CtServer for

MAKO CTP Systems

Operator Guide

AG45199 Rev. 1
 CtServer for MAKO CTP Systems
Operator Guide

This guide reflects the CtServer Operator software as of March, 2006.

© copyright ECRM Incorporated 2006

Information on ordering additional copies of this manual may be obtained by writing or calling:

ECRM Order Processing

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The information contained within this guide is the property of ECRM. No transmission, reproduction, transcription, storage in a
retrieval system, translation into any language or other use is permitted in whole or in part in any form without first obtaining written
permission of ECRM.

List of Trademarks or Registrations

ECRM® is a registered trademark of ECRM Incorporated
PelBox® is a registered trademark of ECRM Incorporated
Other brand or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.

AG45199 Rev. 1
Table of Contents
Preface- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-1

Introduction to CtServer- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-1

Describing CtServer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Job Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Property Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Launching CtServer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Operating CtServer with Mako CTP Platesetters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-1

Defining Plate Type at Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Control Server Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Using the Administer Job List Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Using the Property Set Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27
Reconfiguring the Server and Other Startup Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-51
Opening and Monitoring Remote Servers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53

Preview / View Image - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-1

Installing the Macintosh Services Software on Windows NT - - - - - - - - - - - 4-1

File Naming Conventions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-1

About File Name Parsing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Example File Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Model File Name Convention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Working with Name Convention Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Defining a Rule Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Naming Convention Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14

AG45199 Rev. 1 iii

Preface

About this Manual

This manual provides instructions on using CtServer Software. The
instructions are presented by output device type.

Chapter 1: Introduction to CtServer

Introduces the concepts and functions of CtServer and how to launch the
application. A typical setup is presented. Property sets are introduced.
Major components of CtServer are introduced.
Chapter 2: Operating CtServer with Mako CTP Platesetters
Chapter six provides detailed instructions on how to operate a MAKO
2/4/8 CTP, NEWSmatic, or 4matic CTP platesetter.

Chapter 3: Preview / View Image

Chapter 4: Installing the Macintosh Services Software on Windows
NT
Chapter 5: File Naming Conventions

AG45199 Rev. 1 v
Not Covered in this Manual
• Hardware and software installation.
• CtServer remote monitor user information and instruction.
• Information about specific imagesetters and platesetters.

Related Documents and References

• CtServer Getting Started Guide (AG45090)
• CtServer Remote Monitor User Guide (AG45087)
• Operator Manual for specific imagesetter and/or platesetter.

Definitions
Output Device - This term is used in this document to identify all
supported, imagesetters, output devices or platesetters.

RIP - This term is used in this document to identify a Raster Image

processor (RIP) application, Workflow or other products responsible
for passing data (TIFF images) to the ECRM CtServer.

CtServer - This is the term used to describe this product throughout

this document.

Drop Folder - A folder, associated with a Property Set, where TIFF

files which are to be output by CtServer are placed. The files placed in
the Drop Folder must have a ‘.tif’ (or ‘.eif’ for RamPage images) in the
file name and they must be write enabled for CtServer to output them.

TIFF File - A TIFF file is a raster file that conforms to the TIFF 6.0
specification. This specification defines the contents of the file and how
it is to be interpreted. CtServer supports the TIFF 6.0 specification with
the following restrictions:

1. Compression must be None, CCIT Group 4, Packbits or LZW.

2. The data must be 1 bit, (bi-level).
3. The data must be padded to be 32 bit aligned.
4. The file should be created using multiple strips (not single strip)
with a strip size between 256k and 12 mb.

RAMPage EIF File - An proprietary file format produced by

RAMPage systems to interface with CtServer and ECRM imagesetters.
The ability to accept these files is optional. It can be enabled in
CtServer 5.0 or later with a password and an enabled encryption key.

vi AG45199 Rev.1
 Local Mode of Operation - The CtServer workstation is directly
attached to the output device, and the operator is using this workstation.

Remote Mode of Operation - When the output device is attached to

another workstation on the network, not the workstation the operator is
using.

SIF file - Server Information File. This file contains all of the
information about the CtServer and the output device.

Terms and Conventions Used in This Manual

Type To type data at the keyboard.
Select To choose one of several available options in a menu or
dialog.

Click To use the mouse button to click on an option or button in

a menu or dialog.

> Symbol used to connect menu selections. example

view>toolbar.

Enter To type data and then press the Enter key.

Italic typeface Used to indicate the first mention of an important
concept.

Bold typeface Used to highlight important details in text or illustrations

and to indicate user actions.

Bold sans-serif Used to represent file names or menu options to be

selected. Also refers to section names.
Note Blocks of text used to advise of related information.

IMPORTANT Notices used to emphasize very important information.

AG45199 Rev. 1 vii

AG45199 Rev.1
Introduction to CtServer
1
CtServer provides for setting-up, monitoring and outputting jobs to
ECRM CTP Platesetters.

This manual explains how to use CtServer. The hardware and software
requirements for CtServer are described in the CtServer and Remote
Monitor Getting Started Guide (AG45090).

).

Remote
Monitors

LAN

CtServer

Note: When running CtServer, login using an account with administrator privileges. CtServer
utilizes NT sharing functions that require these privileges.

AG45199 Rev. 1 1-1

Describing CtServer
A CtServer local server performs all of CtServer’s required setup and
monitoring functions, including the following:

• Control Server Panel

This panel allows you to monitor the log information, start/stop the
server, pause/resume output, set the log policy, and enable/disable
property sets.
• Administer Job List Panel
This panel allows you to view the list jobs and associated informa-
tion (view image, view TIFF tags), pause, resume, rerun, change
job properties, change property sets, and delete jobs. CtServer dis-
plays information about the progress of each job while processing
it.
• Edit or Create Property Set Panel
This panel allows you to define and modify property sets. These
property sets define the details of how the image is to be output,
positioned and punched/cut. The selections are dependent on the
output device.
• Media and Exposure Settings Panel
This panel allows you to send exposure sweeps, set exposure set-
tings, and specify currently media for the output device.
• Opening and Monitoring Remote Servers
This function allows you to monitor the jobs that are running on
other CtServer Servers on the network.
• Reconfiguring the Server - This function allows you to change
specific parameters of the original configuration.

1-2 AG45199 Rev. 1

Job Lists
CtServer maintains a list of jobs submitted via drop folders. Each job is
associated with a property set, which is a set of output characteristics
such as margins and media type. Placing a TIFF file in the drop folder
submits that TIFF to CtServer for scheduling and printing using that
folder’s associated property set/output characteristics.

TIFF files

RIP station
Drop
Folder
CtServer

Property Sets
A property set includes information about job control, including, the
drop folder name, job management settings and output device specific
settings. Depending on the output device, the following information
may be included in the property set:

• Media type and width

• Punch settings
• Image effects and manipulations
• Margin settings
Through the CtServer user interface, the operator creates property sets
that have various job, image and output settings. Each property set has
a corresponding drop folder. RIP stations select the property set they
AG45199 Rev. 1 1-3
 require by submitting jobs to the appropriate drop folder.

RIP stations send TIFF files to CtServer by writing the TIFF files to a
drop folder over the network. CtServer will recognize the file in the
drop folder and place the file into the job list.

The figure below shows a job list display. Double clicking on a job
causes the imaging parameters for that job to be displayed in the status
bar at the bottom of the screen.

Status Bar

Macintosh Macintosh OS 9 workstations use the Chooser to locate the drop folders
on the network and require that the hot folder be on an NTFS partition,
which is shared with ‘Services for Macintosh’ via NT 4.0 Server or
Windows 2000 Server. PC workstations may use the Network
Neighborhood accessory to locate remote directories/drop folders. (See
Appendix B for installing Services for Macintosh.)
Note: If NT/2000 Server is not used, an alternative application like PC Mac LAN (by Miramar
Systems) must be used to enable Macintosh OS 9 connectivity.

1-4 AG45199 Rev. 1

Launching CtServer
Turn on the platesetter (see the operator’s guide). The platesetter must
be powered up and showing ONLINE before Windows NT/2000/XP is
started. If NT is started before the platesetter is ONLINE, NT will not
be able to establish communication with the platesetter. Once the
platesetter is online and NT is “booted,” CtServer can be launched.

Local PC To launch CtServer:

1. Click on the CtServer icon on the desktop.

2. Or click on Start/Programs/ECRM CtServer.
• After a few seconds the screen displays the CtServer Control
Server panel.

menus 2
toolbar

For instructional purposes, this panel is divided into three sections.

Section one (1) and section two (2) are elements that are common to all
panels in CtServer. Section three (3) is a section that varies, depending
on the active panel. The different panels are named Control Server,
Administer Job List, Edit/Create Property Sets, and Media/Exposure
Settings. These panels are described in detail in their respective
sections within this document.

AG45199 Rev. 1 1-5

 Panel Section 1 Server Status Pane - This section of the CtServer panel gives you an
updated status of the local server. It is available on all CtServer Panels.
1

server name

images
traffic pending
lights
hide/show
server information
state
current plate
and pin bar
image drive
usage
imaging
progress
film/plate
supply
indicator*

pause/resume
output to recorder
buttons

status
bar

* This indicator bar appears if the imagesetter is a filmsetter or an Automatic

Load Mako CTP platesetter. If the imagesetter is a Tigercat or Wildcat
platesetter, the bar is replaced by a dynamic text that reports plate supply
status. If the imagesetter is a Manual Load Mako CTP platesetter this space
is left blank. Clicking on this bar displays the percentage of media remaining.
The server status pane section of any panel contains the following
components:

• Images Pending
This value is equal to the number of images that are ready and
eligible to be output, times the number of copies for each. This is an
indication of the ‘load’ of the system.
• Hide/Show Information Button - The two buttons in the lower
right corner (of the small view area) are used to hide/show
information by contracting/expanding the window.
• Current Plate and Pin Bar - The names of the plate and the pin
bar that are currently in use appear here.
• Image Drive Usage - An easy to read pie chart allows you to
visually monitor the disk usage on the image drive. You can also
view the numerical image drive use by clicking on the pie chart.
• Plate Supply Indicator - This bar shows the state of the film/plate
supply. The bar gets shorter as the supply decreases. On Mako CTP

1-6 AG45199 Rev. 1

 platesetters equipped with an autoloader, the indicator also displays
the approximate number of plates remaining in the cassette.
• Imaging Progress - The imaging progress bar is a graphical
representation that provides feedback on the imaging progress of
the currently imaging job.
• Pause/Resume Output Button - These two buttons are used to
pause/resume output to the recorder. Selecting the Pause button
stops CtServer from outputting additional jobs to the recorder.
Jobs will continue to be added to the job list. Jobs in the list will
not be processed or output. They will stay in their current state.
If a job is outputting when the button is selected that job
continues to completion. When outputting is paused, pressing
the Resume button resumes the outputting of jobs in the list.

Note: On initial startup of CtServer, Output is Paused. Initial startup and Start Server are the
only times when new jobs are not entered into the Job List when Output is Paused.

• Status Bar - When you place your mouse pointer over a button or
click on a menu choice, the status bar gives you a brief explanation
of the function.
• Server State - This displays a message identifying the state of the
server (ex. paused, on-line, operator action).
• Traffic Light & Status
The Traffic Light, and the associated status, provides constant, up-
to-date feedback on what the server is doing and how many images
are ready for output. The feedback is both textual and visual. The
states and displays are as follows:
Red – not running (stopped).
Flashing Red - Output device error.
Red and Yellow - Paused.
Yellow - Warning from server (low disk space, etc.).
Flashing Yellow - Warning from output device (no media, etc.)
Green - Idle and ready.
Flashing Green - Imaging a job.
• Dim (grayed) - Invalid SIF file. This is displayed when a Remote
Server Information File (sealion.sif) is invalid, cannot be found or
the responsible CtServer is not running.
• Server Name
The title bar of the panel displays the NT name of the server on
which the CtServer is running.

