Epson FX-1050 User Manual
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Epson FX-1050 User Manual

Epson FX-1050 User Manual

Epson owner's manual printer fx-850, fx-1050
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Summary of Contents for Epson FX-1050

  • Page 3: Fcc Compliance Statement

    Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be held liable for 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: Table Of Contents

    Setting Up the Printer ........1-1...
  • Page 5 Commands in Numerical Order ......8-4 Epson (ESC/P) Commands ....... 8-8 IBM Emulation Mode Commands .

  • Page 6: Introduction

    24-pin printers. Features In addition to the high-quality printing and ease of operation you’ve come to expect from Epson printers, the FX-850 and FX-1050 offer the following: An advanced paper handling system that lets you use single sheets of paper without removing the continuous paper.

  • Page 7: Options

    This User’s Guide provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions for setting up and operating the FX-850 and FX-1050 printers. The FX-850 and FX-1050 are basically the same printer except that the FX-1050 can accept wider paper. The illustrations in this manual usually show the FX-1050 printer.
  • Page 8 Also, see Chapter 8 for a summary of printer commands. If the printer does not operate properly or the printed results are not what you expect, see Chapter 6 for a list of possible problems and recommended solutions.

  • Page 9: Setting Up The Printer

    Plugging in the printer ........

  • Page 10: Unpacking The Printer

    Unpacking the Printer As you unpack the printer, check that you have all the parts shown below and that none has been damaged during transportation. Note: You’ll find the platen knob in a piece of the foam packing. After removing the parts, store the packaging materials in case you ever need to transport your printer.

  • Page 11: Removing The Protective Materials

    Removing the protective materials The printer is protected during shipping by two locking tabs and a print head protector. These protective items must be removed before you turn on the printer. After removing these items, store them with the other packaging material.
  • Page 12 3. Remove the left and right locking tabs. 4. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer. Then, use the enclosed cross-head screwdriver to unscrew and remove the two transport locking brackets. WARNING: Be sure to remove all protective materials before you turn on the printer.

  • Page 13: Choosing A Place For The Printer

    When you select a location for your printer, keep the following in mind: Place the printer on a flat, stable surface. Place the printer close enough to the computer for its cable to reach. Leave adequate room around the printer to allow for easy operation and maintenance.

  • Page 14: Assembling The Printer

    Attach the paper guide. Installing the platen knob The first step in setting up the printer is to install the platen knob. You should never need to use this knob during the normal operation of your printer. However, in case of a paper jam, you can use this knob to manually feed paper.
  • Page 15 1. Insert the knob into the hole on the printer’s side and rotate it until it slips onto shaft. 2. Push knob case. firmly on the until it fits against the printer Caution: Never use the platen knob to adjust the position of the paper except in the case of a paper jam.

  • Page 16: Installing The Ribbon Cartridge

    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; let it cool for a few minutes before touching it.
  • Page 17 4. Hold the ribbon cartridge by its handles and push it firmly down into position, making sure the plastic hooks fit into the printer. (The FX-850 has only one handle in the center of the ribbon cartridge.) Press lightly on both sides of the cartridge to be sure the hooks are properly inserted.
  • Page 18 6. Slide the print head from side to side to make sure it moves smoothly. Also make sure the ribbon is not twisted or creased. Setting: Up the Printer 1-10...

  • Page 19: Attaching The Paper Guide

    Attaching the paper guide The paper guide functions to feed the paper smoothly and efficiently. Follow these steps to install the paper guide: 1. Place the paper guide on the printer. 2. Raise the paper guide until it locks into place. Setting...

  • Page 20: Testing The Printer

    3. Now reinstall the printer cover by fitting the legs of the cover into the notches at the front of the printer. 4. Close the printer cover. Testing the Printer Now that your printer is fully assembled, you can use the built-in self test function to see that the printer is working correctly even though it is not connected to a computer.

  • Page 21: Plugging In The Printer

    Loading a sheet of paper Next, you need to load a sheet of paper that is letter size (if you have an FX-850) or 14 inches wide (if you have an FX-1050). WARNING: Before turning on the printer, be absolutely sure you have removed all protective materials.
  • Page 22 Single 2. Be sure that the paper release lever sheet position. 3. Move the left edge guide so it locks in place next to the arrow on the paper guide. Setting up the printer 1 - 1 4...
  • Page 23 5. Press the LOAD/EJECT button once to automatically load the paper. If the platen turns without loading the paper, remove the paper completely and re-insert it more firmly; then press the LOAD/EJECT button again. Setting Up the Printer 1-15...

  • Page 24: Running The Self Test

    1. Load a sheet of paper as described above. WARNING: Never run the self test using paper that is narrower than 8¼ inches if you have an FX-850, or if you have an FX-1050, because you may seriously damage the print head. 2. Turn off the printer.
  • Page 25 ON LINE button. To stop the test temporarily, press the ON LINE button to take the printer off line. 5. To end the self test, be sure the printer is off line. Press the LOAD/ EJECT button to eject any paper that is still loaded, and then turn off the printer.

  • Page 26: Connecting The Printer To Your Computer

    Part of a typical self test in NLQ mode is shown below: 3. To end the self test, press the ON LINE button to take the printer off line. Then press the LOAD/EJECT button to eject the paper, and turn off the printer.
  • Page 27 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. Note: For your printer to work properly, this connection must be secure. 1-19 Setting Up the Printer...
  • Page 28 5. Plug the other end of the cable into the computer. (If there is a ground wire at the computer end of the cable, attach it to the ground connector at the back of the computer.) Setting Up the Printer 1-20...

  • Page 29: Paper Handling

    Chapter 2 Paper Handling Using Single Sheets ......... . 2-2 Reloading during printing .

  • Page 30: Using Single Sheets

    Your printer can handle a wide range of paper sizes up to a maximum width of 10.1 inches on the FX-850 or 14.4 inches on the FX-1050. Always make sure that your printing is confined to the size of paper you are using.
  • Page 31 6. Press the LOAD/EJECT button to automatically feed the paper to the loading position. WARNING: Never advance the paper using the platen knob while the printer is turned on. 7. Press the ON LINE button so that the ON LINE indicator lights up. Paper Handling...

