Page 2 ® EPSON LQ-850/950/1050 User’s Manual...
Page 3 Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Epson America, Inc. shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the use of any options other than those designated as Original Epson Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.
Page 4: Important Safety Instructions
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning the outside of the unit.
Page 5 10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total of the ampere ratings on the products plugged into the extension cord do not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
Page 6: Table Of Contents
Assembling the Printer......Testing the Printer ........
Page 7 Chapter 6 Maintenance Cleaning the Printer ....... . Replacing the Ribbon .......
Page 8 Chapter 9 Command Summary Using the Command Summary..... . . Commands in Numerical Order ..... . Commands Arranged by Topic.
Page 9: Introduction
Features In addition to the high-quality printing and ease of operation you have come to expect from Epson printers, the LQ-850, LQ-950, and LQ-1050 offer the following features: Easy paper handling, featuring automatic single-sheet loading.
Page 10: Options
An auto-load feature lets you load a single sheet of paper automatically when not using the optional cut sheet feeder, The Epson Extended Graphics character table, 14 international character sets, a legal symbol set, and an italic character table. The ability to handle a wide range of paper types, including envelopes and labels.
Page 11 Multi-Font Module (#7407) The optional Multi-Font module adds to the number of fonts available in the Letter Quality mode. You can use two Multi- Font modules with your printer. Film Ribbon Cartridge (#7768/#7769/#7770) The optional film ribbon cartridge provides you with even higher quality printing than the standard fabric ribbon.
Page 12: Interface Boards
Chapter 5. About This Manual This user’s manual provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions on setting up and operating your Epson printer. Finding your way around Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up, testing, and connecting the printer. Be sure to read and follow these instructions first.
Page 13 At the back of this manual is a handy Quick Reference card that contains the information you are most likely to need. Note: The LQ-850, LQ-950, and LQ-1050 are basically the same printer except for their widths. Therefore, the illustrations in this guide show only the LQ-1050.
Page 14: Application Notes
Epson’s toll-free dealer support program. Epson is confident that this policy will provide you with the assistance you need. If you need to find an Epson dealer or service center in your area, please call our Consumer Information number at l-800-922-8911.
Page 15: Chapter 1 Setting Up The Printer
Attaching the Paper Guide......Testing the Printer........
Page 16: Unpacking The Printer
Unpacking the Printer Checking the Parts When you unpack the printer, make sure that you have all the parts shown below and that none have been damaged. Cross-head sc~ewdtiver Setting Up the Printer...
Page 17: Removing The Protective Materials
The ribbon cartridge that comes with the LQ-850 is #7753; #7767 comes with the LQ-950 and #7754 with the LQ-1050. Removing the Protective Materials The printer is protected during shipping by two locking brackets, two locking tabs, and a print head protector.
Page 18 2. Remove any pieces of white packing material you find inside the printer. 3. Use the cross-head screwdriver that came with the printer to unscrew and remove the two transport locking brackets. Look straight down inside the printer to find the locking brackets. The brackets are orange and their screws are red.
Page 19 4. Remove th 5. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer Setting Up the Printer...
Page 20 6. Remove the left and right locking tabs. 7. Attach the printer cover unit. Setting Up the Printer...
Page 21 8. Close the paper guide cover. WARNING: Be sure to remove all protective materials before you turn on the printer. Setting Up the Printer...
Page 22: Choosing A Place For The Printer
There are several important things to consider when selecting a place to set up your printer. Keep the following in mind: Place the printer on a flat, hard, stable surface. A soft surface, such as a padded counter or carpeted area, will block ventilation slots and may cause overheating.
Page 23 The stand should be able to support at least twice the weight of the printer. Never use a stand that supports the printer at an angle of more than 15 degrees from horizontal. With a cut sheet feeder, your printer must be kept level.
Page 24: Assembling The Printer
Assembling the Printer After you’ve decided on the best place to set up your printer, the next step is to install the platen knob. Installing the Platen Knob You use the platen knob to feed the paper manually in the event of a paper jam or other paper feeding problem.
Page 25: Installing The Ribbon Cartridge
2. Push firmly on the platen knob until it fits against the printer case. CAUTION: Do not use the platen knob to adjust the position of the paper. This interferes with the automatic paper loading system and may cause a paper jam.
Page 26 3. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer. CAUTION: Never move the print head while the printer is turned on because this can damage the printer. Also, if you have been using the printer, the print head may be hot;...
Page 27 (The LQ-850 ribbon cartridge has only one handle.) Push the cartridge firmly into position, making sure the plastic hooks fit into the slots inside the printer. Note: Press lightly on both ends of the cartridge to make sure the plastic hooks are properly seated.
Page 28 Also check that the ribbon is not twisted or creased. Make sure the paper thickness lever on the left is set to position 2. See The Paper Thickness Lever in Chapter 2 if you are printing on special paper. 1-14 Setting Up the Printer...
Page 29: Attaching The Paper Guide
Attach the paper guide using the following procedure. 1. Place the paper guide on the printer as shown below. Make sure the back edge of the guide is even with the back of the printer. Setting Up the Printer 1-15...
Page 30 2. Raise the paper guide until it locks into place. Note: To lower the paper guide, lift up slightly to release it from its locked position; then gently lower it down onto the printer. 1-16 Setting Up the Printer...
Page 31 3. Attach the printer cover by fitting the hooks on the cover into the notches at the front of the printer and tilting the cover back into place. 4. Close the paper guide cover. 1-17 Setting Up the Printer...
Page 32: Testing The Printer
Before running the self test, you need to connect the printer to an electrical outlet and load a sheet of paper. Plugging in the Printer 1.
Page 33: Running The Self Test
8.27 inches (210 mm) on the LQ-850,11 inches (279 mm) on the LQ-950, or 14 inches (360 mm) on the LQ-1050. This prevents the print head from printing directly onto the platen, which can damage the print head.
Page 34 Push the paper release lever back to the single-sheet position. While holding down the button (draft mode) or LINE FEED FORM FEED button (Letter Quality mode), turn on the printer. The printer beeps several times and the POWER PAPER OUT lights come on.
Page 35 4. Move the left edge guide to the right or left until it rests against the triangular guide mark on the paper guide. 5. Adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper. 1-21 Setting Up the Printer...
Page 36 6. Next, slide a sheet of paper down between the edge guides until it meets resistance. After about two seconds, the printer loads the paper automatically and then starts the self test. A list of DIP switch settings is printed first, followed by a series of characters.
Page 37 ON LINE If the test results are not satisfactory, see Checking the Operation later in this chapter for possible causes and solutions. Note: To resume the test, press the button more. ON LINE once Setting Up the Printer 1-23...
Page 38 To end the self test, press the button to eject any FORM FEED paper that is still loaded. Then turn off the printer. WARNING: After turning the power off, always wait at least five seconds before turning it back on. Turning the power on and off rapidly can damage the printer.
Page 39 Tabcdefqhi.jklmnopqrstuvwxyz{ I }” ! ‘I#$%& () \I^. [\I“ ‘abcdefghi jkl.mnop( [\I” ‘abcdefghi jklmnopql 'abcdefghijklmnopqrstl ‘abcdefghi,jklmnopqrstuvl abcdefghi jklmnopqrstuvw: abcdef ghi jklmnopqrstuvwxy; [\]^-’ 'abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz{ 'abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz{!, ‘abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz[:}+ Setting Up the Printer abcdefghijklmnc I j”’ ! ” !"#: !"#$: ! ‘I#$%; j” ! “#$%& 1-25...
Page 40 +.--. /nl7?Asifi7RO* Note: When using the optional cut sheet feeder, the first page of the self test printout is slightly different. For details, see The Cut Sheet Feeder in Chapter 5. Setting Up the Printer 1-26 :,<->?@ABCDEFGHXJKLM~ ./0123456787 ;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPCi <=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRST :;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTL...
Page 41: Checking The Operation
Checking the Operation If the self test does not print properly, check the control panel and the print head area. If paper is jammed, turn off the printer. Then remove the paper using the platen knob and load a new sheet. See that all packing material and shipping restraints have been removed from inside the printer.
Page 42 Set the paper thickness lever to match the thickness of your paper. See The Paper Thickness Lever in Chapter 2. The print head is damaged. Stop printing and contact your Epson dealer to have the print head replaced.
Page 43 (continued) Dots are missing in random positions. If the printer still does not print the self test correctly, contact your Epson dealer. Solution There is either too much slack in the ribbon or the ribbon has come loose and caught on something.
Page 44: Connecting The Printer To Your Computer
See The Interface Boards in Chapter 5. The parallel interface is the printer’s default setting. If you need to use the built-in serial interface, be sure to change the DIP switch setting as shown in Chapter 3.
Page 45: The Parallel Interface
The Parallel Interface Connect the parallel interface cable as described below: 1. Make sure that both your printer and computer are turned off. 2. Plug the cable connector securely into the printer. 3. Squeeze the wire clips together until they lock in place on either side of the connector.
Page 46: The Serial Interface
The Serial Interface Connect the serial interface cable as described below: 1. Make sure both your printer and computer are turned off. Setting Up the Printer 1-32...
Page 47 2. Plug the connector securely into the printer. WARNING: Do not plug more than one interface cable into the printer at once. This may damage the printer. 3. Plug the other end of the cable into the computer. Setting Up the Printer...
Page 48: Setting Up Your Application Software
Because the family of Epson printers shares a great many commands, you can use an application program even if it does not list the LQ-850, LQ-950, or LQ-1050 on its printer selection menu. If the printer is not listed, choose one of the following printers. They are listed in order of preference.
Page 49: Chapter 2 Paper Handling
Chapter 2 Paper Handling Using Single Sheets ....... . . Loading Paper .
Page 50: Using Single Sheets
Your printer can accommodate single sheets up to a maximum width of 10.1 inches (257 mm) on the LQ-850,13.0 inches (330 mm) on the LQ-950, or 14.3 inches (364 mm) on the LQ-1050. If you do most of your printing on single sheets, you may find it more convenient to install the optional cut sheet feeder.
