The Ideas Genie Community Forum
Ideas Genie Pro => The Labels program GA048 => Topic started by: ideasguy on June 19, 2009, 12:05:48 AM
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For easy reference, EDITED to insert a link to the Project which goes with this topic.
http://www.ideasgenie.co.uk/Labels/RippedSheets/rippedsheets.html
Toby (aka the Boss) has been working with me on the Labels program for a couple of years now.
He has made contact with Avery, Orion and Ripped Sheets (in the US) and has obtained samples.
Ive designed a number of templates to allow him to use IG Pro to produce labels using the samples.
Toby has been doing very practical tests to ascertain if they are good for our horticultural applications.
Toby was impressed with the results of the tests on the Ripped Sheets labels.
The ones which did well in his tests are adhesive backed, suitable for sticking to a number of surfaces (pots, label supports etc)
He made contact with them again, explained about the IG Pro label printing facility, and organised more free samples for us both.
Mine arrived a week ago (in actual fact - before Toby received his!).
I now have 5 sheets and Toby has suggested I let our members have a sheet each to try them out.
We need to record the results and if they prove suitable, I could order a stock (in bulk) for use by IG Pro users on this side of the Atlantic.
The ones recommended are designed for Ink-jet printers, using normal ink cartridges.
Heres the details on the sample sheets:
http://www.rippedsheets.com/inkjet/outdrperma.html
Note this:
Rippedsheets.com exclusive 104000 Waterproof White Vinyl Permanent Self Adhesive has special chemistry that turns all inkjet inks into waterproof inks in one pass through the printer
and this:
The clear acrylic adhesive is permanent on many surfaces
I'm now designing a number of templates for US sized sheets (8.5 x 11 ins), the size of the sample sheets.
Ideally, we would like to hear the results from a number of different (inkjet) printers.
If you have an application for adhesive backed labels, and would like a sample sheet for testing, then please let me know what size of labels you would find useful (as you know, one sheet can produce a number of labels,depending on the template).
Currently "the team" are testing a template with 16 labels per sheet (Portrait Photo, Name above photo, Text to right and text below)
I can do more templates per your specific requirements. Remember, make sure its something of genuine use to you, so there is practical purpose to the exercise.
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I think that we are very fortunate to have received these Ripped Sheets #10400 sample labels to test with IG Pro GA048. It?s not every label manufacturer that will do that free of charge, even paying for the postage to get them to George and myself.
I still have the first Ripped Sheet samples that I tested outside in the weather; the ink (Epson DuraBrite) is just as clear and sharp as the day printed. The color photo is the sharpest and clearest that I have ever seen reproduced on label stock. The adhesive has stuck to all the materials I used for testing; pots of terracotta and plastic, ceramic, glass, plastic potstics, painted metal. The Avery control labels didn?t do to well.
A wonderful lady has been my contact at Ripped Sheets. And yes, she did ask a favor in return.
She would like to have those that are testing the label stock inform her, the results of testing using the various INKJET printers. I told her that I would be happy to comply with that request.
I am starting to pull together a ?score-card? that might help us keep track of that information. So I ask the question; ?What to you, makes a good gardening label?? How long should the adhesive stick? What material(s) are you sticking it to? How long should the printing last? What happens when it gets wet, when it?s splashed with fertilizer, or pesticide, or herbicide? When it?s handled by a dirty garden glove, or rubbed by another container? All of these things would be important to me! What?s important to you?
Also, I would like to have the UK label team discuss among themselves how long of a period it would want to continue the testing? 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, a year?
Malcom, as I understand you have an Epson Printer that uses DuraBrite ink, would you please use that for a ?control? set of labels? The other members of the team could then base their results on how their random inkjet labels are holding up against DuraBrite ink.
Another thing that I have found useful in my testing of the various labels; as part of the data, I would include the label stock number (in this case #10400), the model and make of printer (abbreviated), and the approximate date of putting the label to test.
The GA048 label program and resultant testing has been very exciting to me, and as far as I am concerned, I will continue to use the Ripped Sheets labels! They have worked out very well for me! If the random inkjet inks will adhere to the Ripped Sheets label surface, then we?ve got it made! Good luck!
(I?m testing four different inkjet printers here in the US as I label my Tuberous Begonias.)