  • Page 32: Using Continuous Paper

    Then make sure the paper release lever is pushed back. Press the paper a bit more firmly into place and try again. To eject the paper, press the ON LINE button to take the printer off line, and press the LOAD/EJECT button. Reloading during printing...
  • Page 33 levers 3. Release the sprocket lock by pulling each lever forward. 4. Slide the left sprocket unit all the way to the left and lock it in place. Paper Handling...
  • Page 34 5. Next, slide the right sprocket unit to match roughly the width of your paper. (Do not lock it.) 6. Slide the paper support to a point midway between the sprocket units. 7. Open both sprocket covers. Paper Handling...
  • Page 35 8. Fit the first four holes in the paper over the pins of the sprocket units as shown below. Then close the sprocket covers. 9. Slide the right sprocket unit to a position where the paper is straight and has no wrinkles, and then lock it in place. 10.
  • Page 36 The printer remembers this position and advances each page to the same position. 13. Press the ON LINE button to put the printer on line so that it can accept data. If you find that your word processing or other application program prints too high or too low on the page or is printing on the perforations, check the loading position.

  • Page 37: Positioning Your Continuous Paper Supply

    Positioning your continuous paper supply Three common ways of positioning your printer and continuous paper supply are shown below. It’s important to keep your paper supply aligned with the tractor so that the paper feeds smoothly into the printer. Paper Handling...

  • Page 38: Switching Between Continuous And Single Sheets

    To switch from continuous paper to single sheets, follow the steps below. 1. Open the printer cover and press the ON LINE button to take the printer off line. 2. Remove your printed document. If you are not using the short tear- off function, press the FORM FEED button to advance your document to a point where it can be removed.
  • Page 39 The paper is still attached to the tractor, but is no longer in the paper path. The PAPER OUT light comes on when the paper is completely out of the paper path.
  • Page 40 5. Stand the paper guide upright, and adjust the edge guides to roughly match the width of your paper. 6. Close the printer cover. Next, slide the paper between the edge guides until it meets resistance. At this point, the PAPER OUT light turns off.

  • Page 41: Switching Back To Continuous Paper

    To switch back to printing with continuous paper, first eject the single sheet of paper and take the printer off line. 1. Open the printer cover. Lower the paper guide onto the back of the printer. 2. Pull the paper release lever forward to the continuous paper position.

  • Page 42: Adjusting The Loading Position

    Until the loading position is reset, the printer remembers the position and uses it as a reference point for feeding the paper.

  • Page 43: Using Short Tear-Off

    To perform micro-adjustment of the loading position, first load your paper, and then press the ON LINE button to put the printer on line. The ON LINE indicator light starts to flash. While this light is flashing, you can use the FORM FEED and LINE FEED buttons for micro-adjustment.
  • Page 44 This feature adjusts your tear-off position only when you use it immediately after short tear-off. First, make sure that the printer is on line and the ON LINE indicator light is flashing. Then, adjust the position in 2/216th-of-an-inch increments by pressing the FORM FEED button to feed the paper forward or the LINE FEED button to feed it backward.

  • Page 45: Printing On Special Paper

    To accommodate various thicknesses of paper, the FX printer is equipped with a paper thickness lever that can be set to eight positions. These positions are identified by a scale on the printer frame next to the lever. Before changing the paper thickness setting, first make sure the power is off and then remove the printer cover.

  • Page 46: Multi-Part Forms

    Multi-part forms Your printer can also use continuous multi-part forms. These multiple forms should have no more than four parts including the original. Note: Multi-part forms should not be used with the single sheet feeding system or the optional cut sheet feeder.

  • Page 47: Labels

    See the table above for the correct paper thickness setting. To remove labels, tear off at a perforation behind the push tractor. Then take the printer off line and use the FORM FEED button to eject the labels. WARNING: Never Labels printer.
  • Page 48 You can also feed envelopes with the optional cut sheet feeder. See the section on the cut sheet feeder in Chapter 7. before loading envelopes into the cut sheet feeder, you need to adjust the paper thickness lever. See the table showing envelope types and recommended lever positions on page 2-18.

  • Page 49: Using The Printer

    Chapter 3 Using the Printer Operating the Control Panel ........3-2 Lights .

  • Page 50: Operating The Control Panel

    Operating the Control Panel The buttons on the control panel let you control many of the printer settings. The control panel also has indicator lights so you can check the current status of the printer’s various settings. Lights POWER On when the power switch is on and power is supplied.

  • Page 51: Buttons

    Using the Printer ON LINE This button controls the printer’s on line/off line status. When the printer is on line, the printer can receive and print data from the computer. FORM FEED When the printer is off line, press this...

  • Page 52: Selectype

    SelecType settings you select using the SelecType panel remain valid even after you turn off, reset, or initialize the printer. Note: Proportional spacing and condensed mode cannot be combined. If you select both, only proportional spacing works. FONT Press this button to select draft, near letter quality Roman, or near letter quality Sans Serif.

  • Page 53: Setting The Dip Switches

    These new settings become valid whenever the printer is turned on, reset, or initialized. Before you set the DIP switches, turn off the printer. Then use a pointed instrument, such as the tip of a pen or pencil, to move the switch to either the on or off position.

  • Page 54: Dip Switch Functions

    DIP switch functions The tables below describe the DIP switch functions. The page numbers refer you to the page on which each printer feature is described. The shaded settings are the preset factory settings. DIP Switch 1 Description Default character set...
  • Page 55 Character table When DIP switch 1-3 is on, the Epson Extended Graphics character table is selected. When it is off, the italics character table is selected. The Epson Extended Graphics character table contains international accented characters, Greek characters, and character graphics for printing lines, comers, and shaded areas.
  • Page 56 When DIP switch l-4 is on, the printer operates in the IBM emulation mode. When it is off, the printer operates in the Epson ESC/P mode. In the IBM emulation mode, DIP switch l-3 controls the automatic carriage return. When switch l-3 is off, a carriage return is added to each line feed.
  • Page 57 When DIP switch 2-l is on, the page length is set to 12 inches. When it is off, the page length is 11 inches. Other page lengths can be set with the ESC C and ESC CO commands. See the Command Summary in Chapter 8. Using the Printer...

  • Page 58: Selecting Typestyles

    Cut sheet feeder mode When DIP switch 2-2 is on, you can use your printer’s optional cut sheet feeder. See Chapter 7 for more information on using a cut sheet feeder with your printer. Skip over perforation When DIP switch is on, a one-inch margin is provided between the last line printed on one page and the first line printed on the next page.

