Plug-in Manual

Scitex Dolev

Version 6.4.0.0
April, 2005
Xitron Part Number Doc-1008 04/05
Overview
Xitron's Navigator PostScript RIP and Raster Blaster TIFF Catcher rely on software modules called plug-
ins to communicate with imagesetters, platesetters, and proofers. These plug-ins are written and compiled
to a format known as Dynamic Link Libraries, or DLLs. They act as device drivers for the software and
control most actions of the output devices. Some of these actions include checking device status, device
setup, and advancing and cutting material. In addition, the plug-in relays all the physical characteristics of
an engine such as supported resolutions and imageable area.
During the launch sequence, both Navigator and Raster Blaster scan a directory called "devices" for plug-
in files. The software loads each plug-in it finds, and then queries them for a description of the
capabilities of the supported devices. In this manner the plug-in configures the RIP to output a bitmap to
these devices.
Each plug-in controls a particular family of recorders and is able to understand most messages and errors
communicated by the output device. Plug-ins for use with Windows-based platforms consist of three
software modules. The first module is the core plug-in written specifically for a particular device. This
DLL is 32-bit code and runs under Windows NT, Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Professional,
Windows 2003 Server and Windows XP. The second module is a kernel mode device driver. This module
communicates with the Xitron interface boards and moves the bitmap data from the PC to the output
device's interface. The third module is a 'helper' DLL that translates calls from the plug-in to the Windows
device driver.
When a page is sent to an output device for imaging, the Xitron software loads the correct plug-in and
begins a series of steps prior to output. The plug-in first initializes the engine and checks that it is ready.
After receiving the proper signal, the plug-in will begin reading bitmap data from the platform's hard
drive into a "printer buffer." When the printer buffer is full, the plug-in starts communicating the data to
the output device. As the output device consumes the data, the plug-in relays this information to the
software, which then refills the buffer. This continues until all of the data has been communicated to the
output device. The plug-in tells the software the job is complete and waits for an indicator that the
recorder has finished. This process is repeated for each page being output.

Raster Blaster
Plug-ins used by Xitron's Raster Blaster have the same functionality as those for the Navigator RIP and
the same options are available for configuration. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the information in
this manual will apply to both products. See the Raster Blaster Manual for specific configuration
information.

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Configuring Devices

The following section applies only to Navigator RIPs.

Xitron distributes a separate plug-in for each recorder family. This plug-in, in conjunction with firmware
on the Xitron interface card, has the ability to drive all the devices in each recorder family. More than one
plug-in can be installed at once and within a single plug-in more than one engine type can be configured.
A plug-in must have at least one device configured before it can be used. To configure devices, use the
Device Manager (located under the main Navigator menu) as shown below.
Generally these devices are already configured and available upon installation of the plug-in. In most
cases the user will not have to add or configure any devices. The following information about Device
Manager is provided for the rare occasion when adding a device becomes necessary.

To configure a device for a plug-in, select it from the drop down menu labeled, “Plug-in.” To edit an
existing device, highlight it and click on “Edit” or double-click the listing in the window. To name and
configure a new device, click on the “New” button. In either case, the following dialog box will appear:

In the field labeled “Name,” enter the name of the device as you wish it to appear in your Page Setup.
This name will help you and other operators identify which device has been configured. It can be any
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string of up to 32 characters but Xitron strongly recommends only general alphanumerics. Select the
specific recorder from the drop-down menu labeled, “Type.” Do not enter any information in the Address
field. After entering the data, click “OK” to keep them or “Cancel” to ignore them.

Scitex Dolev Specific Settings

Xitron supports the following Scitex Dolev recorders. They are categorized in two types.

• Dolev 200/250, 400/450 (Type1)

• Dolev 800, 800V, 800V2, 2/Press, 4/Press, 4PressV, 4/News (Type 2)

After installing the Dolev plug-in, you will be able to create Page Setups based on the Dolev plug-in.
Select the appropriate resolution, density, and page orientation from the main window of Page Setup. You
should also configure the options specific to the Dolev plug-ins. Click on “Configure Device” under the
Device Type list. The following dialog box will appear:

From this dialog box you can configure the options listed on the following page.

