OVERVIEW
This guide provides an overview of recent software changes at DTF Station and explains how to locate your Quick Start Guide, videos, and software resources. This is the first step before beginning printer and software setup.
SECTION 1
Important Software Changes at DTF Station
DTF Station printers starting from the Prestige R2 Pro and newer no longer use traditional software activation codes.
Instead, your Neosta software is activated using a physical USB dongle.
What to know about the dongle:
• The dongle comes packaged in bright yellow packaging marked as important
• This dongle is the software key required to open and print from Neosta
• Do not throw this away
• If the dongle is lost or discarded, printing will not be possible
• Replacement of a lost dongle is the customer’s responsibility
Once you have the dongle:
1) Refer to your Quick Start Guide for instructions on registering your software
2) Registration is completed through Discord
3) The serial number required for registration is printed on the physical dongle
4) Use the DTF Station YouTube channel for step by step Neosta tutorials and updates
SECTION 2
Locating the Quick Start Guide and Resources
The Quick Start Guide contains links and QR codes to all required setup resources.
To locate it:
1) Find the USB drive included with your printer
2) Open the USB drive and locate the Quick Start Guide PDF
If the USB drive is missing or incomplete:
• Check the email you received from the dealer where the printer was purchased
• That email contains the most up to date Quick Start Guide URL link
Accessing the guide:
1) Double click the Quick Start Guide PDF file
2) Click on “Important Resources”
3) Download the PDF
4) Save a copy to your desktop or another easy to access location
About the Quick Start Guide:
• It is a single page PDF
• Contains QR codes and direct links to videos, software, and documentation
• Designed to help you get set up efficiently and correctly
NEXT STEPS
Once the Quick Start Guide is saved and accessible, proceed to the next setup video in the series.
END
Initial overview and resource access is complete.
OVERVIEW
This guide walks through the full physical installation and initial setup process for the Prestige L2 and XL2 DTF printers. This is a required process and is not covered by purchased on-site training. Follow each section carefully to ensure proper installation, operation, and warranty compliance.
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SECTION 1
Required Tools and Safety
Before beginning installation, gather the following tools:
• Work gloves
• Pliers
• Flat screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Allen wrench
• Scissors
Safety notes:
• Always wear work gloves when uncrating to avoid sharp metal edges
• Keep the shipping crate for at least 60 days for warranty purposes
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SECTION 2
Uncrating the Printer
1) Use pliers and a flat screwdriver to lift all metal prongs around the crate
2) Once all prongs are lifted, use a flat screwdriver to separate the top lid
3) Remove the remaining crate panels one by one
4) Remove and discard the moisture absorbing material inside the crate
5) Cut and remove zip ties securing accessories and parts
6) Remove screws securing the printer to the crate base
7) Remove the metal crossbar
8) Remove all plastic wrap from the printer and accessories
9) Verify all parts are present
• If any items are missing, contact DTF Station customer support immediately
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SECTION 3
Assembling the Support Stand
1) Insert each support leg into its corresponding foot piece
2) Align holes and loosely secure using bolts
3) Repeat for the opposite leg
4) Do not fully tighten bolts until all required bolts are installed
5) Attach the front crossbar between the legs
• Ensure the L and R markings face the front
6) Secure with bolts on both exterior and interior sides
7) Tighten all bolts
8) Rotate the assembly so the back faces upward
9) Attach the rear crossbar using the same bolt pattern
10) Stand the assembly upright
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SECTION 4
Installing the Tension Rod
1) Attach the two tension rod brackets to the back of the stand
2) Do not tighten bolts yet
3) Insert the tension rod into both brackets
4) Slide brackets outward so the rod sits correctly
5) Align brackets straight with the legs
6) Tighten bolts
7) Confirm the tension rod moves freely up and down
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SECTION 5
Mounting the Printer
1) With at least two people, lift the printer onto the stand
2) Align the bottom pins with the holes on the stand
3) Remove metal plates that secured the printer to the crate
4) Secure the printer to the stand using four screws per leg
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SECTION 6
Installing Holders and Feed Reel
