another gradient printing problem question

[parker@adobeforums.com]

I'm making a logo w/ a 6x.5" gradient box, from 100% to10%. Gradient is being made as spot 5483 but eventual use most often will be 85 lpi newspapers in B&W. Running 0s9.2, ai 9. 0.2. Production says that controlling banding/dots should be set in attributes (85 rather than 300), but I thought it was the printing driver or the ppd that controled the dots. Also, is specified steps (256) better for banding rather than smooth color in blend options? or distance?
Thanks.
I've already searched forum for related topics.

[parker@adobeforums.com]

I'm making a logo w/ a 6x.5" gradient box, from 100% to10%. Gradient is being made as spot 5483 but eventual use most often will be 85 lpi newspapers in B&W. Running 0s9.2, ai 9. 0.2. I'm interested in makig the gradient as smooth as possible. Production says that controlling banding/dots should be set in attributes (100 rather than 300), but I thought it was the printing driver or the ppd that controlled the dots. If you should change the number in attributes should it go higer rather tha lower? Also, is specified steps (256) better for banding rather than smooth color in blend options? or distance? The logo will also have to be saved as PC eps. Will this create any other problems?
Thanks.
I've already searched forum for related topics.

[Wade_Zimmerman@adobeforums.com]

The screen dot and the resolution are two different things.

[Lance_K@adobeforums.com]

Hi Parker,

I believe that your production dept. is mistaken. The output setting in the Attributes palette refers to the degree of flatness used in describing Illustrator's vector paths. It has nothing to do with controlling banding or LPI.

You are correct that the printer driver and PPD are what control the size and shape of the halftone dots.

See page 369 of the Illustrator 9 User Guide for more information about the Output setting in the attributes palette. See pages 370-373 for more information about controlling banding.

Hope this helps,

Lance