  • Page 59: Using Selectype

    You can use the SelecType control panel to choose fonts, pitches, and condensed printing. The settings you select using the SelecType panel remain valid even after the printer is turned off, reset, or initialized. However, commands from your software application program temporarily override the SelecType settings.

  • Page 60: Characters Per Inch

    T h i s i s 1 0 c p i R o m a n p r i n t i n g . is condensed This 10 cpi Roman printing. 3-12 fonts, you can choose a character size of 10 cpi. 10 cpi with condensed 10 cpi. Using the Printer...

  • Page 61: Enhancing Your Printing

    By using software commands, you can obtain many different printing effects with the FX printer, from arranging the text on the page to giving extra emphasis to particular words and phrases.

  • Page 62: Emphasized And Double-Strike Printing

    This process produces darker, more fully formed characters. 3-14 d o u b l e - w i d e - d o u b l e - w i d e characters at cpi is the same as a five- Using the Printer...

  • Page 63: Italic Printing

    You can use italic characters for special emphasis or as an alternative typeface. ESC 4 turns on the italic mode even if the current DIP switch setting is set to the Epson Extended Graphics character table. This sentence is in italics.
  • Page 64 ASCII: Decimal: Hexadecimal: To send the Master Select codes to your printer in a decimal format, for example, you send the codes 27, 33, and then whatever value you choose for the variable n. The variable n is a number that identifies the typestyle or combination of typestyles.
  • Page 65 Print quality and font are not part of Master Select and must be set separately, using either SelecType or the ESC x and ESC k commands. The method you use to send the Master Select codes to the printer is determined by your application software. For more information on...

  • Page 66: Using Software And Graphics

    Printer commands ........

  • Page 67: Using The Fx With Application Programs

    Using printer selection menus If your software has a printer selection menu, simply choose FX-850 or FX-1050. If the menu does not list either of these printers, choose one of the following. They are listed in order of preference. FX-850...

  • Page 68: Aquicktest

    A major concern for printing spreadsheets is the width of the printer. The FX-850 is an 80-column printer, and the FX-1050 is a 136-column printer. You can, however, increase the number of characters on a line by...

  • Page 69: Command Summary

    The table below shows you many characters you can fit on a line using these options. If your spreadsheet asks the number of columns your printer can print, decide which mode you will use and supply the appropriate number from this table.

  • Page 70: Computer-Printer Communication

    When buying graphics software, always make sure the program has an option to print on an FX printer. Any program with an option for an FX printer should give excellent results, using different dot densities to produce a realistic scale of grays.

  • Page 71: Escapesequences

    32 through 255, normally reserved for characters and punctuation, to control printer functions. This is done by first sending a standard code to tell the printer that the codes that follow are to be used as control codes, not as characters or punctuation.

  • Page 72: Using The Command Summary

    Some programs don’t let you insert printer commands at all. If your software does allow you to send commands to the printer, use the Command Summary to find the command you want to send. Your software manual should explain exactly what format and punctuation are required.

  • Page 73: Dot Graphics

    Dot Graphics The dot graphics mode allows your FX printer to produce pictures, graphs, charts, or almost any other pictorial material you can devise. Because many commercial software programs use graphics, you may be able to print pictures and graphs like the ones on this and the following page simply by giving your software a few instructions.

  • Page 74: The Print Head

    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 and then give a command to send the image to the printer.

  • Page 75: Pinlabels

    Pin labels The graphics mode requires a method to tell the printer which pins to fire in each column. Since there are you need a numbering system that allows you to use a single number to...

  • Page 76: Graphics Commands

    Therefore, with these labels for the pins, you fire the top pin by sending 128. To fire the bottom pin, you send 1. If you want to fire only...

  • Page 77: Graphics Programming

    If you supply too little, the printer stops and waits for more data and seems to be locked. The next data sent will then be printed as graphics, even if it is really text. On the other hand, if you supply too much graphics data, the excess will be printed as regular text.
  • Page 78 The first line of the program specifies single-density graphics for 40 columns: l00 LPRINT CHR$(27);"K";CHR$(40);CHR$(0); The second line is the data that is printed as pin patterns. It uses the number to produce one of the patterns shown above. The FOR-NEXT loop sends 40 columns of data.
  • Page 79 The program is listed below. The lines inside each pair of FOR and NEXT statements have been indented so that you can see how the program works; the spaces are not needed for the program to run. 100 WIDTH "LPTl:", 255 ll0 LPRINT CHR$(27);"A";CHR$(8);...

  • Page 80: Density Varieties

    5. The last important thing to do is to reset the printer to its default settings, including the normal line spacing (line 180). Notice that the graphics command (ESC K) can be in effect for only one print line. To print more than one line of graphics, the graphics command must be issued before each line.
  • Page 81 prints dots in only half the possible dot positions in any one row. The higher density means that the resolution of the pattern is better than in single-density mode. When you design patterns in these two modes, however, you must make sure that no dots overlap. Reassigning a graphics mode Another graphics command lets you assign a different eight-pin graphics mode to one of the specific eight-pin graphics commands.
  • Page 82 Single In this figure you can see the main rules for graphic design in the three densities: In single-density no dots can be placed on vertical lines. In high-speed double-density, dots can be placed on vertical lines, but no dots can overlap. In double-density, dots can be placed on vertical lines, and they can overlap.
  • Page 83 7/72-inch line spacing because only seven pins are used. Because the data is not repetitive, each column of graphics data is read from the DATA statements and sent to the printer. The design is 41 dot positions wide. Therefore both lines 130 and 140 use the number 41.

  • Page 84: User-Defined Characters

    The FX has several hundred different characters stored in its ROM (Read Only Memory). Although this number includes draft, italic, international, Epson Extended Graphics, and NLQ (near letter quality) characters, sometimes you may want to have a few more. For those...

