A741 Controller Print Server Manual RICOH GROUP COMPANIES
Introduction The A741 Repro System Print Server is a sophisticated option which will turn a RICOH A741 large format printer into a plotter and scanner. Although not a complex device, the A741 Repro System solution is very versatile. This document is intended to assist in the installation and configuration of the A741 Repro system. It contains a wealth of information and experience.
Table of Contents 1 SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................. 1 1.1 A741 SPECIFICATIONS (BASIC) ..................................................................... 1 1.2 A741 REPRO SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................... 1 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.3 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 2 File Formats................................................................................................................
4.9.2 4.9.3 4.9.4 4.9.5 4.9.6 4.9.7 5 Press button on card ................................................................................................21 Test Selection ...........................................................................................................22 Test command – B(utton) .........................................................................................22 Test command – P(rint) ........................................................................................
10 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: PRINTING/PLOTTING ........................ 39 10.1 FROM WHICH PROGRAMS CAN I PRINT? ....................................................... 39 10.2 WHICH PRINTER DRIVERS ARE AVAILABLE? .................................................. 39 10.3 CAN WE PRINT GRAYSCALES WITH THE A741 REPRO SYSTEM? ..................... 39 10.4 IF MY PROGRAM/OPERATING SYSTEM DOES NOT SUPPORT THE A741 REPRO SYSTEM (A741) PRINTER, CAN I STILL PRINT/PLOT? .............................................
13.3 CAN WE EDIT THE SCANNED DOCUMENTS..................................................... 49 13.4 CAN WE REDUCE OR ENLARGE THE SCANNED IMAGE ..................................... 49 13.5 CAN WE SCAN A PART OF AN IMAGE? ........................................................... 49 13.6 CAN WE SCAN GRAY SCALES?..................................................................... 49 13.7 CAN WE SCAN FROM A NETWORK PC? ........................................................ 49 13.
1 Specifications 1.1 A741 specifications (basic) Type: Original format: Output format: Resolution: Printing system: Grayscales: Print speed: Warm-up time: First copy time: Zoom range: Max. copies: Paper input: Material type: Material weight: Size (W x H x D): Weight: 1.2 1.2.1 Console Max. 920 x 5.000 mm Min. 210 x 297 mm (A4R) Max. 920 x 5.000 mm Min. 210 x 297 mm (A4R) 400 dpi * 400 dpi LED 128 (32 levels/pixel) 4.8 m/min. 10 minutes or less 30 seconds or less (A1) 25% to 400% in 1% or 0.
1.2.3 Printer Drivers Printer drivers: Windows NT 4.0 AutoCAD ADI, version 12*, 13* & 14* 1.3 A741 Repro functions (Printing) Resolution: Gray scales: Media selection: Cut length: Scaling: Rotation: Image manipulation: Margins: 1.4 400 dpi * 400 dpi 2 (Black/White only) By Roll (max. 3 + bypass), by Type (Paper, Vellum or Film) or Roll Width.
1.6 Options PostScript Level II module* Direct printing of AutoCAD .DWG files* Print manager for Client stations* 1.7 Minimum PC specifications (Server only) Processor: Memory: Harddisk: Monitor: Software: Network interface: Pentium Pro or Pentium II 200Mhz or faster 128Mb minimum (will not work with less memory!) 2Gb, IDE interface. Actual storage space depends on storage requirements from the customer. 17" or larger (minimum resolution 800x600) Windows NT 4.
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2 Installation 2.1 EPROM replacement In the event of an EPROM change the following procedure will enable the technician to replace the prom and bring the A741 unit back on line. The following (minimum) procedure should be followed after replacing the EPROM, failing to do so may result in some unpredictable behavior.
2.3 A741 internal cabling Mount the internal cable and brackets as per A741 Repro System installation guide (provided separately). Bracket to order 2.4 PC Specifications Please make sure that the Server PC meets the following (minimum) specifications ♦ Pentium PRO / Pentium II 200Mhz or faster ♦ 128Mb of internal memory 2.5 PCI card installation Remove the power cable from the PC. Open the PC housing. Install the A741 Repro Card into a free PCI slot.
2.6 Size of paging file Windows can simulate more memory than physically available in the machine. The additional memory is simulated by means of a paging file on the harddisk. Please make sure that the size of this paging file is set correctly, minimum 300Mb, maximum size 500Mb. How to set/check? Goto the 'control panel' and start the 'System' applet, select the 'Performance' tab and set/check the minimum and maximum values. 2.7 PC bios setting Unlike Windows '95, Windows NT 4.
