software
setting overrides the front panel setting, unless the latter is Inked area and you are
sending a PostScript file: in this case the front panel setting takes precedence.
Margins
These are specific to the printer and are normally 17 mm on the leading and
trailing edges and 5 mm on the sides. Except with PostScript files, the 17 mm can
be adjusted for roll media, as explained on page 11-2.
Printing area
This is the page size minus the margins. For a table showing the printing areas for
standard media sizes, see page 11-6.

This is the smallest rectangle that contains the entire drawing, while maintaining its
relative dimensions.
4-2

Page Size
Do You Need to Adjust the Page Size in the Front Panel?
PS
PostScript files
The answer is normally no, because the page size you have selected in your driver
overrides the page size selected in the printer. However, some of the circumstances
in which you may want to change the default setting are:
When you are using the Scale feature. See page 4-14.
When you are not using one of the HP DesignJet PostScript drivers supplied
with your printer; for example, if you are sending a PostScript file from a UNIX
application.
When you want to save media by printing only the inked area of your print, plus
the margins. In this case set Page format / Size to Inked area.
PS
Non-PostScript files
Depending on the driver you are using, you may not need to change the page size
in the front panel. The default setting of the printer looks to your software for the
page size settings: if it is there, the printer uses it.
However, some of the circumstances in which you may want to change the default
setting are:
If you want to print the inked area only, but the driver you are using does not
specify Inked area.
When the prints you are creating need to be of a specific standard (for example,
ISO or ANSI), but the actual size within that standard is not important. For
example, your page size may need to conform to a standard ISO page size, but it
does not matter whether the final page size is ISO A4 or ISO A3.
In this case, set Page format / Size to ISO > Best... or ANSI > Best ... etc. The
printer uses the smallest standard size into which the inked area will fit.
4-3
Note: If you can select Inked area from your driver, any selection you have made
in the front panel menu will be overridden by the settings in the driver.
PAGE
FORMAT
In this case, set Page format / Size to Inked area.

Page Size
To Adjust the Page Size in the Front Panel
PS
PostScript files
Unless you are using the front-panel Scale option (see page 4-13), the front-panel
page-size setting has no effect on PostScript files that already contain page size
information, which includes all PostScript files sent using one of the HP DesignJet
PostScript drivers supplied with this printer.
If you are using the front-panel Scale option, then the printer uses the page size set
in the printers front panel. If this is set to Inked area, Software, or a Best ...
option, then it takes the page width from this, and calculates the page length as 1.5
times the width. If this is set to a discrete size, it uses the specified page size.
4-4

Page Size
Page format
Size
Non-PostScript files
Size
in Front Panel
Comments
Software
The printer looks to the print you have sent

for a page size instruction. If it is present the
printer uses this. If not, the printed page size
is the inked area plus margins.
Inked area
The printed page size is the inked area plus

margins. For a definition of inked area, see
page 4-2.
All menu modes

Default: Software
ISO
ANSI
Best ISO A
Best ... options
ISO A0/1/2/3/4
The printer chooses the smallest page size

(from the A-series:
A series: A4, A3 etc.) that will hold
the inked area of the print. For example, if the
inked area of the print
rint is between A3 and A4,
A4
the printer chooses A3 as the page size.
Best ANSI
ANSI E/D/C/B/A
JIS
Best JIS B
JIS B1/2/3/4
ARCH
Best ARCH
ARCH E1/E/D/C/B/A
Oversize
(No Best option)

Over A1/A2
Discrete options
ISO
A0/1/2/3/4
ANSI
E/D/C/B/A
JIS
B1/2/3/4
ARCH E1/E/D/C/B/A
Over
A1/2
The printed page size is exactly the size you
y The largest
g
g size yyou
specify.
discrete page
can specify is E/A0.
If you need to adjust the page size from the front panel, do so before sending the
file from your computer, as the printer determines the size of a print at the time it is
received from your application.
PAGE
FORMAT
PS
4-5

Page Size
Page Size and Clipped Images

If you specify in your software a page size that is larger than the media size loaded
in the printer, the printer will still print what it can, but may clip your image.
A2 media in the printer
Clipped area
A1 page size in software or front panel
PS
Page Size and Nesting (Roll Media Only)

Nesting means placing two or more pages side-by-side on a roll to save wasting
media. There are certain cases when your prints will not be nested, for a complete
explanation of nesting see page 6-9.
If you have queueing and nesting switched on, the printer will use the page size to
determine which pages are nested and whether the pages can be automatically
rotated when nesting.
4-6

Adjusting the Margins (Roll Media Only)
Adjusting the Margins (Roll Media Only)
PS
Besides nesting and setting the page size, you can also change the margin settings
and expand the printing area of the page, therefore reducing the amount of media
waste. The two side margins are 5.0 mm. By automatic setting of the printers
margin is 17 mm on the leading and trailing edges of the media. By reducing the
margins to 10 mm on the leading and trailing edges of the media, you can use
14 mm more printing area along that axis. The adjustment is available in the front
panel.
With PostScript files, the margins are always Normal.
Page format
Normal
Margins
Smaller
Trailing edge
Full menu mode

Default: Normal
Affects next file
10 mm
17.0 mm
PS
5.0 mm
5.0 mm
17.0 mm
5.0 mm
10 mm
PAGE
FORMAT
Leading edge
5 mm = 0.2 in
10 mm = 0.4 in
17 mm = 0.67 in
0024
Margins and Automatic Cutting

IMPORTANT.
When Margins is set to Smaller, the printer waits for the print to dry and the next
file to begin printing before cutting the page from the roll. If you press Form Feed
and Cut, the printer immediately cuts off the current page. When the next file
begins, the printer cuts again to give this page the narrow margin.
4-7

Rotating a Drawing
Rotating a Drawing
Rotating a Drawing from the Front Panel
Your Drawings can only be rotated from the Page format / Rotate option in the
front panel if:
Queueing and Nesting are off (see page 6-9), and if
the file is either a PostScript file or contains no raster data.

If you are using the non-PostScript Microsoft Windows driver supplied with this
printer, your files do contain raster data and therefore you cannot use this Rotate
option. The normal line drawings of most CAD software do not contain raster
data, and therefore you can use this Rotate option.
To Rotate a Drawing from the Front Panel

Except in the circumstances stated above, you can rotate a drawing from the
printers front panel, without changing the drawing in your software. The options
are 90, 180 or 270 degrees relative to the drawings orientation in your software.
The rotation is counterclockwise, as shown below.
Page format
0
Rotate
Full menu mode

Default: 0
Stays after power off
4-8
90
180
270

Rotating a Drawing
Exactly What is Rotated?
180
270
90
0
With roll media, both the drawing and the page orientation are rotated.
Notice that the narrow margins are always at the side, regardless of the
orientation.
0025
180
270
PAGE
FORMAT
90
0
With sheet media, the drawing is rotated, but the page orientation specified
in your software is retained. (You should always load sheet media in the
orientation you have specified in the software.)
PS
The front panels Rotate feature has no impact on a PostScript file printed on
sheet media.
0026
4-9

Rotating a Drawing
How Does Rotate Interact with Your Software?
PS
For PostScript files

On sheet media, the front-panel Rotate feature has no impact.
On roll media the front-panel Rotate feature does work: you may want to use it
to save wasting media, by printing the page in landscape orientation, that is,
with the short edge parallel to the media path. When rotated by 90_ or 270_ the
page size is enlarged by 175 = 12 mm, i.e.
[leading and trailing edges] [side margins] = 12 mm
at the top and bottom. This is to prevent the larger margins resulting from the
rotation encroaching on the image.
A
X
4-10
90_
0_
X + 12 + 12 mm

Rotating a Drawing
PS
For Non-PostScript Files

The printer adds the rotation setting to any rotation angle you specify in your
software. For example:
For software applications which, like the printer, rotate counter-clockwise (for
example, CorelDRAW!) the result is the sum. For example, if your software
specifies 180 degrees rotation, and you set Rotate in the front panel to 90, your
drawings final rotation will be 270 degrees.
For software applications which rotate clockwise (for example, AutoCAD) the
result is the difference. For example, if your software specifies 90 degrees
rotation, and you set Rotate in the front panel to 90, there will be no rotation.
For further information on the Rotate feature see page 9-21 in the Troubleshooting
chapter which details some of the most common problems.
Possibility of clipped images with rotated non-PostScript files
PAGE
FORMAT
With either roll or sheet media, if you rotate a portrait drawing, it is possible that
the media is not wide enough for the drawing, and so it may be clipped. For
example, rotating by 90 degrees a portrait E/A0-size drawing on E/A0-size media
will probably result in a clipped image.
4-11

Printing a Mirror Image
Printing a Mirror Image

You can print a mirror image of the drawing from the printers front panel, without
changing the drawing in your software.
Page format
Mirror off
Mirror on
Mirroring
Full menu mode

Default: Off
Affects current print
Resets after power off
Do not change the setting during a print, as the change becomes effective
immediately; that is, if you change the setting in the middle of the current print, the
remaining data is printed in the mirrored orientation.
4-12

Changing the Scale of a Printed Image

With a PostScript file, you can enlarge your printed image from the printers front
panel by using the Scale option, accessed from the Device setup menu, as shown in
the menu graphic, below left. Notice that, in order to use this feature, you have to
switch the front-panel graphics language setting from Automatic (the default) to
PostScript. If you regularly send non-PostScript files to your printer as well as
PostScript files, it is a good idea to switch this back to Automatic after using the
Scale feature.
The Scale feature is useful:
If your software does not support large formats.
If your file is too large for the printers memory, and therefore you try reducing
the page size in your software and then scaling it up again using this front-panel
option.
To scale your ANSI A PostScript file to...
Lang
Scale
Use...
Arch
C
ANSI
D
Arch
D
Arch
E1
ANSI
E
Arch
E
129%
200%
210%
258%
282%
352%
400%
419%
To scale your ISO A4 PostScript file to...
Full menu mode

only
PS
ANSI
C
Use...
ISO
A3
ISO/JIS
A2
OS
A2
ISO/JIS
A1
OS
A1
ISO/JIS
A0
OS
A0
141%
200%
210%
282%
352%
400%
419%
The scaling factors are cumulative with software settings. Whatever scale you
choose will be used for PostScript files until you choose another scale, even if you
change the graphics language from PostScript and back again.
4-13
PAGE
FORMAT
PostScript
ANSI
B
Device setup

Scale and Page Size

If you use this Scale option, the printer ignores the page size you set in your
software and instead uses the page size set in the printers front panel (see
page 4-4).
4-14
Controlling a Prints Overall Appearance
PRINT
APPEARANCE
Ways to Control the Prints Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Changing Pen Widths and Colors Using the
Printers Internal Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Changing the Treatment of Overlapping Lines
(Merge Feature) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Changing the Overall Lightness/Darkness of a Print . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Printing Color Drawings in Monochrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Choosing an Appropriate Print Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
5-1

Ways to Control the Prints Appearance

Note. The pens discussed throughout this chapter are the conceptual pens in a
software palette, rather than the printers physical print cartridges.
This chapter discusses the ways you can control the overall appearance of your
prints from the front panel in terms of:
pen width
pen color
the treatment of overlapping lines
overall lightness/darkness
rendering color drawings in monochrome
overall print quality and resolution.
Some of these front-panel items take effect only on the next file you send from
your computer, that is, they do not affect any pages already in the printers queue.
If this is the case, it is stated in the relevant part of this chapter.
Some of the controls are available using the front-panel menus (pen width, pen
color, overlapping lines and lightness). Print quality and color/monochrome print
options are controlled from the front-panel keys. This chapter explains them in the
sequence of the list at the top of this page.
5-2

Why Change the Appearance of the Print Using the Front Panel
Rather Than from Your Software?
By default, the printer looks to your software to provide information on all the
above attributes. However, you may want to experiment with various effects, or
try a temporary change, without the need to change your drawing or your driver
settings.
Unless you have specifically indicated in your software that the printers settings
are to be used (by choosing, for example, Printers Current Setting in a Macintosh
Print Options window), the software settings for a PostScript file override all the
printer front-panel features described in this chapter.
PRINT
APPEARANCE
PS
5-3

Changing Pen Widths and Colors Using the Printers Internal Palettes
Changing Pen Widths and Colors Using the Printers

Internal Palettes
The printer has three pen palettes. The factory palette cannot be changed. You
can, however, change the line width and color settings for each pen in the
remaining two palettes (called palette A and palette B). Initially, all three palettes
are identical. Each palette has 16 pens1 which can include pens of different widths
and any combination of the printers internal 256 colors.
PS
These internal palettes have no effect on PostScript files.
To See the Current Palette Settings

1 Make sure either a roll or a sheet of media is loaded.
2 Make sure that the front-panel Color/Mono switch is set to Color.
3
Print the Current Configuration Print, by pressing the and keys

simultaneously..
STATUS
Ready
Press these two

simultaneously
0014
Notice on the Current Configuration Print that the 16 pens are numbered 0 through
15 and the 256 colors are numbered 0 through 255. These colors are specified in
the Palette Print, as now explained.
1 We are discussing conceptual pens here.
5-4

To See the Colors Available For a Palette

1 Make sure that the front-panel Color/Mono switch is set to Color.
2 To print the Palette Demo, go to the Demos menu and choose Palette.
Demos
Palette
All menu modes
In the Palette Demo, you will see 256 squares, numbered 0 through 255,
each showing one of the 256 colors available for selection in the printers
internal palettes. The example below is color 6 (magenta), which happens to
be assigned to pen 6 in the factorys default palette.
Pen number in factory default palette, and initially

therefore in all three palettes. 0 through 15.
6
6
255,0,255
Color number. 0 through 255.
RGB composition, scaled to 255 = 100%. In this example, it is

100% red + 0% green + 100% blue, which is magenta.
Notice that RGB and CMYK, plus white are assigned by default to pens 0
through 7, and that eight grayscales are included in the 256 colors.
PRINT
APPEARANCE
The 256 colors shown in the Palette Demo are not the only colors you can print
with your printer! Using your software, you can create many more colors and, as
long as you are using the correct driver, the printer will reproduce these colors by
an appropriate mix of inks from its CMYK cartridges. The Palette Demo merely
shows the 256 colors available for use in the printers internal palettes, should you
choose to use them.
5-5

To Change the Palette Settings

There are three palettes: Factory, Palette A and Palette B. You cannot change the
Factory palette, but you can define Palettes A and B to be whatever you choose.
Pen settings
Define palette
Full menu mode

Defaults:
Palette: Factory
Width: 0.35 mm
Color: (see
Palette Print)
Item
Available Options
Palettes
Factory, A, B.
Pens
0 through 15.
Widths (mm)
0.13, 0.18, 0.25, 0.35, 0.50, 0.65, 0.70, 0.80, 0.90, 1.00,
1.40, 2.00, 3.00, 5.00, 8.00, 12.00.
Note that 0.13 mm is a one-pixel line width and renders
some colors as a dot pattern.
Colors
0 through 255.
As specified on the Palette Print.
PS
The steps below explain how to define Palette A.

