Compaq LA36 User Manual

Compaq Matrix Printer LA36 User Manual

Compaq Computer Corporation

Preface ................................................................................................... v

About This Manual............................................................................................................ v

Printer Models and Options .............................................................................................. v

Organization ...................................................................................................................... vi

The LA36N and LA36W Model Specifications....................................................... vi

Notes, Cautions and Warnings .......................................................................................... vi i

1. Introduction........................................................................................ 1-1

Features .............................................................................................................................. 1-1

Options............................................................................................................................... 1-2

2. Paper Handling .................................................................................. 2-1

Getting to Know the Printer’s Major Parts and the Control Panel.................................... 2-1

Parts of the Printer ..................................................................................................... 2-2

Operations of the Control Panel ............................................................................... 2-4

Selecting Paper .................................................................................................................. 2-7

Overview of Paper Operations........................................................................................... 2-8

Adjusting for Paper Thickness .......................................................................................... 2-10

Using Single Sheets ........................................................................................................... 2-11

Loading a Single Sheet of Paper............................................................................... 2-11

Ejecting Single Sheets .............................................................................................. 2-13

Using Continuous Forms ................................................................................................... 2-14

Positioning the Paper Stack ...................................................................................... 2-15

Loading Continuous Forms (Push Tractor and Rear Feed) ...................................... 2-16

Loading Continuous Forms (Pull Tractor and Bottom Feed) .................................. 2-19

Unloading Continuous Forms (Push-Feed Mode) ................................................... 2-24

Tearing Off Continuous Forms ................................................................................. 2-24

Feeding and Positioning Paper ......................................................................................... 2-26

Print Area Definition ................................................................................................. 2-26

Line Feed/Form Feed ................................................................................................ 2-28

Top-of-Form Adjustment ........................................................................................... 2-28

Switching Paper Types....................................................................................................... 2-29

Switching from Continuous Forms to Single Sheets (Push-Feed Mode)................. 2-30

Switching from Single Sheets to Continuous Forms (Push-Feed Mode)................. 2-30

Switching between Push-Feed and Pull-Feed .......................................................... 2-31

Tips on Paper Handling ..................................................................................................... 2-32

General Tips .............................................................................................................. 2-32

Multipart Forms......................................................................................................... 2-32

Envelopes .................................................................................................................. 2-32

Labels ........................................................................................................................ 2-32

3. Printing ............................................................................................... 3-1

Selecting Print Features ..................................................................................................... 3-1

Using Commercial Software ..................................................................................... 3-2

Using the Control Panel ............................................................................................ 3-2

Selecting Macro 1 or Macro 2.......................................................................... 3-3

Switching Macros and Selecting Features on the Control Panel .................... 3-4

Selecting a Resident Font ................................................................................ 3-7

Changing the Protocol ...................................................................................... 3-8

Starting or Stopping Printing ............................................................................................ 3-9

Starting Printing ........................................................................................................ 3-9

Stopping and Viewing Printing................................................................................. 3-9

Resuming Printing .................................................................................................... 3-9

Resuming from a Paper-Out ...................................................................................... 3-9

Removing Printed Pages.................................................................................................... 3-10

Removing Single Sheets ........................................................................................... 3-10

Removing Continuous Forms ................................................................................... 3-10

4. Using Set-Up Mode............................................................................ 4-1

What is Set-Up Mode for? ................................................................................................. 4-1

How Set-Up W orks ............................................................................................................. 4-2

Entering the Set-Up Mode................................................................................................. 4-2

Overview of the Set-Up Mode........................................................................................... 4-5

Set-Up Mode Functions ............................................................................................ 4-5

Points to Remember .................................................................................................. 4-11

Printing the Printer Configuration .................................................................................... 4-11

Deciding Which Options to Change ................................................................................. 4-13

Changing Macro 1 and Macro 2 Options ......................................................................... 4-14

Macro 1 and Macro 2 Options List ................................................................................... 4-15

Changing Install Options .................................................................................................. 4-25

Install Options List ............................................................................................................ 4-25

Adjusting T op-of-Form Origin .......................................................................................... 4-29

Changing Menu Access Options....................................................................................... 4-30

Exiting and Saving ............................................................................................................ 4-30

Recalling Factory Settings ................................................................................................ 4-31

Using the Diagnostic Functions ........................................................................................ 4-31

Printing Test .............................................................................................................. 4-31

Hex Dump Mode ....................................................................................................... 4-32

Set-Up Mode Quick Reference.......................................................................................... 4-34

5. Maintenance....................................................................................... 5-1

Cleaning............................................................................................................................. 5-1

Cleaning and Vacuuming the Printer........................................................................ 5-1

Cleaning the Platen and Paper Bail Rollers ............................................................. 5-2

Cleaning the Print Head ............................................................................................ 5-3

Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge ....................................................................................... 5-3

Replacing the Print Head................................................................................................... 5-5

6. Trouble-Shooting ............................................................................... 6-1

Solving Problems............................................................................................................... 6-1

Print Quality Problems and Solutions ...................................................................... 6-1

Paper Handling Problems and Solutions .................................................................. 6-4

Operating Problems and Solutions ........................................................................... 6-5

Printer Failures .......................................................................................................... 6-6

Diagnostic Functions ......................................................................................................... 6-6

Checking Vertical Alignment ............................................................................................ 6-7

A. Supplies and Options ....................................................................... A-1

Supplies.............................................................................................................................. A-1

Options............................................................................................................................... A-1

Installing Options .............................................................................................................. A-2

Installing the Color Kit ............................................................................................. A-2

B. Printer and Paper Specifications ..................................................... B-1

Physical Specifications ...................................................................................................... B-1

Functional Specifications ................................................................................................. B-2

Performance Specifications ............................................................................................... B-4

Paper Specifications .......................................................................................................... B-5

Print Area ................................................................................................................... B-5

Paper Thickness......................................................................................................... B-7

C. Command Sets.................................................................................. C-1

DEC PPL2 Quick Reference Guide ................................................................................... C-2

IBM Proprinter X24E and XL24E Quick Reference Guide .............................................. C-22

Epson ESC/P2 Quick Reference Guide............................................................................. C-26

D. Interface Information......................................................................... D-1

Parallel Interface ................................................................................................................ D-1

Serial Interface ................................................................................................................... D-4

Serial Options............................................................................................................ D-5

Cable Wiring ............................................................................................................. D-5

Buffer Control ........................................................................................................... D-5

iii

E. Character Sets................................................................................... E-1

DEC PPL2 Protocol ........................................................................................................... E-1

Common to IBM Proprinter X24 and XL24E Protocol and Epson ESC/P2 Protocol ..... E-18

Default Sets ............................................................................................................... E-18

IBM Proprinter X24 and XL24E Protocol......................................................................... E-24

IBM Set 1/2 ............................................................................................................... E-24

Epson ESC/P2 Protocol ..................................................................................................... E-25

National Character Sets............................................................................................. E-25

F. Resident Fonts................................................................................. F-1

Glossary ............................................................................................... GL-1

Index..................................................................................................... IN-1

About this Manual

Thank you for buying a Compaq LA36 Companion Printer. You can expect years of reliable service with very little maintenance. The information provided in this guide applies both to the Compaq LA36 Companion Printer (80-column printer) and to the Compaq LA36W Companion printer (136-column printer). However, illustrations are of LA36N Companion Printer. This guide explains how you can use your printer to full advantage. It is written for both new and experienced printer users.

This manual consists of two parts: an Installation Guide and a User Manual. The former , provided as a hardcopy document with your printer, describes how to install and set up your printer. This part, describes how to use your printer and printer options, how to keep the printer in good working condition, and what to do should something go wrong. Detailed procedures are provided for first-time users. Experienced users can skip some of the details, using the table of contents and chapter introductions to locate specific information.

This part has several appendixes, a glossary, and an index. Appendix A lists supplies and options available from your dealer or authorized representative of Compaq Computer Corporation.

Preface

Printer Models and Options

Model LA36N is an 80-column printer and model LA36W is a 136-column printer. Both models have a dual interface made up of Bitronics parallel and DEC-423 serial. The power supply of the printer is either for 100-120 VAC input or for 220-240 VAC input. You must specify the print line and the power rating when purchasing the printer. Other options include a color print feature which you can add by yourself after purchasing the printer. The configuration is:

LA36N/LA36W

Basic specifications

Print line at 10 cpi*: 80 columns for LA36N

136 columns for LA36W

Interfaces: Bitronics parallel and DEC-423 serial

Alternative specification

Power supply: 100–120 VAC or 220–240 VAC

User add-on options

Color Kit

* cpi: characters per inch

The LA36N and LA36W Model Specifications

The main difference between the LA36N and the LA36W is the “print span”. The LA36N is an 80-column printer and the LA36W a 136-column printer. As shown in the

following figure, the physical specifications are thus different (size, weight, ...).

Compaq Matrix Printer LA36N Compaq Matrix Printer LA36W

Some minor differences concern mechanical internal parts that do not impact the general uses of the printer (top cover hinges, bail rollers mechanism, ...). The only visible difference concerns the accurate location of the notch scale of the paper thickness lever.

Specification differences are clearly identified further in this User Guide.

Organization

The user manual is organized as follows:

1 - Introduction

This chapter introduces the printer and identifies key features and options that enhance the printer’s capabilities.

2 - Paper Handling

This chapter explains how to load your printer and use paper with it.

3 - Printing

This chapter covers basic printing operations and provides detailed descriptions of everyday operations from the printer’s control panel, including print feature selection.

4 - Using Set-Up Mode

This chapter describes how to change the printer’s optional settings, such as print features, hardware options, and top-of-form. Most settings only affect print features such as the type style and page format. Note that certain settings directly affect hardware and software compatibility. Refer to this chapter as indicated in the part Installation Guide or as required.

5 - Maintenance

This chapter explains basic maintenance procedures for this printer.

6 - Trouble-Shooting

This chapter describes problem-solving techniques. Before you contact your dealer for help, check the list of problems and solutions provided in this chapter.

