Epson FX-286e User Manual
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Epson FX-286e User Manual

Epson printer user manual fx-86e / 286e
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  • Page 2: Fcc Compliance Statement

    While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, Seiko Epson Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    1-12 Turning On the Printer 1-12 Operating the Control Panel 1-14 SelecType 1-16 Running the Self Test 1-17 Connecting the Printer to Your Computer 1-18 Choosing the Operating Mode with DIP Switches Chapter 2 Choosing and Loading Paper 2-1 Choosing Paper...
  • Page 4 A-7 Epson (ESC/P) Commands A-36 IBM Printer Emulation Mode Commands Appendix B Character Tables El Epson Mode B-9 Epson International Character Sets B-11 IBM Printer Emulation Mode Appendix C Problem Solving and Maintenance C-1 General Troubleshooting C-3 Troubleshooting Graphics Problems...
  • Page 5 Appendix D Defaults and DIP Switches D-1 Default and Initialization Settings D-2 DIP Switch Settings D-3 International Character Sets Appendix E Choosing and Setting Up Optional Interfaces E-1 Compatible Interfaces E-2 Choosing an Interface E-3 Installing an Interface Inserting the Interface board E-7 Serial Interface Settings Appendix F Technical Specifications...
  • Page 6 If you are using software designed for an IBM@ printer, you have the choice of using the FX in Epson mode or IBM printer emulation mode. Even better, you can combine the best of both worlds; the powerful Epson mode commands can now print character graphics like those used by IBM printers and computers.

  • Page 7: Introduction

    About this Manual To make it easier to set up your new FX-86e or FX-286e, this manual includes a lo-step guide. This guide, which is printed on the inside of the back flap, summarizes the first chapter’s setting up instructions.

  • Page 8: Setting Up Your Fx Printer

    Setting up your new FX is easy. Simply follow the steps in this chapter. Note The FX-86e and FX-286e are basically the same printer except that the FX-286e can accept wider paper. Therefore, the illustrations in this manual show only the FX-86e.

  • Page 9: Selecting The Right Location

    Figure 1-2. Also, you should install the paper feed knob. To install the knob, simply push it onto the shaft on the right side of the printer as shown in Figure 1-2. 1. Remove the left locking tab.

  • Page 10: Installing The Ribbon

    Using a printer stand with the paper stacked underneath it. Using a desk or table as a stand, with the printer near the rear edge and the paper on the floor or on a shelf. Putting the printer on a desk or table and stacking the paper behind the printer.
  • Page 11 Tightening 4. For the FX-86e, hold the ribbon cartridge by the raised plastic fin on top of the cartridge; for the FX-286e hold the cartridge by the two plastic tabs. Lower the cartridge into the printer, guiding the two pins on each end of the cartridge into the slots in the printer frame, as shown in Figure 1-4.
  • Page 12 Figure 1-4. Installing the ribbon cartridge Figure 1-5. ribbon Positioning the Setting Up Your FX Printer...

  • Page 13: Loading Continuous-Feed Paper

    The FX tractor units are adjustable to accommodate different widths of paper-from 4 to 10 inches on the FX-86e and from 4 to 16 inches on the FX-286e. Before you load continuous-feed paper, prepare the printer in the following manner: 1.
  • Page 14 Figure 1-6. Installing rest the paper 4. Pull both the paper release lever and the paper bail lever toward the front of the printer. (Figure 1-6 shows where these levers are.) Setting Up Your FX Printer...
  • Page 15 Leave the right holder unlocked. 3. Open the pin-feed covers as shown in Figure 1-8. WARNING Do not use the pin-feed covers to move the pin-feed holders. Setting Up Your FX Printer...
  • Page 16 5. Pull the paper up until the top is above the pin-feed holders. Fit the holes on the left side of the paper over the pins in the left holder (as shown in Figure 1-9) and close the cover. Figure 1-9. Fitting the paper over the Setting Up Your FX Printer pin feeds...
  • Page 17 1. Push the paper bail lever back. 2. Hold the paper guide above the printer with the edge tab on the left. Insert the right hinge tab into the right tab slot, as shown in Figure 1-10. Then insert the left tab into the left slot and push the guide back so that it is horizontal.
  • Page 18 3. With the printer turned OFF, advance the paper with the paper feed knob on the right side of the printer until the first row of perforations is about even with the top of the ribbon. (See Figure 1-1 1.) Figure 1-11.

  • Page 19: Turning On The Printer

    Turning On the Printer Before plugging in the power cord, see that the power switch near the back of the left side of the printer is turned off; then plug the power cord into a properly grounded socket. WARNING Before turning on the printer, be absolutely sure you have removed all packing materials.

  • Page 20: The Buttons

    The three buttons nearest the front of the printer control advancing the paper and communication with the computer. The four indicator lights show when the printer is turned on and when it is ready to use. The buttons There are three large buttons on the control panel.