1 In the front-panel display, go to the Define Palette routine and choose Palette A.
2 Scroll to the pen number you want to change and press Enter.
3 The current width assigned to this pen is displayed, for example Width=0.35mm. If
you want to change it, press Enter, scroll to the width you want and then press
Enter again. Otherwise, scroll to Color.
4 The current color assigned to the pen is displayed, for example Color=110. If you
want to change it, press Enter, scroll to the color you want and then press Enter
again.
5 When both width and color are correct, press Previous.
6 Scroll to the next pen number you want to change, press Enter and do steps 3
through 5 again.
7 When all pen definitions are correct, press Previous until you have exited the
menus.
IMPORTANT. The palette you have just defined will take effect only when you
select it to be the current palette, as explained next.
5-6

To Change the Selection of the Current Palette

Pen settings
Palette
Comments
Software
The printer looks to your software for pen settings and

ignores all three internal palettes.
Palette A
The printer assigns the attributes defined in Palette A to the

pens defined in your software as 0 through 15.
Palette B
The printer assigns the attributes defined in Palette B to the

pens defined in your software as 0 through 15.
Factory
The printer assigns the attributes defined in the Factory

Palette to the pens defined in your software as 0 through 15.
Palette
All menu modes

Default: Software
PRINT
APPEARANCE
PS
5-7

Changing the Treatment of Overlapping Lines (Merge Feature)
Changing the Treatment of Overlapping Lines

(Merge Feature)
There are two alternative settings for controlling overlapping lines. The feature is
called Merge. This feature has no effect on PostScript files.
Pen settings
Merge off.
A subsequent line hides a
previous line where they
overlap.
Merge
Merge on.
Overlapping lines and area
fills are merged.
Full menu mode

Default: Off
PS
You can set this feature from your software in some applications, for example in
AutoCAD.
5-8

Changing the Overall Lightness/Darkness of A Print
Changing the Overall Lightness/Darkness of a Print

You can change the overall lightness/darkness of a print by adjusting the amount of
ink used in your prints.
The feature is called Lightness and affects both grayscales and colors.
Device setup
Dark
Normal
Light
Lightness
Full menu mode

Default: Normal
The effect is exaggerated in these drawings.
As this is a simple way to change the appearance of your print, you can achieve
better results if you use your software for different effects. However, some
examples of situations where you may find the feature useful are:
Where a tracing paper produces better print quality when the printer uses a
smaller volume of ink.
Where a small variation in the amount of ink used produces a significant change
in the apparent darkness or color saturation of an image.
PRINT
APPEARANCE
Where you want to reduce the drying time required: for example, for glossy
media in extremely humid conditions. (If you need to make a global change to
drying times for extreme environmental conditions, refer to page 3-22.)
5-9

Printing Color Drawings in Monochrome

A
A
Examples of why you may want to print a color drawing in monochrome are:
because you want a draft where color is not important, for example to check that
the image is not going to be clipped,
because you want a version for photocopying in black and white.
Four important points:
The monochrome print will render colors as grayscales rather than all as black.
If you want all colors to be printed as black, then you should set all your colors
to black in your software. This is most easily achieved in CAD software by
using a pen number that is 100% black. Alternatively (except for PostScript
files), you could make one of the printers internal palettes (A or B) all black,
and then select this as the current palette (see earlier in this chapter for an
explanation of palettes).
With monochrome printing, you have the option to choose between true 300 and
true 600 dpi resolution (see page 5-12). This option does not apply to glossy
media types, on which the resolution is always 300 dpi.
If you send a monochrome drawing with this front-panel option set to Color, the
print resolution is 300 dpi, regardless of your Print Quality setting.
You cannot change the color/monochrome setting for pages already in the
printers queue.
5-10

To Switch Between Color and Monochrome
Use the front-panel key shown below to toggle between color and
monochrome.
Color
Mono
0027
2 Send the file from your computer.
PRINT
APPEARANCE
The setting also impacts the printers internal demos.
5-11

Choosing an Appropriate Print Quality
Affects next print sent

You can set the overall print quality from the front panel. The main effects of your
print quality setting are shown in the table below.
Print Quality
Setting
Fast
Normal
Best
Speed
Ink Used
General tips
By choosing Fast, you will get draft-quality output in the shortest time. By
choosing Normal, and a suitable media type, you will get high-quality output in a
reasonable time. By choosing Best, you will get the highest possible quality for
the media type, but the printing time will be longer.
However, your printers output speed, quality and particularly its resolution, also
varies according to:
Whether Sharp lines is set to Auto, On or Off (see page 5-15) on the front panel
or in your software.
The specification option when you loaded the media (see page 3-3)
5-12

The resolution at which your print will be printed is summarized in the table below.
Print Quality Setting
Resolution in dpi
Monochrome
Color
Fast
300 x 300
300 x 300
Normal
600 x 6001
300 x 300
Best
600 x 6001
600 x 6002
1 Or
300 x 300, depending on your driver resolution setting or the software

application you have used.
2 Addressable dpi with Sharp lines On, using opaque bond, coated paper and
matte film only. This resolution depends on the type of image created in your
software application.
Recommended combinations of print quality and media type are given in the table
on page 3-6.
To get the very best print quality for images and drawings from graphics packages
(other than CAD drawings or other line drawings):
When loading the paper, specify Heavy coated paper on the front panel, rather
than Coated paper.
PLOT
APPEARANCE
Set Print Quality to Best.
5-13

To Change the Print Quality
Affects next file sent.

Software setting
takes priority.
Use the front-panel Print Quality key to toggle between the three print quality
settings.
Best
Normal
Fast
Print Quality
0027
2 Send the file from your computer.

The setting also impacts the printers internal demos.
You cannot change the print quality setting for pages already in the printers queue.
5-14

Device setup
Sharp lines
Full menu mode

Default: Auto
Improving Line Quality and Graphics Detail

The Sharp lines option refines the print quality of line drawings by smoothing the
fine gradations along the angles and curves of the printed image. This
enhancement produces:
Crisper lines.
PS
Finer detail.
Line drawings with a sharp appearance.
Only prints that have color content are affected by the Sharp lines option to
produce addressable 600 dpi resolution. Monochrome images are not affected by
the Sharp lines option as these are produced in true 300 or 600 dpi resolution,
depending on the print quality that you have selected.
The Sharp lines option has has three settings, Auto, Off and On, and can be set
either through the front-panel menu or HP supported Windows drivers. The
factory default setting is Auto.
With Sharp lines set to Auto you will always get best quality color prints, except
when you send the following files:
Mixed lines and scanned color images.
Mixed lines and color photographs.
CorelDRAW! (with color images).
For these files it is recommended that the Sharp lines default setting is changed,
depending on your preference for image or line quality:
Select Off if you have a file which contains line and color images and you want
to optimize the quality of the color images.
Select Off if the print is a complex vector file, such as a CorelDRAW! The
print quality will be optimized for these circumstances.
Select Off if the output speed of the printer is more important than Best quality.
PLOT
APPEARANCE
Select On if you have a file which contains line and color images and you want
the lines to be printed in Best quality, even if there is possible degradation to the
quality of the color image.
5-15

For further information on Sharp lines see Troubleshooting, page 9-15.

With the Sharp lines set to Auto or On in the front-panel menu, the printer
may not always produce an addressable 600 dpi print. This may be because:
You have not selected Best on the front-panel Print Quality key, refer to
page 5-14.
You are using media other than Coated paper, Opaque bond or Matte
film.
Your application-software driver is overriding the frontpanel selection.
You are printing a color raster image or a line drawing combined with a
color raster image.
5-16
Managing Pages Being Printed or Drying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Managing Pages Not Yet Printed (The Queue) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Avoiding Media Waste by Nesting Pages (Roll Media Only) . . 6-9
6-1
PRINT
MANAGMENT
Managing Your Prints

Managing Pages Currently Being Printed or Drying
To Cancel a Page
Press Cancel on the front panel.
Cancel
The printer advances the media as though the print were finished. A multi-page
or complex PostScript file may take longer to stop printing than other files.
0027
PS
If queueing is on and there are no more pages in the queue, the cancelled page is
placed in the queue and you can reprint it as explained on page 6-8. If, in addition to
cancelling the page, you want to delete it from the queue, see page 6-7.
To Cut a Page Before Drying Is Complete (Roll Media Only)

Press Form Feed and Cut on the front panel.
Form Feed
and Cut
The printer ignores the drying time and immediately drops the page into the
media bin.
0027
6-2

To Pause while Printing a Series of Pages

You can pause between two pages already sent from your computer, for example to
change the media type or replace the cartridges.
1
Press Pause on the front panel.

Pause
The printer finishes the current page and leaves the printer paused (indicated by
the Pause light being on) until your press Pause again.
While the printer is paused, you can use the front-panel as normal, for example
to change a front-panel menu setting or to load and specify a new media type.
0027
6-3
PRINT
MANAGMENT
2 To resume printing, press Pause again.

Managing Pages Not Yet Printed (The Queue)

The normal sequence of events is:
1 You send a file from your computer (or choose one of the internal sample pages
from the Demos menu).
PS
2 The printers Receiving light flashes while it receives and processes the data.
3 The printer starts printing or, if queueing is on, places it in the queue until its turn
comes round.
IMPORTANT. If you send a PostScript file, you will automatically empty the
queue, as PostScript files cannot be queued.
To Start Printing a File That is Waiting for a Timeout

If all is in order (media loaded, cartridges loaded, no file error), there are still two
reasons why a file you have sent from your computer may not start printing when
expected:
The print file may lack a proper file terminator and the printer is therefore
waiting for the specified I/O timeout period before assuming it is complete. See
page 7-9.
Nesting may be on and the printer is waiting for the specified Nest wait timeout
period before calculating the appropriate nests. See page 6-11.
In either case, if you want to override the timeout period and start printing:
Press Form Feed and Cut on the front panel.
Form Feed
and Cut
0027
6-4

What is the Queue?

Your printer can store files in a queue at the same time as printing the current file.
It stores them by page, though if you send only single-page files, you can regard
these as files. The size of the queue is limited by the number of pages (maximum
32) and the total memory occupied by the queue (67 MB standard memory, being
71 MB less 4 MB main memory). Remember that file size and memory usage are
not the same thing, as explained on page 9-22. However, it is clear that the larger
are your files, the fewer you can store in the queue.
Queueing & Nesting
Queue
Full menu mode

Default: On
With queueing turned ON:

You can send one or more pages to the printer without waiting for the current
page to finish.
You can manipulate the pages in the queue, for example prioritizing them and
reprinting them.
You can use nesting, the printers media-saving feature (see page 6-9).
With queueing turned OFF:
The printer will not accept a file sent from the computer until the current page
has finished printing and the printer is ready.
You cannot use nesting (see page 6-9).
6-5
PRINT
MANAGMENT
If you turn queueing off while pages are still in the queue, they will be printed and
if nesting is on nested, until the queue is empty.

Queueing & Nesting

Queue mgmt
Page ID
To Identify a Page In The Queue

In Queueing & Nesting, you can scroll through the pages in the queue.
Each has a identifier, comprising:
All menu modes
<position in queue> : <drawing name>

Position in queue
The page currently being printed is in position 0. The next page to be printed is in
position 1, the one after in position 2, etc. The previous page printed is
position 1, the one before that in position 2, etc.
up to
32 pages
Drawing name
3
2
1
0
1
2
3
pages yet to be printed

current page
pages already printed
Some applications let you give your drawing a descriptive name which it then
sends to the printer for example Building 2 Exterior. If your software supports
this feature, this drawing name is applied to each page and displayed after its queue
position:
1:Building 2 Exterior

Position in queue
If your software does not support this feature, your printer will assign names to the
pages in its queue. The printer-assigned name indicates how many thousands of
vectors make up the page:
1:92K Vectors
Position in queue

Note that this is not an indication of the amount of memory the page requires. For
that, see page 9-22.
6-6

To See the Size of a Page In the Queue

Page ID
Statistics
Statistic
Comments
Width
The shorter side of the page, in millimeters.
Length
The longer side of the page, in millimeters.
All menu modes
To Prioritize a Page in the Queue

Page ID
To make any page in the queue the next one to be printed, select it and choose
Move to top.
Move to top
All menu modes
If nesting is turned on (see page 6-9), the prioritized page may still be nested with
others. If you really want this page to be printed next and on its own on the roll,
then first turn nesting off and then use Move to top to move it the top of the queue.
To Delete a Page From The Queue

Page ID
Delete page
Under normal circumstances, there is no need to delete a page from the queue after
printing it, as it will just fall off the end of the queue as more files are sent.
However, if you have sent a file in error and want to avoid any chance of it being
reprinted, you can simply delete it, by selecting it and choosing Delete page.
All menu modes
To remove a page that has not yet been printed, simply identify it by its position in
the queue (see page 6-6) and delete it, by choosing Delete page.
6-7
PRINT
MANAGMENT
If the page is currently being printed (its queue position is 0), and you want both to
cancel the page and to delete it, first press Cancel and then delete it from the
queue.

To Make Copies of a Page in The Queue

Has the page
already been
printed?
Do you want
one copy or
several?
What to do
Yes
One
Use Move to top (see page 6-7).
Several
Use Copies (see below) and then use Move

to top (see page 6-7).
One
Use Copies (see below).
No
Several
In all cases, the page must be still in the queue.

Page ID
Copies
All menu modes

Default: 1
Having selected the page and chosen Copies, use the scrolling keys to specify the
number of copies required, and press Enter. The number you enter is the actual
number of pages to be printed; for example, choosing 2 for a page not yet printed
means you will get the one original and one copy. The maximum is 99.
The setting you specify in this option overrides any value set by your software.
Note that, if Rotate (see page 4-8) was on when you sent the file, every copy will
be rotated too.
6-8

Avoiding Media Waste By Nesting Pages (Roll Media Only)
Avoiding Media Waste by Nesting Pages

(Roll Media Only)
What is Nesting?
PS
Nesting means placing pages side-by-side on the media (rather than one after the
other), to avoid wasting media.
roll
direction of
paper flow
media saved
nesting off
nesting on
0028
The printer may automatically rotate a page in nesting (see page 6-10). It may do
this even with a single page.
direction of
paper flow
media saved
nesting off
0029
6-9
PRINT
MANAGMENT
nesting on

When Does the Printer Try to Nest Pages?

