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TICKET ARCHIVE -> ftp sites "timing out" losing connectn

notatechie - Mar 29, 2008 - 5:26 pm

I am on an IMac, system 10.4.11 using Safari 3.1.

I am using 3 different sources for ftp: idisk, YouSendIt.com and a site from GoDaddy.com. I have had my server "time out" or loose connection with all three and especially the GoDaddy.com site that requires I use a software for uploading and downloading. I am using Transmit for GoDaddy. Idisk and YouSendIt are both just drag and drop protocol.

I'm thinking it's not the files but maybe my Brower?

Any suggestions or ideas? I need to be able to transport files that are between 90—250 MB after they've been stuffed. . .

Thank you,
Notatechie

Natobasso - Mar 30, 2008 - 11:51 pm

You might try sendspace.com to send files that large. I'd imagine you are getting close to your server limits with files of that size. Not to mention your isp will start getting suspicious with all the bandwidth you're using up. What files are you trying to upload?

One other thing to check: Make sure your ftp app is set for passive ftp.

Let me know details...

notatechie - Mar 31, 2008 - 7:42 am

Thank you for getting back to me. About the files: I am a graphic designer and am designing packaging/color layout of boxes that are quite large when flat and have all of the necessary info. The files are being shared with another artist that is helping me and then they need to be transported to the client for proofing and to China for print.

I my world of commercial design, files this size are not uncommon, even when they are stuffed/zipped and prepared as .pdfs.

I may have figured out one (or maybe the only) problem with sending to GoDaddy. I was using the software Transmit to upload and download. I downloaded Fetch, instead, and the same file went through yesterday. That still doesn't help the breaks in communication with the idisk server my company uses.

I'll check to see if I can find a place to change to passive ftp but would like to be assured, first, that there will be no information lost with this setting.

Thank you for your help,
notatechie

Natobasso - Mar 31, 2008 - 10:02 am

Passive mode doesn't affect the file at all, it affects how it's transferred.

I am a graphic designer too (well web now) and I did print design for almost 15 years. I'm curious how you're building your files? I'd highly recommend you use more vector rather than raster art; would make for much smaller file sizes.

I have dealt with printing in china and I know a lot can go wrong and be lost in translation. Are you sending them flattened raster files saved as pdf? If so, you're losing a lot of the size benefit of sending pdf/x1-a files with fonts and graphics embedded.

I highly recommend using sendspace.com or other free file upload service. That way the file can be readily available and not use up usage on your own ftp site.

Have you called your isp's yet to determine what their file upload limits/protocols are? They might have some cap on single file uploads that they haven't advertised?

notatechie - Mar 31, 2008 - 10:47 am

Ahhh, graphic designer that understands! Thank you for all of your suggestions and concerns! I am building the files in Illustrator CS1, layered files with dielines, text with logos, slogans, etc, & shadows to be rasterized. There are very few drop shadows and no other special effects, just lots of photos, vector logos, and masks for window cutouts. The size of the boxes are large—craft/toy industry. The file layout size is 28" x 18.

You are starting to loose me with your file prep terminology. I do plan on outlining fonts,embedding links, and rasterizing the drop shadows. What do you mearn by pdf/x1?

I'm going to check out sendspace.com right now. Will I need ftp software such as Fetch or Transmit for it, or is it simply a drop and drag setup? If I use them, will I be able to set it the software up for passive mode? Just wondering. . . do you know how can sendspace be free and better than idisk which is $100 a year and YouSendIt which can be up to $20 monthly. Humm?

About my isp I don't have a choice. They are the only service for this area.

Thanks for you help! It's good to know I'm not the only one out here. . .

notatechie. . .justadesigner

Natobasso - Mar 31, 2008 - 10:57 am

I definitely understand! A few answers to your questions.

1. Make sure you export your pdf files to pdf/x1-a format. It's an ISO standards compliant format (means printers love it!) that won't produce unless it's error free, so that's good for your workflow. Find out more here: http://www.prepressure.com/pdf/basics/pdfx-1a

I've never ever had an issue with pdf/x1-a files with printers in the US. With chinese printers, you might want to give them a test pdf file to see if they produce it correctly. I find they love using jpg format for some weird reason?! Maybe because it's all flat.

I had some boxes for Home Depot (toilets!) come back with the boxy look of jpg. Not good! PDF/X1-a can help you avoid it, but you have to communicate to them that you don't want them converting your file.

The best thing about this format is the files come out really small, but they also print very well. I'd be surprised if your 200MB files don't come down in size.

2. Sendspace.com thrives on advertising. I don't claim it's better than any other service, and it's web based so no ftp app required. Just a highspeed internet connection. I've used it numerous times without error. You do have an upload size limit and the file only stays there for 5 or 7 days; so that's the catch. But it's available to anyone you give the weblink to.

3. CALL YOUR ISPs and find out what their upload limits are. This could really be your issue and if not, at least you eliminate it as a possibility. You don't control this, but you need this information.

No worries about the help; I love doing it!

Natobasso - Mar 31, 2008 - 11:16 am

[duplicate post]

notatechie - Mar 31, 2008 - 11:16 am

Ok, I'll call my isp (if I must!) That's almost as painful as called tech support lines! You have been most helpful. Thank you for the link for info on pdf/x1. I have my homework cut out for me.

All of you @ Macosx are great but you have been excellent because you've "been there, done that." Any chance I can "get" you or "keep" you for support (if needed) through this 15 box project I will be working on through May?

Thanks again,
notatechie

Natobasso - Mar 31, 2008 - 11:17 am

Sure, make a note of my screen name, natobasso (my real name is Nathaniel) and you can contact me directly through macosx.com anytime you need help.

notatechie - Mar 31, 2008 - 11:22 am

THANK you, Nathaniel!

and my real name is Lucinda. I hope I won't need to ask to many more questions, but it is comforting to know I have a guru!

Natobasso - Mar 31, 2008 - 11:24 am

Lucinda,

Sure! Hey, I'll close this post but you can reach me any time.

Nathaniel