[Roger Weichert]

Hi Kyle,

My printer is an older HP Designjet 3500.

I use it for posters, prints, banners, stickers, flags etc .. on all sorts of material .. photo paper, banner material, canvas, self adhesive vinyl, flag type material etc etc.

It’s just like an oversized desktop printer, except it prints up to 1370mm wide. The machine can "cut off" the prints from the roll of material .. but it cant cut out letters and shapes etc.

I have an Neolt cutter to trim up my prints to size .. like a small paper trimmer with a roller blade .. except bigger (1500mm wide)

Being an older technology machine it wont print on the later type adhesive vinyl for sticking to compound curves (eg car bodies) though it will print perfectly well to stick on flat or gently curved surfaces.

Certainly would be nice to have a cutter as well, but it’s for slightly different work than I do with mine.

Good luck with the move to Adelaide, and if I can help you with anything, printing wise, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Kyle,

Welcome from another South Aussie.

I don’t post often, as I don’t have lots of experience myself … but I regularly read and learn from all the experts, and occasionally add my two bobs worth.

I have an older printer which still fascinates me with the quality of prints … and supplements my income. I don’t have a cutter though.

I’m out at Murray Bridge … where are you based?

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks for your help guys.

Thanks Alan … it was set to multiply .. though if that hadn’t been the default, I probably would have chosen ‘normal’.

I’d also already saved it as a pdf and printed it, but same issue. Also had tried a jpeg, but that added even more artifacts!

You got me thinking though, and I tried a heap of different settings within the menu.

I did a couple of extra tests and when using a solid colour fill … and fading it with the transparecy tool … it worked perfectly.

Doesn’t make sense, as I’ve used plenty of drop shadows before.

Thanks Andy … I should have thought of that myself 😕 , but that certainly solved this issue. Changing to a bitmap messed with the background fill colour a little… but it’s solved my problem.

Thanks heaps guys.

Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks for the help guys, really appreciate it.

I had no idea that coreflute deteriorated that quickly …certainly rules that out.

Screen print onto colourbond sounds like the best idea then, unless I can find someone who will print onto acrylic. Not having to laminate may be a big enough advantage.

Looks like I need to make some calls.

Do any of the Australians on the list have any suggestions as to who is best to contact?

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Bill,

No problems. It’s only when something goes wrong that I worry.

I’m always on the lookout for more ink, parts or machines.

The biggest problem with wrecked or dead machines, is that they weigh too much, and the sellers never want to pack up to freight them interstate … and we just about never see them available within South Aus.

I have bought ink from the US, and had great results, so I keep watching.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for that info. I’m still learning about all the different materials and products that can be used on the machine.

I’m still amazed at the print quality and look of the stuff it will print.

… and you are right … it certainly is slow, although I dont have anything else to compare it with. I just set it printing and get on with something else.

I guess if I had enough work that the printer was slowing me up too much … I’d be able to justify something newer and faster.

By scan belt I assume you’re talking about the long one that drives the print heads across. I’ve not changed one on this machine …though I have replaced the trailing cable … but I have changed one on a 36in HP 650C. That wasn’t all that difficult.

I have rebuilt the service station a couple of times .. the plastic was all deteriorating and it’s fallen apart a few times.

It’s held together with super glue and copper braid melted into the surface 😕 Seems to be holding up ok … though I know the motor that raises and lowers it is a bit dodgy at times. I really need to find a spare in case it lets go completely.

quote :

How have you found the inks of Ebay, any problems with the date blocking the printer?

No. The dates dont seem to be an issue. I understand that after so many refills, the machine burns little fuses in the print head cartridge … and then eventually it will keep saying ‘low ink’ and if you persevere it will say ‘print quality not guaranteed’ or something like that. If you then carry on, it works fine.

Hi Bill … haven’t seen you on for a while. You dont have any spares for the old girl you want to get rid of? 🙂

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

You have my sympathy too Marcella … and I’m with Martin … masking tape does a great job of stemming the flow for the first few hours.

Dunno how much blood you lost, but my wife had an op last wed, and something went wrong. Initially they told us she lost about two litres … then later told us she’d lost half her blood. 😮

Apparently now, they dont do transfusions unless it’s absolutely necessary … so she just has to tough it out. Going to take a couple months to get back to normal.

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Stephen,

Glad to see I’m not the only one still using this vintage gear 🙂

quote :

I’ve even done outside signs with it printed onto coated vinyl and laminated with a good quality laminate with UV block.
Still looking good after 4 years..

Can you tell us what vinyl and laminate you used please?

Do you also use any protective coating on your canvas prints?

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Adam,

I still use a HP 3500CP which is the 54 inch version of the 2500. I think that is only 36 inch wide though.

I understand all the rest is the same with either dye inks or pigment (UV) inks that can be used.

After years of looking I’ve not been able to find any after-market ink, so it’s either horribly expensive from the retailers … or take your chances off ebay with out of date stuff.

I agree with Stephen though, I have stuck with UV only as the dye ink fades very quickly. Makes me wonder how anyone ever made any money out of them to start with … must have been all short term prints.

Having said that, you get a lot of prints out of a cartridge .. as long as you dont do mainly solid colours.

I’ve done mostly posters on photo paper, banners on polyester type material and scrim … some backlit posters, and used some adhesive vinyl and also adhesive polypropylene paper.