1) Install the cleaning solution bottle holder under the R side
2) Install the waste tank holder on the back right side
3) Place the waste tank into the holder
4) Install the feed reel brackets on the back of the printer
5) Insert the feed reel crossbar and secure
6) Mount the feed reel assembly to the printer
7) Remove all zip ties and packaging
8) Install the media sensor
• Sensor must face the back of the printer
• Adjust position about half an inch from the bar
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SECTION 7
Ink Container and Tubing Installation
1) Remove the rear ink bay panel
2) Slide the ink container into position
3) Route and connect electrical cables correctly
4) Connect ink tubes securely
• Tubes must fully cover silver nozzles
5) Ensure white ink circulation tube is connected to the pump
6) Reinstall the ink bay panel carefully
• Do not pinch or sharply bend tubing
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SECTION 8
Waste Ink and Cleaning Solution Setup
1) Install the waste ink tube and secure with screws
2) Cut the tube so it reaches into the waste tank without touching ink
3) Cut the tube at an angle
4) Test the waste tank level sensor
5) Route remaining tubes into the waste system
6) Prepare the cleaning solution bottle
• Create a hole in the cap
• Insert the tube to the bottom
7) Place the bottle into its holder
8) Close side panels
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SECTION 9
Final Positioning and Optional Accessories
1) Position the printer in its final location
2) Adjust leveling feet until firmly touching the floor
3) Install foot caps
4) Connect the power cable
5) Connect the Ethernet cable to the computer
6) Remove all remaining tape from the printer
Optional accessories:
• Monitor arm
• Computer tower holder
• Keyboard tray
Install these only if needed.
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SECTION 10
Releasing the Carriage Lock
1) Open the front lid
2) Remove the L bracket using an Allen wrench
3) Store the bracket safely for future transport
4) Remove all internal tape
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SECTION 11
Power On and Software Preparation
For US customers:
• Stop here and wait for on-site training
• Ensure inks, film, and powder are available
For technicians:
1) Plug in and power on the printer
2) Release emergency stop buttons
3) Wait for status to show Idle
4) Allow the carriage to dock on the capping station
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SECTION 12
Pilot Software Installation and Network Setup
System requirements:
• Windows 11 or newer
• Intel i5 or i7 CPU, 2.6 GHz or higher
• Minimum 8 GB RAM
• 500 GB free storage
• SSD recommended
• Ethernet connection required
Steps:
1) Open the Quick Start Guide PDF
2) Download the Prestige XL2 Pilot software
3) Run the installer and complete setup
4) Rename the Pilot icon to XL2
5) Connect the printer via Ethernet
6) Configure network settings in Pilot
7) Assign a local IP address
• All digits must match server IP except the last two
• Do not use 10
8) Confirm green connection indicators
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SECTION 13
Ink Filling and Ink Charge
1) Shake all ink bottles
• Shake white ink for at least 1 minute
2) Let inks settle for 10 to 20 minutes
3) Fill ink containers
4) Open ink valves carefully
5) Watch for abnormal ink flow
6) Power off the printer
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SECTION 14
Priming Dampers and Ink Charge
1) Remove the carriage cover
2) Remove dampers carefully
3) Use a syringe to pull ink through each damper
4) Reinstall dampers correctly
5) Power on the printer
6) Run ink charge for 30 to 45 seconds
7) Perform two head cleanings
8) Wait for Idle status between cleanings
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SECTION 15
Media Loading and Print Start Position
1) Load media onto feed reel
2) Route under the tension rod
3) Raise tension rod fully
4) Feed media into printer
5) Secure pinch rollers
6) Adjust media guides lightly
7) Power on feed reel
8) Set print start position
• Measure from last pinch roller
• Convert to millimeters in Pilot
9) Run a nozzle check
• Confirm no missing nozzles
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SECTION 16
Final Steps
1) Reinstall the carriage cover
2) Secure with six screws
3) Proceed to DigiRip installation video
SETUP COMPLETE
The Prestige L2 and XL2 printer installation is now complete and ready for production setup.
SECTION
00:00:00 Overview and System Requirements
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Note that this setup uses footage from Prestige R1 and XL2, but the process is the same.
2) Confirm the computer is a PC and not a Mac or tablet PC.
3) Verify the computer is not a Microsoft Surface Pro, as it may not be compatible.
4) Ensure the operating system is Windows 11 or later.
