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Epson B-308/B-508DN
User's Guide

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Summary of Contents for Epson B-308

  • Page 1 Epson B-308/B-508DN User’s Guide...
  • Page 2: Copyright And Trademarks

    Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by the purchaser or third parties as a result of accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to strictly comply with Seiko Epson Corporation's...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Accessing EPSON Web-To-Page ........
  • Page 4 Using EPSON Web-To-Page ........
  • Page 5 Optional Duplex Unit (B-308 only) ........
  • Page 6 Running a printer operation check (for B-508DN users) ......125 Running a printer operation check (for B-308 users) ......126 Checking Printer Status .
  • Page 7 Epson Technical Support........
  • Page 8 Duplex unit (B-308 users only) ........
  • Page 9: Safety Instructions

    Safety Instructions Important Safety Instructions Read all of the instructions in this section before using the printer. Also, be sure to follow all warnings and instructions marked on the printer. Setting up the printer Observe the following when setting up the printer: ❏...
  • Page 10: Choosing A Place For The Printer

    ❏ Unplug the printer and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: The power cord or plug is damaged; liquid has entered the printer; the printer has been dropped or the casing damaged; the printer does not operate normally or exhibits a distinct change in performance.
  • Page 11: Handling Ink Cartridges

    ❏ Take care not to spill liquid on the printer. ❏ Do not touch the white flat cable inside the printer. ❏ Do not put your hand inside the printer during printing. ❏ Do not use aerosol products that contain flammable gases inside or around this product. Doing so may cause fire.
  • Page 12: Warnings, Cautions, And Notes

    ❏ Use up the ink cartridge within six months of installation for best results. ❏ Do not dismantle the ink cartridges. This could damage the print head. ❏ Store ink cartridges in a cool, dark place. ❏ After bringing an ink cartridge inside from a cold storage site, allow it to warm up at room temperature for at least three hours before using it.
  • Page 13: Chapter 1 Using Your Software

    Refer to the following sections to access the printer driver. Note: Screen shots of the printer driver in this manual are from Windows XP and from the B-500DN, but apply to the B-508DN and B-308. From Windows applications 1. Click Print or Print Setup on the File menu.
  • Page 14 From the Start menu 1. Windows Vista: Click the start button, select Control Panel, and then select Printer from the Hardware and Sound category. (If the Control Panel is in Classic View, click Printers.) Windows XP and Server 2003: Click Start, Control Panel, then click Printers and Faxes. (If the Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other Hardware, then click Printers and Faxes.) Windows 2000: Click Start, point to Settings, then click Printers.
  • Page 15: Printing Web Pages To Fit To Your Paper Size

    This software is not available for Windows Vista and XP x64. Note for Windows Internet Explorer 7 users: Printing web pages to fit to your paper size is a standard feature in Windows Internet Explorer 7, so EPSON Web-To-Page is not necessary.
  • Page 16: Uninstalling The Printer Software

    Windows 2000: Click Start, point to Settings, and select Control Panel. 3. Windows Vista: Click Uninstall a program from the Programs category, and then select EPSON Printer Software from the list. Windows XP and 2000: Select Add/Remove Programs and then select EPSON Printer Software from the list.
  • Page 17: Uninstalling The User's Guide

    Windows XP, Server 2003, and 2000: Click Change/Remove. 5. Select the icon for your printer and click OK. 6. Click OK to uninstall the printer driver. Uninstalling the User’s Guide Note: ❏ To uninstall programs in Windows Vista, you need an administrator account and the password if you log on as a standard user.
  • Page 18: Chapter 2 Paper Handling

    You can achieve good results with most types of plain bond paper. However, coated papers provide superior printouts because they absorb less ink. Epson provides special papers that are formulated for the ink used in Epson ink jet printers, and recommends these papers to ensure high-quality results.
  • Page 19: Paper Loading Capacities

    ❏ The output tray has a maximum capacity of 170 sheets. You can purchase genuine Epson ink and paper from an Epson authorized reseller. To find the nearest one, call your nearest Epson sales office as described in “Epson Technical Support” on page 147.
  • Page 20: Loading Paper

    Loading Paper Follow these steps to load paper: Front paper cassette 1. Pull out the front paper cassette. 2. Squeeze the edge guides and slide them out. MODIFY TO SHOW LETTER SIZE 3. Fan a stack of paper, then tap it on a flat surface to even the edges. Paper Handling...
  • Page 21 4. Load the paper with the printable side down. Note: Avoid adding paper before running out of paper. Doing so may prevent the paper from feeding smoothly. 5. Squeeze the edge guides and slide them against the paper. Paper Handling...
  • Page 22 6. Reinsert the cassette into the printer. Note: To avoid paper jams, do not force the front paper cassette into the printer and do not move the edge guides after inserting the cassette. 7. Slide out and extend the extension tray. Note: ❏...
  • Page 23: Rear Sheet Feeder

    Rear sheet feeder 1. Open the paper support. 2. Slide out and extend the extension tray. 3. Slide the edge guide to the left. 4. Fan a stack of paper, then tap it on a flat surface to even the edges. Paper Handling...
  • Page 24: Using The Optional Legal-Size Paper Support

    5. Load the paper with the printable side up, against the right side of the rear sheet feeder. Then slide the edge guide against the left edge of the paper. Note: ❏ Leave enough space in front of the printer for the paper to be fully ejected. ❏...
  • Page 25: Loading Envelopes

