Epson FX-870 Service Manual page 61

Troubleshooting
Table 3-9. IdentiQing Serial Communications Errors (Continued)
Problem
Device timeout
l
Characters are
l
printed as
graphics or are
printed in italics.
The printer
l
outputs a couple
l
of pages
and
then stops.
Nothing is
l
printed.
l
3-8
Possible Cause
The computer is not set for
infinite retries to the
printer.
Bit word length mismatch
Handshaking problem
Cable problem
Cable problem
Baud rate mismatch
Solution
Type a MODE command from the MS-DOS prompt
that includes the infinite retry parameter. For
instance, if the serial interface card's switches are
in the factory setting, type:
The P parameter at the end of the command sets
infinite retries to the printer.
the interface card. To be sure that the computer
is set to the same setting, type a MODE command
from the MS-DOS prompt. For instance, if the
serial interface card's switches are in the factory
setting, type:
The 8 parameter in the command sets the word
length to 8 bits.
Verify that computer and printer are using the
same type of handshaking. One cannot use
BUSY/READY if the other is using XON/XOFF.
Check the cable configuration. (See Figure 2-1
and Figure 2-2.)
Check the cable configuration. (See Figure 2-1
and Figure 2-2.)
Verify the baud rate set with the DIP switches on
the interface card. To be sure that the computer
is set to the same setting, type a MODE command
from the MS-DOS prompt. For instance, if the
serial interface card's switches are in the factory
setting, type:
Epson FX-870/1170