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Epson LQ-2170 User Manual

Epson 24-pin dot matrix printer user's guide lq-2170
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  • Page 2: Printer Parts

    Printer Parts paper path guide printer cover front paper guide paper thickness lever shield plate parallel interface tractor front edge guide control panel paper guide edge guide paper separator paper release lever knob ribbon cartridge paper tension unit front paper guide...
  • Page 3 Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by purchaser or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product.
  • Page 4 This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or television reception.

  • Page 5: Declaration Of Conformity

    Conforms to the following Directive(s) and Norm(s): Directive 89/336/EEC: Directive 73/23/EEC: Directive 90/384/EEC: August 1995 M. Hamamoto President of EPSON EUROPE B.V. SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION 3-5, Owa 3-chome, Suwa-shi, Nagano-ken 392 Japan EPSON EUROPE B.V. Prof. J. H. Bavincklaan 5 1183 AT Amstelveen...
  • Page 6 EPSON provides customer support and service through a nationwide network of Authorized EPSON Customer Care Centers. EPSON also provides the following support services in the U.S. and Canada through the EPSON Connection at (800) 922-8911: Technical assistance with the installation, configuration, and...

  • Page 7: Compuserve Online Support

    Canada and ask for representative #529. In other countries, call (614) 529-1611 or your local CompuServe access number. If you are already a CompuServe member, simply type GO EPSON at the menu prompt to reach the Epson America Forum.

  • Page 8: Safety Information

    Safety information Warning: This appliance must be earthed. Refer to rating plate for voltage and check that the appliance voltage corresponds to the supply voltage. Important: The wires in the mains lead fitted to this appliance are coloured in accordance with the following code: Green and yellow - Earth Blue - Neutral...

  • Page 9: Important Safety Instructions

    Unplug the printer and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: If the power cord or plug is damaged; if liquid has entered the printer; if the printer has been dropped or the cabinet damaged; if the printer does not operate normally or exhibits a distinct change in performance.
  • Page 10 viii...

  • Page 11: Table Of Contents

    Choosing a Place for the Printer ....1-2 Unpacking the Printer ......1-4 Installing the Ribbon Cartridge .
  • Page 12 Paper Handling Chapter 2 Selecting the Paper Feeding Method ....Setting the paper release lever ....Using Single Sheets .
  • Page 13 Using the Printer Chapter 3 Control Panel ....... 3-2 Lights ....... . 3-2 Buttons .

  • Page 14: Maintenance And Transportation

    Replacing the Ribbon ......Transporting the Printer ......
  • Page 15 Character Tables Printer Specifications ......A-2 Printing ....... A-2 Paper .
  • Page 17 EPSON printers. Your printer provides the following: High speed draft mode printing of up to 440 characters at...

  • Page 18: Options

    Roll paper holder (#8310) allows you to use your printer with 8.5-inch roll paper like that used with telex machines. Interface cards are available to supplement the printer’s built-in parallel interface.

  • Page 19: How To Use This Manual

    Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up, testing, and connecting the printer. Be sure to read this chapter first. Chapters 2 and 3 include important information on paper handling and day-to-day operation of your printer.

  • Page 20: Warnings, Cautions, And Notes

    Warnings, Cautions, and Notes This guide uses the following conventions: Warning s must be followed to avoid bodily injury. Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment. Notes contain important information and useful tips on the operation of your printer. Introduction...

  • Page 21: Setting Up The Printer

    Choosing a Place for the Printer ....1-2 Unpacking the Printer ......1-4 Installing the Ribbon Cartridge .

  • Page 22: Choosing A Place For The Printer

    Choosing a Place for the Printer When selecting a place to set up your printer, be sure to follow these guidelines: Place the printer on a flat, stable surface, close enough to the computer for the interface cable to reach it.
  • Page 23 If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines: Use a stand that supports at least 26 kg (57.8 lbs). Never use a stand that tilts the printer at an angle of more than 15 degrees from horizontal. If you install a cut-sheet feeder, the stand must keep your printer level.

  • Page 24: Unpacking The Printer

    Unpacking the Printer Your printer box should include an EPSON printer driver disk and the following items: printer power cord (230 V version only) Note: In some locations the power cord may be permanently attached to the printer. Keep the packing materials in case you need to transport your printer.

  • Page 25: Installing The Ribbon Cartridge

    Warning: Never move the print head while the printer is turned on; this can damage the printer. Also, the print head may become hot during use. Always let it cool before you touch it.
  • Page 26 4. Hold the cartridge with the ribbon-tightening knob facing you. Place the bottom edge of the cartridge into the printer so that the notch on each end of the cartridge fits over the small peg on each side of the printer.
  • Page 27 Make sure the ribbon is not twisted or creased and that it is in place behind the print head. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob to remove any slack in the ribbon. 7. Slide the print head from side to side to make sure it moves smoothly. Setting Up the Printer...
  • Page 28 8. Replace the printer cover by first inserting the front tabs into the slots near the front of the printer; then lower it into place. 9. Attach the paper guide by sliding the slots on the bottom of the paper guide over the pegs behind the paper tension unit.
  • Page 29 10. Insert the paper separator into the paper guide. 11. Lift the paper path guide and rest it against the paper guide. Note: Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer stops printing when the cover is open. Setting Up the Printer...