    Loading Envelopes Follow these steps to load envelopes: 1. Open the paper support. 2. Slide out and extend the extension tray. 3. Slide the left edge guide to the left. Paper Handling...
  • Page 26 4. Load envelopes short edge first with the flap facing down and to the left. Then slide the left edge guide against the left edge of the envelopes. Note: ❏ The thickness of envelopes and their ability to fold vary widely. If the total thickness of the stack of envelopes exceeds 0.6 inch (15 mm), press down on the envelopes to flatten them before loading.
  • Page 27: Setting Up The Output Tray

    For this paper Select this paper type setting Plain paper Plain Paper/Bright White Paper Epson Bright White Paper Epson Premium Presentation Paper Matte Premium Presentation Paper Matte Epson Premium Presentation Paper Matte Double-Sided Epson Presentation Paper Matte Presentation Paper Matte...
  • Page 28: Chapter 3 Basic Printing

    Chapter 3 Basic Printing Introduction This section guides you through the procedures for different kinds of printing. Printing Documents Explains how to print documents on various types of paper. & See “Printing Documents” on page 30. Printing Photos Explains how to print photos on various types of paper. &...
  • Page 29: Printing Web Pages

    Printing Web Pages Explains how to print Web pages so that they fit on a sheet of paper without getting cut off on the right side. & See “Printing Web Pages” on page 34. Printing on Envelopes Explains how to print on envelopes. &...
  • Page 30: Printing Documents

    Loading paper Refer to the section below for details on loading paper. & See “Loading Paper” on page 20. When using special Epson paper, refer to the section below. & See “Using Special Paper” on page 18. Printer settings 1. Open the file you want to print.
  • Page 31 & See “Accessing the printer driver” on page 13. 3. Click the Main tab, then select one of the following Quality Option settings: ❏ Draft for rough drafts with reduced print quality ❏ Text for text-only documents with higher text quality ❏...
  • Page 32: Printing Photos

    & See “Printable area” on page 157. Loading paper Refer to the section below for details on loading paper. & See “Loading Paper” on page 20. When using special Epson paper, refer to the section below. & See “Using Special Paper” on page 18. Basic Printing...
  • Page 33: Printer Settings

    Printer settings Follow these steps to adjust your printer settings. 1. Access the printer settings. & See “Accessing the printer driver” on page 13. 2. Click the Main tab, then select Photo in the Quality Option settings: 3. Select the paper source as the Source setting. 4.
  • Page 34: Printing Web Pages

    When using special Epson paper, refer to the section below. & See “Using Special Paper” on page 18. Using EPSON Web-To-Page The EPSON Web-To-Page software lets you print Web pages so that they fit within the width of your selected paper. Note: This software is not available for Windows Vista and XP x64.
  • Page 35 If you have installed EPSON Web-To-Page, the EPSON Web-To-Page toolbar appears on the Internet Explorer window. 2. Click the Print button on the toolbar. The Print window appears. Note: If you want to preview the layout of your printout, click the Preview button on the toolbar.
  • Page 36 3. Right-click the printer icon and choose Printing Preferences in Windows XP and 2000. 4. Click the Main tab, then select Web as the Quality Option settings: 5. Select the paper source as the Source setting. 6. Select the appropriate Type setting. &...
  • Page 37: Printing On Envelopes

    Printing on Envelopes Loading envelopes Refer to the section below for loading envelopes. & See “Loading Envelopes” on page 25. Refer to the section below for the printable area. & See “Printable area” on page 157. Printer settings 1. Access the printer settings. Basic Printing...
  • Page 38 & See “Accessing the printer driver” on page 13. 2. Click the Main tab, then select one of the following Quality Option settings: ❏ Text for most envelopes ❏ Text & Image to print images on the envelope 3. Select Rear Tray as the Source setting. 4.
  • Page 39: Canceling Printing

    Using the Cancel button on the printer For B-508DN users Press the + Cancel button to cancel a print job in progress. For B-308 users Press the ) Paper/Cancel button to cancel a print job in progress. Canceling from Windows When you start printing, the progress meter appears on your computer screen.
  • Page 40: Chapter 4 Printing With Special Layout Options

    Chapter 4 Printing with Special Layout Options Introduction You can print with a variety of layouts for special projects, such as booklets and posters. Double-Sided (Duplex) Printing Lets you print on both sides of the paper. & See “Double-Sided (Duplex) Printing” on page 42. Fit to Page Printing Lets you automatically enlarge or reduce the size of your document to fit the paper size selected in the printer driver.
  • Page 41: Pages Per Sheet Printing

    Pages Per Sheet Printing Lets you print two or four pages on a single sheet of paper. & See “Pages Per Sheet Printing” on page 58. Poster Printing Lets you enlarge material on a single document page to cover 4, 9, or 16 printed sheets of paper, and then make a poster.
  • Page 42: Watermark Printing

    Watermark Printing Lets you print text or an image as a watermark on each page of your printout. & See “Watermark Printing” on page 67. For example, you can put “Confidential” on an important document. Double-Sided (Duplex) Printing Two types of double-sided printing are available: standard and folded booklet. Standard double-sided printing lets you automatically print on both sides of the page (on plain paper only), using the duplex unit.
  • Page 43 Folded booklet double-sided printing allows you to make single-fold booklets. The pages that will appear on the outside (after the page is folded) are printed first. The pages that will appear inside the booklet can then be printed after you reload the paper into the printer. ✽: Binding edge You can create a booklet by printing pages 1 and 4 on the first sheet of paper, pages 5 and 8 on the second sheet, and pages 9 and 12 on the third sheet.
  • Page 44: Standard Double-Sided Printing