5) Verify the CPU is at least an i5 or i7 with a minimum speed of 2.6 GHz.
6) Confirm there is at least 500 GB of free storage.
7) Use an SSD instead of an HDD if purchasing a new computer.
8) Ensure the computer has at least 8 GB of RAM.
9) Verify an Ethernet port is available or obtain an Ethernet adapter if using a laptop.
SECTION
00:01:04 Step One: Downloading DTF Station Pilot
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Locate the USB thumb drive provided with the printer or obtain the quick start guide PDF from the dealer.
2) Double click the quick start guide PDF file.
3) Click Important Resources.
4) Download DTF Station Pilot.
5) Locate the serial number sticker on the printer.
6) If the printer was manufactured before December 2024, verify with DTF Station technicians whether a motherboard and firmware upgrade is required.
7) If required, open the DTF Station Pilot program upgrade folder.
8) Download the motherboard upgrade package and firmware configuration files.
9) Temporarily disable antivirus software or whitelist the installer if blocked.
10) Confirm the files are present in the Downloads folder.
11) Verify the Ethernet cable connection between the printer and computer.
SECTION
00:02:04 Step Two: Installing DTF Station Pilot
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Double click the downloaded .exe installation file.
2) Accept the license terms.
3) Install Microsoft Visual C++ and any additional required software packages.
4) Monitor the taskbar for hidden pop-up installers if the installation appears paused.
5) Wait for installation to complete.
6) Rename the DTF Station Pilot desktop icon to R1.
7) Double click the icon to open DTF Station Pilot.
8) Observe the connection symbol on the left and the light bulb symbol on the right.
9) Note that a blinking red connection symbol indicates no communication with the printer.
10) Click the light bulb symbol to open the log tab if errors are present.
SECTION
00:03:32 Step Two Continued: Network Connection Setup
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Connect the Ethernet cable between the printer and the computer.
2) Turn the printer power on.
3) Click the Windows Start menu and type Ethernet.
4) Open Ethernet settings.
5) Identify the active Ethernet connection labeled as an unidentified network.
6) Click Change adapter options.
7) Disconnect the Ethernet cable and observe which adapter disconnects.
8) Reconnect the Ethernet cable to confirm the correct adapter.
9) Return to DTF Station Pilot.
10) Click the Advanced tab.
11) Click Admin Menu.
12) Select Network.
13) Choose the correct Ethernet connection from the drop-down menu.
14) Enter a local IP address that matches the server IP except for the last two digits.
15) Use an IP such as 192.168.127.16 and avoid using 10 as the last two digits.
16) Click Set, then click OK.
17) Wait 5 to 10 seconds for the parameters to load.
18) Confirm both the connection symbol and light bulb symbol turn green.
CHECKLIST
- Connection symbol is solid green
- Light bulb symbol is solid green
SECTION
00:05:12 Connectivity Troubleshooting
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) If a failed to load parameters error appears, update the motherboard and firmware.
2) If the connection symbol does not turn green, replace the Ethernet cable.
3) Try a different Ethernet adapter if applicable.
4) Retry with a different IP address such as 17 or 18 for the last two digits.
5) Contact DTF Station support if issues persist.
SECTION
00:05:43 Step Three: Changing Language and Setting the Correct Port
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Navigate to the last main tab on the right side of the software.
2) Click the last subtab within that section.
3) Select the first available icon to connect the printer.
4) Choose the correct Ethernet port from the drop-down menu.
5) Enter an IP address such as 192.168.127.58, avoiding 10 as the last two digits.
6) Click the save button on the left.
7) Click OK.
8) Close the pop-up window.
9) Wait for the solid green connection indicator.
10) Click the second button from the top.
11) Select English from the language drop-down menu.
12) Click the button on the right.
13) Click OK.
14) Close DTF Station Pilot.
15) Reopen the software.
16) Confirm the interface displays in English.
SECTION
00:07:27 Step Four: Setting Parameters
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Open DTF Station Pilot.
2) Navigate to the settings tab.
3) Match all settings shown in the video exactly.
4) Ensure the Spot Color option is unchecked.
5) Adjust the print start position based on how the film is loaded.
6) Measure the distance from the left side to the start of the film.