I just bought a roll of canvas for the first time, and am impressed with the results so far.

One disadvantage of these machines is that you need special media … specially coated to accept the ink … you cant just shove through any cheap vinyl etc … although having said that .. I’ve picked up a lot of cheaper rolls from various online auctions and web specials.

One of my most recent jobs was the backdrop for a drama. I actually used the dye ink for this (on cheap bond paper), as it was only for three nights … but the image was of the side of a house … and life size. It was 20ft by 10ft, and looked pretty impressive stuck on the back of the stage.

I’ve never tried ‘clear’ so cant advise you there, though ‘clear film’ is listed as a suitable media for the machine. Wouldn’t be self adhesive though.

If you want more info just ask. I could point you to a free download of the users manual and also the service manual if that was of interest.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks everyone for your concern.

Thankfully South Australia has been spared the ferocity of the fires in Victoria, though we have had record breaking heat waves here as well, and everyone is holding their breath.

It’s hard to comprehend the shocking loss of life and loss of whole towns … really beyond belief.

There has been a reprieve in the weather here for a few days, but more extreme weather is forecast.

Last week I travelled through a fire that had started beside the highway, but it was under control by the time I went past. There were about 7 or 8 fire trucks attending, with heaps of other farmer’s utes with fire tanks on them running around as well. Could have been really nasty … and all the more frightening being so close to home .. and the homes of people we know.

All we can do is wait and pray. It’s a horrible feeling knowing there is nothing we can do to reduce the grief of those who have lost family members and friends. Makes some of our ‘problems’ look pretty insignificant.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks Steve,

I only realised after I posted my question that there were two Steves on this thread.

I had a feeling that Stephen Morriss used to have an older HP, so wondered if that had been upgraded yet.

I’ve used a lot of different media on my old HP 3500, but not tried canvas yet. I’ve had a few enquiries about it, so have been wondering if I should invest in a roll myself.

It’s always handy when you know someone else is happy with a particular material.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Steve,

Just wondering what printer are you using for your canvas prints, and what brand/type canvas are you using?

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Jason .. thanks for that …

What I mean by hijacked is that when I click on the ‘contact’ link .. the page starts to come up … then another website takes over … called ‘ollysfirstpage.com …..’

If I hit ‘back’ etc it keeps going to that page … pressing refresh etc etc makes no diff.

Anyway you’ve solved my problem, so thank you.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks John and Jill … I’ve just been rescued by the original designer.

They finally supplied a larger size copy that can be printed properly.

Thanks again.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks Dave, that is excellent.

I appreciate your help. 🙂

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Sorry David, … the attached files in your reply didn’t show until after I had replied.

The first file would fit the bill beautifully.

Cant believe how quickly you responded .. this site is excellent, and you guys are really helpful. Thankyou 😀

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Yes … you’re right. Seems everything I do ends up that way … big files 🙄

Hopefully via a free file upload site maybe 🙂

[Roger Weichert]

It was worth persevering then, especially if it’s going to free you up and save you some time. 🙂

Why do you think the switch might jam? They are pretty reliable devices, and the whole thing is pretty simple ….

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Well done Jason … looks like it works well.

Bit of fine tuning and pretty it up, and you’ll be able to sell it as an add-on kit for other users. 🙂

[Roger Weichert]

No worries Jason,

Hope you get some good results.

I started off making it too complicated with opto couplers and all sorts of electronics … but simple is best .. usually 🙂

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Jason,

Not discounting what Colin has raised above, I think the control side should be a piece of cake.

A picture tells a thousand words .. so I put together a couple of quick and dirty graphics to show what I mean.

Never used Imageshack before .. so hope it works. 🙂

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Jason,

Just trying to understand the basic system first to see if I can offer any help.

What activates the take-up motor … to start .. and then to stop?

How much torque does it have?

Is the motor a 240v one or only a low voltage one .. eg 9 or 12 volt?

How heavy is the movable roller you’re using now?

What is the dancer bar that you refer to .. is that the roller that moves up and down in the area designated by the yellow box?

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks Shane, I’ll give them a ring.

[Roger Weichert]

Shane you wrote

quote :

I use this stuff here in oz. ‘power tape’ is Brilliant for a quick banner.

http://www.vkf-signage.co.uk/artgrp/552 … ng+Banners

Do you buy them in from the UK, or is there a local supplier. I’m looking for an alternative too.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Glenn,

I’m sort of in the same boat .. as far as trying to drum up work … except that in my case I’m trying to build my own business.

I have written a sales letter .. and have printed my own flyer … and am about to do the cold calling thing .. but as Graeme suggested

quote :

Prepare your self with an exit strategy……… If the cold calling works then keep talking, if not have something (flyer, newsletter etc)

In fact I have a small front page which explains why I am just dropping off the info … and not taking up too much of their time .. because I don’t like people doing that to me either.

If they start asking questions, I will be prepared to hang around and answer them .. otherwise I’ll just deliver the package and leave.

I’m in the process of putting the packs together right now .. with the first 20 or so to be delivered tomorrow (if I can pluck up the courage)

I’ll let you know how I get on … 🙂

If you like, I can email you the sales letter … and you can see what you think. I have no idea how well it will work .. if at all .. but I’ve spent months (on and off) preparing it .. so it wont be from lack of work.

The flyer is about 150mm high by 780 wide .. and is set up to educate people about large format printing and the sort of things it can be used for. Obviously your market will be different … but it may give you something to start with.