Also make sure that the Power saving option is disabled as well. If the power saving is enabled you may encounter all kind of network printiing problems. 2.8 2.8.1 A741 Repro Software installation A741 Repro System Software installation Installation of the A741 Repro System software is very easy, just insert the CD and it will auto run the set up routine on the distribution CD-ROM.
• When re-installing (updating) the A741 Repro Software occasionally the next warning my appear: Just click Yes and ignore the message. • After the installation of A741 Repro System software the PC must be rebooted before all settings/actions will take effect. 2.8.2 How to switch the A741 Repro System to a different language? Normally the A741 Repro System software will adapt to the native language of the Windows software.
2.8.3 How do I de-install the A741 Repro System program? Either to remove the A741 Repro software from the computer or if instructed to do so in case of a software update it may be necessary to de-install (remove) the software. In the control panel start the 'Add/Remove software' applet. • Make sure that the Littlebear driver and Server program are stopped. See chapter: 4.
2.9 PC networking In order for the A741 Repro System to work properly, there must be an active network environment, even for a stand-alone A741 Repro Server. Use the procedure below if the A741 Repro print server is not connected to -and participating in- an active network. Without a previous network installation (or a system without a network card) • Open the 'Control Panel -/Network' /Adapters /Add • Choose the 'MS Loopback' adapter from the list and click OK.
With a previous network installation NOTE: This procedure is only required when the PC is used stand-alone for demonstration purposes etc.
3 Functional block diagram of A741 Repro System Local Client Remote Client(s) C Local Spool E rfxServer D Remote Spool A Littlebear.sys driver B Littlebear card Print Server PC Explanation of various signals A. Communication between rfxServer, Littlebear.sys driver and Littlebear card. Due to the nature of the Windows NT system it is not allowed that programs communicate directly with hardware. Normally this communication is done via a driver.
D. Flow of print jobs Both Local- and remote Clients can generate print jobs. These jobs are stored in the ‘Local Spool’ directory for the local client and in the ‘Network Spool’ directory for network clients. RfxServer will constantly monitor one of these two directories, based on the ‘Mode’ setting of the Local client. E. Scanning Scanning is done directly by the local client. At scan time, the local Client will take-over the control of the system from rfxServer.
4 Trouble-shooting 4.1 General No two problems are the same, however for frequently appearing problems this document will contain information how to correct or find the source of the problem. General procedure to follow: • Analyze the type of problem, is it related to the operation of the program, a program crash or problems with the communication with the A741. • From this analysis determine the best way to resolve the problem.
• See chapter 4.4.2, Make sure the operator of the A741 Repro System has 'Administrator' rights The A741 produces blank pages when printing • Re-install the LittleBear card in a different PCI slot, see chapter 4.4.3, Select the correct PCI slot for the A741 Repro System card Only a part of the Client window is shown, impossible to re-size to full view • Check fontsize setting of display. See chapter 4.
This slot gives problems This slot works fine QDI Legend V, Pentium II motherboard 4.4.4 Each time I re-boot the Server PC, rfxServer will not start If this problem occurs immediately at boot time, delete all files in the 'X:\Program Files\A741 Repro System\Local Spool' directory. Here the Local Client program will store print jobs. At startup time, the server looks in this directory for print jobs. If it find a job it will immediately start processing this job.
4.6 A741 rfxServer will not start Due to an error of some kind it is possible that rfxServer will not start. In this case, the Services applet will show an error message approx. 10-15 seconds after the rfxServer is started. To find the reason why the rfxServer will not start, you can select one of the 3 options below: See if the Littlebear driver is started (is a A741 Repro PCI card installed in the system??) (see chapter 4.
4.7 4.8 Use of the Event log The event log is a useful source to analyze problems. If rfxServer stops due to a problem, in many cases it will leave a message in the event log. A real crash of course will not leave an event message. How to see this event log: Make sure you have administrator rights (or login as the Administrator) Press the start button, and select 'Administrative Tools (common) -> Event viewer' In the LOG menu there are 2 important options: System and Application.