When all the following are true:
The printer is loaded with roll media rather than sheet media.
In the front-panel menus, Queue is ON (the default). See page 6-5.
In the front-panel menus, Nest is ON (that is, set to either Optimal or In order).
See page 6-11.
Which Pages Qualify for Nesting?

In order to be in the same nest, the individual pages must be compatible on both
the following criteria:
Color or monochrome
Either all are color or all are monochrome. Remember that monochrome may
include a color page rendered in grayscales by use of the front-panel Color/
Mono key see page 5-10.
Print resolution
Either all are 300 dpi or all are 600 dpi see page 5-13.
Which Pages May be Rotated?

Apart from obvious physical limitations on the roll, any page containing raster data
will not be rotated.
If you are using the Microsoft Windows driver supplied with this printer, your files
do contain raster data and therefore the pages will not be rotated in nesting. The
normal line drawings of most CAD software do not contain raster data, and
therefore may be rotated in nesting.
6-10

To Turn Nesting On or Off and Choose the Nesting Method

Queueing & Nesting
Nest
All menu modes

Default: Off
Nest Setting
Selected
Printers Response
Off
The printer will not nest pages.
Optimal
Choose this if you want to use the least amount of media.

The printer will search all through the queue for suitable pages.
It will nest the pages according to an algorithm that, for most
combinations of page sizes, saves the most media. The
resulting nesting pattern may still vary, depending on the size of
the first page.
PS
In order
Choose this if the speed with which you receive your prints is
most important.
The printer will try to nest pages in their queue sequence. If it
comes across an incompatible page, it will stop searching and
print any nest it has already created.
What Happens to Nesting if you Turn Queueing Off?

Turning queueing off does not turn nesting off for pages already in the queue. The
printer prints all the pages in the queue before accepting any more files. As soon as
you turn queueing off, the nesting setting also changes to off. When queueing is
turned on again, the printer restores nesting to its previous setting.
How Long Does the Printer Wait for Another File?

Queueing & Nesting
Nest
Optimal
In order
So that the printer can make the best nest possible, it waits after a file has been
received to check if a subsequent page will nest with it or with pages already in the
queue. This waiting period is the nest wait time. The factory default nest wait time
is two minutes. This means that the printer waits for up to two minutes after the
last file is received before printing the final nest. You can change this waiting time
using the front panel menu (as shown opposite). The available range is 1 through
to 99 minutes.
Nest wait
6-11
PRINT
MANAGMENT
All menu modes

Default: 2 minutes

Getting the Best from Nesting (Nesting and Margins)

What the printer
may do
In order to squeeze in one more page, the printer may reduce the right margin of
the right-most page by up to 3 mm (0.08 in). This is done only if:
your Page format / Size is set either to a Best option or to a discrete standard
size, and if
the roll of media loaded is slightly narrower than a standard size.
What you can do
You can reduce the side margins too, for every page, as explained on page 4-7. In
order to give the printer the best chance of nesting the most pages, we recommend
that you set Page format / Margins to Smaller.
Nesting and the Rotate Feature

Since nesting may automatically rotate pages, the front panels Page format /
Rotate setting is ignored as long as nesting is on.
6-12
RECONFIG.
To See the Current Overall Configuration of the Printer . . . . . . 7-2

To See the Current Configuration of the Front-Panel Settings . 7-3
To Change the Front-Panel Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Recalibrating the Printer for Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Changing the Graphics Language Setting for a Different
Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
Changing the Interface Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
To Change The I/O Timeout Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Reconfiguring Your Printer

Reconfiguration and Recalibration
7-1

To See the Current Overall Configuration of the Printer
To See the Current Overall Configuration of the Printer

Utilities
Statistics
Item
Comments
Max X
These two figures, in millimeters, give the size of the current

printing area, that is, the area in which the printer will print the
next page unless it is changed. Normally each file received
sets these dimensions with its Page Size command. You can
impact it by:
Max Y
Full menu mode only
the current front-panel setting for Page format / Size.

the media size currently loaded.
Remember:
Printing area = page size minus margins.
X represents the vertical (paper path) axis.
Y represents the horizontal (carriage path) axis.
Code rev
This is the revision number of the printers internal code.
RAM present
This is the size, in megabytes, of the printers main standard

memory, plus the amount of memory reserved for printing.
This does not correspond directly to the size of your files on
the computer, as explained on page 9-22.
This is the total RAM, not the RAM currently free.
Media
This is the media type which the printer thinks is currently

loaded (or was last loaded), on the basis of what you specified
when you loaded it. For an explanation of media types, see
page 3-3.
In this display, the following abbreviations are used:
Translucent
= Translucent bond
High-gl photo = High-gloss photo paper

Semi-gl photo = Semi-gloss photo paper
ROM SIMM
7-2
High-gl film
= High-gloss film
Nat. tracing
= Natural tracing paper
This tells you if a ROM SIMM is installed in the printer, for

example PostScript.
To See the Current Configuration of the Front-Panel Settings
RECONFIG.
To See the Current Configuration of the Front-Panel

Settings
1 Make sure either a roll or a sheet of media is loaded.
2
Print the Current Configuration Print, by pressing the up-arrow and

down-arrow keys simultaneously.
STATUS
Ready
Press these two

simultaneously
0014
The Current Configuration Print lists in an easy-to-read format all the items
available in the front-panel menus, together with their current settings (in red
italics). Note that some of the items dont appear in the front-panel display unless
you have set Utilities / Menu mode to Full (the default is Short, so that they dont
appear). See the legend at the bottom of the print for details.
NOTE. Dont confuse the Current Configuration Print with the Service
Configuration Print, which you can print by selecting Utilities / Service config.
Apart from its use in calibrating the printer, as explained on page 7-5, the Service
Configuration Print is likely to be needed only by a service engineer.
7-3

To Change the Front-Panel Settings
To Change the Front-Panel Settings

These graphics
are explained in
Chapter 2 of this manual explains how to use the front-panel display, including
how to change any of the settings. It also explains the small menu graphics that
appear in the left margins of this manual whenever a particular menu item is
explained.
chapter 2.
The meanings of all the items in the front-panel menus are explained at the
relevant point in this manual. Refer to the index at the back of the manual for the
item you want to change.
7-4
Recalibrating the Printer for Accuracy
RECONFIG.
Recalibrating the Printer for Accuracy

When to Recalibrate the Printer
Your printer was calibrated at the factory using HP Matte Film, with a thickness of
0.12 mm (0.0048 in);
at 23_C (73_F),
with 50-60% relative humidity.
It will operate with greatest accuracy in similar environmental conditions. If you
are operating under significantly different conditions, you should recalibrate the
printer as explained here. The printers environmental specifications are given on
page 11-4. Also, if you are using a non-standard media type, you should first
recalibrate the printer for that media type. For supported media types, see
page 3-3. You may also need to recalibrate the printer if you have banding
problems, see page 9-20.
A Quick Guide to Whether Recalibration is Necessary

Utilities
Service config
Full menu mode
1 Make sure E/A0-size or D/A1-size media is loaded.

2 Print the Service Configuration print, by choosing the option shown in the menu
graphic on the left.
3
Near the top of this print are a pair of Xs. With a ruler measure the distance
between them. It should be 500 mm. If significantly different you will need to
recalibrate the printer as described on the following page
500mm
7-5

Recalibrating Your Printer for Accuracy
To Recalibrate the Printer

Utilities
Accuracy
Recalibrate
Full menu mode

only
1 Choose your media type (sheet or roll). If recalibrating for a non-standard media
type, use that type. Otherwise HP Matte Film will give greatest accuracy.
2 Choose your media size. This must be either E/A0 or D/A1.
3 Go to Recalibrate in the front-panel menus, as shown above left.
4 Choose Create pattern. The message Calibrating is displayed. If sheet media is
loaded, this will be ejected. If roll media is loaded, you are asked to remove it.
5 When prompted, load your media, using the normal procedure. If using sheet
media, load it in portrait orientation, unless you chose D/A1-size media for an
E/A0-size printer, in which case load it in landscape orientation.
6 When the calibration print is finished, remove it.
7 Unload any unprinted media.
8
Rotate the sheet 90_ counterclockwise and reload it printed side down, so that
the two black arrows go into the printer first.
1
0030
9 Go to Recalibrate again, and this time choose Measure pattern.

10 When the printer has finished measuring and has ejected the sheet, the recalibration
routine is finished.
Once created, you can use this calibration sheet to recalibrate the printers accuracy
again later. Store the sheet flat or rolled with the printed side out. If the film takes
a curl in the wrong direction it can become impossible to reload.
Utilities
Accuracy
To Restore the Factorys Calibration

From the Accuracy menu, choose Restore factory. Thats all.
Restore factory
Full menu mode only
7-6
Changing the Graphics Language Setting for a Different Application
RECONFIG.
Changing the Graphics Language Setting for a

Different Application
Your software application communicates with the printer by a graphics language.
The HP DesignJet 755CM printer supports:
PostScript
HP-GL/2
HP-GL (7586B)
HP RTL
With the printers default setting, called Automatic, it decides for itself which type
of file it is receiving PostScript, HP-GL/2, HP-GL or RTL and prints it. Unless
you want to change the scale of a PostScript print from the front panel (see page
4-13), or are troubleshooting any of the problems listed under Comments in the
table below, then do not change this default.
To Change the Graphics Language Setting

Device setup
Lang
Full menu mode

Default: Automatic
Graphics
language
Comments
Automatic
This should work successfully for most software applications.
PostScript
This lets you change the scale of a PostScript print from the
front panel. See page 4-13.
7586, HP-GL/2
This should work successfully for most CAD applications.

With this graphics language setting another parameter is
available: Terminator. Try changing this setting from Normal
(the default) to Special:
if you are using an obsolete HP 7586 (pen plotter) driver,
and your prints are incomplete.
HP-GL/2
Try this setting:

if you have experienced image position problems.
if you have experienced timing problems.
However, if you choose this setting, you dont have access to
the Terminator option.
7-7

Changing the Graphics Language Setting for a Different Application
Graphics Language and Networks

Note for system administrator. If you are using the printer with a network
spooler, consider modifying the spooler to insert automatically the PJL
language-switching commands at the beginning and end of each file. This allows
the printer to switch automatically into the correct graphics language for your
current print and returns the printer to the front panel graphics language setting for
subsequent prints. For PJL reference information, see page 11-13.
7-8
Changing the Interface Settings and I/O Timeout Setting
RECONFIG.
Changing the Interface Settings

Network
With a network interface (such as HP JetDirect Print Server), refer to your network
interface documentation for advice on any front-panel configuration. The
front-panel menu is I/O Setup / Modular / MIO ...
Serial
With a serial interface, you should have configured it when installing the printer, as
explained from page 1-26. However, you may need to reconfigure it:
when you connect a new computer to the printer
when you output to the printer from a new application
if you experience problems with distorted or unintelligible prints
Parallel
I/O Setup
RS-232-C
Full menu mode
With a parallel interface, no front-panel configuration is necessary.
To Change the Serial Interface Settings

This task is explained in detail from page 1-26, including a note of the defaults and
likely requirements.
To Change the I/O Timeout Setting

I/O Setup
I/O timeout
Some software may not write a proper file terminator at the end of the file. In this
case, the printer will not know that the file is complete and will wait for more data
until the end of the I/O Timeout period. By default, this period is 30 minutes,
but you can change it in the menu (indicated on the left) to as little as 30 seconds.
Full menu mode
7-9
7-10
MAINTENANCE
Replacing the Print Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2

Cleaning the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Normal Printer Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Maintaining Your Printer

Cleaning and Service
8-1
Maintaining Your Printer

Replacing the Print Cartridges and Cleaning the Printer
Replacing the Print Cartridges

Replaceable print cartridges have been used in your printer, greatly reducing its
user maintenance requirements, as these are the components that experience the
greatest wear and tear. Under normal use, you will probably find that you have to
replace the black cartridge more often than the rest.
For instructions on when and how to replace cartridges, see the section starting on
page 3-25.
Cleaning the Printer

Cleaning is limited to the outside of the machine. Use a damp sponge or a soft
cloth and household cleaner.
WARNING
CAUTION
To avoid an electric shock, make sure that the printer is switched OFF and
unplugged before you clean it. Do not let water get inside the printer.
Do not use abrasive cleaners on the printer.
Any maintenance or repairs beyond this should be done by a qualified service
technician.
8-2
Maintaining Your printer
MAINTENANCE
Normal Printer Use
Normal Printer Use

Normal printer use means less than:
12 pages per day (if medium-density E/A0 image prints), or

20 pages per day (if medium-density E/A0 CAD prints)
If your drawings are smaller than E/A0, the number of pages per day can be higher.
If you use the printer less than this, it is unlikely you will need to get it serviced. If
you use the printer more than this, it is possible that, after a period of time, it will
need to be serviced. The printer itself keeps an internal count of total pages printed
and total passes of the print cartridges. If the front panel periodically displays:
STATUS
Maintenance advised
this means that your use of the printer has exceeded one of the following
warranty limits:
either 20,000 pages printed
or 4,500,000 passes of the cartridge carriage.
Contact your local HP dealer or HP service engineer to arrange a service. After
the service the message will disappear. If you choose to ignore the message, you
may continue to use the printer as normal, but may encounter a number of
operational or print-quality problems.
You can check your current count of pages printed and passes of cartridge carriage
by printing the Service Configuration Print.
8-3
Maintaining Your printer

Normal Printer Use
To Print the Service Configuration Print

Utilities
1 Make sure media is loaded.

