Technical Bulletin #21
Date:
July 12, 2000
Subject: MAC Install Notes and Tips
Unfortunately, the interface between a Macintosh computer and the MILLENIUM printer is not as seamless as the interface between the MILLENIUM and a PC. There are limitations inherent in just about every potential MAC install, some limitations being major and some being minor. If you’ve done a MAC install in the past year, you probably know about these issues firsthand!
For those of you who have MAC installs planned in the future, we’ve put together some notes and tips to help make your job a bit easier. While the list certainly isn’t exhaustive, it will provide you with some basic, important information that should get you on the right track. Here they are:
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Find out before the installation specifically what model MAC the customer will be using with the MILLENIUM. The MILLENIUM printer IS NOT compatible with newer MAC models; more specifically, it is not compatible with any MAC that uses a USB connector rather than a serial connector. MACs must have a true printer port in order to communicate with the MILLENIUM. The typical MAC USB port will not work. A solution to this problem in the form of an adapter is in the works, however at this time there is no way around the problem.
If unsure of whether your customer’s computer IS compatible, contact Technical Support with the computer’s model name and number. Tech Support can tell you if the model is compatible or not. FYI — some G3’s will work and Power Macs will work.
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If at all possible, get the customer to let you take their MAC and do the driver install at your shop. That way you can install the driver and test it thoroughly out of the customer’s view. Once things are working smoothly, return the computer and printer to the customer and proceed with your usual installation/training orientation.
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MILLENIUM's currently ship with 1.06 firmware. With MAC’s, you cannot do 2" x 8" plates using 1.06 firmware. If the customer wants to print on long plates, the printer must have the older version firmware, which is 1.02. DCS Tech Service can provide either firmware — just let them know if your customer plans on printing long plates or not.
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If your customer has an existing MILLENIUM printer and they want to convert it into a MAC unit, there is a conversion kit available. Contact DCS Sales to order a MAC conversion kit, which consists of a cable and a MAC port. Once you have the kit, you just need a long-handled Phillips head screwdriver and 10 minutes of time to switch the unit over.
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Most graphics software that the customer will potentially use (Photoshop, Illustrator – for example) will not save printer driver settings with the job. This is typical. Be advised that Quark Express is an exception — Quark DOES save driver settings with the job. What you’ll want to specifically be aware of is the way Quark calibrates, or positions the image. When using Quark, it is typical to have to adjust the calibration in the MILLENIUM driver by as much as –30 and –40 points in order for the image To position correctly. It would be a good idea to set and save different job sizes as templates during your installation training with the customer. That way they will have template files for popular material sizes already "set" and ready to use.
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Always use No Margins when setting up a job.
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When printing 1-1/2" x 3" blanks, reduce the size in the driver from 100% to 99%. When printing 1" x 3" blanks, reduce the size in the driver from 100% to 95%.
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Be aware that some software programs cannot accommodate pages sizes as small as the job sizes one may want to produce with the MILLENIUM. For example, some programs cannot accommodate a page size (Blank Size) of 1" x 3". Refer to the specific program to determine what its minimum page size (Blank Size) can be.
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Use CMYK settings in MAC, not RGB, to get the best results.
If you need additional technical assistance on the subject of Installing MILLENIUM’s for MAC users, please feel free to contact the Technical Support Department.
If you need further assistance in upgrading your printer, please contact DCS technical support at techsupport@directcolorsystems.com or the same via phone at 860-829-2244.