  • Page 21: Selectype

    When you press either SelecType button, it beeps twice and its orange indicator light turns on to show that you have selected it. If you 1.14 This comes on when the printer is out of paper. LINE FEED FORM FEED...

  • Page 22: If Selectype Does Not Work

    SelecType to control your printing. Most programs that cancel SelecType settings also have sophisticated print control commands that give the same results that SelecType does. The manual for your program should explain the necessary commands. Setting Up Your FX Printer 1-15...

  • Page 23: Running The Self Test

    You’ll use this part of the printout in the last section of this chapter. Before running the self test, make sure that the power is OFF and paper is loaded in the printer. (Use wide paper in the FX-286e to avoid printing on the platen.)

  • Page 24: Connecting The Printer To Your Computer

    If you do not know what kind of interface your computer requires, consult its manual or your dealer. For information on optional interfaces available from Epson, see Appendix E, and for further information on the standard interface, see Appendix F.

  • Page 25: 10 Choosing The Operating Mode With Dip Switches

    10 Choosing the Operating Mode with DIP Switches The FX has 12 switches that allow you to change many of the printer’s settings to suit your individual needs. You may need to change one or two of them now. These switches, known as DIP (Dual In-line Package) switches, are in the back of the printer.
  • Page 26 The IBM printer emulation mode is for software that is designed only for IBM printers. It is not necessary to use this mode for your FX to be compatible with IBM computers. As you can see from the list of Epson and IBM printer emulation mode commands in Appendix A, the Epson mode has more commands and many more capabilities.
  • Page 27 Epson mode and the Character Graphics set (DIP switch 1-4 OFF and DIP switch 1-3 ON). That way you can set up your software for an Epson printer and have the full power of the Epson commands. If you have trouble printing italics, change DIP switch 1-3 to OFF to choose italics instead of character graphics.

  • Page 28: Choosing And Loading Paper

    Without any accessories, you can use single-sheet paper from 7¼ to 8½ inches wide (up to 14½ inches on the FX-286e) and continuous paper from 4 to 10 inches wide (up to 16 inches on the FX-286e) including the perforated edge strips.

  • Page 29: Preparing The Printer

    Before you load single-sheet paper the first time, you must prepare the printer by removing the tractor unit and installing the paper guide, as described in the next five steps. (If you have previously loaded continuous-feed paper, you have already done some of the steps.) Preparing the printer 1.
  • Page 30 5. Hold the paper guide above the printer. Insert the right hinge tab into the right tab slot, as shown in Figure 2-2. Next, insert the left tab into the left slot. When both tabs are in the slots, push the guide back so that it is horizontal, and then pull it toward you until it stops at an angle (about 45 degrees).

  • Page 31: Loading The Paper

    Now you are ready to load single-sheet paper. Just follow the steps below: 1. Turn the printer ON first. Do not put the paper in the printer before you turn it on. 2. Push both the paper release lever and the paper bail lever toward the back of the printer.
  • Page 32 6. When the paper stops, push the paper bail lever back. 7. Hold the printer cover vertically and fit the notches in its front corners over the pins at the front of the printer case (as shown in Figure 2-4). Then tilt the cover back into place.

  • Page 33: Reloading During Printing

    Step 2. This time press the paper a little more firmly into place. If nothing happens at all, see that the printer is ON and that the ON LINE light is off.
  • Page 34 Figure 2-5. Reinstalling the unit tractor 2 - 7 Choosing and Loading Paper...

  • Page 35: The Paper Thickness Lever

    You need to do this when you print carbon copies. Before moving the paper thickness lever, always turn off the power, open the printer cover or the tractor cover, and move the print head to the middle of the printer.
  • Page 36 If you want to change or check the lever, push it toward the platen (the black roller) until it stops. This is the first position. Then pull the lever toward you. You will feel three more click stops. The table below shows which position you should use.

  • Page 37: Using The Fx With Application Programs

    Menu selections If your software has a printer selection menu, simply choose FX-86e or FX-286e. If the menu does not list either of these printers, choose one of the following. They are listed in order of preference. FX-86e...

  • Page 38: Computer -Printer Communication

    Note If your application program does not list the FX-86e or FX-286e, you may want to contact the manufacturer to find whether an update is available. A quick test After setting up your application program, print a sample document to be sure the program and the FX are communicating properly. If the document doesn’t print correctly, recheck the program’s printer...

  • Page 39: Word Processors

    Once you have installed your word processor by using the lists on page 3-1, you can ordinarily use a fixed set of printer features by using a word processor command to place markers around the text to be altered. When the document is printed, the markers are recognized and translated into suitable commands for your printer.

  • Page 40: Spreadsheets

    A major concern for printing spreadsheets is the width of the printer. The FX-86e is an 80-column printer, and the FX-286e is a 136-column printer. You can, however, increase the number of characters on a line by using one of the modes in Table 3-1. You can turn on condensed with a button on the control panel (see SelecType in Chapter 1), and the other modes are explained in Chapter 4.