7) Set the print start position typically between 50 and 70 if the film is centered.
8) Click Save.
9) Press the Home button to confirm the printer carriage returns to the home position.
10) Right click the Pilot icon in the taskbar.
11) Select Pin to taskbar.
12) Close the Pilot program.
13) Reopen the Pilot program to confirm the connection remains stable.
SECTION
00:08:56 Completion
CHECKLIST
- DTF Station Pilot opens without errors
- Connection indicator remains green
- Language is set to English
- Printer carriage homes correctly
SECTION
00:00:00 Step One: Downloading and Installing Neosta
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Verify the quick start guide PDF is available.
2) If the quick start guide PDF is missing, request it from the dealer.
3) Double click the quick start guide PDF.
4) Allow the PDF to open in the internet browser.
5) Scroll down in the PDF.
6) Click Importing Resources.
7) Open the Neosta folder.
8) Locate the R2 Pro option at the bottom of the list.
9) Click Download.
10) Click Download again to confirm.
11) Wait for the Neosta installer to finish downloading.
12) Double click the downloaded installer file.
13) Select the desired language.
14) Click OK.
15) Accept the license agreement.
16) Click Next.
17) Click Next again.
18) Click Install.
19) Wait for the installation to complete, which should take no more than 10 minutes.
20) Click Finish.
SECTION
00:02:07 Step Two: Activating the Neosta Dongle
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Insert the Neosta dongle into the computer.
2) Confirm the dongle indicator light turns green.
3) Open Neosta Delta.
4) Click Yes on any system prompts.
5) Wait for Neosta to load if launching for the first time.
6) Enter account details in the dongle registration window.
7) Click Continue.
8) Check the email inbox for a verification code from neostampa or inedit.com.
9) Enter the verification code.
10) Click Continue.
11) Enter printer details.
12) Select Prestige R2 Pro.
13) Add Prestige XL2 if applicable.
14) Click Request Trial.
15) Confirm the software displays a successful activation message.
16) If activation fails, remove all USB devices except the dongle.
17) Restart the computer.
18) Reopen Neosta and retry activation.
19) Click Continue Trial.
20) Click OK.
21) In the printer driver dialog box, click Add.
22) Select DTF Station.
23) Choose the correct printer driver.
24) Click Install.
25) Click OK.
26) Select TCP IP port as the connection type.
27) Click Close.
28) Click Help.
29) Click Activation Keys to confirm the license is valid.
30) Click Info to confirm the dongle is active and view the expiration date.
SECTION
00:04:40 Step Three: Printer Scheme and ICC Profile Setup
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Open the quick start guide.
2) Scan or click the Important Resources QR code.
3) Open Neosta.
4) Select the printer model.
5) Choose Prestige R2 Pro.
6) Review available print modes.
7) Download the 720 x 1800 print mode.
8) Download the 720 x 2400 print mode.
9) Open the Downloads folder.
10) Right click the downloaded file.
11) Select Extract All.
12) Move the extracted folder to the desktop.
13) Repeat extraction for additional print modes.
14) Close all open windows.
15) Open Neosta.
16) Click New Job.
17) Select DTGDTF as the document type.
18) Select the printer.
19) Click OK when no scheme is available.
20) Click the three dot icon to open Scheme Manager.
21) Click Add.
22) Navigate to the Downloads folder.
23) Open the 720 x 1800 folder.
24) Open the subfolder.
25) Double click the CPS file.
26) Select the imported scheme.
27) If a Printing Mode Not Supported error appears, continue with configuration.
28) Select Five Color mode.
29) Select quality 720 x 800.
30) Ignore pass settings.
31) Open Mode Colors.
32) Change the orange color to white.
33) Click OK.
34) Click Save.
35) Click Yes.
36) Repeat steps to import the 720 x 2400 scheme.
37) Verify both schemes appear and are selectable.
SECTION
00:09:39 Step Four: Media Setup and Cost Calculation
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Click New Job.
2) Select the printer and desired scheme.
3) Click OK.
4) Verify the media width under predefined sizes.
5) Right click the media width if unit changes are required.
6) Set media width to 13 inches.
7) Leave media length unchecked.
8) Leave margins unchecked.
9) Click New to add a media profile.