AG45199 Rev. 1 1-7

 Panel Section 2 This section of the panel contains the menu and toolbar options and
buttons.
2

menu options

toolbar buttons

Toolbar

CtServer provides a toolbar for convenient selection of options. To

view the toolbar click on view, then toolbar. The toolbar menu item will
now be checked. To hide the toolbar click on view, then toolbar a
second time (acts as a toggle).

The CtServer toolbar displays buttons that initiate many of CtServer

menu options. Click on a button to select it.

Position the mouse over a button to display a popup of the button’s

name. A description of the function will also be displayed in the status
bar at the bottom of the CtServer window. Buttons for inaccessible
options are grayed out on the toolbar, but their names and descriptions
still appear.

For example, the Change Media and the Empty Bin toolbar buttons are
not available for imagesetters. When an imagesetter is selected as the
output device, the Change Media and Empty Bin buttons are grayed
out, as shown below.
grayed out buttons

When the mouse cursor is placed over either an active or an inactive

(grayed-out) button, the name of the button is displayed, as shown
below.

1-8 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Icons

Icon Function

For opening a remote server. This button is used to open a

window to a remote CtServer. This window will display recorder,
server, job and property set information.

For stopping and exiting CtServer.

For accessing the Control Server Panel.

For accessing the Job List Administration Panel.

For accessing the Create/Edit Property Sets Panel.

For accessing the Media and Exposure Settings panel.

For changing the current media. This button is only active for
Mako CTP recorders, and only when output to the recorder is
paused.

For emptying the slipsheet bin. This button is only active for
Mako CTP platesetters equipped with a slipsheet removal system,
and only when output to the recorder is paused.

For changing units of measure. Selections are inches,

centimeters, millimeters and points.

For information about CtServer.

AG45199 Rev. 1 1-9

 Menus

The Menus are used throughout CtServer as a way to access the

different panels and view information. The menus are shown in the
next figure.

You can initiate options from the menus when you:

1. Click on a menu bar item.
2. Hold down the ALT key and press the underlined letter of a
menu’s title to open it, then press the underlined letter (without
ALT) or arrow down to an option, and press RETURN.

File Menu View Menu

Window Menu

General Menu The following menu options can be used to exit CtServer, close the
Options currently active CtServer window, change the units of measure
displayed in the different panels, and set the log policy.

File>Stop Server

Selecting file, then stop, exits the CtServer on this workstation and
closes the window.

File>Open Remote...

This Opens a CtServer Remote Monitor window.

File>Close

This closes the currently active CtServer Remote Monitor window.

Close is not selectable if the local CtServer window is active.

1-10 AG45199 Rev. 1

 File>Units of Distance

This item offers a submenu of Inches, Centimeters, Millimeters or

Points. The currently selected units will have a check mark. All
distance values in CtServer (both local and remote views) display in the
selected units.

File>Change Media...

This will initiate the Change Media dialog which is used to change the
current media.

File>Import/Export

This item allows for exporting a property set definition for use by
another CtServer or for archiving purposes, and for importing a
property set definition from another CtServer or from archive.
Note: This only works for “same type” recorders. You will not be able to import property sets
created for one recorder type into a CtServer which is configured for a different recorder
type.

Export a Property 1. Click on File > Import/Export > Export Property Set..
Set • The Select Property Set to Export window displays.

2. From the pull-down menu, select the property set you want to
export; to export all the listed property sets, select the asterisk (*).
• The Save To... button becomes active.

• If conflicts with existing property sets are detected, the system

will prompt you for resolutions.

3. Click the Save To... button.

AG45199 Rev. 1 1-11

 • The “Select Destination Directory...” window displays.

4. Select directory to which the property set(s) are to be exported.

5. Click OK.
Note: The following are NOT exported: exposure settings, jobs, WildCat/TigerCat plate data-
bases, plate definitions not used in a property set and server configuration settings.

Import a Property 1. Click on File > Import/Export > Import Property Set...
Set • The Select Imported Property Set(s) window displays.

2. From the Look In: pull-down list, select the folder that contains the
property set you want to import.
3. Select the property set you want to import. (Multiple selections are
allowed.)
4. Click OK.
Note: The following are NOT imported: exposure settings, jobs, WildCat/TigerCat plate data-
bases, plates definitions that are not used in a property sets and server configuration set-
tings

1-12 AG45199 Rev. 1

AG45199 Rev. 1 1-13
1-14 AG45199 Rev. 1
Operating CtServer with
Mako CTP Platesetters 2
Operating a Mako CTP platesetter with CtServer involves the
following:

• Defining Plate Type at Startup

• Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel
• Using the Administer Job List Panel
• Using the Property Set Panel
• Reconfiguring the Server and Other Startup Options
• Opening and Monitoring Remote Servers

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-1

Defining Plate Type at Startup
Manually Loaded Platesetters

Defining Plate Type at Startup

When the platesetter and CtServer are started, CtServer asks which
plate is to be used.

Manually Loaded If you are using a manually

Platesetters loaded platesetter, the
Select Plate Type dialog
shown at the right will
appear.

1. Plate Type. - This

combobox offers the
list of defined Plates.
Select the Plate Type to start using. The associated Pin Bar for that
plate will be displayed. When OK is selected, CtServer will start.
All jobs that use the selected Plate will be eligible to image.

Cassette Loaded If you using a platesetter that has an autoloader, the Select Plate Type
Platesetters dialog shown below will appear.

“Cassette Capacity”
only displays if the
platesetter uses a
cassette with
permanent
slipsheets.

1. Plate Type - This combobox offers the list of defined Plates. If the
cassette is to be used, select the Plate Type that is currently loaded
in the cassette in the platesetter . If Manual Feed is to be used,
select the plate to use. The associated Pin Bar for the selected plate
will be displayed.
2. Media Source - This combobox offers Cassette or Manual Feed
selections. Select the mode to use.
3. Cassette Capacity - Enter the value that represents a full cassette.
This value is used to provide media remaining in the cassette infor-
mation.
When OK is selected, CtServer will start. The plate information is sent
to the platesetter and the operator is requested to verify the selections

2-2 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Control Server Panel
What this panel does

are what is actually loaded in the platesetter. Once the confirmation is

complete, all jobs that use the selected Plate will be eligible to image.

Control Server Panel

What this panel The Control Server
does Panel is used to monitor
system messages for the
current session and to
enable/disable property
sets.

To access the panel,

click on View, and then on Control Server. Or, alternatively, click on
the Control Server button on the toolbar.

• The Control Server panel displays

Note: For instructional purposes, the Control Server panel shown below is divided into two (2)
sections. Each section is explained below.

Note: The “Media Remaining” status bar does not appear

for manually loaded Mako CTP recorders.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-3

Control Server Panel
Job Log

Job Log This section contains the system log for the current session. There is a
list of messages containing a time stamp and message. In addition, an
icon is displayed at the beginning of the time stamp that indicates the
1 type of message (information, error, etc.) You can choose how to keep
or erase these messages by specifying the Log Policy during
configuration.

stop server
button

system
messages

There is a Stop Server button available on this section of the panel.

When you click this button, CtServer stops all action and the program
closes.

List of Defined This section of the panel lists the defined property sets. You can enable,
Property Sets disable, or delete a property set through this panel by right clicking on
the property set. When you disable a property set, CtServer will not
2 accept jobs copied into that property set’s drop folder. Additionally,
jobs which use the disabled property set that are already in the job list
will not be output. When the property set is enabled, the jobs in the
enabled property set’s drop folder will be accepted, placed in the job
list, and output.

2-4 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel
What this panel does

Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel

What this panel This panel allows you to create plate and pin bar definitions, run
does exposure sweeps, and change the platesetter’s exposure setting.

1. Click on View, then click on Media and Exposure Settings. Or,

alternatively, click on the Media and Exposure Settings button on
the toolbar.

• The screen displays the Media and Exposure Settings Panel.

This panel contains three (3) tabs: Plates and Bars tab,
Exposure Sweep tab, and the Set Exposure tab.

Note: The “Empty Bin” button is only present for automatic-

load platesetters that support automatic slipsheet removal.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-5

Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel
Plates and Bars Tab

Plates and Bars The Plates and Bars tab displays both the Pin Bar and Plate definitions.
Tab These definitions define the characteristics of the Pin Bars and Plates
that are used platesetter. This name will be used to identify the Pin Bar
or Plate during operation of the system.

1. Click on the Plates and Bars tab.

• The screen displays a list of all the Pin Bars defined and a list of
all the Plate Types defined.

2. To add a Pin Bar definition, click on the Add... button.

• To edit an existing definition, click on the Pin Bar name and
then click on the Edit... button.
• To delete an existing definition, click on the Pin Bar name and
then click on the Delete button.
Note: You will not be allowed to edit a Pin Bar definition that is currently being used in a Plate
definition.

2-6 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel
Plates and Bars Tab

• A Pin Bar Definition dialog is displayed.

Note: The number of
items included in the ‘Pin
Bar Definition’ dialog
box varies according to
the model of the CTP
device. The dialog box
for your model may not

3. After selecting Add..., enter a name which will be used to identify

this Pin Bar.
4. If necessary, identify the type of Pin Bar by selecting either ‘For
Edge Registered Plates’ or ‘For Pre-Punched Plates’.
5. If necessary, measure the distance between the centers of
registration pins on the pin bar, and then enter the measured
distance in the ‘Pin Spacing’ box.
6. Click the OK button when the information has been entered.
Otherwise, click the Cancel button to discard the changes.
7. To add a Plate definition, click on the Add... button in the Plate
Definition frame.
• To edit an existing definition, click on the Plate name and then
click on the Edit... button.
• To delete a Plate definition, click on the Plate name and then
click on the Delete button.
Note: You will not be allowed to edit or delete a Plate definition that is currently being used in a
Property Set definition. You must change the property set to not use the plate before you
can edit or delete the plate definition.

• A Plate Definition
dialog is displayed.
9. After selecting Add...,
enter a name which will
be used to identify this
Plate.
10. Enter the Length of the
plate.
11. Enter the Width of the
plate.
12. Select the Plate Figure1-8
Thickness in the
Thickness combobox.
13. Select the Pin Bar
Name in the Pin Bar
Name combobox.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-7

Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel
Plates and Bars Tab

• If the selected Pin Bar is an edge register bar, Notch Depth and
Center Offset are not enabled.
• If the selected Pin Bar is a punch register bar, Notch Depth and
Center Offset are enabled.
14. If the Plate is to be used with a punch register Pin Bar, enter the
punch Notch Depth.
15. If the punch notches are not centered on the plate, enter the offset
value. Enter a positive value if the punches are offset to the left of
the center of the plate (as shown below), or a negative value if they
are offset to the right.
Centerline Centerline
of Punches of Punches

110mm 110mm 110mm 110mm

+25mm

157mm 157mm 157mm 157mm

Centerline Centerline
of Plate of Plate

No Offset Offset of +25mm

16. Select your choice of the Exposure Sweep Method to be used to
with the plate. (For more details, see Exposure Sweep Tab on page
2-11.)
17. Click the OK button when the information has been entered.This
saves your plate definition and adds it to the list of definitions.
Otherwise, click the Cancel button to discard the changes.