At the end of this guide, you will find several appendices, a glossary, and an index. Appendix A gives order numbers for printer supplies and options, explaining how to install them. Other appendices provide additional technical information about the printer.

Notes, Cautions and Warnings

The text contains three different types of annotation which should always be read.

Note: This NOTE annotation provides you with additional information, or indicates

where you can find it.

Caution: This CAUTION annotation should catch your attention, advising you of a

particular situation/problem which may occur/be avoided as a result of a certain sequence of operations. It may also contain a reminder to execute a particular operation.

Warning: This WARNING annotation indicates a specific procedure which must be strictly

observed. Failure to comply with the instructions given may result in injury to the operator and/or damage to the printer.

vii

viii

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing a Compaq Matrix Printer LA36N/LA36W. This printer is a compact, versatile printer that offers maximum compatibility with today’s software packages and personal computers. The 24-wire print head provides crisp, clear printing for business, office, and home environments. This printer is also easy to install and use.

Compaq Matrix Printer LA36N

Features

Key printer features and options are listed in the next two sections.

• Euro Currency Symbol. This Compaq Matrix Printer supports the Euro currency

symbol. This character is contained in the ISO Latin-9 code page for the DEC PPL2 emulation and in the code page 858 and ISO 8859-15 for the IBM and EPSON emulations. See the Quick Reference Guide, Appendix C, for the emulation you are using for the escape sequence to select the appropriate code page and see appendix E for the location of the Euro currency symbol within the code page

• Software compatibility. This printer, which operates with the DEC PPL2 protocol, the

IBM Proprinter X24E (LA36N) or IBM Proprinter XL24E (LA36W) protocol and the Epson ESC/P2 protocol (for Epson LQ870 or LQ1170 printers or equivalent).

1-1

Introduction

• Various character sets. For the DEC PPL2 protocol, 31 character sets (twenty-five 94-

character sets and six 96-character sets) are available. For IBM Proprinter X24E and XL24E protocol, set 1, set 2, and 30 default sets (code pages and specific character sets) are available. For Epson ESC/P2 protocol, 15 national character sets and 30 default sets (code pages and specific character sets) are available.

• Multiple fonts. The printer has nineteen resident fonts: Ten bit-map fonts — Draft,

High-speed (HS) Draft, High-impact (Hi) Draft, Courier 10, Pica 10, Prestige Elite 12, Compressed 17, Boldface PS, OCR-A 10, and OCR-B 10; nine outline fonts — Timeless, Courier and Nimbus Sans, each in upright, italic, and bold; three outline fonts — Courier in upright, italic, and bold (available for the Epson ESC/P2 protocol only); and nine Barcode fonts — Code 3 of 9, Industrial 2 of 5, Interleaved 2 of 5, Matrix 2 of 5, EAN 8, EAN 13, UPC-A, Codabar, and Postnet.

• High-speed printing. At 10 cpi, print speed ranges from 113 cps for letter quality to

360 cps for high-speed draft quality.

• 128K bytes of input buffer. 128K bytes are available for storing input data and

downloading custom fonts. A minimum download buffer capacity is available separately.

• Simple switching of paper types. The ability to “park” continuous forms makes it easy

to switch between continuous forms and single sheets.

• Bottom feeding capability. The tractor unit is removable and can be converted to push-

feed or pull-feed. Installing the tractor unit on the platen allows the paper to be fed through the slot at the bottom of the printer.

• Automatic tear-off advancing. With factory settings of the Set-Up mode, continuous

forms’ perforations are automatically advanced up to the tear bar at the end of each job so that forms can be torn off. The tear-off feed can be also activated by pressing the

Pause button.

• Auto viewing. Paper (continuous forms or single sheets) is automatically advanced at

the end of each printing so that the last printed line can be read.

• Maintenance-free. The printer only requires periodic cleaning and changing of the

ribbon cartridge.

• Windows printer driver. Printer drivers for Windows 3.x, Windows 98 and Windows

95 are delivered with your printer. The printer driver is a control program to be installed on your computer for controlling document printing on your printer (for example, controlling the page size, the paper orientation, and so on). It receives print data from your application software, converts the data into commands that the printer can execute, and sends the commands to the printer.

Options

Printer add-on options are listed below. For details, see Appendix A “Supplies and Options”.

• Color kit. You can turn your monochrome printer into a color printer. Seven-color

printing using a color ribbon is possible if supported by your software.

1-2

Paper Handling

This chapter explains how your printer uses paper. Topics covered are:

 Getting to know the printers major parts and the control panel  Selecting paper  Overview of paper operations  Adjusting for paper thickness  Using single sheets  Using continuous forms (push-tractor feed and pull-tractor feed)  Feeding and positioning paper  Switching paper types

Paper Handling

Tips for paper handling are given at the end of this chapter. Check that section if you are using multipart forms, envelopes, or labels.

Getting to Know the Printers Major Parts and the Control Panel

This section describes the major parts and controls of the printer and operations of the control panel. Take a moment to become familiar with the printer.

2-1

Paper Handling

Parts of the Printer

2-2

Front and Rear Views

Paper Handling

The figures on the previous page show front and rear views of the printer. The following parts are indicated:

Front View

1. Front cover (to protect the print head)

2. Cut sheet stand (to hold printing and printed pages)

3. Paper thickness lever (to adjust the print head gap)

4. Platen knob (to manually advance the paper)

5. Platen (to support the paper)

6. Interface connector (to connect the printer to the host system)

7. Control panel (to load and feed paper, select print features, or change the

printers optional settings)

8. Power switch (to switch the printer on/off)

9. Paper select lever (to switch the paper source)

10. Print head (to apply ink to the page)

11. Print guide (to indicate the print line)

Rear View

12. Acoustic cover (to reduce sound noise)

13. Paper guide (to insert single sheets and envelopes)

14. Rating label (to indicate the printer power specifications)

15. Power connector (to connect the printer to the power supply)

16. Forms tractors (to hold and feed continuous forms)

17. Back cover (to protect forms tractors)

18. Top cover (to protect the platen and serve as the tear bar)

2-3

Paper Handling

Operations of the Control Panel

This section summarizes status indications and operations of the control panel in Normal mode. For details on Set-Up mode, see Chapter 4 Using Set-Up Mode.

Normal mode operation includes everyday operations, such as paper handling, font selection, macro selection, and protocol selection. The first table lists basic states represented by the Ready and Fault indicators. The second table lists Normal mode operations and required user response. Operations are listed by functions.

Basic States of the Printer

Indicator Status Printer Status

Ready

On The printer is ready for printing

The printer is receiving or printing data. Blinking The printer is not ready and holds printing data. Off The printer is not ready and it does not hold printing

data.

Fault On The printer is out of paper.

Blinking slowly The printer has software errors (paper jam, interface

error, carriage error, paper unloading error, etc.). Blinking fast The printer detected diagnostic errors at power-up.

2-4

Paper Handling

Control Panel Operations

 : This operation has no connection with this condition. N/A : The condition does not apply because this operation is executed before powering on.

Operation Required Conditions

Ready Printing

Load continuous forms paper  Not printing On Press FF/Load. Load single sheet paper  Not printing On Press FF/Load if single sheet

Feed paper a page  Not printing Off Press FF/Load. Feed paper a line  Not printing Off Press LF.

Required Action

Fault

load is switched from AUTO to MANUAL in Set-Up mode.

Advance perforation to tear bar  Not printing Off

Press

Pause

if the TEAR option is switched from AUTO to MANUAL in Set-Up mode, or

press FF/Load.

Advance paper for viewing  Not printing Off

Press

Pause

if the TEAR option is switched from AUTO to MANUAL in Set-Up mode.

Return paper to previous position  Not printing Off

Press

Pause

if the TEAR option is switched from AUTO to MANUAL in Set-Up mode, or

press FF/Load.

Eject single-sheet paper  Not printing Off Press FF/Load or Park or turn

the printer off and on again.

Unload continuous-forms  Not printing Off Press Park.

paper Pause printing On Printing Off Press Pause. Resume printing Blinking Not printing Off Press Pause. Resume printing after a fault Off Not printing On Clear error and press Pause. Resume printing after paper-out Off Not printing On Load paper. Place printer in Ready state Off Not printing Off Press Pause. Place printer in pause state On  Off Press Pause. Enter Normal mode N/A N/A N/A Turn power on without

pressing any buttons

Printing test N/A N/A N/A Turn power on while

pressing FF/Load.

2-5

Paper Handling

Operation Required Conditions

Ready Printing

Fault

Required Action

Select a resident font  Not printing Off Press Font. Enter Macro selection mode  Not printing Off Press Macro. (M1 and M2

will turn blinking alternately for 3 seconds.)

Select Macro 1 

Off Press M1 within 3 seconds

after pressing Macro.

Select Macro 2 

Off Press M2 within 3 seconds

after pressing Macro. Switch the protocol  Not printing *4Off Press Protocol. Enter Top-of-Form Adjustment mode

 Not printing Off

Press

Set-Up/Quit

and

Top

Move paper by 1/60 inch Off  Off Press or button. Use the adjustment temporarily Off  Off Press Set-Up/Quit. Use the adjustment permanently

Off  Off Press Exit/Save. Clear the adjustment Off  Off Press Top. Enter Set-Up mode N/A N/A N/A Turn power on while

pressing Set-Up/Quit.

Move cursor to select Off Not printing Off Press or button. a Set-Up Function or Value

Move cursor to select Off Not printing Off Press or button. a Set-Up Option

Select a Set-Up Function Off Not printing Off Press or button. or Value

Select a Set-Up Value and Off Not printing Off Press Exit/Save. move cursor to SAVE&EXIT

Quit Set-Up mode without

Off Not printing Off Press Set-Up/Quit. saving values

Clear software-detected errors   Blinking Press Pause. Initialize the printer   

Turn power off and on again.

*1 In Normal mode operation, all buttons except Pause are inactive in the Busy state in which the printer is

receiving or printing data.

*2 Not printing includes the following situations: the printer is ready and awaiting data, or the Pause button is

pressed and the printer is awaiting data, or the Pause button is pressed during printing.