- Toby
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Very well written Toby, and many thanks for initiating this project.
The Score Card is a good idea. We can gather the input from replies on this topic and then compile the results.
Should be very interesting, and a good promotion for our Label Printing program (GA048)
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If you have a sheet of labels approx size 50mm by 30mm i will try out on my bed labels ussing my kodak printer with normal inkjet ink, its the printer that you see advertised on telly saving x amount of money on ink each year, inkcartridge packaging says kodacolour technology means image quality speed and longevity in every print,
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s19/roiphil/canna1.jpg)
thats if your still loooking for guinea pigs ;) ofcourse
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Thats a good application Phil.
Need a photo? Might be a bit small!
If not, one Rich text data field would be perfect for your text.
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if you think suitable and you need guinea pig and you have label that size you can voluntear me ;) :D ;D agree not suitable size for pictures
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Count me in please
More later
Malcolm
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OK Malcolm.
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Please send me a sample to try out on my HP Photosmart 7350. Will be very interested to see how effective this is as in my experience only laser printing works for outdoor use. :)
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Malcom, as I understand you have an Epson Printer that uses DuraBrite ink, would you please use that for a ?control? set of labels? The other members of the team could then base their results on how their random inkjet labels are holding up against DuraBrite ink
Yes Toby I have the Durabrite inks in a Epson C86 printer.
Also have a Canon ip4500 that uses Chromalife ink.
So those would make a good comparison
Malcolm
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I only have one sheet per volunteer, unfortunately.
Which Printer/Ink would you prefer Malcolm to use Toby?
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Malcom:
Gosh! That is kind of a hard decision to make.
I know from my own experience that the Epson DuraBrite ink is good, and has lasted out in the weather for as long as I have been using it. I thought since you had the printer, it might make a good ?control? to judge how the other printer inkjets being tested by others were holding up.
Yet, if you use the other printer, it would give us just that more of a test on assorted inkjet printers.
You do have an alternative, though. You could run part of the labels on your #10400 sheet with the Epson and the other remaining labels with the other printer. Just select only a partial amount of labels on the sheet for the Epson. Then work with the other printer, and select the remaining labels. That way, it would give you a method of testing both, one against the other, and for the others member?s printers, too. I would choose this method, myself!
What do you think, Malcom?
- Toby
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Yes George and Toby
That is what I thought I could do, best of both worlds.
Malcolm
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Sorry about having such a limited supply folk.
If they look lihe they are going to satisy our needs I will investigate purchasing a stock.
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This project was shelved for a number of reasons. Its now time to continue.
Ive been corresponding with Rpped Sheets again, and I'd like to get the sample sheets to the volunteers for testing.
We'd like feedback from you on this, so we can ascertain how suitable the material is for our applications, and to report back to Ripped Sheets. Toby drew up a recording sheet for this purpose. I'll include a printed copy in your pack.
Only one sheet per volunteer unfortunately, so be sure to do a preview before attempting to do your final print.
Remember
Since the pages are plain (you can use a guillotine or scissors to cut after printing), there are a number of label designs (templates) which you can use for this test.
e.g.
US Paper size Label templates allowing you to print data only
Avery #5366 - Letter size (US)15x2 = 30 labels
Avery #6577 - Letter Size (US)16x2 = 32 labels (this design allows you to print data only)
US Paper size Label templates allowing you to print data and a photo
Avery #5523 - Letter size (US) 5x2 = 10 labels
Avery L7173 and L7160X 5x2
Orion #311-54LC 2x1 = 2 labels (this design allows you to print data and a photo)
US Paper size Label templates allowing you to print data and a photo (Rich Text)
US (Letter Size) 4x4 Landscape 4x4
etc
Please send me an email to reaffirm that you'd like a sample sheet sent to you for testing
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I'm volunteering George, and I've sent you a separate email about it.
Laurie.
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Thanks Laurie :)
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Sorry George, no printer any more. Since we so rarely used the one we had when it died we decided there was little point in getting a replacement.