The flyer is a big file .. (50Mb +) so I’d probably need to send that via some sort of file upload site perhaps.

Send me an email if you’d like to see either.

Regards, Roger

mod-edit please read board rules

[Roger Weichert]

That’s good news Mark .. pleased I could help.

I’m from Murray Bridge .. 80ks from Adelaide. If I was a bit closer, I’d offer to come and have a look. 😀

Still happy to offer any fault finding advice if you require.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Mark,

I dont know these machines at all .. my background is in electronics.

From what you’ve said .. the fact that it plays up on cold mornings … and will go away if you restart … suggests to me that there are problems on one of your boards .. perhaps with one or more electrolytic capacitors.

I know this will sound agricultural (but it is a legit fault finding technique) .. use a hair dryer to warm up (not cook) the electronics and then try again.

If it will then run ok (it obviously will keep playing up on cold mornings … and will get worse) .. but you may be able to narrow the fault down to a board .. or an area of a board.

My experience with this sort of thing leads me to think that it will be in the power supply area of the electronics … but a gentle warming of various areas should narrow it down.

I have no idea what new boards would cost .. but there are still plenty of techs around who can fault find down to component level.

I see that you’re in Australia also … if you’d like to call me I may be able to offer some more help .. my number is 0400 226 839

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

quote :

We’ll never get daylight savings here unfortunately. Our Politicians think it will fade the curtains. Pretty stupid as we have the most sun of any state (not incl the Territory of course). Be nice to knock off with enough time to enjoy the beach after work..

Yeah .. well I know you get a lot more sun than we do down here .. tho a bit of it right now would be nice. Had the coldest day in 25 years yesterday .. and today seemed far worse .. I even broke out the long johns and beanie.

Was trying to work out why the kids were rolling around laughing when they saw me . . had never seen me in a beanie before! 🙂 I was too cold to care what anyone thought.

Had some new friends around for tea last week .. they’ve just emigrated from Scotland .. and they reckon this is like their summer 😕 Dunno how they’re gunna cope when that gets here.

[Roger Weichert]

quote :

What are you doing up anyway, its past midnight….

Not yet .. still 5 min to go 😀

We’re a half hour behind you over here … at least until daylight saving kicks in .. then we’re half an hour ahead 😕

Does wonders when you’re trying to deal with business’s interstate.

You’re right .. self employed .. plus I find it restful relaxing behind the screen … in wind down mode .. plus I learn more reading and watching this screen rather than the idiot box.

I’m trying to fine tune an advertising pamphlet and flyer etc … all fun stuff.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Congrats Shane .. you’re a great ambassador for Oz. Keep up the good work.

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks for the response Alan.

No I’m not using either .. I simply have a gradient fill in the back of my page (for effect) .. a heap of illustrations .. and then their accompanying labels.

I thought I had applied the text in the same way when I labeled each illustration, so don’t know what went wrong.

There is good news though .. I have just found that by sending the text to the back of the page, then forward one step .. that it solved the problem.

I’m rapt that it is now solved .. just wish I understood why just the one bit of text caused so much drama, when all the other text was created the same way

… and I’m especially glad that this one is only a small print … not a 3mtr banner or something like that.

The file is about 50Mb too .. so not so easy to send anywhere either.

Thanks, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Interesting thread. Really appreciate your honesty Steve.

I’m not sure about ghosts .. never seen one myself .. but have heard a few scary stories about spirits and weird happenings at seances etc.

Heard a pastor describe the aftermath of one séance, where a handful of kids just thought they would have some fun … and started something which ended up scaring the life out of them. Was a really entertaining story .. just glad I wasn’t there. 😮

He said there was no doubt that these kids now believe in spirits or ghosts. Amongst other things, they weren’t game enough to go back into their own flat until he had gone in first and convinced them that there was nothing there anymore.

Looks like I’m the odd one out here though. I am a Christian and have no problem believing in an afterlife. It’s not that I am unthinking .. I regularly consider the alternatives .. but so far I am quietly confident with my choice.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

You’re right Bill, looks like the only way you could get any value out of one is to run it 7 days a week .. and have shares in the consumables supplies 🙂

Too bad if your work slows down, or you take a long weekend!

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Dane,

All sounds a little hard to believe .. that the machine is so fussy … but check out this page … you are not alone.

http://h41186.www4.hp.com/country/us/en … seq=639449

Hopefully you should find some answers in there, or at least help you make up your mind about the aircon set up.

Even more info here ..

http://kujoa.de/HP%20Designjet%208000s.html

Good luck. 😀

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Dane,

I’ve been watching this thread with interest .. and have been wondering all along whether the cleaning/flushing cycle can be turned off or altered from the front panel .. via the menu perhaps.

I downloaded a manual, and found this …

quote :

WARNING! The printer has an internal clock which allows it to automatically wash the
printheads, flushing some ink through the printheads, which keeps the printheads in good
condition. The printer automatically washes the printheads regularly after the last printing
process. If the printer is switched Off for a long period, this process does not happen. If the ink
does not flow through the printheads from time to time, the ink will dry inside the nozzles, reaching
a point where it is impossible to recover them and the printheads will fail. This will mean an
expensive printhead replacement.
Automatic maintenance and cleaning will not be performed if you turn off the printer on the front
panel or leave it without media loaded.
The printer power switch on the rear of the printer should
only be used when the printer is turned off to move it, to connect it to a computer, or to install or
maintain printer parts.

