Epson Stylus Photo 1500W

A3+ Inkjet Printer

WINDOWS

First please click on the link below and download the latest driver for the Printer.
Download Driver

Make sure you choose the correct Windows operating system for your computer before downloading the driver. These appear on the left hand side.

Once installed follow the instructions below.

It is extremely important to follow these Directions and to use ALL the Settings
It is also extremely important to use a lead at all times to connect your printer to your computer. Wireless connection is unsuitable for transmitting large files.

How to open the Control Panel in Windows 8

(Opening the Control Panel may be different on other versions of Windows)

1. Click on the Start Menu which is in the left hand side corner of the Desktop

2. Click Settings.

3. Click Control Panel. The screen below will appear.

4. Then go to View devices and printers

5. Right click on your printer and choose Printer Properties from the list.

6. Go to Advanced and then click on Printing Defaults *(see screenshot below)*

7. Follow instructions below

7.1. In Quality Option select Photo (for Medium Quality) or Best Photo (for the high quality)

7.2. Next Click Advanced

7.3. Set Source to Sheet

7.4. Set Type to Plain Papers

7.5. Set Print Quality to Fine

7.6. Set Paper Size to A3+ (329mm x 483mm)

7.7. Set to Borders

7.8. Also set to Portrait

7.9. Only tick Edge Smoothing (other boxes must be un-ticked)

7.10. Next go to Save Settings and name Floato and click SAVE

7.11. At the top of the page then select Maintenance

7.12. At the bottom of the page Select Printer and Option Information

7.13. At the bottom of the page Select Thick paper and envelopes then Click OK

7.14. Then click OK again

8. Finally select Printing Defaults and finally check All Settings are correct:

Check Photo / Best Photo is still selected and if not Select Photo / Best Photo
To Check the Other settings go to Advanced:
Sheet / Plain Papers / Fine / A3+ 329 x 483 / Borders / Portrait
Close by Clicking OK

You are now ready to Print from the App

Epson Status monitor may appear: Click Do not display this message again Click Print. Once you are used to printing Floato™ Photo Balloons, you can experiment with the settings and go for “Highest Quality Print” but the above are the settings we recommend you use. Going for Highest quality will increase ink usage drying time and may mark the balloons.

MAC

These Directions/Settings are extremely important to follow:

• Set Paper Size to A3+ Not Borderless (329mm x 483mm)
• In Print Settings Select Plain Papers
• In Print Quality Select Normal
• In Presets: Select “Save Current Settings as Presets”
• And re-name as “Floato” Plain Papers Normal
• Go to Printer Settings and Select Options:
  - Thick Paper and Envelopes Select On
  - Skip Blank Page Select On
  - High Speed Printing Select *Off*
  - Warning Notifications Select On

Printing Instructions

Carefully open vacuum bag just prior to printing and store un-used balloons flat. If you do not use the entire contents, store flat preferably with a weight covering the side edges of the balloon. Never expose Floato™ Balloons to the sun or high temperatures before printing.

Warning: Before printing the first balloon of the day, especially on hot day, (The same with a new printer) always ensure you print the reverse paper side of a balloon once (with the arrows pointing downwards). This is important, as the inkjet heads can be clogged when the printer has not been used and this can cause marks.

Normal Printing: Place balloon into printer with Arrows pointing downwards and with The blank printable surface facing you.

Floato™ Photo App

To use the Floato™ App to print:

• Download the Apple or Windows version from Floato™ website free-of-charge.
• Install on computer as directed.
• Printing is done from “your” computer – not remotely.
• Click on the App.

• “Drag” your photo (jpg) into the display window.

• Adjust the size of the image with the bar at the top right and placement by dragging within the “circle.”
• Type your message in the “Top Text” and “Bottom Text” boxes.
• Choose from 5 different fonts.

• Choose the colour of the text and its outline by clicking on the “colour picker” – top and bottom text can be different fonts and/or colours. The colours can also now be replicated in either box by using the arrows next to the colour boxes.