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4.9 LBTEST The A741 Repro System software comes complete with it's own comprehensive diagnostic program. Full information on the use of this program can be found in section 16 ot this document. This section will deal with the most important commands. Please consult section 16 for a description of all other commands. 4.9.1 Starting the LBTEST program First make sure that the rfxServer program is stopped (see chapter 4.5, Starting (stopping) Littlebear driver and rfxServer).
properly. Please make sure the A741 is on-line, since there will be no feedback by this test. The test pattern is fully generated by the controller card and can be issued at all times, even if the A741 Repro System software is not installed. 4.9.3 Test Selection Inorder to perform the following procedures it only necessary to select the "t" from the LBTEST command list aove. This is where the following tests are located. 4.9.4 Test command – B(utton) Select "B" from the commands listed under "t".
5 Installing / Using Network Clients 5.1 General With version 2.2.9 of A741 Repro you now can run the Client software on Window NT. This section will describe the installation and use of network clients. 5.2 5.3 A741 Repro Server preparation On the A741 Repro Server PC make sure the remote users have access to the shared resources (printers, folders etc.).
• The Select Components screen appears. When setting up the Server/ Local Client system select all the components listed and click on the “Next” button. • The Select Program Folder screen appears. Click on the “Next” button. • The program group name can be changed to any desired name. • The Start Copying Files screen appears. Click on the “Next” button. • The Setup Complete screen appears after installation is completed.
In the printers drop-down box all A741 systems in the network will be shown and can be selected at this point. 5.6 View the status of a remote A741 printer Select the ‘View->Network System Status’ menu. This will show the dialog box at right: In this dialog box it will be possible to select and see the status of any A741 connected to the network.
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6 Direct printing from AutoCAD With version 1.5x of the A741 Repro software it will be possible to print directly from AutoCAD to a A741 printer. Please use the setup procedure below to do the right set-up. • • • • Start AutoCAD (or AutoCAD Lite) Select the File->printer Setup menu For an existing printer select Modify->Reconfiguration.
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7 A741 Repro Program 7.1 Introduction The A741 Repro Software is not difficult to use. There are however a few points which need some additional clarification. For a full description of the program please consult the A741 Repro System Users manual. 7.2 Setting program options The user can determine the behavior of the program by changing various optional settings. The picture below shows the most important of these settings. ➊ ➌ ➋ ➍ ➎ 1. Units of measurements Set to desired units of measurement.
option will effect on all documents in the project. It is not possible to enable/disable custom pensets on a plot by plot basis. 3. Moment of document RIPping (Raster Image Processor, see Glossary) Typically select the 'RIP immediately' option on the server PC, on all other network clients set to 'RIP when printed'. 4. Optional settings for server use These settings have effect on the server PC only.
Final processing by rfxServer. When the print command is issued in the server a job file is created and stored in one of the spool directories. This job file contains both the print options and the raster file generated in the process above. The rfxServer will do the following actions: Decompres the Raster file Scale and/or rotate the image Add any stamp 7.5 Use of pensets Various CAD packages and printers use different pensets, which may or may not have to be redefined for various software and printers.
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8 Frequently Asked Questions: General 8.1 What is the purpose of the Xi REPRO System Print Server? The A741 Repro System Print Server forms an integral part of the A741. It serves 4 main purposes: • Physical connection to the A741 and network (see also 9.2) • Handle print requests from the -network based- 'clients' (see also 12.2) • User terminal for scanning actions (see also 13.1-13.6) • Provide A741 status feedback to the users in the network. • 8.
8.6 What is the difference between printing and plotting? Currently there is no difference. In the past 'printing' referred to producing text on paper using a line or matrix printer. 'Plotting' referred to a procedure where a graphic image (lines, circles etc.) was drawn by moving a pen on a sheet of paper. In the case of the A741 we will create the 'plot' image in the memory of the Print Server, after which we will 'print' the final image. 8.
8.9 What is vectorising? Vectorising is the opposite of rasterising. Vectorising is typically an action done after a scan. Scanning will result in a raster (bitmap) image, in fact a collection of individual black and white dots (pixels). A vectorising program will analyze this image and convert this image back to individual lines -or vectors-. Hence the name vectorising. (see also 8.7, 11.2) 8.10 Which vectorise programs can you recommend? AutoCAD version 14 does not have a built-in vectorise option.
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9 Frequently Asked Questions: A741 Repro System overview 9.1 Network block diagram Windows '95 Windows NT Remote Client UNIX (any) Macintosh Xi REPRO Print Server - Server (controls A741) - Local client - Scanning enabled From all computers we can print directly to the spool queue on the A741 Repro System Print Server. The job is then printed based on the defaults as set by the Local Client program.