  • Page 41: Printer Commands

    First, almost all spreadsheets have the capability of sending commands to a printer. Look in the manual for your spreadsheet to find out how to send printer commands. Then look in the Command Summary (Appendix A) in this manual to find the proper codes to send.

  • Page 42: Graphics Programs

    When buying graphics software, always make sure it has a suitable option to allow printouts 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 43 Individual printer control codes can be sent by using the CHR$ function with the LPRINT statement: 110 LPRINT CHR$(27);CHR$(69); This line sends ASCII codes 27 and 69 to the printer, selecting emphasized printing. Most versions of BASIC permit the ASCII codes in the CHR$ function to be given in either decimal (as above) or hexadecimal.

  • Page 44: Fx Printer Features

    Chapter 4 FX Printer Features You can obtain many different printing effects with the FX printer, from arranging the printout on the paper to giving extra emphasis to particular words and phrases. This chapter shows you the features you may want to select with your software. Once you have read about the features, you can find their commands in the Command Summary.

  • Page 45: Print Size And Character Width

    D o u b l e - w i d e D o u b l e - w i d e be selected with SelecType. ABCDEFGHIJKLMnopqrstuvwxyz p i c a e l i t e FX Printer Features...

  • Page 46: Special Effects And Emphasis

    Emphasized and double-strike modes both slow the printer down slightly to produce bolder text. In emphasized mode, the FX prints each character twice as the print head moves across the paper, with the second slightly to the right of the first.

  • Page 47: Using Different Character Sets

    Using Different Character Sets The FX incorporates a new character set: Epson Character Graphics. This set allows you to take advantage of the power of the Epson mode commands and still print out the character graphics used by IBM and compatible computers and by much commercial software.

  • Page 48: Page Layout And Other Commands

    German, UK, Danish, Swedish, Italian, and Spanish. See Appendix D for the DIP switch settings. In Epson mode, these eight, and five more, can also be selected by a software command. The additional character sets are the following: Norwegian, a second Danish set, Japanese, a second Spanish set, and Latin American.

  • Page 49: Graphics And User-Defined Characters

    The quickest and easiest way to print graphics on your FX 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. Graphics and User-defined Characters...

  • Page 50: The Print Head

    If you use commercial software that produces graphics, all you need to know about dot graphics is how to use the software. If, on the other hand, you wish to do your own programming or merely wish to understand how the FX prints graphics, read on. The Print Head To understand dot graphics you need to know a little about how the FX’s print head works.

  • Page 51: Dot Patterns

    To print figures taller than eight dots, the print head makes more than one pass. The printer prints one line, then advances the paper and prints another, just as it does with text.

  • Page 52: 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 the top and bottom pins, you simply add 128 and 1, then send 129.

  • Page 53: Column Reservation Numbers

    Even in single-density graphics mode, one 8-inch line can accommodate 480 columns of graphics; in quadruple-density, almost 2000 columns can fit on the same 8-inch line. Since the printer does not use decimal numbers larger than 255, the graphics commands use two numbers for reserving columns.

  • Page 54: Simple Graphics Programming

    If you supply too little, the printer will stop and wait for more data and will seem to be locked. The next data sent will then be printed as graphics, even if it is really text.

  • Page 55: Width Statements

    WIDTH statements Some software (including most versions of BASIC) automatically inserts carriage return and line feed codes after every 80 or 130 characters. This is usually no problem with text, but it can spoil your graphics. Two extra columns of graphics are printed in the middle of the ones you send, and are left over and printed as text.

  • Page 56: Density Varieties

    The four most common eight-pin modes are available in both Epson and IBM printer emulation modes. Their commands are ESC K, ESC L, ESC Y, ESC Z. In Epson mode, there is also a general-purpose command for any of the eight-pin graphics modes: ESC *. This...
  • Page 57 Table 5-1. Graphics modes Option Single-density Double-density High-speed double-density* Quadruple-density* CRT I Plotter (1:1) CRT II Double-density plotter *Adjacent dots cannot be printed in this mode. Modes 4-7 in the table are special modes that alter the horizontal density to give proportions of a computer monitor (the CRT modes), or to match the vertical density so as to give round circles (the plotter modes).

  • Page 58: Designing Your Own Graphics

    A little experimentation should tell you whether the reassigning code can improve your graphics printouts. Designing Your Own Graphics This section takes you through the development of a graphics program. The example is not especially complicated, but it does include the same steps you would use for a more complex figure.
  • Page 59 Now look at the high-speed double-density design in Figure 5-3. It should point you in the right direction for your own work. Figure 5-3. Arrow design After plotting the dots on a grid, you calculate the numbers for each pin pattern by dividing the design grid into separate print lines. For the arrow design, the grid was divided into two lines, each seven dots high.
  • Page 60 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 61: User-Defined Characters

    When you define a character of your own, the definition is stored in temporary memory (RAM). The original character with the same code remains in the printer’s permanent memory (ROM) and you can print either of them when needed. Design grids...
  • Page 62 Once the character is planned on the grid, you simply add the pin values for each column together, just as you do for graphics. Then, the next step in defining a character is to send this information to the printer. Figure 5-5. Design grids...
  • Page 63 Line 130 contains a1. The information about the character design (which is contained in the data statements at the end of the program) is sent to the printer in the loop between lines 140 and 160.

