Kodak Electra XD Thermal Plate

Media Technical Note

Document Number
1.8

29 Jan 2010

Copyright 2010 Kodak. All rights reserved.

MEDIA TECHNICAL NOTE

PAGE i

Revision History
Revision

Date

Author

Comments

1.0

16 Nov 2007 Rich Colwell Initial draft

1.1

11 Feb 2008 Rich Colwell Emphasized exposure procedure by including statement

that factor of 2.0 may be too high in some cases and to
measure 8x8 checkerboard dot area, with target of 50%.

1.2

3 July 2008 David Tatarin Name change from T93-4 to Electra XD.

1.3

16 July 2008 Rich Colwell Added more detail to exposure procedure.

1.4

31 Oct 2008 Rich Colwell Updated Yule-Nielsen factor

1.5

2 Dec 2008 David Tatarin Corrected sensitivity data in table in section 4.3

1.6

21 Jan 2009 Rich Colwell Removed references to clearing point and exposure factor

1.7

13 Feb 2009 Tony

Skrjanec

Reformatted exposure table

1.8

02 Nov 2009 Tony

Skrjanec

Transfer to latest tech note template

TONY SKRJANEC
1.8

KODAK CONFIDENTIAL

29 JAN 2010

Kodak Electra XD Thermal Plate

Media Technical Note

CONTENTS
Revision History ....................................................................................................................... i
1.

Related Documents.......................................................................................................... 1

2.

About This Plate...............................................................................................................2

2.1 Plate Description .................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Media Status........................................................................................................... 2
2.3 50% Dot Area Reading ........................................................................................... 2
2.4 Debris Removal Requirements............................................................................... 2

3.

Checking the Processor Setup......................................................................................... 2

4.

Setting the Media/Med and HDM Parameters ................................................................. 3

4.1 Set the Parameters: MPE/MCE/GMCE .................................................................. 3
4.2 Set the Parameters: Lotem 400/800 GUI ............................................................... 5

5.

Optimizing the Image Quality ........................................................................................... 5

5.1 Clean the Lens ....................................................................................................... 5
5.2 Set Receiver Gain (TH3 Heads Only)..................................................................... 5
5.3 Set Surface Depth/Focus ....................................................................................... 6
5.4 Set Exposure .......................................................................................................... 6
5.5 Optimize Slope and Curve...................................................................................... 7
5.6 Run a Final Surface Depth Series .......................................................................... 8
5.7 Run a Final Slope Series (Optional) ....................................................................... 9
5.8 Run the Final Verification Plot ................................................................................ 9

Appendix A: Densitometer and Dot Reader Settings .............................................................. 9

TONY SKRJANEC
1.8

KODAK CONFIDENTIAL

29 JAN 2010

MEDIA TECHNICAL NOTE

1.

PAGE 1

RELATED DOCUMENTS
x

Adjusting Tilt On a Thermal Head: available from the Procedures page of:
Thermal 1/1.7, Thermal 2, or Thermal 3 TechPlanet sites

Lens-cleaning instructions: available from the Procedures page of:

Thermal 1/1.7, Thermal 2, or Thermal 3 TechPlanet sites

Adjusting Yaw on a Thermal 3 Head:

TechPlanet > Output > Heads > Thermal 3 > Procedures
http://techplanet.creo.com/output/heads/thermal_3/nav/proced.htm

Lotem Image Quality Guide:

TechPlanet > Output > Lotem 800 > Troubleshooting
http://techplanet.creo.com/output/computer_to_plate/lotem800/nav/troubles.htm

Service Shell and any related scripts:

TechPlanet > Output > Service Tools > Service Shell > Downloads
http://techplanet.creo.com/output/service_tools/service_shell/nav/v2x/downloads.htm

CTP Media Imaging Performance Database:

TechPlanet > Consumables > Media > Qualification
http://techplanet.creo.com/consumables/media/nav/qualification.htm

Kodak Plate Test Target (KPTT): available from the TechPlanet Test Files site:
http://techplanet.creo.com/common/test_files/cptt.htm

Troubleshooting Staccato On-Plate:

TechPlanet > Consumables > Media > Troubleshooting
http://techplanet.creo.com/consumables/media/nav/troubles.htm

Kodak Digital Media Handbook (EAMER)

TechPlanet > Consumables > Media > Thermal Plates > Kodak Electra XD
http://techplanet.creo.com/consumables/media/content/docs/Kodak_Digital_Media_H
andbook_Nov_2008.pdf

Additional Processing SOP for Electra XD (EAMER)

TechPlanet > Consumables > Media > Thermal Plates > Kodak Electra XD
http://techplanet.creo.com/consumables/media/content/docs/Additional_Processing_
SOP_ElectraXD_Aug09.pdf

TONY SKRJANEC
1.8

KODAK CONFIDENTIAL

29 JAN 2010

MEDIA TECHNICAL NOTE

2.