*3 This operation is available in the rear-feeding push-tractor mode.

*4 Switching is not done if the printer is holding printing data.

2-6

Printer Acoustical Feed-Backs

Except for paper handling and when the factory setting for beep is not changed, the printer beeps in the following ways when you press a control panel button, as follows.

 A short beep indicates that the printer accepts your pressing or specification.  A longer beep indicates that your specification is invalid.  In a certain mode, a middle long beep indicates that the specified mode becomes active

and a short beep indicates the end of the mode.

 When the Fault indicator lights, the printer also makes a longer beep.

Selecting Paper

The printer can handle either single sheets or continuous forms. Single sheets, also called cut sheets, include envelopes and noncontinuous, multipart forms. Continuous forms include labels and multipart forms fed into the printer using the forms tractors.

For best results, use paper that meets the specifications listed in the following table. (See Appendix B Printer and Paper Specifications for detailed specifications.) If you are unsure of the suitability of a particular type of paper, try testing the paper or consult your dealer.

Paper Handling

Paper Specifications

Paper Size

LA36N LA36W

Continuous Width 102 to 267 mm (4 to 10.5 in) 102 to 420 mm (4 to 16.5 in) forms Length 102 mm (4 in) or greater 102 mm (4 in) or greater Cut sheets Width 102 to 267 mm (4 to 10.5 in) 102 to 420 mm (4 to 16.5 in)

Length 76 to 364 mm (3 to 14.3 in) 76 to 420 mm (3 to 16.5 in)

Paper Thickness and Number of Copies

Description

Thickness 0.35 mm (0.014 in) maximum total thickness. Copies 1 to 5 copies, including the original.

For carbon-interleaved paper, the carbon counts as a copy.

2-7

Paper Handling

Overview of Paper Operations

The following levers and buttons are used in paper handling:

 Paper select lever 1 at the top left corner of the printer  Paper thickness lever 2 at the top right corner of the printer

 All buttons 6 on the control panel 3 (Primary and alternative functions are labelled respectively above and under each button.)

The following figure shows the location of each lever, indicators, and buttons:

Draft HSDraft HiDraft

Courier 10

Comp. 17

Ready

Set-up/Quit

Nimb. PS

Soft Ctrl.

Top

Fault DEC

EP2

PPX24

M1 M2

Exit/Save

Paper select lever 1 Font indicators 4

Paper thickness lever 2 Macro indicators 5

Control panel 3 Buttons 6

Printer Levers and Buttons

The following table summarizes the use of levers and buttons in paper handling. More detailed information is provided later in this chapter.

Caution: To load or feed paper, the printer must be:

 In the Ready state but not receiving or printing data  In the Pause state

2-8

Levers and Buttons Used for Paper Handling

Lever/Button Purpose Action

Paper Handling

FF/LOAD

Form feed Press FF/Load to execute a form feed.

Continuous forms are fed forward by one page. Single sheets are ejected.

Load paper Press FF/Load to feed paper to the top of

form position.

LF Line feed Press LF to feed paper forward by one line. Park Unload forms Press Park to retract continuous forms to

the park position.

Set-Up/Quit + Top Press Set-Up/Quit and Top at the same time

Press the button to feed paper forward

Exit/Save Save TOF value Press Exit/Save to permanently store the

Enter Top-of-Form (TOF) Adjustment mode

Increase TOF value by 1/60 inch

Decrease TOF value by 1/60 inch

to enter TOF Adjustment mode where the paper loading position can be adjusted.

by 1/60 inch in TOF Adjustment mode. Press the button to feed paper backward

by 1/60 inch in TOF Adjustment mode.

TOF position adjusted by the button and the button in TOF Adjustment mode.

Pause Press Pause to advance the forms

Advance forms to the tear bar when forms are at the Top-of-Form (TOF) position..

perforation to the tear bar. Tear off the forms, then press Pause again to return the forms to the previous position.

Paper select lever * Select paper path Move the paper select lever forward for

single sheets. Move the paper select lever backward for continuous forms.

Paper thickness lever Select the number corresponding to the

Adjust for paper thickness or number of copies

number of copies (including the original). Vary the setting upward or downward (including A to D) to optimize printing. Select D when replacing ribbon or clearing a paper jam.

* The following graphics are engraved on the casing.

Continuous forms

Single sheets

2-9

Paper Handling

Adjusting for Paper Thickness

The printer can handle paper with different thicknesses, including multipart forms with up to five parts (original plus four copies). For details on paper thickness specifications, see Appendix B Printer and Paper Specifications.

The paper thickness lever, located at the top right corner of the printer, allows you to adjust for different paper thicknesses. Be sure to adjust the paper thickness lever whenever you change the number of copies being printed.

The paper thickness lever 1 has nine settings: 1 to 5 and A to D. Use the following table to determine the appropriate setting for your paper; then, move the paper thickness lever to the appropriate position.

2-10

Adjusting the Paper Thickness Lever

Paper Thickness Lever Positions

Paper Handling

Number of Copies Position (Including the Original)

1 copy 1 2 copies 2 3 copies 3 4 copies 4 5 copies 5 Ribbon replacement D

*1 For carbon-interleaved paper, the carbon counts as one copy.

*2 Vary the position upward or downward (including A to D) to optimize printing. Select D when replacing a

ribbon or clearing a paper jam. For labels and envelopes, use the trial-and-error approach to determine a satisfactory position.

Caution: If printing is messy, the ribbon misfeeds, or the paper jams, move the lever one

position higher.

Using Single Sheets

This section describes how to load paper in the cut sheet stand. The cut sheet stand allows paper to be loaded manually, one sheet at a time.

Loading a Single Sheet of Paper

To load a sheet of paper into the cut sheet stand:

1. Make sure that the printer is turned on. Check that rear-fed continuous forms are retracted to the park position. (For details, see the section Unloading Continuous Forms later in this chapter.)

2. If necessary, reset the paper thickness lever. (See the section Adjusting for Paper Thickness earlier in this chapter.)

3. Move the paper select lever forward. (This lever is at the top left part of the printer.)

4. Raise the cut sheet stand. Position the left paper guide in accordance with the Note below. Note that the movable range of the paper guide is limited.

2-11

Paper Handling

Note: Below the left paper guide 1, the cut sheet stand has a scale graduated in units of

0.1 inch. When the left paper guide is positioned all the way to the right, the left margin is 5 mm (0.2 inch). To help align paper, also use the inch-based ruler on the top cover 2 of the printer. The gradations on the ruler are for 10 columns per inch.

Setting Paper Select Lever and Left Paper Guide

5. Adjust the right paper guide 3 to the width of paper. Insert the paper into the cut sheet stand. Make sure that the bottom edge of the paper engages snugly with the platen. The paper will automatically advance to the top-of-form position if the Single Sheet Load option of the Set-Up mode is set to Automatic.

Note: The factory setting for the Single Sheet Load option is automatic loading, two

seconds after paper detection. If you set this option to manual, you will have to press FF/Load to feed the paper.

2-12

Paper Handling

Loading a Sheet of Paper

6. If you want to slightly adjust the Top-of-Form position, the first line on which printing can start, adjust the Top-of-Form position of the paper using control panel buttons. Press the Set-Up/Quit and the Top buttons at the same time. The M1 and M2 indicators flash alternately with the DEC and PPX24 indicators, indicating Top-of-Form Adjustment

mode. Press the button or the button. The paper will move forward or backward in 1/60-inch increments. Press the Set-Up/Quit button after adjusting the position. Note that this adjustment is temporarily saved. It will not be active at next power-up of the printer. For permanent adjustment, see the section Feeding and Positioning Paper later in this chapter.

7. Place the printer in the Ready state. Print a sample page and check the page margins. Make the following adjustments, as necessary:

 Horizontal alignment. Readjust the paper guides if required.  Top-of-form setting. Use the printer Set-Up mode (see Chapter 4 Using Set-Up

Mode) or the TOF Adjustment mode (see the section Feeding and Positioning Paper later in this chapter).

 Margin settings. Use your software or the printer Set-Up mode (see Chapter 4

Using Set-Up Mode).

Ejecting Single Sheets

If you print using software, each sheet is ejected automatically upon the completion of the page printing. To manually eject sheets of paper:

 Press the FF/Load button to execute a forward form feed.  Turn the platen knob.

2-13

Paper Handling

Using Continuous Forms

Continuous forms paper, fanfolded at the horizontal perforations, is ideal for printing rough drafts and long files. The paper is fed into the printer using the forms tractor unit. The forms tractor unit, which is removable, can be used in two different ways. If the forms tractor unit is mounted at the rear of the printer, it pushes paper from the rear to the platen. This is called push-tractor feeding. If the forms tractor unit is mounted at the top of the printer, it pulls paper from the bottom or rear of the printer to the platen. This is called pulltractor feeding.

Caution: When using continuous forms with the cut sheet stand in up position, always

spread the cut sheet stand paper guides to their extreme position before feeding the paper. This will prevent the paper from jamming against the acoustic cover.

2-14

Paper Handling

Positioning the Paper Stack

Place the stack of continuous forms paper directly below the rear of the printer 1 for push, rear feed or below the bottom slot of the printer 2 for pull, bottom feed.

Caution:

After the paper is installed in the printer, the paper path should look like this:

Good placement

When using paper-stapled multipart forms in push feed, raise the cut sheet stand 3.

Push-feed, from rear slot Push-feed, from rear slot

with paper-stapled multipart forms

Pull-feed, from bottom slot

Bad placement

Placement of Continuous Forms

2-15

Paper Handling

Loading Continuous Forms (Push Tractor and Rear Feed)

This section explains how to use continuous forms when the tractor unit is installed at the rear of the printer. The tractor unit pushes continuous forms. This condition applies when you first use the printer.

To load continuous forms paper:

1. Make sure that the printer is turned on. Remove any single-sheet paper from the printer.

2. If necessary, readjust the paper thickness lever for continuous forms. (See the section Adjusting for Paper Thickness earlier in this chapter.)