  • Page 30: Plugging In The Printer

    Plugging in the Printer 1. Make sure the printer is turned off. 2. Check the label on the back of the printer to make sure the voltage matches that of your electrical outlet. Caution: If the rated voltage and your outlet voltage do not match, contact your dealer for assistance.
  • Page 31 The printer prints the self test in the currently selected font. 1. Make sure the printer is turned off and the paper path guide is open. 2. Move the paper release lever to the single-sheet position. 3. For the letter quality test, hold down the Load/Eject button while you turn on the printer.
  • Page 32 Run the self test using paper at least 360 mm (14 inches) wide; otherwise, the print head prints directly on the platen. 5. Lift the paper path guide and rest it against the paper guide. 1-12 Setting Up the Printer...
  • Page 33 6. Insert a sheet of paper between the edge guides until it meets resistance. Make sure you adjust the edge guides to match the width of your paper. After a few seconds, the printer feeds the paper to the loading position and begins printing the self test.

  • Page 34: Connecting The Printer To Your Computer

    Follow these steps: 1. Make sure both the printer and computer are turned off; then plug the cable connector securely into the printer’s parallel interface connector. Squeeze the wire clips together until they lock in place on either side of the connector.

  • Page 35: Installing The Printer Driver

    Follow these steps to install the printer driver for Windows 3.1: 1. Make sure Windows is running. 2. Insert the EPSON driver disk into drive A (or B, depending on your computer). 3. From the File menu, choose Run .
  • Page 36 See your computer documentation for more information. 1. Make sure plain paper is loaded in the printer and the printer is connected to the computer’s parallel port. (The paper is used to perform a test print in step 11.) 2.
  • Page 37 Copy manufacturer’s files from box and click OK . 9. At the next screen you can type a unique name for the printer in the Printer name box. We recommend that you keep the model name as shown.
  • Page 38 8. Type A: WIN95 (or B: WIN95 ); then click OK . 9. Select your printer’s name in the dialog box, then click the Next button. 10. Select the port you want to use with this printer.
  • Page 39 3. Make sure your printer is highlighted, and click the Setup button in the Print Setup menu. 4. Select the paper size you have loaded in the printer from the Paper Size list. If you don’t see your paper size in the list, use the arrows on the right to scroll through the list.
  • Page 40 4. Choose Properties . The driver tab menus appear. 5. Click on the Paper tab, and select the paper size you have loaded in the printer from the Paper size list. If you don’t see your paper size, scroll through the list, and select the correct size.

  • Page 41: For Dos Program Users

    Most DOS software programs include drivers for EPSON ESC/P 2 printers. Also, DOS programs require you to select from a list of printers to install the printer driver. If the LQ-2170 is not included in the list, contact your software manufacturer to see if there is an updated driver available or select the first printer available from the list below.
  • Page 42 To use your EPSON utilities, follow these steps: 1. From the DOS prompt, change the current directory to the C drive. 2. To use the EPSON Remote! utility, type PRNSET and press Enter . To use the EPSON Calibration utility, type CALIBRAT and press Enter .
  • Page 43 Chapter 2 Paper Handling Selecting the Paper Feeding Method ....2-2 Setting the paper release lever ....2-2 Using Single Sheets .

  • Page 44: Selecting The Paper Feeding Method

    Selecting the Paper Feeding Method The printer can accommodate almost any type of paper with front, rear, and bottom paper slots plus a tractor that can be mounted in two different positions—front and top. This chapter explains the various methods of paper handling and includes recommendations on the feeding methods best suited to your specific needs.

  • Page 45: Using Single Sheets

    You can print on single sheets of paper from 101 to 420 mm (4.0 to 16.5 inches) wide. You can load single sheets from either the top or front of the printer. Loading single sheets from the top 1. Move the paper release lever to the single-sheet position. Make sure the paper guide is installed and the paper path guide is open.
  • Page 46 2. Turn on the printer. Slide the left edge guide until it stops next to the arrow on the paper guide. Then adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper. 3. Lift the paper path guide and rest it against the paper guide.
  • Page 47 Caution : Do not use the knob on the right side of the printer except to clear paper jams when the printer is off. Otherwise, you may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

  • Page 48: Loading Single Sheets From The Front

    Make sure the paper path guide rests against the paper guide. 2. Turn on the printer. 3. Position the left edge guide as shown below. (Printing starts at the arrow mark.) See the Appendix for more information on the left margin position.
  • Page 49 Caution : Do not use the knob on the right side of the printer except to clear paper jams when the printer is off. Otherwise, you may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

  • Page 50: Using Continuous Paper

    Using Continuous Paper The printer’s paper-handling system allows you to load continuous paper through the front, rear, or bottom. You can print on continuous paper from 101 to 406 mm (4 to 16 inches) wide. To print on continuous paper, you need to install the tractor unit in the front or pull position.

