Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement The 120V version equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursu- ant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows, Windows 3.1: Microsoft Corporation Notice • All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this manual in any form whatsoever, without STAR’s express permission, is strictly forbidden. • The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
About this manual This manual describes how to set up, use, and care for the Star LC-90 and NX- 1010 monochrome printers. All of the operations contained in this manual apply to all of these models, except where specifically noted otherwise.
Contents Chapter 1: Printer Setup . . . 1 Choosing a place for the printer . . . 1 Unpacking the printer . . . 2 General guide . . . 3 Opening the front cover . . . 4 Installing the ribbon cartridge .
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Chapter 4: Control Panel Operations . . . 37 To enter the Sleep Mode . . . 37 To restore full power from the Sleep Mode . . . 37 To switch between the Ready and Not-Ready Modes . . . 38 To feed single-sheet paper into the printer .
Chapter 1: Printer Setup This chapter contains important information on setting up your printer. Be sure to read this chapter carefully before using the printer for the first time. In this chapter you will learn about: Choosing a place for the printer Unpacking and setting up the printer Installing the ribbon cassette Loading paper...
Printer Setup Unpacking the printer Check to make sure that the carton contains each of the items shown in the following illustration. Ribbon cartridge Printer Paper support User’s manual 3.5” Floppy disk If anything is missing, contact the store where you bought the printer and ask them to supply the missing part.
General guide General guide The following illustrations show the major component parts of the your printer. For a description of what each part does, see the Glossary on page 72 of this manual. Paper support Automatic sheet feeder Front cover Paper button Control panel Power button...
Printer Setup Opening the front cover Hook your fingers under the two small tabs on either side of the front cover and pull upwards to swing the front cover open. Note: You can completely remove the front cover from the printer. However, we recommend that you normally leave it in place.
Installing the ribbon cartridge Installing the ribbon cartridge Rotate the knob on the cartridge clockwise to take up any slack in the ribbon. Carefully push the cartridge holder by hand all the way to the left side as far as it will go. Important! Never try to move the print head while the printer is plugged in.
Printer Setup Important! Be sure to double check that the ribbon is properly positioned between the print head and print head shield. If it isn’t, you may get poor print quality or even end up damaging the ribbon. Replace the front cover of the printer. Press down on the raised parts at the back of the cover until it snaps securely shut.
Connecting to your computer Connecting to your computer The computer sends data to the printer through a cable. This printer does not come with a cable, so you must purchase one of your own. You will probably want to use a standard parallel cable for connection, but note that you can also use an optional Serial-To-Parallel Interface Converter (SPC-8K).
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Printer Setup Important! Make sure that the printer is unplugged from the AC outlet and that the computer is switched off before connecting them. Plug one end of the parallel cable into the parallel port of your computer. The parallel port should be labelled “Printer,” “Parallel,” “PRN,” “LPT1,” or something similar.
Connecting to a power outlet Connecting to a power outlet Plug the power cord of the printer into a standard power outlet whose voltage matches the power rating noted on the label affixed to the bottom of your printer. Note that the printer does not have a power switch to turn power on and off. Instead, its Sleep Mode automatically reduces power consumption whenever you leave the printer unattended.
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Printer Setup Pull the paper tray cover of the automatic sheet feeder forward. Slide the left-hand paper guide all the way to the left. Paper guide...
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Loading paper Pick up the stack of paper with both hands, and fan through the paper with your thumb. This prevents paper from sticking together when it is fed by the automatic feeder. Note: The automatic sheet feeder can hold about 55 sheets of paper at one time. Make sure that all four edges of the stack are smooth and even.
Printer Setup Slide the left-hand paper guide to the right so that the stack of paper now sits snugly between the two guides. The paper should be able to slide freely into the printer, but it should not be able to move from side to side. Push the paper tray cover of the automatic sheet feeder closed.
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Detaching the automatic sheet feeder Grasp the automatic sheet feeder and pull it gently towards the front of the printer until it stops. Lift the automatic sheet feeder straight up.
Printer Setup Re-installing the automatic sheet feeder Open the front cover of the printer. Carefully lower the automatic sheet feeder into the printer, making sure that the two round tabs on either end of it enter into the corresponding slots inside the printer.