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Replied to your email george If you have a sheet of labels approx size 50mm by 30mm i will try out on my bed T labels using my kodak ESP 5 printer inkjet ink , as these are left outside all year round in my front bed, no size for a picture though will have to be just text, think the picture will be too small to make it worthwhile on the label
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s19/roiphil/canna1.jpg)
Phil
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Email sent to George
Malcolm
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Thanks Malcolm ;)
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The labels were posted to the four "volunteers" today.
I kept one for my own testing.
Toby has suggested we use a score sheet to record our results, for comparison purposes.
I will send that to you by email.
He has also suggested we all use the same Label Template, again for comparison purposes.
Avery #5523 is my suggestion.
It is 5x2 = 10 labels, and has both text and photos.
Please make up a set of labels in preparation for arrival of the labels, folk.
Dont print until I confirm that #5523 meets the approval of "The Boss"
Be sure to test in Preview mode.
Then do a print on A4 plain paper.
When OK, use the actual Ripped Sheets page.
Only one sample per person, I'm afraid so you only get one go at it :o
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Just to confirm George, the sheet of labels you sent me has just arrived here. :)
Laurie.
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Thanks for confirming Laurie. I was a little concerned about how it would travel.
Note that there is a little Ripped Sheets label on one side.
You print on the other (white) side.
After printing, you need to slice with a guillotine/strimmer to make the individual labels, then peel off the backing strip.
Hold on just for the moment though.
Toby is OK with the #5523 template, so you can design and get that to preview stage.
Toby has suggested we try the labels on different materials (e.g. Plastic pots, Plant Pins, trays, terracotta pots etc)
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Thanks George Mine arived today.
Malcolm
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Looks like the ink used in my Canon ip4500 may not work too well with the Ripped sheets 104000 paper
Extract from Ripped Sheets Website
To obtain a high degree of water resistance, use only pigmented inks. Typical dye-based inks yield good color, but with repeated exposure to water and UV rays fading and bleeding will occur. Let image dry 24 hours before exposing to moisture. Dirt and stains cannot be cleaned from the surface without damaging the image. Excessive folding or creasing can damage the imaged surface. Laminating is recommended to protect the surface from dirt and abrasion.
Extract from Canon Website
ChromaLife 100+ works by combining Canon?s FINE technology with Canon Genuine
Photo Paper, which offers vivid colour and high durability, and dye-based inks, which
allow rich colour reproduction and further durability.
Malcolm
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Ive requested advice on this Malcolm :-\
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Thanks George, it will be interesting to see what they say.
Malcolm :o !!!!
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is pigmented ink a special kind of ink, is dye based inks put into ink cartridges for everyday normal use, off to check what sort of ink mine is
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Have a read over this:
http://www.marrutt.com/digital-ink-myths.php
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I have my sheet. :)
My ink jet printer is a Brother DCP-375CW
Do we just print using normal settings not photo settings or anything like that???
I see its Avery 5523 we should use.
Paul
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Ive been working on the test guidelines (mostly suggested by Toby) and have produced a web page. Toby is reviewing and we are finalising the document.
Should be ready by tomorrow, so please hold off until we have this released.
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Ok sounds good
Paul
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OK, the man from Seattle says Yes :)
Before you start, please download the latest version of GA048
Ive made a minor tweak to the label template you will be using.
http://www.ideasgenie.com/updates-igpro/GA048-dl.exe
When installed, start GA048 (under Labels tab)
Should indicate Version 37 (or higher)
Heres what we (mostly Toby) have come up with:
http://www.ideasgenie.co.uk/Labels/RippedSheets/rippedsheets.html
Please read over this document before making up your labels and using them.
In particular:
a) please note that we would like you to treat each of the ten labels as individual Tests.
b) Study the section on Photos. Ive described how to get the best photo possible for your labels.
c) The fun bit is to see how you will mount the labels.
Ive suggested you use your DIY skills. Phil has already replied with one of his ideas ;)
I will follow up with a screen shot of the labels I have prepared and to show (initially) what happens if your photos are not the correct aspect ratio - 8x10. Don't worry, it will work just fine - you just don't fill the box for the photo to its maximum.
Over to you folk!
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Another tweak to the #5523 label
Please download GA048 again:
http://www.ideasgenie.com/updates-igpro/GA048-dl.exe
When installed, start GA048 (under Labels tab)
Should indicate Version 39 (or higher)
Why?
