spot channel separates as shade of spot colour

I have placed a photoshop file in illustrator CS, the file contains a spot channel transparency that I want to print as a pantone plate. When I print separations my spot channel prints as a shade of grey. Several other vector items (generated in illustrator) using the same pantone print as a solid 100% black. I'm worried that my file will print with the transparency part of my pantone as a shade of its self when I send the files to the printer.

without knowing exactly how the file is set up it's tough to know exactly what you need to adjust, your best bet is probably just to talk to your printer to clarify, then be sure to get a proof to see that the final print matches what you intended.

chris

Thanks Chris, I've already logged a call.

You need to keep your files and channels the same mode. Try sending the file to a postscript print bureau for an A4 Proof before going to any output printing.