Change Media Button 1. To activate the new plate PAUSE output button
definition, first select the
PAUSE output button, and
then click the Change
Media...button.

Change Media... button

Note: The Change Media... button is only accessible when the output is paused.

• The Select Plate Type window opens.

2-8 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel
Plates and Bars Tab

For a manual-load Mako CTP, the window looks like

this:

For an automatic-load Mako CTP, the window looks

like this:

“Cassette Capacity”
only displays if the
system uses an
autoloader with permanent
slipsheets.

2. From the Plate Type pulldown list, select the plate type you created
a moment ago. (Doing so will also select the associated pin bar).
• For an automatic load Mako CTP, also select the Media Source
and Cassette Capacity.
3. Click OK.
• For an automatic load Mako CTP, CtServer will send this
information to the platesetter. The platesetter will then prompt
the operator to load the appropriate pin bar and/or cassette.
• When CtServer activates the
new plate definition, it
displays the plate name and “CURRENT”
bar name associated with the DEFINITION
DISPLAY
definition in the “Current” AREA
definition display area.
.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-9

Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel
Plates and Bars Tab

Note: Besides using the Change Media... Change Media... toolbar button
button, you can select the Change
Media function via the Change
Media... toolbar button, or by Change Media...
selecting the Change Media... pulldown menu
command on the File pulldown selection.
menu.

Empty Bin Button This button is only available when the output device is an automatic-
load platesetter that supports automatic slipsheet removal. The button
provides for stopping the platesetter to permit removal of slipsheets
that have accumulated in the disposal bin.

1. To activate the Empty

PAUSE output button
Bin... function, first
select the PAUSE out-
put button, and then
click the Empty
Bin...button. Empty Bin... button
Note: The Empty Bin... button is only accessible when the output is paused.

• The platesetter control panel displays prompts to “Empty the

Slipsheet Bin” and “Press OK when done.”
2. If the platesetter is imaging a plate, wait for the imaging to be com-
pleted.
3. Open the bin door and empty the bin.
4. Close the bin door and press the control panel OK button.
Note: Besides using the Empty Bin... Empty Bin toolbar button
button, you can select the Empty
Bin function via the Empty Bin
toolbar button, or by selecting the Empty Slipsheet Bin
Empty Slipsheet Bin command on pulldown menu
the File pulldown menu. selection.

2-10 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel
Exposure Sweep Tab

Exposure Sweep The Exposure Sweep tab provides information fields for generating an
Tab exposure sweep job. The number and type of fields depends on which
exposure sweep method is selected in the plate definition (see page 2-
7).
The method for setting exposure is dictated by the plate manufacturer.
Some manufacturers recommended the Multiple Test Images with
Increasing Laser Power method, whereas others recommended the Step
Wedge method. Use the method recommended by the manufacturer of
the of plate you are using.

Multiple Test Images 1. First set the Current Media as described above and then click on the
Exposure Sweep Change Media button.
Note: The Change Media button will only be enabled when the output is paused. If the button is
not enabled, click on the Pause Output button.

2. Click on the Exposure Sweep tab.

• The screen displays the Exposure Sweep tab and the
information fields for setting up an exposure sweep job.

3. Click on the down arrow in the Vertical Resolution (dpi) and

Magnification (%) information field.
• The screen displays a list of resolution and magnification
combinations. All available vertical resolutions are combined
with all the vertical magnification values that are currently used
in a property set.
Note: The Horizontal and Vertical resolution combo boxes will be empty if no Property Sets are
defined. You must define at least one Property Set prior to running an exposure sweep or
setting exposure values.

4. Select a value for the resolution/magnification from the list.

5. Click on the down arrow in the Horizontal Resolution (dpi) and

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-11

Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel
Exposure Sweep Tab

Magnification (%) information field.

• The screen displays a list of resolution and magnification
combinations. All available horizontal resolutions are combined
with all the horizontal magnification values that are currently
used in a property set.

Note: Exposure settings will vary depending on resolution and magnification. In order to iden-
tify the optimum exposure setting it is required that the specific resolution/magnification
combination be specified.

6. Select a value for the resolution/magnification from the list.

7. Click on the Exposure Value of the First Image information field
and enter the value. The exposure value refers to a scale of laser
intensity on the imagesetter and the value must be between 0 and
255. A higher value results in a brighter laser and, therefore, a
darker image on the film.
8. Click on the Step Exposure By information field to set the expo-
sure increments. This value is the amount you want the exposure to
change by from one image to the next in the exposure chart.
9. Click on the Exposure Value of Last Image information field to
set the value for the last image.
10. Select Negative if you want the exposure sweep image as a
negative.
Note: Exposure sweep images are provided for most combinations of horizontal and vertical
resolution. If you select a combination that is not available, a warning will be provided
and the closest available combination will be used.

11. Click on the Submit Exposure Sweep Job button to begin the
exposure sweep job.
• CtServer generates and images a job containing a series of

2-12 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel
Exposure Sweep Tab

grayscale strips that are imaged at exposure values beginning

with the first exposure value and incrementing by the step
value. The first and last images are at the exposure values you
specified, but the exposure change between the last two images
may not be the step exposure value if adding the step value to
the next-to-last exposure setting would exceed the last value
specified
Note: If you do anything that could alter the contents of the resolution and magnification list
after making resolution/magnification selections but before running the sweep, CtServer
automatically clears your selections as a precautionary measure, and you must reselect
them.

Server Exposure Sweep Test

12. Process the test plate.

13. At locations that correspond to locations 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the next
figure, compare the width of the black and white lines.
14. If the black and white lines are of equal width at all four loca-
tions, the optics in your system are properly focused.

If the black and white lines are of unequal width, the focus
needs to be adjusted. Call ECRM or your service provider.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-13

Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel
Exposure Sweep Tab

GOOD IMPROPER IMPROPER

FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS

Black and white Black line is Black line is thin-

lines thicker ner

2-14 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel
Exposure Sweep Tab

Step Wedge The step wedge test is used to calibrate the exposure setting to match
Exposure Sweep the plate and the processor chemistry. The test applies to
photopolymer plates only.

The test involves taping a step-wedge test strip on the plate, exposing
the plate, and evaluating the resultant test image as explained below.
ECRM strongly recommends new processor chemistry be used to
process step-wedge test plates.

The figure below shows a step-wedge test strip. It happens to have 15

steps. Some test strips have fewer than 15 steps, whereas others have
more.
On any given test strip, the first step is virtually clear, the last step is
virtually black, and steps in between are of varying density, with each
step being darker than the preceding (lower-numbered) step.

10

12

13

14

15
11
1

10

12

13

14

15
11
1

9
When the test strip is taped over the plate, “clear” step 1 allows
virtually all of the energy in the imaging beam to hit the plate, step 2
slightly less energy, step 3 still less energy, etc.

On a typical test plate, the lower-numbered wedge steps are completely

imaged (very dark), the higher-numbered steps are barely imaged (very
light/clear), and one or two transition steps between the dark and light
areas are partially imaged.
5

10

12

13

14

15
11
5
1

10

12

13

14

15
11
5
1

The distribution of dark steps, transition steps, and light step varies
depending on the platesetter’s exposure setting, the plate type being
used, and the state of the processor chemistry.

Prepare a plate for the test

1. Obtain a step wedge test strip.

Note: ECRM recommends using a Fuji 15-step “T” step wedge test strip
(ECRM PH0388) on Fuji plates, and a Stouffer 21-step wedge (ECRM
PH0389) on all other plates.
2. Unload the cassette from the platesetter.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-15

Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel
Exposure Sweep Tab

3. Move the cassette to a safelight environment and open the lid.

4. Using the plate manufacturer’s recommended step wedge strip,
center the test strip on the plate 6 inches (15.2 cm) back from the
leading edge, as shown below.
• Be sure to use two pieces of tape.
• Make sure the emulsion side of the step wedge faces the
emulsion side of the plate.

Leading Edge
of Plate

Front of
Cassette
TAPE
STEP WEDGE
TEST STRIP

Centerline of Plate
6 inches
15.2 cm

TAPE

Left Side
of Cassette
5. Close and lock the cassette cover.
6. Load the cassette into the platesetter.
7. Open the cassette light shield.
8. In CtServer, click on the Exposure Sweep tab.
• The screen displays the Exposure Sweep tab and the
information fields for setting up an exposure sweep job.

2-16 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel
Exposure Sweep Tab

9. Click on the down arrow in the Vertical Resolution (dpi) and

Magnification (%) information field.
• The screen displays a list of resolution and magnification
combinations. All available vertical resolutions are combined
with all the vertical magnification values that are currently used
in a property set.
Note: The Horizontal and Vertical resolution combo boxes will be empty if no Property Sets are
defined. You must define at least one Property Set prior to running an exposure sweep or
setting exposure values.

10. Select a value for the resolution/magnification from the list.

11. Click on the down arrow in the Horizontal Resolution (dpi) and
Magnification (%) information field.
• The screen displays a list of resolution and magnification
combinations. All available horizontal resolutions are
combined with all the horizontal magnification values that are
currently used in a property set.
Note: Exposure settings will vary depending on resolution and magnification. In order to iden-
tify the optimum exposure setting it is required that the specific resolution/magnification
combination be specified.

12. Select a value for the resolution/magnification from the list.

13. Click on the Exposure Set-Wedge at Laser Power of: information
field and enter the value. The exposure value refers to a scale of
laser intensity on the imagesetter and the value must be between 0
and 255. A higher value results in a brighter laser and, therefore, a
darker image on the film.
14. Click on the Submit Exposure Sweep Job button to begin the
exposure sweep job
The system exposes the first 8 inches of the plate with 100% laser
light at the exposure setting selected. After exposure, the plate
moves onto the transport belt and advances until the leading edge of
the plate is detected by the transport exit sensor. The transport then
stops, the warning light on the top cover flashes, and a prompt to
open the transport cover and remove the step wedge displays on the
control panel.
15. Making sure to maintain safelight conditions — which may require
you to use a large a large black cloth to cover the transport unit —
lift up the transport top cover and remove the taped-on step wedge.
16. Set the transport cover down, back into place.
Note: Note: In step wedge test pattern mode, the machine will not beep or report cover inter-
lock open messages.