  • Page 85: Defining Your Own Characters

    Once you define a character, you can print it in either draft or NLQ. If you print it in NLQ, the printer adds dots to make the character more fully formed. After you have created your own characters with these programs, certain keys that you seldom use generate the user-defined characters.
  • Page 86 NLQ. As you design your characters, draw the dots as large as the circles you see in the example below. (The printer prints dots, but it is best to use circles when planning your characters.)
  • Page 87 First definition program The next few sections explain the steps used to create the symbol for Mercury. The figure below shows the grid used to design the character. Once you have drawn your dots on the grid, type the following BASIC program.
  • Page 88 8. For column 8 enter 7 and 5. For column 9 press Now wait a moment for your computer to calculate the dot patterns and your printer to print the new character in two different typestyles and Using Software and Graphics Enter without a number.
  • Page 89 NLQ. Your printout also gives you nine numbers, which you use in the next program. You should get the printout you see below: When you get to this point with a character of your own, you see how it looks. If you want to make any changes, move the dots as needed and rerun the program.
  • Page 90 90 FOR P=58 TO 63: LPRINT CHR$(P);" "': NEXT P 95 LPRINT 100 K=l: IF K>3 THEN A=58 ELSE A=60 110 LPRINT CHR$(27):'"CHR$(0)CHR$(0)CHR$(0); 120 LPRINT CHR$(27)"%"CHR$(l)CHR$(0); 130 LPRINT CHR$(27)"&"CHR$(0)CHR$(A)CHR$(A-l+K); FOR Z=l TO K 150 LPRINT CHR$(128); 160 FOR X=1 TO 9 170 READ R 180 LPRINT CHR$(R);: NEXT X 190 LPRINT CHR$(0)CHR$(0);...
  • Page 91 FX can now print. When you press the key for one of the characters in the top row, the printer prints the corresponding character in the bottom row. In the example above, if you type < your FX prints (although your screen continues to show the character <).

  • Page 92: Maintenance

    Transporting the Printer ........

  • Page 93: Cleaning The Printer

    Cleaning the Printer To keep your printer operating at its best, you should clean it thoroughly several times a year. Follow these steps to clean the printer: Turn off the printer. Remove the paper guide, tractor unit, and any installed options.

  • Page 94: Replacing The Ribbon

    Epson dealer if you think lubrication is needed. Replacing the Ribbon When your printing becomes too faint you need to replace the ribbon. Use only the following Epson replacement ribbon cartridges: the #8750 ribbon cartridge for the FX-850 or the #8755 ribbon cartridge for the FX-1050.
  • Page 95 2. Remove the old ribbon cartridge by grasping the black fin-like handles (two on the FX-1050, and one on the FX-850) and lifting the cartridge straight up and out of the printer. 3. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
  • Page 96 4. Unwrap the new ribbon, and turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow to remove excess slack. 5. Hold the new ribbon cartridge by the fin-like handle(s), and firmly insert it into place, making sure that the plastic hooks fit into the slots as shown below.

  • Page 97: Transporting The Printer

    8. Reattach the printer cover. Transporting the Printer If you need to transport your printer some distance, carefully repack the printer using the original box and packing materials, as described below. 1. Turn off the printer. 2. Remove the paper guide, paper rest, and cut sheet feeder, if installed.
  • Page 98 4. Remove the ribbon cartridge and platen knob. 5. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer. Then, using a cross-head screw driver, reattach the two transport locking brackets. Maintenance...
  • Page 99 7 . Slide the head all the way to the left, and insert the print head protector between the paper bail and platen as shown below. 8. Attach the printer cover. After replacing the packing material, put the printer in its box and prepare it for transportation. Maintenance...

  • Page 100: Troubleshooting

    Solutions ........6-2 The printer does not print ........6-2 The printer stops printing .

  • Page 101: Problems And Solutions

    This section lists possible problems and their likely solutions. The printer does not print Be sure the printer is turned on and the POWER light is on. If the printer is turned on but the POWER light is not on, check to see that the printer is fully plugged in and that the electrical outlet is also turned on.

  • Page 102: The Printout Is Spaced Incorrectly

    If the printer stops and the beeper sounds, turn the printer off and then turn it back on and try to print again. If the printer beeps again and does not print, take it to a qualified service person. The printout is spaced incorrectly If all the text is printed on the same line, no line feed command is being sent at the end of each line of text.

  • Page 103: Single Sheets Do Not Feed Properly

    The paper guide may not be installed properly. See the section on continuous paper in Chapter 2. The paper supply may be stacked too far from the printer or not aligned with the tractor. Also, there may be some obstacle in the way of the paper or something on top of the paper supply.

  • Page 104: Data Dump Mode

    Data Dump Mode The printer has a special feature to make it easy for experienced users to find the cause of communication problems between the printer and application programs. In data dump mode, an exact printout of the codes reaching the printer is produced.
  • Page 105 Look at the data dump shown in Step 2. By comparing the characters printed in the right column with the printout of the hexadecimal codes, you can check what codes are being sent to the printer. If characters are printable, they appear as their true ASCII characters. Nonprintable codes, such as control codes, are represented by dots.

  • Page 106: Using Printer Options

    Control panel operation ........7-11 Testing the printer in the cut sheet feeder mode .

  • Page 107: The Cut Sheet Feeder

    The optional cut sheet feeder #7339 (for the FX-850) or #7340 (for the FX- 1050) gives you easier and more efficient handling of single sheet paper. Up to 150 sheets of standard bond paper can be fed automatically into the printer without reloading. The cut sheet feeder can also automatically feed envelopes. Installation Attach the assembled cut sheet feeder as follows.
  • Page 108 5. Tilt the feeder forward slightly to fit the notches at the base of the unit over the pins on the printer; then tilt the unit back until it rests on top of the printer.

  • Page 109: Setting The Sheet Feeder Mode

    Then close the paper path guide. Setting the sheet feeder mode To allow your printer to use the cut sheet feeder you need to set DIP switch 2-2 to on. If you need more information on how to do this, see the section on setting DIP switches in Chapter 3.

  • Page 110: Recommended Paper

    1. Pull the paper set lever all the way forward until the paper supports retract and lock open to allow for paper loading. Make sure that the two small front levers are up when using normal paper. Using Printer Options Printing past the edge of envelopes or heavy...
  • Page 111 3. Take a stack of paper and fan it as shown. This keeps the sheets from sticking to one another. Tap the side and bottom of the paper on a flat surface to even up the stack. Using Printer Options...
  • Page 112 5. Push the paper set lever back to clamp the paper against the guide rollers. The lever will not close completely if you use too much paper. If the lever does not close, remove some paper from the stack and try again. Using Printer Options...