  • Page 51: Changing Tractor Positions

    Make sure you align your paper supply with the paper loaded in the tractor so the paper feeds smoothly into the printer. If you feed paper through the bottom paper slot, use a printer stand that has a large enough opening for paper to feed from the bottom without obstruction.
  • Page 52 This type of form cannot be fed from the front push tractor. 3. Push the tractor into the printer’s mounting slot as shown below. You are now ready to load continuous paper with the front push tractor.
  • Page 53 1. Make sure the printer is turned off. 2. Lift the printer cover and paper guide up and off the printer. 3. Grasp both ends of the clear plastic paper-tension unit, raise the front of the unit, and lift it off the printer.

  • Page 54: Loading The Front Push Tractor

    4. Push the tractor into the printer’s mounting slot as shown below. To remove the tractor unit, hold down its lock tabs, tilt it back, and lift it off the printer. Loading the front push tractor 1. Make sure the printer is turned off.
  • Page 55 3. Release the sprockets by pushing the sprocket locks backward. 4. Position the left sprocket as shown below. (Printing starts at the arrow mark.) See the Appendix for more information on the left margin position. 5. Lock the sprocket in place. Then slide the right sprocket to match the width of your paper, but do not lock it.
  • Page 56 6. Make sure your paper has a clean, straight edge. Then open the sprocket covers and fit the holes of the paper over the tractor pins. 7. Close the sprocket covers. 8. Slide the right sprocket to remove any slack in the paper; then lock it in place.

  • Page 57: Loading The Rear Push Tractor

    Make sure the paper path guide rests against the paper guide. Caution: Do not use the knob on the right side of the printer except to clear paper jams when the printer is off. Otherwise, you may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.
  • Page 58 3. Make sure the paper release lever is set to the rear push tractor position. 4. Release the sprockets by pushing the sprocket locks forward. 2-16 Paper Handling...
  • Page 59 5. Slide the left sprocket to the left margin of the paper using the scale on the printer as shown below. (Printing starts at the “0” mark. See the Appendix for more information on the left margin position.) Then slide the right sprocket to match the width of your paper, but do not lock it.
  • Page 60 Load/Eject button. Caution: Do not use the knob on the right side of the printer except to clear paper jams when the printer is off. Otherwise, you may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

  • Page 61: Loading The Pull Tractor

    Loading the pull tractor 1. Make sure the printer is turned off. 2. Remove the printer cover and paper guide. 3. Make sure the tractor is in the pull tractor position and the paper release lever is set to the pull tractor position.
  • Page 62 5. Slide the left sprocket to the left margin of the paper using the scale at the rear of the tractor as a guide. (Printing starts at the “0” mark. See the Appendix for more information on the left margin position.) Then slide the right sprocket to match the width of your paper, but do not lock it.
  • Page 63 Load/Eject button. Caution: Do not use the knob on the right side of the printer except to clear paper jams when the printer is off. Otherwise, you may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

  • Page 64: Loading The Push/Pull Tractor

    5. Move the paper release lever to the pull tractor position, and use micro adjust (described in the next chapter) to remove any slack in the paper. 6. Move the paper release lever back to the push tractor position. 7. Attach the paper guide and printer cover. 2-22 Paper Handling...

  • Page 65: Removing Paper From The Tractor

    9. Raise the paper path guide and rest it against the paper guide. Caution: Do not use the knob on the right side of the printer except to clear paper jams when the printer is off. Otherwise, you may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

  • Page 66: Switching Between Continuous Paper And Single Sheets

    Switching to single sheets To switch from continuous paper to single sheets, follow these steps: 1. If any printed sheets remain in the printer, press the Tear Off/Bin button to advance the paper to the tear-off position. 2. Tear off the printed pages.

  • Page 67: Switching To Continuous Paper

    Printing on Special Paper In addition to printing on single sheets and continuous paper, your printer can print on a wide variety of other paper types, such as envelopes, labels, postcards, roll paper, and multipart forms. Before printing on special types of paper, you need to change the paper thickness setting.

  • Page 68: Adjusting The Paper Thickness Lever

    5 sheets (original + 4 copies) Labels, Postcards Envelopes Note: When operating your printer under low temperature conditions (5°C or less), set the lever one position lower to improve print quality. When operating your printer under high temperature conditions (35°C or more), set the lever one position higher to improve print quality.

  • Page 69: Multipart Forms

    Multipart forms Your printer can print on both single-sheet and continuous multipart forms. You can load single-sheet multipart forms in both the front and top paper slots. You can load continuous multipart forms from the front, rear, and bottom. Note: Use only carbonless multipart forms.

  • Page 70: Labels

    Since labels are especially sensitive to temperature and humidity, use them only under normal operating conditions. Do not leave labels loaded in the printer between jobs; they curl around the platen and may jam when you resume printing. To remove labels from the paper path after you finish printing, first tear off the labels at a point before the paper slot.