2 In the front-panel menus, choose the option shown on the left.
Service config
Full menu mode
8-4
TROUBLESHOOTING
Using the Documentation to Help Solve Problems . . . . . . . . . . 9-2

Locating the Source of Your Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Solving Media-Handling Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Solving Print-Cartridge Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Clearing a Media Jam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Solving Communication Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Solving Problems with Image Position or Content . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Solving Print-Quality Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Solving Front-Panel Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Solving Miscellaneous Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Troubleshooting
9-1
Troubleshooting
Using the Documentation to Help Solve Your Problem
Using the Documentation to Help Solve Problems

If you are looking for the meaning of an error message, see chapter 10.
If you know the problem is related to a certain task, first check the relevant
section in this manual, for the step-by-step procedures. Use this manuals index
to find the section. For example, if you are having difficulty with your page
format, refer to chapter 4, titled: Controlling the Page Format.
If the problem persists, refer to the appropriate section in this chapter. The
sections are
Solving media-handling problems

Clearing a media jam
Solving problems with image position or content
Solving print-quality problems
Solving miscellaneous problems.
If the problem could be related to your software driver, and you are using an
HP driver, refer to the drivers troubleshooting documentation and the OnLine-Help in your application software.
If the problem has no obvious cause, read Locating the source of your problem on the next page.
If you still cannot solve the problem, refer to Getting help on page 9-25.
9-2
Troubleshooting
Locating the Source of Your Problem
Locating the Source of the Problem

1 Look at the front-panel display for any error message. For an explanation, see
chapter 10.
2 Test the printer.
Switch the printer on. Print a sample file (see page 1-21). If the printer prints
this correctly, the problem is probably not with the printer.
3 Test your computer hardware and interface.
Ensure that you have the correct interface cable between the computer and the
printer and that it is firmly connected to the correct ports (see the sections
starting on page 1-24).
Check that your printers graphics language setting (in Device setup / Lang)
matches the requirements of your software.
Serial interface users only. Check that your printers serial interface settings
(in I/O Setup / RS-232-C) match the requirements of your computer hardware
and application software. See page 1-26 for details. Also, if you have changed
your interface, switch the printer off and then on again before trying to print.
9-3
TROUBLESHOOTING
Switch the printer off. Ensure that the power cord is firmly inserted in the
printer and plugged in to an outlet that you know works.
Troubleshooting
Solving Media-Handling Problems

If the Front Panel Keeps Indicating that Media is Misaligned or
Incorrectly Positioned.
Roll media
Have you:
Loaded the roll the wrong way. The media should load over the roll toward
you.
Loaded the media at an angle. The right-hand edge must be parallel to the
perforated line on the printer.
Sheet media
Have you:
Loaded the media at the wrong side of the entry slot. It must be loaded with the
right-hand edge against the perforated line on the printer.
Loaded the media at an angle. The right-hand edge must be parallel to the
perforated line on the printer.
Pushed or held the media back as it is loading. You must hold the media only
by the edges and immediately release it when the printer is loading.
It is also possible that the media itself is crumpled or warped or has irregular
edges.
If you are using hand-cut media, perhaps the edges do not form a right-angle or
they are rough. It is not recommended to use media that you have cut yourself;
use only purchased sheet media.
If you cannot make your medias leading edge straight, you can turn on the
skew tolerance feature (Device setup / Skew tolerance). See page 3-20, but
remember that this feature can skew your print on the page.
9-4
Troubleshooting
If Media Crumples When You Load it

Clear any obstructions in the media path.
When loading media, hold each edge and push the media into the printer evenly
against the stops until a slight buckle develops evenly across the media. Let go
as soon as it starts to feed into the printer.
If you have just moved the printer or your media from an environment with a
different humidity level, let the media stabilize for at least 15 minutes before
loading it.
Roll media only. Open the roll cover and raise the lever. Unload the leading
edge of the roll. Push the media all the way to the right so that it is flush against
the media stop on the roll core. Then reload the media.
If Prints Do Not Feed Out Properly From the Printer

Make sure the roll cover is completely closed before you print.
If The Automatic Cutter Does Not Cut Immediately When a

Print Has Finished
Check the Page format / Margins setting. When this is set to Smaller, the printer
waits until the next print begins printing so it can create a 10 mm margin between both prints or nesting sets.
Press the Form Feed and Cut key if you need to cut the media before the
ink-drying time has passed or before the next print begins printing. Use caution
to avoid smearing the ink.
Check the ink-drying time and change if necessary (Device setup / Drying time).
9-5
If your media is curled, and if both sides are the same, load it with the curved
(hollow) side towards you (Certain media types for example coated paper
have a printing side and a non-printing side and these must be loaded printing
side down).
TROUBLESHOOTING
Be sure the leading edge is straight and free of tears. Cut a straight edge with
the knife if necessary.
Troubleshooting
If the Automatic Cutter Does Not Work

The automatic cutter is activated only when roll media is loaded.
Your software application may have disabled the automatic cutter. Refer to your
software documentation or contact your software vendor for more information.
If Prints Fall on the Floor After Being Cut

Do not let more than twenty prints accumulate in the bin.
Be sure you have loaded roll media properly. If loaded incorrectly, the natural
curl of the media may cause it to miss the bin and fall to the floor.
If a Sheet Is Ejected When You Switch On the Printer

The printer is undertaking an automatic calibration check. Simply wait for the
STATUS / Ready message and then reload the sheet.
If Prints Do Not Stack Properly in the Bin

You may be too close to the end of the roll. The natural curl near the end of the
roll can cause stacking problems. Load a new roll or remove prints manually as
they are completed.
If printed media is sagging or wrinkling between the bin wires after it is cut and
fed out, try placing a sheet of scrap paper in the bin shelf that is at least the size
of the print.
If you are mixing prints or nesting sets of several different sizes, you are more
likely to have stacking problems because of the different sizes of media in the
bin.
9-6
Troubleshooting
Solving Print-Cartridge Problems
Solving Print-Cartridge Problems
If the Access Cartridges Key Does Not Work
The printer runs the automatic cartridge alignment procedure every time you
load, replace or even reseat a cartridge, whether it is a new cartridge or not. Do
not remove the cartridges unnecessarily.
You can stop the alignment by pressing Cancel, but the printer will restart the
alignment procedure the next time you try to switch it on.
If Brand New Cartridges Have Problems

Check the cartridges to be sure you have removed the protective nozzle tape.
Try reseating cartridges.
Dont forget that, after you remove or reseat a cartridge, the printer will run its
automatic cartridge alignment procedure see page 3-26.
For troubleshooting other problems with the print cartridges, see the section
9-7
If the Printer Runs the Cartridge-Alignment Routine

Unexpectedly
TROUBLESHOOTING
Make sure the window is closed before you press Access Cartridges.
Troubleshooting
Clearing a Media Jam
Clearing a Media Jam

1
Switch OFF the printer, open the window and raise the media lever.
off
1867
WARNING
Dont touch the stainless steel strip that runs the length of the printer behind
and foreign objects away from the printer mechanisms.
When moving the cartridge carriage, touch only the black plastic parts.
2 Carefully move the cartridge carriage out of the way if possible all the way to the
enclosed area on the left or the right. Which way you are able to move it depends
on where the media is jammed. If the printer was in the process of cutting media at
the time of the jam, the cutter carriage will be attached to the cartridge carriage and
will move with it.
3 Carefully remove any of the jammed media which you can easily lift up and out
from the top of the printer.
4 Carefully pull the rest of the roll or sheet down and out of the media entry slot.
5 Lower the window and the lever and switch on the printer. Press the Form Feed
and Cut key to eject any pieces of media that are still in the media path.
6 Reload the media as normal see page 3-9. Remember that, if its a roll, you may
need to trim the edge.
9-8
Troubleshooting
Solving Communication Problems
Solving Communication Problems

If There is a Problem Communicating between Your Computer
and the Printer
The front-panel Receiving light does not come on.

The front-panel display does not show STATUS / Receiving.
Your computer displays an error message when you are trying to print.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Some symptoms of a communication problem are:
Your computer or printer hangs (stays idle) while communication is taking

place.
Your printed output shows random or inexplicable errors (misplaced lines,

partial drawings etc.)
Items to start checking are:
Have you selected the correct interface port in your software?
Does the printer work correctly when receiving files from other software?
If the printer is connected to a network, try using it when connected directly to
your computer.
If your printer is connected to your computer via any other intermediate devices, such as switch boxes, buffer boxes, cable adapters, cable converters etc.,
try using it when connected directly to your computer.
Try another interface cable. For details of supported cables, see page 11-8.
9-9
Troubleshooting
Solving Problems With Image Position or Content
Solving Problems with Image Position or Content

If you dont find the solution to the problem here, other sources of help are:
The documentation supplied with the driver that you are using to manage the
output from your software application to the printer. For example, the online
and printed documentation included in the following drivers supplied with your
printer:

HP Printer Drivers for AutoCAD
The documentation supplied with your application software
If the Print Is Completely Blank

Check the print cartridges to be sure you have removed the protective nozzle
tape from all of them. Do not forget that, after you remove or reseat a cartridge,
the printer will run its automatic cartridge alignment procedure see page 3-26.
Cartridges may be out of ink. For an explanation of how to check if a cartridge
is out of ink, see page 3-25.
If the front-panel graphics language setting is Automatic (the default), try the
other settings (PostScript for a PostScript file, HP-GL/2 for an HP-GL/2 file
etc.) and send the file again. See page 7-7.
9-10
Troubleshooting
If the Output Contains Only a Partial Print

Did you press Form Feed and Cut before all the data was received by the
printer? If so, you have ended the data transmission and will have to print the
page again. (You normally dont need to press Form Feed and Cut to unload
the print.)
There may be a communications problem between your computer and the

printer. Check your interface cable.
Check to make sure that your software settings are correct for your current page
size (e.g., long-axis prints).
If you are using network software, make sure it has not timed out.
See also under If the image is clipped on page 9-12.
9-11
The file may be too big for the printers memory. See the note on page 9-22.
TROUBLESHOOTING
The I/O Setup / I/O Timeout setting may be too short. Increase the setting and
print again. See page 7-9.
Troubleshooting
If the Image Is Clipped

This normally indicates a discrepancy between the actual printing area on the
loaded media and the printing area as understood by your software. For general
advice on printing areas and page size, see chapter 4.
Check the actual printing area for the media size you have loaded. printing area
= media size minus margins. For media size and margins, see page 11-2. For
actual printing areas, see page 11-6.
Check what your software understands to be the printing area (which it may call
printable area or imageable area). For example, AutoCAD assumes standard printing areas that are larger than those used in this printer.
Check that the orientation of the media is the same as that assumed by your
software. The frontpanel Page format / Rotate option changes the orientation
of a drawing and, on roll media, the orientation of the page. It is possible that a
rotated image on roll media may be slightly clipped in order to retain the correct
page size, as explained on page 4-11.
You may have asked to rotate the page from portrait to landscape on media that
is not wide enough, for example a D/A1-size page rotated on a D/A1-size roll.
If necessary, change the printing area in your software.
The file may be too big for the printers memory. This is the case if the front
panel displays Out of memory data was lost. See the note on page 9-22.
If a Long-Axis Print Is Clipped

Does your software support long-axis prints?
Have you specified an appropriate media size in your software?
Unless it is a PostScript file, make sure that the printers Page format / Size is
set to Inked area.
9-12
Troubleshooting
If the Entire Image Is in One Quadrant of the Correct Printing

Area
Is the page size configured in the software too small?
Are you sure that your software doesnt believe the drawing to be in one quadrant of the page?
Is your software configured for this printer? For general advice, see page 1-32.
For advice specific to your software, see either the documentation supplied with
the driver or any Software Application Notes supplied with your printer.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If you still havent found the solution, try changing the printers Graphics
Language setting on the front panel (Device setup / Lang).
Otherwise, this indicates an incompatibility between the software and the printer:
If the Image Is Unexpectedly Rotated

Check the front-panel Page format / Rotate setting. See page 4-8.
For non-PostScript files: if Queueing and Nesting are both ON, pages may be
automatically rotated to save media. See page 6-10.
For an explanation of rotation for PostScript files, see page 4-10.
If the Print Is a Mirror Image of Your Drawing

Check the front-panel Page format / Mirror setting.
If the Print Is Inaccurate

If you notice problems with accuracy, print the Service Config print, as
explained on page 7-5, to see if the printer needs to be recalibrated.
9-13
Troubleshooting
If the Print Is Distorted or Unintelligible

The interface cable between your computer and the printer could be faulty. Try
another cable to see if the problem is corrected.
If you are using a serial interface between the printer and your computer, make
sure the printers serial interface settings match the settings and requirements of
your software and hardware. See page 1-26.
If the front-panel graphics language setting is Automatic (the default), try the
other settings (PostScript for a PostScript file, HP-GL/2 for an HP-GL/2 file
etc.) and send the file again. See page 7-7.
If One Image Overlays Another on the Same Sheet

The I/O Setup / I/O Timeout setting may be too long. Decrease the setting and
print again. See page 7-9.
If Device setup / Lang is set to 7586,HPGL/2 (the default), try changing the
Terminator setting and send the files again.
If Pen Settings Seem To Have No Effect
Either you have changed them in Pen settings / Define palette but forgotten to
select that palette in Pen settings / Palette,
or you expected the software-driven pen settings but in the front panel Pen
settings / Palette is not set to Software.
See page 5-7.
If the Printer Produces a Black and White Print When You

Expected a Color Print
Check the front panel Color/Mono setting, and the equivalent setting in your
software.
If a Gray Box Appears Where an Image Should Be

If the image is an embedded EPS (encapsulated PostScript) file, and you printed
it using the non-PostScript Microsoft Windows driver, try using the
HP DesignJet PostScript driver for Microsoft Windows instead.
9-14
Troubleshooting
Solving Problems With Image Position or Content
?!
If the Printer Has Printed a Different Print Than the One You
Were Expecting
One possibility is that you have accidentally initiated one of the printers internal
prints:
The Current Configuration Print. This is printed by simultaneously pressing

the two arrow keys on the front-panel.
The Demos. These are printed from the front-panel menu options Demos /
PostScript and Demos / Samples.
The Front-Panel Menu Print. This is printed from the front-panel menu
Demos / Menu.
The Palette Print. This is printed from the front-panel menu Demos / Palette.
The Service Configuration Print. This is printed from the front-panel menu
Demos / Service Config.
If the Quality Of A Color Print Is Not as Sharp as You Were

Expecting
Select Best on the front-panel Print Quality key and print again.
Did you specify the correct media type when loading? The highest line quality
is only produced using Opaque Bond, Coated Paper or Matte Film. For details
of media types, see page 3-3. To find out the printers current media type
setting, see page 7-2.
Your application-software driver may be overriding the Sharp lines selection on
the frontpanel menu.
Are you printing something other than a line drawing, for example a
CorelDRAW! file? If so, you may want to experiment to improve the output
quality by setting Sharp lines to Off on the front-panel menu, and print again.
Are you printing a CAD drawing with small raster images? Try setting Sharp
lines to On and print again.
When loading the paper, specify Heavy coated paper on the front panel, rather
than Coated paper.
9-15
TROUBLESHOOTING
The Cartridge Alignment Print. (A small pattern of colored lines without text.)
This is printed automatically every time you replace, or even reseat a cartridge.
Troubleshooting
Solving Print-Quality Problems

genuine HP accessories and supplies, whose reliability and performance have been
thoroughly tested to give trouble-free performance and best-quality prints. For
details of HP media, see page 3-3 and the Supplies Source catalog supplied with
the printer.
If the Color Is Not as Expected