17. On the front panel, press OK. The transport feeds the plate into the
processor.
18. Process the plate.
19. Evaluate the output as explained in the next section.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-17

Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel
Exposure Sweep Tab

Evaluating the Output 1. Refer to the sidebar at

the right. It defines STEP WEDGE SCALE
terms we will use later. 2
2. Examine your test 3 3 No brush marks appear.
plate to see where the Solid Step # may be visible.
Solid, Tail, and Clear 4 4 Approximately 50%
steps are located. Tail* exposure of area. Brush
5 5 marks visible.
3. Refer to the table
below for exposure 6 6 Clear Some minimal ghosting
step wedge values for may appear.
several popular plate
types. The values * Sometimes called Ghost or Scum, Tail steps
exhibit only partial exposure of the plate.
shown are for an ideal
testing environment.
Plate lot, plate age, processing conditions, and processor chemistry
can have a dramatic effect on step wedge results. Always check
these factors if your step wedge test results significantly differ from
those shown in the table

Plate Plate Step Wedge Step Wedge Values

Manufacturer Product Name Test Strip when Exposure is Correct
Fuji LP-NV PH0388 Solid 3, Scum 4 or 5

Lastra LV-2 PH0389 Solid Step 3 to 4+, Tail 5 and up

KPG Violet Plate PH0389 Light tail 5

Agfa N91V PH0389 Solid 3, Scum 5

4. The next figure shows how Fuji LP-NV test plates look for differ-
ent exposure settings. Use the figure as a guide for evaluating your
test output. If necessary, increase/decrease the platesetter’s expo-
sure setting and then run another wedge test.
10

12

13

14

15
11
1

A
10

12

13

14

15
11
1

CORRECT EXPOSURE SETTING

10

12

13

14

15
11
1

B
10

12

13

14

15
11
1

EXPOSURE SETTING TOO HIGH

10

12

13

14

15
11
1

C
10

12

13

14

15
11
1

EXPOSURE SETTING TOO LOW

2-18 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Using the Media and Exposure Settings Panel
Set Exposure Tab

Set Exposure Tab When the exposure sweep job is finished and the exposure value is
determined, the next step in the process is to set the exposure value for
the selected resolution.

1. First set the Current Media as described above in “Change Media

Button” on page 7-8.
Note: The Change Media button will only be enabled when the output is paused. If the button is
not enabled, click on the Pause Output button.

2. Click on the Set Exposure tab.

• The screen
displays the
Set Exposure
information
fields shown
at the right.

Note: The Horizontal and Vertical resolution combo boxes will be empty if no Property Sets are
defined. You must define at least one Property Set prior to running an exposure sweep or
setting exposure values.

3. Click on the appropriate choice to apply the new setting to:

• For Film Only or,
• For Any Media Type.
Note: If ‘For Any Media Type’ has been selected and then a new plate is defined later, the expo-
sure must be set again to apply to the new plate.

4. Click on the down arrow in the Vertical Resolution (dpi) and

Magnification (%) information field and select the appropriate
resolution/magnification.
5. Click on the down arrow in the Horizontal Resolution and
Magnification (%) information field and select the appropriate
resolution/magnification.
6. Click on the Exposure Value information field and enter the
exposure value that you determined from the exposure chart of the
exposure sweep job.
7. Click on the Apply button.
• Repeat the exposure sweep/set exposure process for each
resolution/magnification combination to be used.
8. Click on the Apply button.
9. Repeat the exposure sweep/set exposure process for each
resolution/magnification combination to be used.
AG45199 Rev. 1 2-19
Using the Administer Job List Panel
What this panel does

Using the Administer Job List Panel

What this panel This panel contains the job list administration function. You can view
does the job list by selecting View> Administer Job List or using the
toolbar.
This panel is used to manage the list of jobs to be output. You can use
the controls provided to manipulate the jobs. After CtServer images a
file on the output device, it eventually deletes the file from the job list
unless the property set is configured to save the file. CtServer also
saves jobs that have errors. Once a job has been deleted, its entry is
removed from the display.

1. Click on View, then

Administer Job
List or click on the
Administer Job
List button on the
toolbar.
• The screen
displays the
Administer Job List panel.

For instructional purposes this panel is divided into four (4) sections.
Section one (1) contains the job command buttons that are available
for the selected job(s). Section two (2) contains the job list. Section
three (3) contains job command functions available for the selected
job(s). Section four (4) contains the job list filter buttons.

2-20 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Using the Administer Job List Panel
Job Command Buttons

Job Command The Job Command Buttons

Buttons
Section 1 of the panel provides a set of buttons for frequently used
1 functions, when a job in the job list is selected. Click on a job, then
click on the button. CtServer performs the function of the button you
click. These buttons are enabled/disabled depending on the state of the
selected job (see note below). The buttons available are listed below.

Click on one or more jobs, then click on the button to:

• Pause button - Pauses an eligible job.

• Resume button - Resumes a paused job.
• Re-Run button - Re-runs a completed, aborted or errored job.
• Delete button - Deletes a paused, done, delete pending, error or
aborted job from the list.
Note: These buttons will also function when more than one job is selected. However, the
selected command will only be applied to selected jobs that are in the appropriate state.

The Job List This section of the Panel contains the list of jobs that are in the server
queue. Additional columns of information are provided for each job to
assist job management.

job name plate name property set time stamp status of

[pin bar name] job

sort by.

three columns
of icons
Note: The column width can be changed by dragging the end of the column.

• Icons
There are three
COLUMN 1 COLUMN 2 COLUMN 3
columns of icons
that are provided completed image white
already imaged or
higher than
normal priority
to assist in imaging paused/disabled
green blank
identifying the pause eligible to image space
normal priority

status of jobs in ? error yellow

lower than
ineligible to image
the job list. They blank pending due to media normal priority
space
mismatch
are displayed to abort
the left of the job disabled
name. property set

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-21

Using the Administer Job List Panel
The Job List

Note: You can display/hide a key to the icons on the screen by clicking Help > Key to Job List
Symbols.

• Job Name - This information field is the filename of the job. When
you click on the column title button labeled “Jobs”, you can change
the way the job list is sorted. You can sort:
1. in output order (based on timestamp of jobs)
2. reverse output order
3. by name, A..Z
4. by name, Z..A
• Plate - This information field contains the name of the plate and
the pin bar assigned to the job. When you click on the column title
button labeled “Plate”, you can change the way the job list is
sorted. You can sort:
5. by plate, A..Z
6. by plate, Z..A
• Property Set - This information field is the property set assigned
to the job. When you click on the column title button labeled
“Property Set”, you can change the way the job list is sorted. You
can sort:
7. by property set, A..Z
8. by property set, Z..A
• Time stamp - This information field is the time that the job is
discovered by CtServer. When you click on the column title button
labeled “Time Stamp”, you can change the way the job list is
sorted. You can sort:
9. oldest first
10. newest first
• Status - This information field is the current status of the job. when
you click on the column title button labeled “Status”, you can
change the way the job list is sorted. You can sort:
11. by status
12. by reverse status
Note: Although you can change the viewing order as described above, the output order of the
jobs always remain the same. Eligible jobs are output on a first come first serve basis,
within a priority.

2-22 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Using the Administer Job List Panel
Job List Commands

Job List These commands are

Commands available by right
clicking on a specific
3 job. The drop down
commands are grayed
if that particular
command does not
apply to the job you
have selected. The
choices that are non-
grayed are the
choices available, at
that time, for a
specific job. The
choices available are determined by the state of the job. For example,
you cannot delete a job unless it is paused.

Note: When multiple jobs are selected, only those commands which may be applied to more
than one job at a time are available. These commands include: View Image, Pause,
Resume, Priority setting, Re-run, Retain and Delete. A command will only be applied to
the selected jobs which are in the appropriate state for that command. Jobs that are not
in the appropriate state, will not have the command applied. No warning message will be
reported when a command is not applied to a job.

1. Right click on a job from the list and the command menu displays.
2. Select the desired command.

View TIFF Tags This command

allows you to view
a detailed TIFF
tags report on the
file you select.
Right clicking on
a job and selecting
View TIFF Tags
displays the report.

1. Clicking on a
“+” will dis-
play adid-
tional
information in
the report.
2. Clicking on the
Save Report button will present a Save As dialog where the loca-
tion and filename can be specified and the report saved.
3. Clicking on the Close button will close the report window.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-23

Using the Administer Job List Panel
Job List Commands

This report is useful when trying to determine the cause of TIFF format
related problems. The TIFF tags report will also display the resolution
and dimensions of the original image.

View Image This command will display an image of the job that was sent to
CtServer. The View Image function can be invoked by selecting either
a single job or multiple jobs. See Appendix A: View Image for
detailed information on the View Image command.

• If a single job is selected, that image is displayed in black and

white.
• If multiple jobs are selected, those images are displayed
together.
• The original image(s), before any property set manipulations, is
displayed in a window on the screen. You can select a portion of
the image and zoom in, by clicking the left mouse button on
the area to zoom.
• A second left mouse click will zoom in to show pixel for pixel.
• Clicking the right mouse button will zoom out.
Preview Image Same as View Image except property set manipulations are applied. For
example, if Rotate and Flip were selected, the image would be
displayed rotated and flipped. This function is slower than View Image
because it takes longer to process the manipulations.

Pause This command pauses the selected job and keeps it from imaging until
you select resume. Only eligible jobs can be paused.

Resume This command resumes a job that has been paused. The job will now
image when it becomes eligible. Only paused jobs can be resumed.

High Priority This command assigns the selected job a higher than normal priority.
(runs first)

Normal Priority This command assigns the job in the job list with a normal priority tag.
(runs next)

Low Priority This command assigns the selected job to a lower than normal priority.
(runs last)

2-24 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Using the Administer Job List Panel
Job List Commands

Change Attributes This choice enables you to modify the properties for the job. The
original properties are based on the property set assigned to the job
when it was submitted. You can modify the properties for the selected
job, while maintaining the original property set settings, by selecting
Change Attributes.
The figure below shows the “Place” change attributes panel.

After selecting the desired settings, click the “OK” button to save the
changes.

Note: When the OK button is clicked after changing the job attributes, the job will automati-
cally be resubmitted and be eligible to run unless the Pause Job checkbox is checked.

When the job properties have been changed, the job list shows the
original property set name preceded by an asterisk (*).

Move This choice allows you to move a job to a new property set. CtServer
assigns the job the properties defined in the selected property set.
Clicking on Move displays a dialog box. Click on the down arrow and
select the name of the property set. Click the “OK” button to save the
change.

Abort Stops the currently imaging job.

Re-Run job This command allows you to re-image the selected job when its status
is done, delete pending, errored or aborted. You can also specify the
number of copies you want by filling in the information field in the
dialog box and clicking OK.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-25

Using the Administer Job List Panel
Job List Filter Buttons(

Retain Job This command transforms a delete pending job into a job with a status
of done, and keeps it from being automatically deleted.

Delete Job This command deletes a job from the job list. You can not delete a job
when it is pending, copying or imaging. To delete a pending job first
click on pause, then click on delete.

Job List These buttons are used to filter the jobs displayed in the job list. If you
Filter Buttons( have many jobs in the job list, it may difficult to find and monitor the
status of specific jobs. To simplify this, job list filters have been
4 provided. There are seven (7) filter buttons.

No Filter Clicking this button shows all jobs in the job list.

Active Clicking this button shows all active jobs. An active job is currently
imaging or eligible to image.

Paused Clicking on this button shows all jobs that have not been imaged and
are not eligible to image. This includes jobs that have been paused, jobs
that are ineligible due to a media mismatch and jobs that belong to a
property set that has been disabled.

Finished Clicking on this button shows all jobs that have imaged.

Errors Clicking on this button shows all jobs that have an error or were
aborted by the operator.

By Property Set This displays all jobs in the selected property set. To perform this filter,
click on the By Property Set button. Then click on the down arrow
button to the right. A selectable list of property set names will appear to
the left. Select the desired property set.

Note: Filtering by property sets is similar to viewing the individual queues in previous versions
of CtServer.

By Plate Name This displays all jobs that specify the selected plate names. To perform
this filter, click on the By Plate Name button. Then click on the down
arrow button to the right. A selectable list of plate names will appear to
the left. Select the desired plate name.

2-26 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Using the Property Set Panel
What this panel does

Using the Property Set Panel

What this panel The Property Set Panel allows you to create, select, view, or modify
does property sets.

