Metwave, Konica, Minolta waveform debugging tools

Metwave, Konica, Minolta waveform debugging tools

Table of content.

1. Software Overview

This user manual provides guidance for installing and using the Meteor MetWave Konica Minolta Waveform Editor.

The editor enables users to edit and manage Konica Minolta waveform libraries and directly integrate them into Meteor configuration profiles.

The editor supports up to 40 waveforms per waveform library, allowing users to select and use any waveform from the library.
 Each waveform is stored in one of 40 available “slots.” When a waveform is saved, the corresponding slot is automatically defined in the Meteor configuration file.

The waveform editor can operate independently without connecting to Meteor hardware, provided that an appropriate head configuration file is selected.
 Configuration files are created and defined in the Meteor Monitor software.
 The default configuration file path is:

C:\Users\Public\Documents\Meteor\Config\


 

 

2. Software Installation

Please note that the Meteor Waveform Editor interface may vary depending on the parameters defined in the configuration file or the printhead being used.

Before installing the software, refer to the printhead hardware manual to understand the waveform requirements for the specific head.

If any previous version of the Meteor Waveform Editor is installed, uninstall it using “Uninstall or change a program” in the Windows Control Panel.

 

 

2.1 Minimum PC System Requirements

The Meteor Waveform Editor can run on any system using Windows 10 (64-bit).
 If unsure, please contact Meteor Technical Support.

The PC connects to the printhead control board via 1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet, but the waveform editor does not require a connection to the control board to operate.

Minimum system requirements:

  • Operating System: Windows 10 (32/64-bit)

  • CPU: 2.0 GHz (minimum dual-core)

  • RAM: 8 GB

  • Interface: Can operate without a Meteor control board connected

If a previous version exists, uninstall it before proceeding.

Run MetWaveKonicaMinolta.msi.
 The installer will prompt you to install a 32-bit (x86) application. If you accept the installation location and conditions, installation will continue.

You may also be prompted by METWAVE.msi to allow changes to your device. Select “Yes” to proceed.

After installation, a new shortcut named “MetWave for Konica Minolta Heads” will appear on the Desktop and in the Start Menu → Meteor Print System folder.

 

3. Software Overview

3.1 Launching the Waveform Editor

Before launching the waveform editor, Meteor Monitor must be running, and the correct configuration file for the printhead must be selected.

When launching Meteor Monitor for the first time, select the appropriate configuration file from:

C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Meteor\Config


Example configuration file:

DefaultKM1024I_PccE.cfg


Once the configuration is selected, launch the waveform editor via the “MetWave…” desktop shortcut.

Alternatively, launch via:

Start → All Programs → Meteor Print System → MetWave for Konica Minolta Heads

 

 

4. User Interface

4.1 MEMS Printhead Interface Overview

When using a MEMS printhead, the following main interface will appear.

If the following (or similar) error is displayed, open Meteor Monitor and select the correct configuration file for the Konica Minolta printhead type (e.g., DefaultKM600M_PccE.cfg) located at:

C:\Users\Public\Documents\Meteor\Config\PccE\

 

 

4.2 KM1024 Interface Overview

When using a KM1024 printhead, the following interface will appear.

If an error appears, select the correct configuration file (e.g., DefaultKM1024_PccE.cfg) from:

C:\Users\Public\Documents\Meteor\Config\PccE\

 

 

4.3 KM1024i / KM1280i / KM1800i Interface Overview

When using KM1024i, KM1280i, or KM1800i printheads, the following interface will appear.

If an error appears, select the correct configuration file (e.g., DefaultKM1024I_PccE.cfg) from:

C:\Users\Public\Documents\Meteor\Config\PccE\

 

 

4.4 KM1024A Interface Overview

When using a KM1024A printhead, the following interface will appear.

If an error appears, select the correct configuration file (e.g., DefaultKM1024A_PccE.cfg) from:

C:\Users\Public\Documents\Meteor\Config\PccE\

 

 

5. Interface Functions

5.1 Waveform File Management (All Head Types)

Operations in this section are the same for all printhead types.

Users can load, save, or create Konica Minolta waveform files.
 After creating a waveform, click “Save” to store it in a selected slot (1–40). The waveform is automatically written into the Meteor configuration file.

Clicking “Save As” creates a new WaveformID in the configuration file.

5.1.1 Import

Imports a waveform file (*.txt). A dialog will open for file selection.
 Example path:

C:\Program Files\Meteor Inkjet\Meteor\Config\Waveform\KonicaMinolta


5.1.2 Remove

Removes a waveform from the selected slot.
 ⚠ This does not delete the waveform file from the computer—only removes it from the configuration file list.

5.1.3 Rename

Renames the waveform in the selected slot.

5.1.4 Make Default

Sets the waveform in the selected slot as the default WaveformID in the configuration file.
 ⚠ The waveform will only be loaded into the PrintEngine after Meteor hardware reinitialization.

5.1.5 New

Creates a completely new waveform from scratch.

5.1.6 Save

Saves the current waveform using the current name and slot.

5.1.7 Save As

Renames and saves the waveform to a specific slot.

5.1.8 Insert Pulse

Adds a pulse to the waveform. Click the button, then click the insertion area.
 If invalid, the cursor will show an error icon.

5.1.9 Delete Pulse

Deletes a selected pulse from the waveform.

 

 

5.2 MEMS Printhead Waveform Operation

KM MEMS waveform files consist of two COM waveforms (COM1 and COM2).
 Each waveform contains multiple pulses corresponding to grayscale levels.