  • Page 64: Copying Rom To Ram

    As you can see, both sets of characters (the original ROM characters that the printer normally uses and the user-defined character set) remain in the printer available for your use. The command to switch between the two sets is used in lines 180 and 200 and has the following...

  • Page 65: Mixing Print Styles

    Note This command will cancel any user-defined characters you have already created. You must send this command to the printer before you define characters. Specifying the width and height The example program uses 136 for al (in line 130 of the definition program), but you can use other values.

  • Page 66: Other Considerations

    BASIC is loaded or when certain application programs start up, and most computers do it if you have to reset them. If the program resets the printer with the ESC @ command, the ROM set is selected, but the user-defined characters are not lost.

  • Page 67: Appendix A Command Summary

    Quick Reference card also show the differences between the Epson mode and the IBM printer emulation mode. The second part of this appendix lists and describes Epson mode commands and IBM printer emulation mode commands separately; the commands are divided into the following subjects:...
  • Page 68 LPRINT CHR$(27);"W";CHR$(l) LPRINT CHR$(27);"W";"l" The simplest type of command consists of a single character to be sent to the printer. For instance, to print in condensed mode the code format is: ASCII code: S I D e c i m a l : Hexadecimal: OF This code can be sent from a program by sending the code 15 directly.
  • Page 69 Control key chart Some application programs can use control key codes for decimal values O-27. 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 70: Commands In Numerical Order

    The numbers in the columns on the right are the page numbers in this appendix where a complete description of the command can be found. If the Epson and IBM printer 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 71 ESC = 3E Set MSB to 1 ESC > ESC ? 3F Reassign graphics mode ESC @ 40 Initialize printer ESC A 41 Select n/72-inch line spacing ESC A 41 Set n/72-inch line spacing ESC B 42 Set vertical tabs...
  • Page 72 ESC P 50 Turn proportional on/off (286e) ESC I’ 5 1 Set right margin ESC Q ESC Q3 5 1 Deselect printer (86e) ESC Q22 8 1 5 1 Deselect printer (286e) 52 International character set ESC R ESC R...

  • Page 73: 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: Comments: Resets the printer mode and clears the buffer of printable data on the print line preceding the command.

  • Page 74: Deselect Printer

    Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Puts the printer into the deselected state until select printer code (DC1) is received. The printer cannot be reselected with the button. Speed ESCs Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: The following values can be used for n: 1: Mode is turned ON.

  • Page 75: Turn Unidirectional Mode On/Off

    Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Cancels ESC 8. Therefore, the printer beeper sounds and printing stops when the printer reaches a point approximately 3/4 of an inch from the end of the paper. Command Summary Turn Unidirectional Mode On/Off (The characters “0” and “1”...

  • Page 76: Msb Control

    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 or 30 hex) and “4” (52 decimal or 34 hex). Do not use 1 decimal, 01 hex, 4 decimal, or hex.
  • Page 77 Cancels the MSB control set by ESC = or ESC ). Beeper Format: ASCII code: Decimal: H e x a d e c i m a l : 0 7 Comments: Sounds the printer’s beeper. Command Summary > Set MSB to 1 Cancel MSB Control Beeper A-11...

  • Page 78: Data Control

    Data Control Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: 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 the AUTO PEED XT line on the parallel interface is held LOW. Format: ASCII code: Decimal:...

  • Page 79: Vertical Motion

    Vertical Motion Form feeding Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: 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: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Sets the page length to n lines in the current line spacing.

  • Page 80: Line Feeding

    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/&inch), and page length (66 lines), ESC N 6 causes the FX to print 60 lines and then skip 6.

  • Page 81: Select L/&Inch Line Spacing

    ESC 0 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Sets the line spacing to l/8 of an inch for subsequent line feed 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 82: Select N/72-Inch Line Spacing

    ESC 3 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Sets the line spacing to n/216 of an inch for subsequent line feed commands. The “3” is the The value of n must be from O-255. ESC A Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Sets the line spacing to n/72 of an inch for subsequent line feed...
  • Page 83 Vertical tabbing Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: 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. ESC B Format: ASCII code:...

  • Page 84: Horizontal Motion

    Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: This command is used to select the vertical tab channel, with the value of c from 0-7. All subsequent VT commands use the channel selected by this command. Horizontal Motion Margins ESC l Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal:...
  • Page 85 Backspacing can be performed up to, but not beyond, the left margin setting. The BS code is also ignored if ESC a 2, or 3 has been sent. In Epson mode, if this code is received immediately after graphics printing, the print position of subsequent data is moved back to the point at which graphics printing started.