The means of accurately managing the colors printed by your printer vary with the
software application and driver being used. Refer to the following documentation:
That included as part of the HP Color Management Kit supplied with the
printer.
The Software Application Note for your application, in the specific package
shipped with your printer.
Online documentation in the drivers shipped with your printer, for example in
the Color Options dialog box of the non-PostScript Microsoft Windows driver.
Additionally, remember that your printer may be configured to use one of its
internal pen palettes instead of your softwares palette (which is the default). See
the section starting on page 5-5. If you cannot find any reason for the discrepancy,
before getting help, find out for which CMYK printer inks the colors have been
specified.
If there Are White Streaks in Solid Areas

This may mean that a cartridge nozzle is blocked. Unless you have switched
cartridge check off (see page 3-25), the printer normally detects this problem and
tries to clear the nozzle automatically. However, some nozzles may still remain
blocked, and in this case, the printer will display Service cartridges on the front
panel. This means you should replace the problem cartridge, as explained from
page 3-25. If you are unsure which cartridge has the problem, refer to the next
page.
9-16
Troubleshooting
If There are Other Gaps in Solid Areas Or in Lines

1 One or more of your cartridges may be out of ink. For an explanation of how to
check, see page 3-25.
yellow
magenta
red
TROUBLESHOOTING
2 If the ink levels are OK, try to assess which cartridge has the problem. Look at
your print, if the problem occurs only in one of the following colors yellow,
cyan, magenta, red, green, blue or black then you can eliminate one or more of
the cartridges. Remember that the printers cartridges are yellow, cyan, magenta
and black, and that pure red, green and blue are made up as follows:
green
blue
=
=
cyan
magenta
+
+
yellow
cyan
3 If you know which cartridge has the problem, then try reseating it to ensure good
electrical connections. While it is out of the carriage, check the print nozzles to
make sure the protective tape has been removed. Dont forget that, after you
remove or reseat a cartridge, the printer will run its automatic cartridge alignment
procedure see page 3-26.
4 If you dont know which cartridge has the problem, then print the Service
Configuration Print, by choosing Utilities / Service Config on the front panel. This
print contains a pattern for each of the four cartridge colors (yellow, cyan, magenta
and black) which you can examine for gaps or streaks. If you can identify a
problem cartridge, try the checks in 3 above.
5 If the problems persist, try running the recalibration routine. See page 7-5.
6 If the problems still persist, replace the cartridge(s). See page 3-25.
9-17
Troubleshooting
If There are Jagged Vertical or Horizontal Lines

Did you specify the right media type when loading the media? For details of
front-panel media types, see page 3-3. To find out the printers current type of
media setting, see page 7-2.
Force the automatic cartridge alignment procedure by reseating any one of the
print cartridges.
If the problem persists, replace the print cartridges. See page 3-25.
If There are Slightly Warped Lines

The media itself may be warped. This can happen if it has been used or stored
in an extreme environment. For all environmental specifications, see page 11-4.
If There are Color Shadows

Force the automatic cartridge alignment procedure by reseating any one of the
print cartridges.
If One or More Cartridges are not Printing at All

Look to see if the cartridge is out of ink. See 3-25.
If it is still not printing, remove the faulty cartridge(s) and check the print
nozzles to make sure the protective tape has been removed. Do not forget that,
after you remove or reseat a cartridge, the printer will run its automatic cartridge
alignment procedure see page 3-26.
9-18
Troubleshooting
If There are Blurred Lines (Ink Bleeds from Lines)

Perhaps you are not using HP media. For details of HP media, see page 3-3 and
the Supplies Source catalog supplied with the printer.
Did you adjust the drying time in the front-panel menu purely to speed up the
printers output? For details of drying time adjustments see page 3-22.
If There are Blotchy Areas (Uneven Fill Density)

Perhaps you are not using HP media. For details of HP media, see page 3-3 and
the Supplies Source catalog supplied with the printer.
front-panel media types, see page 3-3. To find out the printers current type of
media setting, see page 7-2.
Note that some media types are not recommended for color prints with large
area fills. See page 3-5.
If the Print Is Too Dark .or the Color Too Saturated

You can make a global adjustment to the amount of black ink used (which
affects most colors too) by adjusting the Lightness setting. See page 5-9. This
is also available from some drivers, where the feature may be called
Darkness.
9-19
TROUBLESHOOTING
The printer may be operating in an area where the temperature and humidity are
too high. For environmental specifications, see page 11-4. To allow for extremely dry or humid environments within the specification, see page 3-21.
Troubleshooting
If There Is Pronounced Banding in Area Fills

Some banding is normal, especially in dark or dense area fills. If the banding is
unacceptable try the following:
Make sure you are using HP media.
Try changing the Print Quality setting.
If the banding is in a black or gray area, then try reducing the percentage of
black in grayscales, either in your software or in the printers palette. For
details of how to do this using the printers palette, see page 5-5.
Force the automatic cartridge alignment procedure by reseating a print cartridges.
Try accuracy calibration.
Adjust the drying time, see page 3-21.
If the problem persists, replace the print cartridges. See page 3-25.
If Ink Smears After You Remove a Print
Use HP media for best quality.

This can be caused by extreme environmental conditions. For environmental
specifications, see page 11-4.
With roll media, the printer automatically allows a suitable ink-drying time
before cutting the roll and dropping the print in the media bin. To allow for
extremely dry or humid environments within the specification, see page 3-21.
With sheet media, you need to allow for ink-drying time before removing the
sheet. For recommended ink-drying times, see page 3-21. For example, with a
best-quality monochrome print on opaque bond, you should wait about 90
seconds before unloading the sheet.
Handle media by the edges. If possible, wear gloves when you handle film. Skin
oils can interact with ink and cause it to smear.
9-20
Troubleshooting
Solving Front-Panel Problems

If the Access Cartridges Key Does Not Work
If the Cancel key Does Not Work
A PostScript file will carry on printing for a while before implementing a cancel
request. Simply wait until the front panel display STATUS / Ready.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Make sure the window is closed before you press Access Cartridges.
If None Of the Front-Panel Keys Work

Turn the printer off and then on again. If the problem persists, have your printer
serviced.
If Page Format/Rotate Does Not Work

Your print file may be too big for the printers memory. See the note on page
9-22.
The printer cannot rotate raster images (except for PostScript files). If your
non-PostScript file contains raster data (typically, images with heavy area fill
and shading that you have scanned into your software) you will not be able to
rotate the print.
The printer cannot rotate any file sent using the non-PostScript Microsoft
Windows driver supplied with the printer, as they contain raster images.
If a Display Message Will Not Clear

Look up the message in chapter 10. The message description may help you
understand and resolve the problem.
If looking up the message did not help, press Enter. If that does not work, turn
the power off, then on again. If the message still displays, have the printer
serviced. If the message says System Error and has an alphanumeric code,
refer to the next explanation.
9-21
Troubleshooting
If a System Error Message Is Displayed

Press Enter. If the message does not clear, turn the printer off, then on again to
try to clear the error message. If media appears to be jammed, clear it. If the
message is still displayed, record the alphanumeric code and have the printer
serviced. Report the code to the service technician; knowing the code number
will help the technician resolve the problem.
If an Out Of Memory/Data Was Lost Message Is Displayed

The current file is too large for the printers memory.
File Size and Memory Usage

There is no direct relationship between file size on your computer and memory
used in the printer to print that file. In fact, because of file compression (and
general complexity) it is often impossible to estimate how much memory will be
used. In general, thicker lines ( 0.5 mm), complex objects (such as polylines)
and fills will all use significantly more memory.
This also means that size of the largest file you can store in the printers queue is
not the same thing as the amount of memory installed in your printer.
Two tips for PostScript users with file-size problems:
Try reducing the page size in your software and then scale the print in the
printers front panel. See page 4-13.
Try reducing the resolution of any bit-map objects in your file, for example
photographs.
9-22
Troubleshooting
Solving Miscellaneous Problems
You may have a power problem. If there is no activity at all from the printer,
and no lights on the front panel, check that the power cable is connected correctly and that there is power available at the socket.
You may have a problem with your application driver. Is your software configured for this printer? For general advice, see page 1-32. For advice specific to
your software, see either the documentation supplied with the driver or a relevant Software Application Note supplied with your printer.
The file may be too big for the printers memory. Look on your computer
screen for any error message: some drivers, for example the Microsoft Windows
driver supplied with your printer, allow you to choose a different printing mode
and try to send the file again.
If you continue to have problems, see Getting help on page 9-25.
If the Printer Seems Too Slow

Did you specify Best Print Quality level on the front panel? Best quality
prints are produced more slowly. See page 5-12.
front-panel media types, see page 3-3. To find out the printers current media
type setting, see page 7-2.
If you are using the non-PostScript Microsoft Windows driver shipped with the
printer, check the settings in the Print Setup / Options dialog box, where some
of the settings impact printing speed. If in doubt, use the on-screen help system.
Is Sharp lines set to Auto on the front panel or in your driver? If so, setting it to
Off will speed up your printer but may reduce the quality of your print. See
page 5-15.
9-23
TROUBLESHOOTING
If the Printer Does not Print
Troubleshooting
If the Printer Waits Too Long to Print a Nest

Change the Nest wait setting. See page 6-11.
If the Printer Performs the Cartridge Alignment Routine

Unexpectedly
This is a normal printer operation. The printer will align the cartridges every
time you replace, or even reseat, a cartridge, whether or not it is new.
If the Bail (Black Metal Bar) Does Not Lower All the Way
If the the bail (the black metal bar just inside the printers window) will not
lower all the way, check for obstructions underneath it.
Make sure the cutting carriage is pushed all the way to the right.
9-24
Troubleshooting
Getting Help
Getting Help
Hewlett-Packard has support services available to help you in case you have a
problem with your printer.
TROUBLESHOOTING
For a list of the support services available, refer to the Hewlett-Packard

Support Services booklet shipped with this printer.
What to Do Before You Call
1 Review the troubleshooting suggestions:

in this chapter,
in the relevant driver documentation supplied with this printer (for users
sending PostScript files or those using Microsoft Windows and AutoCAD
applications),
in any relevant Software Application Note supplied with this printer.
2 Print the demo as explained on page 1-21. If the demos work and do not display
the problems you have found with your own prints, then the problem is probably
not with your printer.
3 If the problem appears to be related to your software application, first contact your
software vendor.
4 If you still have difficulty, refer to the HP Support Services booklet shipped with
this printer. This document contains a comprehensive list of various support
services available to help solve printer problems.
5 If you do call one of the Hewlett-Packard offices, please have the following
information available to help us answer your questions more quickly:
The printer you are using.
The computer you are using.
Any special equipment or software you are using (for example, spoolers,
networks, switch-boxes, modems, or special software drivers).
The cable you are using (by part number) and where you purchased it.
The type of interface used on your printer (RS-232-C, parallel, or modular).
The software name and version you are currently using.
If a Repair Is Needed
Contact the Hewlett-Packard dealer or HP Sales and Support Office nearest to
where you purchased the printer for complete service information.
9-25
9-26
10
MESSAGES
10
Front-Panel Messages
10-1
This is a list of all possible messages in the front-panel display. If you need to do
something, it is shown in italics in the Explanation and Action column.
The messages are listed in alphabetical order.
Message
Explanation and Action
Alignment error
Continue
The alignment procedure has failed. Check that an opaque media is loaded.
Press to continue and force the automatic alignment procedure again by
reseating any of the print cartridges. Do not lift the window while cartridge
alignment is being performed.
Calibrate error
Continue
The calibration print was loaded incorrectly and it could not be measured. Press
to continue, then reload the print for measurement. Follow front panel instructions.
Calibration done
Continue
Accuracy calibration is complete. Press to continue.
Close roll cover

Continue
Rewind the media to take up any slack in the roll, close the roll cover, then press
to continue.
Create pattern

Measure pattern
Press to create the pattern for automatic calibration.

Press to stat the automatic calibration.
Edge not found

Reload media
The printer could not find edge of media during loading procedure. Check the
leading edge of the media for unevenness or tears; cut a straight edge, if
necessary, and reload. Be sure to position the right edge along the perforated line
on the entry platen when loading.
Lift lever
Lift the lever at the right of the printer.
Load arrow edge

print side down
Remove accuracy calibration print, turn it so that the edge with arrows printed on
it is print side down, then load that edge into the printer.
Load cancelled
Remove media
You pressed the Cancel button while media loading was in progress. Remove
media.
Load error
Remove media
You inserted media with the media lever raised. Lower the lever and reload the
media.
Load media
to align cartridges
Load media to proceed with cartridge alignment.
Lower lever
after aligning
When youve finished aligning the roll media as instructed, lower the lever at the
right of the printer.
10-2
Lower lever
to continue
You lifted the media lever while the processor was busy. Lower the lever to
continue.
Lower window
to continue
You opened the window while the processor was busy. Close the window to
continue.
Media too small
The media you loaded for accuracy calibration or cartridge alignment is too small.
Reload appropriate media. See page 7-5.
Mispositioned
Reload roll
The roll is mispositioned. Reload media.
Mispositioned
Reload sheet
The sheet is mispositioned. Remove it and reload it with the right edge no more
than 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) from either side of the perforated line on the entry platen.
MIO data error
You configured the modular interface incorrectly. Press Enter to clear the message
from the front panel display. Recheck the MIO configuration settings.
MIO error
Communication
break
You prematurely stopped the flow of data from the computer to the printer (e.g., by
turning off the computer before all data is sent). Press Enter to clear the message
from the front panel display.
Open window to
access cartridges
Lift the window to access the cartridges.
Out of memory
Data was lost
The current file is too large for the printers buffer. See the note on page 9-22.
Pull # / Align $
edges to roll
Grasp the left and right free edges of the roll media and pull toward you until the
media is taut. At the same time, align the left and right edges of the media so that
they are flush with the left and right edges of the roll.
Remove media
Continue
10
Message
The ink is dry. Remove the accuracy calibration print the printer just produced.
Press to continue with accuracy calibration.
Remove media
Lower lever
You have attempted to load media while the lever at the right of the printer was
raised. Remove the media, lower the lever, and reload media with the lever down.
Replace cartridge(s)

The cartridge indicated has a clogged nozzle. Replace it to continue.
Reseat cartridge(s)

The cartridge indicated is badly seated. Reseat it to continue.
Roll misaligned
Reload roll
Roll media is skewed. Reload media.
RS-232 error
Baud, parity
You configured the RS-232-C interface incorrectly. Press Enter to clear the
message from the front panel display. Check the baud rate and parity settings in
the front panel, in the hardware configuration, and in your software to be sure they
are all compatible.
10-3
MESSAGES
Message
Service cartridges
Continue
Cartridge Check is on and an error has been detected. Press if you want to
service the cartridges (replace or reseat). Press if you want to continue without
servicing the cartridges.
Sheet load
Roll load

Press to load sheet media.