So according to that .. it cant be turned off at the front … and some media needs to remain loaded … for it to go through the process.

Couldn’t find any reference as to how often it is supposed to happen though.

Hopefully your maintainence man will have sorted things out by now anyway.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks Shane, I’ll check them out.

I have seen the stuff from AGS … but it’s #$%^&* expensive … and I’ve never known whether I’ve got to use the really expensive stuff, or would get away with one of their cheaper tapes.

I have got a basic eyelet tool … works ok

Just reminded me of a banner I did over Christmas .. my daughter was driving past, and saw a couple of dear little children "body slamming" it. It held up really well, although eventually broke a couple of the ties holding it up (I wont mention anything about their heritage though .. Peter may be reading this) 😀

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

They look great Jason.

Especially like the roll-ups and the last banner.

How do you finish the banners … are they sewn or double side tape for the hem.

If tape, what sort do you use?

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Dave,

I’m inclined to prefer the middle one.

I think it’s because it appears (to me) to be more a 3-D effect rather than an actual shadow.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks Peter and Jason,

They both look like excellent products. I’ll get some prices for the sign grip stuff seeing it’s local.
I can see lots of uses for all their range.

Thanks Kev,

What you’ve suggested is sort of what I assumed was used … and will fit the bill for the job I have in mind … just a small double sided light box.
The other gear would be pretty hard to retrofit in this case.

Thanks for all the help,

Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Thank you for that George … and it is a free one too. 😀

Much appreciated, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks James,

That was quick and it fits well. 😀

Thanks again.

Anyone else for the second one?

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks for that Rob, I hadn’t seen it before. It’s excellent. 😀

The electronics bit is right down my alley, and I don’t mind a bit of classical music either.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Ian,

The ink I use comes from http://www.ausjetinks.com.au

Physical Address: No.8 Natasha Street, Capalaba, Queensland 4157

Look under “Bulk Ink” > HP Ink (page 2) > H3WL3

Costs about $30 for 200ml. That’ll fill the cart at least 5 times.

A bit fiddly to do, but once you know how, it’s easy, and the savings suit me.

As you noted, the black is a pigment ink .. the original is too, and the colours are dye.

Having said that, I’ve recently seen some pigment inks for the colours, advertised on eBay.

I am tempted to buy some to try out, as they should handle uv light much better, plus be a little more water resistant.

This is an old link, but will give some details. (in Canada though)

http://cgi.ebay.com:80/ws/eBayISAPI.dll … AQ:US:1123

I’ll get back on your other question .. gotta go out. 🙂

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Ian,

quote :

Previously I’ve just tried blocks of solid black.

Yeah, I tried that too with limited success. I think the criss-cross lines work best because the nozzles are continually firing on and off and eventually blast the particles free.

I’d still recommend soaking the head on a damp paper towel first to loosen the dried ink … assuming it is blocked.

I just had a thought … you have cleaned the contacts in the carriage already ?? … plus the contacts on the back of the new cartridge. Just a bit of tarnish or a smudge of ink can give the same symptoms also.

I generally refill the cartridges .. and have had good results. I bought some black which was advertised as a "super black" and it is a much deeper black than the standard, almost greyish black. Nearly twice the price, but worthwhile I feel .. and still much cheaper than genuine carts.

quote :

What part of Oz are you from?

I’m in Murray Bridge, an hour from Adelaide. And you?

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Ian,

I use a HP650C for various work and if I have problems with blocked nozzles, I remove the cartridge and sit it with the print head down, on a folded over piece of paper towelling … which has been dampened with windex.

I only leave it for about 5 min or so, otherwise too much ink will wick out.

Then reinstall and do a test print pronto, to try and blast it clear.

If I have a persistently clogged cartridge, I print a ‘purge’ pattern. That’s just an image (of the colour that’s giving trouble) with lots of thin lines criss-crossing the page, interspersed with a few blocks of solid colour.

You can make your own pattern in a min or two using Corel or Illustrator.

Either of these two methods work ok for me.

I have better results with windex or often just plain water than with alcohol or anything else I’ve ever tried 🙂

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Nick,

Welcome …

from down under . 🙂

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Glenn,

You wrote

quote :

I hope you don’t feel like I have given you dodgy advice….

Nope, not at all. You really helped me see that the way I laid out the text initially, was all over the place like the dog’s dinner.

I have a couple of different versions on the fridge to glance at from time to time, to see if I can think of any improvements, and after you pointed out the issues with the text, it became really obvious … whereas before I thought it looked fine.

quote :

I was really trying to offer ideas based around your concept.

Which was just what I was asking for, so thanks again for your input. I feel like I’m learning a little … just a bit too slowly for my liking. 🙂

Hi Jill,

Thanks for your reply too.

quote :

Signs don’t have to be just lines of text.

I know I’m missing something, but asking lots of questions is helping, even though a lot of them seem dumb after the event!

quote :

While I agree that yellow with black lettering is always the most readable, sometimes it ends up looking like a traffic sign.
And you know how people ignore those.

Yeah. That’s exactly what the thing looked like when I was finished, so I went fishing around trying to come up with something that would liven it up … without detracting too much from it’s effectiveness.

quote :

Shane’s sign could also be made with a picture of a crabby old housewife in curlers holding a beat-up remote (or rolling pin)
His suggestion has punch and humor rather than being stale-looking.

