I have just purchased an ALPS printer for making decals. Can any one please help me with some instructions, or methods for getting the best out of the printer especially the settings required for best results in the options when wetting for printing. I have windows XP.
Thanks, Jason
.

That's a lot of information, far to much to go into here - but I can point to 2 great resources:

This is more specific to waterslide decal printing
[groups.yahoo.com]

This is general Alps printer configuration, driver, and setup.
[groups.yahoo.com]

But there is overlap between the two.

HTH,
Christian

Timing is everything - hope you dont mind if i hitch-hike off this post. I've been thinking about an alps printer myself. I really just want if for decals. anything else would be a perk. I notice 3 models, the MD-1000, MD-1300 and MD5000 on @#$%&. Is there that much of a diff between the 3 as it relates to decals?

> Is there that much of a diff between the 3 as it relates to decals?

Not as they relate to decals.

All your decals will look great at 600dpi which all those models handle. I would recommend the 1000, it's cheaper and does everything you need.

The 5000 also prints 1200dpi and Dye-Sub. The 1200dpi glossy finish ribbon should not be used on WS decals. Dye-sub can not be used on decals.

When you print waterslide decals for rods you have basically 3 choices.
1. Metallic silver or gold - there were metallic colors available, but they are difficult if not impossible to find anymore.
2. White
3. Color on White undercoat - Colors will not show without the white undercoat. They are not opaque enough.

All those printers support all those types of printing.

HTH,
Christian

The favorite for rodbuilders is the MD-1000.( ave. price $150 & up). The 5000 is overkill for decals,and is BIG $$$( $250 & up,up). As Christian said, "dye Sub" won't do decals,you want "Micro Dry".
The MD 2010 will also do the job with some tinkering when you want to print white, and is cheaper( sometimes as low as $75) Metallic Silver & Gold, and white are still quite available, but more costly than they used to be( ave. $ 8-10 ea. cartridge),metallic Cyan & metallic Magenta are getting real scarce ( You don't need those anyway). An alternative is to undercoat with silver or gold,then put the 'regular' colors over the top.
A cheapo when you find them Is a Citizen Printiva 700 ( same as a 2010) , BUT..last I knew,you need to run Win 95 or 98 for the Citizen. Keep an eye on ol' @#$%& & shop CAREFULLY.

If anyone is interested their is a guy still selling them new in Australia. Sorry Christian never got back to you on that, he still has them in stock. I bought an MD1000 after advice from Putter and Christian love it. Anyone one who is interested email me I can put you in touch with the guy here in Australia, he did have some special deals going a short while ago, he will also ship to the States.

Myles

Jason,
Give me an email I have deleted it, I will go throught it step by step. Few little tricks, and hurdles to get over.

I recently bought a alps 1000 and I'm slowly learning to use it (thanks Myles). I think its a great printer and prints out great decals (once you get the hang of it). Mine is a 1000 and it does all that I need and I think all that any rod builder would want. Just hope we can get parts and cartridges for a long time to come.
Mick Larson
Bacchus Marsh Vic
Australia

Does the 1000 work with Windows XP?

Hugh -

Yes - There are drivers available through Alps or on the Yahoo groups I listed above.

Christian