3. Move the paper select lever 1 to the rear of the printer.

Preparing to Load Continuous Forms Paper

4. To access the forms tractors 2, lock the cut sheet stand 3 and the back cover 4 together and raise them in the up position.

2-16

Paper Handling

5. For both forms tractors 2, release the tractor locking levers 5 by pulling them up. Open the tractor paper holders 6.

12 mm

Positioning the Tractor Using the Tractor Guide

6. Position the right forms tractor (as seen from the rear of the printer) in accordance with the Note below. Push the right locking lever down to secure the tractor. Center the middle forms support.

Note: The tractor guide 7 can be found below the right forms tractor, as seen from the

back. This tractor guide is a short inch-based ruler graduated in 10 columns per inch. Use this ruler to help position the tractor. When the paper edge is positioned to the leftmost line, the left margin is 12 mm (0.5 inch) including the perforation area.

7. Once the right forms tractor is positioned, lock it by pushing down its locking lever.

2-17

Paper Handling

8. Fit the paper feed holes onto the left and right tractor pins. Adjust the left forms tractor (as seen from the rear of the printer) to accommodate the width of the form. Close the paper holders 6.

Adjusting Paper Tension

9. Pull the left tractor (as seen from the rear) to extend the paper flat. Do not stretch the paper taut. Push the left locking lever down to secure the tractor in place. Unlock the back cover from the cut sheet stand to close it.

10.When using paper-stapled multipart forms, leave the cut sheet stand 3 raised in the up position. For other continuous forms paper, lower the cut sheet stand to the down position.

Lowering the Cut Sheet Stand

11.Press the FF/Load button to advance the paper to the top-of-form position from which printing can start. The printer is automatically placed in the Ready state.

2-18

Paper Handling

12. Press the ONLINE button to place the printer on line. Print a sample page and check the page margins. Make the following adjustments, as necessary:

 Horizontal alignment. Move the forms tractors as required.  Top-of-form setting. Use the printer Set-Up mode (see Chapter 4 Using Set-Up

Mode) or the Top-of-Form Adjustment mode (see the section Feeding and Positioning Paper later in this chapter).

 Margin settings. Use your software or the printer Set-Up mode (see Chapter 4

Using Set-Up Mode).

Loading Continuous Forms (Pull Tractor and Bottom Feed)

Caution: When manipulating the tractor unit, always be careful not to pull on plastic

parts (below the forms tractors) in order to avoid printing problems (such as printing on the platen at the end of the paper in push-feed). Better manipulate the metallic parts of the tractor unit.

This subsection explains how to use continuous forms when the forms tractor unit is installed at the top of the printer. The forms tractor unit pulls continuous forms. This is called pull-tractor feed. To use pull-tractor feed, you must remove the forms tractor unit from the rear of the printer and install it on the top of the printer.

For pull-tractor feed, this printer is equipped with a paper path slot at the bottom of the printer to allow for continuous forms feed from under the printer. You must use a desk or rack that has an appropriate paper path slot. For the appropriate paper path, see the section Positioning the Paper Stack earlier in this section.

Warning: Turn the printer off before reinstalling the forms tractor unit.

To reinstall the forms tractor unit for pull-tractor feed:

1. Set the cut sheet stand and the back cover together to the up position to access the forms tractor unit.

2-19

Paper Handling

2. Pull up both ends of the tractor unit to detach the catches 1 of the tractor unit from the support studs 2. Then pull the tractor unit.

Removing the Tractor Unit

3. Set the cut sheet stand and the back cover to the down position.

2-20

Paper Handling

4. Open the acoustic cover and the top cover 3 to access the top of the printer.

5. Position the catches 1 of the tractor unit on the support studs 4 near the platen shaft. A. Push the forms tractor unit toward the front of the printer. B. Snap down the tractor unit into place so that the catches click on the rear studs.

Installing the Tractor Unit for Pull-tractor Feed

6. Turn the platen knob to make sure that the tractor gear fully engages the platen shaft gear. Lean the top cover and the acoustic cover against the tractor unit.

The following are the procedures to take when you want to feed continuous forms paper from under the printer (bottom feed).

To load continuous forms paper:

1. Turn printer on.

2. Make sure that the bottom slot of the printer is adjusted with the slot of the desk or printer rack.

3. Set the paper thickness lever to position D (widest gap).

4. Move the paper select lever to the rear (continuous forms).

2-21

Paper Handling

4. Open the front cover 1, with taking care of not totally removing it.

5. Place the continuous forms paper below the table and pass the paper through the slot of the table then through the bottom slot of the printer up to the platen.

Passing Continuous Forms Paper From Under the Printer

6. Close the front cover 1 and open the top cover.

7. Open the two holders of the left and right tractors. (Each tractor has a larger main holder 2 and a smaller subholder 3.)

Opening the Two Holders

8. Set the continuous forms on the tractors and position the tractors to stretch the forms taut in the same way as described for push-tractor feed.

2-22

Paper Handling

9. Turn the platen knob 4 to adjust the print start position and turn the printer on. The horizontal embossed rib under the red cursor on the print head carriage corresponds to the base line of the characters to be printed.

Setting Continuous Forms Paper on the Tractors

10.Lean the top cover against the tractor unit.

11.Adjust the paper thickness lever to the appropriate position.

12.Press the Pause button to place the printer in the Ready state. Print a sample page and check the first line and the page margins. Make the following adjustments, as necessary:

 Horizontal alignment. Move the forms tractors as required.  Margin settings. Use your software or the printer Set-Up mode (see Chapter 4

Using Set-Up Mode).

Caution: In the pull-feed mode, reverse feeding is allowed up to 1/3 inch and the print

accuracy is lower than the accuracy available with the push-feed mode. Use the pull-feed mode when printing labels and so on that are affected by curling.

2-23

Paper Handling

Unloading Continuous Forms (Push-Feed Mode)

To unload continuous forms:

1. Make sure that the paper select lever is set to the rear position.

2. Press the Park button. The continuous forms paper is retracted to the park position. If the paper cannot be retracted in one operation, continue to press the Park button until the paper is parked.

Note: The printer can retract continuous forms paper a maximum of 50.8 cm (20

inches) per operation.

3. To remove the paper, raise the tractor paper holders and lift out the paper.

Note: To unload continuous forms fed by the pull-tractor, set the paper thickness lever

to D, then remove the paper manually.

Recovering from an Unexpected Unloading Operation

If you have accidentally pressed the Park button, you can cancel this operation in two ways, only if this unexpected operation was unsuccessful (paper not actually parked and Fault indicator blinking).

 Press the Pause button.

The printer switches to the Ready state and the paper moves according to the setting of the TEAR Set-Up option.

 Press the FF/Load button.

The paper moves back to the place it was positioned before you pressed the Park button.

Tearing Off Continuous Forms

Caution: Continuous forms paper that is fed by the pull-tractor cannot be torn off in the

following way.

Automatic-Tear-Off Advancing

Your printer has a special tear bar that allows you to tear off printed pages without wasting paper. The tear bar is located on the top cover.

Your printer is factory-set for automatic tear-off. When a printing job ends (including a form feed command), the bottom perforation of the last printed page is automatically positioned in front of the tear bar. You can change the positioning delay from one to five seconds, using the Set-Up mode. The printer is placed in the Pause state (Ready indicator off).

2-24

Paper Handling

Note: If the printing job does not include a form feed command, the paper is only

automatically fed so that you can see the last printed line. Press on the FF/Load button to position the next paper perforation in front of the tear bar.

The paper is automatically retracted when the printer receives the next data. For tearing off the paper, see the next subsection Manual Tear-Off Advancing.

Manual Tear-Off Advancing

If you have set the TEAR option of the INSTALL function to MANUAL, tear off the paper in the following way when a printing job ends (including a form feed command).

1. Press the Pause button to position the paper perforation in front of the tear bar.

Note: If the printing job does not include a form feed command, after pressing the

Pause button the paper is only automatically fed so that you can see the last

printed line. Press on the FF/Load button to position the next paper perforation in front of the tear bar.

Caution: If the paper perforation is not positioned in front of the tear bar, the length of

your paper may not be specified correctly in your software or the Set-Up mode. Check that the paper length is specified correctly. For information on specifying page length using the Set-Up mode, see Chapter 4 Using Set-Up Mode.

2. Tear the paper off at the perforation.

Tearing Off Continuous Forms

3. Press the Pause button again to retract the forms back to the top-of-form position.

2-25

Paper Handling

Feeding and Positioning Paper

Print Area Definition

 TOF (Top-of-Form):

This value defines the distance between the edge of the paper and the place where you allow the printing to begin (position of line number 1). You can adjust this distance according to the condition of your paper (for example, pre-printed forms). When you load the paper, the printer feeds the paper to this position, waiting for printing commands.

 L (Form Length):

Set the corresponding Set-Up option (FORM LENGH) according to the actual physical page length (distance between two perforations for continuous forms). This will allow the printer to know exactly where the print head is and to position it at the same position when a form feed occurs.

 Top line 1:

This is the line where the printing actually starts. To define a top margin, select the number of this line within Set-Up mode (TOP MRGN option). Example: In the following picture, TOP MRGN option is set to 3.

 Bottom line 2:

This is the line where the printing actually stops. To define a bottom margin, select the number of this line within Set-Up mode (BOTTOM MRG option). Example: In the following picture, BOTTOM MRG option is set to 50.

 Left column 3:

This is the column where the printing actually starts. To define a left margin, select the number of this column within Set-Up mode (LEFT MARGN option). Example: In the following picture, LEFT MARGN option is set to 4.

 Print area 4:

Print area defined by the corresponding Set-Up options: Form Length, Top-of-Form, Top Margin, and Bottom Margin.

 Paper perforation 5:

The perforation defines the physical page length.

2-26

Paper Handling

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

... ...

48 49 50 51 52

12345

ABCDEFGHIJ ··· ABCDEFGHIJ ···

ABCDEFGHIJ ···

...

TOF

1 2 3 4 5 6

...