Press to load roll media.
Sheet misaligned
Reload sheet
Sheet media is skewed. Remove it and reload it so that the left and right edges
being loaded into the printer are square. The leading edge must also be straight.
Sheet / Roll?
Reload media
D Either: You have chosen Sheet mode while loading roll media. Reload media.
STATUS
Accessing cartridges
You have pressed the Access cartridges button. The cartridge carriage is moving
out so you can access it.
STATUS
Aligning cartridges
The printer is aligning cartridges.
STATUS
Cancelling
You have pressed the Cancel button and the printer is in the process of cancelling
the procedure. Continue when this message is no longer displayed.
STATUS
Checking media
The printer is checking to see if media is properly positioned with respect to the
perforated line of the entry platen.
STATUS
Creating pattern
The printer is performing accuracy calibration.
STATUS
Ink drying (xx m xx s)
The ink on your print is drying. Wait before removing the print. If you remove it
before the indicated time has passed, avoid smearing the ink.
STATUS
Loading roll
The printer is loading roll media.
STATUS
Loading sheet
The printer is loading sheet media.
STATUS
Maintenance advised
You are using the printer more intensively than the recommended duty cycle and
should contact your local HP dealer or HP service engineer to arrange a service.
For the duty cycle specification, see page 11-4. If you choose to ignore the
message, you may continue to use the printer as normal, but may encounter a
number of operational or print-quality problems.
STATUS
Measuring pattern
The printer is measuring the accuracy calibration print you just loaded.
D Or: You have loaded a sheet more than 51 inches (130 cm) long. Trim sheet
and reload.
10-4
STATUS
Returning cartridges
The cartridge carriage is returning to its station at the left of the printer.
STATUS
Roll feed edge trim
The printer is trimming the edge of roll media.
STATUS
Initializing
The printer is doing an internal check on power-up.
STATUS
Out of media
The printer has received a file, is ready to print, but has no media loaded.
STATUS
Printing
The printer is printing.
STATUS
Printing (Special)
The printer is printing with a special print mode controlled by your software rather
than by the printer.
STATUS
Ready for media
The printer is ready for you to load media.
STATUS
Ready
The printer is ready to print.
STATUS
Receiving
The printer has received data.
STATUS
Testing cartridges
The printer is testing the cartridges for problems, i.e., clogged cartridge or bad
electrical connection (improper seating).
Switch power off

Check cartridge path
Turn off the printer. The cartridge carriage cannot move. The printer may be
jammed with media. Check the media path and clear it if necessary. Then turn on
the printer.
Switch power off

Check paper path
Turn off the printer. The drive roller cannot move or the roll feed spindle cannot
freely rotate. The printer may be jammed with media. Check the media path and
clear it if necessary. Then turn on the printer.
System error
XXXXXX
An internal error has occurred and a system error number is displayed. Press
Enter; this may clear the error and allow you to continue. If you cannot continue,
turn off the printer, then turn it on again. If you still see the system error message,
record the system error number and have the printer serviced. For support
details, see page 9-25.
Wrong cartridge type
You have loaded one or more incompatible cartridges. Replace the cartridges with
those appropriate for this printer.
10
Message
10-5
MESSAGES
10-6
11
11
REFERENCE
Printer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2

Interface Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-7
Interface Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Regulatory Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-10
Ordering Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13
Reference
11-1
Reference
Printer Specifications
Functional Specifications
Cartridges
Four: yellow, cyan, magenta and black. For part numbers, see page 11-15.
Media sizes
Width (carriage axis)
Length (paper axis)
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
E/A0-size printer
190 mm (7.5 in)
917 mm (36.1 in)
210 mm (8.3
in)
Maximum length of long

axis plot on roll media:
15.2 m (50 ft)
Sheet media:
1.32 m (52 in)
Media types
Monochrome
Color
See also Supplies

Source catalog and (in
Europe and USA)
Media Reference
Guide.
Coated paper
Coated paper
Matte film
Matte film
Clear film
Clear film
Heavy coated paper
Heavy coated paper
Opaque bond
Opaque bond (CAD drawings only)
For alternative names,

HP commercial names
and physical
characteristics of
these media types,
see chapter 3.
Translucent bond
Natural tracing paper 1
Vellum
Vellum 1
High-gloss photo paper 2

High-gloss film
High-gloss film
1 CAD drawings only and HP media only.
2 To print in monochrome on glossy media, you must have all four cartridges loaded.
Note. From time to time, new media types may become available. For up-to-date information,
please contact your HP dealer or local HP Sales and Support Office.
Normal
Smaller (roll media only)
Leading edge:
17 mm (0.67 in)
10 mm (0.39 in)
Trailing edge:
17 mm (0.67 in)
10 mm (0.39 in)
Sides:
5 mm (0.2 in)
5 mm (0.2 in)
Margins
For printing area
(media size minus
margins), see
page 11-6
All measurements 2 mm (0.08 in).
11-2
PS
Reference
Functional Specifications (continued)

Resolution
by Print Q
Quality
ality
setting
Color/Mono set to: Mono
Color/Mono set to: Color
Fast
300 x 300 dpi.
Fast
300 x 300 dpi.
Normal
PS: 300 x 300 dpi.
Normal
300 x 300 dpi.
Best
600 x 600 dpi.2
Non-PS: 600 x 600

Best
dpi.1
600 x 600 dpi.1
Accuracy
0.38 mm (0.015 in) or 0.2% of the specified vector length, whichever is greater,
(Maximum
at 23C (73F), 5060% relative humidity, on HP Matte Film.
accumulated error)
Programming
languages
supported
Adobe PostScript Level 2, HP-GL (7586B), HP-GL/2, HP RTL, PJL.
1 Except for glossy media types, on which the resolution is always 300 dpi.
2 Addressable
dpi (depending on the type of image your application software has created).
Only on coated paper, matte film and opaque bond media.
Length
(unpacked)
Depth
(unpacked)
Height
(unpacked)
With stand
61 kg (135 lb)
1370 mm (54.0 in)
675 mm (26.6 in)
1200 mm (47.3 in)
Without stand
43 kg (95 lb)
11
Weight
(packed)
Memory Specifications
Your printer comes with a standard memory of 75 MB (3 MB of internal memory and 72 MB of printing
memory). Of the 72 MB, 64 MB is provided by two pre-installed 32-MB ROM SIMMs. See also the note
on page 9-22.
11-3
REFERENCE
Physical Specifications
Reference
Environmental Specifications
Operational
Storage
Mechanical and electrical:
0 to 55C (32 to 131F)

@ 5-95% relative humidity
With cartridges and media:
15 to 35C (59 to 95F)

For optimal print quality and media

handling:
15 to 30C (59 to 86F)

Printer and media:
40 to 70C (40 to 158F)

Cartridges:
40 to 70C (40 to 158F)

Power Specifications
Source
100240V ac 10%. Autoranging.
Frequency
5060 Hz.
Consumption
140 W max. (2.0 A max.)
Energy Star rating

(USA)
Maximum power in idle state: 45 watts.
Acoustic Specifications
Operating sound pressure
42 dB(A)
Idle sound pressure
<20 dB(A)
(From a one-meter bystander position and

with Print Quality
Q ality set to Best.)
Best )
Duty Cycle
Recommended
maximum number
of prints per day
Medium density E/A0 image prints:
25
Medium density E/A0 CAD prints:
40
11-4
Reference
EMC (ElectroMagnetic Compatibility) Specifications

Canada
Canadian Department of Communications, Radio Interference Regulations

Class A and Class B compliant.
European Union
-4)'6-8) '1/2.-%06

))65 .%55 %0( .%55 )/-55-10 .-/-65 24 <
! 24 < %(-%6)( //70-6: 24 <
%56 "4%05-)065
)+-56)4)( $ .%55
%0( .%55
Japan
')46-*-)(
Korea
South Africa
!! .-')05)(
USA
)()4%. 1//70-'%6-105 1//-55-10 ')46-*-)(

.%55 %0( .%55 '1/276-0+ ()8-')
%46

Safety Specifications
%0%(-%0 !6%0(%4(5 551'-%6-10 ;)46-*-)( " ! 1
European Union
19 $1.6%+) -4)'6-8) '1/2.-%06 ))65
Mexico
DGN, NOM019-SCFI-1993 certified
Norway
%22418)(
"!
USA
#0()494-6)45 %&14%614-)5
;-56)( " #

11
Canada
REFERENCE
0*14/%6-10 ")',01.1+: 37-2/)06 "

18%&.)
.%55 I,
.7+%&.) ":2)
056%..%6-10 %6)+14: II,
1..76-10 )+4))
14 -0(114 '10641..)( 1**-') )08-410/)065 75)
11-5
Reference
Printing Area (= Media Size Minus Margins).
ANSI media
Architectural
media
ISO media
Media Size
((and Orientation
of Media)
Printing Area (Width x Height)

by Orientation of Drawing
inches
millimeters
landscape
portrait
landscape
portrait
(portrait)
9.66 x 8.1
8.1 x 9.66
245 x 205
205 x 245
(landscape)
10.6 x 7.16
7.16 x 10.6
269 x 182
182 x 269
(portrait)
15.7 x 10.6
10.6 x 15.7
397 x 269
269 x 397
(landscape)
16.6 x 9.66
9.66 x 16.6
421 x 245
245 x 421
(portrait)
20.7 x 16.6
16.6 x 20.7
524 x 421
421 x 524
(landscape)
20.6 x 15.7
15.7 x 20.6
549 x 398
398 x 549
(portrait)
32.7 x 21.6
21.6 x 32.7
829 x 548
548 x 829
(landscape)
33.6 x 20.7
20.7 x 33.6
854 x 525
525 x 854
(portrait)
42.7 x 33.6
33.6 x 42.7
1084 x 854
854 x 1084
(portrait)
10.7 x 8.60
8.6 x 10.7
271 x 219
219 x 271
(landscape)
11.6 x 7.66
7.66 x 11.6
295 x 195
195 x 295
(portrait)
16.7 x 11.6
11.6 x 16.7
423 x 295
295 x 423
(landscape)
17.6 x 10.7
10.7 x 17.6
447 x 271
271 x 447
(portrait)
22.7 x 17.6
17.6 x 22.7
576 x 447
447 x 576
(landscape)
23.6 x 16.7
16.7 x 23.6
600 x 423
423 x 600
(portrait)
34.7 x 23.6
23.6 x 34.7
880 x 600
600 x 880
(landscape)
35.6 x 22.7
22.7 x 35.6
904 x 576
576 x 904
E1 (portrait)
40.7 x 29.6
29.6 x 40.7
1033 x 752
752 x 1033
46.7 x 35.6
35.6 x 46.7
1185 x 904
904 x 1185
A4 (portrait)
10.3 x 7.87
7.87 x 10.3
263 x 200
200 x 263
A4 (landscape)
11.3 x 6.93
6.93 x 11.3
287 x 176
176 x 287
A3 (portrait)
15.2 x 11.3
11.3 x 15.2
386 x 287
287 x 386
A3 (landscape)
16.1 x 10.3
10.3 x 16.1
410 x 263
263 x 410
A2 (portrait)
22.0 x 16.1
16.1 x 22.0
560 x 410
410 x 560
A2 (landscape)
23.0 x 15.2
15.2 x 23.0
584 x 386
386 x 584
A1 (portrait)
31.8 x 23.0
23.0 x 31.8
807 x 584
584 x 807
A1 (landscape)
32.7 x 22.0
22.0 x 32.7
831 x 560
560 x 831
A0 (portrait)
45.5 x 32.7
32.7 x 45.5
1155 x 831
831 x 1155
(portrait)
For margins, see page 11-2. This table is calculated with normal margins.
11-6
Reference
Interface Specifications
Interface Specifications
Below are the parallel and serial interface specifications. For specifications of the
HP JetDirect Network interface, see the JetDirect Print Server documentation
supplied with this printer.
Parallel (Bi-Tronics/Centronics)
Interface
The connector on the printer is
36-pin
p female.
Most existing parallel cables s
support
pport
Bi-Tronics communication, but for
use with this printer, the cable must
meet the specification in this table
table.
Pin Wire/Signal Name

1 Strobe
2 ... 9 D0 ... D7 (data lines)
Source
computer
both
10 Ack
printer
11 Busy
printer
12 PError
printer
13 Select (SelectOut)
printer
14 AutoFd
computer
16 GND
computer
32 Fault
printer
36 SelectIn
computer
Pin Wire/Signal Name
11
Serial (RS-232-C) Interface
31 Init
REFERENCE
19 ... 30 GND
Source
1 Protective Ground
The connector on the printer is 25-pin
25 pin
female.
The printer
rinter is configured as DTE (data
terminal equipment).
q
)
Data is transmitted on Pin 2 and
received on Pin 3.
2 Transmitted Data
DTE
3 Received Data
DCE
4 Request to Send
DTE
6 Data Set Ready
DCE
7 Signal Ground
20 Data Terminal Ready
DTE
11-7
Reference
Interface Cables
Interface Cables
Cables for Macintoshes
Interface type
HP part
number
Cable length
Connector type at
computer end of cable
17302A
1.5 m (4.9 ft)
8-pin male mini-DIN
HP part
number
Cable length
Connector type at
C2912B
3.0 m (9.8 ft)
25-pin male
92284A
2.1 m (6.9 ft)
25-pin male
24542G
3.0 m (9.8 ft)
9-pin female
HP Vectra PC with HP 24541A/B dual serialinterface card using the 25-pin connector
13242G
5.0 m (16.4 ft)
25-pin male
17255M
1.2 m (3.9 ft)
25-pin male
IBM PC, PC/XT, PC/AT, PS/1, PS/2 and

compatibles
C2913A
1.2 m (3.9 ft)
25-pin female
17255D
1.2 m (3.9 ft)
25-pin female
Computer

Apple Macintosh Plus, SE, II Series, Classic,
LC family, Quadra family, PowerBook,
PowerMac
Cables for PCs
Interface type
Computer
Parallel (Bi-Tronics/Centronics) Interface

All

HP Vectra or HP 24541A/B serial-interface
card (9-pin connector)
IBM AT and compatibles using 9-pin serial
connectors
11-8
Reference
Interface Cables
Cables for Unix Systems
Interface type
HP part
number
Cable length
Connector type at
C2912B
3.0 m (9.8 ft)
25-pin male
92284A
2.1 m (6.9 ft)
25-pin male
HP 9000 workstations using 9-pin

connectors.
24542G
3.0 m (9.8 ft)
9-pin female
HP Apollo workstation using an SPE