    Follow the steps below to print odd- and even-numbered pages onto opposite sides of the sheet using the duplex unit. Note: The duplex unit is standard on the B-508DN and available as an option for the B-308. Automatic double-sided printing supports plain paper and Epson Bright White Paper only. 1. Access the printer settings.
  • Page 45 You can also adjust the margins to allow for binding your pages. Note: Automatic double-sided printing supports plain paper and Epson Bright White Paper only. 1. Access the printer settings. & See “Accessing the printer driver” on page 13.
  • Page 46 3. Click the Page Layout tab, then select the Duplex Printing check box. 4. Select Auto to use the automatic double-sided printing function. 5. Click Adjust Print Density to open the Print Density Adjustment window. Printing with Special Layout Options...
  • Page 47 6. Select the appropriate document type as the Select Document Type setting. 7. Specify the Print Density and Increased Ink Drying Time as the Adjustments setting. Note: When you print dense photos on both sides of the paper, reduce the print density and increase the drying time to improve quality.
  • Page 48 Manual double-sided printing Follow the steps below to print odd- and even-numbered pages onto opposite sides of the sheet. 1. Access the printer settings. & See “Accessing the printer driver” on page 13. 2. Click the Main tab, then select one of the following Quality Option settings: ❏...
  • Page 49 3. Select Rear Tray as the Source setting. 4. Select the appropriate Type setting. & See “Selecting the Correct Paper Type” on page 27. 5. Select the appropriate Size setting. 6. Select Portrait (tall) or Landscape (wide) to change the orientation of your printout. 7.
  • Page 50 9. Click Margins to open the Margins window. 10. Specify the edge of the paper where the binding will be placed. You can choose Left, Top, or Right. 11. Choose cm or inch as the Unit setting. Then specify the width of the binding margin. You can enter any width from 0.12 to 1.18 inches, or from 0.3 to 3.0 cm.
  • Page 51: Folded Booklet Double-Sided Printing

    15. Once the paper is reloaded, click Resume to print the even-numbered pages. Folded booklet double-sided printing Manual double-sided printing Use the following steps to create a folded booklet. Note: Folded booklet double-sided printing function is available only when manual double-sided printing is set. 1.
  • Page 52 2. Click the Main tab, then select one of the following Quality Option settings: ❏ Draft for rough drafts with reduced print quality ❏ Text for text-only pages ❏ Text & Image for higher quality pages with text and images ❏...
  • Page 53 7. Click the Page Layout tab and select the Duplex Printing check box. Then select Manual and select the Folded Booklet check box. 8. Click Margins to open the Margins window. Printing with Special Layout Options...
  • Page 54 9. Specify the edge of the paper where the binding will be placed. You can choose Left, Top, or Right. Note: When you select Portrait as the Orientation setting, the Left or Right binding positions are available. The Top binding position is available when you select Landscape as the Orientation setting. 10.
  • Page 55: Fit To Page Printing

    ❏ Follow the instructions provided when reloading the printouts. Otherwise, paper may jam or the binding margins may be incorrect. ❏ If a paper jam occurs, refer to the following. & See “The Paper Jams” on page 131. 14. Once the paper is reloaded, click Resume to print the inside pages. 15.
  • Page 56 & See “Accessing the printer driver” on page 13. 2. Click the Main tab, then select one of the following Quality Option settings: ❏ Draft for rough drafts with reduced print quality ❏ Text for text-only pages ❏ Text & Image for higher quality pages with text and images ❏...
  • Page 57 5. Select the appropriate Size setting. 6. Select Portrait (tall) or Landscape (wide) to change the orientation of your printout. 7. Click the Page Layout tab, then select the Reduce/Enlarge Document check box. 8. Do one of the following: ❏ If you selected By Output Paper Size, select the size of the paper you are using from the drop-down list.
  • Page 58: Pages Per Sheet Printing

    Pages Per Sheet Printing Pages Per Sheet printing allows you to print two or four pages on single sheets of paper. Printer settings 1. Access the printer settings. Printing with Special Layout Options...
  • Page 59 & See “Accessing the printer driver” on page 13. 2. Click the Main tab, then select one of the following Quality Option settings: ❏ Draft for rough drafts with reduced print quality ❏ Text for text-only pages ❏ Text & Image for higher quality pages with text and images ❏...
  • Page 60 5. Select the appropriate Size setting. 6. Select Portrait (tall) or Landscape (wide) to change the orientation of your printout. 7. Click the Page Layout tab, select Multi-Page, then select Pages Per Sheet. 8. Select from the following settings for Pages Per Sheet printing: 2, 4 Prints two or four pages of your document on a single piece of paper.
  • Page 61: Poster Printing

    Poster Printing Poster printing allows you to print poster-size images by enlarging one page to cover several sheets of paper. Printer settings 1. Access the printer settings. Printing with Special Layout Options...
  • Page 62 & See “Accessing the printer driver” on page 13. 2. Click the Main tab, then select one of the following Quality Option settings: ❏ Draft for rough drafts with reduced print quality ❏ Text for text-only documents ❏ Text & Image for higher quality pages with text and images ❏...
  • Page 63 5. Select the appropriate Size setting. 6. Select Portrait (tall) or Landscape (wide) to change the orientation of your printout. 7. Click the Page Layout tab and select Multi-Page, then select Poster Printing. Click the up or down arrow to select 2x1, 2x2, 3x3, or 4x4. Printing with Special Layout Options...
  • Page 64 8. Click Settings to adjust the way your poster will be printed. The Poster Settings window opens. 9. Make the following settings: Print Cutting Prints guide lines for cutting. Guides Overlapping Slightly overlaps the panels and prints alignment markers so that the panels can Alignment be aligned more precisely.
  • Page 65: How To Make A Poster From Your Printouts