Print Area Definition

2-27

Paper Handling

Line Feed/Form Feed

Use the line feed/form feed function to move paper forward. This function is valid whenever the printer is not receiving or printing data and has no fault. Pressing the LF button advances the paper one line. Pressing the FF/Load button feeds one sheet of paper.

Except using the Park button for unloading paper or using the Top-of-Form Adjustment mode for fine-adjusting the Top-of-Form position, you are not allowed to execute reverse feed from the control panel. To feed paper backward, manually rotate the platen knob. Remember that the Top-of-Form will slip from the original setting.

Top-of-Form Adjustment

Note: For Top-of-Form definition, see the previous section Print Area Definition.

The Top-of-Form adjustment is available for single sheets or continuous forms fed by the push-tractor. The adjustment is reflected to the Top-of-Form setting of Macro 1 or Macro 2 currently selected from the control panel.

Note: This adjustment is not available for continuous forms fed by the pull-tractor.

You can adjust the Top-of-Form value within the range from 0 to 99/60 inches.

Note: The horizontal embossed rib under the red cursor on the print head carriage

corresponds to the base line of the characters to be printed.

1. Position the paper at the current Top-of-Form position:  For continuous forms, park the paper, then press the FF/LOAD button.  For a single sheet, simply insert the sheet in the cut sheet stand.

Paper is automatically fed to the Top-of-Form position, if the Set-Up option S-SHEET LD (Single Sheet Load) is set to AUTO. Otherwise, press the FF/LOAD button.

2. Enter the Top-of-Form mode by pressing the Set-Up/Quit and Top buttons at the same time. The printer beeps and the M1 and M2 indicators flash alternately with the DEC and

PPX24 indicators, indicating the Top-of-Form mode.

3. Adjust the Top-of-Form value:

2-28

Paper Handling

 To increase the Top-of-Form value of a 1/60 inch, press the button.

The paper moves forward.

 To decrease the Top-of-Form value of a 1/60 inch, press the button.

The paper moves backward.

 To reset the Top-of-Form value to 0, press the Top button.

The paper moves to the edge of the page (position 0).

Note: If you reach the limit of the permitted range, the printer beeps and the paper

stops moving.

4. Save the Top-of-Form value:  To permanently save the value, press the Exit/Save button.

The printer returns to Normal mode.

 To temporarily save the value, press the Set-Up/Quit button.

The printer returns to Normal mode. (The new value is lost at next power-off.)

Note: The use of the and buttons for micro-feeding is available for some cases of

software errors (Fault indicator blinking).

Switching Paper Types

If you have more than one type of job, it is often necessary to switch between continuous forms and single sheets. This section explains how to switch between paper types. It is not necessary to remove the continuous forms paper from the printer.

Caution: This function is not available for continuous forms paper that is fed by the pull-

tractor.

Switching from Continuous Forms to Single Sheets (Push-Feed Mode)

2-29

Paper Handling

To switch from continuous forms to single sheets:

1. Tear off your printed pages.

2. Retract the forms paper to the park position by pressing the Park button. The Fault indicator turns on.

Caution: Retracting many pages by using the Park button without tearing off will cause

paper jams. To avoid damage to your printed pages, be sure to tear off the printed pages before retracting the continuous forms paper.

3. Move the paper select lever forward to the single sheet position.

4. Raise the cut sheet stand to the up position. (For details, see the section Using Single Sheets earlier in this chapter.) Put a sheet of paper on the cut sheet stand with its bottom edge aligned with the platen. The paper automatically advance to the top-ofform position if the option S-SHEET LD (Single Sheet Load) is set to AUTO. Otherwise, press the FF/LOAD button to advance the single sheet paper to the top-ofform position .

You are now ready to print using single sheets.

Switching from Single Sheets to Continuous Forms (Push-Feed Mode)

To switch from single sheets to continuous forms:

1. If a sheet of paper is loaded, remove the paper by turning the platen knob or pressing the

FF/LOAD button.

2. Move the paper select lever to the rear to the continuous forms position.

3. Press the FF/LOAD button. The continuous forms paper advances from the park position to the top-of-form position.

You are now ready to print using continuous forms paper.

Switching between Push-Feed and Pull-Feed

2-30

Paper Handling

Caution: When manipulating the tractor unit, always be careful not to pull on plastic

parts (below the forms tractors) in order to avoid printing problems (such as printing on the platen at the end of the paper in push-feed). Better manipulate the metallic parts of the tractor unit.

To allow the printer to properly detect the switching operation, follow the next procedure:

1. Unload the paper.

2. Turn the printer off.

3. Install the tractor unit for the other feed mode.

4. Turn the printer on.

5. Load the paper.

To Reinstall the Tractor Unit for Push-Tractor Feed:

1. Open the acoustic cover and the top cover.

2. Pull up both ends of the tractor unit to detach the catches of the tractor unit from the support studs. Then pull the tractor unit.

3. Set the cut sheet stand and the back cover to the up position.

4. Keep the tractor unit horizontally (see the horizontal plane in the figure) so that the top catches 1 of the tractor unit are in front of the inner support studs 2 of the printer.

5. Push the tractor unit toward the front of the printer until the top catches snap into the inner studs. Then snap down the tractor unit into place.

Installing the Tractor Unit for Push-tractor Feed

6. Close the top cover and the acoustic cover.

Tips on Paper Handling

2-31

Paper Handling

General Tips

 Use high-quality paper. Do not use paper that is wrinkled or curled at the edges.  Do not use paper with staples or metal parts.  Do not use paper with unpredictable variations in thickness, such as paper with partial

multilayers, paper with embossed printing, and labels with the backing sheet exposed.

 Store paper in a clean, dry environment.

Multipart Forms

 Avoid using carbon-interleaved single sheets if possible. Printing tends to become

misaligned on the bottom sheet.

 Set the paper thickness lever to best accommodate the multipart form thickness.  To ensure smoother feeding of paper-stapled, multipart forms, raise the cut sheet stand to

support the forms.

Envelopes

When printing envelopes, use the cut sheet stand. Note the following:

 Set the paper thickness lever to best accommodate the envelope thickness.  When loading envelopes, make sure that the envelope flaps face forward. Otherwise, the

envelopes may jam in the printer.

Labels

 Be careful to check operating conditions when using labels. Labels are sensitive to

temperature and humidity.

 Only use labels mounted on continuous forms backing sheets. Do not print labels

mounted on single sheet backing. Labels mounted on single sheet backing tend to slip and printing becomes crooked.

 Do not leave labels loaded in the printer. If labels curl around the platen, jamming may

occur when printing is resumed.  Set the paper thickness lever to best accommodate the label thickness.  Test-print labels before running a job. If jams occur, set the paper thickness lever to a

wider position. If jamming problems continue, try a different type of label.  We recommend you to use the pull-tractor feed mode for printing labels. If using the

push-tractor feed mode:

 Use the NO TEAR value of the TEAR option in the Set-Up mode.

 Do not unload labels using the Park button. Jamming may occur during backward

feeding.

 Do not use the printer tear-off feature when printing labels. If the labels are

retracted, the backing may peel off and the labels may jam in the printer.

2-32

Printing

This chapter describes the following everyday printing operations:

 Selecting print features  Starting, stopping, or resuming printing and viewing last printed lines  Removing printed pages

The Font button, the Macro, M1, and M2 buttons, the Protocol button, and the Pause button are used for these operations which are described in detail in this section. For a summary of the operation of these buttons, see the section Getting to Know the Printers Major Parts and the Control Panel in Chapter 2 Paper Handling.

Instructions for loading and handling paper are also given in Chapter 2 Paper Handling.

Selecting Print Features

The print features you select determine how your printer interprets commands from the computer and how your printed pages will look. For example, print features include the following:

 Protocol  Font  Pitch (characters per horizontal inch)  Line spacing (lines per vertical inch)  Page length and margins

To select print features, you can use either commercial software or the printer control panel. The method you use depends on the capabilities of your software. If your software has most of the features you require, you may rarely  if ever  have to use the control panel. In fact,

your software often overrides the printer settings.

If your software has limited values, you can use the printer control panel to select print features. Sometimes, the control panel enables you to select features not available through your software. For example, you can change the top-of-form position or select a character set for printing your document.

3-1

Printing

Using Commercial Software

Many commercial software packages offer a wide variety of print features, including some features that are not supported by this printer. For example, software often provides a wider range of font sizes than the printer can accommodate. Software also allows you to specify multiple fonts on a single page and multicolor printing. To determine which features your software supports and how to select them, refer to your software documentation.

Using the Control Panel

This printer can directly select some print features from the control panel. These features, listed on the control panel, are two predetermined sets (macros) of print features, nine resident fonts, and three protocols. Use the Macro, Font, and Protocol buttons as follows:

 Macro to select one of the two sets of print features, Macro 1 (M1) and Macro 2 (M2)  Font to select one of nine resident fonts (You can access three other fonts in Set-Up

mode)

 Protocol to select one of the three protocols

Draft HSDraft HiDraft

Courier 10

Comp. 17

Ready

Set-up/Quit

Nimb. PS

Soft Ctrl.

Top

M1 M2

Printer Control Panel

Fault DEC PPX24

EP2

M2M1

Exit/Save

The Macro button specifies Macro 1 or Macro 2, either of which allows you to specify different sets of values in advance. Some of the print features include protocol, font, character pitch, and line spacing. The following table lists the default values of options in Macro 1 and Macro 2. This chapter does not explain how to assign values to options in the macro. If you havent already assigned values to Macro 1 and Macro 2, see Chapter 4

Using Set-Up Mode now.

3-2

Printing

The Font button specifies one of the nine resident fonts defined by font names and pitches on the control panel. The selectable resident fonts are Draft, High-speed (HS) Draft, and High-impact (Hi) Draft, Courier 10, Prestige 12, Compressed 17, Boldface PS, Timeless PS, Nimbus Sans PS. Even if you select a font (excepting Soft Control), the printer will monitor font commands from the computer, but continue to use the font specified by the control panel until another selection is made or the printer is turned off. If you select Soft Crtl, (Soft Control) the printer will use the font specified by commands from the computer.