Toby reported that the text was being truncated on his HP 600 Mono printer, but was OK on his Epson R220 color printer.
Most likely to do with Printable area for that particular printer. See this topic where we discussed this previously:
http://www.flowergenie.co.uk/ideas/forum/index.php/topic,1073.0.html
UK members - Try a Print on A4 - Is the text registering correctly on the left border?
If you are seeing the same problem with Version 38 please let me know
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Edited the previous posting. GA048 now at Version 39. Check when using.
Ive removed the niggly "Have you save these changes" message.
Instead, the changes are saved automatically when you click the Done (Save) button
If for any reason you DONT want to save, use the Window X (Close) button at the top right of screen.
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Phil has already replied with one of his ideas ;)
my lips are sealed, have downloaded all updates and did notice the save/done button, nice touch
this is what i have so far a few questions before i commit to a proper print out
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s19/roiphil/IG%20Pro/labels.jpg)
1, is the bold text meant to be higher than the photo and in some cases run across the top of photo
2, all text fits on A4 with a larger border on the left
3, do you need any more info on label apart from already mentioned date and make of printer
4, how are we keeping records is their a chart or something to download so as we all have the same info to input
Thinking cap still on for other materials to stick label to
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Hey, thats looking real good Phil! Your photos look just perfect!
Answers (respectively) for 1 to 4
1 Yes, right to the right edge of the photo above the label
2 Yes, looks good.
3 Yes, Number them Test #1 to Test #10 (you have room for another line below your text)
4 Keep your own records and also email to me
I'll pull all the results together. Any photos of mounts would be great ;)
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Ta will make changes as suggested, will email pics of mounts (not made yet) or are we sharing materials to stick labels to amongst other testers
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Well I have the GA048 now at version 39, thanks to George for fixing an error earlier.
I printed a sheet complete with pictures, just to see and it looks like the layout that Phil has. ;D
Will look for some mounts now and then plants. :)
Paul
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It wasnt an error as such Paul.
It was a file structure change, required by the program since I made a change for the previous label for Toby.
When you downloaded the latest file set, the program was happy again :)
Good all is well now!
RE: (Phil)or are we sharing materials to stick labels to amongst other testers
Lets see what we can come up with. Maybe there will be Patents Pending :D
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Heres my effort, deliberately made with two images which are not the optimum aspect ratio.
http://www.ideasgenie.co.uk/Labels/reportpreview.jpg
Ive used a Landscaper photo with the normal 4x3 aspect ratio for Campanula punctata f. rubriflora
Note how it is OK for width, but short on height
Ive used a Portrait photo with the normal 3x4 aspect ratio for Polemonium caeruleum Brise d'Anjou (one of the plants which Paul put through the trials system for Blooms of Bressingham)
Note how it is OK for height, but short on width.
The other photos are the optimum aspect ratio 8x10
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Sorry being a bit late on this.
Have downloaded the new file now showing ver 39 but
When GA048 is started this comes up
File c:\...\application data\ideasforgardens\ideas genie pro 5\lablots.dbf does not exist.
If I click ignore then GA048S01 comes up ok
Chose label then program error
Variable LABELDETS is not found
I havent tried any further.
Malcolm
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Same thing as Paul.
You need this download:
http://www.ideasgenie.com/updates-igpro/igpro-fileset-ende.exe
It has a new file structure for the labels program - an enhancement for a label for Toby recently.
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Thanks George works now on no 2 computer, will try no 1 later and a print out.
Malcolm
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I've set up my 10 plants in IG Pro and have done a test print on A4 paper.
The result looks fine to me, but have not done the print to the labels sheet as yet.
Here's a screenshot of my result.
(http://www.pixiemouse.com/igforum/5523_labels_test.jpg)
I'll wait until all our testers are at the stage of committing our results to the Ripped Sheets, then we can all start together for the 'weather' experiment.
Laurie.
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Good work Laurie!
The printer and ink you are using should give good results.
Have you tried printing onto A4 paper?
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Yes George, test print was done on A4 paper and layout looks good.
Laurie.
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You are about ready for the off then - thanks Laurie :)
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Works ok for me now on both computers, have done printouts on A4
Malcolm
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Go for it guys!
Lets see how the printing goes.
