Print Color Order Adjustment Guide

Applicable Software: PrintEXP

Basic Principle of Print Color Order Adjustment

Print color order adjustment is basically this:

When the software outputs a color, the printer must spray the same color.

There is only one color flow:

RIP Software → Printer Software → Ink Dampers (Ink Path)

The RIP software decides the color output order.
The printer software assigns colors to CH1–CH8 channels.
Each channel connects to one real ink damper on the printhead.

If any part does not match, you may see wrong colors or color shift.

Goal of this guide:

Set the channel order in the printer software to match the real physical ink order, so colors print correctly.

✔ Just follow the steps in this guide.

1. Open PrintEXP

Double-click the PrintEXP icon on your desktop to enter the main interface.（See Figure 1-1 / 1-2）。

2. Enter Factory Mode

Click Advance on the top menu bar.
Click inside the password box.
Press Ctrl + F12 on the keyboard.
Enter the password: 222222.
Click Factory mode to enter.

Tip: If the password window does not appear, click the input box once and try again.

3. Open the Color Order Page

Click Base color at the bottom menu bar to enter the color-order settings page.
(See Figure 3)

4. Adjust the Print Color Order (Core Section)

The software channels CH1–CH8 must match the real physical ink order.
You may use Method 1 or Method 2.

Method ONE: 4.1 Adjust the Print Color Order Using the Fixed Mapping (3421 / 1243)

4.1.1 Check the Actual Physical Ink Order

Check the ink dampers or ink tubes and record their left-to-right color order.
Example:
Left → Right =K→Y→C→M（See Figure 4.1.1)

Note:
This is the true physical ink path order. All software settings must follow this order.

4.1.2 Check the Current Software Color Order

After accessing the “Base color” page, check the current color assignment in CH1–CH8.

Example(typical factory default):
M1→C1→K1→Y1→Y2→K2→C2→M2
This usually does not match the real ink path (See Figure 4.1.2)

4.1.3 Mapping Rule of Epson I3200 (Fixed Internal Structure)

The Epson I3200 printhead does not use a simple left-to-right ink channel layout.
Instead, it uses a fixed cross-mapped structure, so the HOSON software must follow the official channel mapping.

Software Channel	Corresponding Ink Damper (Left → Right)
CH 1	3rd damper
CH 2	4th damper
CH 3	2nd damper
CH 4	1st damper
CH 5	1st damper
CH 6	2nd damper
CH 7	4th damper
CH 8	3rd damper

CH1–CH4: 3421 mapping
CH5–CH8: 1243 mapping (mirror)

Incorrect mapping will cause color shifting or wrong colors.

4.1.4 Adjust CH1–CH8 Based on the Mapping (See Figure 4.1.4-1)

Example (physical ink order: K→Y→C→M):

CH1 = C1 (3rd damper)
CH2 = M1 (4th damper)
CH3 = Y1 (2nd damper)
CH4 = K1 (1st damper)
CH5 = K2 (1st damper)
CH6 = Y2 (2nd damper)
CH7 = M2 (4th damper)
CH8 = C2 (3rd damper)

After finishing the adjustments, click File → Save to save the settings. (See Figure 4.1.4-2).

Method TWO: 4.2 Adjust the print color order according to the Nozzle Check Pattern

4.2.1 Print a Nozzle Test Pattern

In the“PrintExp” main interface, click Check to print the test pattern.

4.2.2 Record the Color Order of the Printed Nozzle Check Pattern

Observe the Nozzle Check Pattern and record the color sequence from left to right.
Example: C → M → Y → K → K → Y → M → C (See Figure 4.2.2)

4.2.3 Adjust the Software Color Order According to the Pattern

Reassign CH1–CH8 based on the left-to-right color order of the Nozzle Check Pattern.
Example pattern: C → M → Y → K → K → Y → M → C

CH 1=C1
CH 2=M1
CH 3=Y1
CH 4=K1
CH 5=K2
CH 6=Y2
CH 7=M2
CH 8=C2

After adjustment, click “File” in the upper-left corner and select “Save” (See Figure 4.2.3-2).

Notes

Each CMYK printhead must be configured individually.
White ink printheads normally do not require adjustment.
Do not skip File→Save—otherwise the settings will not take effect.

5. Initialize the Printhead

After saving, go to Operation → Initialize.
Wait for the printer to finish initialization.
This applies the new color order to the system.
(See Figure 5)

6. Final Check

If the print colors are still incorrect, please check:

Whether the actual damper/tube order matches the software settings
Whether each printhead has been adjusted (for multi-head models)

For further assistance, please contact LINKO Technical Support.

Technical Support
Email: support@dtflinko.com
Website: www.dtflinko.com