  • Page 86: Set Relative Position

    ESC \ Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Determines the position (relative to the current position) at which printing of following data will start. To find nl and n2, first calculate the displacement required in 1/120ths of an inch. If the displacement is to the left, subtract it from 65536.

  • Page 87: Set Horizontal Tabs

    ESC D Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: This command allows setting of up to 32 horizontal tabs, which are entered as n1, n2, n3, etc. (from 1-137) with the NUL character or any value less than the previous one terminating the command. ESC D NUL clears all tabs.
  • Page 88 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. Table A-1. Muster Select numbers Dec Hex Mode Pica...

  • Page 89: Select Elite Pitch

    ESC M Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Selects elite pitch (12 characters per inch). ESC p Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: The following values can be used for n: 1: Mode is turned ON. 0: Mode is turned OFF. The width of proportional characters varies from character to character.
  • Page 90 ESC SI Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Duplicates the SI command. Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Cancels condensed printing set by SI, ESC SI, SelecType, or DIP switch 1-1. Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Double-wide mode doubles the width of all characters. This mode is cancelled by a carriage return or DC4.
  • Page 91 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Cancels one-line double-wide printing selected by SO or ESC SO, but not double-wide printing selected by ESC W or ESC !. ESC W Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: The following values can be used for n: 1: The mode is turned ON.

  • Page 92: 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. ESC F Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Cancels emphasized, the mode selected by ESC E. ESC G Format: ASCII code:...
  • Page 93 ESC H 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 94: Ascii Code: Esc Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments

    ESC - Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: The following values can be used for n: 1: Mode is turned ON. 0: Mode is turned OFF. This mode provides continuous underlining, including spaces. Word Processing ESC a Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments:...

  • Page 95: Hexadecimal: 1B

    0: Selects italics. 1: Selects Epson Character Graphics. Selects the character table used by codes 128-255. Selecting Epson Character Graphics does not disable italic printing. Italic printing can still be selected by ESC 4. Duplicates the function of DIP switch 1-3.

  • Page 96: Format: Ascii Code: Esc

    Hexadecimal: Comments: Causes characters from the italic character set to be printed. This command is valid even if the Epson Character Graphics set has been selected by ESC t or the DIP switch 1-3, but character graphics cannot be italicized.

  • Page 97: Copy Rom Into Ram

    User-defined Characters Note: See Chapter 5 for sample programs and full information on this topic. ESC & Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: This command allows characters to be redefined in the currently selected mode. ESC : Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments:...

  • Page 98: Printable Code Area Expansion

    ESC 6 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Enables the printing of codes 128 through 159 (decimal) as characters, not control codes. This allows the use of these characters for user-defined characters. ESC 7 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: This code causes codes 128 through 159 to be treated as control codes.
  • Page 99 Graphics Note: See Chapter 5 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 ESC L Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments:...
  • Page 100 ESC Z Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Turns on eight-pin quadruple-density graphics mode (240 dots per inch). The total number of columns = nl + (n2 ESC * Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Turns on graphics mode m. See the table below for details on the available modes.
  • Page 101 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 (0-7). ESC ^ Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Turns on 9-pin Graphics Mode.

  • Page 102: Ibm Printer Emulation Mode Commands

    ESC G, ESC H, ESC S0, ESC S1, ESC T, ESC - Graphics ESC K, ESC L, ESC Y, ESC Z Note that IBM printer emulation mode graphics are the same as Epson mode graphics except that ESC *, ESC ?, and ESC ^ are not available. A.36...
  • Page 103 Printer Operation ESC Q3 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Places the printer in an off line state until the printer is turned off and back on or until it receives a DC1 code. ESC Q22 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal:...
  • Page 104 ESC 2 Format: ASCII code: Decimal: H e x a d e c i m a l : 1 B 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.
  • Page 105 1: Mode is turned ON. 0: Mode is turned OFF. If the mode is on, the printer adds a line feed to each carriage return. If the mode is off, it does not. This command duplicates the function of DIP switch 2-4.