10) Enter a media name.
11) Change the media color RGB values to 105.
12) Confirm the background displays as charcoal gray.
13) Click New to add additional media profiles if needed.
14) Rename each media profile appropriately.
15) Double click the Control Center icon.
16) Open Preferences if printers or schemes are not visible.
17) Set the correct currency.
18) Set measurement units as needed.
19) Set decimal precision to two.
20) Under Services, click Check Status on both services.
21) Click Data Sources.
22) Enter 127.0.0.1:27001 if not already present.
23) Click Add.
24) Confirm the data source is active.
25) Click Consumables.
26) Select the printer.
27) Open the Materials tab.
28) Select the correct film.
29) Set the width to 13 inches.
30) Uncheck Roll if adjusting length manually.
31) Set length to 109 yards or 100 meters.
32) Enter the material cost.
33) Click Save.
34) Import an image using Add File or drag and drop.
35) Duplicate images as needed.
36) Verify the connection is set to TCP.
37) Click Nesting.
38) Set margins to 0.25.
39) Center images using the alignment tools.
40) Click Print.
41) Return to Control Center.
42) Open Consumables.
43) Open the Inks tab.
44) Select all inks.
45) Click Add Price.
46) Enter ink cost.
47) Apply to all.
48) Click Save.
49) Review print history and job records.
50) Adjust media selection if costs show zero.
51) Reprint the job.
52) Verify total job costs populate correctly.
53) Customize print history columns if needed.
54) Export print records as Excel or text files if required.
SECTION
00:15:46 Completion
CHECKLIST
- Neosta launches successfully
- Dongle shows as active
- Printer schemes are selectable
- Media profiles are configured
- Job costs calculate correctly
- Print history records populate


TITLE
Print Head Step Calibration Procedure (DTF Station Pilot)
SECTION
00:00:02 Calibration Overview and Requirements
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Confirm the printer is fully set up before beginning calibration.
2) Identify the need for calibration if prints appear blurry, fuzzy, show poor image quality, or banding.
3) Prepare a magnifying glass or handheld microscope for best accuracy.
4) If unavailable, use a cell phone camera for step, head, and bidirectional calibration.
5) Use a microscope or magnifying glass specifically for channel calibration when possible.
6) Follow along with the video during calibration, as the process can be difficult.
SECTION
00:01:02 Bypass Cover Sensor
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Locate the cover sensor on the printer.
2) Place a magnet or piece of metal on the sensor as shown in the video to bypass it.
3) Confirm the printer can operate with the cover open.
CHECKLIST
- This bypass is for calibration only.
- Always close the cover during normal operation for safety.
- A head carriage lock may be used as an alternative.
SECTION
00:01:38 Prepare Printer and Software
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Open the DTF Station Pilot program.
2) Set the correct print start position.
3) Run a nozzle check.
4) If the printer has been idle for more than 20 minutes, perform two head cleanings.
5) Run the nozzle check again after cleaning.
CHECKLIST
- Nozzle check pattern should look similar to or better than the example shown.
- If coverage is below 90%, perform additional ink fills and head cleanings.
- Contact DTF Station tech support if adequate coverage cannot be achieved.
SECTION
00:02:07 Step Calibration Test Print
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Navigate to the Calibration tab in the Pilot program.
2) Select the Step Calibration subtab.
3) Click Test Print to begin step calibration.
4) Observe the horizontal black lines printed from the left and right sides.
5) Review the numbers below the lines, ranging from -4 to +5.
SECTION
00:02:40 Determine and Apply Step Value
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Identify the number where the two lines overlap into one solid black line.
2) Note that the best value is usually -1, 0, or +1.
3) Enter the selected value into the Pilot program.
4) Click Apply.
5) Click Test Print again to verify results.
6) Confirm the best overlap now aligns at 0.
7) Click Save to complete step calibration.
CHECKLIST
- Ideal overlap occurs at 0.
- If adjustment was required, calibration must be repeated to confirm.
- Example shown uses -2 as the correct value before confirming at 0.
SECTION
00:03:23 Troubleshooting and Next Steps
CHECKLIST
- If calibration values continue to change, inspect:
- Vacuum intensity on the printer bed
- Film condition
- Pinch rollers
- Media tension
- Contact DTF Station tech support if issues persist.