    How to make a poster from your printouts Here is an example of how to make a poster with 2x2 selected under Poster Printing and Overlapping Alignment Marks selected as the Print Cutting Guides. 1. Cut off the margin of Sheet 1 along a vertical line through the center of the top and bottom cross marks: 2.
  • Page 66 3. Cut the taped sheets in two along a vertical line through the alignment markers (this time, a line to the left of the cross marks): 4. Align the edges of the paper using the alignment markers and tape them together from the back: 5.
  • Page 67: Watermark Printing

    Watermark Printing Watermark printing allows you to print a text-based or image-based watermark on your document. Printing the watermark 1. Access the printer settings. Printing with Special Layout Options...
  • Page 68 & See “Accessing the printer driver” on page 13. 2. Click the Main tab, then select one of the following Quality Option settings: ❏ Draft for rough drafts with reduced print quality ❏ Text for text-only documents with higher text quality ❏...
  • Page 69 7. Click the Page Layout tab, choose the desired watermark from the Watermark list, then click Settings. If you want to create your own watermark, see the following instructions. & See “Creating your own watermark” on page 70. Printing with Special Layout Options...
  • Page 70: Creating Your Own Watermark

    8. Specify the settings you want for the watermark. You can change the position and size of the watermark by dragging the image within the preview window. 9. Click OK to return to the Page Layout window. 10. Click OK to close the printer settings window. After completing the steps above, print one test copy and examine the results before printing an entire job.
  • Page 71 1. Click Add/Del under Watermark on the Page Layout window. The following window appears. 2. Do one of the following: ❏ To use an image file as a watermark, select BMP. Click Browse to locate the bitmap file you want to use, then click Open. Type a name for your watermark in the Name text box, then click Save.
  • Page 72 4. Click Settings. The following window appears: 5. Make sure that the appropriate watermark is selected in the Watermark list, then select Color, Position, Density, Size, Font, Style, and Angle settings. (For details, see the online help.) Your settings are reflected in the preview window. 6.
  • Page 73: Introduction

    ❏ “Status and error messages” on page 80 ❏ “Printing the status sheet” on page 82 For B-308 users Explains how to use the control panel for B-308. ❏ “Buttons and lights” on page 83 ❏ “Status and error lights” on page 85 ❏...
  • Page 74: For B-508Dn Users

    For B-508DN users The control panel of the printer consists of 7 buttons, 3 lights, and a liquid crystal display (LCD). Buttons and lights The table below describes the functions of the buttons on the control panel. Button Description Turns the printer on or off. Power button Cancels the print job if pressed during printing.
  • Page 75: Using The Control Panel

    Returns to the previous level when pressed in Menu mode. Left button Changes the parameter in the reverse order when selecting a desired parameter in Menu mode. Up button Changes the parameters in forward order when selecting a desired parameter in Menu mode.
  • Page 76: Icons On The Lcd

    The printer is in the Ready status. Power light (green) Flashing: The printer is starting. The printer is printing. The printer is cleaning the print head. The printer is charging the ink. The printer is canceling printing. Off: The printer is off. Icons on the LCD This section describes the meaning of icons displayed on the LCD screen.
  • Page 77: How To Access The Control Panel Menus

    The installed maintenance box is at the end of its service life. The maintenance box is not installed. The installed maintenance box cannot be used with the printer. How to access the control panel menus This section describes how to enter Menu mode and make settings with the buttons on the control panel.
  • Page 78: Control Panel Menu List

    Control panel menu list This section describes the parameter for each item in the menu. Printer setting menu This menu allows you to configure the basic printer setting. Language You can select the language displayed on the LCD screen from the following list: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese.
  • Page 79 Maintenance menu This menu allows you to make settings related to maintenance. Head alignment You can print a head alignment test pattern. From the printing results, you can adjust the head alignment. Cleaning You can clean the print head. You can also print a nozzle check pattern before cleaning. Cleaning sheet You can clean up the rollers inside the printer.
  • Page 80: Status And Error Messages

    IP address, Subnet mask, Default gateway You can set the IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway to the printer. To change the parameter, press the l Left or r Right button to move cursor and the u Up or d Down button to change number.
  • Page 81 Solutions Service call see guide Service call error occurs. Turn off the printer and then back on. If the error does not clear, contact Epson. & See “Where To Get Help” on page 147. Printer near end of service Parts inside the printer are at the end of Contact Epson to replace the parts.
  • Page 82: Printing The Status Sheet

    Set paper in cassette Paper is not loaded in the front paper Load the paper in the front paper cassette. cassette. Set paper in auto feeder Paper is not loaded in the rear sheet Load the paper in the rear sheet feeder. feeder.
  • Page 83: For B-308 Users

    For B-308 users The control panel of the printer consists of 3 buttons and 7 lights. Buttons and lights The table below describes the functions of the buttons on the control panel. Button Description Turns the printer on or off.
  • Page 84 The table below describes the functions of the lights on the control panel. The lights let you know the status of the printer and the type of an error when it occurs. Light Description The installed ink cartridge is expended. The ink cartridge is not installed.
  • Page 85: Status And Error Lights

    Status and error lights This section describes the meaning of lights on the control panel. The table below describes the lights showing the printer status. = on, = flashing Light Description The printer is ready to print. The printer is starting. The printer is printing.
  • Page 86 Maintenance box at the end of its service life The maintenance box is at the end of its Replace the maintenance box. service life. Maintenance box error The maintenance box is not installed. Install the maintenance box. The maintenance box is not detected. Install the maintenance box again.
  • Page 87: Printing The Status Sheet