  • Page 106: Overall Printing Style

    ESC D Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: This command allows setting of up to 32 horizontal tabs, which are entered as nl, n2, n3, etc. (in the range 1 to 137) with the NUL character terminating the command. The tab settings must be entered in ascending order.
  • Page 107 Four modes in the IBM printer emulation mode are incompatible with each other. These modes are pica, elite, condensed, and proportional. (Proportional is available only on the FX-286e.) Therefore, if you select any one of these, you cancel all the others.
  • Page 108 Standard Double-high Unchanged Standard Double-high The value of m4 selects the width of the characters. 1: Standard 2: Double-wide A - 4 2 Cancel Condensed/Elite/Proportional Select Double-high Printing (FX-286e) @ n1 Line feed Unchanged Unchanged Single Single Single Double Double...
  • Page 109 ESC _ Format: ASCII code: Decimal: H e x a d e c i m a l : 1 B Comments: The following values can be used for n: 1: Mode is turned ON. 0: Mode is turned OFF. Character Sets ESC 6 Format: ASCII code:...
  • Page 110 E s c \ Format: ASCII code: Decimal: Hexadecimal: Comments: Prints a number of characters from the symbol set. The number of characters = nl + B for the symbol set and the codes to use for data. ESC ^ Format: ASCII code: Decimal:...
  • Page 111 11 data numbers for each character The data numbers for each character are determined as shown on the grid for the Epson mode in Figure 5-5. To print a user-defined character, you must use ESC I, which is described on page A-40.

  • Page 112: Character Tables

    Epson Mode The first half of the Epson mode table covers the standard ASCII character codes from 0 to 127. The remainder of the table shows two characters for each code: one from the standard italic character table and one from the Epson character graphics table.
  • Page 113 Table B-1. Epson mode characters Decimal Hex Character B - 2 n a m e ASCII null start of heading start of text end of text end of transmission enquiry acknowledge bell backspace tab horizontally line feed tab vertically form feed...
  • Page 114 continued Table B-1, Character Width " & < > Character Tables Character Width...
  • Page 115 continued Table B-1, Character Width B - 4 Character Tables...
  • Page 116 Table B-1, continued Decimal Hex Character Tables Character E N Q Graphics Widths: character normal italic B - 5...
  • Page 117 Table continued B-1, Decimal Hex B - 6 Width Italic character " & < > Graphics Widths: character normal italic Character Tables...
  • Page 118 Table continued B-1, Decimal Hex Character Tables Width Italic character Graphics Widths: character normal italic B - 7...
  • Page 119 Table B-1, continued Decimal Hex B - 8 Width Italic character Graphics Widths: character normal italic Character Tables...

  • Page 120: Epson International Character Sets

    Epson International Character Sets Twelve character codes between 35 and 126 can represent more than one character each, depending upon the international character set you select. You can make the choice either by setting DIP switches 1-6 through 1-8 or by using the ESC R command.
  • Page 121 widths of Table B-3. Proportional Characters Widths: Normal B - 1 0 international characters Characters Widths: Italic Italic Normal Character Tables...

  • Page 122: Ibm Printer Emulation Mode

    IBM Printer Emulation Mode This section shows the characters available in IBM printer emulation mode. There are two main character tables: standard (CG Table 1) and international (CG Table 2). The standard table is selected when DIP switches 1-6 to 1-8 are all UP; the international table is selected by any other setting of these three switches.
  • Page 123 Table B-4. IBM printer emulation mode characters Decimal Hex Standard (CG Table 1) (CG Table 2) set B - 1 2 International Symbol § Character Tables Width...
  • Page 124 Table continued B-4, Character Width Dec " & < > C h a r a c t e r T a b l e s Character Width B-13...
  • Page 125 Table continued B-4, Character Width B-14 Character Tables...
  • Page 126 Table B-4, continued Decimal Hex Character Tables International Standard (CG Table 2) (CG Table 1) Width B - 1 5...
  • Page 127 Table B-4, continued Decimal Hex B-16 International Standard (CG Table 2) (CG Table 1) Width Character Tables...
  • Page 128 Table B-4, continued Decimal Hex Character Tables International Standard (CG Table 2) (CG Table 1) Width B-17...
  • Page 129 Table B-4, concluded Decimal Hex B - 1 8 International Standard (CG Table 2) (CG Table 1) Width Character Tables...

  • Page 130: Problem Solving And Maintenance

    Appendix C Problem Solving and Maintenance This appendix presents solutions for possible problems, explanations of the FX’s advanced features, tips on maintaining and transporting your printer, and instructions on replacing the print head. General Troubleshooting Problem Printer does not print...
  • Page 131 Turn the printer off and see that it is not out of paper and that the paper is loaded correctly. Then turn the printer back on and try again.

  • Page 132: Troubleshooting Graphics Problems

    The FX has a special feature that makes it easy for experienced print- er users to find the causes of problems. The hexadecimal (hex) or data dump mode gives a printout of exactly what codes reach the printer. Enter this mode by turning on the printer while holding down the...

  • Page 133: Ibm Pc Basic Solutions

    Data dump mode can be turned off by turning off the printer; it is also cancelled by an INIT signal from the computer. IBM PC BASIC Solutions IBM PC BASIC inserts a carriage return and line feed (CR-LF) after each 80 characters you send it.

  • Page 134: Maintaining Your Printer

    Do not spray the inside of the printer with oil: unsuitable oils can damage the mechanism. If lubrication is needed, contact your Epson dealer. The print head Be particularly careful with the print head.
  • Page 135 Replacing the print head As soon as the print head fails, stop using the printer and contact your Epson dealer for a replacement head. The catalog number is #8731. To replace the head, follow these steps: 1. Turn the printer OFF.