Yes, there are a few ideas that come to mind too, but I really like what Shane has done. It’s the sort of thing that would get some attention … and if the people don’t get it the first time they glance it … they’ll look a little harder next time they go past just to see what it’s all about. (well I would hope anyway 🙂 )

Thanks again for every ones help.

Regards, Roger 🙂

[Roger Weichert]

I like that Shane. Thanks 🙂

quote :

Something eye catching, the graphic tends to grab the attention, then they’ll possibly stop and read the sign. Not a lot of text, as they won’t have the time to take too much in if they are driving past.

That’s my take on it too. I understand that people wont read all of it the first time they see it, or would even care less, unless they happen to have a crook tv at the time (unlikely).

The fact that the sign will be on the main road through town, that most of the town uses regularly, means that it will be in their face, day in and day out … with the hope being … that when they do need my services … my business will come to mind. 🙂

As I said above, this is an overgrown country town, so anything unusual is going to stand out and maybe even be talked about. So as long as it is tasteful, it should have some effect. ?

Just thinking … if it isn’t tasteful it would probably have more effect, especially around here … but I aint going there. 🙂

Thanks again.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Jill,

Thanks for your input and I appreciate you going to all the effort with your example.

quote :

You are relying on special effects to convey a message, when you should think about the text itself.

Yes, that was true, especially in my first couple of efforts.
Graeme, John and Glenn pointed out the error of my way 🙂 … and that it wasn’t going to be easy to read, especially driving past at speed.

I guess I am just trying to work out the best way to get the message across to potential customers … and remind previous ones, that the business is still there.

(?) Now this question is being asked with the utmost respect, so please don’t hear me arguing, I genuinely want to understand this subject.

I understand that the most “effective” ? “easily read” ? sign … is one with black writing on a yellow background … and then progressing down through various other colour schemes to ones which are less “effective”

So my question is … at what point and where, can we add other elements to give some individuality or uniqueness … without taking too much away from the message we are trying to convey?

eg. I just added the TV as a border because I thought the sign needed a border (and a TV seemed relevant 🙂 ) and the rest of the sign looked pretty boring, so I put a fill in the background.

quote :

Use an arrangement that people can read when they are driving past.

I had assumed that that meant the text had to be relatively standard and consistent, but from your example I see that the text can look a lot more exciting than what I’ve done, so thanks for that.

quote :

What is the main thing you want to sell?

Well, I live in an overgrown country town where everyone knows everyone else, or so it seems, and as the business has been here for 25 years and is already fairly well known, I want the sign to remind people driving past that the business is still here … and if people who are new to the district see it, and the sign has caught their attention … I want them to ask their friends, or workmates or neighbours “who is this Weichert Electronics who is advertising up on …?”

From my experience since being in business, just about all of my new customers come from referrals, but only after they have had their tv breakdown and then asked someone else who they would recommend to fix it.

Sorry for the long reply … so many questions 🙂

Thanks again.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

quote :

shanes a star.

Yeah! I’ll second that. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

quote :

Just trying to help others avoid the heartache I went through that’s all

You’ve no idea how much your input has helped me too … so thanks from me also, Shane. 🙂

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks Glenn,

quote :

probably not the most exciting sign in terms of using your creativity & design satisfaction but in my opinion simple does it in this case

Yes you’re right, it makes good sense. Like I wrote earlier, I had spent a lot of time learning some creative techniques which I wont end up using for this print, but I’m sure they’ll come in handy soon enough.

Thanks again for everyones help. 🙂

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

G’day Ray,

Welcome. Lots and lots of info here. If you’re anything like me, it’ll take you ages to wade through.

The more I read, the more I realise there is to learn 😕

You’ve actually bought a cutter already … or have just decided to buy one?

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Henrik. Welcome.

I’m about half way across Oz, just out of Adelaide. 🙂

[Roger Weichert]

Another coupla shots.

I have no idea what font to use for the name. Any suggestions?

And sorry Glenn, first of all I called you David, then I misspelt your name. 😳

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[Roger Weichert]

Hi Glen.

Thanks for your input too. I always enjoy reading your posts and seeing your suggestions for improvements … and blunt is good … no point beating around the bush. 🙂

quote :

I think the layouts are a bit all over the place…neither centre or left or right justified…..I don’t think the eye would know where to look if you caught a glimpse of the sign at 60 km/hr

Point taken, I will have a go at tidying it up.

quote :

I would stay away from the effects you have on the name as well….it looks good close up but is totally lost at a distance (hence the reason I suspect you needed to blow it up to show us)….it would look much sharper without them

Yeah … I sort of had that feeling myself, but was trying to be too arty-farty. And coz I’d spent so long trying to create the effect, I didn’t want to let it go!!!:roll:

quote :

I would simplify the layout…..loose the effects & beef the name, address line & telephone number up a bit .

Yep, ok. I’ll have another shot.

Thanks again, Roger. 🙂

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I will put together another draft taking your suggestions into consideration.

Hi Graeme, you wrote

quote :

“however if this is a drive-by advert should you not focus more on the service provided and phone number rather than your company name? “

Ok. Makes sense. Probably the main reason I did it this way was because the business has been here for over 25 years and is already pretty well known … and this was an attempt to keep the name in front of the locals without having to advertise in the local papers every week.

quote :

“The ‘s is not required after Km even if there are multiples”

“Break up your phone number into logical digit groupings of no more than 5 digits, most people do not register more than 5 digits and remember them.”

