Encad 880 RIP/Training

[mahoganybd]

I have an Encad 880 that's been in storage for 3yrs, It was purchased without a RIP. Would like to put it into use (Ipresently using a HP designjet 130). What type of RIp should I look for and is there an company that offers training on this printer, don't want to waste time and money through trial and error? Located in the Chicagoland area.

Thanks,
Mahoganybd

[maxon]

I'm not sure if you manage to obtain spares, the Encad line was discontinued by Kodak about five years ago. Your printer most probably needs a new service station with rubber pads, a good clean and new carts. Servicing is the first step. If you're happy with the result and tests are fine on paper, Onyx Postershop would be a good start, but there are at least 10 other major brand rips which may support this device.

[mahoganybd]

Thanks, for the info. Do you think i'ts wort investing to get it working?

[maxon]

... Do you think i'ts wort investing to get it working?

It mostly depends on what you want to use it for. If you're happy with the basic colours 2x4 or 1x8 configuration, the low resolution by today's standards, obsolete interfaces - parallel and ethernet only, slow processor and small RAM buffer, then give it a try. I advise you to start looking for replacement cartridges and ink suppliers.
You'll probably have the same headaches as I had priming ink lines, replacing faulty cartridges and dealing with banding.

[mahoganybd]

Once again, THANKS; maybe a little more work than I'm ready to handle, try'in not to work my brain so hard, would like for the printer to do the work; maybe I'll wait for a better printer (used) - but would like to get into the wideformat market a little more.