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 • Max Page Width: This value is used to override the built-in width-clipping feature of the
plug-in. When this value is set to 0, the plug-in will always clip images at the maximum width
built into the plug-in. In the case of the Dolev 800, this will be 44 inches. Non-zero values will
cause the plug-in to allow images of the set value. Enter values in points.
• Max Page Depth: Use this value to set the maximum length of an imaged job. This feature is
helpful if a film device is imaging plate material and the plate must be a consistent length.
Setting this value to 0 disables the feature. If this value is set to 0, images will be clipped at the
maximum length allowed by the plug-in. Non-zero values will cause the plug-in to allow
images of the set value. Enter values in points.
• Mux String: This is used in an environment with a multiplexer to select one or more output
devices to scan for a connection. This should be left blank.
• PB2 Interface Card: If more than one interface (ArborSB) card is in the PC, you must select
the appropriate interface here. The default for this box is blank, signifying that the first
configured card will be used.
• Punch Enable: If the attached recorder allows the Navigator RIP to control the punch (Dolev
800, 4Press, 4News), this option will enable it. Punch control is not available for Type 1
recorders.
• Punch System Selection: On the 4Press and 4News recorders, there can be up to five different
punch systems configured. Each system can cause the placement of different holes in the
output media in addition to having a different punch pivot (center point) and minimum film
feed amount. The selections in this list box correspond one-for-one, in order, with the punch
systems listed in the Dolev’s front panel punch configuration. Typically, the Dolev 800, has
only one punch and the user should always select “Punch System #1.”
• Punch Location (side): This selection is used to define the location of the punch in relation to
the image being exposed. Side punches (nibs located around the circumference of the drum)
are selected as either “Top of image” or “Bottom of image.” Bar punches are selected as either
“Left of image” (supply side) or “Right of image” (take up side). If unsure of which setting to
use, prepare a test image measuring four inches by eight inches and use the Navigator’s
ROAM feature to familiarize yourself with the orientation of the image before exposing it on
the recorder with the punch turned ON. This value is only used when “Center to Punch” is
selected. Please read the section on punch centering before using this feature.
• Minimum Film Feed: This setting controls the amount of film fed on a punched image. If the
size of the image to be exposed is significantly smaller than the maximum device dimensions,
this value will assure that enough film is ejected from the recorder. This value is only used
when punching. However, any value entered here is the precise amount of film that will be
fed.
• Punch Pivot Locations—Fast Scan / Slow Scan: These two values specify the point on
which the image will be centered. They’re specified in micrometers (thousandths of a
millimeter). These values are only used when “Center to Punch” is selected. Please read the
section on punch centering below when using this feature.
• Center to Punch: This checkbox enables the punch centering option. When checked, the
exposed image is placed on the drum according to the punch pivot location. When unchecked,
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 the exposed image is placed on the film starting at the upper left corner. Please read the section
on punch centering before using this feature.
• Cassette Selection: This option applies only to the Dolev 800, which has multiple supply
cassettes. Most Dolev 800’s are configured with three supply cassettes: small, medium, and
large. In some instances, the medium and small cassettes have been removed and replaced
with a second large (upper) cassette. If a specific supply cassette is desired, the user can select
that cassette. Otherwise, “Automatic Selection” should be configured. In this case, the size of
the output bitmap will dictate which supply cassette the system will use.

• Delay between jobs: Since most installations of the Xitron software will be maintaining
existing Scitex RIPs and workflows, there may often be contention for the use of the recorder
between Xitron software and Scitex RIPs. If the desired effect is to give ultimate priority to the
Xitron software, leave the value at the default of 0. In this case, the existing Scitex workflow
will be effectively locked out of acquiring the recorder for output unless the Xitron software is
idle. A value of approximately 45 seconds will allow the output to ‘ping pong’ back and forth
between the Scitex RIP and the Xitron software.
• Set Spinner Speed: An entry here allows the operator to choose the speed at which the
Dolev’s spinner motor exposes the film. Entering 0 or 65535 will instruct the Dolev to use its
default value. Other values (24000 for example) will be honored by the system during
exposure. No entries should be made unless instructed by Xitron Support. Under no
circumstances should this value be set higher than 65535.