    Unknown printer error An unknown printer error has occurred. Turn the printer off and then back on. If the error does not clear, contact Epson. All lights & See “Where To Get Help” on page 147. Printing the status sheet You can print a status sheet to see the current default values.
  • Page 88: Chapter 6 Installing Options

    You can load up to 60 sheets of plain legal-size paper (up to 20 lb or 75 g/m²). Do not leave legal-size paper in the rear sheet feeder when you are not printing, or the sheets may curl. Optional Duplex Unit (B-308 only) Installing the duplex unit Follow the steps below to install the duplex unit.
  • Page 89 Note: The removed upper rear printer cover should be retained since it will be necessary if you remove the duplex unit. 3. Insert the bottom side of the duplex unit first, and then attach the duplex unit. Installing Options...
  • Page 90: Uninstalling The Duplex Unit

    Uninstalling the duplex unit Follow the steps below to uninstall the duplex unit. 1. Turn off the printer. 2. Remove the duplex unit by pulling it while holding down the buttons on both sides of the duplex unit. 3. Attach the upper rear printer cover. Installing Options...
  • Page 91: Chapter 7 Replacing Consumables

    ❏ Double-click the printer shortcut icon on your Windows taskbar. To add a shortcut icon to the taskbar, refer to the following section. & See “From the shortcut icon on the taskbar” on page 14. ❏ Open the printer driver, click the Maintenance tab, then click the EPSON Status Monitor 3 button. Replacing Consumables...
  • Page 92 EPSON Status Monitor 3 will not display an accurate calculation of the ink cartridge status. Be sure to replace or reinstall any ink cartridges indicated by EPSON Status Monitor 3. ❏ The progress meter appears automatically when you start a print job. Click the Check Ink Levels button, and then you can check the ink cartridge status from this window.
  • Page 93 Note: To display the progress meter automatically, click the Maintenance tab in the printer driver window, click Speed & Progress, and then select the Show Progress Meter check box. Replacing Consumables...
  • Page 94: Purchasing Epson Cartridges

    — Note: ❏ We recommend that you use genuine Epson cartridges and do not refill them. The use of other products may affect your print quality and could result in printer damage. ❏ The printer ships with full cartridges and part of the ink from this first set of cartridges is used for charging the printer.
  • Page 95: Replacing An Ink Cartridge

    ❏ Ink is consumed during the following operations: print head cleaning, initial ink charging, and nozzle maintaining. ❏ Never turn off the printer during initial ink charging. The ink may fail to be filled up and the printer may become unavailable to print. ❏...
  • Page 96 2. Move the cartridge lever to the unlocked position. 3. Remove the expended ink cartridge. Note: Hold the printer with your hand when you remove the ink cartridge. Replacing Consumables...
  • Page 97 4. Remove the new ink cartridge from the package. Caution: ❏ Do not touch the green IC chip on the side of the cartridge. This can damage the ink cartridge. ❏ Always install an ink cartridge immediately after removing the old cartridge. If the cartridge is not installed promptly, the print head may dry out and be unable to print.
  • Page 98 5. For best results, shake the ink cartridge for about five seconds. 6. Hold the ink cartridge with the arrow mark facing up and pointing to the rear of the printer, and then insert it into the slot. Note: Hold the printer with your hand when you install the ink cartridge. Caution: Do not remove and reinsert cartridges more often than necessary.
  • Page 99 7. Move the cartridge lever to the locked position. 8. Close the cartridge cover. Note: When you install the Extra High Capacity Ink Cartridge, use the printer with the cartridge cover opened. Replacing Consumables...
  • Page 100: Maintenance Box

    Using the printer utility Note: Epson cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-genuine maintenance boxes. If a non-genuine maintenance box is installed, the maintenance box status will not be displayed. To check the maintenance box status, do one of the following:...
  • Page 101 ❏ Double-click the printer shortcut icon on your Windows taskbar. To add a shortcut icon to the taskbar, refer to the following section. & See “From the shortcut icon on the taskbar” on page 14. ❏ Open the printer driver, click the Maintenance tab, then click the Status Monitor 3 button. A graphic displays the maintenance box status.
  • Page 102: Purchasing A Replacement Maintenance Box

    ❏ The printer ships with a new maintenance box, even though the service life indicator does not show 100% when the printer is new. EPSON Status Monitor 3 and the printer’s control panel will indicate when the maintenance box needs to be replaced.
  • Page 103: Replacing The Maintenance Box

    Replacing the maintenance box To replace the maintenance box, follow the steps below. 1. Confirm that the printer is ready and not printing. 2. Open the maintenance box cover. 3. Remove the new maintenance box from the package. 4. Lift up and pull the installed maintenance box outward. Note: ❏...
  • Page 104 Note: The plastic bag is provided with the new maintenance box. 6. Insert the new maintenance box into place as far as it will go. 7. Close the maintenance box cover. Replacing Consumables...
  • Page 105: Chapter 8 Maintaining Your Printer

    Chapter 8 Maintaining Your Printer Checking the Print Head Nozzles If you find that your printouts are unexpectedly faint or have gaps in them, you may be able to identify the problem by checking the print head nozzles. You can check the print head nozzles from your computer by using the Nozzle Check utility or from the printer by using the control panel or buttons.
  • Page 106: Using The Control Panel (B-508Dn)

    After printing, the cleaning menu appears. If you find a print quality problem, press the OK button to clean the print head. Using the printer buttons (B-308) Follow the steps below to check the print head nozzles using the printer buttons.
  • Page 107: Cleaning The Print Head

    Below are two sample nozzle check patterns. Compare the quality of the printed check page with the sample shown below. If there are no print quality problems, such as gaps or missing segments in the test lines, the print head is fine. If any segment of the printed lines is missing, as shown below, this could mean a clogged ink nozzle or a misaligned print head.
  • Page 108: Using The Head Cleaning Utility