Chapter 2: User Setup Utility In addition to the Windows 3.1 driver, the 3.5” floppy disk that comes with this printer also contains a User Setup Utility that gives you total control over a variety of printing features and functions. In this chapter you will learn about: Installing the User Setup Utility Starting up the User Setup Utility Editing setup data...
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Input the drive and directory names where you want the User Setup Utility stored. The following is the default directory name that creates a directory named “star” on your hard disk (drive C:) to store the User Setup Utility. C:\star You can use the left and right arrows, Delete and Back space when making changes in the box that contains the drive and directory names.
To start up the User Setup Utility, move to the directory you specified under “Installing the User Setup Utility” on page 15. If you want to move to the directory we named “star” in our example in the previous section, you would input the following: C:\>cd star ↵...
User Setup Utility Important! Your printer cannot read the settings if your computer and printer are connected through an optional Serial-To-Parallel Interface Converter. In such a case, you can still use the User Setup Utility to send settings to the printer, but you cannot read the printer’s current settings.
Using the General window The other type of parameter box are “toggle” type, which means that you select one setting or the other. (•) Input Buffer usage ( ) Download Note that with both types of parameter boxes, the currently selected setting is indicated by a ball inside the parentheses on the left of the setting.
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User Setup Utility Emulation Select either standard emulation or IBM emulation. Note that the emulation you choose determines the character set and printer control commands that are applied for printing. See “Character Sets” on page 60 for the character sets used by each type of emulation. See “Printer Control Codes”...
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Using the General window RAM usage Specify whether RAM should be used as an input buffer or as a download buffer. Selecting Input Buffer tells the printer to use available RAM to store data it receives from the computer. This speeds up the printing operation, but it also means that RAM cannot be used to store character patterns used to define down loaded characters.
User Setup Utility Using the Font window While in the User Setup Utility, select Font from the menu bar. Exit Load Save General Font Paper Adjust. Port Help (•) Courier Font ( ) Enabled Font ( ) Sanserif lock (•) Disabled Pitch (•) 10 cpi Zero...
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Using the Font window Font lock Switch the font lock on (Enabled) or off (Disabled). When font lock is enabled, the printer will not allow the font to be changed by the software application you are using. When disabled, the application software can control the fonts used for printing.
User Setup Utility Using the Paper window While in the User Setup Utility, select Paper from the menu bar. Exit Load Save General Font Paper Adjust. Port Help Page- (•) 11 inch Paper- (•) Enabled Length ( ) 8 inch ( ) Disabled Line- (•) 1/6 Inch...
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Using the Paper window Top Margin Select the spacing from the top of the paper to the first line of printing. Paper Out Switch the paper out detect function on (Enabled) or off (Disabled). When paper out detection is enabled, the printer automatically stops printing whenever it senses there is no more paper.
User Setup Utility Adjusting the printer’s vertical alignment While in the User Setup Utility, select Adjust. from the menu bar. Exit Load Save General Font Paper Adjust. Port Help Draft (•) (•) 10/12 cpi 10/12 cpi Draft (•) (•) 17/20 cpi 17/20 cpi Emphasize (•)
Changing the printer port If you see that your printer requires adjustment, select the box for the mode you want to adjust (by clicking inside it with the mouse or by moving to it by pressing Tab). Next, select a negative value to shift the lower row left, or a positive value to shift the lines right.The extent of the shift is indicated by the size of the value.
User Setup Utility Saving setup data as a new configuration file Use the following procedure to save the current User Setup Utility settings as a configuration file. While in the User Setup Utility, select the Save item from the menu bar. Exit Load Save...
Importing setup data from a configuration file Importing setup data from a configuration file Use the following procedure to load setup data from a previously saved configuration file. While in the User Setup Utility, select the Load item from the menu bar. Exit Load Save...
User Setup Utility Exiting the User Setup Utility While in the User Setup Utility, select the Exit item from the menu bar. Exit Load Save General Font Paper Adjust. Port Help Exit and send the settings to the printer Exit and do not send the settings to the printer = Scroll up = Scroll down = Enter...