  • Page 113: Envelope Loading

    Using the cut sheet feeder After loading paper into the cut sheet feeder, make sure the ON LINE light is on. Once the printer is in the sheet feeder mode, a new sheet of paper loads automatically whenever a printable character or line feed command is sent to the printer.

  • Page 114: Software Operation

    ON LINE button. The printer starts printing from the point at which it was stopped. If you turn your printer off during the time the printer detects a paper out or paper jam condition, any data remaining in the printer’s buffer is discarded.
  • Page 115 To maintain 54 printed lines per page: Continuous form settings Change page length from Change top margin from Change bottom margin from 7-10 New cut sheet feeder settings printable lines, for Using Printer Options...

  • Page 116: Control Panel Operation

    The printer’s built-in self test in the cut sheet feeder mode is slightly different from that of the original self test. To test the printer in cut sheet feeder mode, load the paper you will be using into the paper bin. Hold...

  • Page 117: Switching From The Cut Sheet Feeder To Continuous Paper

    2. Install the cut sheet feeder as described in this section, making sure that DIP switch 2-2 is set to on, and that the paper release lever is pushed all the way back to the single sheet position. 7-12 the self test on envelopes. Using Printer Options...
  • Page 118 Push the paper release lever back to put the printer into the sheet feeder mode, and then close the paper path guide. Using Printer Options...

  • Page 119: Single Sheet Insertion

    4. Press the ON LINE button to put the printer on line. Now you can use micro-adjustment to change the loading position for your cut sheet feeder.

  • Page 120: The Pull Tractor

    The Pull Tractor The optional pull tractor FX-1050) provides optimum continuous paper handling. The pull tractor is especially useful with continuous multi-part forms and labels. For best results, use the pull tractor along with the built-in push tractor, as described in this section.
  • Page 121 3. Hold the pull tractor with the gears to the right and fit the rear notches on the tractor over the rear mounting pins on the printer as shown below.
  • Page 122 Chapter 2. However, position the left sprocket unit about of an inch from the left before locking it in place. After the paper is loaded in the push tractor, make sure the printer is off line and then press the FORM FEED button. This advances the paper one page so you can fit the paper onto the pull tractor.
  • Page 123 (There is only one paper support on the FX-850 pull tractor.) 9. Fit the holes of the paper over the tractor pins of the sprocket units, adjusting the position of the sprocket units as necessary. Using Printer Options 7-18...
  • Page 124 10. If the paper does not fit exactly onto the tractor pins, press in on the pull tractor feed knob and turn it in the desired direction. Close the sprocket covers. 12. Make sure that the paper is not crooked or wrinkled and then lock the sprocket units in place. Using Printer Options 7-19...
  • Page 125 14. Re-install the paper guide and then slide the edge guides together so they meet at about the middle of the paper’s width. 15. Install the pull tractor cover. Using Printer Options 7-20...

  • Page 126: When You Are Finished Printing

    Removing the pull tractor After turning off the printer and removing the pull tractor cover, remove the pull tractor as follows: Pressing the tabs on the pull tractor, tilt it back and lift it off the printer. Using Printer Options 7-21...

  • Page 127: Interface Boards

    Buffered parallel interfaces give the printer more memory and free up the computer for other tasks when printing large amounts of text or graphics.

  • Page 128: Compatible Interfaces

    If you are still unsure whether you need an optional interface, or would like to know more about interfaces, contact your Epson dealer. Compatible interfaces The Epson interfaces that are compatible with the FX-850 and FX-1050 are listed below. Interface number Name...
  • Page 129 2. Remove the printer cover, paper guide, ribbon cartridge, and any installed options. 3. Remove the platen knob and push the paper release lever back to the single sheet position.
  • Page 130 5. Reach inside the front cover and push in on the upper case fastening clips. These clips are located on both sides of the printer case. Push both clips at the same time as shown in the figure below. 6. Raise the upper case slightly (about six inches), taking care not to strain the flat cable attached to the control panel.
  • Page 131 7. Carefully disconnect the control panel cable from the connector labelled CN11 on the main board. 8. Tilt the upper case backward and lift it clear of the printer body. Caution: Be very careful when removing or attaching the upper case to avoid damaging the printer.
  • Page 132 9. Remove the option interface shield plate by pressing in on the plastic clips located at the back of the plate. 10. Remove the screw labelled CG from the main board. Using Printer Options 7-27...

  • Page 133: Installing The Board

    There are two basic interface board designs. These boards differ with respect to how the frame ground (FG) wire is attached. This slight difference changes the way the boards are installed in the printer, but does not affect the operation of the interface in any way. Look at the following illustration to see which type of interface board you have and then follow the installation procedure for that type of board.
  • Page 134 3. Attach the plug end of the FG wire onto the FG pin located on top of the interface board. 4. Set the DIP switches on the interface board according to the manual that comes with the board. Using Printer Options 7-29...
  • Page 135 Carefully place the interface board next to the printer as shown below. Use the CG screw to connect the round end of the FG (frame ground) wire to the main board. 2. Holding the interface board level, rotate it clockwise into position and attach it to the main board.

  • Page 136: Attaching The Upper Case

    Attaching the upper case 1. Fit the hinges of the upper case into the openings in the lower case. Then partially lower the upper case. 7-31 Using Printer Options...
  • Page 137 2. Carefully insert the control panel cable into the connector labelled CNll on the main board. 3. Close the upper case. Make sure you press down on the front of the case until it locks into place. Using Printer Options 7-32...
  • Page 138 Two interface cables must not be installed at the same time. This completes the installation of the optional interface board. Replace the ribbon cartridge, printer cover, and any other necessary parts or options. Using Printer Options 7-33...

  • Page 139: Command Summary

    Chapter 8 Command Summary This chapter lists and describes all the commands, both Epson (ESC/P) mode and IBM emulation mode, available on the FX. The first part of this appendix lists all commands in numerical order and gives the page number where each is fully described. If you know which command you are looking for, consult the numerical list to find the page number where it is described.
  • Page 140 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: A S C I I c o d e : S I Decimal: Hexadecimal: OF This code can be sent from a program by sending the code 15 directly.
  • Page 141 Control key chart Some application programs can use control key codes for decimal values 0 through The table below gives you the proper values. The Control Key column indicates that you press the control key at the same time you press the key for the letter or symbol in that column. For example, you press the control key and A at the same time to send the value 1.

