"Data Terminal or Data Terminal with counter box" connection type

Some presses cannot be connected directly to the Prinect workflow. However, such machines can be connected to the Prinect workflow via a Data Terminal (with or without a counter box). This connection does not have the same range of functions as a direct connection.

If you choose this option, the lower section (2) of the following configuration step will change:

The upper section (1) is the same as with "Direct connection of the machine". See "Direct connection of the machine" connection type.

The lower section (2) contains different options. To make these options operable, you must enable the option "Enable Output Presettings" (3). You should do this if the press connected via Data Terminal or its control software can receive control data in the CIP3-PPF file format. Since the connection of a press via Data Terminal is generally only used for presses that otherwise have very few options for processing online control data, this setting range can be optionally switched on or off, depending on the options the printing press or the control software offers.

This is where you configure the CIP3-PPF import properties for machines connected via a Data Terminal. You can find more details about PPF import in: Configuring and operating the "PPF Handler".

In "Output directory", enter the folder where the generated PPF+ output files will be saved. This will be the root folder for the respective PPF import processes and hotfolders. Generally, you should use the default folder and change it only if it is really necessary. See also "PPF Root Folder" (4).

You must enter the output folder later at the Prinect CP2000 Center when configuring the PPF import interface ("PrepressInterface (PPF)") if the Workplace Interface is not licensed.

Note: If you define a hotfolder directory that is not located on the Prinect server, i.e. on an external computer, you must ensure that the "prinect" user or the user account assigned to the Prinect services has been set up with appropriate rights on this external computer and that the hotfolder directory is also shared for this user.

Select the output protocol that matches the press. For HEIDELBERG presses, you must select the output protocol "CIP3-PPF". If you are connecting a press from another manufacturer, you may have to select a different output protocol. HEIDELBERG Prinect Support is always prepared to answer all your questions regarding configuration.

If necessary, select one of the predefined attribution rules. A detailed description of how to configure attribution rules can be found here: "Attribution rules" Tab.

Define deletion rules for the generated presetting data files. To prevent too many PPF files from accumulating in the output directory and taking up too much hard disk space at some point, the output directory can be cleaned up according to certain deletion rules:

​•​Max. number of files

The oldest files in the PPF output folder are deleted automatically if the specified number of files is exceeded.

​•​Max. directory size (MB)

If the storage capacity of the PPF output directory is exceeded in megabytes, the oldest files are automatically deleted.

​•​Max. age of file

Here you can specify a "maximum age" (in months and days) for the files in the PPF output directory. Files older than this are automatically deleted.

Then click "Next".

"Data Terminal with counter box" connection type

This connection type is intended for machines that are connected to both a Data Terminal and a counter box. In addition to manual collection of production data, the counter box transmits the recorded production values, e.g. the printed copies, to the Data Terminal. This means that the production figures do not have to be recorded manually. A counter box can be connected to up to 12 machines.