Chapter 3: Using the Printer with Windows 3.1 This chapter contains specific information you need to know when using the printer with Microsoft Windows 3.1. It also tells you how to install the printer driver on your computer so that it can control the printer correctly. In this chapter, you will learn about: How to set up for printing with Microsoft Windows 3.1 How to prepare for printing...
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The language we will use here is English. Click the name of your printer in the list that appears on the display to highlight it. If you are using English (UK), choose LC-90. In the case of English (US), choose NX-1010.
Getting ready to print Getting ready to print Before printing, there are a number of things you must first do to set up the printer. You must select the printer driver, and the paper source, size, and orientation. Use the following procedure to make these selections. Note: You do not need to perform printer driver and paper selections mentioned above each time you print, but only if there are any changes to the last...
Using the Printer with Windows 3.1 Note: The Paper Source pull down menu in the above window gives lets you choose between Auto Sheet Feeder and Manual Feed. If you are using the optional push tractor unit, you must use the Paper Source menu to specify the push tractor unit as the paper source.
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Printing a document Use this window to specify the range of the pages to be printed, the quality of the printing (in dots per inch), and the number of copies you want to print. Note also that there are boxes that you can select to specify printing to a file or collating (printing from back to front).
Using the Printer with Windows 3.1 Installing TrueType fonts The TrueType fonts that are supplied on the 3.5” floppy disk that comes with the printer can be used only when you are running Windows 3.1 or later. Use the following procedure to install the fonts. Launch Windows.
Chapter 4: Control Panel Operations The control panel gives you push-button control over the printer’s power and paper feed operations. It also includes an indicator light that tells you the current status of the printer at a glance. Note: For full details on paper handling, see page 39 of this manual. To enter the Sleep Mode Hold down Power for a few seconds.
Control Panel Operations To switch between the Ready and Not-Ready Modes Press Power to switch the computer between being the Ready and Not- Ready Modes. When the printer is in the Ready Mode, the READY indicator is lit and the printer can receive data from the computer.
Chapter 5: Paper Handling Your printer is designed to print on a variety of different paper types. This chapter tells you everything you need to know about paper, and how to set the printer up for automatic paper feed and manual paper feed. In this chapter, you will learn about: Selecting the best type of paper to use Adjusting for paper thickness...
Paper Handling Adjusting for paper thickness Paper comes in different weights, normally expressed as gsm (grams per square meter) or lbs (pounds). Some form paper also has multiple pages that make them quite thick. Use the following procedure to change the gap between the print head and the platen and adjust for paper thickness.
Automatic sheet feeding Automatic sheet feeding Your printer comes with a built-in automatic sheet feeder that can hold up to 55 sheets of paper. See page 9 of this manual for details on using the auto sheet feeder. To feed paper into the printer, press the control panel’s PAPER button twice.
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Paper Handling Lifting up on the two paper release levers on the back of the printer, pull the jammed paper out. Paper release levers After you clear the jam, replace the automatic sheet feeder (see, “Re- installing the automatic sheet feeder” on page 14). Reload paper into the automatic feeder.
Using the Printer with MS-DOS If none of the printers listed above is available in the application, choose one of the following. Once again, you should choose the one that is nearest to the top in the following list. Use User Setup Utility to select IBM emulation (page 20).
Chapter 7: Other Printing Features This chapter details other features that you are sure to find helpful, no matter what kind of document you are printing. They provide you with the versatility to make your output look exactly as you want it. In this chapter, you will learn about: How to pause printing Feeding paper...
Troubleshooting Appendix A: Troubleshooting The appendix tells you what you need to know if you experience problems with your printer. It tells you how to test the printer, how to check system software settings, and how to adjust the vertical alignment. In addition, there is information on actions to take for specific problems, and on the meanings of printer beep tones.
Short test The short test prints the version number of the software contained in the printer’s ROM, followed by seven lines of text. *** Ver 1.0 *** !"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ACBDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmno !"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ACBDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnop "#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ACBDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopq #$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ACBDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqr $%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ACBDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrs %&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ACBDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrst &'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ACBDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstu Long test A long test continually prints the version number of the software contained in the printer’s ROM, followed by the current User Setup Utility settings, and the entire character set in each available font and pitch setting.