All of these actions are initiated by selecting either a property set or the
default values, followed by viewing or editing the values, and finally
saving the modified values as a new property set or replacing the values
of the current property set.

When creating a new property set, start by selecting the property set
that most closely resembles the one you want to create. If no other
property sets are defined, or none of the defined sets are similar to the
one you want to create, start with the default values. When you have
completed your edits, use the Save As button to save to a new property
set name.

When editing an existing property set select the property set you wish
to edit. When you have completed your edits, use the Save button to
replace the property set values with the new values.

When you have selected the property set to start with (default or an
existing property set) the information fields are filled in with the
appropriate values.

1. Click on View, then Create or Edit Property Sets.

(Or, click on the Property Set button on the toolbar to enter the
first screen of the property set panel.)

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-27

Using the Property Set Panel
Open Existing Property Set List

• The screen displays the property set panel.

Open Existing This section of the property set panel provides a list of property sets to
Property Set List choose from in the open existing property set information field.

1 • The Open Existing Property Set field contains a selectable list of

property set names. Once a property set has been selected, its name
is displayed and the property set values are updated to reflect the
selected property set. The Save, Save As… and Delete buttons are
enabled at this time.
1. Click on the Open Existing Property Set field arrow.
• The screen displays a list of existing property sets in a drop
down combobox.

2. Select a property set name from the list.

• All of the appropriate information fields are automatically filled in
with the parameters of the selected property set.

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 Using the Property Set Panel
Editing Command Buttons

• The screen displays the Enqueue tab when a property set is

selected.

choosing a property
set fills in this field

graphical presentation of
property set named input
• If you do not want to use an existing property set, set the values to
default and begin editing the values.
3. Click on the Set Values to Defaults button.
• The screen displays the tabs containing default settings, which
require the operator to enter desired values.

Editing This section of the property set panel consists of four buttons at the
Command bottom of the panel. If a button is grayed, it is not available for use in
the editing functions for the property set you are working on. The
Buttons
buttons are listed below with their explanations.
2

Save The save button saves any changes to the currently selected property
set. This button is enabled when a property set name is selected in the
Open Existing Property Set information field.

Save As... The Save As button is enabled when the set values to default button has
been used or an existing property set has been selected. When Save As
is used, a Save As dialog box is displayed. This is where you assign a
new property set name. When you create a property set name, choose a
name that indicates the important parameters of the set. This helps
operators choose which property set to use for their jobs.

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Using the Property Set Panel
Editing Command Buttons

Note: When “Save” or “Save As...” are selected the values entered in the controls will be
checked to insure they are valid. In an error is found, it will be reported and the offend-
ing control will be highlighted.

4. Choose the default name or enter a new name for your property set.
Click OK.
• The screen displays

new

• If you choose a property set name that is already in use,

CtServer gives you an error message.

• If you see this message, assign a unique name.

5. To verify that your new property set has been saved and is available
for jobs, Click on the Open Existing Property Set information
field, and click on the down arrow.
• The screen displays your newly created property set as one of
the choices.

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 Using the Property Set Panel
About the Property Set Dialog Tabs

About the The property set dialog tabs are used to view or edit property set
Property Set values. The tabs are named Enqueue, Image, Place, Magnify, Punch,
and Media. As you change the values a graphical presentation is
Dialog Tabs
displayed to the right of the property set tab that contains these values.
3

job image image magnify punch media

enqueue modify marks place image setup type
tab tab tab tab tab tab

left margin

top margin value

or centered

left margin value

or centered

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-31

Using the Property Set Panel
Enqueue Tab

Enqueue Tab The Job Enqueue tab is the first set of information fields in the property
set panel. The information fields are listed below.

1. Click on Image N Copies of Each information field and enter a

value. This sets the number of copies of each job to be imaged. It is
useful in a shop that requires multiple films/plates of the same
image for proofing or multiple presses.
2. Select an Initial Job State. This selection determines the initial
state of incoming jobs. Four (4) choices are available.
• Ready will copy the job to the image drive and put it into an
eligible to output state.
• Paused will place the job in a paused state after it has been
copied to the image drive. This is useful when the operator
wants to manually control the output of each job.
• Copy Paused will put the job into a paused state prior to
copying it to the image drive. This is useful for unknown jobs
where image manipulations, such as rotation, may be required.
• Copy Paused then Paused will pause the job prior to copying
it to the image drive and pause it again after it is copied to the
image drive. This is useful for jobs where image manipulations
may be required and the operator wants to manually control the
output of each individual job.
Note: Image manipulations such as rotation and cropping are performed while the job is being
copied to the image drive. Therefore, if they are changed, the job will be recopied.

3. Click on the Keep Jobs after they have been imaged checkbox if
you wish to save imaged jobs. This item saves the jobs in the job
list after successful output. This may be used by a shop that prefers
to visually check each image prior to its deletion.

Local Drop Folder 1. If the drop folder is local to this computer, click on the Path of
Shared Directory information. This field contains the property

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 Using the Property Set Panel
Enqueue Tab

set’s drop folder. You may enter a directory name and location that
does not yet exist: in this case CtServer creates the directory when
the job administration starts. It is helpful to choose a path whose
name indicates the important parameters of the property set. Jobs
placed in this folder will be submitted to CtServer and assigned the
Property Set associated with the folder.
2. Click on the Share Directory As information field. This defines
the name by which the folder is shared over the network. This name
is automatically generated from the path. However, you can change
it. It is helpful to choose a name that indicates the important param-
eters of the property set.

Remote Drop Folder The Remote Drop Folder allows for a drop folder to be on another
computer on the local area network (LAN).

1. If the drop folder is to be located on another computer, click on The

Drop Folder is Hosted on Another Computer checkbox. This
item will display a Browse button which can be used to navigate
the network and select the remote folder.

2. Navigate the network to locate and select the remote drop folder.
3. Select the Local Volume to use for this Drop Folder’s Mirror
Directory. Then select OK.
If you are finished entering property set values:

Click on the Save button to save the changes to the

selected property set.
Or click on the Save As button to save the changes to a
new property set name.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-33

Using the Property Set Panel
Image Tab

Image Tab The Image Tab in the Property Set dialog Panel enables you to modify
the image. Available functions include cropping the image, changing
the image polarity, rotating the image 90 degrees or flipping the image.
Click on the units buttons to select the desired unit of measurement
before you enter a value in the crop origin, width or height fields.

1. Click on the Image tab.

• The screen displays the job image manipulation tab.

Cropping of Image You may crop an image on any side, or combination of the four sides.

1. Click the Crop Image checkbox to enable the cropping function.

• The top and left sides are cropped by Checking Crop Image
and specifying the distance, in Left Origin and/or Top Origin,
from the original edge of the image to the desired edge.
• The bottom and right sides of the image are cropped by
specifying a crop on the opposite side (specify 0 if you do not
want to crop the Left or Top), clicking the appropriate check
box for Limit Image Width to and/or Limit Image Height to
and specifying the distance.
original image top origin
image width
cropped image
image height
F left origin

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 Using the Property Set Panel
Image Tab

Rotate by... This feature allows you to select the rotation you want. The actual
rotation of the image is performed when the image is copied to the
image drive.The graphic display changes to represent the setting.

1. Click on Rotate 90 CW.

• The screen displays the image rotated.

Note: Rotation is performed while the image is being copied to the image drive. Rotating a
TIFF file is a time consuming function. For this reason, it is recommended that you rotate
upstream in the RIP.

If you are finished entering property set values:

Click on the Save button to save the changes to the

selected property set.
Or click on the Save As button to save the changes to a
new property set name.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-35

Using the Property Set Panel
Marks Tab (optional)

Marks Tab Printers Marks is an optional feature that can be purchased for CtServer
(optional) version 5.0 and later. It is enabled via an activation password and an
enabled encryption key (dongle).

The Marks Tab is available if the Printers Marks feature has been
enabled.

This feature enables the

addition of user-created MARKS
Fiducials TIFF FILE
marks (fiducials, etc.) to the in
MARKS file
image. IMAGE
The user creates marks tiff TIFF FILE
Overlaid
files at the appropriate on MARKS file
resolutions. These files are
merged with the image file Circus Po
ster, Un
and then imaged on the ion Gra
phics

plate. Text
in
MARKS file
Since the image is overlaid
on the marks file, the marks file must be larger (length and/or width)
than the image file to insure that the image does not obscure the marks.
Also, the marks file must be of same resolution as the image. If it is not,
the job will generate an error on output.

1. Click on the Marks tab.

• The screen displays the Printers Marks tab.

Printers Marks Set If Printers Marks are to be applied, select the marks set name to use in
Name the combobox. The list of marks set names is based on the Marks sets
created during initial installation and configuration or during

2-36 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Using the Property Set Panel
Marks Tab (optional)

reconfiguration. The user must have created sets of marks and

populated those sets with TIFF files of the resolutions to be used.

Job and Marks must If the box is checked, a cyan job must use a cyan marks file, a yellow
always be of same color job a yellow marks file, etc.
If the box is checked and no correspondingly colored marks file exists
for a job, an error will be reported when the job is copied to the image
drive.

If the box is not checked, CtServer will determine if a

correspondingly colored marks file exists for a job. If it does, CtServer
will use that marks file for the job. If no correspondingly colored marks
file exists, CtServer will look for a marks file that has no color
specified.

Note: To create a “no-color” job and/or a matching “no-color” marks file, select “mono-
chrome” output in the ECRM TIFF plug-in for the RIP. You can also a use a non-ECRM
TIFF plug-in to create such file(s).

Image Placement This dialog allows you set the placement of image file over the marks
Relative to Marks file

Left Offset – By selecting Left Offset from the popup menu/combobox

you are able to specify a left offset value for placing the job image on
the marks image.

1. Click on the Left Offset information field and enter a value.

• The screen displays the entered values.
Top Offset – By selecting Top Offset from the popup menu/combobox
you are able to specify a top offset value for placing the job image on
the marks image.

1. Click on the Top Offset information field and enter a value.The

screen displays the entered values.

Center Horizontally - By selecting the popup menu/combobox you

can select Center Horizontally. When this is selected, the value entry is
grayed and the job image is centered on the marks image.

1. Click on Center Horizontally.

• The screen displays the choice.
Center Vertically - By selecting the popup menu/combobox you can
select Center Vertically. When this is selected, the value entry is grayed
and the job image is centered on the marks image.

1. Click on Center Vertically.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-37

Using the Property Set Panel
Marks Tab (optional)

• The screen displays the choice.

If you are finished entering property set values:

Click on the Save button to save the changes to the

selected property set, or
click on the Save As button to save the changes to a new
property set name.

2-38 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Using the Property Set Panel
Punch Tab

Punch Tab The Punch feature provides for This feature only pertains to
creating, editing and deleting punch platesetters that are
set-up definitions that control how equipped with a plate punch.
and where the platesetter punches
registration notches in the plate. The feature supports creation of both
simple and complex punch set-ups.

Simple Set-up A simple set-up definition effects the punching of either two, one, or no
Definitions notches in the plate. A simple set-up definition is comprised of one set
of these four set-up parameters:

• Lead Notch - The plate punch has four punch elements.