A couple of things:
1) Front/Back
There is a little Ripped Sheets label on the BACK.
Tip:
Put an x on a sheet of A4 as a test.
Do a print (anything).
Observe which side the x is now on.
You now know which side to face up when feeding the Ripped Sheets sample into the printer.
2) Make sure you allow the ink to dry overnight (just in case).
Please discuss: Did the ink look as if it was dry immediately after printing?
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been having a tinker with my labels before commiting to final print out, as you will see i have also put on the label what area outside, greenhouse, polytunnel
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s19/roiphil/IG%20Pro/labels1.jpg)
think it all looks ok to commit to proper labels, gulp only 1 shot at this :-\
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George trying to get my head round the info that you need you mention
Gathering information
Rather than a formal Test sheet, we will gather information as we proceed with the tests.
Any and all additional comments about the test are welcome.
Heres the information we would like to collect (on each test you perform)
Printer make and model used (more than one if you have options)
Ink used
the date of starting the test
Surface material used
What did you stick the labels to?
What were the labels subjected to:
Water
Snow
Hail/Sleet
Hot. Sunshine
Pesticide
Frost
Med. Sunshine
Herbicide
Rain
Fertilizer
Other:
Environment
Outdoors
Greenhouse
Under Grow lights
etc
do you want dates that it rained, fertiliser was used, sunny etc etc, i am thinkig if you do excel would be good for this if you can collerrate from excell at the end of the test year
in excel it could be layed out as such
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s19/roiphil/IG%20Pro/label2-1.jpg)
i just think taht we need a universal layout between all testers to make it easier for you to put together at the end, any thoughts on this, ps forget the date mistake ::), perhaps a sheet for each month ???
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I dont want to weight the testers down with such detail Phil.
Think of what we have listed as check boxes.
Rain - Yes/No (you bet, if its outside)
Snow - Yes/No
etc
Hope Toby agrees
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Phil and other Label Testers:
Its so interesting looking in on your discussions and the work you are doing
with your test labels for the Ripped Sheets #104000 label stock and the
inkjet printers..
I would say that George is probably right! I would also say that any person using
IG Pro is probably enough detail orientated, to figure out how to do
their own label testing and how to keep track of it. Keep it brief, keep it simple,
but come up with the right answers at the right time. ?If the label fails, why did
it fail??
Phil, you might possibly try to pull together a ?one size fits all? score sheet in Excel,
by perhaps putting details at the top of the page about the test number, the printer,
the ink, the location of the test at the moment, etc
Place the suggested items in the first vertical row as reminders, with blank
vertical and horizontal rows in which to handwrite any test notes. You then are
creating more of a ?reminder? or ?cheat-sheet? score card that way, with a blank
grid to fill in.
You would then use one score card sheet per test number. Or ten sheets altogether.
Make something that could be copied and printed out easy from the Forum.
Your test is going to last 12 months, but I don?t think you have to have set dates
to actually look at the condition of your labels. Have the weather (if outdoors), or
you dictate when you think you need to check up on the labels condition(s).
George might be able to look in on your weather, and remind you and others
of certain things or times that they might check their labels.
Keep up the good work there, gentlemen!
Toby
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That sums it up nicely, Boss :)
In particular, this is the most important point:
RE: Have the weather (if outdoors), or you dictate when you think you need to check up on the labels condition(s).
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i have knocked together a simple form in excell if anyone wishes to use, george, toby perhaps you could have a look and tell me if i need to correct anything on it, as toby mentioned 10 sheets
this is the link to download
http://magicseeder-ie.com/main/page_igpro_label_test.html (http://magicseeder-ie.com/main/page_igpro_label_test.html)
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When I click download it tells me it is a type ods file
What is that? What do you use to open it?
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i use office one program taht came with vista, which has office one calc which the program uses for excell, will it not open for you
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ok i have re formatted my first attempt into an xls you should be able to open this one as it is suitable for xp etc
2nd link down on page let me know if you have any joy this time
http://magicseeder-ie.com/main/page_igpro_label_test.html (http://magicseeder-ie.com/main/page_igpro_label_test.html)
ODS stand for open document spreadsheet so i found out
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Here is my sheet. :)
Paul.
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Go for it guys!