The Protocol button allows you either to choose one of the three resident protocols or to allow the printer to automatically switch to one of the three protocols, according to Set-Up settings. The resident protocols are DEC PPL2, IBM Proprinter X24E, and Epson ESC/P2 protocols.

When you first turn the printer on, the M1 indicator is lit with the DEC and PPX24 indicators flashing alternately, the Soft Ctrl. indicator is lit, and the Ready indicator is lit (the

Fault indicator will be lit if no paper is loaded). That is, all of the print features assigned to

Macro 1 are enabled; fonts used depend on font commands from the computer but the Draft font is used if no font command is received (because the FONT option is set to DRAFT in Set-Up mode for Macro 1); and the printer assigns the DEC PPL2 protocol to the serial interface port, and the Epson protocol to the parallel interface port. However, you can easily switch to other settings before printing as described below:

Selecting Macro 1 or Macro 2

When you first turn the printer on, Macro 1 is selected. To change to Macro 2 or back to Macro 1, proceed as follows:

1. Press the Macro button 1 to place the printer in the macro changeable state. The M1 and

M2 indicators blink alternately.

2. Within three seconds, press the M1 or M2 button 2. The lighted indicator (M1 or M2) shows the macro selected. This selection is permanently retained in the printer.

Draft HSDraft HiDraft

Courier 10

Comp. 17

Ready

Set-up/Quit

Nimb. PS

Soft Ctrl.

Top

M1 M2

Control Panel

Fault DEC PPX24

EP2

Exit/Save

3-3

Printing

3. To change to a resident font, see the next section. Otherwise, press the Pause button to return the printer to the Ready state. You are ready to print using the selected macro.

Note: The active Macro at power-off remains active at next power-up.

Switching Macros and Selecting Features on the Control Panel

When you switch from a macro to another, each modification you made using the control panel for the Top-of-Form option or the Protocol option is lost, and the values of these options stored in the new macro become active.

This behavior does not apply to the Font selection. If you have changed a font using the control panel before changing the macro, this font will still remain active, overriding the font set in the new macro.

For example, assume that Macro 1 is set to Draft and Macro 2 to Courier. You switch the Font selection of Macro 1 from Draft to Prestige using the Font button. When you switch the Macro selection from Macro 1 to Macro 2, Prestige will remain active, overriding the Courier set in Macro 2.

The following tables list default values of options for print features. The former is for options in Macro 1 and Macro 2 and the latter is for options independent of Macro selection.

Macro 1 and Macro 2 Settings

Print Feature Factory Settings

Macro 1 Macro 2

Protocol Port dependent Port dependent Protocol serial DEC DEC Protocol parallel EPSON IBM

Font Draft Draft Horizontal pitch 10 cpi 10 cpi Vertical pitch 6 lpi 6 lpi

Form length 11 inches (A) 11 inches (A) Left margin 1 column 1 column Top of Form Top margin 1 line 1 line Bottom margin 66 lines 66 lines

Line mode LF = LF, CR = CR LF = LF, CR = CR Paper source Print direction Soft control Soft control

0/60 inch 0/60 inch

Tractor Tractor

3-4

Printing

Print Feature Factory Settings

Macro 1 Macro 2

DEC mode

DEC printer ID PPL2 PPL2 Auto wrap Wrap Wrap EOT disconnect No disconnect on EOT No disconnect on EOT Initial report No No Auto answerback No No Answerback on ENQ No No DEC G0 character set US ASCII US ASCII DEC user preference character set DEC Supplemental DEC Supplemental

IBM&Epson mode

Default Character set CP 437 CP 437

IBM mode

IBM set 1 or 2 IBM set 1 IBM set 1 IBM double height No No IBM AGM No No

Epson mode

Epson national character set USA USA

*1 When you change the Macro selection and the new Top-of-Form value is different from

the former, paper is automatically fed to the next page, using the new Top-of-Form value.

*2 When you change the Macro selection and the paper source selection is different, the

printer automatically parks the continuous forms (in Push-Feed mode only) or ejects the cut sheet. The Fault indicator blinks, indicating you should change the position of the paper select lever.

Note: You cannot attempt to change the Macro selection when the printer is printing,

even if you switch to the Pause state.

3-5

Printing

Installation Settings

Print Feature Factory Settings

Language English Tear Auto, 1 second Single sheet loading Auto, 2 second Error beep One

Buffer 64K bytes Interface type Automatic sense

Auto interface switch time 2 seconds Baud rate 9600 bps Bits and parity 8 bits and none Buffer control XON/XOFF Disconnected on fault No

Adjustments Settings

Print Feature Factory Settings

Fanfold adjust (continuous forms) 0/60 inch Manual adjust (single sheets) 0/60 inch Reserved 1 0/60 inch Reserved 2 0/60 inch

Menu Access Settings

Print Feature Factory Settings

Menu access All functions allowed

3-6

Printing

Selecting a Resident Font

You can use the control panel to select a resident font other than the font specified in the selected macro or by commands from the computer.

To select a resident font:

1. Switch the printer to the Pause state if you are currently printing.

2. Repeatedly press the Font button 1. The lighted indicator 2 shows the font selected.

Draft HSDraft HiDraft

Courier 10

Comp. 17

Ready

Set-up/Quit

Nimb. PS

Soft Ctrl.

Top

M1 M2

Fault DEC PPX24

EP2

Exit/Save

Control Panel

Draft: Draft font at any pitch (last active pitch or software pitch) HSDraft: High-speed draft font at any pitch (last active pitch or software pitch) HiDraft *: High-impact draft font at any pitch (last active pitch or software pitch) Courier 10: Courier font at 10 cpi Prestige 12: Prestige Elite font at 12 cpi Compress 17: Compressed font at 17 cpi Bold PS: Boldface font proportionally spaced Time PS: Timeless font proportionally spaced Nimb. PS: Nimbus Sans font proportionally spaced Soft Ctrl: Font selected by commands from the computer

* The HiDraft font optimizes print quality for multipart forms.

3. Press the Pause button to return the printer to printing, if necessary.

3-7

Printing

Changing the Protocol

When you first turn the printer on, the active protocol depends on what port will be used for printing.

For Macro 1: If you use the serial port, the active protocol will be the DEC protocol.

If you use the parallel port, the active protocol will be the Epson protocol.

For Macro 2: If you use the serial port, the active protocol will be the DEC protocol.

If you use the parallel port, the active protocol will be the IBM protocol.

This printer has three protocols and allows you to set the protocol mode in one of the following three ways: the printer engages one of the three protocols, automatically determines the active protocol, or assigns different protocols for parallel and serial interfaces.

To change the protocol:

1. Make sure the printer is in the Ready state (no data to be printed).

2. Repeatedly press the Protocol button 1. The DEC and PPX24 indicators turn on and off. The combination of lighted indicators shows the protocol mode selected, according to the next table.

Draft HSDraft HiDraft

Courier 10

Comp. 17

Ready

Set-up/Quit

Nimb. PS

Soft Ctrl.

Top

M1 M2

Fault DEC PPX24

EP2

Exit/Save

Control Panel

Indicator Status Active Protocol

DEC lit DEC PPL2 protocol PPX24 lit  IBM Proprinter X24E protocol (LA36N)

 IBM Proprinter XL24E protocol (LA36W) Both lit (EP2) Epson ESC/P2 protocol Flashing alternately According to Set-Up settings, the printer waits for data to switch

to a proper protocol.

3-8

Starting or Stopping Printing

Starting Printing

Before you start to print, make sure that paper is loaded. Also, verify that the paper thickness lever is set to the appropriate position (1 to D).

To start printing, make sure that the Ready indicator is lit (the printer is ready). If not so, press the Pause button to place the printer in the Ready state. Then start your software.

Stopping and Viewing Printing

To stop printing, press the Pause button to place the printer in the Pause state. The printer stops after printing the current and next lines. You can also use your software to stop printing, but there will be a slight delay before printing stops. After the printer enters the Pause state, it still receives data until the print buffer becomes full of new data. The data in the print buffer will be lost if you turn the printer off.

When the printer stops printing, the paper is advanced to the viewing position so that you can view the last printed lines. This function is valid for single sheets and continuous forms in push-tractor feed mode but not valid for continuous forms in pull-tractor feed mode.

Resuming Printing

To resume printing, press the Pause button again. If the paper is advanced for viewing, it is backed to the previous position before printing. To cancel printing, use the cancel commands provided by your software or computer. To clear the print buffer, turn the printer off. Any data sent to the print buffer before you canceled printing will be lost.

Printing

Resuming from a Paper-Out

The printer can sense when paper runs out. The printer stops printing and lights the Fault indicator. To resume printing when paper runs out, follow the procedures described below after supplying paper:

1. Install paper on the forms tractor unit or on the cut sheet stand as described in Chapter 2 Paper Handling.

2. To load the first sheet of paper, press the FF/LOAD button for continuous forms. Single sheets are automatically loaded unless you change the factory setting. The Fault indicator will turn off and the printer resumes printing.

Caution: For continuous forms paper, the page where printing stopped and the page

where printing resumes may be incorrectly printed. In this case, wait for the entire job to finish printing. Then reprint the incorrect pages.

3-9

Printing

Removing Printed Pages

This section describes the best methods for removing single sheets or continuous forms paper after printing.

Removing Single Sheets

When you print using software, the printer automatically ejects each sheet of paper when the end of the printed page is reached. To eject sheets manually:

 Press the FF/Load button to execute a form feed.

Removing Continuous Forms

To avoid wasting paper when removing printed continuous forms paper, the printer has the tear-off function.

Depending on the TEAR option value of the Set-Up, the printer automatically feeds the paper so that the perforation faces the tear bar. Tear the paper off. The paper will automatically return to the Top-of-Form position when the printer receives data to print.

If you have set the TEAR option to MANUAL, you have to press the Pause button to move the paper to the tear bar, and then to return the paper to the Top-of-Form position.

Note: See the section Tearing Off Continuous Forms in Chapter 2 Paper Handling.