Element 1 is the first element the plate passes under; it then
passes under Elements 2, 3, and 4, in that order.
The Lead Notch parameter is used to define which element will
be used to punch the lead notch. Typically, 3 (punch Element 3)
or 4 (punch Element 4) is the best setting.
• Trail Notch - is used to define which punch element will punch
the trail notch. Typically, 1 or 2 is the best setting.
Setting a notch parameter to “none” disables punching of the notch

Press Pin Spacing Press Pin Spacing

220mm 220mm

Center of Center of
Press Pin Spacing Press Pin Spacing
Trail Lead Trail Lead
Notch Notch Notch Notch

+25mm

157mm 157mm 157mm 157mm

Center of Plate Center of Plate

No Offset Offset +25mm

• Press Pin Spacing - the distance between the center of the lead
notch and the center of the trail notch.
• Center Offset - The offset of the press pin spacing away from
the center of the plate.
A negative (-) offset shifts the press pin spacing toward the
leading edge. A positive (+) offset shifts it toward the trailing
edge. Zero (0) offset value keeps the press pin spacing centered
on the center of the plate.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-39

Using the Property Set Panel
Punch Tab

Complex Set-up A complex set-up definition effects the punching of as many as 8

Definitions notches in the plate. Every complex set-up definition is comprised of
four sets of set-up parameters, each of which effects the punching of
two, one, or zero notches in the plate.
In the complex set-up definition that produced the punching shown
below, one set of set-up parameters produced punch pattern A, a second
set produced B, and a third set produced C. The fourth set of
parameters was set null to effect no punching.

A
212mm (+24mm offset)

B
126mm (+41mm offset)

Trailing Edge C Leading Edge

of Plate of Plate
38mm
(+60mmoffset)
(-60mm offset)

Center
of Plate

340mm

Complex Punch Set-up

The “default” set-up The first time you access the Punch feature, the “default” punch set-up
will be the only set-up that exists.

“Default” is a simple set-up definition in which all the parameters are

set to null values. Each null setting is basically a “take no action”
command for that particular parameter. Accordingly, because none of
its parameters effect any action, “default” is effectively a punch set-up
definition for performing no punching.

2-40 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Using the Property Set Panel
Punch Tab

Creating a simple You can use the “default” set-up definition as template to create a
punch set-up simple punch set-up of your own. Here’s how.

1. In the Property Set panel, click on the Punch tab.

• The Punch Pane opens.
Punch Tab Open Existing
Property Set:

Punch Pane

2. In the Open Existing Property Set pull-down list, select the prop-
erty set that will be associated with the punch set-up you are about
to create.
3. If the Punch Set-Up Name window is blank, open the pull-down list
and select “default.”
4. Click the View/Edit button.
• If the default punch set-up definition is selected, a window like
this opens.

You will now edit this window to create a new set-up definition.

5. At the top of the window, fill in the four fields with values for the
new set-up you want to create. For example, to create a set-up for

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-41

Using the Property Set Panel
Punch Tab

406mm press pin spacing that is centered on the plate and uses
punch Element 4 to punch the lead notch and Element 1 to punch
the trail notch, you would fill in the fields as shown below.
6. After you enter your values, click on Save As...

Save As...

• The Save As... dialog box shown above opens.

7. Enter your choice of a name for the set-up. For example, we named
our set-up 406_4_1_centered, as shown above.
8. Click OK. This saves the new set-up name and adds it to the list of
available set-ups.
• The Punch pane shown on page 35 appears again, with
“default” still selected as the Punch Set-up.

9. Pull down the Page Set-up Name list and highlight the new
406_4_1_centered definition to make it the active punch-set up.

2-42 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Using the Property Set Panel
Punch Tab

Creating a complex 1. If this is the first complex set-up definition you are creating,
punch set-up. open the “default” Punch Set-up Definition window as explained in
page 2-41, and then click on the Additional Punches button.
• The definition window will be expanded as shown below to
allow creation of three more parameter sets for the definition.

Fields for
the first set
.
of punch parameters

Fields for
the second set
.
of punch parameters
Fields for
the third set
.
of punch parameters
Fields for
the fourth set
.
of punch parameters

If previously created complex punch set-up definitions exists,

especially one you could easily edit to create your new set-up, open
one of those punch set-ups.
• A Punch Set-up Definition window like the one shown below
opens.
2. Edit the four sets of punch parameters as needed to define the
punch set-up you want to create. The ones shown below are for the
punch set-up shown on page 2-40.
3. After you enter your values, click on Save As...
• The Save As... dialog box opens.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-43

Using the Property Set Panel
Punch Tab

4. Enter your choice of a name for the set-up. For example, we named
our set-up 6_punch_setup, as shown above.
5. Click OK. This saves the new set-up definition and adds it to the
list of available set-ups.
• The Punch pane shown on page 35 appears again.
6. Pull down the Page Set-up Name list and highlight the new
6_punch_setup definition to make it the active punch-set up.

Set-up definition Most punch set-ups you

examples create will probably be
for punching two
notches that are
equidistant from the leading and trailing edges of the plate (centered
on the plate). The figure above shows parameter settings for such a set-
up.

If you need to offset the

notches so that they are
not centered on the
plate, set “Center Offset” to a value that corresponds to the required
offset. The figure above shows parameter settings for such a set-up. It
has the same pin spacing and punch element control settings as the
centered set-up in the first example, but the notches are offset 50mm
closer to the trailing edge of the plate. (A -50 setting would offset the
notches 50mm closer to the leading edge.)

If you need to punch

only one notch in the
plate, configure your
set-up with Press Punch Spacing set for zero (0.00), one Notch set for
punch element 1, 2, 3, or 4, the other Notch set for “none,” and Center
Offset set for a value that shifts the hole the appropriate distance from
the center of the plate. The figure above shows parameter settings for
such a set-up — in this case, one that uses punch Element 3 to punch
one notch precisely in the middle of the plate. Changing “Center
Offset” to a different value like -55mm would offset the notch away
from the center of the plate and 55mm closer to the leading edge of the
plate, whereas 55 (or +55) would move it 55mm closer to the trailing
edge.

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 Using the Property Set Panel
Punch Tab

When creating a punch set-up, make sure

the Press Pin Spacing is not too wide for
the plate, and that neither notch is too close
to the edge of the plate. If either condition
exists, CtServer displays an error message
when the property set is saved. The error
message will match (or be similar to) one
of the messages shown at the right,.

Editing a 1. In the Punch pane, select the name of the set-up definition you
Set-up definition want to edit, and then click View/Edit.
2. When the Punch Set-up definition window opens, make the
required parameter parameters for set-up you want to edit.
3. Click on Save. This saves the new parameter settings.

Deleting a 1. In the Punch pane, select the name of the set-up definition you
Set-up definition want to edit, and then click View/Edit.
2. When the Punch Set-up definition window opens, click on any
parameter field in set-up you want to edit.
3. Click on Delete. This deletes the set-up and removes its name from
the list of set-up names in the Punch pane.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-45

Using the Property Set Panel
Place Tab

Place Tab The Place Tab in the Property Set dialog Panel specifies the margins
and image position. Click on the units buttons to select the desired unit
of measurement before you enter a value in a margin field. The limits
for the margin settings correspond to the media width defined in the
Media tab.

1. Click on the Place tab.

• The screen displays the job placement tab.

Vertical Flip Vertical Flip – Selecting this checkbox flips the image vertically. The
actual flip of the image is performed when the image is copied to the
image drive.The graphic display changes to represent the setting.

1. Click on Vertical Flip.

• The screen displays the image flipped vertically.
Horizontal Flip Horizontal Flip – Selecting this checkbox flips the image horizontally.
The graphic display changes to represent the setting.

1. Click on Horizontal Flip.

• The screen displays the image flipped horizontally.
Note: Any 90 degree rotation of the image may be achieved by selecting the appropriate combi-
nation of Rotate 90, Vertical Flip and Horizontal Flip. For example, Rotation of 180
degrees can be achieved by checking both Vertical and Horizontal Flip.

By Margins Left Margin/Top Margin.– By selecting Left Margin and Top Margin
from the popup menu/combobox you are able to specify the left margin
and top margin values. Error checking is performed when a different
tab is selected or when ‘Save/Save As’ is clicked.

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 Using the Property Set Panel
Place Tab

1. Click on the Left Margin information field and enter a value.

• The screen displays the entered values. The graphical
presentation reflects the these values.

2. Click on the Top Margin information field and enter a value.

By Centering Center Horizontally/Center Vertically - By selecting the popup

menu/combobox you can select Center Horizontally and Center
Vertically. When this is selected, the value entry is grayed and the
image is centered on output.

1. Click on Center Horizontally/Center Vertically.

• The screen displays the choice and the graphical presentation
changes to reflect the choice.

Image Polarity Image Polarity – You may select from one of three settings for
imagesetters.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-47

 Using the Property Set Panel
Place Tab

1. Click on the Image Polarity field. Choose your setting from the
following:
• From TIFF – This uses the Photometric Interpretation Bit tag
value from the TIFF file to determine if this image is Positive or
Negative (0 is positive). The graphic display changes to
represent the setting.
• Positive – This setting interprets all images as positive (pixel
value of 1 is laser on). The graphic display changes to represent
the setting.
• Negative – This setting interprets all images as negative (pixel
value of 0 is laser on). The graphic display changes to represent
the setting.
If you are finished entering property set values:

Click on the Save button to save the changes to the

selected property set.
Or click on the Save As button to save the changes to a
new property set name.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-48

 Using the Property Set Panel
Magnify Tab

Magnify Tab The Magnify tab enables you to make adjustments to the image size
when the image is output. These adjustments are entered as a
percentage of the original image size in the horizontal and vertical
dimension.

1. Click on the Magnify tab.

• The screen displays the Magnification information fields for the
imagesetter.

Horizontal and vertical magnification values can be

entered. The image will be enlarged or reduced during
imaging. Effectively, the image is imaged at a slightly
smaller or larger resolution. For example, a 10” by 10”
image at 1200 dpi when imaged using magnification
values of 90% will be 9” by 9”. It will be imaged at
1333 dpi.
Note: The Mako CTP has a magnification range of 85% to 110%. The exception may be the
lowest and highest resolutions supported by the recorder. The lowest resolution, may
have a lower maximum, the highest resolution may have a higher minimum.
Note: If you use magnification, you must specify exposure settings for each magnification/reso-
lution combination you use.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-49

 Using the Property Set Panel
Media Tab

Media Tab The last frame in the property set panel defines the plate type that
CtServer will require to be loaded to image jobs using the property set.
Edit this dialog box with the values explained below.

The Plate Description information field contains the plate types that are
available on the platesetter.

1. Click on the Job Eligibility pane.

• The screen displays the property set screen with the job
eligibility dialog box.

2. If the plate description is correct for your new property set, there is
no need to change it.
3. If you need to change the plate description, click on the down arrow
and select the plate description that you need.
If you are finished entering property set values:

Click on the Save button to save the changes to the

selected property set.
Or click on the Save As button to save the changes to a
new property set name.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-50

 Reconfiguring the Server and Other Startup Options
Reconfiguring Server

Reconfiguring the Server and Other Startup Options

Reconfiguring During the installation of CtServer, you performed the configuration by
Server selecting the proper imagesetter model and defining the other
customization settings. If required, you can change these settings after
installation. Whenever CtServer is started, you will have the
opportunity to change these settings. The customization fields that are
available are dependent upon the model of the imagesetter originally
selected.

Note: You must re-install to change the imagesetter model.

1. Click on File, then Stop Server. Wait for CtServer to stop and exit.
2. Start CtServer. When the CtServer Output Service dialog appears,
click the Start-Up Options... button.