Dolev Exposure Values

It’s possible to control the recorder’s exposure from the Navigator RIP on certain Dolev recorders. These
recorders are the 200, 400, 250, and 450. Other recorders require setting the exposure value at the front
panel of the device.

From Navigator’s Page Set-up, enter a value between 1 and 9999 in the box labeled, “Exposure.”
Entering 0 will instruct the system to use the exposure value programmed into the output device through
the device’s control panel. If the Exposure box appears gray and prohibits a value entry, the device
chosen does not support exposure values from Navigator.

Note: Some values will cause imaging to fail while generating a “Laser Intensity Error” on the front panel
of the Dolev. If this occurs, it may be necessary to reduce the value entered.
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A Note about Drum Devices

When discussing drum devices such as the Dolev 800, terms such as width, depth, or length can be
confusing. Please note – as illustrated in the window below – that Media width corresponds to Drum
length and Media length corresponds to Drum width.

Note: Do not change any values in this dialog as they will conflict with Page
Layout instructions within PostScript files and conflict with values
determining the Punch Pivot location. This may prevent proper
placement of images in relation to the punches.

Punch Centering

The user can control the alignment of the exposed image to the punch on the Dolev 800, 4Press, and
4News. This is done using the punch centering options. There are many punch configurations available on
the Dolev recorders. The values for “Punch Location (side)” and the “Punch Pivot Point location” define
where the image will fall on the output film.

IMPORTANT: All descriptions of Punch Location, i.e. Side punch, bottom punch, etc., in this
manual are oriented based on the feed direction of the film. The Xitron Plug-in is designed to
control configurations of Bottom of image, Left of image, Right of image, or Top of image. Top of
image punches are only available when using 32-inch film.

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Configuring Punch Pivot Location

The diagram below demonstrates how the 0,0 point at which the imagesetter begins the first bit is
determined. The Punch Pivot location is based on values in relation to the 0,0 point. Fast Scan coordinates
increase around the width of the drum. Slow Scan coordinates increase across the length of the drum.

“Punch Location (side):” is set to “Bottom of image.” In this example the Pivot Point might be
configured as Fast Scan = 609500 (609.5 mm in micro-meters) and Slow Scan = 788000 (788 mm in
micro-meters) for 32 inch media. When “Center to punch” is enabled the bottom edge of the image is
placed against the Pivot Point with 1/2 the image to the left of the Pivot Point and the other 1/2 to the
right of the Pivot Point. This is the standard Dolev 800 configuration.

For 20 inch media the Pivot Point would be Fast Scan = 609500 (609.5 mm) and Slow Scan 483000 (483
mm). On 20-inch media, the Slow scan 0 is moved down the drum by the difference in film size. Since
the Pivot Point location is related to the 0,0 it moves accordingly. For 15-inch film, the Slow Scan 0 is
moved even farther down the drum.

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“Punch Location (side):” is set to “Top of image.” In this example, the pivot point location might be
configured as Fast Scan = 588500 (588.5 mm in micro-meters) and Slow Scan = 262800 (262.8 mm in
micro-meters). The top of the image is placed so that 1/2 is to the left of the Pivot Point and 1/2 is to the
right of the Pivot Point when “Center to punch” is enabled.

On 20-inch media, the Fast Scan remains the same and the Slow Scan value is reduced as the Slow Scan 0
moves down the drum. For 15-inch film, the Slow Scan 0 is moved even farther down the drum.

Note: It’s only possible to have punches at the Top of Image on 32-inch media.

