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Area 49

This guide provides information on how to use technology within Area 49, as well as guides for digital technologies and physical projects. Area 49 is available for use by all current students, faculty, and staff.

Large Format Printers

These printers are used for plotter prints, such as posters. We have two types of paper. Bright White is similar to computer paper and is used for quick prints. Instant Dry Satin is coated with a glossy finish, and is thicker. The length of the print can be as long as the roll, but the maximum width is 36 inches. Note: Any prints 36 inches wide will have a .25 inch margin of white on either side, with a total printed area 35.5 inches wide.

Printers General Info

HP DesignJet T650 A1

Location: Makerspace

Use options:

  • Training
  • Request a print

Cost:

  • $1.80/ft (B&W)
  • $6.00/ft (Color)

Click the icons throughout this guide for additional information.

Ink & Paper

Checking Ink Levels

  1. On touchscreen on the printer, click the Droplet icon at the top.
  2. If a cartridge is extreme low or shows as out, ask a Makerspace Monitor for assistance changing the cartridge.

If the screen indicates that ink is out.

  1. Hide the video showing how to change a  cartridge.
  2. Click on the Droplet icon at the top of the touchscreen.
  3. Tell a Makerspace Monitor what ink color is low so they can retrieve and install a replacement. 

Changing Paper Roll

If you have to change or reloaded a paper roll, always check that the correct paper type is selected

  1. On touchscreen on the printer, click the Paper icon at the top.
    1. For thicker, glossy paper (like poster paper) select "Photo/Satin Finish Paper"
      1. Note: Any new Insta-Dry Satin rolls will need to be reduced by about half their size. When new paper rolls come in, roll half the paper onto an old tube and rubber band it.
    2. For plain paper (like regular printer paper) select "Bright White"

Printing

Printing Using the PC

  1. Create a new file in Illustrator by going to File > New. Enter the length and width of the file you are printing and click OK.
  2. Locate your image or PDF file in the computer's file explorer, then click and drag it into Illustrator. Center/resize as needed. 
  3. Open any PDF or JPG in Adobe Illustrator (open > select file > enter desired length and width > Ok). Open any PowerPoint in the PowerPoint program
  4. File > Print
  5. Select the correct printer in dropdown: "HP DesignJet T650 35-in V4(copy1)" 
  • Ensure that the media size and the document size are the exact same and not reversed.
    • I.e. Correct:
      • Document: 24 x 36
      • Media: 24 x 36
    • I.e. Incorrect:
      • Document: 24 x 36
      • Media 36 x 24
  • Ensure that Autorotate is unchecked
  1. Click Setup.
  2. On next screen, select the correct printer again in dropdown: "HP DesignJet T650 35-in V4(copy1)"
  3. Click More Settings
  4. On next screen
    1. Always click "Show preview before printing". Preview will appear once you have clicked print from the main print screen and before the print is sent to the printer.
    2. Change the print paper size. Select or correct size or create new one by going to Custom > enter width and length (name as dimensions entered) > Save > Ok. Remember that the maximum width is 36”.
      1. If you need to create a custom size, please give it a descriptive name.
    3. Paper Source choose Roll 1
    4. Margins Layout select Oversized. This will ensure the paper is cut once the print finishes.
    5. Color Mode choose color even if image is only black & white
    6. Print Quality > Normal or Best. Note: Printing using Fast setting can cause issues with color accuracy.
    7. Advanced Document select Rotation > Rotate by 0 degrees
    8. Color Management > Application-managed color
    9. Click OK
  5. The preview should change to the correct dimensions on the main screen. Click print to see full preview.
    Note: If the preview orientation is not correct, do not print. Go back into the printer settings, then confirm them. This should fix the preview.
    • If the print is 36 inches wide in the preview pane, change the scale to "fit to roll width."
  6. Bring your print to the Makerspace Monitor, who will measure it and take down the information for payment. Head down to the Circulation Desk on the first floor to pay for your print.
  7. Troubleshooting:
    • In Illustrator, if the print preview orientation does not look correct, choose "Landscape" on the first print dialog box before sending it to the printer. It should look correct in the print preview.
    • If print's color is off, and it is not a low-ink issue, check Illustrator's first print dialog box and ensure that it says "Colors Managed by Printer," rather than by Illustrator.

 

Loading Paper

  1. If the paper needs to be unloaded, tap "Paper Source" on the home screen, then "Unload." The paper will unload itself.
  2. Remove the spindle, then remove the blue end cap and the paper roll.
  3. Place the new roll on the spindle, then the blue end cap. Make sure the end cap is flush against the end of the roll.
  4. Place the spindle into the printer, then begin rolling the paper forward until you feel resistance. The printer should grab the paper and begin loading
    1. If the end of the paper is jagged, you may need to cut it off at a straight line for it to load properly.
  5. Select the correct paper type on the screen and close the roll cover.

Troubleshooting

Loading freezes at 94%

If the loading freezes at 94% then switch it on and off again. Between 30% and 94% you'll hear some movement from within. That sound is the cartridge moving back and forth. When the cartridge is in the middle, open the lid, so it stops. Take out each print head and put each back in. Close the lid. The printer will either continue loading on its own or give the paper jam error message. Turn the power on and off using the switch in the back a final time and it should load properly. For further explanation, visit this link.

"Update Firmware" Error Message

If an update firmware error message appears on the LCD screen, power off the printer using the switch in the back and unplug it from the outlet. Plug it back in and power it on. It will begin italicizing and loading. It should completely load and you'll then be able to use the printer as usual.

"Edges Not Found" Error Message

This means the sensor didn’t see at least one of the paper corners. Cut an even line across the paper and reinsert it into the printer. If you get an "edges not found" error message when loading paper, continue to manually feed the paper at the same time that the machine is feeding/pulling the paper in.

Maximum Width

For a PowerPoint file with a width larger than 36 inches, rotate the file 90 degrees. Continue selecting all print settings as usual, then click "layout/output" in the lower right corner. Click the drop down menu and select to rotate 90 degrees. The page preview in the print settings should show you the correct way for printing. The print preview will not show the rotation.

Cannot Change Artboard Size

If you are having trouble changing the artboard size in Photoshop complete attempt printing in Illustrator, instead.

 

HP Troubleshooting Page

For all other issues, visit HP's troubleshooting page for this printer.