  • Page 71: Envelopes

    Always set the paper thickness lever to position 2 to 6 to match the thickness of the envelope. Always feed an envelope by pushing the wide edge into the printer until it meets resistance. Caution: Use envelopes only under normal operating conditions.
  • Page 72 2-30 Paper Handling...
  • Page 73 Chapter 3 Using the Printer Control Panel ....... 3-2 Lights ........3-2 Buttons .

  • Page 74: Control Panel

    On when the printer runs out of paper or paper is jammed. Pause (orange) On when the printer is not ready to print data, paper is out or jammed, or the cover is open. The Pause light is off, unless you press the Pause button to pause printing.
  • Page 75 The font selection status is displayed by three font lights on the control panel: Draft Roman Sans Serif Courier Prestige Script Others = On, = Off * Others means the font selected in the Default Setting mode. = Off Using the Printer...

  • Page 76: Buttons

    Pause Press this button to temporarily stop printing and to resume printing. Holding it down for at least 3 seconds when the printer is in the standby mode enables the micro adjust function. Pressing it again disables this function. See “Micro Adjust” later in this chapter for details.
  • Page 77 Press this button to select one of the following pitches: 10 cpi, 12 cpi, 15 cpi, 17 cpi, 20 cpi, or proportional spacing (PS). Note: The typestyle samples on the control panel are meant as guides only; actual printed results may differ slightly. Using the Printer...

  • Page 78: Other Control Panel Features

    Other control panel features The control panel also gives you to access to several other functions. To activate the functions listed below, turn on the printer while pressing one of buttons, as follows: Load/Eject LF/FF Pitch Load/Eject and LF/FF Pause Using the Printer Performs a letter quality self test.

  • Page 79: Changing The Default Settings

    The default settings control many basic functions of the printer. While you can control many of these functions through your software or printer driver, you may sometimes need to change a default setting from the printer’s control panel through the Default Setting mode.

  • Page 80: Using The Printer

    Each time you press the Tear Off/Bin button, the printer saves the settings you selected. 4. When you finish changing the settings, turn off the printer. The following table lists the items you can change and their available settings. Each item is described in the following section.

  • Page 81: Default Setting Item Functions

    Default setting item functions This section describes each of the default setting item functions. Character table Your printer has 11 standard character tables as well as tables for 20 other countries. See the Appendix for character samples. International character set for Italic table You can change 8 characters in the Italic character table to suit your printing needs.

  • Page 82: Interface Mode

    Printing is normally bidirectional; however, unidirectional printing allows for precise vertical printing alignment. Software When you select ESC/P 2, the printer operates in the EPSON ESC/P 2 mode. When you select IBM, the printer emulates an IBM printer. Interface mode The printer has two interfaces: parallel and Type-B (optional).
  • Page 83 64KB of data, so you can free your computer for other tasks while the printer prints. When the buffer is off, the buffer can store no data, so the computer must wait for the printer to print each character before sending the next.
  • Page 84 Auto line feed When auto line feed is on, the printer accompanies each carriage return (CR) code received with a line feed (LF) code. Auto carriage return When the auto carriage return feature is on, each line feed (LF) code or ESC J ( n /180-inch line feed) code is accompanied by a carriage return (CR) code and the printer moves the next print position to the left margin.

  • Page 85: Micro Adjust

    1. Make sure the printer is turned on. If necessary, lift the printer cover up so you can see the paper position. 2. Load either continuous or single-sheet paper. (Load continuous paper by pressing the Load/Eject button.)
  • Page 86 This gives you an 8.5 mm margin. Note: The printer has a minimum and maximum loading position. If you try to advance the loading position beyond these limits, the printer beeps and the paper stops moving.

  • Page 87: Tear-Off

    5. Press the Pause button or send data to the printer to leave the micro adjust mode. Note: For both cut sheet and continuous paper, the printer remembers this new position even after it has been turned off and back on.

  • Page 88: Using Auto Tear-Off Mode

    Also make sure the page length for continuous paper is selected correctly in the Default Setting mode. Be sure you turn off the printer to exit from the Default Setting mode, and then turn it on again.

  • Page 89: Using The Tear Off/Bin Button

    Using the Tear Off/Bin button Whether or not the printer is in auto tear-off mode, you can use the Tear Off/Bin button to advance continuous paper to the tear-off position by following the steps below: 1. Make sure printing has finished. Then press the Tear Off/Bin button until the two lights on the control panel start flashing.

  • Page 90: Barcode Printing

    Barcode Printing Your printer has powerful barcode printing capabilities and includes the following resident barcode fonts: EAN-13, EAN-8, Interleaved 2 of 5, UPC-A, UPC-E, Code 39, Code 128, and POSTNET. See the Appendix for more information about the Barcode Print command.
  • Page 91 Chapter 4 Using Printer Options Cut-Sheet Feeders ......4-2 Installing the high capacity cut-sheet feeder ... 4-2 Loading paper with the high capacity cut-sheet feeder .