Page 51 POWER PAPER OUT lights come Note: Do not insert paper in the printer before turning on the printer. 4. Move the left edge guide until it rests against the guide mark. (You may want to change this position later, depending on the margin settings of your application program.)
Page 52 6. Slide the paper down between the edge guides until it meets resistance and the light goes off. After about two PAPER OUT seconds, the printer loads the paper automatically, and is set to so that it can accept data from your computer. ON LINE Paper Handling...
Page 53: Reloading During Printing
Reloading During Printing When you print a document of more than one page using single- sheet paper, the printer stops printing when it reaches the bottom of the page. When this automatically or remains on, depending on your application program software.
Page 54: Using Continuous Paper
Using Continuous Paper The tractor built into your printer is remarkably easy to load and operate. Its low-profile design takes up little space and can handle paper up to 10.0 inches or 254 mm wide on the LQ-850, up to 12.0 inches or 305 mm on the LQ-950, and up to 16.0 inches or 406 mm...
Page 55: Loading Continuous Paper
Be sure to align the paper supply with the paper loaded in the tractor so that the paper feeds smoothly into the printer. Loading Continuous Paper 1. Be sure that the printer is turned off. 2. Pull the paper release lever forward to the continuous paper position.
Page 56 3. Open the paper g uide cover and remove the paper guide. Attach the paper rest Paper Handling...
Page 57 Release the sprocket units by pulling the sprocket lock levers forward as shown below. Slide the left sprocket unit all the way to the left and press the lever back to lock it in place. Paper Handling 2-9...
Page 58 Note: The first printable column position is indicated by the mark shown in the illustration below. 7. Slide the right sprocket unit so that it roughly matches the width of your paper, but do not lock it. 2-10 Paper Handling...
Page 59 8. Move the paper support midway between the two sprocket units. 9. Open both sprocket covers. CAUTION: Make sure that the first sheet of paper has a clean, straight edge before inserting it into the printer. Paper Handling 2-11...
Page 60 10. Fit the first four holes in the paper over the pins of both sprockets. 11. Close the sprocket covers. 2-12 Paper Handling...
Page 61 12. Slide the right sprocket unit to a position where the paper is straight and has no wrinkles. Then lock it in place. 13. Reattach the paper guide on top of the paper as shown below. Then slide the edge guides together so that they meet at about the middle of the paper’s width.
Page 62 Lever 2. If you are using special paper, see The Paper Thic later in this chapter for details. 14. Close the paper guide cover and turn on the printer. Press the button to feed paper to the loading LOAD/EJECT position.
Page 63 16. Press the ON LINE accept data. The printer remembers the loading position and advances each page to the same position. If you need to adjust the loading position, use the micro-adjustment feature. See Adjusting the Loading Position in Chapter 3.
Page 64: Switching Between Continuous And Single Sheets
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets Even with continuous paper loaded in the printer, the SmartPark feature allows you to easily switch to single-sheet printing without removing the continuous paper from the tractor. Switching to Single Sheets To switch from continuous paper to single sheets, follow the steps below.
Page 65 2. Tear off any outgoing sheets. If the paper has advanced past the print head, you need to press the your document to a point where it can be easily removed. CAUTION: Make sure you tear off your printed document before pressing the several pages at a time may result in a paper jam.
Page 66 Press the LOAD/EJECT backward out of the printer and into the standby position. The paper is still attached to the tractor but no longer in the paper path. The PAPER OUT completely out of the paper path. CAUTION: Pressing feed the paper far back enough to reach the standby position.
Page 67 release lever back to the single-sheet position. Push the paper 5. Lift the paper Paper Handling 2-19...
Page 68 6. Move the left edge guide until it rests against the guide mark. Adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper. 7. Close the paper guide cover. 2-20 Paper Handling...
Page 69: Switching Back To Continuous Paper
8. Slide a sheet of paper down between the edge guides until it meets resistance and the two seconds, the printer loads the paper automatically and sets itself ON LINE. Switching Back to Continuous Paper It is also easy to switch back to printing with continuous paper.
Page 70 1. Open the paper guide cover. 2. Lift up slightly on the paper guide and then lower it onto the back of the printer. 2-22 Paper Handling...
Page 71 3. Slide the left and right edge guides together so that they meet at about the middle of the continuous paper's width. 4. Pull the paper release lever forward to the continuous paper position, then close the paper guide cover. 2-23 Paper Handling...
Page 72 Press the LOAD/EJECT button to feed the continuous paper to the loading position. Then, press the button to set the ON LINE printer on line so that it can accept data. 2-24 Paper Handling...
Page 73: Printing On Special Paper
Printing on Special Paper In addition to printing on single sheets and continuous paper, your printer can also print on a wide variety of paper types, including multi-part forms, labels, and envelopes. If you are printing preprinted or multi-part forms or labels, it is recommended that you use the optional pull tractor.
Page 74 Note: For normal use, set the paper thickness lever to position 2 on the scale. If you have installed the optional film ribbon cartridge, and you to use the single sheets or continuous paper, set the paper want thickness lever to position 1. The following table gives you general guidelines for selecting the right paper thickness lever position for the type of paper you are using:...
Page 75 To change the paper thickness setting, follow these steps. 1. Make sure the printer is turned off. Then remove the printer that cover. WARNING: If the printer has just been in use, the print head may be hot. Be careful not to touch it. Paper Handling...
Page 76 2. Select the paper thickness you want according to the table below. For normal use, the lever should always be set to position 2 on the scale. 3. Reattach the printer cover unit. 2-28 Paper Handling...
Page 77: Multi-Part Forms
Multi-part Forms With the built-in tractor unit, your printer can print on continuous multi-part forms. You can use multi-part forms parts including the original. Make sure you set the paper thickness lever to the proper position.
Page 78: Labels
Also, never use the short tear-off function with labels. (Be sure to set DIP switch 2-7 to OFF.) If a label does become stuck in the printer, contact your Epson dealer. Because labels are especially sensitive to temperature and humidity, always use them under normal operating conditions.
Page 79 To eject labels from the printer, follow these steps: 1. Open the paper guide cover and remove the paper guide. 2. Tear off the sheet of labels at the perforation behind the push tractor. 2-31 Paper Handling...
Page 80: Envelopes
For details on paper handling, see Using Single Sheets earlier in this chapter. See Chapter 5 for a description of how to use envelopes with the optional cut sheet feeder. 2-32 Paper Handling button to set printer off Then press line.
Page 81 When manually feeding an envelope, you may have to push it down slightly to get it to feed properly. After about two seconds, the envelope loads automatically. CAUTION: The printable area for envelopes is shown on the next page. The print head must not go past the left or right edge of the envelope or other thick paper.
Page 82 CAUTION: Envelope printing is available only at normal temperature (41°F to 95°F or 5°C to 35°C). To make sure that the printing fits within the printable area, always print a test sample using a normal sheet of paper before printing on envelopes.
Page 83: Chapter 3 Using The Printer
Chapter 3 Using the Printer Operating the Control Panel ......Setting the DIP Switches......
Page 84 The indicator lights give you the current status of the printer. The buttons and paper handling functions let you control many of the printer settings. Lights 0 POWER 0 READY 0 MULTI-PART 0 PAPER OUl 0 ON LINE 0 SANS SERIF...
Page 85 ON LINE This button controls on line and off line status. Press this button to put the printer on line or to take it off line. When the printer is on line, the is on and the printer can receive and print data from the computer.
Page 86 CONDENSED Press this button to turn the condensed mode on and off. The orange indicator light is on when the printer is in the condensed mode. In the condensed mode, all characters are printed at approximately 60 percent of their normal width.
Page 87 Other control panel features The control panel of your printer also gives you access to several special functions. Self test: Micro-adjustment: Data dump: Input buffer control: To enable or disable the input buffer, press Both a draft and Letter Quality self test function are built into the printer.
Page 88: Setting The Dip Switches
3. Use a pointed object, such as a pen, to change the DIP switch settings. A DIP switch is on when it is up, and off when it is down. The new DIP switch settings take effect when you turn the printer on. Using the Printer...
Page 89: The Dip Switch Tables
Note: The factory settings for DIP switches 1-1 to 1-3, 1-4, 2-1, and 2-2 vary depending on the country and are not shown in the tables. See table 1, 4 Graphics Italics Unidir. Bidir. See table 5 See table 2 Using the Printer...
Page 90 International Character Set later in this chapter for other character sets. International character sets are selectable only when the DIP switch l-4 is OFF. Table 2 Interface/parity selection Interface type Parity SW 2-3 SW 2-4 Parallel Serial Even Serial Serial None Using the Printer...
Page 91 Table 3 Baud rate selection f%gpJ 300 bps Table 4 Graphics character sets Graphics character sets are selectable only is ON. Table 5 Page length selection ( 12 inches 8.5 inches 11.7 inches the DIP switch 1-4 when Using the Printer...
Page 92: The Dip Switch Functions
This allows for precise vertical alignment, making it ideal for printing graphics such as lines and boxes. When DIP switch l-5 is on, the printer prints unidirectionally; when it is off, the printer prints bidirectionally. Either setting can be overridden by a software command (ESC U).
Page 93: Page Length
11.7 inches Note: If you are using the cut sheet feeder, the page length is automatically set when you run the printer’s self test. For details, see The Cut Sheet Feeder in Chapter 5. Other page lengths can be set using the commands ESC C and ESC C 0.
Page 94: Skip Over Perforation
DIP switch 1-8 OFF (Skip over perforation OFF) ;;;;;;;9:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\] 456789: ; <=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\J^? 56789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]- .-------------------------em---------z- 6789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]--'a 789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\J- 89: ; <=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\l^_'abc 9: ; <=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]--'abed :;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]--'abcde DIP switch 1-8 ON (Skip over perforation ON) Z34~3;;9:;'='?"ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]' ------------------------- 456789: ; 56789:; 6789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]*-'ai 3-12 Using the Printer :;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]- :;<=>?@'ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\I^_ <=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ]\]- <=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]*-? - -------...