• Click “Print” – the big green bar at bottom right.
• Select correct printer and check settings.
• Remove the balloon from the printer tray after the printing is complete.

• Slowly and gently peel the top sheet from the folded balloon.

• Carefully unfold the balloon “flaps” from the carrier paper and gently remove the paper from the balloon.

Warning: Remove tail slowly to avoid tearing valve opening

Inflate, attach a ribbon and enjoy your balloon!

Photoshop

Should you decide to use Photoshop to create your own images please find a Template attached below. The sizing is 329 x 483 mm. You will need to double click on the image to see the surround.

Warning

Your new stock of photo balloons balloons has a new improved lighter coating and you will be able to print faster and more economically.

These balloons float straighter and stay up longer.

You must however change the settings for your Epson Stylus Pro 3800 / 3880 printer.

The settings you require are clearly shown on the following pages.

Printer Preferences for Photo-Balloons

Printer Preferences for Photo-Balloons
These settings are applicable when using Epson SP 3800/3880 with Matt Black Ink.

Please go to the Epson website or click on one of the following links to
make sure you have the latest driver installed.

The following settings are not optional and must be used at all times.
Changing any of the following settings could result in damage to the balloon and possibly damage to the printer.

The settings are as follows:

• Media Settings: Media Type: Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper
• Colour: Colour
• Print Quality: Quality Options (Please click on “Quality Options” and make sure that the Print quality is set to Fine – 720x720dpi, and High Speed, Edge Smoothing and Finest Detail are ticked.)
• Mode: Auto / Epson Standard sRGB
• Paper Settings: Source: Sheet
• Size: A3+ / Super A3
• Print Preview: Ticked
• Paper Config: Color Density - 15 (minus!)
• Paper Thickness: 15
• Platen Gap: Wider

Please go back to the Main Tab, click on Save/Del on the top right corner and save the settings as Photo-Balloon.

Feeding the Photo-Balloon into the Printer
Each Photo-Balloon has been individually vacuum packed and sealed into a clear packet.

Safety First – Plastic bags can be dangerous.

To avoid danger of suffocation keep plastic bags away from babies and children.

It is essential that the vacuum pack is not opened until immediately before printing.

1. The Photo-Balloons need to be placed into the Auto Sheet Feeder.
2. Slide the edge guide to the left to allow the Photo-Balloon to fit in.
3. Whit the white printable area facing towards you and the leading edge as indicated by the two arrows on the back facing down, place it into the paper slot.
4. Now adjust the left edge guide to the left side of the Photo-Balloon.

The Photo-Balloons have been designed with a leading edge, which is the top sheet of paper extending 3mm further than the balloon. This end is the top of the Photo-Balloon and where the top of the image must be printed.
Ensure that you open the bag carefully with scissors and avoid cutting in the balloon.

Carefully and gently remove the contents from the bag.
Two arrows indicate the top end of the balloon that must be feed into the printer.

Epson Stylus Pro 3800 / 3880:

• The Photo-Balloons need to be placed into the Auto Sheet Feeder.
• Slide the edge guide to the left to allow the Photo-Balloon to fit in.
• Whit the white printable area facing towards you and the leading edge as indicated by the two arrows on the back facing down, place it into the paper slot.
• Now adjust the left edge guide to the left side of the Photo-Balloon.

PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR EPSON STYLUS PRO 4900

WINDOWS VERSION

Printer Preferences for Floato™ Photo-Balloons

These settings are applicable when using Epson SP 4900 with Matt Black Ink and do not require the use of an ICC Profile. (Please ensure you choose the correct Windows Operating System)
Download Driver
The following settings are not optional and must be used at all times!
Changing any of the following settings could result in damage to the balloon and possibly damage to the printer.

1. You will need to use the Template included in order to position your image in the correct place (You will be able to do this in Photoshop).