ABOUT THIS PLATE

2.1

Plate Description

PAGE 2

Region
Type
Processing Required?
Preheat Required?
Daylight safe?
Post-bake?
Latent Image Time (maximum time between
imaging & processing)
Storage Temperature Range
Storage Humidity Range
Typical Shelf Life
Debris Removal Requirement

2.2

EAMER / US&C / LAR

Positive
Yes
No
Yes (up to 2 hours @ 1500 lux ambient lighting)
Optional
1.5 hours
10 - 24 C
40 - 70% RH
12 months
None

Media Status
For the most up-to-date information on qualification and supported screens, see the CTP
Media Imaging Performance Database in Related Documents.

2.3

50% Dot Area Reading

Refer to the Media Setup Procedures section in the Kodak Digital Media Handbook for
information on expected dot area readings and for a list of accredited measurement devices.

2.4

Debris Removal Requirements

No filtration or debris removal system is required for this media.

3.

CHECKING THE PROCESSOR SETUP

Refer to the Kodak Digital Media Handbook for processor set up information and a list of
accredited processors

TONY SKRJANEC
1.8

KODAK CONFIDENTIAL

29 JAN 2010

MEDIA TECHNICAL NOTE

PAGE 3

4.

SETTING THE MEDIA/MED AND HDM PARAMETERS

4.1

Set the Parameters: MPE/MCE/GMCE

Any media or hdm parameters not listed in the table that follows do not apply to this media.

Note: dopt, ei, dr, and abl may not exist in all versions of firmware.
Location

MPE
Parameter
name

name

name

mcode

type

type

media
media
media

inv
escan
dr

media

abl

media

dopt

invert
extrascanlines
<part of
debrisoptions>
<part of
debrisoptions>

invert
extrascanlines
<part of
debrisoptions>
<part of
debrisoptions>

hdm

wpower

hdm or med

ds (hdm)

hdm (or
media on
some older
firmware)
media
hdm
(TH2 only,
FW v1.03 or
later)
head
(TH1.x only,
FW v1.91 or
later)
head
(TH1.x only,
FW v1.91 or
later)

sr

eover*
(or r2*)

eover* (or r2*)

N/A

eover*=1
or
r2*=3000

eminsr*
(or r3*)

eminsr* (or r3*)

N/A

eminsr*=0.01*
or
r3*=10

media &
hdm or med
media

TONY SKRJANEC
1.8

ei
edgesr

MCE Parameter

debrisoptions

GMCE Parameter

debrisoptions

Value
Kodak Electra
XD

mcode: 0
type: 9
1
1
1

1 (if vacuum
available)

3 (if vacuum
available), 1 (if
vacuum not
available)
laserpower
(med)
See the CTP
wpower (or
laserpower (med))
Media Imaging
Performance
Database
drumspeed (med)
drumspeed (med)
See the CTP
Media Imaging
Performance
Database
surfacereflectivity N/A
TH1: verify on
(or sr (med))
site
TH2: verify on
site
emissionsintensity
emissionsintensity 0
edgesr
0.011
N/A

KODAK CONFIDENTIAL

29 JAN 2010

MEDIA TECHNICAL NOTE

PAGE 4

Notes:
x
x
x

In MCE/GMCE, to access media parameters, use the password:

>>prm hazardous media enable

In MPE, to change dopt, use the password:

>>set media X dopt hazardous #

In TH1 head firmware v1.92, r2 is equal to eover and r3 is equal to eminsr.

r2 and r3 use different units than eover and eminsr. Use the following equations:
x

r2 is equal to eover * 1000

r3 is equal to eminsr * 1000

eminsr: If two or more media types are being used on the machine, always use the
highest value of eminsr given in the media technical notes.

The sr value provided is an approximate starting value. For the final setting, see the
procedure in section 5.

On some devices, hdm parameters can only be accessed via direct communication
with the head, under med.
Access them by typing >>redirect enable.
Then type: TH2> set med X
The media indices X in the TH2 head are numbered beginning with 0, not 1.