Thanks, I will change that also.

Hi John … thanks too. I shall enlarge the number.

I appreciate the input. 🙂

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Ian,

I certainly have no experience or knowledge of solvent inks on vinyl, but what you described is how the older aqueous based inks work.

As far as I understand, all media to suit them (aqueous based inks) have an ink receptive layer on top which absorbs the ink and seals over the top. (I had always assumed that the ink just sat on top ) 😕

Still referring to aqueous based inks … I can imagine that the uv stability of different quality media could vary considerably … but I have come to the conclusion that some sort of overlaminate … especially a good quality uv rated one is the best insurance.

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks Shane … I’ll ask them about it next time I’m talking to them.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Interesting question Marcella, thanks for asking it.

I have been wondering about how to make them myself.

Shane said

quote :

I usually print to vinyl, and apply a clear dry wipe (called dry erase here) as a laminate. Works well.

If you dont mind me asking Shane, where do you get that from, and do you buy it by the metre or do you need to buy a roll? Expensive?

Thanks, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Elise, welcome from a fellow aussie. 😀

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Shaun,

Welcome … from South Aus. 🙂

[Roger Weichert]

Good on you Jason, looks exciting.

Hope all goes well for you guys, and the expansion pays off in spades.

(Oh to be young again with lots of enthusiasm and energy) 🙂

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

G’day Marty, welcome.

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Michael,

Thanks. That’s the sort of stuff that helps heaps.

And it’s encouraging too. I need a few more customers myself.

I’ll keep working on it. 😀

Regards, Roger.

[Roger Weichert]

Hi John,

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, that where I started from, but because plasma/lcd sets are pretty boring looking (on their own) I added the rest.

Having said that, if that’s what I need to go back to, I’ll start playing with that idea again.

Can certainly get bigger text on the display area too, if using your idea.

Any suggestions as to how to make the text "interesting", but still readable as people flash past?

Thanks again, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Marko,

That was an excellent description. Had wondered about the finer points of how that effect was achieved.

Thanks a lot.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Martin,

Yes, I’m quite confident about that.

Some of the media I have is not suited to both (according to HP’s spec sheets), but the ones I am having trouble with are definitely listed for either ink system.

Thanks for pointing it out though.

Regards, Roger.

[Roger Weichert]

Well thanks Bill and Shane,

That’s really helpful info. Looks like I need to decide which brand to try, order some and have a go. 🙂

Thanks again. Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Steve, welcome.

Aprillia RSV-R Mille sounds like fun. Half your luck.
Used to be into bikes myself, but have given them away.

My dad must be a mate of John’s … he’s got a Gold Wing in the garage himself (along with heaps of old Brit bikes … mostly BSA), but his has an outfit on it. (he is 79 🙂 )

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks for your input. I wondered if the problem was due to not being dry enough, but the problems I’ve had have been after leaving it dry overnight before handling. Maybe it does need longer.

The media is supposed to be ‘instant dry’ … but that is just a name. 😕

I should soon have some other media to try, so when I get a chance I’ll do so.

I’m also investigating my options for laminating as that should solve my problem plus add extra life to the prints. How do you laminate your prints?

Another thought I’d had was that the printer was putting down too much ink, particularly black, and so that makes it more susceptible to scratching.

One thing that struck me as odd, was that when I fitted UV inks to it for the first time recently, the menu in the printer changed.

Now instead of options to select eg “High-Gloss Photo” or “Opaque Vinyl” when I load a roll of media, I get options like “UV Custom Media A” … or B, C or D, as well as a couple others, but no photo paper (!)

My problem is that I cant find a legend for what the Custom Media A,B,C or D is actually for.

I’m sure I’ve seen reference to it on the spec sheet for some HP media in the past, but since needing the info to make sure I’m selecting the right profile, I’ve not been able to find it, despite hours of searching.

The prints have been turning out fine, colour wise, just the issue with the black.

Well thanks again.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Shane,

I have downloaded and read all the info I could find about their products, but was double checking that this is still the best stuff to try with, so thanks for that.

I haven’t done any canvas at all yet, but am keen to try.

I’m mostly printing on HP semi gloss photo paper so far, and also have some prints I want to do on backlit material.

Regards, Roger.

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Bill,

Hope you’re happy with the price. Printers always seem to go really slow until the final moments, but I guess there are lots of variables that affect the market. eg location being a big one.

Regarding the liquid lamination, for work other than canvas, did you find it ok, or was most of your work canvas?

I appreciate that it would be painful compared to the ezy taper, but I dont have a lot of spare money. I do already have a compressor and spray gun though.

Could you provide a few details as to what product you used and how you went about it please. Might talk me out of it, or may be enough incentive for me to give it a go. 😀

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Richard,

Sorry to butt in here, but I came across one of your posts a while ago where you mentioned a tutorial or something that showed you making dibond trays.

Could you point me to that please, because I haven’t been able to find it, and I am interested in learning more.

Regards, Roger.

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks Jill,

I’m not sure exactly how to do that, but I’ve found the book (if all else fails :oops:) so I’m sure your suggestion will head me in the right direction.