2. First open the image and click on Print in the Menu, and then click Print again.

3. The screen below will appear. Now first select the correct Printer. Next click on Options in the bottom right hand corner (above Cancel)

4. Next click on Options in the bottom right hand corner (above Cancel)

5. The following screen will appear with the Default Settings…

Follow Instructions below in order to set up the Preferred Settings:

• At this time leave “Current Setting” as this needs to be done last.
• Go first to Media Type, select Matte Paper -> Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper from the list
• Color: Color
• At Print Quality select Quality Options from the list.
• Below screen will appear where you can choose the level of the Print Quality (1 is for the lowest, 5 for the best quality)
• Recommended qualities are 2,3 and 4.
• Make sure that all 3 options below are off / un-ticked.

High Speed: Off
Edge Smoothing: Off
Finest Detail: Off

• When all done Click OK

• Next click on Paper Config…. Which you will find to the right of quality options

• Set up the following settings:

Color Density: -15 (minus!)
Paper Thickness: 15
Platen Gap: Wider

• Then click OK when you will return to the earlier window

• First set Mode to: Automatic / Epson Standard (sRGB)

• Then in Paper Settings:

Source: Select Paper Cassette from the list
Size: Click on ‘User Defined’ to configure the correct paper size

Set up the following options on the ‘User Defined Paper Size’ screen (see screenshot below):

1. Paper Size Name: Floato A3+ Extended
2. Fix Aspect Ratio: Not Specify
3. Paper Width: 329
4. Paper Height: 583
5. Unit: mm

• Click Save then OK
• Tick Print Preview (see screenshot below):

• On the top of the page Now Go to ‘Page Layout’ and make sure that the following settings are as below:

Paper Size: User Defined
Output Paper: Same as paper size

• Click On ‘Save/Del...’ to the right of ‘ Select Setting: Floato A3+ Extended’ –
• Name it as Floato A3+ Extended then click on Save and then OK

Please ensure that for each and every image selected you return to Printer Properties to select Saved Settings before you press Print!

1. Open image and go to Print, then click on Print again

2. Make sure the correct Printer is selected then click on Options then Printer Properties

3. Below screen will appear. At ‘Select Setting’, choose your saved settings from the list (Floato A3+ Extended) then Click OK then Print

Setting the Platen Gap using the menu on the Printer

On the Epson SP 4900 it is essential to also manually set the Platen Gap using the printer’s menu prior to printing a Photo-Balloon.
Always make sure that the “Platen Gap” is set correctly before feeding the Photo-Balloon into the printer.

Please do the following and set the Platen Gap to Widest:
1. Press Menu (right arrow) to enter the printer’s menu system.
2. Press on Printer Setup.
3. Press on Platen Gap.
4. Use the buttons to change the setting to WIDEST.
5. Press OK on WIDEST to confirm.
6. Press three times the left arrow to go back.

Configuring the Printer using the Printer’s menu

We have noticed that the default settings on the printer may sometimes differ. Please go through the following checklist and make sure everything is set correctly.

1. Press > Menu to enter the printer’s menu system.
2. Press > on Printer Setup.
3. Set Page Line to OFF.
4. Set Paper Size Check to OFF
5. Set Paper Skew Check to OFF
6. Go back to the main menu and select Paper Setup. Select Paper Type and make sure No Paper Selected is ticked.
7. Go back to the main menu and choose Print Head Alignment. Choose Paper Thickness and set it to 60 mil.

SEE TEMPLATE BELOW

Canon Pixma Pro 100 A3+ format Inkjet Printer Directions/Settings

MAC

1. Connect the printer and apply basic settings:

• Paper Size is A3+ Borderless (329mm x 483mm)
• Paper Type is Matte Photo Paper
• Print Quality is Standard or for High Quality High

2. Choose “Prevent Paper Abrasion” in “Print Utilities”

3. See separate Information Sheet

4. Open the protective plastic bag just prior to printing.

5. Place balloon into printer with arrows pointing downwards and blank printable surface facing you.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS BELOW...