On MPE S-speed devices, devices that have a 128 pixel head do not use overwriting
and cannot have overwriting enabled. On devices with 192-pixel or 224-pixel heads,
overwriting should be enabled (ow=1 or il=1). Set owp using the following settings:

Device
S-speed, MPE, Spectrum
S-speed, MPE, Spectrum

Negative
Positive

S-speed, MPE, non-Spectrum

S-speed, MPE, non-Spectrum

Negative
Positive

Plate Type

owp Setting
1
10 or 11 (for 224-pixel heads
only)
1
1

Table of debris options (MCE/GMCE and MPE)

Debris Option
0
1
2
3
4
5

Options Enabled
None
Whisker jet only
POC* debris removal only (no whisker jet)
Whisker jet and POC* debris removal
CTP PACC* debris removal only (no whisker jet)
Whisker jet and CTP PACC* debris removal

POC=Particulate Only Collection

PACC=Particulate and Chemical Collection

TONY SKRJANEC
1.8

KODAK CONFIDENTIAL

29 JAN 2010

MEDIA TECHNICAL NOTE

4.2

PAGE 5

Set the Parameters: Lotem 400/800 GUI

Parameter Name

Parameter Value

Name
Manufacturer
Exposure
Height / Width / Thickness
Sensitivity
Res / Int Table
TH Name (Quantum only)

Electra XD
Kodak
Positive
actual plate dimensions
From CTP Imaging Performance Database
Electra XD
Kodak Electra XD

Parameter Name

Parameter Value

Res Mtr Table

Lsr Info Table
Use Fufu Valve (Fiber Optic only)
Processless Type
Use Debris Removal Pump
Use Chemical Collection

5.

OPTIMIZING THE IMAGE QUALITY

CAUTION:

5.1

5.2

use default
use default
yes
no
yes (if installed)
no

The processor must be set up correctly or your results will not be valid.

Clean the Lens

x

TH1/1.7 Lens Cleaning

TH2 Lens Cleaning

TH3 Lens Cleaning

Set Receiver Gain (TH3 Heads Only)

1. Confirm the value of rcvrgain. It should be 40 (default).
2. Load a plate on the drum.
3. Type >>head install on
x

The sum value should be approximately 750.

The error value should be 20.

4. If the sum is incorrect, type >>foc cal rcvrgain

5. Type >>head install on and recheck the sum value.

TONY SKRJANEC
1.8

KODAK CONFIDENTIAL

29 JAN 2010

MEDIA TECHNICAL NOTE

5.3

PAGE 6

Set Surface Depth/Focus

1200-dpi Heads

TH1.x/TH2

Laser Power

MPE: sd (hdm or
media)
MCE: surfacedepth
(hdm) or sd (med)
60% of spreadsheet
value

MPE: sd (hdm or
media)
MCE: surfacedepth
(hdm) or sd (med)
60% of spreadsheet
value

Plot Pattern

plot 115 (if unavail.

use 22)

plot 115 (if unavail.

use 22)

100 to +100

30 to +30

60% of
spreadsheet
value
Check the 2x2s
only.
plot 115 (if
unavail. use 22)
100 to +100

10

Parameter

Range

Increment

TH3
GMCE sd
(med)

Fiber Optic /
LDA Head
Focus

60% of spreadsheet
value
Lotem control strip

110 to 300 steps

Increase range to
210 to 400 steps
for 0.150.20mmthick plates
(68mil thick)
step value:10
(20 steps total)

1. What to look for: Ignore banding at this stage.

The best surface depth/focus setting corresponds with the strip that has the most coating
removed and is lightest in color]. Using a densitometer, select the strip with the lowest
density.
2. If you have difficulty identifying this plot strip and/or you don't have a densitometer,
reduce the exposure laser power and repeat the series.

5.4

Set Exposure
The two factors that define exposure are laser power and drum speed. The optimal
exposure for the Electra XD is dependant on the imaging head used.
x

Proper exposure on the Electra XD is based on finding the exposure that gives a
50% reading for an 8 x 8 pixel checkerboard pattern (at 2400 / 2540 dpi). Refer to
the Kodak Digital Media Handbook for more information.

Always use fresh chemistry when running an exposure series. Failure to do so may
result in an incorrect exposure setting, usually overexposure.

TONY SKRJANEC
1.8

KODAK CONFIDENTIAL

29 JAN 2010

MEDIA TECHNICAL NOTE

PAGE 7

TH1/TH2 2400,
2540 dpi
MCE or MPE
Nominal
Exposure and
Expected Laser
Power

Power at End of
Series

Increment

TH3 GMCE

Fiber Optic /
LDA Head

From CTP Media Imaging Performance Database

40% of nominal power

110 mW per
channel

120% of nominal power or maximum laser power;

whichever is lower

300 mW per
channel

Power at Start of
Series

Number of Strips

TH2 1200 dpi

(News only)
MPE or MCE

11

11

11

20

See formula*

See formula*

See formula*

N/A

8x8 checkerboard

Pattern

Lotem/Magnus
control strip

* To calculate the increment, use the following formula:

Increment =

End power start power

Number of strips 1

CAUTION:
Never exceed the maximum laser power during a series or in the
final settings. For this specification, see the CTP Media Imaging Performance
Database.
Inspect the plate. (Ignore any banding at this stage.) Measure the dot areas of the 8 x8
checkerboard patterns and look for a target reading of 50%. If more than one strip reads
50%, choose the middle of the range which reads 50%.

