CalderaSubmit (Sign, DTF, and DTG) - Hosonsoft printer driver

This article describes the settings specific to the Generic Hosonsoft printer driver.

For general instructions, see how to create and edit devices and how to create and edit presets.

Specifications

• Generic driver for printers equipped with a Hosonsoft controller.
• Hosonsoft website

Driver history

Driver 2023.9.2

• Improved: Added support for pretreatment coat inks, including white and primer. This allows you to process spot colors assigned to these inks, use automatic color strategies, and make custom adjustments.

Driver 2023.7.1-beta

• Fixed: The preview did not crop images extending beyond the layout, even though they were cropped in the print output. The preview now matches the printed result.

Driver 2023.5.0-beta

• Fixed: Corrected the preview orientation displayed on the controller.

Driver 2023.3.4-beta

• New: Added support for printers equipped with Hosonsoft controllers.

Supported output method

• File: Print files are generated in a selected folder.
• TCP/IP: Print files are sent directly to the printer controller.

Configure the printer

File output

Output folder

Click the folder icon to select the folder where generated print files are saved.

You can save output files to local folders, removable drives, and network locations. On Windows, network output folders must use mapped drive paths, such as Z:\Images\Output. UNC paths are not yet supported for output folders.

Output file extension

Generated print files use the PRN and PRT formats.

Preview format

Alongside the print file, the driver generates a separate preview file. This file lets you preview the job and enables the controller to display a thumbnail.

Disable this option if you don't need a preview, or choose from the following:

• BMP
• PNG
• TIFF

Width/Height max size

Set the maximum preview-file size in pixels. The value applies to the longest side of the image, whether width or height.

Cropped preview

Available in CalderaSubmit Sign and DTF Editions.

Enable this option to generate a cropped preview for very long jobs. This makes the preview easier to view without affecting the print output.

TCP/IP output method

Hostname or IP address

Enter the hostname or IP address of the workstation running the printer controller. Using the IP address is recommended.

Data port

Enter the data port used by the workstation running the printer controller. The default port is 9100, but it can be changed on the workstation.

Configure the inkset

See Custom Inkset / Ink Channel Configuration.

Configure the preset

The following settings are configured at the preset level.

Resolution X/Y

Set the horizontal and vertical resolution of the output print file in DPI.

Colors

Available color modes depend on the inkset configured at the device level.

Bits per plane

Set the color depth of the output print file based on the number of ink drops. Higher values can produce deeper colors.

This setting is linked to Tone type; some combinations are not compatible.

Tone type

 Select the tone type required by your printer:

• Halftone: The RIP converts the image from contone to halftone. Select this option if the printer cannot perform this conversion.
• Contone: The printer controller converts the image from contone to halftone.

Bidirection

• On: Prints in both directions. This is faster but may be less accurate.
• Off: Prints in one direction. This is slower but may be more accurate.

Passes

Set the number of nozzle passes needed to print a series of images. More passes can improve print quality but increase printing time.

Speed

It is recommended to leave this value at 1, which corresponds to the printer’s normal speed. Higher values can reduce print accuracy.

Other settings

For other preset settings, see Configure a preset.

Hosonsoft controller recommendations

Hosonsoft does not associate a print mode with the generated print file. Instead, the controller uses its own list of valid resolutions and determines the number of passes from the selected resolution.

1. In Hosonsoft, go to Advance > Rip Print to view the list of supported resolutions:

   

2. In CalderaSubmit, open the preset used by your Hosonsoft printer driver.
3. Check that the resolution configured in the preset is listed as supported in Hosonsoft.
4. Confirm that Tone type is set to Halftone.
5. Set a compatible value for Bits per plane. In most cases, 2 bits is appropriate.

Troubleshooting

Preview is incorrect in Hosonsoft

Opening a job in Hosonsoft before file generation is complete can cause the controller to overwrite the preview. The preview may appear blank, incomplete, or incorrectly scaled.

Wait until the job has finished generating before opening it in Hosonsoft.