  • Page 92: Cut-Sheet Feeders

    LQ-2170 The asterisk ( ) is a substitute for the last digit, which varies by country. Contact your local EPSON dealer for the part number in your country. By connecting both cut-sheet feeders, you can operate them as a double bin cut-sheet feeder. This allows you to load two different types of paper.
  • Page 93 4. Move the printer head to the ribbon installation position. Warning: Never move the print head while the printer is turned on; this can damage the printer. Also, the print head may become hot during use. Always let it cool before you touch it.

  • Page 94: Loading Paper With The High Capacity Cut-Sheet Feeder

    Loading paper with the high capacity cut-sheet feeder Load paper using the high capacity cut-sheet feeder as follows: 1. Turn off the printer. 2. Push down the center support. Slide the left paper guide so it is aligned with the arrow mark on the back side of the center support.
  • Page 95 The cut-sheet feeder loads paper when you send data to the printer (as long as the Pause light is not on). You can also load paper by pressing the Load/Eject button.

  • Page 96: Assembling The Double Bin Cut-Sheet Feeder

    3. Move the paper selection lever to the continuous paper position. Note: When you print several pages of continuous paper, guide the paper over the center support and out the back of the printer, as it prints. Using Printer Options...

  • Page 97: Selecting Single-Sheets, Postcards, Or Envelopes

    Switching to the cut-sheet feeder 1. If any printed continuous paper remains in the printer, press the Tear Off/Bin button to advance the paper to the tear-off position. 2. Tear off the printed pages. 3. Press the Load/Eject button. The printer feeds the paper backward to the standby position.

  • Page 98: Pull Tractor

    1. Make sure the printer is turned off and the standard tractor is installed in the push tractor position. 2. Remove the paper tension unit by lifting it up and off the printer. 3. Install the optional pull tractor in the pull tractor position as described in ”Using the pull tractor position”...

  • Page 99: Roll Paper Holder

    Note: When you are using more than one continuous paper source, guide the paper over the paper guide and feed it out the back of the printer, as it prints. Caution: Do not use the knob on the right side of the printer except to clear paper jams when the printer is off.
  • Page 100 2. Position the roll paper holder beneath the printer as shown below. Fit the two holes in the base onto the two positioning pegs on the bottom of the printer. Caution: Be careful to avoid dropping the roll paper holder when lifting the printer.
  • Page 101 5. Bring the leading edge of the paper up over the rear push tractor and insert it into the printer path until you feel resistance. Note: Use the rear push tractor paper path as shown below. 6. Install the paper guide and the printer cover.

  • Page 102: Interface Cards

    Interface Cards You can use optional interface cards to supplement your printer’s built-in parallel interface. The EPSON interface cards below are compatible with your printer. (Not all interfaces are available in all countries.) Model number C82305 / C82306 C82307 / C82308...
  • Page 103 Push in firmly to make sure you fully insert the connector at the back of the interface card into the printer’s internal socket. Then re-insert the screws and tighten them. To remove the interface card, reverse the steps above.

  • Page 104: The C82305 Or C82306 Serial Interface Card

    Handshake timing When the unused area for data in the input buffer drops to 256 bytes, the printer outputs an X-OFF code or sets the DTR flag to 1 (MARK) to indicate that it cannot receive data. When the unused...
  • Page 105 Maintenance and Transportation Cleaning the Printer ......5-2 Replacing the Ribbon ......5-3 Transporting the Printer .

  • Page 106: Cleaning The Printer

    To keep your printer operating at its best, you should clean it thoroughly several times a year. Follow these steps: 1. Make sure the printer is turned off. Then remove any paper as well as the paper guide and tractor unit. Also remove the optional pull tractor and cut-sheet feeders, if installed.

  • Page 107: Replacing The Ribbon

    Replacing the Ribbon When printing becomes faint, you need to replace the ribbon cartridge. Use the EPSON ribbon cartridges listed below for best results. Genuine EPSON ribbons are designed to work properly with your EPSON printer; their high quality ensures proper operation and a long life for the print head and other printer parts.

  • Page 108: Transporting The Printer

    Transporting the Printer If you need to transport your printer some distance, carefully repack it using the original box and packing materials, as described below: 1. Turn off the printer. 2. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet; then disconnect the interface cable from the printer.
  • Page 109 Printing ....... . 6-3 The printer does not print ....6-3 The print is faint or uneven .

  • Page 110: Power Supply

    Most printer problems have simple solutions. You can check the operation of your printer using the self test. See “Running the Self Test” in Chapter 1. If the self test works properly, the problem probably lies in the computer, software, or interface cable.

  • Page 111: Printing

    The Pause and Paper Out lights are flashing and the printer beeps three times. The printer may be out of paper. Load paper in the printer. The printer sounds like it is printing, but nothing is printed. The ribbon cartridge may not be installed properly. Follow the steps in Chapter 1 to make sure it is installed correctly.