  • Page 142: Commands In Numerical Order

    The numbers in the columns on the right are the page numbers in this chapter where a complete description of the command can be found. If the Epson and IBM emulation mode page numbers are the same, the command is the same in both modes and is described only in the Epson mode section.
  • Page 143 Define user-defined characters ESC = Set MSB to 1 ESC > Reassign graphics mode ESC ? 63 3F Initialize printer ESC @ Select n/72-inch line spacing ESC A ESC A Set n/72-inch line spacing ESC B 42 Set vertical tabs...
  • Page 144 Select 10 cpi ESC P Turn proportional on/off ESC Q Set right margin ESC Q3 Deselect printer (FX-850) Deselect printer (FX-1050) Q22 81 ESC R 52 International character set 52 Restore default tab settings ESC R ESC SO 53 Select superscript mode...
  • Page 145 ESC \ Set relative position ESC \ Print characters from symbol set ESC ^ Select 94 5E ESC ^ Print ESC _ Turn overscore on/off 95 5F ESC a Select justification ESC b Set vertical tabs in channels ESC k Select NLQ font 107 6B ESC 1...

  • Page 146: Epson (Esc/P) Commands

    Epson (ESC/P) Commands The following section lists and describes all the Epson (ESC/P) commands. Printer Operation Initialization ESC @ Format: ASCII code: Decimal : Hexadecimal: 1B 4 0 Comments: Resets the printer mode and clears the buffer of printable data on the print line preceding the command.
  • Page 147 Format: ASCII code: Decimal : Hexadecimal: 13 Comments: Puts the printer into the deselected state until select printer code (DCl) is received. The printer cannot be reselected with the ON LINE button. Speed ESC s Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal:...
  • Page 148 ESC 9 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Cancels ESC 8. Therefore, the printer beeper sounds and printing stops when the printer reaches a point approximately the end of the paper. 8-10 Turn Unidirectional Mode On/Off (The ASCII codes 0 and characters “0”...
  • Page 149 ESC EM Format: ASCII code: Decimal : Hexadecimal: Comments: The following values can be used for n: 4: Mode is turned ON. 0: Mode is turned OFF. The variables are the characters “0” (48 decimal) and “4” (52 decimal). The command should not be used unless the cut sheet feeder is installed.
  • Page 150 ESC # Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Cancels the MSB control set by ESC = or ESC>. Beeper Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: 07 Comments: Sounds the printer’s beeper. 8-12 > Set MSB to Cancel MSB Control Beeper Command Summary...

  • Page 151: Data Control

    Data Control Format: ASCII code: CR Decimal: Hexadecimal : 0D Comments: Prints the data in the buffer and returns the print position to the left margin. A line feed may be added if DIP switch 2-4 is ON or if the AUTO FEED XT line on the parallel interface is held LOW.

  • Page 152: Vertical Motion

    Vertical Motion Form feeding Format: A S C I I c o d e : F F Decimal: Hexadecimal: 0C 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. ESC C Format: ASCII code:...
  • Page 153 ESC N Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: The variable n is the number of lines skipped between the last line printed on one page and the first line on the next page. For example, with the standard settings for line spacing (l/6-inch), and page length (66 lines), ESC N 6 causes the FX to print 60 lines and then skip 6.
  • Page 154 ESCO Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Sets the line spacing to commands. The 0 is the character zero and not ASCII code 0. ESC 1 Format: ASCII code: Decimal : Hexadecimal: Comments: Sets the line spacing to 7/72 of an inch for subsequent line feed commands.
  • Page 155 ESC 3 Format: ASCII code: Decimal : Hexadecimal: Comments: Sets the line spacing to commands. The 3 value of n must be from 0 to ESC A Format: ASCII code: Decimal : Hexadecimal: Comments: Sets the line spacing to n/72 of an inch for subsequent line feed commands.
  • Page 156 Vertical tabbing Format: A S C I I c o d e : V T Decimal: Hexadecimal: OB Comments: Advances the paper to the next tab setting in the channel selected by ESC /. If no channel has been selected, channel 0 is used. If no vertical tabs have been selected, the paper advances one line.

  • Page 157: Horizontal Motion

    ESC / Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: This command is used to select the vertical tab channel, with the value of c from 0 to 7. All subsequent vertical tab commands use the channel selected by this command. If no channel has been selected, channel 0 is used.
  • Page 158 ESC Q Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Sets the right margin to n columns in the current character size. Settings made in the proportional mode are treated as command clears previous tab settings and all previous characters in the print line. The minimum space between the margins is the width of one double-wide 10 cpi character.
  • Page 159 ESC $ Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: This sequence specifies the distance from the currently set left margin that subsequent characters are to be printed, using this formula: total number of dots = nl + (n2 X 256). Each unit equals 1/60th of an inch.
  • Page 160 Horizontal tabbing Format: ASCII code: HT Decimal: Hexadecimal: 09 Comments: Advances the print position to the next horizontal tab setting. The default settings are at intervals of eight characters in the default character size, and tab positions are not affected by subsequent changes in character size.
  • Page 161 Overall Printing Style ESC x Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: The following values can be used for n: 0: Selects the draft mode. Selects the near letter quality (NLQ) mode. Overrides the SelecType setting. When NLQ is selected, the font used is either Roman, Sans Serif or user-defined, whichever is currently selected.
  • Page 162 ESC! Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Selects any valid combination of the modes in the table below. The variable n is determined by adding together the values of the desired modes from the table. Mode D e c 10 cpi 12 cpi Proportional Condensed...
  • Page 163 ESC M Format: ASCII code: Decimal: H e x a d e c i m a l : Comments: Selects characters per inch printing. This command is available in both draft and NLQ. ESC p Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: The following values can be used for n: Mode is turned ON.
  • Page 164 Format: A S C I I c o d e : S I Decimal: Hexadecimal: OF Comments: Prints characters at about 60 percent of their normal width. For example, the condensed 10 cpi mode has 17 characters per inch. Proportional mode cannot be condensed, and proportional overrides condensed.
  • Page 165 Format: A S C I I c o d e : S O Decimal: Hexadecimal : Comments: Double-wide mode doubles the width of all characters. This mode is cancelled by a carriage return or DC4. This command is available in both draft and NLQ.
  • Page 166 ESC W Format: ASCII code: Decimal : Hexadecimal: Comments: The following values can be used for n: 1: Mode is turned ON. 0: Mode is turned OFF. Double-wide mode doubles the width of all characters. This command is available in both draft and NLQ. ESC w Format: ASCII code:...