- Proceed to the next video for head calibration.
TITLE
Print Head Calibration Procedure (Head Space Adjustment)
SECTION
00:00:02 Head Calibration Overview
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Confirm the printer uses multiple print heads.
2) Skip this procedure if using a single-head printer and proceed to channel calibration.
3) Understand that head calibration aligns multiple print heads for consistent print quality.
4) Prepare a magnifying glass or handheld microscope for best accuracy.
5) Use a phone camera if magnification tools are unavailable.
6) Note that head calibration consists of three steps:
- Left horizontal
- Right horizontal
- Vertical
SECTION
00:00:32 Understanding H1 and H2 Reference
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Identify H1 as the first print head that sprays ink onto the film.
2) Identify H2 as the second print head.
3) Treat H1 as the fixed reference point during calibration.
4) Adjust only H2 to match H1’s spray pattern.
5) In this example, CMYK is H1 and White is H2.
SECTION
00:00:32 Left Horizontal Calibration
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Open the Head Calibration tab in the software.
2) Click Test Print next to Left Distance.
3) Observe the printer carriage moving left to spray patterns.
4) Confirm the carriage does not spray when returning right.
5) Examine the test print showing black rectangles overlaid with white rectangles labeled from -12 to +12.
6) Identify the number where the white rectangle fully covers the black rectangle.
7) Add the identified value to the current H2 value.
8) Enter the updated H2 value into the software.
9) Click Save.
10) Run another test print to confirm results.
CHECKLIST
- Best overlap should align at 0 after adjustment.
- If not aligned at 0, repeat the process.
- Example shown:
- Original H2 value: -3.5
- Best overlap: +1
- Updated H2 value: -2.5
SECTION
00:01:36 Right Horizontal Calibration
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Click Test Print next to Right Distance.
2) Observe the printer carriage moving left without spraying.
3) Confirm spraying occurs only when the carriage returns right.
4) Examine the test print patterns.
5) Identify the number where the white rectangle fully covers the black rectangle.
6) Subtract the identified value from the current H2 value.
7) Enter the updated H2 value into the software.
8) Click Save.
9) Run another test print to verify alignment.
CHECKLIST
- Best overlap should align at 0.
- Example shown:
- Initial H2 value: 2
- Best overlap: -2
- Updated H2 value: 0
SECTION
00:02:30 Vertical Calibration
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Select the Vertical subtab.
2) Click Test Print.
3) Examine the test print showing horizontal lines inside black rectangles labeled -14 to +4.
4) Identify the line where the white and black horizontal lines overlap most precisely.
5) Subtract the identified value from the current H2 vertical value.
6) Enter the updated value into the software.
7) Click Save.
8) Print again to confirm alignment.
CHECKLIST
- Zero line should align perfectly after adjustment.
- Example shown:
- Initial H2 value: 7.34
- Best overlap: -2
- Updated H2 value: 7.32
- If no clear zero or -2 alignment exists, choose the closest match.
- Odd values such as -1 may be used when alignment falls between markings.
SECTION
00:03:31 Completion and Next Step
CHECKLIST
- Confirm left, right, and vertical calibrations align at zero.
- Proceed to channel calibration.
TITLE
Channel Calibration Procedure (DTF Station Pilot)
SECTION
00:00:01 Channel Calibration Overview
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Open the Calibration menu in the Pilot software.
2) Select Channel Calibration.
3) Understand that channel calibration ensures precise color alignment and reduces image fuzziness.
4) Note that this calibration aligns individual color nozzles horizontally.
5) Prepare a magnifying glass or microscope for accuracy.
6) If magnification tools are unavailable, leave all channel values at zero to avoid errors.
7) Pause the video as needed during calibration for precision.
SECTION
00:00:36 Start Left Direction Channel Calibration
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Click the Calibration button under the Left Direction tab.
2) Allow the printer to print alignment bars.
3) Identify the black bar (Channel 4) as the base reference.
4) Observe cyan, magenta, yellow, black, red, green, blue, and orange bars overlapping the black base.
5) Note that white channels will print after color channels.
CHECKLIST
- Channel 4 (black) must remain at zero.