3. When the Start-Up Options dialog appears, select Customize

CtServer, then Normal Start. Then select OK.

• The screen displays the Server configuration dialogs that

contains the information fields applicable to your imagesetter.
4. Follow the instructions in the CtServer Getting Started Guide
(AG45090) for configuring CtServer for your imagesetter.

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 Reconfiguring the Server and Other Startup Options
Other Startup Options

Other Startup In the Start-Up Options dialog you can also select the following:
Options
Start CtServer Normally is the default selection. CtServer will start in
a state where it will accept and output jobs.

Note: Some imagesetters require the operator specify the media at startup. For these imageset-
ters, CtServer cannot startup outputting jobs.

Start CtServer Paused will start CtServer in the Paused Output state.
This is used if there is a problem file that is ready to output, but you
want to pause or delete it before it starts to output.

5. Generate Diagnostic Report will generate a report that itemizes

the computer and CtServer configuration. If you are encountering
problems, your service organization may ask you to generate this
report, save it and e-mail it.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-52

 Opening and Monitoring Remote Servers
Recent Remote Servers

Opening and Monitoring Remote Servers

Opening and monitoring a remote CtServer server allows you to view
the jobs that are running on a remote server.

The Remote Monitor software does not allow you to change anything
about the jobs being processed on the server.

Recent Remote This selection brings up a dialog of remote machine names that have
Servers had their Server Information Files (‘sif’ files) opened previously. This
is to provide an easy and quick mechanism to open remote ‘sif’ files
without having to search through the network.

1. Click on File, then Recent Remote Servers.

• The screen displays the Re-open Remote Server Information
File window.

2. Type in the name of the known remote server, or click on the arrow
and select the server name.

Locating Remote Use this option to open a remote CtServer Server Information File for
Servers the first time.You can locate a remote CtServer SIF, the same way you
would locate any other type of file on the network.

1. Click File, then click open.

2. Or use the toolbar by clicking on the Folder Icon.

Click on File icon

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-53

 Opening and Monitoring Remote Servers
Locating Remote Servers

• The screen displays an Open dialog box for existing.sif files.

3. Double click on the desired server name.

• The screen displays the next level of shared files and folders.

4. Double click on the svrinfo folder. CtServer shares this folder.

• The screen displays the contents of the svrinfo folder. The
sealion.sif file is the file you are looking for.

5. Click on the “sealion.sif” file and click on the Open button. You
can also double click on sealion.sif to open it.
AG45199 Rev. 1 2-54
 Opening and Monitoring Remote Servers
Locating Remote Servers

• The screen displays the remote CtServer server window.

• Note: There may be a 15-20 second delay in reading the
remote server status. During this delay, the status reads sif
unreadable. Wait for the time delay to pass and the remote
monitor window displays.

Note: If the SIF file does not read after the delay, then the SIF file is invalid.

server name

server status

show info

Remote Window

6. Click on the show information arrow for a more detailed list of

jobs that are on the server, and an updated server status.

hide show
information information

• The screen displays a larger view of the CtServer remote server

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-55

 Opening and Monitoring Remote Servers
Locating Remote Servers

window.

7. Click on the show information button again for information about

the property sets.
• The screen displays additional information.

AG45199 Rev. 1 2-56

Preview / View Image
3
This section describes the use of the View Image and Preview
commands, as well as the Configure Viewer command.

View Image The View Image and Preview commands are both used for viewing a
and job that was sent to CtServer. The View Image provides for viewing
one a job that was sent to CtServer before selected manipulations
Preview
(Rotate. Flip. etc.) were applied, whereas Preview allows for viewing
the job with selected manipulations applied.

The View Image command supports viewing single or multiple jobs at

one time. The Preview command supports viewing only one job at a
time.

The View Image and Preview have nearly identical features and
functions. The discussion that follows focuses on the View Image
command. Except where noted, all the material applies to the Preview
command as well.

To view an image, right click the mouse on the name of a job(s) in the
job list. The following menu will appear. Select View Image.

AG45199 Rev. 1 3-1

View Image and Preview

If a single job is selected, that image is displayed in black and white.

3-2 AG45199 Rev. 1

 View Image and Preview

If multiple jobs are selected (not possible with Preview), those images
are displayed together.

A color for each image is automatically assigned.The assigned color is

based on one of the following rules:

ECRM TIFF Tag - If the image was produced by an

ECRM RIP using the ECRM Tiff plug-in, it will contain
a special ECRM tag that identifies the color by name
(Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, SpotColor).
MaxWorkFlow ECRM TIFF - If MaxWorkFlow
created the image using the ECRM TIFF module, it will
contain color identification for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
and Black images.
Third Party TIFF Files - If we cannot determine the
color, we will assign colors in the following order;
Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow.
File Name Parsing for Color - CtServer uses file name
parsing to identify the color. (File name parsing is only
available in CtServer Professional.)
The original image(s), before any property set manipulations, is
displayed in a window on the screen. You can select a portion of the

AG45199 Rev. 1 3-3

View Image and Preview

image and zoom in, by clicking the left mouse button on the area to
zoom.

3-4 AG45199 Rev. 1

 View Image and Preview

A second left mouse click will zoom in to show pixel for pixel.

A third left mouse click will zoom in to show a 8 pixel square for each
pixel in the image.

AG45199 Rev. 1 3-5

View Image and Preview

Clicking the right mouse button will zoom out to the next level.

View/Preview includes a measuring utility. To measure the distance

between any two points in an image:

1. Position the cursor over the start point, hold down the control key,
and left click the mouse. A fiducial appears to mark the start point
(see figure below).
2. Position the cursor over the end point, hold down the control key,
and right click the mouse.
3. A window like the one shown below will opens to report the mea-
sured distance between the two points.
Note: The unit of measure reported on the second line of the display (inches, cm, mm, or points)
corresponds to the Units of Distance selection.
The Start and End points must be set in the same view; you cannot set the Start point in
one view, zoom in or out, and then set the End point in the new view.
The measurement utility is only available in CtServer Professional.

1 START POINT

2 END POINT

3 WINDOW

3-6 AG45199 Rev. 1

 View Image and Preview

Clicking on the Layers... button will display the Visibility and Color
Assignment Dialog.

From this dialog an image can be made Visible or Not Visible, a Color
can be assigned to an image and the display of the images can be
shown in transparent ink to improve the display of overlapping color.

AG45199 Rev. 1 3-7

View Image and Preview

Click the mouse on the Use Transparent Inks checkbox to improve

the visibility of overlapping inks.

3-8 AG45199 Rev. 1

 View Image and Preview

Right click the mouse on an image name and uncheck the Visible
selection to hide that image.

AG45199 Rev. 1 3-9

View Image and Preview

This will remove that image from the display. This is useful to
eliminate an ink in order to better see other inks.

Right click the mouse on an image name and select Select Color to
assign another color to an image.

Click the mouse under the color to assign and then click the OK button.
Click the Cancel button to leave the color unchanged.

3-10 AG45199 Rev. 1

 View Image and Preview

The Add TIFF... button is used to add another image to the view.
(Adding another image is not possible with Preview).

When this is clicked an Open File dialog is displayed.

Adding images to the display can be done, but there are some rules that
need to be followed. First, in the File Open dialog, navigate to the
folder identified in the title bar of the Tiff Viewer window. Next, select
All Files (*.*) in the Files of Type Combobox. The names you would
see in the CtServer Job List are displayed with a series of numbers after
the name. Be sure to select the appropriate file. It must have the same
dimensions and resolution as the viewed image(s). If it is not, the
following error will be displayed.

Clicking on the Done button will close the image view.

Clicking on the Cancel button terminates the building of the display

image

Note: The building of extremely large files can be a lengthy process, particularly if rotation is

AG45199 Rev. 1 3-11

 View Image and Preview

involved.

AG45199 Rev. 1 3-12

 Configure Tiff Viewer...

Configure Tiff This command enables the assignment of viewer colors to specific
Viewer... color names. Tiff files created by either the ECRM Tiff plug-in for the
ECRM RIP or MaxWorkFlow ECRM Tiff contain special Tiff file
tags to identify the color of the separation. The user can assign the
names of the separations to one of 16 viewer colors by selecting
File>Configure Tiff Viewer...

A dialog is presented that enables the assignment of separation names

to specific colors.

AG45199 Rev. 1 3-13

 Configure Tiff Viewer...

The Set Automatic Color Selection Technology to use

MaxWorkFlow Color Tag Convention checkbox will set the viewer
to use the information set by the ECRM Tiff output from
MaxWorkFlow when it is checked. The MaxWorkFlow convention
specifies either Cyan, Magenta, Yellow or Black. It does not handle
spot colors. When checked, images from MaxWorkFlow will display in
the correct C,M,Y or K color.

Note: When this checkbox is checked, images from other sources may display in the incorrect
color. Typically they will be displayed in Magenta.

The Color Name Tag Assignments enable the assignment of a color to

a specific separation name when the ECRM Tiff plug-in for the
ECRM RIP is used to generate the separations. The ECRM Tiff plug-
in inserts a special ECRM Tiff Tag that identifies the separation name.
This name is the name assigned in the creating application (for example
Quark). In english, ‘cyan’, ‘magenta’, ‘yellow’ and ‘black’ are
typically used for those colors. Additionally, a separation named ‘Spot
Color 234’ may have been created. If this spot color is red, changing
the string from ‘Red’ to ‘Spot Color 234’ will map that separation to
red in the viewer. 16 distinct colors are available for mapping. If a
separation comes in with a name that has not been mapped to a color, it
will be assigned the next available color (not including cyan, magenta,
yellow or black).

AG45199 Rev. 1 3-14

Installing the Macintosh
Services Software on
Windows NT
4
This installation is not necessary if there are no Macintosh computers on the
network. The following procedure can be initiated at any time prior to
establishing a network link between a Macintosh workstation and the RIP
server.

Note: Windows NT Server is required to install Macintosh Services. You cannot install these
services on Windows NT Workstation.

Installation 1. Double-click on the Windows My Computer icon at the top left of

the screen.

2. Double-click on the Control Panel icon.

AG45199 Rev. 1 4-1

Installation

3. Double-click on the Services icon.

4. Scroll through the Service’s list for File Server for Macintosh.

• If this service is present and started, no further action is

required. Click on the Close button.
• If this service is missing (as shown above) click on the Close
button and go on to step 5.

4-2 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Installation

5. Return to the Control Panel menu.

6. Double-click on the Network icon.

7. Select the Services tab on the Network menu.

8. Click on the Add button.

9. When the Select Network Services menu appears, use the scroll bar to

AG45199 Rev. 1 4-3

Installation

locate Services for Macintosh.

10. Highlight Services for Macintosh then click on the OK button.

11. Insert the Windows NT CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive. The CD-
ROM automatically calls up the Windows NT Install screen. When
the Windows NT logo appears, click on the X box in the upper right
hand corner to close it.

12. When the Windows NT Setup dialog appears, click on the Continue
button.

13. The program finds and installs the files from the CD-ROM and

4-4 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Installation

returns to the Network menu.

14. Select Services for Macintosh and click on the Add button.
15. The Microsoft AppleTalk Protocol Properties dialog box shows the
default adapter and zone. Click on the OK button.