(Serial/Parallel Expansion) option and
supplied adapter cable
13242G
5.0 m (16.4 ft)
25-pin male
17255M
1.2 m (3.9 ft)
25-pin male
Sun workstation
13242G
5.0 m (16.4 ft)
25-pin male
Note: You may need a Sun serial adapter

cable to convert the DIN connector found on
certain Sun SPARCstations to the 25-pin
connector on the HP cable. Contact your
Sun dealer for part numbers.
17255M
1.2 m (3.9 ft)
25-pin male
Computer
Parallel (Bi-Tronics/Centronics) Interface

All
11
REFERENCE
11-9
Reference
Regulatory Notices
Regulatory Notices
To Obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
You can obtain current Material Safety Data Sheets for the print cartridges used in the printer (HP Part
numbers 51644C [cyan], 51644M [magenta], 51644Y [yellow] and 51645A [black]) by mailing a
request to this address: Hewlett-Packard Customer Information Center, 19310 Pruneridge Avenue,
Dept. MSDS, Cupertino, CA 95014, U.S.A.
Sound
Geruschemission
(Germany)
LpA < 70 dB, am Arbeitsplatz, im Normalbetrieb, nach DIN 45635 T. 19.
Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC)

FCC Statements
(U.S.A.)
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (in 47 cfr 15.105) has specified that the following
notices be brought to the attention of users of this product.
CAUTI ON
Pursuant to Part 15.21 of the FCC Rules, any changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly
approved by the Hewlett-Packard Company, may cause harmful interference and void the FCC
authorization to operate this equipment.
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
and correct the interferences by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient the receiving antenna
Increase the separation between the equipment and the 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
The user may find useful the following booklet prepared by the FCC: How to Identify and Resolve
RadioTV Interference Problems. This booklet is available from the US Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 004
When connected to
an IEEE 802.3 or
Ethernet network ...
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 in a commercial environment. 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. 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 their own expense.
11-10
Reference
Regulatory Notices
Normes de scurit
(Canada)
Le prsent appareil numrique nmet pas de bruits radiolectriques dpassant les limites applicables
aux appareils numriques de Classe B prescrites dans le rglement sur le brouillage radiolectrique
dict par le Ministre des Communications du Canada.
Le prsent appareil numrique, connect un rseau de type IEEE 802.3 ou Ethernet, nmet pas de
bruits radiolectriques dpassant les limites applicables aux appareils numriques de Classe A
prescrites dans le rglement sur le brouillage radiolectrique dict par le Ministre des
Communications du Canada.
DOC statement
(Canada)
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
11
REFERENCE
When connected to an IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet network, this digital apparatus does not exceed the
Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference
Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Korean EMI
statement
Telecommunications
General Approval
(UK)
Telecommunications Statement
The HP DesignJet 755CM printer, model C3198B, is approved under Approval Number
NS/G/1234/5/100003 for indirect connection to public telecommunication systems within the United
Kingdom.
11-11
Reference
Regulatory Notices
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
according to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014
Manufacturers Name:
Hewlett-Packard Espaola S.A.
Manufacturers Address:
Hewlett-Packard Espaola S.A.

BARCELONA DIVISION
Avda. Graells, 501
08190 Sant Cugat del Valls
Barcelona, Spain
declares that the product

Product Name:
Model Number:
InkJet Printer
HP C3198B
conforms to the following Product Specifications:

Safety:
IEC 950: 1991 + A1, A2 / EN 60950 (1992) + A1, A2

CSA C22.2 No. 950 (1993)
UL 1950 (1993)
EMKO-TSE(74)DK207/94
NOM-019-SCFI-1993
EMC:
CISPR 22: 1993 / EN 55022 (1994): Class B(1)

CISPR 22: 1993 / EN 55022 (1994): Class A(2)
EN 50082-1 (1992)
IEC 8012: 1991 / prEN 550242 (1992): 4KV CD
8KV AD
IEC 8013: 1984 / prEN 550243 (1991): 3 V/m
IEC 8014: 1988 / prEN 550244 (1992): 1KV Power Lines
0.5KV Signal Lines
FCC Part 15 Class B / DOCB / VCCI2 / RRLA
FCC Part 15 Class A / DOCA / VCCI1 / RRLA(2)
Supplementary Information:
The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, and carries the CE marking accordingly.
(1) The product was tested with a system, consisting of: a Macintosh personal
computer for LocalTalk, keyboard, mouse, and an HP QuietJet printer as the

second peripheral.
(2) The product was tested with IEEE 802.3 or 802.5 cables.
Sant Cugat del Valls (Barcelona), September 1st, 1996

European Contact:
Jordi Balderas,
Quality Engineering Manager
Your local Hewlett-Packard Sales and Service Office or Hewlett-Packard GmbH, Department HQ/TRE
Europe, Herrenberger Strasse 130, D-71034 Boeblingen, Germany (fax: (+49) 7031 143143).
11-12
Reference
Ordering Accessories
HP Part
Number
Cables
See page
11-8
Chinese
C3198-60060
English
C3198-60051
French
C3198-60055
German
C3198-60054
Italian
C3198-60057
Korean
C3198-60052
Portuguese
C3198-60059
Spanish
C3198-60056
Software Application Notes (CAD)

Software Application Notes (graphics packages)
English
English
C4705-90006
C3198-90121
Hewlett-Packard Support Services
Multi
(1)
HP-GL/2 and RTL Programmers Reference Guide
English
5959-9733 (2)
The Product Comparison Guide for HP-GL/2 and

HP RTL Peripherals
English
5959-9734 (2)
PJL Technical Reference Manual
English
5961-0938
1 This item is updated regularly. For details of the latest version available, please contact your HP
dealer or sales representative.
2 See note on page 11-16.
11-13
11
Users Guide and Quick Reference Guide
REFERENCE
Documentation
Reference
genuine Hewlett-Packard accessories and supplies, whose reliability and
performance have been thoroughly tested to give trouble-free performance. For
Example:
HP drivers are developed to support all the latest features and to optimize print
quality and your printers performance.
HP memory expansion modules are thoroughly tested to give you maximum
performance.
HP ink cartridges and media supplies are developed for optimal print quality.
HP Part
Number
Drivers
Latest versions of the following were shipped with

this printer:
(1)
HP DesignJet PostScript Driver for Microsoft

Windows
(1)
HP Plotter Drivers for AutoCAD for DOS and

AutoCAD for Windows
(1)
(1)
Media Supplies
(1)
Supplies Source Catalog

(The latest edition was shipped with this printer)
Memory Modules
The printer has two 32-MB memory pre-installed

modules. Should you need to replace them, you
can use any of the part numbers listed on the right.
Specification:
72-pin, 36-bit.
4/8 MB: 80 nanoseconds.
16/32 MB: 70 nanoseconds.
4 MB
8 MB
16 MB
32 MB
C3132A
C3133A
D2297A or
C3146A
D2298A
1 This item is updated regularly. For details of the latest version available, please contact your HP
dealer or sales representative, or, for drivers, use one of the support resources for your area listed
towards the end of chapter 9.
11-14
Reference
Ordering accessories
HP Part
Number
Print Cartridges
Yellow
51644Y
Although other cartridges may appear to fit in the

stalls,
t ll use only
l th
these partt numbers.
b
Cyan
51644C
Magenta
51644M
Black
51645A
Spindle Assembly
C3173A
11
REFERENCE
E/A0-size
11-15
Reference
HP-GL/2 and HP RTL Programming Information

The HP-GL/2 and HP RTL Reference Guide provides complete explanations and
examples of the HP-GL/2 and HP RTL graphic and interfacing instructions. If you
are writing an HP-GL/2 or RTL driver for your printer, you will find this guide an
invaluable source of general instruction information. It is published by
Addison-Wesley Publishing Company and you can can order it through most book
stores (ISBN 0-201-56308-8).
For specific parameter information, refer to The Product Comparison Guide for
HP-GL/2 and HP RTL Peripherals, which you can order through your HP Sales
office.
How to Order Supplies and Accessories

You can order supplies and accessories in any of the following ways:
Call your local authorized HP dealer.
Contact your local HP Sales and Support office.
Refer to the Hewlett-Packard Services Booklet that was supplied with your
printer.
11-16
12
GLOSSARY
12
Glossary
12-1
Glossary
ac Alternating current.
addressable dpi A resolution higher than nominal
value of the cartridges, giving a finer grid on which
the plotter can selectively position dots and improve
print quality.
CMYK Cyan, magenta, yellow and black. The

colors of the printers four inks, and also a standard
color model.
coated paper Paper coated on one side for inkjet
printing.
ANSI size An American standard paper size; e.g.

D, E, etc.
default A value or condition that is assumed if no

other value or condition is specified.
application The software you use to create your

drawings.
device An external item connected to the

computer: printer, plotter, tape drive etc. Your
HP DesignJet is a device.
bail The black metal bar inside the printer, which

holds the media in place.
baud rate The data transmission rate in a serial
interface between a computer and a device, in bits
per second.
Bi-tronics A standard for the parallel interface
between computer and device, compatible with
Centronics.
CAD Computer-aided design.
dpi Dots per inch, a measure of print resolution.

driver The software that controls the
communication between a computer and a device.
front panel The control panel on the right of the
printer.
front-panel menus The structure of options in the
front-panel display.
cartridge Print cartridge, containing ink.
GIS Geographical information system (mapping

software).
Centronics A standard for the parallel interface

between computer and device.
graphics language A programming language

telling a print device how to output graphic data.
clear film See-through, polyester media type.
grayscale Shades of gray to represent colors.
clipping Losing part of a drawing at the edges.
high-gloss film A glossy, opaque, polyester media

type.
122
Glossary
high-gloss photo A glossy, opaque photographic

paper.
media The material, usually paper, onto which the

printer prints.
HP-GL One of Hewlett-Packards standard

graphics languages for plotters and printers.
Produces vector data. Forerunner to HP-GL/2.
media bin The catcher situated below the printer.
inked area The smallest rectangle that contains

all the content of the drawing, while maintaining its
relative dimensions.
ISO size An international standard paper size; e.g.
A1, A2, etc.
JIS size A Japanese standard paper size.
opaque bond A matte paper media.

palette
width.
A set of logical pens defined by color and
PJL Printer Job Language. A programming

language that controls jobs going to a printer.
PML
Printer management language.
LAN Local area network.
parallel interface A type of interface between

computer and device. Generally faster than a serial
interface.
long-axis printing Printing a page whose X-axis

(the axis vertical to the printer as you look at it from
the front) is longer than a standard page size.
PANTONE The PANTONE MATCHING

SYSTEM is an international standard for color
communication in the graphics art industry.
margin The space around the page added by the

printer to separate one page from another and to
avoid printing right to the edge of the media.
pen Even though the plotter has no physical pens,

the lines it draws match the attributes of a pen.
matte Not glossy.
platen The exterior part of the printer on which

the media rests before going into the media-entry
slot.
matte film Opaque, polyester media type.

printing area Page size minus margins.
123
GLOSSARY
I/O Input/output. The transmission of data

between a computer and a device.
nesting Placing two or more pages side-by-side

on the media to avoid waste.
12
HP-GL/2 One of Hewlett-Packards standard

graphics languages for plotters and printers.
Produces vector data. Newer than HP-GL.
MIO Modular input/output. Refers to the

printers network interface.
Glossary
PostScript A standard page-markup language,

commonly used by graphics and desktop publishing
software applications.
translucent bond A semi-opaque matte paper

type.
queueing Placing each page of each file received

by the device in line, before and after printing.
vector A line. A method for defining an image,

in terms of lines rather than dots. Vector data
typically needs less memory than raster data.
parity An error-checking method in a serial

interface between a computer and a device.
vellum Cotton-fiber-based, semi-opaque matte

media type.
raster A method for defining an image, in terms

of dots rather than lines. Raster data typically needs
more memory than vector data.
X-axis The vertical axis, as you look at the printer

from the front.
RGB Red, green and blue. A standard color

model.
RS-232-C A serial interface standard.
RTL One of Hewlett-Packards standard graphics
languages for plotters and printers. Produces raster
data.
ROM SIMM A physical module containing
read-only data, that can be installed in the back of
the printer to provide upgrades.
semi-gloss photo A semi glossy, opaque
photographic paper.
serial interface A type of interface between
computer and device. Generally slower than a
parallel interface.
spindle The rod which holds the roll of media.
tracing paper A semi-opaque matte paper type.
124
Y-axis The horizontal axis, as you look at the

printer from the front.
Index
B
banding problems, 9-20
Bi-Tronics interface, 11-7
black cartridge only, operating with,
1-171-20
blank print, 9-10
bleeding lines, 9-19
blurred lines, 9-19
BOOTP, 1-37
buttons. See keys
C
cables
ordering, 11-811-9
power, 1-4
problems, 9-9
supplied/not supplied, 1-5
CAD, demo, 1-22
calibration. See recalibration
Cancel key, 6-2
cancelling a page, 6-2
cartridge alignment procedure, 3-30
Cartridge check, 3-25
cartridge stalls, 1-181-19, 3-283-30
cartridges
before replacing, 3-26
black only, 1-17

colors, 1-4, 1-17, 1-181-19,
3-283-30
environmental specifications, 11-4
ink level, 3-25
loading, 1-171-20
ordering, 11-15
part numbers, 11-15
problems with, 9-7, 9-18
removing tab, 3-29
replacing, 3-253-30
supplied, 1-4
choosing media, 3-23-7
cleaning the printer, 8-2
clearing the media path, 3-24
clipped print, 9-12
clipping, and page size, 4-6
CMYK, 5-5
color management, software, 1-33
Color Management Kit, installation
and setup, 1-34
color printing, media type for, 11-2
color problems, 9-169-21
color-vision deficiencies, advice for
users with, 1-18, 3-28
Color/Mono key, 5-11
color/monochrome switching, 5-11
colors
CMYK, 5-5
RGB, 5-5
communications, problems, 9-9
compensating for poorly cut media,
3-20
components of printer, xivxvi
computer, connection to, 1-241-27
conceptual pens, settings, 5-25-5
configuration
changing, 1-271-31
current front-panel, 7-3
current overall, 7-2
print current, 2-2
setting parameter values, 2-7
connector
parallel, 1-25
serial, 1-25
Copies, 6-8
CorelDRAW!, 5-15
color quality, 9-15