  • Pulses can only belong to either COM1 or COM2

  • All pulses must be time-aligned between COM1 and COM2

  • COM1 is typically used for tickling

  • COM2 is used for the main printing waveforms

 

 

5.2.1 Pulse Parameters

  • Each COM: 1–7 pulses

  • Total pulses: up to 14

  • Each pulse: 1–16 segments

  • Total segments: up to 62

Each segment is defined by:

  • Voltage slew rate

  • Voltage transition time

  • Voltage hold time

 

5.2.2 Voltage Scaling Modes

  • Constant Slew: Voltage hold time changes, slew rate remains constant

  • Constant Duration: Slew rate changes, hold time remains constant

 

 

5.2.3 Voltage Scaling

Voltage can be scaled from 0.1% to 25%, depending on the selected scaling mode.

 

 

5.2.4 Pulse Configuration

Example:

  • Grey Level 0: COM1 pulses 1–7

  • Grey Level 1: Pulse 1 from COM2, remaining from COM1

  • Grey Level 2: Pulses 1–2 from COM2, remaining from COM1

⚠ KM300 1200DPI heads support only 1BPP and 2BPP.

 

 

5.3 KM1024 Waveform Operation

 

5.3.1 Pulse Parameters

Pulses are stacked and defined by:

  • Pulse width (μs)

  • Hold time (μs)

Notes:

  • T1 ≈ 2 × T2

  • VH1 < VH2 (5V–18V)

  • VH1 is stored in the head EEPROM

Waveform Setting Notes:

• The printhead manufacturer recommends that T1 equal 2 x T2.

• VH1 must be less than VH2. The voltage range of VH1 and VH2 is 5V to 18V.

• The operating voltage of VH1 is pre-stored in the printhead's EEPROM, and the parameter is usually marked on the printhead.

The parameters of VH1 and VH2 can also be defined in the Meteor configuration file, as follows:

[DefaultParameterValues]

WF_VH2 = 14.6; VH2 voltage

WF_VH1_A = 7.5; VH1 nozzle row voltage A

• In the Meteor configuration file, the voltage parameters can also be set independently under the [HeadDriverX: Y] section, but VH1 must be less than VH2. If an HDC supports more than one printhead, the parameters can be set under the [HeadDriverX:Y: Z] section.

 

5.4 KM1024i / KM1280i / KM1800i Operation

Same principles as KM1024, with separate VH1 values for nozzle rows A/B/C.

 

 

5.4.1 Pulse Assignment

Example:

  • OPR0: No pulse

  • OPR1: Pulse 1

  • OPR2: Pulses 1 & 2

  • OPR3: Pulses 1, 2 & 3

Waveform setting notes:

• The printhead manufacturer recommends that T1 be equal to 2 x T2.

• VH1 must be less than VH2. The voltage range of VH1 and VH2 is 5V to 18V. 

• The operating voltage of VH1 is pre-stored in the printhead's EEPROM, and the parameter is usually marked on the printhead.

The parameters for VH1 and VH2 can also be defined in the Meteor configuration file, as follows:

[DefaultParameterValues]

WF_VH2 = 14.6; VH2 voltage

WF_VH1_A = 7.5; VH1 nozzle row A voltage

WF_VH1_B = 7.5; VH1 nozzle row B voltage

WF_VH1_C = 7.5; VH1 nozzle row C voltage (only for 1800i)

• In the Meteor configuration file, the voltage parameters can also be set independently under the [HeadDriverX: Y] section, but VH1 must be less than VH2. If an HDC supports more than one nozzle, the parameters can be set in the [HeadDriverX:Y: Z] section.

 

5.5 KM1024A Waveform Operation

Similar to MEMS heads, with COM1 (tickling) and COM2 (printing), supporting mixed COM usage per grayscale.

The waveform file consists of the following parts:

• 1 to 7 pulses per COM (COM1 and COM2 can have a total of 14 pulses)

• 1 to 16 segments per pulse

• 1 to 31 segments per COM and pulse (COM1 and COM2 can have a total of 62 segments)

Each segment is defined by its voltage transition rate, voltage transition time, and voltage hold time, while the voltage remains constant.

Users can select one pulse from one of the COMs to create an ink droplet representing the desired grayscale level. Due to printhead design constraints, the pulse definition timings of COM1 and COM2 are always aligned.

When the voltage hold value is changed, MetWave scales the voltage hold time or voltage slew rate according to the selected mode.

Constant Slew: Changes the voltage hold time, but the voltage slew rate remains constant.
Constant Duration: Changes the voltage slew rate, but the voltage hold time remains constant.

The voltage within the waveform can be scaled from approximately 0.1% to 25%, and the voltage hold time or voltage conversion rate will be scaled according to the selected voltage scaling mode.

As shown in the diagram below, the waveform settings for COM1 are configured for pulses 1 through 7 in grayscale 0.

In grayscale 1, pulse 1 is configured to use the waveform of COM2, while the remaining pulses are configured to use the waveform of COM1, thus generating a binary waveform file for 1BPP monochrome printing.

 

 

5.6 Layout Configuration Menu

Allows customization of:

  • Fonts

  • Waveform colors

  • Visible control panels

 

6. Quick Setup

 

7. Troubleshooting

 

7.1 Common Issues

No ink droplets observed:

  • Ensure all nozzles are enabled in Meteor

  • Place paper under the head to check the ink output

  • Listen for piezo actuation sounds (e.g., 11 kHz)

  • Adjust the meniscus pressure if sound is present but no droplets

  • Gently clean the nozzle surface with a lint-free cloth

  • Power off, check cables and voltages, then restart

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