16. The Network Settings Change dialog appears.

17. Click on the Yes button to restart the server.

18. Close all the Network windows and select Services from the Control
Panel menu.

AG45199 Rev. 1 4-5

Installation

19. The scroll list shows the File Server for Macintosh (illustrated below).

20. Verify that both indicate Started in their Status column. If one is not
started, (e.g. File Server for Macintosh) select it and click on the
Start button.
21. Close the Services window.
Note: You must now re-install your service pack. If you do not, you may have software version
mis-matches which could result in system problems.

22. Insert your Service Pack CD (CtServer requires Service Pack 5 or

higher).
23. Follow the instructions for installing the Service Pack.

4-6 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Publishing

Publishing The following steps will be performed automatically during install and
property set definition if these services were already installed,
otherwise you will need to perform the following steps:

1. Click Start>Programs>Admin Tools>File Manager.

• The screen displays a list of folders.

2. Select the desired folder from the list.

3. Click on MacFile menu item, and click on create volume.

AG45199 Rev. 1 4-7

Publishing

• The screen displays a dialog box.

4. Click OK.

4-8 AG45199 Rev. 1

File Naming Conventions
5
About File Name Parsing
CtServer can perform file name parsing, which means the program can
interpret encoded information that is imbedded in a file name.

In order to parse a file name, CtServer must know the naming

conventions and parsing rules that you, the user, have established for
your file names.

This appendix presents a model file naming convention and set of

parsing rules to help you understand how file naming convention and
parsing rules work.

By studying the model, you can learn how to develop file naming
convention(s) and set of parsing rules of your own, and how to convey
your conventions and rules to CtServer so that it can parse and operate
on information you encode in your file names.

Note: The CtServer V 5.3 program this manual supports is the first version of CtServer to sup-
port a file name parsing capability. Future versions of CtServer will utilize this new
capability to increasingly greater extents, eventually using it to control job imaging.
However, the current V 5.3 makes limited use of the capability; it just decodes the file
name separation color information field to identify and properly display the separation
color of the job when the View function is invoked.

The file name convention model we present incorporates 7 information

fields in the file name. You file name convention can incorporate fewer
or more fields in the file name.

The parsing rules for our file name convention are designed to
demonstrate a wide range of parsing control features.

Example File Name

Here’s an example of a file name that reflects the model file name
convention and parsing rules we are about to present.

ECNCOLU_200310101E08K01.TIF

AG45199 Rev. 1 5-1

Model File Name Convention

Model File Name Convention

Our model file name convention has 7 information fields in the file
name. Each field conveys specific information to CtServer about the
job that the file name identifies. The figure below shows the fields in
the example file name.

Fie 4
Fie d 3

Fie 5
1

Fie 6
2

7
ld
ld
ld

ld
ld

ld
l
Fie
Fie

Fie
ECNCOLU_200310101E08K01.TIF
In our file name convention.

• Field 1, the Document Name field, is used to encode the name

of the newspaper the job is for. In this case, the newspaper name
is encoded as ‘ECNCOLU’
• Field 2, the Date field, is used to encode the publication date of
the newspaper. In this case, that date is 10 September 2003.
• Field 3, the Edition field, is used to encode the edition of the
newspaper. In this case, that is the first/morning edition.
• Field 4, the PageNumberName field is used to encode the
section of the newspaper the job is for. In this case, that is
section E of the newspaper.
• Field 5, the Page field, is used to encode the page of the
newspaper the job is for. In this case, that is page number 8.
• Field 6, the Color field, is used to encode the job as being a C,
M, Y, K, or spot color job. In this case, the job is K, which
means it is to be printed in black.
• Field 7, the Revision field, is used to encode the revision
number of the job. In this case, that is the first revision.
You must create name convention rules for every field you include in a
file name. The rules describe the name of the field, the type of data the
field supports, and the length and position of the field in the file name

5-2 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Model File Name Convention
Field 1, Paper/Publication Name

string. The figure below lists the name convention rules for the 7 fields
described above.

To create our set of name convention rules, we had to construct a set of

rules for each of our information fields. The next few pages present the
name convention rules we created for those fields. Study the material
for a few minutes to get a basic understanding of what a rule definition
is and what you must do to construct one.

Later, when you begin constructing your own rules, you may want to
use this material as a guide for constructing your rules.

Field 1, This arbitrary string

Paper/ represents the name of the
publication. It may be
Publication Name
variable in length. It starts
with the first character of
the filename and goes until
an ‘_’.

See description of each item

later in this document…

AG45199 Rev. 1 5-3

Model File Name Convention

Field 2, This field is the date. It is

Date numeric. It starts at the end
of the prior field + 1
(remember the ‘_’) and it is
8 characters long.

5-4 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Model File Name Convention
Field 3, Edition

Field 3, The next field is the

Edition edition. It is numeric. It
may be 1 or more
characters. As a result, it
ends when we see the
next field (a non-numeric
value).

Field 4, This field is the section

Section number of the paper. It
is a single letter
alphabetic value.

AG45199 Rev. 1 5-5

Model File Name Convention
Field 5, Page

Field 5, This field is for the page

Page number. It is a 2-digit
numeric value.

Field 6, The next field is the separation color. This color may be one or more
Separation Color arbitrary characters. It ends 6 characters from the end of the file name.

Additionally, we have to map

the values in this field to actual
colors. To do this we use the
Map Field Values section.

Click the Edit / Show

Mapping… button.

5-6 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Model File Name Convention
Field 7, Revision

The window shown at the right

appears:

Add... will add an entry.

Delete... deletes an entry/

Field 7, After the separation color

Revision field is the revision field.
This is a 2-digit numeric
value that ends with the
‘.TIF’ string.

AG45199 Rev. 1 5-7

Working with Name Convention Rules
Creating a New Set of Rules

Working with Name Convention Rules

Creating a New To create a Set of Name Convention Rules for a file name field, refer to
Set of Rules the figure below and proceed as follows:

1. From the CtServer File pull-down menu, select Set Naming Con-
ventions...
• The Configure Naming Conventions window opens.
2. Click the Name Convention Rules tab.
3. Click the New... button.
• The Rule Definition window opens.
4. Fill in the dialog boxes as required to complete the rule definition.
See “Creating a new Rule Set” on page 115.
5. Click the OK button to save the rule definition
• The Configure Naming Conventions window opens and your
new definition is listed
6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 as needed to establish rule definitions for
all of your information fields.

3 5

5-8 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Defining a Rule Set
Modifying or Deleting an Existing Set of Rules

Modifying or You can modify or delete any rule definition you create. To do either:
Deleting an
1. Navigate to the Configure Naming Conventions window.
Existing Set of
2. Click on the Name Convention Rules tab.
Rules 3. Select (highlight) the rule you want to edit or delete.
4. To edit the rule, click on the Edit... button. The Rule Definition
window for the rule opens. Edit the rule definition as needed, and
then click OK when you are finished.
5. To delete the rule, click the Delete button. The rule will be deleted
and be cleared from the Name Convention Rules window.
6. When you are finished working with the name convention rules,
click the Close button to close the Name Convention Rules win-
dow.

1
2
3

4 5

Defining a Rule Set

1. From the CtServer File pull-down menu, select Set Naming Con-
ventions...
• The Configure Naming Conventions window opens.
2. Click the Name Convention Rules tab.
3. Click the New... button.
• The Rule Definition window opens

AG45199 Rev. 1 5-9

Defining a Rule Set
Modifying or Deleting an Existing Set of Rules

4. In the Rule
Description 4
box, type a
descriptive
name of the
rule to defined
. 5

5. In the Field
Type box,
make as selec-
tion from the
list. This
assigns a field
type.

6. In the Value
Type box, make
a selection from 6
the list. This
defines the
interpretation of
the characters in
the field. It also
identifies the
legal characters
for the field.

5-10 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Defining a Rule Set
Modifying or Deleting an Existing Set of Rules

7. In the Field Posi-

tion box, select from
the list. This defines 7
where the field starts
in the file name.
Additionally, the
number of charac-
ters to add (Start of
Name or End of
Prior Field) or sub-
tract (for End of
Name) can be speci-
fied.

8. If ‘After String’ is
selected, enter the
name of the string.
8

9. Click the Has a fixed 9

length of x Charac-
ters button if the field 10
is to always the same
length. Then, enter the 11
length in characters.
10. Click the Extends to 12
the End of the Name
– x Characters but-
ton if the end of the
field can be specified
relative to the end of
the file name. Then,
enter the number of
characters.
11. Click the Is ended by the string xxx button if the field is always
followed by a specific character sequence. Then, enter the character
sequence.
12. Click the Is ended by any of these characters button if the field is
to be ended by a single character (or any of a number of single
characters).

AG45199 Rev. 1 5-11

Defining a Rule Set
Modifying or Deleting an Existing Set of Rules

13. If the field is to be ended by a

single character, the Select Ter- 13
minator Character dialog dis-
plays.

Define the Type of Character

by selecting an item from the
pull-down list, and then click OK.

14. Then, define the character by

selecting a character from the
Choose Character list, and then
14
click OK.

15. Click the Is Ended by Any

Character which is Inappropri-
ate for the Value Type button if
you want the system to use its
first encounter with a character
king of the new as soon as the
15
system encounters a character in
the field as specified in the Value
Type.

If you to recognize the introduction

field has ended

5-12 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Defining a Rule Set
Modifying or Deleting an Existing Set of Rules

If Map field is checked, the Edit/Show mapping button is enabled

.
The following dialog will appear.

Clicking the ‘Add…’ button will

display the following dialog. Enter
the field value and the string/value
to map it to.

AG45199 Rev. 1 5-13

Naming Convention Set
Modifying or Deleting an Existing Set of Rules

Naming Convention Set

After you define the rules, you must create the naming convention set.
The naming convention set defines which fields will make up the file
name, and in what order.

To create a naming convention set:

1. Navigate to the Configure Naming Conventions window.

2. Click on the Name Convention Sets tab.
3. Enter a name for the new naming convention set in the Set Name:
dialog box shown below.
4. Construct the naming convention set. For every field you want to
include, move the rules for that field from the “Unused Rules” list
on the left to the “Rules Used in Set “list on the right.
5. Use the Move Up and Move Down keys to order the rules as set the
fields in the proper order
Note: The rules must be in order. This is because some rules start at the end of the prior rule.

Selecting the Use Rules radio button shows the above fields.

Use Standard Naming Convention radio button will use the standard
Harlequin RIP default naming conventions. This will work for C, M, Y,
K jobs but it will not work correctly for spot color jobs.

5-14 AG45199 Rev. 1

 Naming Convention Set
Testing The Naming Convention Set

Use ECRM Private Tag Encoding radio button will use the ECRM
TIFF Tags inserted by the ECRM TIFF plug-in (or other ECRM aware
TIFF generation program).

Add to Set is used to move the selected rule from the Unused Ruled
list to the Rules Used in Set list.

Remove from Set is used to move the selected rule from the Rules
Used in Set list to the Unused Ruled list.

Move UP will move a rule up in the Rules Used in Set list. Order is
important.

Move Down will move a rule down in the Rules Used in Set list. Order
is important.

Testing The Once the naming conventions defined, it can be tested with actual file
Naming names. If the rules work properly, each field value is displayed in the
Convention Set dialog. Otherwise, the rule that had an error will be displayed.

AG45199 Rev. 1 5-15

Naming Convention Set
Make the rules the default set

Make the rules Once the rules are defined and tested, make them the default set by
the default set clicking the ‘Make Default Set’ button.

New… is used to create a new naming convention.

Edit… is used to edit an existing naming convention.

Delete is used to delete a naming convention.

5-16 AG45199 Rev. 1