Lets see how the printing goes.
... Make sure you allow the ink to dry overnight (just in case).
Please discuss: Did the ink look as if it was dry immediately after printing?
Just done a successful print onto the Ripped Sheet of labels - Phew!
The ink is immediately dry to the touch, but I'll give it 24 hours to fully dry before exposing the labels to the elements :D
Just to confirm my printing status - Epson Stylus SX115 Inkjet Printer with DuraBrite Ultra ink.
Laurie.
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Nice one Paul.
Is that your test print onto A4 plain paper?
If so, you're looking good to go for the BIG ONE - committing to the precious labels sheet proper. No pressure. ;)
Phil - have you bitten the bullet yet and gone for Gold? ;D It's really exciting stuff. Like kids with new toys are we not?
Laurie.
P.S. To George and Toby........... are you proud of your student testers so far, and do we go to the top of the class? (At least for effort so far anyway I suspect :D )
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Yes, delighted, Laurie!
Its a relief to get feedback on the actual printing operation, since we only had a single sheet to test with - no margin for error.
Thanks for your report!
In an email, Toby stated that he was moved!
He has always been soooo enthusiastic about the labels program, and spurred me on to get it developed to where it is now.
.
Its taken a year to get this project under way but it should be well worthwhile.
Good work team :)
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Yes Laurie, this is my test print onto A4 paper, I agree that I should be good to go now ;D
The printer thinks the paper size is wrong so I will have to watch this when printing for real.
Waiting now for some mounts for the labels, should be here soon.
George, your label programme really is working well, I think this trial we are doing is a useful exercise in printing with pictures.
I think we should all get a gold star for effort George :D
Paul.
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A big long PHEWWWWWWWWWWW from me done it perfect print 8), instant dry, print quality/colour is better on the labels than on normal paper the colours are clearer and sharper
Kodak ESP5 Formulabs Ink
am leaving it till tomorrow before i put the labels on my holders, then you will all get to see my DIY, and yes i used to watch blue peter ;D
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Thats good news Phil.
Now the DIY fun begins :D
RE: (Paul)
The printer thinks the paper size is wrong so I will have to watch this when printing for real.
Yes, those who normally use A4 paper (e.g. in UK) may have to bypass a similar message when you go to print .
US members should not see those messages, as the label sheet we are using is US size (8.5x11 ins)
RE: (Paul)
Waiting now for some mounts for the labels, should be here soon.
Jumping ahead a little, but I'm looking forward to seeing what you get Paul.
Are they standard supply (a website?)
RE: (Paul)
George, your label programme really is working well, I think this trial we are doing is a useful exercise in printing with pictures.
Thanks for that! Yes, its a good exercise, since most of the labels we've worked as a group on in previous topics has been text only.
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These are my DIY efforts i have 3 locations for testing
1, outside
2, greenhouse
3, polytunnel
My materials for sticking the labels to are
1, a normal horticultural T Bed label, i am using both sides on one side the picture other side the text as the T Bed label is not big enough to take the label in one go
2, perspex
3, aluminium
so i have for my labels this set up 1 label of each type in 3 locations
1, Outside - with T Bed label, Perspex, Aluminiun
2, Greenhouse - with T Bed label, Perspex, Aluminiun
1, Poly tunnel - with T Bed label, Perspex, Aluminiun
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s19/roiphil/IG%20Pro/100_0399.jpg)
George recording the data i have an excell sheet,
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s19/roiphil/IG%20Pro/sheet.jpg)
i have 10 pages, 10 labels = 10 pages i plan to record in this manner when it rains i enter a number 1 in the labels it affets (outside) when it rains again i change that number to 2 = 2 days rain, so at the end of the test you will see that i have had x amount days of rain, and i do the same for anything else in the greenhouse and polytunnel, does this work for you george
you will note the sheet is on test 10 greenhouse aluminium by looking at the tab at the bottom, if any one else has come up with an easier method for recording the data needed please share ;)
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Good ideas for mounts, Phil :) and the diverse applications and environments will provide very useful information
Ive discussed the Excel sheets with Toby.
We've agreed to keep this as simple as possible = KIS and to focus on the prime objective of the project, as specified in the Project web page.