    ❏ If print quality has not improved after repeating this procedure, turn off the printer and wait for at least six hours. Then run the nozzle check again and repeat the head cleaning if necessary. ❏ If print quality remains a problem, contact Epson. & See “Where To Get Help” on page 147.
  • Page 109: Using The Printer Buttons (B-308)

    ❏ If print quality has not improved after repeating this procedure, turn off the printer and wait for at least six hours. Then run the nozzle check again and repeat the head cleaning if necessary. ❏ If print quality remains a problem, contact Epson. & See “Where To Get Help” on page 147.
  • Page 110: Aligning The Print Head

    Refer to the appropriate section below. Note: Do not press the + Cancel button (B-508DN) or the ) Paper/Cancel button (B-308) to cancel printing while printing a test pattern with the Print Head Alignment utility. Using the Print Head Alignment utility Follow the steps below to align the print head using the Print Head Alignment utility.
  • Page 111: Using The Control Panel (B-508Dn)

    ❏ Be careful to keep water away from the electronic components. ❏ Do not spray the inside of the printer with lubricants. ❏ Unsuitable oils can damage the mechanism. Contact Epson or a qualified service person if lubrication is needed.
  • Page 112: Cleaning The Inside Of Your Printer

    5. Press the OK button. The printer feeds and ejects paper. Repeat these steps until no ink gets on the paper. Using the printer buttons (B-308) Follow the steps below to clean the inside of the printer using the printer button.
  • Page 113: Transporting Your Printer

    Transporting Your Printer If you need to transport your printer some distance, carefully prepare and repack it as described below. Use the original box and packing materials, or a similar box that holds the printer snugly. Caution: When storing or transporting the printer, do not tilt it, stand it up vertically, or turn it upside down. Otherwise, ink may leak inside the printer.
  • Page 114: Chapter 9 Using The Printer On A Network

    Chapter 9 Using the Printer on a Network Setting Up the Printer on a Network (for B-508DN Users only) This printer can connect anywhere on your network using 10Base-T or 100Base-TX because it has a built-in Ethernet interface that supports the TCP/IP protocol. You can make network interface settings such as IP address by using the printer’s control panel, or the applications for your computer.
  • Page 115 2. Click Easy Install. 3. Click Network. 4. Click the Install button and follow the on-screen instructions. Note: If the Windows Security Alert window appears, click the Unblock button; otherwise the printer will not be listed on the screen of EpsonNet EasyInstall. Using the Printer on a Network...
  • Page 116 5. When you see the following screen, select the printer and click Next. 6. If you see the following screen, select Automatic. If you need to set the IP address manually, select Manual and enter the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. Then click Next. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the printer driver.
  • Page 117 7. When you see the following screen, enter a different name for the printer if you want. If you want to print a test page, select the Print test page check box. Click Next. Note: If the Windows Security Alert window appears, click the Unblock button. 8.
  • Page 118 10. Click Exit and skip to step 12. Or, if you need to manage your network, click Back to return to the Easy Install screen. 11. Select Install Network Utility. Using the Printer on a Network...
  • Page 119 12. Select each item to install. Note: EpsonNet Print is already installed; you don’t need to select it. 13. When you’re done, remove the CD and restart the computer. Repeat these steps for every computer on the network that will print to the B-508DN. Note: ❏...
  • Page 120: Setting Up The Printer As A Shared Printer For Windows (B-308/B-508Dn)

    Setting Up the Printer as a Shared Printer for Windows (B-308/B-508DN) These instructions tell you how to set up your printer so users on the network can share it. First you will set up the printer as a shared printer on the computer directly connected to it with a USB cable.
  • Page 121 Windows 2000: Click Start, point to Settings, and click Printers. 2. Right-click the icon for your printer, then click Sharing. For Windows Vista, click the Change sharing options button and then click Continue. 3. Windows Vista, XP, and Server 2003: Select Share this printer, then type a Share name.
  • Page 122: Setting Up Each Client

    Setting up each client Follow these steps for each client computer on the network. Note: Your printer must be set up as a shared printer on the computer to which it is connected before you can access it from another computer. &...
  • Page 123 CD-ROM. Click the Have Disk button and follow the on-screen instructions. ❏ To monitor the status of a shared printer, EPSON Status Monitor 3 must be installed on each computer. EPSON Status Monitor 3 is automatically installed when you install the printer software from the CD-ROM by using the Easy Install function.
  • Page 124: Chapter 10 Troubleshooting

    The information that you need to diagnose and solve most common problems is provided by online problem solving, the control panel, the EPSON Status Monitor utility, or by running a printer operation check. Refer to the appropriate section below.
  • Page 125: Epson Status Monitor

    EPSON Status Monitor If a problem occurs while printing, an error message will appear in the Status Monitor window. Note: When you use your printer as a shared printer on a network with the following combinations of computers, the client operating systems are not able to communicate with the printer, so that some functions are not available for that particular client.
  • Page 126: Running A Printer Operation Check (For B-308 Users)

    & See “The Printer Does Not Print” on page 143. Running a printer operation check (for B-308 users) If you are unable to determine the source of the problem, run a printer operation check to help you determine whether the problem comes from the printer or your computer.
  • Page 127: Checking Printer Status