  • Page 112: The Print Is Faint Or Uneven

    The printer makes a strange noise, beeps five times, and then abruptly stops printing. Turn off the printer and let the print head cool. Then, check for a paper jam, a ribbon jam, or other problems. Try to print again. If the printer still does not print correctly, contact your dealer.

  • Page 113: Dots Are Missing In Printed Characters Or Graphics

    The typestyles or characters you sent with your software did not print. Check that the software is correctly configured for your printer. For instructions, see “Setting Up Your Software” in Chapter 1. The font selected on the control panel does not print.

  • Page 114: The Print Position Is Not What You Expect

    You can adjust the loading position using the LF/FF button in the micro-adjust mode. See “Micro Adjust” in Chapter 3. When you print on single sheets, if the printer prints the first page of your file correctly but then prints too low on the next...

  • Page 115: Paper Handling

    See this section if you have problems with paper. Single sheets do not feed properly Paper does not feed. Continuous paper may be left in the printer. Remove the continuous paper. Set the paper release lever to the single- sheet position and insert a new sheet.

  • Page 116: Continuous Paper Does Not Feed Properly

    Paper feeding is crooked or the paper jams. Turn off the printer and pull out the paper. Insert a new sheet straight into the paper guide. Be sure you’re using the right type of paper. See the paper specifications in the Appendix.
  • Page 117 Check that the paper size and thickness are within the specified ranges. See the paper specifications in the Appendix. The paper does not eject properly. Tear off the paper entering the printer, then press the LF/FF or Load/Eject button to feed the paper forward. See “Tear-Off” in Chapter 3.

  • Page 118: Options

    Options See this section if you have problems with optional equipment. The paper does not feed properly with the cut-sheet feeder The paper does not feed. The cut-sheet feeder may be incorrectly installed. Reinstall it as described in Chapter 4. You may have loaded too many sheets in the cut-sheet feeder’s bin.
  • Page 119 The paper feed is crooked. The paper may be old or creased. Use only new, clean sheets of paper. There may be too much paper in the stacker. Make sure the paper guides are set correctly and your paper is the proper size and quality.

  • Page 120: Continuous Paper Does Not Feed Properly When Using The Pull Tractor With The Push Tractor

    Continuous paper does not feed properly when using the pull tractor with the push tractor Paper feed is crooked or the paper jams. The pull tractor and push tractor sprockets are not aligned correctly. When using both tractors, be sure that the sprockets on both are positioned evenly.

  • Page 121: Appendix

    Character Tables Printer Specifications ......A-2 Printing ....... . . A-2 Paper .

  • Page 122: Specifications, Command Summary, And Character Tables

    Printer Specifications Printing Printing method: Printing speed: Quality High speed draft Draft Draft condensed Letter quality Letter quality condensed * The paper thickness lever position or an overheated print head may slow down the printing speed. Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables...
  • Page 123 Printable columns: Character sizes 10 cpi 12 cpi 15 cpi 17 cpi condensed 20 cpi condensed Printing direction: Line spacing: Paper feed speed: Buffer: Character tables: Character sets: Bit map fonts: Scalable fonts: Barcode fonts Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables Maximum printed characters per colum Bidirectional logic-seeking for text and...

  • Page 124: Paper

    Paper Single sheets (CSF): Width: Length: Thickness: Weight: Single sheets (multipart)*: Width: Length: Copies: Thickness: Weight: Jointing: *Use under normal operating conditions. Envelopes*: Size: Thickness: Weight: *Use under normal operating conditions. Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables both front and rear entry 101 to 420 mm (4.0 to 16.5 inches) Front: 147 to 420 mm (5.8 to 16.5 inches) Rear: 101 to 420 mm (4.0 to 16.5 inches)
  • Page 125 Postcards*: Width: Length: Thickness: Weight: *Use under normal operating conditions. Continuous paper (single sheet and multipart): front, rear, and bottom entry Width: Length: Copies: Thickness: Weight (not multipart): Weight (one sheet of multipart): Jointing: Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables both front and rear entry 105 to 148 mm (4.13 to 5.83 inches) Front: 148 mm (5.83 inches)
  • Page 126 Continuous paper with labels: Label size: Base sheet width: Base sheet length (one page): Base sheet thickness: Total thickness: Label weight: Roll paper: Width: Thickness: Weight: Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables front and bottom entry 23.8 63.5 mm (15/16 2.5 inches) minimum 101 to 406 mm (4 to 16 inches) 101 to 559 mm (4 to 22 inches) 0.07 to 0.09 mm (0.0028 to 0.0035 inch)

  • Page 127: Paper Alignment

    Paper alignment Front paper alignment Printing starts at the arrow mark. The unprintable area is to the left of the arrow mark. Rear paper alignment Printing starts at “0” on the scale. The unprintable area is to the left of the “0”.

  • Page 128: Printable Area

    Printable area Single sheets, envelopes, and postcards: Printable area A The minimum top margin is 4.2 mm (0.17 inch). B The minimum left margin is 3.0 mm (0.12 inch). The minimum right margin is 3.0 mm (0.12 inch). For single sheets, the maximum width is 420 mm (16.5 inches); however, the maximum printable width is 345.4 mm (13.6 inches).