  • Page 167: Print Enhancement

    Print Enhancement ESC E Format: ASCII code: Decimal : Hexadecimal: Comments: Makes text bolder by printing each dot twice, with the second dot slightly to the right of the first. This command is available in both draft and NLQ. ESC F Format: ASCII code: Decimal:...
  • Page 168 ESCH Format: ASCII code: Decimal : Hexadecimal: Comments: Turns off the double-strike mode selected by ESC G. ESC S0 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Prints characters about two-thirds of the normal height in the upper part of the character space. The ASCII code 0 or the character “0” can be used in this command.
  • Page 169 ESC T Format: ASCII code: Decimal : Hexadecimal: Comments: Cancels either superscript or subscript. ESC - Format : ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: The following values can be used for n: Mode is turned ON. 0: Mode is turned OFF. This mode provides continuous underlining, including spaces.

  • Page 170: Word Processing

    Word Processing ESC a Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: The following values can be used for n: 0: Selects left justification. Selects centering. Selects right justification. Selects full justification. The default setting is n = when the buffer becomes full. The commands HT and BS are invalid except in n = 0 mode.
  • Page 171 Comments: Causes characters from the italic character set to be printed. This command is valid even if the Epson Extended Graphics character set has been selected by ESC t or the DIP switch graphics cannot be italicized. This command is available in both draft and NLQ.
  • Page 172 ESC 5 Format: ASCII code: Decimal : Hexadecimal: Comments: Cancels the mode selected by ESC 4. This command is available in both draft and NLQ. ESC R Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: See the section on international character sets in Chapter 3 for full information on international character sets.
  • Page 173 User-Defined Characters Note: See Chapter 4 for sample programs and full information on this topic. ESC & Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: This command defines characters as described in Chapter 4. This command is not effective when DIP switch ESC : Format: ASCII code:...
  • Page 174 ESC % Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: ESC & is required to define the character set. The following values can be used for n: 0: Selects the normal set. 1: Selects the user-defined set. For NLQ characters, also send ESC x 1. ESC 6 Format: ASCII code:...
  • Page 175 Format: ASCII code: Decimal : Hexadecimal: Comments: This code causes codes This is the default. See Appendix B. ESC I Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: ASCII codes 0 to codes become printable upon input of the ESC I code if n = allows the use of these codes for user-defined characters.
  • Page 176 Graphics Note: See Chapter 4 for sample graphics programs. ESC K Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Turns on eight-pin single-density graphics mode (60 dots per inch). The total number of columns = nl + (n2 X 256). ESC L Format: ASCII code: Decimal:...
  • Page 177 ESC Z Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Turns on eight-pin quadruple-density graphics mode inch). The total number of columns = nl + (n2 X 256). ESC * Format: ASCII code: Decimal : Hexadecimal: Comments: Turns on graphics mode m. See the table below for details on the available modes.
  • Page 178 ESC ? Format: ASCII code: Decimal : Hexadecimal: Comments: Changes one graphics mode to another. The variable s is a character (K, L, Y or Z), which is reassigned to a mode n (O-7). Format: ASCII code: Decimal: H e x a d e c i m a l : 1 B S E m n l n 2 Comments: Turns on 9-pin graphics mode.

  • Page 179: Ibm Emulation Mode Commands

    IBM Emulation Mode Commands The Epson mode and the IBM emulation mode share many of the same commands. Therefore, this part of the summary merely lists and does not describe the commands already described in the Epson mode command summary. The commands that are different are described in detail.
  • Page 180 ESC Q3 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: 1B 51 Comments: Places the printer in an off line state until the printer is turned off and back on or until it receives a ESC Q22 Format: ASCII code: Decimal : Hexadecimal:...
  • Page 181 ESC 2 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Executes the line spacing stored in memory by ESC A. If no ESC A command has been sent, ESC 2 sets the line spacing to l/6 of an inch. (The 2 is the character two and not ASCII code 2.) ESC J Format: ASCII code:...
  • Page 182 The following values can be used for n: Mode is turned ON. 0: Mode is turned OFF. If the mode is on, the printer adds a line feed to each carriage the mode is off, it does not. This command duplicates the function of DIP switch 2-4.
  • Page 183 ESC D Format: ASCII code: Decimal : Hexadecimal: Comments: This command allows the setting of up to 32 horizontal tabs, which are entered as nl, n2, n3, etc. (in the range 1 to 137) with the NUL character terminating the command. The tab settings must be entered in ascending order.
  • Page 184 ESC I Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Selects the font according to the value specified for n. The value for n can be any one of the following: 0: Draft quality 10 cpi font 1: Draft quality 12 cpi font 2: Near letter quality Sans Serif font 3: Near letter quality Roman font 4: Draft quality 10 cpi download font...
  • Page 185 ESC P Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: The following values can be used for n: Mode is turned ON. 0: Mode is turned 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 186 ESC [@ Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: The following values must be used: nl=4, n2 =0, ml =0, and m2=0. The value of m3 affects both character height and line feed as shown below: Char height Standard 2 Double-high Unchanged Standard Double-high...
  • Page 187 Character Sets ESC 6 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Selects the international character set (Table 2). See the character set tables in Appendix B. ESC 7 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Selects the standard character set (Table character set (Table 2) has been previously selected. See the character set tables in Appendix B.
  • Page 188 The data numbers for each character are determined as shown on the first grid for the Epson mode in the section on user-defined characters in Chapter 4. To print a user-defined character, you must use ESC I, which is described on page 8-46.

  • Page 189: Appendix A: Technical Specifications

    Printer Specifications ........

  • Page 190: Printer Specifications

    1/6” of an inch 1/216th Single sheet: 48 ms/line (3.6” per set) Continuous: 53 ms/line (3.0” per set) Maximum printed characters FX-850 8 Kbyte Draft NLQ Epson Roman Epson Sans Serif FX-1050 Technical Specification...
  • Page 191 22 mm (0.87”) or more Number of copies: Technical Specifications 96 standard ASCII character set (including italic characters) 13 international character sets Epson Extended Graphics characters set FX-850 7.2 to 10.1" (182-257 mm) 4 to 10"(101-254 mm) 6.5" or 9.5" 2.5" or 4.0"...
  • Page 192 Cartridge ribbon, available in black only: #8750 (FX-850) #8755(M) (FX-1050) 3 million characters (14 dots/character) For all components excluding print head: 5 million lines FX 850 4000 power-on hours FX-1050 6000 power-on hours 100 million characters (14 dots/character) FX-850 Height: 5.9” Width: 17.9” 14.2”...