Page 95 Use skip over perforation only if your program does not provide these margins. The skip over perforation setting can be set to values other than one inch by using the ESC N command. See the Command Summary in Chapter 9 for details. Using the Printer 3-13...
Page 96: Adjusting The Loading Position
However, when you use micro- adjustment to change the loading position of single-sheet paper, the printer does not remember this position after the power is turned off. When the power is turned back on, the loading position returns to its factory setting.
Page 97: Using Micro-Adjustment
Using Micro-adjustment Make sure that the printer is turned on and that either a single sheet or continuous paper is ready to be loaded. Press the LOAD/EJECT position. Then press the begins to blink LOAD / EJECT BIN 1 II) II)
Page 98 When the paper reaches either the minimum or maximum top margin, the printer beeps and the paper stops moving. Once you have adjusted your paper, the printer remembers this new loading position. When light stops flashing. Using the Printer...
Page 99: Using Short Tear-Off
When you are finished printing, the short tear-off feature automatically feeds the perforation of the continuous paper to the tear-off edge of the printer cover so that you can tear off the last sheet. When you resume printing, the paper feeds backward to the loading position.
Page 100 When you have finished printing, and if the perforation is at the top of form position, the printer automatically feeds the perforation of the continuous paper to the tear-off edge of the printer cover. You can then tear off the page using the tear-off edge as shown below.
Page 101: Adjusting The Tear-Off Position
If the paper’s perforation does not meet the tear-off edge, you can adjust the tear-off position using the micro-adjustment feature. 1. Make sure the printer feeds the paper to the tear-off position after printing the document. The blinking, indicating that you can now use the micro-adjustment feature to make fine adjustments to the tear-off position.
Page 102 LINE FEED button to feed it backward. You can now tear off your document from the perforation and resume printing. The printer remembers new tear-off position this even after the printer is turned off and on again. Using the Printer 3-20...
Page 103: Selecting Typestyles
Orange lights indicate which features you have chosen. Note: The settings you select using the SelecType panel remain valid even after you turn off, reset, or initialize the printer. However, commands from your application program temporarily override the SelecType settings.
Page 104 DRAFT (high-speed draft) We’ve just seen your miniature zebras Tradpr’s Times < . Y for quantities over one gross? Using the Printer 3-22 FONT button until the font’s orange FONT 0 DRAFT 0 ROMAN 0 SANS SERIF 0 SLOT A...
Page 105 ? in a recent back What is the price schedule i n a r e c e n t b a c k i s s u e o f Using the Printer ad for issue 3-23...
Page 106: Character Spacing
For proportional spacing, character width varies from one character to the next. For example, a narrow letter like i receives less space than a wide letter like W. 3-24 Using the Printer are Letter Quality (LQ) fonts. Letter Quality button until the PITCH...
Page 107: Condensed Mode
10 and 12 cpi. The condensed 10 cpi is 17 cpi, and the condensed 12 cpi is 20 cpi. This is This This is 12 cpi printing. Ibis is cpi printing. printing. condensed cpi printing. condensed button CONDENSED Using the Printer 3-25...
Page 108: Selecting An International Character Set
You can select one of eight international character sets by changing the DIP switch settings. Whenever the printer is turned on, reset, or initialized, the character set selected by the DIP switches becomes the default character set.
Page 109 64 Legal Once you set the DIP switches for a certain character set, that set remains valid even after you turn off, reset, or initialize the printer. However, software commands override the DIP switches settings until the commands are canceled or the printer is turned off, reset, or initialized.
Page 110: Selecting A Graphics Character Set
1-2, and l-3 according to the DIP switch table for international character sets shown earlier in this chapter. International character sets are selectable only when DIP switch 1-4 is ON. United States 23456709ABCDEF CODE Pl3CScsf6ii SXSEUeuiibR k6FVfvHiia Using the Printer 3-28...
Page 112 Canada-French 23456789ABCDEF $4DTdtftk!" §%5EUeuhf. (8HXhxSttf )SIYiySBr *:JZjz&u- +;Ktk( > Norway CODE +;K[k{ 3-30 Using the Printer L\lliS) &...
Page 113: Choosing A Character Table
Choosing a Character Table DIP switch 1-4 selects either the italic character table or the Epson Extended Graphics character table. The Epson Extended Graphics character table contains international accented characters, Greek characters, mathematic symbols, and character graphics for printing lines, comers, and shaded areas.
Page 114 Italics CODE 0123456789ABCDEF !lAQaq #3CScs 84DTdt %SEUeu &GFVfv ‘7GWgw (8HXhx 19IYiy -=Mlm} 3-32 Using the Printer O@P’p J 2 j z CL\11 >N^n” ?O-0 O@P’P !IAQa!? " 2 #3CSCS $4DTdt %SElJeu &GFVfV '7GWgw (8HXhx )9IYiy <L\lI -=MlmJ >N*n* ;/?O-0...
Page 115 Epson Extended Graphics 23456789ABCDEF :ODE Using the Printer 3-33...
Page 116 To select a character table, set DIP switch 1-4 according to the table below. CAUTION To change the setting of a DIP switch, first turn off the printer, change the DIP switch, and then turn the printer back on. Tables showing which characters are printed in each of the character tables are listed in the Appendix.
Page 117: Using The Data Dump Mode
1. Make sure that the printer is loaded with either single-sheet or continuous paper. 2. If the printer is on, switch it off, then hold down the FORM FEED and LINE FEED buttons at the same time you turn on the printer.
Page 118 4. To turn off the data dump mode press ON LINE to take the printer off line. Then turn off the printer. (You can also cancel the data dump mode by sending an INIT signal from the computer.)
Page 119 By comparing the characters printed in the text field on the right side of the data dump printout (see step 3) with the printout of hex codes, you can check which codes are being sent to the printer. If characters are printable, they appear as their true ASCII characters.
Page 120: Chapter 4 Software And Graphics
Defining Your Characters ......Sending Information to Your Printer ....
Page 121: Enhancing Your Printing
Enhancing Your Printing You can obtain a wide variety of printing effects with the LQ-850, LQ-950, and LQ-1050 printers, from changing the number of characters per inch to using special effects on selected words and phrases. This section gives you a sampling of the features you may select with your software.
Page 122: Character Spacing
High-speed draft resumes again after the feature is turned off. Character Spacing To add greater variety to your documents, the printer has three cpi spacings, as well as proportional spacing. Each one can be selected with a software command.
Page 123: Character Size
Note: Proportional spacing is not available in the draft mode. Character Size In addition to the basic cpi spacings and proportional spacing, the printer offers three other modes that can change the size of your printing. These modes are double-wide, double-high, and condensed.
Page 124: Special Effects And Emphasis
High-speed draft temporarily switches to normal draft speed when you select condensed printing. Special Effects and Emphasis The printer offers two ways of emphasizing text and also allows you to use underlining, superscripts, subscripts, and italics. You can directly control these features using software commands. Many application programs can also produce some of these effects.
Page 125: Italic Printing
Emphasized and double-strike printing Emphasized and double-strike printing can give words and phrases added prominence. In emphasized mode, the printer prints each character twice as the print head moves across the paper, with the dots in the second pass printed slightly to the right of the first pass.
Page 126 Underlining, strike-through, and overlining The underline, strike-through, and overline modes are useful for highlighting selected text. This feature can be used to score spaces, subscripts, and superscripts without a break. You can choose from a variety of line styles, including single, double, broken, or continuous.
Page 127: Selecting Typestyles With Master Select
Selecting Typestyles With Master Select Your printer has a special ESCape code called Master Select that allows you to choose many combinations of these nine modes: 10 cpi, 12 cpi, proportional spacing, condensed, emphasized, double- strike, double-wide, italics, and underline. For more information sending ESCape codes to your printer, see Chapter 9.
Page 128 12 cpi Double-strike 16 Double-wide n = 49 After calculating the value of n, you use the Master Select command to send the value to the printer. ASCII: Decimal: Hexadecimal: The print quality and font must be set separately, using SelecType or the ESC x and ESC k commands.
Page 129: Graphics
The quickest and easiest way to print graphics on your printer is to use a commercial graphics program. With such programs you usually create an image on your monitor then give a command to send the image to the printer.
Page 130: The Print Head
In order for the dots to overlap vertically, the pins in the print head are in more than one column, but the intelligence of the printer handles the timing of pin firings so that the effect is that of 24 pins arranged in a single vertical column.
Page 131 Your printer also forms its images with patterns of dots, as many as 360 dots per inch, horizontally and 360 dots per inch, vertically. The images printed by this printer can, therefore, be as finely detailed as the ones at the beginning of this section.
Page 132 256 possible patterns you want. This numbering system is shown below: To fire any one pin, you send its number to the printer. To fire more than one pin at the same time, add up the numbers of the pins and send the total.
Page 133: The Graphics Command
Your printer has one command that allows you to use any of the 11 graphics options. The format of the command is: Software and Graphics 4-14 calculations for you.
Page 134: Column Reservation Numbers
The graphics command requires more than one number to specify how many columns to reserve because one line can use thousands of columns, but the printer does not use numbers larger than 255 in decimal. Therefore the graphics mode command uses two numbers, nl and n2, for reserving columns.
Page 135: A Simple Graphics Program
96 and n2 should be 6 because 1632 = 96 + (6 x 256). The printer interprets the number of bytes specified by nl and n2 as graphics data, no matter what codes they are. This means that you must be sure to supply enough bytes of graphics data or the printer will stop and wait for more data and will seem to be locked.
Page 136: Designing Your Own Graphics
1/8th of an inch high and less than 1/4th of an inch wide. The actual pattern that the printer prints on the paper is, of course, made up of dots that overlap each other both vertically and horizontally.