    ❏ If the test page does not print, you may have a problem with your printer. Try the suggestions in the following section. & See “The Printer Does Not Print” on page 143. Checking Printer Status Note: When you use your printer as a shared printer on a network with the following combinations of computers, the client operating systems are not able to communicate with the printer, so that some functions are not available for that particular client.
  • Page 128 Tips Tips for getting the most out of your Epson printer driver appear in the text box of the progress meter window. A new tip appears every 15 seconds. For more details on the tip displayed in the window, click the Details button.
  • Page 129: Using Epson Status Monitor 3

    Using EPSON Status Monitor 3 EPSON Status Monitor 3 displays detailed information on the printer status. There are two ways to access EPSON Status Monitor 3: ❏ Double-click the printer shortcut icon on the Windows taskbar. If the printer icon does not appear, refer to the following section to add the icon.
  • Page 130 When you access EPSON Status Monitor 3, the following window appears: EPSON Status Monitor 3 provides the following information: ❏ Ink Status: EPSON Status Monitor 3 provides a graphic display of the ink status. To see detailed information about the ink cartridges, click the Information button. ❏ Maintenance box Status: EPSON Status Monitor 3 provides a graphic display of the maintenance box status.
  • Page 131: The Paper Jams

    1. For B-508DN users Press the OK button to eject the jammed paper. For B-308 users Press the ) Paper/Cancel button to eject the jammed paper. 2. If the error does not clear, turn off the printer and remove all of the paper inside, including any torn pieces.
  • Page 132 In the rear sheet feeder: Gently pull out the jammed paper upward. In the front paper cassette: Close the output tray and pull out the front paper cassette. Then gently pull out the jammed paper forward. Troubleshooting...
  • Page 133 Note: ❏ If you cannot pull out the front paper cassette, pull out the output tray first and remove all paper that is loaded in the front paper cassette. Then pull out the front paper cassette and gently pull out the jammed paper forward. ❏...
  • Page 134 In the back of the printer: Remove the duplex unit (B-508DN) or the upper rear printer cover (B-308) and open the lower rear printer cover. Then gently pull out the jammed paper. B508-DN B308 Troubleshooting...
  • Page 135 3. Close the printer cover and turn on the printer. 4. For B-508DN users Reload the paper and press the OK button to resume printing. For B-308 users Reload the paper and press the ) Paper/Cancel button to resume printing. Note: If you cannot easily remove a foreign object, do not use force and do not disassemble the printer.
  • Page 136: Print Quality Problems

    ❏ The number of sheets in the paper stack does not exceed the limit specified for that paper. & See “Paper loading capacities” on page 19. ❏ The left edge guide is snug against the left edge of the paper. ❏...
  • Page 137: Horizontal Banding

    & See “Cleaning the Print Head” on page 107. ❏ Use up ink cartridges within six months of opening vacuum package. ❏ For best print quality, use genuine Epson ink cartridges. ❏ Check the ink cartridge status. & See “Checking the ink cartridge status” on page 91.
  • Page 138: Incorrect Or Missing Colors

    Blurry or smeared printout ❏ Use only paper recommended by Epson. & See “Paper, Consumables, and Options” on page 154. ❏ Make sure the printer is on a flat, stable surface that extends beyond the base in all directions.
  • Page 139: Ink Bleeds Through The Page

    ❏ If you are printing on glossy media, place a support sheet (or a sheet of plain paper) beneath the stack, or load only one sheet at a time. ❏ Do not touch or allow anything to come into contact with the printed side of paper with a shiny finish.
  • Page 140: Printout Has A Slight Slant

    After trying one or more of these solutions, run a printer operation check to check your results. & See “Running a printer operation check (for B-508DN users)” on page 125. & See “Running a printer operation check (for B-308 users)” on page 126. Printed side is smeared or scuffed ❏...
  • Page 141: Printing Is Too Slow

    Printing is too slow ❏ Make sure the paper type selected in the printer driver is appropriate for the type of paper loaded in the printer. & See “Selecting the Correct Paper Type” on page 27. ❏ Clear all customized settings and select Text as the Quality Option from your printer driver's Main window.
  • Page 142: Multiple Pages Feed

    ❏ Paper is not jammed inside the printer. If it is, remove the jammed paper. & See “The Paper Jams” on page 131. ❏ The B Ink status light is not on. ❏ You have followed any special loading instructions that came with your paper. Load the paper again.
  • Page 143: The Printer Does Not Print

    Then check the label on the back of the printer. Caution: If the voltage does not match, DO NOT PLUG YOUR PRINTER BACK IN. Contact Epson. & See “Where To Get Help” on page 147. The Power light is on ❏...
  • Page 144: Increasing The Print Speed

    If the check page prints correctly, make sure the printer driver and your application are installed correctly. ❏ If you are trying to print a large image, your computer may not have enough memory. Try reducing the resolution of your image or printing the image at a smaller size. You may need to install more memory in your computer.
  • Page 145 The following dialog box appears. The table below lists the factors affecting print speed. Print speed Faster Slower High Speed Copies Always spool RAW datatype Page Rendering Mode Print as Bitmap For more details on each item, see the online help. Troubleshooting...
  • Page 146: Other Problems

    Other Problems Print head cleaning does not start ❏ Make sure that no lights are indicating errors. If any error occurs, recover from the error status. & See “Error indicators” on page 124. ❏ Make sure that sufficient ink remains for printing. If the ink cartridge is expended, replace the cartridge.
  • Page 147: Appendix A Where To Get Help

    Where To Get Help Epson Technical Support Visit Epson’s support website at www.latin.epson.com for the Epson B-508DN or the Epson B-308 New :Only inkjet, SPC, and Scanner products are used in this section. for solutions to common problems. You can download drivers and documentation, get FAQs and troubleshooting advice, or e-mail Epson with your questions.
  • Page 148: Purchase Accessories