- Adjusting Channel 4 will shift all other channels.
SECTION
00:01:05 Reviewing Printed Alignment Bars
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Decide whether to pause printing before channel 8 completes to keep the film on the printer bed.
2) Alternatively, allow all channels to print, cut the film, and inspect it on a flat surface.
3) Use a microscope or magnifying glass to inspect each color channel.
4) Compare each channel’s bar alignment against the black base bar.
SECTION
00:01:36 Determine Optimal Color Channel Values (CH1–CH8)
CHECKLIST
- CH1 Cyan:
- Zero shows slight right misalignment.
- +2 provides the best overlap.
- CH2 Magenta:
- Best alignment at zero.
- CH3 Yellow:
- Best alignment at +3.
- CH4 Black:
- Must remain at zero.
- CH5 Blue:
- +2 provides better alignment than +1.
- CH6:
- Best alignment at zero.
- CH7:
- Best alignment at zero.
- CH8:
- Best alignment at zero.
SECTION
00:02:08 Enter Color Channel Values (H01)
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Return to the Pilot software.
2) Locate the row labeled H01.
3) Input the determined values for CH1 through CH8.
4) Apply math similar to head calibration:
- If default is 0 and +2 is optimal, input +2.
- If default is -1 and +2 is optimal, input +1.
5) Double-check alignment bars before saving.
6) Save the settings.
SECTION
00:02:44 White Channel Calibration (H02)
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Resume printing if the printer was paused.
2) Inspect the four white channel bars printed over the black base.
3) Identify the best overlap values.
4) In this example:
- CH3 best overlap at -3.
- CH4 best overlap at -3.
- CH5 and CH6 best alignment at zero.
5) Enter values into the Pilot software under H02.
6) Apply math as needed:
- Example: Default -1 plus -3 results in -4.
7) Save the settings.
SECTION
00:03:26 Verification and Right Direction Calibration
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Recalibrate to verify alignment.
2) Confirm zero is the best overlap if calibration was successful.
3) If alignment is better at +1 or -1, adjust values and recalibrate.
4) Repeat the entire process under the Right Direction tab.
5) Follow the same steps used for left direction calibration.
CHECKLIST
- If alignment issues persist, repeat calibration.
- Contact DTF Station tech support if clarification or assistance is needed.
TITLE
Bidirectional Calibration Procedure (DTF Station Pilot)
SECTION
00:00:02 Bidirectional Calibration Overview
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Confirm all previous calibrations have been completed.
2) Understand that bidirectional calibration is the final calibration step.
3) Identify symptoms of poor calibration such as blurry prints or a doubling effect.
4) Note that previous calibrations were unidirectional.
5) Understand that bidirectional calibration combines left and right unidirectional patterns to improve print speed while maintaining accuracy.
6) Perform this calibration periodically, especially when film thickness changes or when environmental factors change, such as a print head replacement.
SECTION
00:00:30 Generate Bidirectional Test Print
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Navigate to the Calibration menu in the Pilot software.
2) Select the Bidirectional Calibration tab.
3) Tap Test Print to generate the calibration pattern.
4) Observe the printed pattern showing:
- One darker black bar at the top
- One darker black bar at the bottom
- One lighter black bar in the center
SECTION
00:01:00 Identify Optimal Overlap
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Examine the calibration pattern closely.
2) Identify the bar where the dark and light patterns overlap perfectly.
3) Use a microscope for best accuracy.
4) If unavailable, use a phone camera.
5) Record the number corresponding to the best overlap.
6) In this example, the best overlap is at -2.
SECTION
00:01:00 Calculate and Apply Calibration Value
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Return to the Pilot software.
2) Locate the current value next to the print test.
3) Perform the calculation by adding the overlap value to the current setting.
4) In this example:
- Current value: 17.5
- Adjustment: +2
- New value: 15.5
5) Enter the new value into the field.
6) Click Save.
7) Hold the down arrow icon briefly.
8) Tap Test Print again.
SECTION
00:01:00 Verification and Completion
INSTRUCTION STEPS
1) Review the new test print.
2) Confirm the zero pattern shows the best overlap.
3) If zero is not the best overlap, repeat the calibration steps.
4) Complete calibration once zero is confirmed as optimal.