Page 137 Write the assigned values of the pins next to your design, then total the values for each column of dots. These totals are the values that you send to the printer as graphics data to print the design. Below is the same grid divided into three sections to make the data calculation easier.
Page 138 Below is the BASIC program that prints the design shown on the previous pages. Note that the data numbers in lines 80 through 140 are the same numbers that are at the bottom of each section in the last illustration. The WIDTH statement in line 10 is for IBM PC BASIC;...
Page 139 Quadruple-density Because of a difference in line spacing increments, the shape of graphics figures produced on the printer with an 8-pin option is different from the output from the same program on a 9-pin printer. Software and Graphics 4-20 ESC * format ESC’0...
Page 140 The reassigning command The LQ-850, LQ-950, and LQ-1050 have a command that allows you to change the graphics option assigned to any of the four individual graphics option commands. The command looks like this: The letters represents the command that you wish to change the assignment for (K, L, Y, or Z) and m is the number of the graphics option that you want to assign to it.
Page 141: User-Defined Characters
User-defined Characters With this printer, it is possible to define and print characters of your own design. You can design create special characters for use as mathematical or scientific symbols, or create graphic patterns with user-defined characters to serve as building blocks for larger designs.
Page 142 Design grids To design a character you use a grid that is 24 dots high-one dot for each pin on the printer’s print head. The width of the character matrix depends on the character set in use. For draft characters, the grid is nine dots wide, for Letter Quality it is 29 dots wide, and for proportional characters it is 37 dots wide.
Page 143: Defining Your Characters
Now you translate the dot pattern you’ve created on paper to a numeric format so you can send the data to your printer. Every dot has an assigned value. Each vertical column (which has a maximum of 24 dots) is first divided into three groups of eight dots.
Page 144 This manual uses decimal numbers because the program examples are written in BASIC and everyone is familiar with decimals. The data you send to your printer, however, must be in the form (binary, decimal, hexadecimal) that you can use with your programming language.
Page 145: Sending Information To Your Printer
The command your printer uses to define characters is one of the most complex in its repertoire. The format of the command is this: The ESC &...
Page 146 The last part of the command to define your characters is the actual data that defines the dot patterns for each character. Since it takes three bytes to specify all the dots in one vertical column, your printer expects dl x 3 bytes of data to follow d2. “, dO+ dl+ d2 Software and Graphics ‘,.i’,...
Page 147 The information about the actual character design (which is contained in the DATA statements at the end of the program) is sent to the printer in the loop between lines 50 and 70. Note: When defining Letter Quality or proportional characters, put a WIDTH statement in your program to prevent carriage return and line feed codes from interfering with your definitions.
Page 148: Printing User-Defined Characters
Run the program to see the printout below: As you can see, both sets of characters (the @ from the original characters in ROM that the printer normally uses and the alternative character you defined) remain in the printer available for your use.
Page 149: Copying Rom Characters To Ram
Since no other characters are in the printer’s user- defined RAM, there is nothing else to print. Other characters sent to the printer do not even print as spaces; it’s as if they were not sent at all.
Page 150: Letter Quality Characters
Letter Quality Characters If you select Letter Quality printing with the ESC xl command, you can design user-defined characters using up to 29 columns of the Letter Quality/Proportional grid. The dot columns are spaced closer together horizontally than draft dot columns (the horizontal dot spacing is 1/360th of an inch as opposed to 1/120th of an inch for draft characters).
Page 151: Mixing Print Styles
You can use each of the three user-defined character modes (draft, Letter Quality, and proportional) in combination with most of your printer’s various print styles. For instance, emphasized mode works with userdefined characters. The characters you design are enhanced to give this printing effect.
Page 152 Keep in mind that user-defined characters are stored in RAM, which is not permanent memory. When the printer power is turned off or the printer is initialized with the INIT signal, the user-defined characters are lost.
Page 153: Chapter 5 Using The Printer Options
Paper Handling ........Testing the Printer in the Cut Sheet Feeder Mode ..5-12 Loading Envelopes .
Page 154: The Cut Sheet Feeder
The illustrations in this section show the single-bin feeder for the LQ-1050. You use the other sheet feeders in the same way. Using the Printer Options...
Page 155: Installation
Installation 1. Assemble the cut sheet feeder following the instructions provided in its accompanying manual. 2. Make sure the printer is turned off. Then remove the printer cover unit and the paper guide. Using the Printer Options...
Page 156 3. Push the paper release lever back to the single-sheet position. 4. Remove the paper tension unit by pressing the levers back to open the mounting latches. At the same time, lift up on the front of the unit. Using the Printer Options...
Page 157 Paper Handling ........Testing the Printer in the Cut Sheet Feeder Mode ..5-12 Loading Envelopes .
Page 158: The Cut Sheet Feeder
The illustrations in this section show the single-bin feeder for the LQ-1050. You use the other sheet feeders in the same way. Using the Printer Options...
Page 159 Installation 1. Assemble the cut sheet feeder following the instructions provided in its accompanying manual. 2. Make sure the printer is turned off. Then remove the printer cover unit and the paper guide. Using the Printer Options...
Page 160 3. Push the paper release lever back to the single-sheet position. 4. Remove the paper tension unit by pressing the levers back to open the mounting latches. At the same time, lift up on the front of the unit. Using the Printer Options...
Page 161 5. Tilt the cut sheet feeder slightly forward to fit the notches at the base of the unit over the pins on the printer. Then tilt the feeder back until it rests on top of the printer. 6. Separate the paper guide cover (transparent gray plastic) from the printer cover.
Page 162 7. Raise the cut sheet feeder’s paper path guide and attach the printer cover. Using the Printer Options...
Page 163 8. Close the paper path guide. 9. Turn on the cut sheet feeder mode by setting DIP switch 1-7 to Using the Printer Options...
Page 164: Paper Handling
Note: Always make sure that the printer is turned off before changing the DIP switch settings. 10. Turn on the printer. Paper Handling Make sure that the cut sheet feeder mode is turned on with switch l-7. Pull the left and right paper set levers of the selected bin all the way forward until the paper guides retract and lock open to allow for paper loading.
Page 165 4. Take a stack of paper and fan it as shown. This keeps the paper from sticking and ensures that only one sheet feeds at a time. Tap the side and bottom of the paper on a flat surface to even the stack. Using the Printer Options...
Page 166 Then adjust the right paper guide until the paper is held firmly, but not so tightly that it causes the paper to buckle. Make sure the paper can move up and down freely. Using the Printer Options 5-10...
Page 167 When the printer is on line, press the between bin 1 and bin 2. The printer beeps once if you select bin 1 and twice for bin 2. (You can also select the bin with the ESC EM software command.)
Page 168: Testing The Printer In The Cut Sheet Feeder Mode
The steps below are for a self test in draft mode. 1. Make sure that the printer is turned off and a stack of paper is inserted in the selected bin of the cut sheet feeder. Check that the cut sheet feeder mode is selected and the paper release lever is pushed to the rear.
Page 169 2. While holding down the LINE FEED button, turn on the printer. (For Letter Quality mode, press FEED button instead of the FORM button.) LINE FEED A part of the printout of the first sheet is shown below. The printout of the second sheet is similar to the original self test described in Chapter 1.
Page 170: Loading Envelopes
Note: To resume the test, press the 4. To end the self test when paper is loaded, press the button to eject the paper. Then turn off the printer. Loading Envelopes You can print on plain, bond, or air mail envelopes. The cut sheet feeder can hold up to 25 plain or bond envelopes, or 30 air mail envelopes.
Page 171 2. Push down on the two front levers on the left and right paper guides until they lock into position. 5-15 Using the Printer Options...
Page 172: Operating The Cut Sheet Feeder
Press the LOAD/EJECT button to start printing. ON LINE Operating the Cut Sheet Feeder After stacking paper in the cut sheet feeder, turn on the printer and make sure that the ON LINE of paper loads automatically whenever a printable sheet character or line feed command is sent to the printer.
Page 173 Note: If you turn off your printer during the time the printer detects a paper out or paper jam condition, any data remaining in the printer’s buffer is discarded.
Page 174: Using Continuous Paper
ESC J: Software is not effective while the printer is off line. Make sure that the printer is on line if you wish to control the cut sheet feeder using software commands. Using Continuous Paper...
Page 175 2. Install the cut sheet feeder as described in this section, making sure that DIP switch 1-7 is set to ON. 3. If a single sheet is still in the printer, eject it by pressing the button. LOAD/EJECT Using the Printer Options...
Page 176 4. To switch from the cut sheet feeder to continuous paper, pull paper release lever forward to the continuous paper position. You do need to change the of DIP switch 1-7. setting Using the Printer Options 5-20...
Page 177 5. Raise the paper path guide until it clicks open. This guide directs the flow of continuous paper out of the front of the printer. Press the LOAD/EJECT Note: With the paper release lever forward and the printer off line, the control panel functions normally, allowing you to use micro-adjustment feature to finely adjust the loading position of your paper.
Page 178 2. Close the paper path guide and set the printer on line. 3. Push the paper release lever back to the single-sheet position. 5-22 Using the Printer Options...
Page 179: Loading Single Sheets
Then slide the sheet into resistance. the paper release lever is in the single-sheet button to take the printer off line. Using the Printer Options LOAD/EJECT paper path until you feel...
Page 180: Removing The Cut Sheet Feeder
Removing the Cut Sheet Feeder 1. Turn off the printer and remove any paper stacked in the cut sheet feeder. 2. Open the cut sheet feeder’s paper path guide and remove the printer cover.
Page 181 3. Tilt the back of the cut sheet feeder forward to release its notches from the printer’s pins. Then lift up and remove the cut sheet feeder. Using the Printer Options 5-25...
Page 182 4. Replace the paper tension unit as shown below. Tilt the unit back and position the back notches on the unit over the rear mounting pins of the printer. Press the levers open as you tilt the unit toward you until the front latches click in place over the front mounting pins located behind the paper bail.
