Olmec OP1000 "Problems" (Only if you don't read the Manual!)

[cameraangles]

I recently took delivery of an Olmec OP1000 and thought it would be useful to pass on my “learning experience” which may save a few others from tearing their hair out the way I did.

First of all, I must say that the OP1000 is a brilliant machine. Compared to my superannuated Mitsubishi 8000 it is lightening fast and produces flatter prints, quite important in some circumstances. To be fair to the Mitsubishi, the picture quality is no better, but nevertheless, excellent.
Here are two problems I had (both of which could have been avoided had I read the manual properly, but how many men do that?)

1. If the printer is plugged into a different USB port from the previous one your computer will detect it as a new printer and you’ll not be able to use it without reinstalling the drivers. I did this, deleted the old printer, and it didn’t work. Many hours, and many delete, reinstalls later, I discovered that, to fully delete the printer you must, in addition to deleting it in “Control Panel” “Printers” you need also delete the driver by going to File, Server Properties, clicking the “Drivers” tab and removing the Olmec Driver. It then reinstalls perfectly. Incidentally, the manual says don’t install on a USB hub but I can’t avoid this. It works fine provided the hub is always plugged into the same USB port on your computer / laptop and the printer is plugged into the same port on the hub, it’s that critical.

2. I’ve seen some comments on various forums about a yellow cast on the prints. I had this too until I realised that the printer comes without the ICC profile enabled. Just go to “Printing Preferences” “Color Adjustment” and tick the “Color Matching” box on the left and you’ll see a world of difference.
Don’t be put off by any negative comments you’ve read elsewhere. The OP1000 is a brilliant printer and superb value for money and I'll be happy to discuss this and pass on what little knowledge I have to anyone who is interested.

 

[Spudgun]

1. If the printer is plugged into a different USB port from the previous one your computer will detect it as a new printer and you’ll not be able to use it without reinstalling the drivers.

this is a Windows "feature" that applies to any USB device and its been a PITA for years :bang:.

 

[MisterE]

My view is that anything that requires having to read a manual for day to day use shouldn't be on the market. I recently bought a cheap Lite-On dvd/hdd recorder and it's an absolute pig to work out how to record programmes, edit stuff etc. Yet the Panasonic one I have is so simple and straightforward.

If I plug any of my printers in to a different usb port it creates another printer called copy 1. It's just a question of selecting this one when printing. Eventually I get round to deleting the original and removing the copy 1 suffix. I had a similar problem with a little 6x4 printer that I plugged in to a different port. Took me ages to get working. I hadn't noticed the copy 1 printer amongst the 4 other printers and other stuff. I was wondering if maybe this would have worked in your case.

 

[knocker]

this is a Windows "feature" that applies to any USB device

i've had this usb problem before, i don't believe it's so much a windows problem as a driver problem, some of the drivers provided by equipment manufacturers are not too good, many times i have got rid of the issue by using a different driver in either an update or a third party form

cheap usb equipment usually has a "do it all" driver which will run many versions of a product, this is the usual cause of selective usb port problems......in my experience

 

[seriousrikk]

this is a Windows "feature" that applies to any USB device and its been a PITA for years :bang:.

The only windows feature is that it has to reload the driver for the device attached on the new port - which makes perfect sens as it is in effect a new device (That is how USB works).
This feature works perfectly when the drivers are well written. I have had issues with one or two devices like those you describe - each case it was down to poorly written drivers.
Moral of the story, the drivers sent out on the CD with any product will be out of date - don't use them.

 

[MARK AMIES]

With all respect, I think you will find thathere is a posting/thread preceding this one , in which help has been offered.

The comment that the OP1000 shouldn't be on the market is wholly unfair. You would not need to refer to a manual every day.

The OP1000 is generally speaking no different to any other 6x9/8 dye sub printer in it's operation.

 

[mike weeks]

Definitely a Windows problem. I have many devices that all have the same issue - its why pen drives have the driver built in - have you not noticed that every time you plug it in that it says new device found? even when using the same port.

Mike