9.2 Which items are included in the A741 Repro System PC? The following items are contained in the basic A741 Repro System.). A fully configured PC (chapter 8.2) is required as well as: • • • PCI interface card This card provides the physical interface between the PC and the A741. It uses a proprietary interface with both parallel and serial data signals for the communication. Only this interface can be used to communicate with the A741.
10 Frequently Asked Questions: Printing/Plotting 10.1 From which programs can I print? Basically the user can print from any program (e.g. AutoCAD, Medusa, Architrion) or operating system (Windows, MacOS, UNIX) which can generate a document format which is supported by the Print Server. The most commonly used format is HP-GL/2 (see also 10.7) 10.2 Which printer drivers are available? Printer drivers will be available for: Windows NT, Windows '95* and ADI drivers for AutoCAD version 12 *, 13* and 14* 10.
Emulations (both are vector oriented) HP-GL & HP-GL/2 CalComp 906/907 Vector Formats PostScript Level II (future option) AutoCAD .DRW (future option) Raster Formats HP-RTL (future option) TIFF 6.0 (B/W only, all compression formats supported) ATT, MS Bitmap (.
10.10 Can we do group or set printing? Printing of multiple documents can be done in one or more sets or multiple copies of the same document (group printing). Furthermore the printing order of the set(s)/group(s) can be reversed (e.g. printing the last document first) 10.11 Can we add information (text) to each printed document? With the STAMP function we can add any text to a plot. These stamps (unlimited number per plot) can be placed anywhere on the document. Stamps can be rotated to any angle.
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11 Frequently Asked Questions: Image Viewing/Handling 11.1 Can we preview the document before plotting/printing? Yes, the A741 Repro System program provides a 'thumbnail' -small preview- of the document. For a more detailed view, the Imaging viewer can be activated with a touch of a button. The Imaging viewer from Wang laboratories is a standard utility of Windows NT, providing advanced image viewing options. 11.
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12 Frequently Asked Questions: Network 12.1 Can we print via a network? Yes, we can print from any PC, Macintosh or UNIX system to any A741 connected to the (same) network. 12.2 Can we print from UNIX or Macintosh systems? Yes, but respecting 2 conditions: • The application or operating system (e.g. Sun's Solaris or the Mac OS) must be able to generate an output format like HP-GL/2, CalComp 906/907 or TIFF. (see also 10.
12.7 My, remote network PC with CAD software loaded cannot print to the A741. Why? Even if you have network connection to the shared printer on the A741 Print Server, the Ricoh Controller software must be installed on the remote client. Without the Ricoh Controller software, the remote client will not be able to send print jobs to the A741 Print Server. Jobs printed to the A741 Print Server from remote clients must be printed through the Ricoh Controller software loaded on the remote clients. 12.
12.12 How is the A741 print Server installed in a stand-alone configuration with no network? Remember, when using the A741 Print Server in a stand-alone configuration (e.g. no network connections), a "simulated" network environment must be created. Refer to section 2.10 in the A741 Print Server Manual. Make sure that when you install the "MS Loopback Adapter" in the A741, no network interface card is installed.
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13 Frequently Asked Questions: Scanning 13.1 Can we use the A741 for scanning? Yes, scanning is a standard option. Scanning will be done at 400 dpi and the output data is stored on the computer in a Group IV compressed TIFF format. 13.2 Can we scan multiple documents Yes, batch scanning is possible. Either we can enter each filename manually or use the auto-number option. With this latter option the user can specify the basic file name, while the program will add a unique sequence number to each scan. 13.
13.8 Can we scan at a lower resolution to reduce the filesize? The scanning option of A741 Repro has a fixed resolution of 400dpi, producing high quality images. There are 2 possibilities to reduce the filesize of the scanned image • By an external application By using an external application -like Wang Imaging- it is possible to convert the image from 400dpi to a lower resolution, hence reducing the filesize. A side effect is that the resulting output file is of less quality then the original size.
14 Frequently Asked Questions: Project Management 14.1 What is the purpose of a project? Engineering design projects typically contain a large number of drawings. In order to manage these drawings, they are often grouped by category. Example: for a building drawings can be grouped by structural design, water system, electrical systems etc. 14.2 How many groups can be in a project? Projects can contain unlimited groups and sub-groups 14.
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15 Glossary AMS Automatic magnification Selection. Automatic reduction or enlargement, based on the original size and paper size selected by the user. Application software Software that is written to do specific kinds of work, such as word processors, spreadsheets, etc. ASCII Abbreviation for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. It is a code used to describe the most used alphanumeric characters. Aspect ratio Relationship of width to height.
