V Pen code is continuous microscopic dots printed onto ordinary paper using your printer's black ink. Code is often almost invisible, although with some printers you may see pale grey shading where code is printed.
The other 3 colours (yellow, magenta and cyan) are used to print what you actually see on the page (i.e. photographs / symbols, text and other graphics) - the software removes the black automatically from these images - so anything you see that appears to be black isn't, it just looks black! You need a colour printer.
Laser printers
With a few exceptions, we recommend laser printers. Many makes and model of laser printer accurately print the fine code read by the V Pen. Some laser printers require adjustments to 'print preference' settings prior to printing (usually, you at least need to select 'best' quality). Some laser printers use technology that is not compatible with V Pen code or do not allow the necessary settings changes to be made.
We recommend the budget-priced Epson Aculaser C1600 - no settings changes needed and this model is used by the developers in product testing. We are happy to supply this printer. Inkjet printers
Generally these are not suitable, although a couple of inkjet printers have been found to provide good results. As with laser printers, some adjustments to settings may be needed.
We recommend the HP Officejet Pro 8000, which provides excellent results on 'best' quality
NB: the HP OJ 8000 has been discontinued. In Jan 2012 some are still available on-line. DO NOT BUY the replacement 8100 - despite HP's assurances, it uses different technology and does not print V Pen code.
Other considerations:
- Inkjet toner is liquid (i.e. wet!), so full colour background printing is likely to result in damp, wrinkled pages. You can overcome this to some extent by using better quality (100gm+), non-absorbent paper
- If you only print occasionally there is also a risk of toner and / or printer nozzles drying up
- Laser toner is dry powder - it will not deteriorate so quickly and full colour background printing is not a problem
Using your existing printer
We are happy to support you in testing your existing printer. Click here for a list of other printers already tested by us or being used by our customers.Settings changes may be needed with some models:
Epson Aculaser C2800 Colour Laser Printer
HP CP1215 Colour Laser Printer
HP CM1312nfi Colour Laser Printer / Copier
OKI C5600 Colour Laser Printer
Sharp MX4100 Multi-function Printer/Copier
If you are using a printer that is not on our list and getting good results, please let us know so that we can add it.