  • Page 193: Interface Specifications

    Humidity: Shock: Vibration: Interface Specifications Your printer is equipped with an 8-bit parallel interface. For specifications for optional interfaces, see the manuals provided with the optional interfaces. I’m assignments for the parallel interface Connector pin assignments and a description of their respective interface signals are shown in the following table.
  • Page 194 Technical Specifications...
  • Page 195 0.2 microseconds. Data transfer must be carried out by observing the 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 196: Initialization

    Interface timing The figure below shows the timing for the parallel interface. Initialization There are three ways that the printer can be initialized (returned to a fixed set of conditions). Hardware initialization Software initialization When the power is turned on.

  • Page 197: Default Settings

    Font selection Justification Special printing effects In addition, the data buffer is cleared when the printer is initialized by turning on the power or by an INIT signal. Note: The userdefined character set is not cleared when the printer is initialized.
  • Page 198 Appendix B Tables Proportional Width Table ........B-2 Character Tables .

  • Page 199: Appendix B: Tables

    Proportional Width Table This table lists the widths of your printer’s proportional characters. The values given are in 120ths of an inch. (For example, a value of 12 is 12/120ths of an inch.) You may need to enter these widths into a special table for your word processing program so it can calculate the number of proportional characters that will fit on a line.
  • Page 200 Code Tables Code Width 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/12 8/10 11/12 12/12 12/10 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/11 12/12 10/12 12/12 10/12 8/11 10/7 8/11 12/10 12/12 12/11 11/11 11/11 Width 11/12 12/11 10/12i...
  • Page 201 Code Code Width 12/11 12/11 8/10 l0/11 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/12 10/12 10/11 10/11 11/11 11/11 12/11 12/12 12/12 11/11 12/12 12/12 12/12 11/12 12/11 8/10 10/12 11/11 11/12 12/12 12/11 12/12 12/11 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/12 5/10 Width 12/12 12/12 Tables...
  • Page 202 Code Tables Width Code 12/12 11/11 10/12 12/12 10/12 11/12 11/12 12/12 10/12 12/12 12/12 12/11 12/12 12/12 10/10 10/12 Width 12/12 12/12 12/11 10/12...

  • Page 203: Character Tables

    Character Tables These character tables are selected by setting DIP switch 1-3 or using 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 204 Epson Extended Graphics Character Table C O D E O 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F Tables...

  • Page 205: 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 memory. byte A unit of information consisting of eight bits.
  • Page 206 A troubleshooting feature. When the printer is in data dump mode, each code that it receives is printed in hexadecimal notation as well as the ASCII codes that stand for the characters. Sometimes called hex dump.
  • Page 207 DIP switches Small switches in a printer that control various printer functions and set the default status of the printer when it is turned on or initialized. DIP stands for Dual In-line Package. dot graphics A graphic design formed by patterns of dots.
  • Page 208 ESC/P Abbreviation for Epson Standard Code for Printers. The system of commands lets you control your printer using your computer’s software. It is standard for all Epson printers and supported by most applications software for personal computers. font A style of type designated by a family name.
  • Page 209 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. This way of printing frees the computer to do other work while the printer is still working.
  • Page 210 Parity is a method for a computer and printer to check the reliability of data transmission. pitch Indicates the number of characters per inch (cpi). The standard is pitch. platen The black roller that provides a backing for the printing.
  • Page 211 The position on the paper that the printer recognizes as the first printable line. For single sheets, this is the position to which the paper is automatically loaded. For continuous paper, this position can set to the current paper position by turning the printer off and on.

  • Page 212: Index

    3-9 selecting fonts, 3-10—11 setting, 3-5—6 Dot graphics mode, 4-8—19 Double-strike printing, 3-14—15 Emphasized printing, 3-14—15 Epson Extended Graphics, 3-7—8, Fonts Built-in character fonts, 3-11 Draft, 3-10—11 Roman, 3-11 Sans serif, 3-11 Selecting with DIP switches, 3-11—12...
  • Page 213 2-18—19 positioning continuous paper, single sheets, 2-2—4 switching between continuous and single sheets, 2-10—14 using cut sheet feeder, 7-5—7 Maintaining the printer, 5-1—8 Master Select, 3-15—17 Micro-adjustment, 2-14—15, 3-5 Moving the printer, 5-6—8 Index-2 On line light, 3-2 On line button, 3-3 Options, 2, 7-1—33...
  • Page 214 Serial interface, see Interface boards Short tear-off, 2-15—17, 3-8 Skip over perforation, 3-10 Specifications, A-2—10 Subscripts, 3-15 Superscripts, 3-15 Technical specifications, A-2—10 Testing the printer, 1-12—17 using cut sheet feeder, 7-12—13 Troubleshooting, 6-1-6 Typestyles built-in character fonts, 3-11 selecting with DIP switches, 3-10—12 selecting with Master Select, 3-15—17...
  • Page 215 Clarity of concepts and wording Quality of examples and pictures Quantity of examples and pictures Comments: Name: Address: City: State: Please cut out and mail in. Thank you! EPSON this manual. Your comments and suggestions will Good Excellent Zip: Poor Fair...
  • Page 216 PLACE STAMP HERE America, Inc. EPSON 2780 Lomita Blvd. Torrance CA 90505 MS 4-1 Fold here...
  • Page 218 Chapter 8 where a complete description of the command can be found. If the Epson and IBM emulation mode page numbers are the same, the command is the same in both modes and is described only in the Epson mode section.
  • Page 219 Epson I B M Emul. ESC /P Overall Printing Style/Print Size Mode Mode Print Enhancement/Word Processing Character Sets User-Defined Characters/Graphics...
  • Page 220 Commands IBM Emulation Mode Only DIP Switch Functions International character sets...
  • Page 223 EPSON AMERICA, INC. 2780 Lomita Boulevard, Torrance, California 90505...

This manual is also suitable for:

Fx-850

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