Page 183 Removal of the cut sheet feeder is now completed. Be sure to store the removed cut sheet feeder in its original box and packing materials. 5-27 Using the Printer Options...
Page 184: The Pull Tractor
For best results, use the pull tractor along with the built-in push tractor as described in this section. You can use the following pull tractors Installation 1. Turn off the printer and remove the printer cover unit and paper guide. 2. Install the paper rest. 5-28...
Page 185 At the same time, lift up the front of the unit. 4. Hold the pull tractor with the knob to the right. Fit the rear notches on the tractor over the rear mounting pins of the printer, as shown in the following illustration. the Printer Options...
Page 186 5. Tilt the tractor unit toward you until the front latches click in place over the front mounting pins of the printer. 6. Pull the paper release lever all the way forward to the continuous paper position. CAUTION: You cannot use the short tear-off function with the pull tractor.
Page 187: Paper Handling
Paper Handling 1. With the printer cover unit removed, load continuous paper in the push tractor as described in Chapter 2. However, position left sprocket unit about 1/4 inch from the left before locking it in place. When you have paper loaded, turn on printer.
Page 188 CAUTION: Never use the platen knob to feed the paper while the printer is turned on. If you need to adjust the loading position, use the micro-adjustment function described in Chapter 3. Open the sprocket covers of the pull tractor and pull the sprocket lock levers toward you to release them.
Page 189 (There is only one paper support on the LQ-850 and LQ-950.) 5. Fit the holes of the paper over the tractor pins on the sprocket units, adjusting the position of the sprocket units as necessary. Using the Printer Options 5-33...
Page 190 6. If the paper does not fit exactly onto the tractor pins or if the paper buckles, press in on the pull tractor knob and turn it in the desired direction until the paper fits properly. 7. Close the sprocket covers. 5-34 Using the Printer Options...
Page 191 9. Slide the rollers on the paper bail bar so they are evenly distributed across the width of your paper, making sure that the right and left rollers are at both edges of your paper. Using the Printer Options 5-35...
Page 192 11. Install the pull tractor cover. 12. Press the ON LINE button to set the printer on line. Note: Do not use the short tear-off feature with the pull tractor.
Page 193: Removing The Pull Tractor
Removing the Pull Tractor 1. Remove the pull tractor cover and the paper guide. 2. Tear off any printed sheets or extra blank sheets. Using the Printer Options 5-37...
Page 194 3. Press the ON LINE button to take the printer off line and press the LOAD/EJECT button until the continuous paper feeds backward out of the paper path to the standby position. The PAPER OUT light comes on when the paper is completely out of the paper path.
Page 195 4. Remove the continuous paper from the push tractor unit. Then, push the paper release lever backward. 5. Turn off the printer. Then, pressing the tabs on the pull tractor, tilt it back and lift it off the printer. Using the Printer Options...
Page 196 6. Replace the paper tension unit as shown below. Tilt the unit back and position the back notches on the unit over the rear mounting pins of the printer. Press the levers open as you tilt the unit forward until the front latches click in place over the front mounting pins located behind the paper bail.
Page 197: The Multi-Font Module
The optional Multi-Font Module (#7407) gives you an easy way to have access to seven more fonts for your printer. After you install the Multi-Font Module in either slot A or slot B of the printer, the following fonts are available: Courier, Prestige, Script, OCR-A, OCR-B, Orator, and Orator-S.
Page 198 Trader's Times. What is the price schedule for quantities over one gross? We've just seen your zebras miniature Trader's Times. quantities 5-42 Using the Printer Options excellent a recent back What over one gross? ad for issue price schedule...
Page 199 TRADER’S TIMES. FOR QUANTITIES OVER ONE GROSS? /0123456789:;<=>?aABCDEFGHIJK seen your excellent ad for recent What over one gross? AB DEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUV rYtAA~~6BCI~o~~60afvRfAfbO IN A RECENT BACK ISSUE OF WHAT IS THE PRICE SCHEDULE Using the Printer Options back issue price schedule 5-43...
Page 200: Installation
Installing or removing the module while the power is on may damage the printer. 1. Make sure the printer is turned off. Then remove the font compartment cover as shown below. Inside the compartment are two connectors (slots) labeled A and B.
Page 201 Selecting a Font. 3. Insert the font module securely into slot A or B so that the arrow marks on the font module and the slot are facing each other. 5-45 Using the Printer Options...
Page 202 4. Attach the font compartment cover. 5. Turn on the printer. Then select SLOT A or SLOT B by pressing the FONT button on the SelecType panel. 0 SANS SERIF Note: This font module selection remains valid even after you turn off, reset, or initialize the printer.
Page 203: Selecting A Font
Orator-S There are two ways to select a font from the module: With the printer turned off, dial the family number of the font with the rotary switch on the module. When the printer is turned on, that font becomes the default font if the slot is selected by pressing the button on the control panel.
Page 204: The Interface Boards
8 KB. If you are unsure whether you need an optional interface or would like to know more about interfaces, contact your Epson dealer. 5-48 Using the Printer Options...
Page 205: Compatible Interfaces
Compatible Interfaces The following is a list of Epson interfaces that are compatible with your printer. Interface number #8143 #8148 #8165 #8172 #8641 #8642 Note: Some interfaces may not be available in all countries. All Epson interfaces have the Epson name printed on them. If the...
Page 206 Removing the upper case 1. Turn off the power to the printer and the computer. Next, unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet and disconnect the interface cable from the printer. WARNING: High voltages are present inside the printer when the power is on.
Page 207 3. Using a cross-head screwdriver, remove the two retaining screws: one located at the front of the printer, the other at the back near the printer’s fan. 4. Detach the upper case by pressing in on the two retaining clips inside the front of the printer.
Page 208 5. Partially raise the upper case. Look under the control panel and notice the clip that secures the control panel to the upper case. Now reach under the control panel and release the front clip. 6. Slip the control panel back through the upper case. 5-52 Using the Printer Options...
Page 209 7. With the control panel free of the upper case, tilt the case straight back to detach the rear hinges, and then lift it off. 5-53 Using the Printer Options...
Page 210 8. Remove the shield plate above the parallel interface by pressing in on the plastic clips located at the back of the plate. (The following illustration shows a rear view of the printer.) 9. Remove the power cable attached to the main board by grasping the clip at its base and pulling gently, but firmly, straight up.
Page 211 Installing the board There are two basic types of interface board designs, which slightly change the way they are installed in the printer. The frame ground wire is attached for one type and not attached for the other. This difference does not affect the operation of the interface in any way.
Page 212 #8143 board, see the next section, #8143 New Serial Interface.) 2. Use the CG screw to attach the round end of the FG wire to the main board and position the other end as shown. 5-56 Using the Printer Options...
Page 213 3. Reattach the power cable, making sure that the small fins on the white plastic clip are toward the inside of the printer. Take extra care to see that the holes of the clip are aligned with the pins of the connector.
Page 214 4. Fit the interface board under the built-in tractor aligning the board with the CN2 connector on the main board and with the interface port of the back of the printer. Carefully insert the pins on the optional interface board into the mating connector on the main board.
Page 215 If the FG wire is attached, follow these steps: 1. Set the DIP switches on the interface board according to the manual accompanying your interface board. (If you are installing the #8143 board, see the next section, #8143 New Serial Interface.) Using the Printer Options 5-59...
Page 216 2. Carefully place the interface next to the printer as shown below. Use the CG screw to connect the round end of the FG wire to the main board. 5-60 Using the Printer Options...
Page 217 3. Reattach the power cable, making sure the small fins on the that white plastic clip are toward the inside of the printer. Take extra care to see the holes of the clip are aligned with the pins of that the connector.
Page 218 4. Holding the interface board level, rotate it clockwise into position and it to the main board. Make sure the attach connector pins are properly inserted into the mating connector. 5. Secure the board with three of the screws provided. Using the Printer Options 5-62...
Page 219 1. Fit the rear hinges of the upper case into the openings in the lower case; then partially lower the upper case. CAUTION: Take care not to pinch the FG wire between upper and lower sections of the case. 5-63 Using the Printer Options...
Page 220 Press down on the front of the control panel until the front clip snaps into place. 3. Close the upper case. Make sure you press down on the front of the case until it locks into place. 5-64 Using the Printer Options...
Page 221: 8143 New Serial Interface
#8143 New Serial Interface If you are using an optional interface, it may be necessary for you to alter the communication protocol of the printer or the computer so that they can communicate properly. In most cases, you should use the information in your optional interface manual or your computer’s manual to match the computer with the interface.
Page 222 Handshaking timing When the vacant area for data in the input buffer drops to 256 bytes, the printer outputs an X-OFF code or sets the DTR flag to “1” (MARK) indicating that it cannot receive data. Once the vacant area for data in the buffer recovers to 528 bytes, the printer outputs an X-ON code or sets the DTR flag to “0”...
Page 223: Chapter 6 Maintenance
Maintenance Cleaning the Printer ....... . Replacing the Ribbon .......
Page 224: Cleaning The Printer
To keep your printer operating at its best, you should clean it thoroughly several times a year. Follow the steps below: 1. Make sure that the printer is turned off. Then remove the paper guide and any installed options. 2. Using a soft brush, carefully remove all dust and dirt.
Page 225 Be careful not to get water on the printer mechanism or electronic components. Do not use a hard or abrasive brush. Do not spray the inside of the printer with lubricants; unsuitable oils can damage the mechanism. Contact your Epson dealer if you think lubrication is needed. Maintenance 6-3...
Page 226: Replacing The Ribbon
LQ-1050 #7754 Do not use ribbons designed for nine-pin printers. 1. Make sure that the printer is turned off. Then remove the printer cover unit. WARNING: If you have used the printer recently, the print head may be hot. Let it cool before attempting to replace the ribbon.
Page 227 2. To remove the ribbon cartridge, grip it by the two black handles and lift the cartridge straight up and out of the printer. (Ribbon cartridges #7753 and #7768 have only one handle.) 3. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