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“Punch Location (side):” is set to “Left of image.” In this example, the Pivot Point might be configured
as Fast Scan = 10000 (10 mm in micro-meters), Slow Scan = 337424 (337.42 mm in micro-meters) on
32 inch wide media. The left edge of the image is placed against the pivot point and, when “Center to
Punch” is enabled, 1/2 the image falls above the pivot point and 1/2 the image falls below the pivot point.

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“Punch Location (side):” is set to “Right of image.” In this example the Pivot Point might be defined as
Fast Scan = 549900 (549.90 mm in micro-meters) and Slow Scan = 337424 (337.42 mm in micro-
meters). The right edge of the image is placed on the pivot point so that 1/2 of the image is above the
pivot point and 1/2 of the image is below the pivot point when “Center to punch” is enabled. This is the
standard configuration for the Dolev 4Press, 4News, and 4Dry.

On 20-inch media, the Fast Scan remains the same and the Slow Scan value is reduced as the Slow Scan 0
moves down the drum. For 15-inch film, the Slow Scan 0 is moved even farther down the drum.

Attaching the Dolev Interface

Xitron’s Dolev interface takes advantage of the spare OMC port available on most Dolev imagesetters.
The interface generates its own screen data, making the interface to the Continuous Tone/Line Work
VLSI board unnecessary (fiber optic connection). In rare cases, the output of the VLSI board will remain
plugged into one of the OMC ports, maintaining an existing Scitex workflow with the Scitex software’s
bitmap output attached to the other OMC port. The plug-in and interface firmware allow for concurrent
OMC connections, with arbitration and sharing options discussed earlier in this document under ‘Delay
between jobs’ under Configure Device. However, Xitron strongly recommends against this configuration.

There are two different classifications of OMC ports in the Dolev recorder family:

Dolev Type 1 Interface: This is the interface used by the Dolev 200, 250, 400, and 450. The connector
is a 25-pin D-Shell type and the port on the recorder is usually labeled “Host A” or “Host B.”

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Dolev Type 2 Interface: This is the interface used by the Dolev 800, 4Press, and 4News. The connector
is a 3-row, 26-pin, high density D-Shell type on the recorder. The ports are usually unlabeled as Scitex
service personnel typically perform connections. However, the ports are easy to identify by the connector
as no other port uses the same type.

Important Note: The OMC ports use an interface type (ECL) that is susceptible to damage if connected
or disconnected while power is applied to either the recorder or RIP. Make sure all units are powered
down while connecting or removing cables. Also, observe the usual static electricity precautions.

Plug-in Messages

Once installed in the Navigator RIP, the plug-in will immediately begin sending messages the monitor
window. These messages are typically informational but can also convey warnings and report errors from
the Dolev. There is a user changeable setting called “debug level” that controls the verbosity of these
messages. This can range from 0 (almost no messages) to 4 (very high message traffic). This is described
in the Xitron Tech Note CreatingLogfile.pdf.

Examples of informational messages are:

• PostScript job name
• Commands being sent to the PCI card to set up the engine
• Output start and stop time

Examples of warning messages are:

• A job being clipped to fit a recorder
• Data being left at the end of the job
• Certain settings in the .ini file overriding defaults
When a Xitron plug-in encounters an error on from an output device it will generate an appropriate error
message. The short form of this message will appear in the Output Controller/Monitor. The long form
will appear in the software’s System Monitor window. If the error is easily remedied, the plug-in will
continue to periodically test the engine until the error has been cleared. During this time the user may be
able to disable output by checking the “Disable Output” check box in the Output Controller/Monitor and
dragging the page to either the Active or Held queues. If the error is serious, the plug-in will request that
the software disable all output and the page will be placed back in the Active Queue automatically.

Type 2 Interface Devices: Dolev 800, 4Press, and 4News

The Type 2 Dolev interface device return error messages instead of codes. The interface is programmed
to return these messages whenever possible. The returned message should give the user some idea of what
went wrong but the ultimate authority is the recorder itself. The front panel of the recorder will display
the most recent error when the F2 key is pressed.
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