  • Page 136: Transporting The Printer

    Remove the paper rest and paper guide and pack them separately. Fix the tractor cover in place with tape. Pack the printer in the original foam packing supports and box. Problem Solving and Maintenance...
  • Page 137 Appendix C Problem Solving and Maintenance This appendix presents solutions for possible problems, explanations of the FX’s advanced features, tips on maintaining and transporting your printer, and instructions on replacing the print head. General Troubleshooting Problem Printer does not print...
  • Page 138 Turn the printer off and see that it is not out of paper and that the paper is loaded correctly. Then turn the printer back on and try again.
  • Page 139 The FX has a special feature that makes it easy for experienced print- er users to find the causes of problems. The hexadecimal (hex) or data dump mode gives a printout of exactly what codes reach the printer. Enter this mode by turning on the printer while holding down the...
  • Page 140 Data dump mode can be turned off by turning off the printer; it is also cancelled by an INIT signal from the computer. IBM PC BASIC Solutions IBM PC BASIC inserts a carriage return and line feed (CR-LF) after each 80 characters you send it.
  • Page 141 Do not spray the inside of the printer with oil: unsuitable oils can damage the mechanism. If lubrication is needed, contact your Epson dealer. The print head Be particularly careful with the print head.
  • Page 142 Replacing the print head As soon as the print head fails, stop using the printer and contact your Epson dealer for a replacement head. The catalog number is #8731. To replace the head, follow these steps: 1. Turn the printer OFE 2.
  • Page 143 Remove the paper rest and paper guide and pack them separately. Fix the tractor cover in place with tape. Pack the printer in the original foam packing supports and box. Problem Solving and Maintenance C - 7...

  • Page 144: Appendix D Defaults And Dip Switches

    2-1 and 2-3, and the top of form position is set to the current line. The ROM characters are selected, and the Epson mode character table and international character set are reset according to DIP switches 1-3 and 1-6 to 1-8.

  • Page 145: Dip Switch Settings

    DIP Switch Settings The FX has twelve DIP (Dual In-line Package) switches that allow you to change many of the printer’s settings to suit your individual needs. The DIP switches are in two groups, mounted on the back panel, as shown in Figure D-1.

  • Page 146: International Character Sets

    Note: The factory setting for all switches except 1-6, 1-7. and 1-8 i International Character Sets Thirteen international character sets are available in Epson mode. Eight of these are selected by DIP switches 1-6 to 1-8 and the remaining five (Japan, Norway, Denmark II, Spain II and Latin America) can be selected with the ESC R command, which is described in the Command Summary.
  • Page 147 The DIP switch settings to select the different character sets are shown in Table D-3. Table D-3. International settings Epson mode character set French German Danish...

  • Page 148: Choosing And Setting Up Optional Interfaces

    Appendix E Choosing and Setting Up Optional Interfaces This appendix contains information on Epson interfaces compatible with the FX-86e and FX-286e printers, instructions on choosing the right interface for a particular job, and instructions for installing internally mounted interface boards.

  • Page 149: Choosing An Interface

    IEEE-488 The IEEE-488 system allows you to connect computers, printers, and other peripherals so that they can share data freely. Epson offers two types of IEEE-488 interfaces. The #8161 offers the basic ability to operate in the IEEE-488 address and listen-only modes. The #8165 has the basic features and an 8K data buffer and a line monitor function, which provides a diagnostic printout of IEEE-488 commands.

  • Page 150: Installing An Interface

    FX data dump mode. Identifying a serial interface board All Epson interfaces have the EPSON name printed on them. If the board has an identification code printed on it, it will be a four digit number beginning with an eight. The number should be one of the numbers in Table E-3.
  • Page 151 Figure E-1), using a cross-head type screwdriver. Figure E-I. Removing the screw 6. Push the retaining clips (shown in Figure E-2) through the holes, using a screwdriver. The FX-86e has two clips, and the FX-286e has four. Choosing and Setting Up Optional Interfaces...
  • Page 152 Figure E-2. retaining clips Releasing the 7. Lift the case so that you can unclip the control panel, as shown on the left side of Figure E-3. 8. Tilt the upper case up and slip the control panel through the opening as shown in Figure E-3, being careful not to strain the connector linked to the control panel.

  • Page 153: Inserting The Interface Board

    2 to 9. Inserting the Interface Board 1. Remove the upper case of the printer, following the steps described in the previous section. 2. Remove the blanking plate above the paralle1-connector (as shown in Figure E-4) to allow access to the new interface connector when the case is re-assembled.