Page 228 4. To remove slack in the new ribbon, turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow. 5. Push the new ribbon cartridge firmly into position, making sure the plastic hooks fit into the slots, as shown below. Note: Press lightly on both sides of the cartridge to make sure the hooks are properly inserted.
Page 229 6. Use a pointed object, such as a ballpoint pen, to guide the ribbon between the print head and ribbon guide while you turn the ribbon-tightening knob to help feed the ribbon into place. Be careful not to puncture the ribbon. 7.
Page 230 8. Reattach the Maintenance...
Page 231: Transporting The Printer
Transporting the Printer Before you transport your printer some distance, carefully replace it in the original box and packing materials, as described below. 1. Turn off the printer, then remove any installed options. 2. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet and disconnect the interface cable between the printer and the computer.
Page 232 5. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer. While holding the paper bail bar open, reattach the left and right locking tabs. 6. Slide the print head all the way to the left and insert the print head protector as shown below.
Page 233 7. Using the cross-head screwdriver, reattach the two transport locking brackets. 8. Reattach the printer cover unit. WARNING: When you carry the printer, never hold it by the font compartment cover. If this cover comes off, you may drop the printer.
Page 234 9. Fit the printer back into the white packing material and then back into its original box. 6-12 Maintenance...
Page 235: Chapter 7 Troubleshooting
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting Problems and Solutions ......Power Supply........Printing .
Page 236: Problems And Solutions
Problems and Solutions This chapter discusses problems you may encounter while operating your printer and their likely solutions. If you are having difficulty achieving the desired printing result, first locate the problem in the table below and then see the appropriate page for the solution.
Page 237 Using the pull tractor with the push tractor, continuous paper does not feed properly. Using the font module, the module’s fonts do not print. Using an optional interface, the printer does not operate properly. See 7-27 See 7-31 See 7-35...
Page 238: Power Supply
If the voltages do not match, unplug the printer and contact your Epson dealer immediately. Do not reconnect the power cord to an electrical outlet. The problem may lie with the electrical outlet.
Page 239: Printing
Move the paper a little to the left. The PAPER OUT light should go off. The printer may be out of paper. Load more paper into the printer. See Chapter 2. Troubleshooting 7-5...
Page 240 If the printer still does not print correctly, contact your Epson dealer. The print head is overheated. Wait a few minutes; the printer resumes printing automatically when the print head cools.
Page 241 See Chapter 2. The print head is damaged. Stop printing and contact your Epson dealer to have the printer repaired. There is either too much slack in the ribbon or the ribbon has come loose and gotten caught on something.
Page 242 See Chapter 3 and Chapter 9. The wrong character table is selected. If your application program is capable of sending control codes, specify the Epson Extended Graphics character table using ESC t 1. See Chapter 9. You can also select the graphics character table by changing a DIP switch setting.
Page 243 Problem Printed characters are not what you expected (continued). Graphic characters or lines are being printed instead of the selected italic characters. The wrong international characters are being printed. Solution The wrong character table is selected. If your application program is capable of sending control codes, specify the italic character table using ESC t 0.
Page 244 CONDENSED Also, if your application program is capable of sending control codes, you cancel the condensed mode by sending the DC2 code to the printer. See Chapter 9. The software may for your printer. Use the program’s setup (or install) procedure to check the printer settings and reset as needed.
Page 245 Text is printed with an extra blank line in between. Solution Your printer and the computer may not be communicating correctly. Make sure that you are using the correct interface cable and that the communication protocol is correct. See your computer’s manual for more information.
Page 246 Use your application program to change the margin. In BASIC, enter either of the following statements: WIDTH LPRINT 255 EIDTI-I “LPTl” 255 If the printer still does not print properly, set the right margin to the maximum setting using ESC Q. See Chapter 9.
Page 247 2-l and 2-2. See Chapter 3. If your program allows you to send control codes to the printer, specify page size by sending ESC C or ESC C 0. See Chapter 9. If this does not resolve the problem, check the page length set by your application software and adjust it if necessary.
Page 248 Problem The print position is not what you expected (continued). Skip over perforation is set, but the perforation does not fall in the center of the skip. 7-14 Troubleshooting Solution The page length for continuous paper may be set incorrectly. Set DIP switches 2-l and 2-2 to the correct positions for the page length you want.
Page 249: Problem Solution
Chapter 1. If the self test works properly, the printer is all right, and the problem probably lies in the computer, the software, or the cable. If the self test does not work, contact your Epson dealer. Solution The printer is usually set for bidirectional printing.
Page 250: Paper Handling
ON LINE printer off line; then feed the paper. After feeding the paper, press the button again to set the printer on line. See Chapter 3. The cut sheet feeder mode may be turned on (DIP switch l-7 is on>. When you are not using the cut sheet feeder, make sure DIP switch l-7 is OFF.
Page 251 Use only paper sizes that are within the specified range. Multi-part forms cannot be used with printer’s single-sheet feeding system. See Chapter 8. The paper guide may not be attached, or it may not be in the correct position. When printing on single sheets, use the paper guide in its upright position.
Page 252 7-18 Troubleshooting Solution The paper may have edge guides before the printer was turned on. When loading single sheets, be sure that paper is not in the paper guide before you turn the printer on. The paper guide may it may not be in the correct position.
Page 253 After feeding paper, press the ON LINE set the printer on line. See Chapter 3. The paper release lever may be pushed back to the single-sheet position. When using the push tractor, be sure the paper release lever is pulled forward to the continuous paper position.
Page 254 Solution The paper supply may be obstructed by a cable or some other object. Make sure that the paper feeds smoothly into the printer. See Chapter 2. Your supply of continuous paper may be too far from the printer. Position your paper supply within 3 feet (1 meter) of the printer.
Page 255 The paper dimensions may exceed the specified limitations. Use only paper sizes that are within the specified range. Your printer can print on continuous multi-part forms consisting of 1 original and 3 copies. See Chapter 8. Skip over perforation may be interfering with your application program settings.
Page 256 Problem Continuous paper does not feed properly (continued). Skip over perforation does not function. Skip over perforation is set, but the perforation does not fall in the center of the skip. The loading position of the paper shifts slightly while printing several pages.
Page 257 Your program may feed command to the printer. At the end of your program or the page, send a form feed (FF). If you are using BASIC, be sure to add a semicolon (;) after the FF code to...
Page 258 Also, make sure that LOAD/EJECT DIP switch 2-7 (short tear-off) is off. If a label does become jammed in the printer mechanism, see your Epson dealer for assistance. Pull the paper release lever forward to the continuous paper position, set the paper,...
Page 259 Problem Switching between single sheets and continuous paper cannot be performed properly (continued). The paper release lever is correctly set for continuous paper, but when the LOAD/EJECT button is pressed, the platen rofates backward and the paper comes off the sprockets.
Page 260 One page of data may not have been sent to the printer. Finish the page by sending a form feed code (FF) to the printer or by sending enough line feed codes (LF) to advance the remainder of the page.
Page 261: Options
(only while the printer is on line). The printer may be off line. Press the button to put the printer on line. ON LINE The cut sheet feeder mode may be off.
Page 262 See Chapters 3 and 5. The cut sheet feeder may be incorrectly installed on the printer. Remove and reinstall the cut sheet that the mounting notches are properly mated with the pins Chapter 5.
Page 263 Problem Using the cut sheet feeder, the paper does not feed properly (continued). After a print command is sent from the computer, the platen rotates, but paper does not feed. The PAPER OUT light is on (continued). Two or more sheets feed at the same time.
Page 264 Problem Using the cut sheet feeder, the paper does not feed properly (continued). paper feed is crooked. You tried to manually insert a single sheet, but instead paper was fed from the cut sheet feeder’s bin. 7-30 Troubleshooting Solution The paper may be old or creased. Discard it and load new, clean sheets of paper.
Page 265 Push down on the two front levers until they lock into position. See Chapter 5. The printer may be on line. Before using the control panel buttons to feed paper, always take the printer off line (ON LINE light out).
Page 266 The supply of paper may be too far from the printer. Position the paper supply so that it is less than three feet or one meter away. The paper may be caught on the edge guides.
Page 267 Problem Using the pull tractor with the push tractor, continuous paper does not feed properly (continued). Paper feed is crooked or the paper jams (continued). Several lines of space occur in the printout. Skip over perforation is set, but it does not work.
Page 268 Problem Using the pull tractor with the push tractor, continuous paper does not feed properly (continued). Skip over perforation is set, but the skip has shifted from the perforation, or the perforation does not fall in the center of the skip.
Page 269 Using an optional interface, the printer does not operate properly. The printer does not print or the printout is not what you expected. Solution The font module may not be fully inserted in the slot. Check it and insert the module properly if necessary.
Page 270 Solution You may be trying to use an interface with the wrong specification. Check the specifications to make sure that you can interface with this printer. See Chapter 5. The DIP switch settings may not be set correctly. Make sure...
Page 271 If the printer still does not operate properly after checking the above points, run a self test of the interface to make sure that there are no on-board defects. If any abnormality is found, contact your Epson dealer. Note: If you are still having problems after working through the...
Page 272: Chapter 8 Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications Printer Specifications ....... Printing .........
Page 273: Printer Specifications
Printer Specifications Printing Print method: Print speed: Characters per inch Quality High-speed draft Normal draft Letter Quality Printing direction: Line spacing: Paper feed speed: Technical Specifications 24-pin impact dot matrix Characters/second/line Bidirectional logic-seeking for text and graphics. Unidirectional for graphics.