3-10

Using Set-Up Mode

Your Compaq Matrix Printer LA36 has two operation modes:  The Normal mode is used for everyday operations, like paper handling and printing as

explained in Chapter 2 Paper Handling and Chapter 3 Printing.

 The Set-Up mode is used to change the printer settings that affect the everyday

operations.

N ote: For Experienced Users: Once you are familiar with the Set-Up mode, you may

want to use the flowchart at the end of this chapter for quick reference. The flowchart lists all printer Set-Up functions, options, and values.

What is Set-Up Mode for?

The Set-Up mode allows you:

 To define two user environments Macro 1 and Macro 2 which prepare two sets of printer

operating environments for your application software. Printer operating environments include the protocol, font, horizontal and vertical pitches, page length and margins, line mode, and printing direction. They also include protocol dependent options like the character set.

 To check your settings by printing a list of all the printers currently selected values.

 To define general installation parameters related to the integration in your environment

(menu language, tear-off control, auto-load control, interface, and so on).

 To fit Top-of-Form adjustments for paper feed control.

 To help diagnose your printer for trouble-shooting by printing test and hexadecimal

dump.

 To recall all the factory settings (including both user environments, installation

parameters, and adjustment parameters).

 To define what kind of settings modifications are allowed to avoid accidentally

changing of Set-Up values.

4-1

Using Set-Up Mode

How Set-Up Works

The Set-Up mode consists of Set-Up functions which correspond to printer settings described in the previous page. Each function generally has many options which correspond to print features to be changed. Each option includes many parameters values to be selected. All the Set-Up functions, options and values are printed in a logical sequence on the paper when you enter the Set-Up mode, including the usage of buttons. You can perform all Set-Up operations by using buttons on the control panel in the following order:

 Navigating through the option menu structure.  Selecting a new value for an option.  Saving your new printer configuration (permanently or temporarily).

For information on using the printing test and hex dump functions, see the section Using the Diagnostic Functions later in this chapter.

Entering the Set-Up Mode

Before entering the Set-Up mode, set continuous forms paper on the tractors as described in the section Using Continuous Forms in Chapter 2. Several sheets of paper may be required to make all of your Set-Up mode selections. Of course, you can use single sheets.

Note: We recommend the use of the push-tractor mode in order to avoid any paper

jam.

To enter the Set-Up mode:

1. Make sure that continuous forms paper set on the tractors is loaded and that the paper select lever is set backward.

4-2

Using Set-Up Mode

2. Turn the printer off.

3. Turn the printer back on while pressing the Set-Up/Quit button until the printer beeps.

4. Remove the acoustic cover in order to see the printed text.

Set-Up/Quit

OFF ON

Entering the Set-Up Mode

4-3

Using Set-Up Mode

5. When the printer enters the Set-Up mode, it prints the following information. During the Set-Up mode, the M1 and M2 indicators flash alternatel

Set-Up Mode LA36N/W Code Version V1.0-01

Buttons Set-Up Action

Exit / Save Select the Option or Value and Move to SAVE&EXIT Set-Up / Quit Quit set-up mode without saving values

Select PRINT to obtain the Configuration Sheet

< FUNCTION > MACRO1 MACRO2 PRINT INSTALL ADJUST TESTS RCALL-FACT MENU-ACCES SAVE&EXIT

Move cursor Right to the next Function or Value Move cursor Left to the next Function or Value Select the Option or Value and Move cursor Down Select the Option or Value and Move cursor Up

Initial Printout in the Set-Up Mode

The initial printout contains a header, help menu 1, and <FUNCTIONS> menu 2. The header tells you that the printer is in the Set-Up mode. The help menu provides a quick summary of how to use buttons in the Set-Up mode.

The <FUNCTIONS> menu 2 lists all of the functions available in the Set-Up mode.

Generally speaking, the red cursor 3 on the plastic print guide 4 indicates the function or value to be selected. When entering the Set-Up mode, the red cursor is initially positioned under MACRO 1.

4-4

Using Set-Up Mode

Overview of the Set-Up Mode

When you enter the Set-Up mode, the following <FUNCTIONS> menu is printed:

<FUNCTIONS> MACRO 1 MACRO 2 PRINT INSTALL ADJUST TESTS RCALL-FACT MENUACCESS SAVE&EXIT

The following table summarizes the purpose of each function.

Set-Up Mode Functions

Function Purpose

MACRO 1 and MACRO 2 Assigns print features to MACRO 1 and MACRO 2. PRINT Prints the Printer Configuration. INSTALL Changes the Set-Up menu language, computer interface, and

paper feed control options.

ADJUST Changes the top-of-form fine adjustment options. TESTS Runs the printing test and hex dumps. RCALL-FACT Resets factory settings in MACRO 1, MACRO 2, INSTALL,

and ADJUST. MENU-ACCES Restricts access to Set-Up functions from the control panel. SAVE&EXIT Exits the Set-Up mode and saves any changes made in the

Set-Up mode.

To select a function from the <FUNCTIONS> menu:

1. Repeatedly press the button or the button to position the red cursor on the plastic print guide under the function you require.

2. Press the button or the button to select the function. If the function has options and values, the printer prints the first option and its values. The MACRO 1, MACRO 2,

INSTALL, ADJUST, TESTS, and MENU-ACCES functions contain options that have selectable values. The other functions have neither options nor values.

4-5

Using Set-Up Mode

The first four Macro 1 options and their values are shown below. Options are shaded

and skipped when they are not objects of selection because of the preceding option setting.

<PROTOCOL> DEC PPL2 IBM PPX24 EPSON-ESCP AUTO PORT DEPND

<PRTCL SERL> DEC PPL2__ IBM PPX24EPSON-ESCP

<PRTCL PARL> DEC PPL2 IBM PPX24 EPSON-ESCP

<FONT> DRAFT HIDRAFT HI-IMPACTCOURIER PICA PRESTIGE COMPRESSED BOLDFACE TIMELESS

NIMBUS-SAN OCR A OCR-B

3. Pressing and holding down the or button prints options and their current values letting you skip selection of values so that you can reach the desired option quickly.

<FUNCTIONS> MACRO 1 MACRO 2 PRINT INSTALL ADJUST TESTS RCALL-FACT MENU-ACCESS SAVE&EXIT

<PROTOCOL> PORT DEPND <PRTCL SERL> DEC PPL2 <PRTCL PARL> EPSON-ESCP <FONT> DRAFT <HORZ PITCH> 10 CPI <VERT PITCH> 6 LPI

<VERT PITCH> 2 LPI 3 LPI 4 LPI 6 LPI 8 LPI 12 LPI 1 LPCM 2 LPCM 4 LPCM

The current option and its values are reprinted when the or button is released.

Options with Pre-determined Values

For some options, you can choose among a limited set of pre-determined values.

To select such a value:

1. Repeatedly press the button or the button to position the red cursor on the plastic print guide under the value you require.

2. Press the button to select the value. The printer prints the next option and its values.

4-6

Using Set-Up Mode

You can press the button to select the value. Then, the printer prints the previous option and its values.

3. After selecting the desired values, press the Exit/Save button to reprint the

<FUNCTIONS> menu where the red cursor is positioned beneath SAVE&EXIT.

For each option, the bolded value is the current default value (the value currently saved in the printers permanent memory). In the previous example, the default values are PORT DEPND (Port Dependent) for protocol selection and DRAFT (Draft) for font selection.

Example: Changing the Vertical Pitch

To become familiar with the Set-Up mode, try the following example. This example shows how to change the vertical pitch in Macro 2 from 6 lines per inch to 8 lines per inch.

1. Enter the Set-Up mode.

Turn the printer off and back on while pressing the Set-Up/Quit button until the printer beeps.

2. Select the Macro 2 function.

Wait for the printer to stop printing and press the button once to position the red cursor on the plastic guide of the print head under MACRO 2. Press the button or the button to select the Macro 2 function and print the <PROTOCOL> option and its

values.

3. Print the menu of the vertical pitch option.

Since you do not want to change other than the vertical pitch, press the button to select the current protocol. Bolded PORT DEPND is underlined and the next option

<PRTCL SERL> is printed. (Bolded value indicates the current setting and underlined value is the new setting.) Repeatedly press the button in the same way, until the <VERT PITCH> option and its values are printed.

4. Change the vertical pitch from 6 to 8 lines per inch.

Press the button once to position the red cursor beneath 8 LPI. Press the button to select 8 LPI. 8 LPI is underlined and the next option <HORZ PITCH> and its values

are printed.

5. Exit the Macro 2 function.

Since you do not want to make any other changes in MACRO 2, press the Exit/Save button. The <FUNCTIONS> menu is then reprinted and the red cursor is positioned beneath SAVE&EXIT.

6. Exit the Set-Up mode, saving or not saving the new vertical pitch.

Press the button or the button to save 8 lines per inch as the new power-on defaults in Macro 2 and exit Macro 2. The printer then exits the Set-Up mode and returns ready. These settings remain in effect until the next time they are changed.

4-7

Using Set-Up Mode

Press the Set-Up/Quit button if you do not intend saving these settings in Macro 2.

Options with Undetermined Values

For some options, you can choose among a continuous range of many values. These options are identified as follows:

 <XXX-No of INCH>, which means the unit of the range is the Inch.  <XXX-No of COLM>, which means the unit of the range is the Column.  <XXX-No of LINE>, which means the unit of the range is the Line.

When you select such an option, only the current value is printed. The numeric range of such an option is from 1 to 256, from 0 to 255, or from 0 to 99.

To select such a value:

1. Press the button or the button (the printer beeps) as many times as you decrease from or increase to the current value. If you change the value by a wide margin, you can keep the button pressed continuously; the printer beeps at intervals of 0.2 second. The number of beeps corresponds to the number of times you press the button.

2. When you stop pressing, the new value is printed at the right of the current value.

3. If this new value is not satisfying, repeat step 1 until the next new value is satisfying.

Range Management for a Wide Range of Values

The permitted range of these values may be limited considering physical range.

If you intend to change a value which would be out of the permitted physical range, the actual current value will be the highest possible value considering other Set-Up dependent values and may not match the value displayed.