It would be too much to expect our testers to fill in 10 spreadsheets every time it rains. In Ireland, you and I would be pretty busy!
Go ahead and use your spreadsheet and send data to me like that if you wish. It much more than I expect.
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Good ideas for mounts, Phil :) and the diverse applications and environments will provide very useful information
Ive discussed the Excel sheets with Toby.
We've agreed to keep this as simple as possible = KIS and to focus on the prime objective of the project, as specified in the Project web page.
It would be too much to expect our testers to fill in 10 spreadsheets every time it rains. In Ireland, you and I would be pretty busy!
Go ahead and use your spreadsheet and send data to me like that if you wish. It much more than I expect.
ok have you a layout sheet and instructions how to fill in, perhaps you could email me a copy of yours when you make it, i am trying to stay in line with all testers data, as you have probably guesed by now i dont keep data of plants, weather etc so this bit has got me stumped ::) ;D
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No formal layout sheet Phil.
I will prompt regularly (say once per month) to remind testers to check their labels.
Outside of that, simply send an email when an "event" occurs - events being failures and possible causes - rain, snow etc.
All we need to know is what failed (adhesive, legibility of text, quality of photo etc) and what you suspect caused it to fail.
I will summarise the info I receive by extending the information on the Web Project web pages.
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got you now, no need to record events such as when it rained etc, but you need to know when labels colour faded came of holders etc, just remind us each month, at the moment my workload is pretty full on, (it took me 3 days to make the holders ::)) trying to get together a list of ornamental trees that we can plant out in the field to grow on and resell later, has anyone got any favourites begging for help/inspiration :-[
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Phil and to the Other Ripped Sheets Label Testers:
Now you?ve got it Phil.
When I was suggesting an Excel layout to aid in tracking the testing of your
label stock, I was thinking just two vertical rows, the first vertical row
as an ITEMS list for checking the condition of your Test Labels, and a second
vertical row next to it, for any NOTES you might want to make.
That way when George does contact you, then you are reminded how things
have progressed during your testing and you can report them to him.
Your mounts are neat, is that galvanized metal that some are made of? I don?t know
if I?m too late for you Phil, but I might make the suggestion to be sure that
your mounts have a clean surface to adhere the labels to. As a suggestion you
might use regular household detergent or soap, follow with a water rinse, and
then I have used quite successfully, a final rinse of White (Clear) household
Vinegar. Doing that, will get the Labels off to a good clean start.
Do you or the others have any alternative suggestions for clean surfaces?
- Toby
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Now you?ve got it Phil.
;D ::)
Toby the metal ones are made from aluminium (the roof from our old mobile home ;D) waste not want not, could not sell it could not even give it away and it had to go so we scrapped it and saved bits from it and weighed the chassis and tin in, i kept a bit of the roof aluminium because you never know when you may need some, yes i cleaned all mounts in fairy washing up liquid then a good rinse off in water,
suggestion here aswell if your mounts are smooth it maybe a good idea to sandpaper the surface a bit, as i realised that the T Bed labels area was not smooth, so i sandpapered the perspex ones a bit, dont know if it helps any or makes any difference to the stickability of it.
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Well printed the labels, all has gone well ;D
Will leave to dry now and then cut up and put on label mounts tomorrow,
they look fine, there is no smudging went through printer ok.
Paul. :)
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With only one sample sheet theres no room for error so thats great Paul.
Now to see how they stand up to the various tests.
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I have put my labels on mounts, these are angled plastic labels I got from the following on-line store;
http://www.thegardensuperstore.co.uk/acatalog/Angle_Headed_Plant_Labels.html
I have attached a picture, I will now put labels in the locations for the tests. :)
Paul.
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Thats a very professional job, Paul. Looks very good indeed.
Thanks for the link :)
I had a look at the other products as well. Quite a selection!
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very nice paul, i like a lot, where are you placing them greenhouse outside etc ? it will be interesting to see how the label works with them over the year, thanks for posting link aswell they have plenty of items
Phil
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Thanks Phil :)
The labels will be placed in several locations, Open ground beds, sun all day and locations that have sun later and only sun in the am.
I also have one in a house plant in the kitchen and another in the conservatory which is south facing. There is also one in a plant at work in a container bed with overhead irrigation.
Paul.