And thanks for that extra info Simon, I was about to try and start again, this time using Corel Draw, but maybe I wont have to.

Will tackle it in the morning … it’s already past midnight here and all these 2 and 3am mornings are catching up 😕 .. plus I’m going dancing tomorrow night .. need to conserve some energy.

Regards to all.

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Simon,

Thanks for that. In fact I’ve just come back from a friends place, and they had suggested something very similar, that I highlight the top line more, or increase the font size a little.

At least they didn’t bag these attempts like my last (which I wasn’t game to show here!!) 🙂

My top version is already (all) in bold, so I’ll try increasing the font a little on the heading.

I didn’t like the asteriks either, but I’ve been using Corel PhotoPaint and I haven’t been able to work out how to get bullets, and still use that font.

The learning curve has been steep enough already, but I’m going to persevere. All the help here is encouraging me heaps.

Thankyou to everyone.
Roger.

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Nick, welcome.

Your heading got my attention. I thought you were another aussie … but I see you’re from the "old" South Wales … not New South Wales in Oz. 😀

Welcome anyway.

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks Glen and Bill,

Glen I tried it centred, but then it seemed to need an additional line for the third point, so I went back to this one.

Bill,

quote :

“Love people fervently”??? Sounds a bit scary

Hadn’t thought of it that way 😀 Wonder if they have?

Thanks for the input.

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks Shane,

I was having trouble reading the century gothic while I was experimenting. It was getting lost in the clouds. 🙂

Now that I’m using a lighter, more even background image, I’m a lot happier with the results.

Thanks again.

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks Nik,

You’re right, 😀 and this is the area I feel least confident with.

Actually, now that I’ve tried lots of fonts, the century gothic is growing on me.

Anyway, I’ve attached a couple of files. I hope they appear ok.

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[Roger Weichert]

Hi Calvin, Hope you enjoy the ride. 😀

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Richard, Welcome.

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Guys,

It’s my understanding that nail polish remover is mostly acetone.

It’s a solvent used in the fibreglass industry, and I’ve used it for years as a cleaner for video heads and rollers … and for anything else that needs a decent clean.

Gotta watch plastic though 😮 .. it’ll eat into the surface real quick. In fact it is also used as a glue for perspex.

Checkout your local hardware store or fibreglass boat builder, and buy a litre or two.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Nik, welcome.

I’m relatively new here too, and still learning the ropes. From down in SA.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Thanks Martin,

Yes, good point. I realise I would need to pay for rental space, but in looking around, there are quite a few shops with windows facing high traffic areas, where one of these things could be put inside.

That would prevent vandalism.

An incentive for the shop owner, would be to offer them a free spot on the board, and offer to print them for free, a new image, say, every 3 months or so. That way they get some added fresh signage, plus a few extra bucks a month for their trouble.

Plus, why should the add agencies get all the spoils when we could be doing the work. . 😀

I don’t see the organising of this as that much more difficult than what you guys do now.

Another potential location I spotted is on the main drag through town, with a complex that used to have two double phoneboxes in the front of it.

The phones have been removed and a normal alum and glass (wide) lockable door fitted. This location, which is currently wasted space, would be perfect, with absolutely no modifications. Just stitch up a deal with the owner, agree on the elec bill, fit the box, and sell the spots. Plus I could come and go at will to change the ads, not even needing to get into anyone elses shop to do it.

Even better is that (at least here) there is no need to get coucil approval, because it is regarded as inside a shop, and that has nothing to do with signage (according to council).

I had put it to them that eg when television first came out, store owners put sets inside the window to show off the sets, and wouldn’t that be regarded as a sign. The reply was “No … it has nothing to do with us … it’s inside the shop!”

I don’t know what I’m waiting for, I think I’ve convinced myself … haven’t I ? (?)

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Brian

Thanks for the welcome. It’s late again … I’ll have a coffee instead thanks. It’s gunna be hard enough to get up in the morning as it is. Maybe beer tomorrow night. . 😀

Hi Nik,

I wasn’t sure how to respond to your comment. I spent a while trying to work out if there is some sort of etiquette thing that I’m not aware of. I know … thick …. Just give me something to fix … then I’ll know what to do. . 😀

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Bill,

Sorry for the slow reply. Got half way through it and realised I was late for going out …

You wrote

quote :

Hi Robert, I find the most profitable jobs, in terms of hourly return, are the ones that come with supplied artwork and after I push a few buttons my printer spits out a full roll of poster paper while I’m off having a drink or two down at the pub , or while I’m doing another job

Ok, Makes sense. Did you get many jobs like that? Were most of your poster type prints, point of sale prints or ?

Like I said earlier, if I’m going to do any work with this thing, I’m going to have to drum it up, and I don’t see any point in making a noise about being able to do something, then find out it’s really painful to do, or time consuming, or expensive consumables wise.

Seems to me to learn from other people’s mistakes (or experience) is easier (and less expensive) than learning from my own … and God knows … I’ve made far too many of them already.

My idea is to identify a few target markets, learn as much about the processes and procedures, practice like mad, and then when I’m ready, hit the local market place. There’s no doubt I’ll be asked to do plenty of other stuff once people know some of the work that can be done with a big printer.

quote :

I never used dye inks after having to redo one of my first window display jobs that had faded to nothing in only a few months.