Create pattern, 7-6
curl, on media, 9-5
Current Configuration Print, 2-2, 5-4,
7-3
cutting
and margins, 4-7
immediately after printing, 6-2
problems with, 9-59-6
D
darkness of print, adjusting, 5-9
Declaration of Conformity (EC),
11-12
default page margins, 4-7
Define palette, 5-6
Delete page, 6-7
demonstration prints, 1-211-23
Demos, 1-22
device lists, 1-35
dimensions of printer, 11-3
display, front panel, 2-3
display keys, 2-3, 2-6
documentation, 11-13, 11-16
map, D-1
down arrow key, 2-6
driver, choice of, 1-341-35
drivers, 1-32, 1-341-35, 11-14
supplied, 1-4
drying time, 3-213-22
adjusting, 3-22
duty cycle, 11-4
E
electrical specifications, 11-4
EMC (electromagnetic compatibility),
11-5, 11-10
enlarging an image, 4-13
Enter key, 2-6
EPS files, 1-34, 9-14
F
fast track, 1-2
file size and memory usage, 9-22,
11-3
filled area problems, 9-19
film, 11-2
finding information, ii
INDEX
A
Access Cartridges key, 1-17, 3-27
problems, 9-7
accessories, 1-41-6
list, 11-13
ordering, 11-16
accuracy, specification, 11-3
acoustic specifications, 11-4
action keys, 2-2
addressable 600 dpi, Sharp lines, 5-16
addressable dpi, 5-15
Apollo, cables to connect, 11-9
Apple
See also Macintosh
cables to connect, 11-8
archive prints, 3-8
area fill problems, 9-19
arrow keys, 2-6
AutoCAD, drivers, 11-14
automatic cutter, problems with,
9-59-6
I-1
Index
firmware, supplied, 1-34

Form Feed and Cut key, 3-24, 6-2, 6-4
to clear the media path, 9-8
front panel, 2-2
action keys, 2-2
display section, 2-3
messages, 10-210-6
printing mode keys, 2-2
problems with, 9-219-22
status lights, 2-2
Front Panel Menus print, printing, 2-4
front view of printer, xiv
G
gaps in lines, 9-16, 9-17
gaps in solid areas, 9-16
getting help, 9-25
graphics languages, 11-3
and networks, 7-8
changing, 7-7
H
heavyweight media, 11-2
help, 9-259-27
HP DesignJets, other, 1-35
HP JetDirect, 1-24
HP RTL, 7-7
HP Special Inkjet Paper, 3-3
HP Special Inkjet paper, 11-2
HP-GL (7586B), 7-7
HP-GL/2, 7-7
humidity specifications, 11-4
I
I/O Setup, 7-9
I/O timeout, changing, 7-9
images, problems printing, 9-14
ink problems, 9-169-21
installation. See setting up
interface
parallel specifications, 11-7
problems, 9-9
serial, 9-3
serial specifications, 11-7
specifications, 11-711-8
with application software, 9-3
I-2
introduction to printer, xi
J
jagged lines, 9-18
jammed media, 9-89-9
K
keys
Access Cartridges, 1-17, 3-27
action, 2-2
Cancel, 6-2
Color/Mono, 5-11
display, 2-3, 2-6
down arrow, 2-6
Enter, 2-6
Form Feed and Cut, 3-24, 6-2, 6-4
Pause, 6-3
Previous, 2-6
Print Quality, 5-14
printing mode, 2-2
up arrow, 2-6
L
LAN, 1-24
Lang, 7-7
languages (graphics), 11-3
and networks, 7-8
changing, 7-7
documentation, 11-16
languages (human)
changing, 1-6
manuals available in, 11-13
lever, for media jam, 9-89-9
light, effect of, 3-8
Lightness (of print), adjusting, 5-9
line quality problems, 9-169-21
loading media
roll, 3-93-16
sheet, 3-173-20
Local Area Network, 1-24
long-axis prints, problems with, 9-12
M
Macintosh
cables to connect, 11-8
drivers, 1-34
Maintenance advised, 8-3
managing prints
before printing, 6-4
during printing or drying, 6-2

manuals, 11-13, 11-16, D-1
margins, 4-7, 11-2
and cutting, 4-7
and nesting, 6-12
margins (printing areas), 11-6
maximum media sizes, 11-2
Measure pattern, 7-6
media
adjusting drying time, 3-22
and print quality, 3-6
care of, 3-8
cost and color support, 3-5
curled, 9-5
drying time, 3-21
environmental specifications, 11-4
guidelines for loading, 3-8
handling, 3-8
handling problems, 9-4
important points, 3-2
leading edge, 9-5
loading problems, 9-4
loading roll, 3-93-16
loading sheet, 3-173-20
physical characteristics, 3-4
poorly cut, 3-20
roll. See roll media
selecting, 3-23-7, 3-143-15,
3-183-19
sheet orientation, 3-17
sizes and printing areas, 11-6
sizes supported, 11-2
skew tolerance, 3-20
supplied, xii, 1-4
supplies, 11-14
trimming roll, 3-13
type for application, 3-7
types supported, 3-3, 11-2
unloading, 3-213-24
media bin, 3-8
stacking problems, 9-6
Media bypass. See skew tolerance
media jam, 9-89-9
media types supported, 11-2
memory, xvi, 11-3, 11-14
memory usage and file size, 9-22,
11-3
menu graphics, 2-8

Menu mode, changing, 1-28
menu print, printing, 2-4
menu system
entering, 2-5
navigating, 2-62-8
navigation examples, 2-102-12
printing, 2-4
Merge, 5-8
messages, front panel, 10-210-6
Microsoft Windows
driver, 11-14
drivers, 1-34, 11-14
notes on use with, 1-34
minimum media sizes, 11-2
Mirroring an image, 4-12
monochrome, printing color in, 5-10
monochrome/color switching, 5-11
Move to top, 6-7
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet),
11-10
N
Nest, 6-11
Nest wait, 6-11
nesting
algorithms, 6-11
and margins, 6-12
and page size, 6-12
and Rotate, 6-12
interaction with queue, 6-11
optimizing, 6-12
order, 6-11
overview, 6-9
requirements, 6-10
sets, 6-11
network, xvi
connections, 1-24
no print?, 9-23
non-PostScript, drivers, 1-341-35,
11-14
Normal usage, 8-3
nozzle blockages, 9-16
O
options. See accessories
ordering accessories, 11-13
output
cancelling, 6-2
management before printing, 6-4
overlapping lines, treatment of, 5-8
overlay of one print on another, 9-14
P
page
cancelling, 6-2
copying in a queue, 6-8
deleting from a queue, 6-7
identifying in a queue, 6-6
prioritizing in a queue, 6-7
Page format, Rotate. See solving
problems
Page ID, 6-6
page information, 6-7
page margins, 4-7
page size, 4-24-5
adjusting, 4-34-4
and clipping, 4-6
and nesting, 4-6, 6-12
Palette, 5-5, 5-7
palette
changing current selection, 5-7
changing settings, 5-6
Palette Demo, 5-5
PANTONE, 1-33
paper, clearing jammed. See media
parameter values, setting, 2-7
part numbers, 11-13
Pause key, 6-3
pausing between prints, 6-3
PCs, cables to connect, 11-8
pen, settings, have no effect, 9-14
pens, limiting exposure, 3-26
pens (conceptual), colors, 5-5
pens (logical)
current palette settings, 5-4
settings, 5-25-5
pens (physical). See cartridges
physical specifications, 11-3
pin-outs, 11-711-10
PJL, 7-8
documentation, 11-13
plot resolution, quality, 9-15
polyester film, 11-2
ports
on computer, 1-25
on printer, 1-25
PostScript, 1-34, 7-7
demo, 1-22
drivers, 1-34, 11-14
on UNIX, 1-37
PostScript/non-PostScript, features
applicable, xiii
power
cord, 1-4, 1-6
socket, 1-6
supply, 1-6
switch, 1-7
power specifications, 11-4
Previous key, 2-6
print
blank, 9-10
cancelling, 6-2
clipped, 9-12
content problems, 9-109-16
distorted, 9-14
management before printing, 6-4
management during printing, 6-2
position problems, 9-109-16
unexpected, 9-15
print appearance, controlling, 5-2
print cartridges. See cartridges
Print quality, sharpen lines, 5-15
print quality
and banding, 9-20
changing, 5-14
choosing, 5-12
Print Quality key, 5-14
print quality problems, 9-169-21
print spooler, UNIX, 1-37
printer
components, xivxvi
views of, xivxvi
printing area, 11-6
printing mode keys, 2-2
problem-solving. See troubleshooting
programming documentation, 11-16
programming languages, 11-3
Q
quality problems, 9-169-21
Queue, 6-5
copy page in, 6-8
deleting a page from, 6-7
I-3
INDEX
Index
Index
identifying a page in, 6-6

interaction with nesting, 6-11
management, 6-46-8
page information, 6-7
prioritizing a page, 6-7
queue, cancelling a page, 6-2
queueing, 6-5
quick setup, 1-2
R
Rear view of printer, xv
Recalibrate, 7-6
recalibration
for accuracy, 7-57-7
restoring factory settings, 7-6
Receiving light, 1-23
regulations
Declaration of Conformity (EC),
11-12
EMC, 11-5
notices, 11-1011-13
safety, 11-5
regulatory notices, 11-1011-13
replacing cartridges, 3-25
reprinting an image, 6-2
Restore factory, 7-6
RGB, 5-5
roll media
handling, 3-8
loading, 3-93-16
stacking problems, 9-6
trimming, 3-13
Rotate
and nesting, 6-12
interaction with software, 4-10
problems with, 9-21
Rotating a drawing, 4-84-10
RS-232-C, 7-9
RS-232-C, specifications, 11-7
RTL documentation, 11-13, 11-16
S
safety, MSDS, 11-10
safety specifications, 11-5
Samples, 1-22
scaling an image, 4-13
selecting media, 3-143-15,
3-183-19
I-4
serial interface
changing settings, 7-9
configuring, 1-261-31
Service config, 7-5, 8-4
print, 8-4
setting up
checklist, 1-3
fast track (quick setup), 1-2
full instructions, 1-31-40
items required, 1-4
shadows of color, 9-18
Sharp lines, 5-15
CorelDRAW!, 5-15
troubleshooting, 9-15
sheet media
loading, 3-173-20
orientation, 3-17
sheet sizes supported, 11-2
side-by-side prints. See nesting
signal specifications, 11-7
Size, 4-4
size, printer, 11-3
size of image, scale, 4-13
sizes of media supported, 11-2
skew tolerance, 3-20
slow printing, 9-23
smears, 9-20
software
setting up, 1-321-35
supplied, 1-4, 1-34
Software Application Notes, 11-13
sound levels, 11-4
special inkjet paper, 3-3, 11-2
specification, accuracy, 11-3
specifications, 11-211-7
acoustic, 11-4
electromagnetic, 11-5
EMC, 11-5
environmental, 11-4
functional, 11-2, 11-3
interface, 11-711-8
physical, 11-3
power, 11-4
safety, 11-5
speed problems, 9-23
Statistics, 6-7, 7-2
status lights, 2-2
storing prints, 3-8

Sun, cables to connect, 11-9
supplies. See accessories
Supplies Source Catalog, 11-14
support, 9-259-27
support services, 11-13
T
temperature specifications, 11-4
test file, printing, 1-36
testing the printer, 9-3
TFTP, 1-37
timeout, overriding, 6-4
translucent, 11-2
trimming roll media, 3-13
troubleshooting, 9-1
Access Cartridges key, 9-7
automatic cutter, 9-59-6
lightfastness, 3-8
long-axis prints, 9-12
media bin, 9-6
media handling, 9-4
media jam, 9-89-9
media loading, 9-4
miscellaneous problems, 9-239-25
print content, 9-109-16
print position, 9-109-16
print quality problems, 9-169-21
procedure, 9-29-3
Rotate, 9-21
stacking media in bin, 9-6
U
UNIX systems, cables to connect, 11-9
UNIX tips, 1-37
unloading media, 3-213-24
unprinted sheet, removing, 3-24
up arrow key, 2-6
V
vellum, 11-2
W
warped lines, 9-18
weights, 11-3
Windows applications
driver, 11-14
drivers, 1-34, 11-14
workstation, cables to connect, 11-9
Documentation Map
Printed Documentation for Users of the HP DesignJet 755CM Printer

Setting Up and Using the Printer
Users Guide
(C3198-90091)
(Part of kit
C3198-60051)
Assembly
Instructions
Quick Reference
Guide
(C3198-90101)
(Part of kit
C3198-60051)
HP JetDirect Print
Server Software
Installation Guide
(J2552-90101)
HP Plotter Drivers
for AutoCAD:
(various
documentation)
Using Application Software

HP DesignJet
PostScript Drivers
for Macintosh:
(various
documentation)
HP DesignJet
PostScript Driver for
Microsoft Windows:
(various
documentation)
HP Driver for
Microsoft
Windows:
Users Guide
Software
Application Notes
(CAD)
(C3195-90080)
Software
Application Notes
(Graphics
packages)
(C3198-90031)
HP Color
Management Kit:
(various
documentation)
Getting Support
HP Support
Services
Continued...
These documents are supplied with this plotter.
These documents can be ordered separately. For details, see page 11-13.
These documents are supplied with this plotter and can be ordered separately.
D-1
DOC MAP
This manual.
Documentation Map
Programmers Reference
HP-GL/2 and RTL
Programmers
Reference Guide
(5959-9733)
The Product
Comparison Guide
for HP-GL/2 and
HP RTL Peripherals
(5959-9734)
PJL Technical
Reference Manual
(5961-0938)
These documents are supplied with this plotter.

These documents can be ordered separately. For details, see page 11-13.
These documents are supplied with this plotter and can be ordered separately.
This manual.
D-2
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For support details, see the section Getting help in chapter 9.
Phone
????????????
HP Customer
Support
in the
USA
Phone
(208) 323 2551
Customer re-order number: C3198-60051

Manual Part Number: C3198-90091
Edition 1, September 1996
English
Printed in Europe
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HP DesignJet 755CM Printer

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The Quick Reference Guide Contains:

Where in this manual

Install the printer

Connect the printer

Replace the cartridges

See the printers current configuration

pages 7-2 and 7-3

Clear a media jam

Solve print quality problems

Interpret a front-panel message

To find any other information ...

go to the index at the back

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2 Learning How To Use the Front-Panel Display (Tutorial)

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3 Working With Media and Cartridges

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4 Controlling the Page Format

5 Controlling a Prints Overall Appearance

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6 Managing Your Prints

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7 Reconfiguring Your Printer

8 Maintaining the Printer

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Solving Print-Quality Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Does not apply

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Software Applications and Drivers

Front Panel Display

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Slot For Optional Network Interface

Slots For Upgrades

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Fast Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Setting Up the Printer

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Setting Up the Printer

1 Connect the power cord and switch on.

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Setting Up the Printer