  • Page 129: Mechanical

    Roll paper: A The minimum top margin is 4.2 mm (0.17 inch). B The minimum left margin is 3.0 mm (0.12 inch). The minimum right margin is 3.0 mm (0.12 inch). The maximum printable width is 203.2 mm (8 inches). Mechanical Paper-feed methods: Ribbon life:...

  • Page 130: Electrical

    Dimensions: Weight: Electrical 120V model: Rated voltage: Input voltage range: Rated frequency range: Input frequency range: Rated current: Power consumption: Insulation resistance: Dielectric strength: *Maximum 2.6 A depending on the character type. 230V model: Rated voltage: Input voltage range: Rated frequency range: Input frequency range: Rated current: Power consumption:...

  • Page 131: Environmental

    Insulation resistance: Dielectric strength: *Maximum 1.3 A depending on the character type. Environmental Temperature: Humidity: Resistance to shock: Resistance to vibration: Safety approvals 120 V model: Safety standards: EMI: Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables 10 M min. (between AC line and chassis, DC 500 V) AC 1500 Vrms.

  • Page 132: Ce Marking

    Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC: EMC Directive 89/336/EEC: Non-Automatic Weighting Instruments Directive 90/384/EEC: Interface specifications The printer provides a bidirectional, 8-bit, parallel interface and Type-B optional interface slot as standard. A-12 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables EN 60950 (TÜV, SEMKO, DEMKO, NEMKO, FIMKO) EN 55022 (CISPR pub.22) class B...
  • Page 133 This signal (negative pulse) indicates that the printer has received data and is ready to accept more. A HIGH signal means that the printer is not ready to accept data. A HIGH signal means the printer is out of paper. A-13...
  • Page 134 AFXT INIT ERROR SLIN Logic H Chassis 16,33, GND. 19-30 15,34 * In/Out shows the direction of signal flow as viewed from the printer. Parallel interface (reverse channel) Transmission mode: Adaptable connector: Synchronization: Handshaking: Signal level: Data transmission timing: A-14...
  • Page 135 PtrBusy/ DataBit-3,7 ACkDataReq/ DataBit-2,6 Xflag/ DataBit-1,5 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables The printer responds to the extensibility request in the affirmative when the request is 00H or 04H, which means: 00H: Request nibble mode of reverse channel transfer 04H:...
  • Page 136 1284-Active Logic H Chassis 16, 33, 19-30 15 ,34 * In/Out shows the direction of signal flow as viewed from the printer. A-16 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables In/Out Description Set LOW to indicate that host can receive peripheral device to host data.

  • Page 137: Using Commands

    Software commands instruct the printer to print in a particular typeface, feed the paper a certain amount after printing each line, start printing on a particular place on the page, and so on. The commands your printer recognizes are listed in this command summary.

  • Page 138: Commands Arranged By Topic

    A-18 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables Dec. Hex. Description Initialize Printer Turn Unidirectional Mode On/Off Control Paper Loading/Ejecting n = “1” Select bin 1 of CSF n = “2” Select bin 2 of CSF n = “R” Eject a sheet Dec.

  • Page 139: Page Format

    Page format ASCII Dec. ESC l n ESC Q n ESC ( c nn 40 99 ESC ( C nn 40 67 ESC C n ESC C 0 n ESC N n ESC O Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables Hex.

  • Page 140: Print Position Motion

    Print position motion ASCII ESC $ n1 n2 ESC \ n1 n2 ESC ( V nn ESC ( v nn ESC D nn A-20 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables Dec. Hex. Description Set Absolute Horizontal Print Position n = n1 + n2 256 n: Specifies print position from left margin in defined units Before you define the unit, the...

  • Page 141: Font Selection

    ASCII Dec. ESC B nn ESC J n Font selection ASCII Dec. ESC k n ESC X m nn Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables Hex. Description Set Vertical Tabs Up to 16 tabs; last n should be 0 Tab Vertically Perform n/180-inch Line Feed Hex.
  • Page 142 ASCII ESC P ESC M ESC g ESC p 1/0 ESC x n ESC 4 ESC 5 ESC E ESC F ESC ! n A-22 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables Dec. Hex. Description Select 10.5 point, 10 cpi Select 10.5 point, 12 cpi Select 10.5 point, 15 cpi Turn Proportional Mode On/Off Select Letter Quality or Draft...

  • Page 143: Font Enhancement

    Font enhancement ASCII Dec. ESC W 1/0 ESC - 1/0 ESC w 1/0 ESC G ESC H ESC S 0 ESC S 1 ESC T ESC q n ESC ( - nn 40 45 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables Hex.