Hear you, loud and clear. That’s what makes this site so valuable.

quote :

Ah, the Adams Generator – takes me back about 15 years! I had one hell of a ride with old Bob and his dodgy invention Were you involved in all that fuss or did you just read about it in the funny papers?

Yep, sadly, I was involved with it, and a lot more .. but I’m recovered now. You may not remember, but I spoke to you once, at that time, and you were about to go over to see him, or had just gone over … and we discussed his formula for output power etc and even then it was looking pretty dodgy … and if I remember correctly the only thing that was keeping you a bit interested, was some odd RF type noise or ??? that was showing up on the CRO

Well thanks again for your input.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Shane,

You wrote …

quote :

I’m in Brissie, Adams Generator does ring some bells to me, not sure why. Are they at Acacia Ridge by chance?

Nah! An Adams Generator was some weird science device that I played with way back … that turned out to be a load of rot. 🙄 I’m a bit embarrassed to admit I fell for the hype for a while … although I recognise (now that I’m out) that it was an ‘escape’ from a really lousy marriage.

quote :

I used smart RIP. Only runs on ’98 I think. If you are running 98, and I can find the dongle, you are welcome to it. Only set up to run on the HP and a few other similar printers.

I would certainly be interested in that thanks Shane, my older laptop still runs ’98, and it would be really worthwhile for the educational side of things. If you could find it, let me know how much you want for it.

Thanks again for your help.

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Bill,

Nice to hear from you.

You said …

quote :

I’d be very wary of using dye inks on anything sign related as they fade far too quickly. I used to use my old 2500CP running UV inks for posters, canvas, coated vinyl for external signs and vehicles (only flat work – not very conformable), indoor banners, stickers, etc. Not a patch on my JV3 though in terms of media flexibility 😉

Ok, thanks. I had got that impression from other info I’d found on the net, but I could never get anything concrete with time frames or anything like that.

You, as well as many others, have set me straight with all the info in previous threads. It was actually on a google search that I came across one of your posts on the subject, which led me to this site. Thanks again .. I owe you big time.

From your list of projects, what sort were the easiest (most forgiving) and the most profitable to do, time wise?

Did you ever use the dye inks much, and if so, for what sort of printing?

A JV3 sounds nice .. half your luck … but I’m going to have to tread fairly carefully for a while till I start getting a bit of income from this endeavor. 😀

I see you used to live up Brisbane way. Would the term "Adams Generator" mean anything to you?

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Hi Shane, thanks.

… gulp … I’m only using the internal RIP.

Not that much control, but at least I’ve finally worked out how to use the “in computer” command, which speeds up the RIP time from 2 or 3 hours down to a few minutes.

… and at least it doesn’t just then print 2 or 3 feet of my graphics masterpiece 😉 … feed the remaining 8 feet of media out all blank … and CUT IT OFF !!! . . @@$#**$# :yikes:

It’s ok .. it’s ok … I’m back in control.

What RIP did you use with your 3500, and what advantages did it provide that you couldn’t have lived without.

I did download a trial version of Posterjet, and tried it out, but they were early days, and I didn’t really see any thing other than the quick action after pressing print, and the much improved preview and layout tools. I never got to try the colour management, which I assume is it’s biggest advantage.

Thanks for the suggestion on the Ezy Taper, sounds great. So far the only laminator I’ve found in town, is a medium size one, used by a local photo outlet for the occasional poster print.

The rest of the (traditional) sign guys here, have to send their stuff to the city, so may be some work there alone. Is that a silly idea, or fraught with danger?

I had already looked at their video and figured I’m gunna need one of them.

Regards, Roger.

[Roger Weichert]

quote :

now you are starting to sound like my wife. I’m really a shy guy… really…. opinionated maybe… but shy…. honest.

Whoops … sorry 😳 I’ve had one of them .. and the last thing I want to do is sound like a nag. 😀

quote :

Bill is more familiar with the 3500 I suspect, its been over 4 years since I’ve sold my printer, but if I can help, I’m more than happy to contribute.

Thanks for the offer. There will be plenty of questions coming, and actually I asked one already over in the General Sign forum.

quote :

If you can find the dollars to buy gold+ membership, it will give you access to the video demos which will answer a lot of your questions in application techniques and stuff.

Yeah, thanks. I fully intend to sign up and do just that. Still so much to go through in these threads, that I could be searching for months. 😀

Regards, Roger

[Roger Weichert]

Well thanks for the warm welcome Nik, Warren, Harry, Lynn, Rob, Shane, Marcella and Mark.

Thanks Mark, I mostly do enjoy the HP, although it occasionally throws something at me that is totally unexpected, and then I need to lift the hood and do some tinkering, or get on Google and look for answers.

Do you have a HP as well, or have you ever owned one?

Thanks for your input too Shane, I was hoping to communicate with you at some stage as I’ve read quite a few of your posts and realised that you had owned a 3500 as well, along with Bill and a few others … and 7800+ posts … whats with that … do you live on the net? 😀 (and Marcella too, 6275 … that’s alotta posts) 😀

In fact it was a search on the 3500cp + fading prints, that got me to a thread on this forum with some comments from Bill McMurtry and yourself (Shane), and got me dead keen to participate. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I’ve had several nights to bed at around 3am, just from following up various threads here. (puppy-eyes)

I hadn’t thought about the possibility of the printer being a repossession … makes sense.

Thanks again guys (and gals), and I must work out which list to go to and start asking questions.

Regards, Roger