  • Page 154: Serial Interface Settings

    Serial Interface Settings If you are using an optional serial interface, you may need to change the communications protocol of the printer or the computer for them to communicate properly. The protocol used by the printer is decided by one or two groups of DIP switches located on the serial interface board;...
  • Page 155 (perhaps in order to use a different computer), the tables below will help you match the computer and interface. The settings given in the table cover the conventions used by the computer and printer as data is transferred. There are other DIP switches and jumpers, but for most purposes you only need change the settings described here.
  • Page 156 Table E-6. Other settings Number of Function data bits switch ON 7 bits switch OFF 8 bits Interface Switches used number #8143 #8145 #8148 #8149(M) Choosing and Setting Up Optional Interfaces Parity Parity check check enabled disabled enabled disabled Even/odd parity even...

  • Page 157: Technical Specifications

    Appendix F Technical Specifications This appendix contains the specifications for the FX-86e and the FX-286e, including the built-in parallel interface. Printing Printing method Impact dot matrix Printing speed 240 characters per second in draft elite 200 characters per second in draft pica...

  • Page 158: Mechanical

    Mechanical Ribbon Cartridge, exclusive to FX, black #8750 for FX-86e or #8755 for FX-286e Life expectancy (in characters, at 14 dots/character): 3 million MCBF 5 million lines (excluding the print head) Print head life 100 million characters, at 14 dots/character...

  • Page 159: Environment

    Each signal is at HIGH level when data is logical 1 and LOW when it is logical 0. Approximately 12-microsecond pulse LOW indicates that data has been received and that the printer is ready to accept more data. Description...
  • Page 160 Unused Twisted-pair return signal ground level. When this level becomes LOW the printer controller is reset to its power- up state and the print buffer cleared. This level pulse width must be more than 50 microseconds at the receivinq terminal.

  • Page 161: Data Transfer Sequence

    To prevent noise, these cables should be shielded and connected to the chassis of the host computer or the printer but not at both ends. 3. All interface conditions are based on TTL level. Both the rise and the fall times of each signal must be less than 0.2 microseconds.
  • Page 162 HIGH HIGH/LOW DC1 /DC3 OFF-LINE (no effect) (no effect) *Even though printing is disabled, data characters are received and acknowledged, since the printer is looking for another DC1 character, which would allow it to resume printing. DC1/DC3 ERROR BUSY HIGH...

  • Page 163: Index

    Carbon copies, 2- 1 Centronics, 1-17 Character graphics set, 1-20, 4-4, 5-13 Character sets, 5-13 - 18 tables, B-1 - 18 Choosing a place for printer, 1-2-3 Cleaning, C-5 Index Commands, A- 1 - 45 Commands in numerical order, A-4-6...
  • Page 164 Graphics, 5-1- 18, D-3 Graphics software, 3-6 Hexadecimal, 3-3 Hexadecimal (hex) dump. See Data dump IBM printer emulation mode, 1-19 character tables, B-1 1 - 18 IBM PC BASIC, C-4 — 5 IEEE interfaces, E-1 - 2 Indicator lights, 1-13 - 14 Initialization, D-1 Installing software, 3-1 —...
  • Page 165 POWER light, 1-13 Print head, 5-2 -4, C-6 life, C-5 protector, C-5 replacing, C-6 Printer cover, 1-1 Printer selection menus, 3-1 Problem solving, C-1 - 3 Programming languages, 3-6—7 Proportional mode, 4-2 Protector, print head, 1-2 READY light, 1-7 Ribbon, installing, `-3 - 5...
  • Page 166 EPSON’ F X - 8 6 e / 2 8 6 e Quick Reference...
  • Page 167 Select slashed or unslashed zero Select character table* Select printer commands Select print quality Select international character set printer emulation mode, a CR is added to an LF Table 2. DIP switch group 2 Switch number Function Select page length...
  • Page 168 Table 3. International settings E son mode DIP switch settings c aracter set French German Danish Swedish Italian Spanish IBM printer emulation mode Standard International International International International International International International...
  • Page 169 The following list of commands is in the order used in the command summary (Appendix A). To find details of the command you want to use, refer to the page number in the column for your operating mode-Epson or IBM printer emulation mode.

  • Page 170: Print Size

    ESC 3 ESC A ESC A ESC J 7 4 4 A ESC 5 ESC B ESC b ESC / Horizontal motion ESC 1 108 6C ESC Q ESC X ESC R ESC $ 9 2 5 C ESC \ ESC D Overall printing style ESC x...
  • Page 171 Print enhancement ESC E E S C F ESC G ESC H ESC SO ESC S1 ESC T ESC - 45 2D ESC _ Word processing E S C a E S C SP Character sets ESC t ESC 4 E S C 5 ESC R ESC 6...
  • Page 172 Steps to Printing with the FXA86e/286e Unpacking Your Printer Selecting the Right Location Installing the Ribbon...
  • Page 173 Featuring: Setting Up Choosing and Loading Paper Printer Features Graphics User-defined Characters INC. 2780 Lomita Boulevard, Torrance, California 9 EPSON AMERICA, EPSON Printed in Japa...

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