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User Guide (Smart Device Configurator)



Overview

Smart Device Configurator is used to create and maintain Smart Device Configuration files.

A Smart Device Configuration describes the key characteristics of a printer, including its device setup, print bar layout, RIP support files, and RIP configuration templates. The resulting configuration can be used by companion applications such as Smart Print Controller.

The application is organised into tabs. Each tab covers a different part of the printer definition.

Note: When an existing .sdc file is opened, some setup areas become read-only because they define the structure of the printer configuration. If these values need to be changed, create a new configuration or open a device template (.sdt) and save it as a new .sdc file.

General Tab

The General tab defines the main device information and high-level printer characteristics.

This includes values such as:

  • Device name

  • Manufacturer

  • Model

  • Simplex or duplex support

  • Mono or color support

  • Printer type

  • Media type

  • Supported media widths

  • Line speed

  • Engineer Pane PIN

When an existing .sdc file is opened, some structural fields on this tab become read-only. Editable fields include Device Name, Manufacturer, Model, and PIN.

For full details, see General Tab.

The Print Bar Groups tab defines groups of print bars that share the same print settings.

A print bar group is typically used where a set of print bars has common characteristics, such as resolution, bits per pixel, drop size, and side assignment.

If a printer requires different print settings, such as both 600 x 600 dpi and 1200 x 1200 dpi output, these should be defined as separate print bar groups.

In Smart Print Controller, each RIP Server can be assigned to print bars within a single print bar group. Print bars from different groups cannot be assigned to the same RIP Server.

When an existing .sdc file is opened, the Print Bar Groups tab is read-only. To change these settings, create a new configuration or start from a device template.

For full details, see Print Bar Groups Tab.

The Print Bars tab defines the individual print bars used by the device.

A print bar typically represents a single colorant. Each print bar has a plane number and is assigned to a print bar group.

For a color device, Smart Device Configurator can automatically create the standard CMYK print bars and assign unique plane numbers.

When an existing .sdc file is opened, some print bar structure fields are read-only. Drop volume or toner weight settings can still be reviewed and configured where applicable.

For full details, see Print Bar Tab.

RIP Support Files

The RIP Support Files tab manages additional files required by the RIP Server for a specific installation.

These files may include custom output device files, plugins, or other RIP support files needed by the target system.

Files added on this tab are embedded in the Smart Device Configuration so they can be deployed as part of the configuration package.

For full details, see RIP Support Files Tab.

RIP Config Templates

The RIP Config Templates tab manages the RIP Server configuration templates included in the device configuration.

These templates define how the RIP Server is configured when the device configuration is used.

This tab can be used to inspect, compare, and manage configuration template files. It is also used when adding or updating templates for a specific output device.

For full details, see RIP Config Templates Tab.

File Menu

Use the File menu to create, open, and save configurations.

New

Creates a new Smart Device Configuration using the default files supplied with the application.

Any unsaved changes in the current configuration will be lost unless they are saved first.

Open...

Opens an existing file from disk.

Supported file types include:

  • .sdc device configuration files

  • .sdt device template files

  • older .spc files, which are converted when opened

Opening a file replaces the current configuration.

Save

Saves the current device configuration.

If the configuration has not been saved before, Smart Device Configurator prompts for a filename.

Save As...

Saves the current device configuration to a new .sdc file.

Save Template...

Saves the current setup as a .sdt device template.

Device templates contain the reusable setup information from the configuration, but do not contain Smart Media definitions. Templates are useful when creating multiple similar device configurations.

Exit

Closes Smart Device Configurator.

Help Menu

Use the Help menu to access application information.

View Log

Opens the application log file in the default viewer.

About

Displays application version information.