5.5

Optimize Slope and Curve

Note: Not applicable to Fiber Optic/LDA heads.
Perform the slope and curve series to eliminate banding and determine if the final setup has
sufficient latitude for consistent banding-free imaging.
1. Set the bmcurve/beamcurve to 0, and image a slope series from 10 to +10 in
increments of 2, using a checkerboard equivalent to the finest screen supported by
the device and plate combination (refer to the CTP Media Imaging Performance
Database for screening qualification information).

TONY SKRJANEC
1.8

KODAK CONFIDENTIAL

29 JAN 2010

MEDIA TECHNICAL NOTE

Finest Media / Device

Qualified Screen Level
Staccato 10
Staccato 20
Staccato 25
Staccato 36
Staccato 40
Staccato 50
Staccato 70
200 lpi

PAGE 8

Equivalent Checkerboard
2400 / 2540 dpi
2x2
3x3
5x5
6x6
7x7
7x7
8x8
8x8

1200 dpi
N/A
N/A
2x2
3x3
3x3
5x5
5x5
5x5

2. Process the plate. Rinse any gum off the plate and dry it.
3. Pick the strip with the least amount of banding. If theres more than one strip, pick
the one in the middle of the banding-free range.

Note: There may not be any banding-free strips until the curve has been set

properly. If so, pick the strip with the least amount of banding.
4. Enter this as the bmslope/beamslope.

5. Using the bmslope/beamslope from the previous step, image a curve series using
the same range, increment, and pattern.
6. Process the plate. Rinse any gum off the plate and dry it.
7. Select the best bmcurve/beamcurve value using the process described in step 3.
8. Enter this as the bmcurve/beamcurve.
9. Check the final slope series. There should be at least 5 banding-free strips, if you did
it in steps of 1. This ensures adequate imaging latitude.

5.6

Run a Final Surface Depth Series

1. Run a surface depth series, using the following settings:
x

The medias laser power and the best slope, and curve settings determined so
far in the media setup

A range of 21 to +21 centered around the best surface depth, in increments of 3

The same plot pattern from the table in section 5.4 used for the final slope series

Tip: Ensure that youre using the correct pattern for the media/device combination
2. Look for the surface depth setting with the least amount of banding. If there is more
than one strip, select the strip in the center of the banding-free range.
3. If the best banding-free surface depth changes from the original setting, and there
were not enough banding-free strips in the previous section, run another slope series
and check the slope latitude.
x

If there is sufficient latitude, you are finished.

TONY SKRJANEC
1.8

KODAK CONFIDENTIAL

29 JAN 2010

MEDIA TECHNICAL NOTE

5.7

PAGE 9

If there is not enough slope latitude with the new surface depth, see
Troubleshooting Staccato On-Plate in Related Documents.

Run a Final Slope Series (Optional)

Verify sufficient imaging latitude: Image a final slope series at 5 strips from the best
bmslope/beamslope value with an increment of 1. Use the same checkerboard pattern as in
section 5.5.

5.8

Run the Final Verification Plot

Always use the latest version of the Kodak Plate Test Target (KPTT). For download
information, see Related Documents.
1. MPE only: Save the NVS settings.
2. Use the KPTT at the finest FM screen qualified for the device/media combination.
(See the CTP Media Imaging Performance Database.)
3. Carefully inspect all screens and vignettes on the plate for any banding artifacts. If
there is any banding in any of the screens, escalate this to your local media
specialist.

Note: This assumes that the appropriate checkerboard pattern from previous
sections was banding-free.
4. Reset the device.
5. Rerun the KPTT and compare the two plates. They should be identical.
6. This plate may be shown to the customer if it is of acceptable quality. For this
reason, it is important that the file with only the finest supportable screen be used for
this verification, and not an unqualified finer screen.

APPENDIX A: DENSITOMETER AND DOT READER SETTINGS

Refer to the section Recognized Plate Readers of the Kodak Digital Media Handbook.

TONY SKRJANEC
1.8

KODAK CONFIDENTIAL

29 JAN 2010