MPS Staffing Notice
Due to the library move, the Multimedia Production Space will no longer be staffed starting Saturday, June 6. Please consider the Digital Union for your multimedia project needs!
Add comment June 4th, 2009
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Plotter FAQ
With the Denman Forum around the corner, we have been getting a lot of questions about poster printing. Here is some background information and common questions and answers:
Plotter Resources: http://library.osu.edu/sites/mps/plotter/
NOTE: Please do not release a plotter job when someone else’s job is spooling as a memory error may occur.
Where do I go to print?
Computers #1 and #2 are set up specifically for large format printing — they are the two closest to the printing station in SU220, and they are Apple Power Mac G5s. If there is someone using those computers not working on a poster, you may ask them (or ask a staff member to ask them) to change computers.
How can I get help?
The Multimedia Production Space is primarily staffed by two people. As such, there are times when a primary staff member may not be available for assistance. In such a case, either someone from the circulation or reference desks should be able to assist you. Please also feel free to e-mail us at sul-mps@osu.edu.
What is the turn-around time?
We are not a full-service copy shop. You must do the printing yourself like you would print a paper or notes off of Carmen. Our online tutorials are available at http://library.osu.edu/sites/mps/plotter/, and there is also hints and tips signage located at the computers themselves. Of course, if you need assistance, you can ask a staff member for help. Please see also ”How long does it take to print?” below.
How much does it cost?
Due to fluctuating price reports from UniPrint, the prices may vary from posted by several cents. However, our largest size, 36″x48″, should not exceed about $8 for the entire, full-color job (yes, eight dollars). For all valid sizes and pricing information, go to http://library.osu.edu/sites/mps/plotter/
How do I pay?
The large format printing uses the Pharos printing system as is used in computer labs across campus, which accepts BuckID. This is the only method accepted for payment. If you have a 100W, you can order a “copy card” from the BuckID office. More information about getting a copy card can be found here: https://buckid.osu.edu/faculty_copycards.asp
I’m working on a Windows PC. Will it work on Mac?
If working on the PowerPoint slide on a Windows PC, special care must be taken to make sure the slide, when opened on the lab Macs, is formatted properly. This is primarily due to slight font differences between the operating systems. To alleviate this, you can either perform the corrections on-site, or, back on the Windows machine, export to a PDF which you then print in Acrobat in the lab.
How long does it take to print?
The following estimates are based on a 36″x48″ print. For a completely rasterized job, as would come out of Photoshop, it can take up to an hour and a half, but usually it’s closer to an hour. Printing from PowerPoint is supported as long as there is not background image — fades/gradients are OK. Average time for PowerPoint jobs is about twenty to thirty minutes. Overall, expect the entire process to take up to two hours, which allows for Windows->Mac slide fixing and the possibility of rasterizing the slide.
I got an Out of Memory error.
If you receive an Out of Memory error while printing from PowerPoint, that is likely due to corrupted image data reaching the printer. There are two ways to alleviate this:
1) Copy your slide’s images one-by-one into something like Photoshop, save copies of them, clear the original images from the slide, and import the re-saved copies
OR
2) Export the slide as an image and print from Photoshop.
My question isn’t answered here…
Please contact us via e-mail at sul-mps@osu.edu so we have a written record of the question and answer and can add it to our FAQ :-).
Add comment March 5th, 2009