Page 274: Technical Specifications
Epson Roman Epson Sans Serif 96 standard ASCII character set (including italic characters) 14 international character sets 1 Legal character set Epson Extended Graphics character set 5 graphics character sets Technical Specifications 8-3 LQ-1050 Available sizes (Characters per inch) I 10. 12. 15...
Page 275: Paper
No. 6 6.54 x 3.62 inches (166 x 92 mm) No. 10 9.45 x 4.09 inches (240 x 104 mm) 2.5 x 0.94 inch (63.5 x 23.8 mm ) minimum LQ-1050 LQ-950 7.2 to 14.3 inches (182 to 364 mm) 7.2 to 14.3 inches...
Page 276 Printable area: Note: For the LQ-850, printing on paper from 9 to 10.1 inches wide increases the minimum right and left margins to 0.53 inches (13.5 mm). For the LQ-950, printing on paper from 12.0 to 13.0 inches wide increases the minimum right and left margins to 0.59 inches (15.0 mm).
Page 277 0.35 inch (9 mm) minimum Note: The minimum for the right and left margins increases to 0.98 inch (25.0 mm) when printing on IO-inch wide paper on the LQ-850 or on 16-inch wide paper on the LQ-1050. yi3; in;; minimum ~~~~~~~~0.iz~~~3.0mm~ 0.53 inch...
Page 278 Paper weight: Paper thickness: Number copies: Notes: The use of 24 lb paper is only available at normal temperature. Printing past the edge of envelopes, multi-part forms, labels, or paper that is thicker than normal can damage the print head. Labels with a pressure sensitive covering, either glued or tacked onto the backing sheet, can be printed under the conditions listed below.
Page 279: Mechanical
For all components excluding print head: 5,000,000 lines LQ-850: 4000 power-on hours (at 25% duty) LQ-950: 5000 power-on hours (at 25% duty) LQ-1050: 6000 power-on hours (at 25% duty) 200 million strokes LQ-950 (110) 5.6 inches (142 mm) 20.6 inches (522 mm) 14.2 inches (360 mm)
Page 280: Electrical
Vibration: 120 VAC f 10% (self test printing: draft mode) LQ-850: 55 W LQ-950: 60 W LQ-1050: 60 W 49.5 f 0.5 Hz 10M ohms between AC power line and chassis Can withstand 1.00 kV rms applied for one minute or 1.20 kV rms...
Page 281: Interface Specifications
Interface Specifications Your printer is equipped with both a parallel and a serial interface. For specifications on optional interfaces, see the manuals provided with the interfaces. Parallel Interface Pin assignments for the parallel interface Connector pin assignments and a description of their respective interface signals are shown in the following table.
Page 282 SLCT IN Twisted-pair return signal ground level. When this level becomes LOW, the printer controller is reset to its power-up state and the print buffer is cleared. This level is normally HIGH; its pulse width must be more than 50 microseconds at the receiving terminal.
Page 283 0.2 microseconds. Data transfer must be carried out by observing the ACKNLG or BUSY signal. Data transfer to this printer can be carried out only after receipt of the ACKNLG signal or when the level of the BUSY signal is LOW.
Page 284: Serial Interface
High TIHish 1 ;tIv,d * While printing is disabled, character data is being received and acknowledged so that the printer can look for another DC1 character, which would allow it to resume printing. Serial Interface The LQ built-in serial interface is an IX!%232C asynchronous interface...
Page 285: Error Handling
A * character is printed if a parity error is detected. All other errors are ignored. Connector 6-pin DIN connector In this table, the direction of signals is given relative to the printer. number Pin 1 Sianal 1 dfbg,:fk 1 Not used...
Page 286: Option Specifications
Option Specifications Cut Sheet Feeder Dimensions and weight: #7348 Dimensions: mounted on printer. Bin and Stacker capacity: 14.45 inches 23.82 inches 20.20 inches (367 mm) (605 mm) Single sheet: Up to 150 sheets of 22 lb Envelopes:* *For double-bin cut sheet feeder, envelopes can only be used in bin 1.
Page 287 Reliability (total cycle of bin 1 and bin 2) MCBF: Paper: Paper storage condition: Environmental Temperature: Humidity (without condensation): Notes: 24 lb paper printing is only available at normal operating conditions. Envelope printing is only available at normal operating conditions. 8-16 Technical Specifications 100,000 cycles...
Page 288: Initialization
Initialization There are three ways that the printer can be initialized (returned to a fixed set of conditions). Hardware initialization Software initialization These three kinds of initialization have slightly different effects. In particular, ESC @ does not initialize the printer mechanism, clear the input data buffer, or clear the user-defined character set.
Page 289: Default Settings
Special printing effects User-defined characters Justification Graphic mode assignment In addition, the data buffer is cleared when the printer is initialized by turning on the power or by sending an INIT signal. Note: The user-defined character set is not cleared when the printer is initialized by ESC @.
Page 290: Chapter 9 Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic..... . . Printer Operation....... . .
Page 291: Using The Command Summary
The second part of this chapter lists and describes each command separately; the commands are divided into the following subjects: Printer operation MSB control Data control Vertical motion Horizontal motion Overall printing style Each command has a format section and a comments section.
Page 292: Examples
Note: Some application programs use control key sequences. See the Control Key Chart later in this chapter. Examples The simplest type of command consists of a single character to be sent to the printer. For instance, to print in condensed mode, the code format is: ASCII code: Decimal:...
Page 293: Control Key Chart
For the following commands that use only 0 or 1 for the variable, either the decimal or hexadecimal values 1 and 0 or the ASCII 1 and 0 can be used: ch.u~acte~s ESC U, ESC x, ESC p, ESC W, ESC S, ESC-, ESC %, and ESC w. For example, in BASIC you can turn on proportional spacing with either of these statements: LPRINT CHR$ (27);"p";CHR$(l)
Page 294: Commands In Numerical Order
(one line) ....Select Condensed Mode ..9-25 Select Printer....Cancel Condensed Mode ..9-26 Deselect Printer .
Page 295 Set MSB to 1 ....Reassign Graphics Mode ..9-40 Initialize Printer ....Set n/60-inch Line Spacing..9-l6 Set Vertical Tabs.
Page 296 ASCII Dec. ESC N ESC O ESC I’ ESC Q ESC R ESC S0 ESC S 1 ESC T ESC U ESC W ESC Y ESC Z ESC \ ESC a ESC b ESC g ESC k ESC 1 ESC p ESC q ESC t ESC w...
Page 297: Commands Arranged By Topic
H e x a d e c i m a l : 1 1 Comments: Returns the printer to the selected state if it has been deselected by the printer deselect code (DC3). It does not select the printer it has been switched off line by the DC1 and DC3 do not work if pin 36 on the parallel interface is low (for example, on IBM PC and compatible computers).
Page 298 Decimal: H e x a d e c i m a l : 1 3 Comments: Puts the printer into the deselected state until the select printer code (DC1) is received. The printer cannot be reselected with the button. ON LINE...
Page 299 ESC U Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: The following values can be used for n: 1: Turns the mode on 0: Turns the mode off Printing is normally bidirectional. This command selects unidirectional printing for more accurate positioning. ESC EM Format: ASCII code: Decimal:...
Page 300: Msb Control
MSB Control MSB means the Most Significant Bit. MSB control (ESC =, ESC >, and ESC #) does not work for graphics or user-defined characters. ESC = Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Sets the MSB of all incoming data to 0. Some computers always send data with the MSB set to 1, which means that italics or character graphics are always printed.
Page 301: Data Control
Format: ASCII code: Decimal: H e x a d e c i m a l : 0 7 Comments: Sounds the printer’s beeper Data Control Format: ASCII code: Decimal: H e x a d e c i m a l : 0 D...
Page 302: Vertical Motion
Vertical Motion Form feeding Format: ASCII code: Decimal: H e x a d e c i m a l : 0 C Comments: Prints the data in the print buffer and advances the paper to the top of the next form according to the current page length. The default page length is 66 lines;...
Page 303 ESC C0 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Sets the page length to n inches. The value of 22. The top of form position is reset to the current line. Overrides the DIP switch page length setting. ESC N Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal:...
Page 304 Line feeding Format: ASCII code: Decimal: H e x a d e c i m a l : 0 A Comments: When this command is received, the data in the print buffer is printed and the paper advances one line in the current line spacing.
Page 305 ESC 2 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Sets the line spacing to l/6 of an inch for subsequent line feed commands. This line spacing is the default at power on. ESC 3 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Sets the line spacing to n/180 of an inch for subsequent line feed commands.
Page 306 ESC J Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Advances the paper n/180 of an inch. The value of n must be from 0 to 255. This command produces an immediate line feed but does not affect subsequent line spacing and does not produce a carriage return.
Page 307 ESC b Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Functions the same as ESC B, except that the variable c selects a channel for the vertical tabs, which must be from 0 to 7. Therefore, up to eight sets of vertical tabs can be set. The channels are selected by ESC /.
Page 308 Horizontal Motion Margins ESC 1 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Sets the left margin to n columns in the current character size. Settings made in the proportional mode are treated as 10 cpi. This command clears previous tab settings and all previous characters in the print line.
Page 309 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: H e x a d e c i m a l : 0 8 Comments: Prints out data in the print buffer, then moves the print position one space to the left. Backspacing is possible up to, but not beyond, the left margin setting.
Page 310 ESC \ Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Determines the position (relative to the current position) at which printing of subsequent data will start. To find nl and n2, first calculate the displacement required in dots. If the displacement is to the left, subtract it from 65536.
Page 311: Overall Printing Style
ESC D Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: This command allows setting of up to 32 horizontal tabs, which are entered as nl, n2, n3, etc., (from 1 to 255) with the number 0 character terminating the command. The tab settings must be entered in ascending order.
Page 312 Comments: This command affects only the Letter Quality typestyle, not draft. If n = 0, the Roman typestyle in the printer is used. To select one of the other typestyles, use the family number of the font as shown below. For example, to choose the Prestige font, use 3 for the value of n.
Page 313: Print Size And Character Width
Print Size and Character Width ESC P Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Selects 10 character per inch printing. This command is normally used to cancel 12 or 15 cpi. ESC M Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Selects 12 character per inch printing. ESC g Format: ASCII code:...
Page 314 ESC p Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Turns proportional mode on and off. The following values can be used for n: 1: Turns mode on. 0: Turns mode off. The width of proportional characters varies from character to character. Therefore, a narrow letter like i receives less space than a wide letter like W.