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Troubleshooting Begin printing from your computer, Instead of a normal printout, data will be printed in sixteen columns of hexadecimal numbers (two groups of eight numbers each). The equivalent printalble characters (or dots in the case of unprintable codes) are printed to the right of each row of hexadecimal numbers.
Troubleshooting guide Use the following table to help track down the causes of problems and to determine the best solution to deal with them. Problem Possible Cause Recommended Action The READY indicator does The printer is not receiving Check whether the power not light or flash.
Troubleshooting Problem Possible Cause Recommended Action Printer test works, but printer The wrong emulation is Check the emulation will not print out data from selected. selection and change if the attached computer. necessary. See “Emulation” on page 20. Your application program’s or Check the printer selection system software’s printer of your application software.
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Problem Possible Cause Recommended Action Line spacing is incorrect. Jamming paper. Set up the printer for the paper thickness you are using. See “Adjusting for paper thickness” on page 40. The line spacing or leading Choose a different line selected your application spacing or leading setting program is wrong.
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Troubleshooting Problem Possible Cause Recommended Action Text and graphics are The print head is damaged. Return the printer to your malformed. dealer for repair. Print quality is poor. Forms are smudged. The printer is not set up Set up the printer for the correctly for the thickness of paper thickness you are Printing is too dark.
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Problem Possible Cause Recommended Action Printer prints past the edge The paper guide is not Remove the paper and of the paper. positioned correctly. adjust the position of the paper guide. Reload the paper and try printing again. The ribbon is jammed, Make sure that the ribbon causing the print head to cartridge is installed...
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Troubleshooting Problem Possible Cause Recommended Action Left margin moves to the Static electricity caused by Make sure that the printer is right during printing. interference from nearby not too close to any devices electrical devices or by low- with electric motors or that level humidity is affecting raise the humidity level.
Double-click the Control Panel icon in the Main window. Double-click the Printers icon. Check to see that the name of your Star printer is the default printer. If it is not, double-click on the name of your printer in the list of installed printers.
Troubleshooting Checking system software settings in MS-DOS If you are using a parallel cable and cannot print a text file using the MS-DOS PRINT command, you may have a problem with your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Open the file and look for the following line: MODE LPT1:=COM1 or MODE LPT1:=COM2 These lines indicate printing you are using a serial cable connection, and so you should delete them, save the AUTOEXEC.BAT file, and try printing again.
Specifications Paper Single-sheet (manual feeding) Paper width: 7″ to 10.5″ / 178 to 267 mm Paper length: 5.5″ to 14″ / 140 to 356 mm Paper thickness: 0.00276″ to 0.00472″ / 0.07 to 0.12 mm Paper weight: 52 to 90 g/m / 45 to 77 kg / 14 to 24 lbs.
Now preparing the acrobat data Appendix C: Interface Pin Outs Appendix D: Character Sets Appendix E: Printer Control Codes Click here to refer to Multiple Language Manual LC-90.
Glossary Appendix F: Glossary A.E.C Automatic Emulation Change feature that allows the printer to automatically select the proper emulation mode (standard or IBM). automatic sheet feeder Device built into the printer that automatically feeds individual sheets for printing. Centronics cable Parallel cable normally used to connect the printer to the computer.
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Portuguese SS Russian 20, 73 A.E.C. Turkish adjustment lever code page application printer selection connecting auto LF with CR to a power outlet AUTOEXEC.BAT to computer Automatic Emulation Change control panel 20, 73 printer 41, 73 automatic sheet feeder country detaching reinstalling default printer...
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emulation control handling RAM usage length Sleep Mode letterhead loading manual feeding multi-page form Help window selecting hexadecimal dump thickness adjustment paper jams paper out input buffer paper support Paper window auto LF with CR line spacing line spacing page length paper out manual sheet feeding tear-off...
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7, 8, serial-to-parallel converter zero style Sleep Mode entering precautions system software settings MS-DOS Windows tear-off test long short timeout printing top margin troubleshooting TrueType fonts installing unidirectional printing User Setup Utility default settings Exit exiting Font window Importing setup data installing new configuration file saving changes...
Customer service information If you experience any technical difficulties with your Star printer, please refer to Appendix A How to deal with printing problems. This chapter describes easy methods to diagnose and resolve some of the problems that you may encounter.