WINDOWS 8

• Connect the printer and apply the following settings:
• In Preferences click on Maintenance then Custom Settings.
• Tick Only Detect Printable Disk and Prevent Paper Abrasion.
• Click OK
• Next a Window Appears. Apply Settings to Printer Click OK.
• Then Printing Preferences Window Appears Click OK.
• Now Click On Preferences Again.
• In Commonly Used Settings: Select: Photo Printing and Save Below as “Floato” An Icon will appear.
• In Additional Features: Un-tick all 3 Options
• In Media Type: Select: Photo Papers and then Matte Photo Papers
• In Print Quality: Select: Standard or High (as you wish)
• In Paper Size: Select: A3+ 13” x 19” (33cm x 48cm)
• In paper Source: Select: Rear Tray
• Check Borderless Printing remains Un-Ticked and all settings are correct.
• Then tick Always print with Current Settings and Click OK.
• A window will appear to Confirm use of these settings in the future: Click OK.
• Click Print
• A window will appear to confirm using Prevent Paper Abrasion Click OK
• See separate Information Sheet
• Open the protective plastic bag just prior to printing.'
• Place balloon into printer with arrows pointing downwards and blank printable surface facing you.

Download Correct Driver

To use the Floato™ App to print

1. Download the Apple or Windows version from Floato™ website free-of-charge.

2. Install on computer as directed.

3. Printing is done from “your” computer – not remotely.

4. Click on the App.

5. “Drag” your photo (jpg) into the display window.

6. Adjust the size of the image with the bar at the top right and placement by dragging within the “circle.”

7. Type your message in the “Top Text” and “Bottom Text” boxes.

8. Choose from 5 different fonts.

9. Choose the color of the text and its outline by clicking on the “color picker” – top and bottom text can be different fonts and/or colors. The colors can be replicated in either box by using the arrows.

10. Click “Print” – the big green bar at bottom right.

11. Select correct printer and check settings.

12. Remove the balloon from the printer tray after the printing is complete

13. Slowly and gently peel the top sheet from the folded balloon.

14. Then remove balloon from carrier sheet

15. Slowly unfold the balloon “flaps” from the carrier paper and slowly peel the paper from the balloon (being extra careful when removing the tail not to tear valve opening.)

Inflate, attach a ribbon and enjoy your balloon!

Simple Guide to Prevent Abrasion Setting

In printers and scanners Select Options then Supplies then Select Utility.

Next Open Printer Utility and select Custom Settings

Select Custom Settings

Tick Prevent Paper Abrasion only

And reduce Ink Drying Time 1 Notch

Apply

New Software Installation + Answers and Trouble Shooting

Method:

1. Uninstall Old Software
2. Install New Software
3. Next go to “Help” which you will find at the top of the app on Windows, and at the top of the screen on Mac… and clear cache.
4. This will remove unwanted data and give Floato™ a fresh start.
5. Now reopen you app, which is now ready for use.

Trouble Shooting

1. Should you have any problems with the app not creating the full image or loosing lettering, you can generally fix this by slowing down the app to work better with your computer.
2. Go back to “HELP” and click on “My print has an incomplete      image?” where you can increase the dwell time in milliseconds.
3. This will allow the app more time to create your design as the app
4. To avoid making any mistakes in future please GO Back to your Set Up and tick the Print Preview Box in Printing Preferences. In this way you will always get to see exactly what you will print before printing. Similarly on a Mac in Print you can go to PDF and select “Open PDF in Preview
5. When using the templates you can hugely increase the amount of letters you can type into the boxes by simply selecting a very small size of type first, and then enlarging the size. It will all then appear in the box.

Default is very fast at 5000 milliseconds.  We recommend you slow it down to 25,000 milliseconds which will only slow the app down by about 10 seconds real time.