  • Page 144: Character Handling

    Character handling ASCII ESC : 0 n 0 ESC R n ESC & nn ESC % n ESC (^ nn A-24 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables Dec. Hex. Description Copy ROM to RAM n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 9 n: Typeface Select an International Char.
  • Page 145 ASCII Dec. ESC t n ESC 6 ESC 7 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables Hex. Description Select Character Table Select character table n assigned by ESC ( t n = 0, 1, 2, 3, “1”, “2”, or “3” n = 2: Remaps downloaded characters from 0-127 to 128-255 Enable Printing of Upper...
  • Page 146 ASCII ESC ( t nn A-26 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables Dec. Hex. Description 40 116 28 74 Assign Character Table ESC ( t 3 0 d1 d2 d3 Assign Character Table set by d2 and d3 to d1 d1 = 0, 1, 2, 3, “0”, “1”, “2”, or “3”...

  • Page 147: Spacing

    Spacing ASCII Dec. ESC c n1 n2 ESC SP n ESC ( U nn 40 85 Graphics ASCII Dec. ESC . nn ESC ( G nn 40 71 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables Hex. Description Set Horizontal Motion Index (HMI) Change Pitch in n/360-inch units Total units = n1 + n2 256...

  • Page 148: Bit Image

    Bit image ASCII ESC * nn Horizontal density (dpi) A-28 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables Dec. Hex. Description Select Bit Image ESC * m n1 n2 data n = n1 + n2 256 n: Total columns Total data = (n1 + n2 256) t Vertical density (dpi) Adjacent...

  • Page 149: Barcode

    Barcode ASCII Dec. ESC ( B mn 40 66 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables Hex. Description 28 42 Select Barcode Printing ESC ( B n1 n2 k m s v1 v2 c data n = (n1 + (256 n2)) k: Select Barcode k = 0: EAN - 13 1: EAN - 8...
  • Page 150 0C or 8 1 to FF 2 to FF 6 or 0A or 0C 0: A check digit is not added by the printer 1: A check digit is added by the printer (HRC) 0: The HRC is added by the...
  • Page 151 The valid data of each barcode type is described below. If invalid data is included in the barcode data string, the barcode is not printed. Barcode Type EAN13 EAN-8 UPC-A UPC-E Interleaved 2 of 5 POSTNET Code 39 Code 128 The following conditions are required for barcode printing.

  • Page 152: Character Tables

    Character Tables International Character Sets Graphics Character Tables PC 437 (United States) A-32 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables...
  • Page 153 PC 850 PC 863 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables PC 860 PC 865 A-33...
  • Page 154 PC 861 Abicomp A-34 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables BRASCII ISO Latin 1...
  • Page 155 Roman 8 PC 437 Greek PC 852 A-35 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables...
  • Page 156 PC 853 PC 857 A-36 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables PC 855 PC 864...
  • Page 157 PC 866 ISO Latin 1T Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables PC 869 ISO 8859-7 A-37...
  • Page 158 MAZOWIA Bulgaria A-38 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables Code MJK Estonia...
  • Page 159 PC 774 PC 866 LAT Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables ISO Latin 2 Italic Character A-39...
  • Page 160 A-40 Specifications, Command Summary, and Character Tables...

  • Page 161: Index

    Cards. See Interface cards or Postcards Character fonts, 3-3 pitch, 3-4 tables, 3-8 9, A-32 39 Cleaning the printer, 5-2 Commands barcode, A-29 30 ESC/P 2, 1, A-18 30 Connecting the printer, 1-10 Continuous paper, 2-8 23 advancing to tear-off position,...
  • Page 162 Edge guides, 1-12 13, 2-4 front, 2-6 Eject. See Load/Eject button Envelopes, 2-29, 4-7 EPSON Calibration, 1-22 EPSON Remote!, 1-22 ESC/P 2, 1, A-18 30 Feeders. See Cut-sheet feeders, Tractor positions Feeding problems, 6-7 11 FF button. See LF/FF button...
  • Page 163 Paper thickness lever, 2-26 Pause button, 3-4, 3-6 light, 3-2 Pitch button, 3-5 6 light, 3-5 Placement of printer, 1-2 3 Plugging in the printer, 1-10 Postcards, 2-29 Power cord, 1-4 plugging in, 1-10 Power supply problems, 6-2 3, Print head warning, 2-11...
  • Page 164 2-3, 2-8, 2-15 18 selecting, 2-8 9 Transporting the printer, 5-4 Troubleshooting, 6-2 12 Unidirectional printing, 3-10 Unpacking the printer, 1-4 Utilities EPSON Calibration, 1-22 EPSON Remote!, 1-22 Voltage, caution, 1-4, 1-10 Weight, A-10 Windows, 1-15 20 installing printer driver, 1-15 18 IN-4...
  • Page 165 EPSON OVERSEAS MARKETING LOCATIONS EPSON AMERICA, INC. 20770 Madrona Ave. P.O. Box 2842 Torrance, CA 90509-2842 Phone: (800) 922-8911 Fax: (310) 782-5220 EPSON DEUTSCHLAND GmbH Zülpicher Straße 6, 40549 Düsseldorf Germany Phone: (0211) 56030 Fax: (0211) 5047787 EPSON AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.

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