Page 315 ESC SI Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Duplicates the SI command and the function of the button on the control panel. Format: ASCII code: Decimal: H e x a d e c i m a l : 1 2 Comments: Cancels condensed mode set by SI, ESC SI, or SelecType and returns printing to normal.
Page 316 ESC SO Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Duplicates the SO command. ESC W Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Doubles the width of all characters. The following values can be used for n: 1: Turns mode on. 0: Turns mode off. Format: ASCII code: Decimal:...
Page 317 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Doubles the height of all characters. The following values can be used for n: 1: Turns mode on. 0: Turns mode off. You may need to adjust line spacing to compensate for the height of these characters.
Page 318 ESC F Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Cancels the emphasized mode selected by ESC E. ESC G Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Makes text bolder by printing each line twice, with the second printing slightly below the first. ESC H Format: ASCII code:...
Page 319 ESC S0 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Prints characters about two-thirds of the normal character height in the upper part of the character space. ESC S1 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Prints characters about two-thirds of the normal character height in the lower part of the character space.
Page 320 E S C ( - Format: ASCII code: Decimal: H e x a d e c i m a l : 1B Comments: Use decimal or hexadecimal values for all variables, not ASCII characters. Use the following values for the first 3 variables: nl must be 3.
Page 321 3: Selects outline with shadow. This command is valid for all characters, with the exception of character codes B0H to DFH, F4H, and F5H (176 to 223, 244, and 245 decimal) in the Epson Extended Graphics character table. Command Summary 9-32...
Page 322: Word Processing
Word Processing ESC a Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Sets the type of justification. The following values can be used for n: 0: Selects left justification. 1: Selects centering. 2: Selects right justification. 3: Selects full justification. The default setting is n = 0. Full justification (n = 3) is performed when the buffer becomes full;...
Page 323 Comments: Causes characters from the italic character table to be printed. This command is valid even if the Epson Extended Graphics character set has been selected by ESC t or by DIP switches, but the character graphics are not italicized.
Page 324 ESC 5 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Cancels the mode selected by ESC 4. ESC R Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Selects one of the international character sets. The following values can be used for n: 0 = USA 1 = France 2 = Germany 3 = England...
Page 325 The variable n represents the font family. Fonts in the font module (except Orator and Orator-S) can also be copied. The printer cannot select fonts 2 to 6 if you do not have the Multi-Font Module.
Page 326 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: When the Epson Extended Graphics character table is selected, ESC 6 enables the printing of codes 128 through 159 (decimal) as characters, not control codes. See the Appendix for characters printed. ESC 7 Format:...
Page 327 Graphics See Chapter 4 for sample graphics programs. See the table under ESC * for graphics modes. ESC K Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Turns on 8-pin, single-density graphics mode. The total number of columns = nl + (n2 x 256). ESC L Format: ASCII code:...
Page 328 ESC Z Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Turns on 8-pin, quadruple-density graphics mode. The total number of columns = nl + (n2 x 256). ESC * Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Turns on graphics mode m. See the following table for details on the available modes.
Page 329 ESC ? Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Changes from one graphics mode to another. The variable s is a character (K, L, Y or Z). The variable m corresponds to the mode m in the ESC * command. Command Summary 9-40 Reassign Graphics Mode...
Page 330: Appendix
Appendix Proportional Width Table ......Character Tables ........
Page 331: Proportional Width Table
Proportional Width Table This table lists the widths of your printer’s proportional characters. The values given are in 360ths of an inch. (For example, a value of 36 is 36/360ths of an inch.) You may need to enter these widths into a special table for your processing program so it can calculate the number of proportional characters that will fit on a line.
Page 332 Code Width Code 36124 36124 36124 36124 36124 36124 36124 36124 36124 24116 30120 36124 36124 42128 36124 36124 36124 36124 36124 36124 36124 42128 36124 42128 36124 36124 30/20 24116 30120 24/l 6 30120 30120 18112 30120 36124 30120 Width 36/24 30120...
Page 333 Code Width 30120 30/20 18112 18112 18112 36124 36124 36124 42/28 42128 30120 30120 30120 36124 36124 36124 36124 42128 30120 30120 36124 42128 30/20 30120 18112 30120 36124 36124 36124 30120 30120 30120 30120 30/20 30120 30120 30120 Width <...
Page 334 Code Wldth 3C!l20 30120 30120 30120 30120 30120 30120 30120 30120 30120 30120 30120 30120 30120 30120 30120 Width 24/16 30120 36124 36124 30120 30120 § 30120...
Page 335: Character Table
Character Tables These character tables are selected by DIP switch 1-4 or the ESC t software command. For the Epson Extended Graphics character table, use of the ESC 6 or ESC 7 software command lets you select whether to print hex codes 80 to 9F as characters (ESC 6) or control codes (ESC 7).
Page 336 Epson Extended Graphics Character Table...
Page 337: Glossary
See number systems. A binary digit (0 or l), which is the smallest unit of information used by a printer or computer. See also number systems. buffer See input buffer and memory. G l o s s a r y 1...
Page 338 33 other codes which are called control codes. These control codes perform such functions as sounding the beeper and performing a carriage return or line feed. cut sheet feeder (CSF) An optional, detachable device which automatically feeds single sheets of paper into the printer. Glossary...
Page 339 Sometimes called hex dump. A troubleshooting feature. When the printer is in the data dump mode, each code that it receives is printed in hexadecimal notation. decimal See number systems. default A value or setting that takes effect when the equipment is turned on, reset, or initialized.
Page 340 ESC/P Abbreviation for Epson Standard Code for Printers. The system of commands lets you perform software control of your printer from your computer. It is standard for all Epson printers and supported by most application software for personal computers. font A font is a style of type designated by a family name.
Page 341 To establish the initial default status of the printer by turning the printer on, or by sending an INIT signal or code (ESC @). input buffer The memory in the printer in which data sent from the computer is stored while waiting to be printed. interface The means of connection between the computer and printer.
Page 342 The printer, like a computer, has a memory. When you print a file from a computer, the contents of the file are transferred quickly from the computer’s memory to the printer’s memory. The printer then prints information from its own memory at a much slower rate.
Page 343 The part of the printer that fits above the platen to assure proper paper tension in the printing area. parallel interface An interface that connects the computer and interface transmits data one character or code at a time.
Page 344 R A M Acronym for Random Access Memory. The portion of memory used as a buffer and as a place for storing user-defined characters. All data stored in RAM is lost when the printer is turned off. reset To return a printer to its defaults, either by a command, an INIT signal, code, or by turning the printer off and on.
Page 345 Often used for printing graphics. user-defined characters Characters that are defined and stored in the printer by the user. Also known as download characters. 10 cpi A character spacing of 10 characters per inch. This is often the standard or default pitch.
Page 346: Index
Canada-French, 3-30 Multilingual, 3-29 Norway, 3-30 Portugal, 3-29 United States, 3-28 Character tables, 9-34-35, A-6-7 choosing, 3-31-34 Epson Extended Graphics, graphics, 3-7 italics, 3-7, A-6 selecting 9-34 Command summary, 9-2--40 Commands descriptions, 9-8-40 in numerical order, 9-5-7 CONDENSED button, 3-4...
Page 347 Electrical standards, 1-3, 8-9 Emphasizing text, 4-5-8, 9-28-29 Envelopes, 2-25-26, 2-32-34 cut sheet feeder, 5-14-16 manual feed, 2-33 printable area, 2-33-34 Epson Extended Graphics character table, 3-31, 3-33-34, A-7 Error handling, #8143 serial interface, 5-66 ESCape codes, see Commands Film ribbon, 1-15, 6-4...
Page 348 Hex dump, see Data dump mode High-speed draft, 4-2-3 font, 3-21-22 mode, 1-19, 1-26, 3-7, 3-10 Horizontal motion, 9-19-22 tabbing, 9-21-22 Initialization printer, 9-8-9 specifications, S-17-18 Input buffer control, 3-5 Interface boards, 548-65 choosing, 5-48 Coax, 5-48-49 frame ground wire, 5-55-63 IEEE-488, 5-48-49...
Page 349 OCR-A font, 5-42, 5-47 OCR-B font, 5-43, 5-47 ON LINE button, 3-3 light, 3-2 Operation, checking l-27-29 Options problems, 7-27-37 see Cut Sheet Feeder see Interface boards see Multi-Font Module see Pull Tractor Orator font, 5-43, 5-47 Orator-S font, 5-44, 5-47 Outline mode, 4-7, 9-32 Overline mode, 4-7, 9-31 Packing materials, 1-3-4, 6-9, 6-12...
Page 350 5-2-66 plugging in, 1-18 setting up, 1-2-34 software control, 9-8-40 specifications, 8-2-18 testing 1-18-29 transporting 6-9-12 unpacking, 1-2-7 using, 3-2-37 Printer stand, 1-9 Printing enhancing, 4-2-9 problems, 7-5-15 speeds, 4-2 Problems, 7-2-37 options, 7-27-37 paper handling, 7-16-26 power supply, 7-4...
Page 351 8-9 initialization, 8-17-18 interface, 8-10-14 mechanical, 8-8 options, 8-15-16 paper, 8-4-7 parallel interface, 8-10-13 printer, 8-2-9 printing, 8-2-3 serial interface, 8-13-14 Strike-through mode, 4-7 Subscripts, 4-5, 4-7, 9-30 Superscripts, 4-5, 4-7, 9-30 Switches, see DIP switches Tear-off mode, see Short tear-off...
Page 352 ® EPSON L Q - 8 5 0 / 9 5 0 / 1 0 5 0 Quick Reference...
Page 353 Commands Arranged by Topic This section lists all the commands. The numbers in the columns on the right are the page numbers in Chapter 9 where a complete description of the command Printer Operation MSB Control Code ESC = ESC >...
Page 354 Horizontal Motion Overall Printing Style Code ESC x ESC k ESC ! Print Size and Character Width Print Enhancement Word Processing Code ESC a ESCSPbpace) Function Select Letter Quality or Draft Select Type-style Family Master Select Function Select Justification Set Intercharacter Soace Page 9-22 9-23...
Page 355 Character Tables 1 Dee ) Hex 1 Function Code FSC t ESC 4 ESC 5 ESC R User-defined Characters Graphics Code ESC K ESC L ESC Y FSC 7 --- - FSS? 47 .- ESC ? The DIP Switch Tables DIP Switch 1 Description International character set...
Page 356 ® EPSON P r i n t e d i n J a p a n 9 0 . 0 1 - 4 0 . 0...

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Lq-850 Lq-950

Epson LQ-1050 User Manual

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Setting up the Printer

Chapter 2 Paper Handling

Chapter 3 Using the Printer

Software and Graphics

Chapter 4 Software and Graphics

Chapter 5 Using the Printer Options

Chapter 6 Maintenance

Chapter 7 Troubleshooting

Chapter 8 Technical Specifications

Chapter 9 Command Summary

Quick Links

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Summary of Contents for Epson LQ-1050

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