Compression A technique used to reduce the storage space of a graphic image. Uncompressed bitmaps can consume considerable storage space. Due to their nature, bitmaps allow a high degree of compression, ranging from 4:1 to 25:1, depending on the actual image itself. Contrast The difference between light and dark elements in a picture. More contrast means a larger range between light and dark. De-skew Software action to correct skew in scanned images.
Flatbed Scanner terminology. To scan a document, the original is placed on a glass plate. The scanner optics then move below this glass plate to read the image. This is typically found on better quality scanners or copiers. Font Also known as typeface or simply a particular kind of letter style Form Overlay Fixed text/graphics included on each copy. Also called 'Watermark'. GDI This stands for Graphical Device Interface. A piece of software originally intended to form images in a Windows based monitor.
IPX/SPX A network protocol designed by Novell. LAN A Local Area Network.
OSD Original Size Detection. A set of sensors in the copier which automatically detects the original size. Ozone Harmful gas that is formed by the electrostatic process used in copiers and printers Parallel port Slot in the PC that is usually connected to the printer.
Raster Image Processor (RIP) A hardware-software combination that converts a vector image into a bit-mapped image. All PostScript printers contain a RIP that converts the PostScript commands into bit-mapped pages that the printer can output. Resolution Density of the dots on the paper which is measured in DPI (dots per inch) ROM Read Only Memory: Permanent form of storage that can be read, but not written to. RS232 interface Standard serial interface. RS422 interface Faster serial interface.
Toner Dry chemical material used to create images on paper. Common in copier and printer industry TWAIN Industry standard interface for scanners, digital camera's etc. TWAIN allows a software developer to communicate with scanners or other equipment in a device independent manner. Vector graphics A graphic image which is described in lines and curves as opposed to a raster image which is described in pixels or dots. Vectorising Conversion of a raster image into a vector graphic.
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16 DESCRIPTION OF LBTEST PROGRAM 16.1 Purpose Of Document LBTEST is a small executable program that is used to test the Littlebear controller, as well as the interface between the Littlebear controller and the copier. The purpose of this document is to describe the functionality of LBTEST and also to outline a test procedure that should be used to determine the cause of any problems with the controller or the copier. 16.
16.5 Command: “c” The control command is used to send commands to the copier.
bit 0 = (1) initialize data FIFOs, (0) no effect. These are the Littlebear on-board FIFOs, not the PCI chip FIFOs. The on-board FIFOs will be cleared if this bit is set to 1. So, for example, if a 03 is the value entered, both of the above operations will be performed. If 01 is entered, only the controller status byte will be cleared, and if 02 is entered, only the on-board FIFOs will be cleared. Any other value has no effect at this time. 16.
bit 2 = Copier computed checksum error in command from controller. bit 1 = Status from copier violated timing constraints. bit 0 = Command from controller violated timing constraints. So, for example, if the YY byte had a value of 08, this means that the controller computed a checksum error in the status that was just sent from the copier. This byte can be cleared by issuing an “i” command as described in the Command: “i” section. 16.
Normally, the FIFO test described in the Command: “t” section is the best FIFO test to use. The “d” and “f” commands are included in case a “lower level” test is needed. 16.12 Command: “f” This command is used to see what data is currently stored in the Littlebear onboard FIFOs. LBTEST will prompt for how many bytes to read. This value can be from 0 to 200000 decimal. LBTEST will read data from the FIFOs beginning at the next address to be read.
The “f” (FIFO) test is used to repetitively write, then read the on-board FIFOs. LBTEST will prompt for the number of tests to perform, followed by the number of bytes to write/read per test. After test data is written to the FIFOs, the same number of bytes are read and compared to the test data. If any data causes a miscompare error, it is recorded and the next test is performed. The maximum number of miscompares is 25. If this maximum is reached for one test, the next test is started.
If the “signals” byte is not 00, issue the “i” command with a value of FF HEX. This will clear out the “signals” byte. Re-issue the “s” command type 01 again. If the signals byte is still not 00, the controller and copier are not communicating properly. Cycle power on the computer and copier and start over from step 1. If the problem persists, either the controller or the copier has a hardware problem. 6. If this step is reached with no problems, all of the components are communicating properly.
“TEST2.FIL” will be created. These files can be viewed with an image viewer application to determine if the data is correct. If the scanner engine could not be captured, try a couple more times before deciding that there is a problem. If the scanner engine could not be captured after several tries, retrieve the status of the copier as described in the Command: “s” section above. (See the interface spec. for details of the status commands.