    Purchase Accessories You can purchase genuine Epson accessories from an Epson authorized reseller. To find the nearest New :Use Inkjet, SPC, and "other" products Only.(general) reseller, call Epson as described above. Where To Get Help...
  • Page 149: Appendix B Product Information

    Appendix B Product Information Printer Parts B-508DN Front view a. Edge guide: Holds your paper straight in the rear sheet feeder. Move it to the edge of your paper. Product Information...
  • Page 150 b. Rear sheet feeder: Feeds paper for printing. c. Paper support: Supports the paper loaded in the rear sheet feeder. d. Front printer cover: Covers the printing mechanism. Open only when the paper jams. e. Print Head: Prints ink on your paper. f.
  • Page 151 Rear view a. USB connector: Connects the USB cable from your computer to the printer. b. Ethernet connector: Connects the 10Base-T/100Base-TX cable from your computer to the printer. c. Duplex unit: Supports automatic double-sided printing. d. AC inlet: Connects the power cord. e.
  • Page 152: B-308

    B-308 Front view a. Edge guide: Holds your paper straight in the rear sheet feeder. Move it to the edge of your paper. b. Rear sheet feeder: Feeds paper for printing. c. Paper support: Supports the paper loaded in the rear sheet feeder.
  • Page 153 g. Maintenance box cover: Covers the maintenance box. Open only when replacing the maintenance box. h. Output tray: Holds the ejected paper. i. Front paper cassette: Holds your paper and feeds it for printing. j. Cartridge lever: Locks the installed ink cartridges. k.
  • Page 154: Paper, Consumables, And Options

    Epson offers specially designed paper and other print media for all your printing needs. Note: You can find the part numbers for the following Epson special papers on the Epson website. & See “Epson Technical Support” on page 147. Paper...
  • Page 155: Maintenance Box

    You can use the following maintenance box with this printer: Part number Maintenance Box T619000 Duplex unit (B-308 users only) You can use the following duplex unit with the B-308. Part number Duplex unit C12C802531 Legal-size paper support You can use the following legal-size paper support with this printer.
  • Page 156: Technical Specifications

    ❏ Since the quality of any particular brand or type of paper may be changed by the manufacturer at any time, Epson cannot attest to the quality of any non-Epson brand or type of paper. Always test samples of paper stock before purchasing large quantities or printing large jobs.
  • Page 157 Envelopes: Envelope #10 4 1/8 × 9 1/2 in. Size Paper types Plain bond paper Weight 75 g/m² to 100 g/m² Printable area Diagonal lines show printable area. Single sheets: Envelopes: Product Information...
  • Page 158: Ink Cartridges

    Ink thaws and is usable after approximately 3 hours at 77 °F (25 °C) Note: ❏ We recommend that you use genuine Epson cartridges and do not refill them. The use of other products may affect your print quality and could result in printer damage.
  • Page 159: Mechanical

    Depth: 19.3 in. (489 mm) Height: 12.3 in. (312 mm) Printing Width: 18.9 in. (480 mm) Depth: 25.8 in. (656 mm) Height: 14.6 in. (372 mm) B-308 Storage Width: 18.9 in. (480 mm) Depth: 16.5 in. (420 mm) Height: 12.3 in. (312 mm) Printing Width: 18.9 in.
  • Page 160: Electrical

    Power off Approx. 0.3 W Approx. 0.6 W Note: Check the label on the back of the printer for its voltage. B-308 100-120 V Model 220-240 V Model Input voltage range AC 90 to 132 V AC 198 to 264 V...
  • Page 161: Environmental

    Environmental Temperature Operation: 50 to 95 °F (10 to 35 °C) Storage: –4 to 104 °F (–20 to 40 °C) 1 month at 104 °F (40 °C) Humidity Operation: 20 to 80% RH Storage: 5 to 85% RH Without condensation Standards and approvals U.S.
  • Page 162: Options

    Width: 6.9 in. (176 mm) Depth: .29 in. ( 7.4 mm) Height: 4.3 in. ( 110 mm) Weight: Approx. 1.5 oz ( 42 g ) Duplex unit (B-308 only) Width: 12.3 in. (313 mm) Depth: 6.4 in. (163 mm) Height: 3.6 in. (92 mm) Weight: Approx.
  • Page 163: Warning

    WARNING The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device.
  • Page 164: Operating System Versions

    Operating System Versions In this manual, the following abbreviations are used. Windows refers to Windows Vista, XP, Server 2003, and 2000. ❏ Windows Vista refers to Windows Vista Home Basic Edition, Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, Windows Vista Business Edition, Windows Vista Enterprise Edition, and Windows Vista Ultimate Edition. ❏...
  • Page 165 Color problems printing Contacting Epson Epson Control panel paper buttons and lights (B-308) technical support buttons and lights (B-508DN) Error indicators icons (B-508DN) Ethernet connector lights (B-308) location menu list (B-508DN) message (B-508DN)
  • Page 166 Epson special paper feeding problems loading loading capacity Maintenance box loading into front paper cassette checking status (B-308) loading into rear sheet feeder checking status (B-508DN) paper support checking status in Windows printable area cover selecting type...
  • Page 167 Printer mirror image checking status paper feeding cleaning paper jams front printer cover printer does not print operation check (B-308) print speed operation check (B-508DN) smeared prints rear printer cover Progress meter rear printer cover (lower) rear printer cover (upper)
  • Page 168 Speed, increasing Status Monitor Status sheet B-308 B-508DN System requirements Technical support Text, printing documents Transporting printer USB connector User's Guide, uninstalling Watermark printing Windows accessing printer settings checking printer status managing print jobs status monitor Index...

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