Does anyone know if Qimage will let you print a longer length than the 37" (?) that these printers allow? I would imagine you could set up a roll behind the printer and feed from the back but I don't know if you can override the driver. Anyone have any success doing something  like a 16 x48?

I currently use a 2200 (does really nice prints) but I am looking to get a little wider printer and I'm not sure if I want to go to the 4800 series because of desk space and cost. I hear some wonderful things about the quality of the 3800 series and it seems to be a good bang for the buck, except for the length issue.

Thanks,

Mike

Thanks Fred,

In the past with my 2200 I have printed some canvas and luster prints that were 12.5 x 35 (or approx 3:1) I thought I would like to do the same with the wider printer (i.e. 16 x 48). I guess I'll have to live with 16 x 37. Thanks for the info.

Mike

Mike

Rips don't work with QI, they replace it - a Rip is basically a third party printer driver which replaces the epson driver and QI combination.
The problem I would have with printing longer than 37" is that Epson aren't famous for over-engineering their printers, and the 3880 paper feed may not be up to printing longer lengths reliably.

Brian

Brian and Fred,

Thanks for your input. I have seen the Canon IPF6100 24" printer available for 1695 incl freight and with an extra set of starter inks (70ml). This seems like a great deal for a pretty large printer. I probably won't print too many 24" wide but the roll capability plus sheet feed of all the various sizes should be pretty beneficial. I don't have any experience with Canon printers but upon doing some research it seems like a pretty good printer at a very attractive price. The Epson 3880 is running anywhere from 1295 to 1495 if you can find one available.

Anyway, thanks for your help in identifying the issues with the 3800 series and rips working with Qimage. I can't imagine trying to print any other way than using Qimage. I love the fact I don't have to make all different kinds of files for different sizes. The sharpening is also a huge plus.

Have a Happy New Year,

Mike

I had the same concerns about printing a long panorama on the 3800. The ColorBurst RIP (made specifically for the 3800) will allow you to print the images you want! I tried the 15 day free trail and have been making 60" prints myself. There are different versions for windows and Mac, be sure you get the right one. Cost is now $455, not cheap but it makes the 3800 into a much more versatile printer.

Marty

The logic is quite simple...I already own the 3800!!!

Hi Mike,

For about £400 (uk) (probably much less elsewhere) you can get a used stylus pro 4000 printer. It is well engineered, compared to the 3000 series. It wastes no ink in changing from matt to gloss black - I believe later models use ink in changing from matt to gloss. Quality compatible pigment ink, with refillable cartridges costs about £60.00 per litre. It will print on card, has vacuum suction, cut off knife, etc. The front tray pushes in, the rear roll holder is easily removable, and if space is limited it could be mounted above the printer. Also, full service manuals are available on the web, including details on resetting the waste ink, etc. If you want long prints on canvas, it will be the lowest cost option. My understanding is that the 3000 series do not work too well with canvas. Without the roll holder at the back of the printer, and the front paper tray closed the desk area required - but it needs to be a strong desk- is about 32 inches wide by 21 inches deep. For comparison, the A3+ stylus r1800, with cis will be about 27 inches wide, by 15 inches deep with its roll holder removed, which is not that much smaller. I guess your 2200 is somewhere between the two.

Best wishes,

Ray

Just for the record, I will assume that you accidentally forgot to put a smiley after your comment.
Otherwise, someone might think you were insulting Terry.
Of all the people on this forum, Terry is perhaps, the most thoughtful and helpful person.
Most folks consider themselves lucky if they get a reply from Terry. His helpful suggestions have made learning some of the digital imaging stuff easier for all.

Fred