Problem with plot consistency 1

[breimler]

We have an HP 750C+, and two CAD stations both running AutoCAD 2004. We recently started having a problem with the plots from both computers matching in light weights. One computer prints the drawings much lighter than the other. Both computers are using the same line weights (I went through and compared both, I even deleted the ctb off the computer that is printing too light and copied the one off of the correct computer). Does anyone know what would cause this? This only started happening within the last couple of weeks. I don't know what else would affect the plot.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Exxit]

breimler, only speculations,

are You working with Xrefs -> VISRETAIN
What colour has the Layer 0? Colour > 7?

Lothar

ADT 2004
ACAD 2002

 

[breimler]

No, I am not working with Xrefs.

Layer 0 is set to pen # 7.

Really I am having problems with the background colors. I am using color #251 as my background. One of the PC's looks fine, but the other prints it so light you can hardly see it. Everything that is 7(black) looks the same. I don't understand it.

 

[Exxit]

new Shaded Plotting?

ADT 2004
ACAD 2002

 

[breimler]

Exxit,

Thanks so much for the info. Unfortunately that didn't fix it. I don't think it is a variable in the drawing since it prints fine from one computer but not the other. Do you know of a system variable that could have been inadvertantly changed on one machine, and not the other?

 

[borgunit]

Do both AutoCADs use the same plotter manager setups? Driver selection can differ.

"Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects." — Will Rogers

 

[breimler]

Yes, I even went as far as completely reinstalling the printer drivers on both machines.

 

[borgunit]

Just as a second check, could you copy the PC3 and PMP file from the good computer to the bad computer. Make sure both have "Plot with PlotStyles" checked too.

"Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects." — Will Rogers

 

[breimler]

Yes, I've done that too. Twice...

I also just downloaded the latest drivers from HP and installed them again.

 

[Exxit]

service pack?

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=4598395&linkID=2475161

Lothar

ADT 2004
ACAD 2002

 

[breimler]

Thanks for the info on the service pack.

Unfortunately that didn't correct the problem. I think I may just completely uninstall AutoCAD and delete any files that the uninstall doesn't, and reinstall.

I will post my results later today.

 

[breimler]

UPDATE:

The reinstall didn't correct it. I have come to the conclusion that it may not be an AutoCAD issue at all.

If anyone has any more ideas I would greatly appreciate them.

Thank you

 

[borgunit]

When you set up the printer, did you point to a system printer or did you control it through AutoCAD's own printer drivers?

"Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects." — Will Rogers

 

[breimler]

I point it to a system printer. I did it the same on both computers.

 

[borgunit]

Try letting AutoCAD control the printing and not the system printer. Install the printer again and then use Network Printer (I think), then as you go through the dialog, you will have to configure it with a printer driver that AutoCAD has in its list (you may have to try different ones until you get one that you like). WHen you get what you want, copy the pc3 to the other computer.

"Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects." — Will Rogers

 

[breimler]

Are you talking about the Heidi drivers? I did install those and it did help, but right before it lets me install them it pops up a warning and says AutoCAD recomends the use of HPGL/2 drivers for my HP plotter instead of the Heidi drivers. I may go ahead and use them like you are suggesting, but do you know how that will affect .plt files? We have to send .plt files to general contractors and architectural firms who are using HP plotters with the HPGL/2 drivers. Will they still come out the same?

Thanks for all of your help!!

 

[borgunit]

It should. The PLT files are hpgl files.

"Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects." — Will Rogers

 

[breimler]

Ok, we'll give that a try.

Thanks again.

 

[chrisjfrye]

Not to point out obvious issues, but is the [Plot with plot styles] option in [Plot Options] checked?

 

[pduch]

I am having the same issue, but I have 3 different degrees of lightness. There is a dark plot, a really light plot, & one in the middle. I've tried recreating plotters, ctb files, & pmp files and haven't come up with a solution. I believe the problem is with a system variable but I don't know which one yet. Has anyone found a solution for this problem?
Thanks