See the Options tables further to know the permitted range.

Example: Changing the Left Margin

This example shows how to change the left margin in Macro 2 from column 1 to column 20.

1. Enter the Set-Up mode.

Turn the printer off and back on while pressing the Set-Up/Quit button until the printer

beeps.

2. Select the Macro 2 function.

Wait for the printer to stop printing and press the button once to position the red

cursor on the plastic guide of the print head under MACRO 2. Press the button or

4-8

Using Set-Up Mode

the button to select the Macro 2 function and print the <PROTOCOL> option and its values.

3. Print the menu of the left margin option.

Since you do not want to change other than the left margin, press the button to select the current protocol. Bolded PORT DEPND is underlined and the next option <PRTCL

SERL> is printed. (Bolded value indicates the current setting and underlined value is the new setting.) Repeatedly press the button in the same way, until the <LEFT MARGN> option and its value are printed.

4. Change the left margin from column 1 to column 20.

Press and hold the button until the printer beeps nineteen times. When the button is released, the new value is printed next to the current value. If the new value is not

20 COL, repeat this operation. If it is 20 COL, press the button to select 20 COL. 20 COL is underlined and the next option <TOP OF FRM> and its value are printed.

5. Exit the Macro 2 function.

Since you do not want to make any other changes in MACRO 2, press the Exit/Save button. The <FUNCTIONS> menu is then reprinted and the red cursor is positioned beneath SAVE&EXIT.

6. Exit the Set-Up mode, saving or not saving the new left margin.

Press the button or the button to save 20 columns as the new power-on defaults in Macro 2 and exit Macro 2. The printer then exits the Set-Up mode and returns ready. These settings remain in effect until the next time they are changed.

Press the Set-Up/Quit button if you do not intend saving these settings in Macro 2.

Options with Both Pre-determined and Undetermined Values

Some options include both types of values. Undetermined values appear at the end of the list of pre-determined values, identified by the unit of the corresponding range.

For example, when you select the <FORM LENGH> option (Form Length), the following menu is printed as follows:

<FORM LENGH> 3 INCHES 3.5 INCHES 4 INCHES 5.5 INCHES 6 INCHES 7 INCHES 8 INCHES 8.5 INCHES 11 INCHES

11 2/3INCH 12 INCHES 14 INCHES 15 INCHES No of LINE

1. Select the No of LINE value.

A new option menu with undetermined values is printed.

2. Change the value according to the previous procedure.

The chart on the next page summarizes how to select options such as protocol and font and how to use the functions that do not have options.

4-9

Using Set-Up Mode

Enter Set-Up mode:

Turn power on with Set-Up/Quit pressed

Printer prints <FUNCTIONS> menu

Select function: Press or to position the cursor, then press or

One of the following functions is selected

PRINT (list of defaults) and

RECALL FACTORY DEFAULTS

MACRO1, MACRO2,

INSTALL, ADJUST,

and MENU ACCESS

Reprint <FUNCTIONS> menu

Select values: Press or to position cursor, then press or

Press Exit/Save

Press Set-Up/Quit

Printer exits Set-Up mode

without saving changes

: Functions having options and/or values *1 Changes are valid, but will be lost at next power-off. *2 Changes will remain valid at next power-on.

(PRINT TEST and HEXDUMP)

TESTS

SAVE&EXIT

Press

Printer saves changes and

exits Set-Up mode

Summary of the Set-Up Mode

Select values: Press or to position cursor, then press or

4-10

Using Set-Up Mode

Points to Remember

 We recommend that you use continuous forms paper for printing in the Set-Up mode

because it will not end within a single page. To load paper, use the FF/Load button. To adjust the line position of the paper in the Set-Up mode, use the platen knob.

 Whenever you enter the Set-Up mode, short help menus are printed at the top of the

page. Help menus are also printed when you select the TESTS function. Use help menus for quick reference while in the Set-Up mode.

 When printing the options and values for each function, you can move either forward or

backward in the option list. To move forward (print the next option), press the button. To move backward (print the previous option), press the button. You

can skip printing the value list for the undesired options by pressing and holding down these buttons.

 While in the <FUNCTIONS> menu or when selecting a function that contains options and

selectable values, press the Exit/Save button to reprint the <FUNCTIONS> menu. In this case, the red cursor is positioned beneath SAVE&EXIT.

 A bolded (overprinted) value indicates that it is the current setting. An underlined value

indicates a selected setting.

 While in the Set-Up mode, you can use the PRINT function to print out a list of the

currently selected values (see the next section for details).

 To exit the Set-Up mode and permanently save your changes, select the SAVE&EXIT

function. For details, see the section Exiting and Saving later in this chapter

 To exit the Set-Up mode and temporarily use your changes, press the Set-Up/Quit button.

Your previous power-on settings are active when you turn the printer on again.

Printing the Printer Configuration

The PRINT function prints a list of all the printers currently selected values. This function is useful for checking the printer settings when you first enter the Set-Up mode or just before you exit. To print a list of values, load continuous forms paper, enter the Set-Up mode, and then select the PRINT function. The printer starts to print a list of the currently selected values. The preselected factory settings are shown on the opposite page.

When the printer finishes printing the list of values, it reprints the <FUNCTIONS> menu.

Caution: To remove the printout, turn the platen knob until the paper can be torn off at

the perforation. In the Set-Up mode, you cannot use the printer tear-off feature (Pause button).

Select another function or exit the Set-Up mode, saving any changes you made. For details about other functions, see the other sections in this chapter. To exit the Set-Up mode and save your changes, make sure that the red cursor is positioned beneath SAVE&EXIT, then press the button or the button.

4-11

Using Set-Up Mode

4-12

Printout of Factory Settings Using the PRINT Function

Using Set-Up Mode

Deciding Which Options to Change

The previous page shows a printout of the printers factory settings. In this printout, options are listed by functional group:

 MACRO 1 and MACRO 2 functions  INSTALL function  ADJUST function  MENU-ACCES function

Most selectable values only alter print features, such as the type style and page format. However, some values must be selected correctly for the printer to work properly with your hardware and software. For each function, the following table lists options whose values must be selected correctly for your system and printer.

Required Options

Function Option Value

MACRO 1 MACRO 2

ADJUST You can separately adjust the origin of the Top-of-

PROTOCOL The protocol selected on the printer must be the same

as the protocol selected in your software. If you selected a protocol when you set up the printer, you do not need to change the PROTOCOL option unless you want to change to a different protocol.

For MACRO 1, the factory setting is PORT DEPND (Port Dependent). This means that the active protocol depends on what port is actually used by the printer. The protocol for the serial port (PRTCL SERL) is factory set to DEC PPL2 and the protocol for the parallel port (PRTCL PARL) is factory set to EPSON- ESCP.

For MACRO 2, the factory setting is also PORT DEPND. The protocol for the serial port (PRTCL SERL) is also set to DEC PPL2, but the protocol for the parallel port (PRTCL PARL) is factory set to IBM PPX24.

See the section Changing Macro 1 and Macro 2 Options later in this chapter.

FNFOLD ADJ MANUAL ADJ

Form for both continuous forms and single sheets. See the section Adjusting Top-of-Form Origin later

in this chapter.

4-13

Using Set-Up Mode

Function Option Value

INSTALL If you have a serial interface, the serial interface

TESTS None See the section Using Diagnostic Functions later in

MENU-ACCES None You can inhibit the Set-Up functions from being

BAUD RATE BIT&PARITY BUFFER CTL DISC FAULT

options selected on the printer must be the same as the settings you selected using your software or your computer operating system. If the settings are not the

same, the printer will not print or will print garbage. See the section Changing Install Options later in

this chapter.

accessed from the control panel.

Changing Macro 1 and Macro 2 Options

The MACRO 1 and MACRO 2 functions allow you to use two sets of different print options according to your application software. You can easily switch between MACRO 1 and MACRO 2 in Normal mode as described in Chapter 3 Printing.

With the factory setting, MACRO 1 is invoked when you first turn the printer on. The Macro selection changed is permanently retained in the printer.

Select the same protocol on the printer as is selected in your software. If the protocols are not the same, the printer will not work correctly with your software. If you plan to use two different protocols on a regular basis, assign the most frequently used protocol to MACRO 1. Assign the second protocol to MACRO 2. All of the other settings available for MACRO 1 and MACRO 2 are optional. Some of the options and values will vary with the protocol.

To determine which features your software supports, refer to your software documentation. The following table describes the MACRO 1 and MACRO 2 options and values. Both

functions offer the same options and values. The options in the table are listed in the order in which they are printed. Not all options are defined for all protocols and some values vary with the protocol.

For the procedure for changing the MACRO 1 and MACRO 2 options, see the previous sections in this chapter.

4-14

Using Set-Up Mode

Macro 1 and Macro 2 Options List

Protocol .............................................................................................................................. 4-16

Serial ....................................................................................................................... 4-16

Parallel .................................................................................................................... 4-17

Font .................................................................................................................................... 4-17

Horizontal Pitch ................................................................................................................. 4-17

Vertical Pitch...................................................................................................................... 4-17

Form Length ...................................................................................................................... 4-18

Left Margin ........................................................................................................................ 4-18

Form Width (LA36W) ........................................................................................................ 4-18

Top-of-Form ....................................................................................................................... 4-18

Top Margin ........................................................................................................................ 4-18

Bottom Margin .................................................................................................................. 4-18

Line Mode ......................................................................................................................... 4-18

Paper Source ...................................................................................................................... 4-19

Print Direction ................................................................................................................... 4-19

DEC Defaults ..................................................................................................................... 4-20

DEC Printer ID ........................................................................................................... 4-20

Auto Wrap ................................................................................................................. 4-20

End of Transmission Disconnect .............................................................................. 4-20

Initialization Report.................................................................................................. 4-20

Automatic ANSWERBACK ....................................................................................... 4-20

ANSWERBACK on ENQ .......................................................................................... 4-20

DEC G0 Character Set ............................................................................................... 4-21

User Preference .......................................................................................................... 4-22

IBM & Epson Defaults....................................................................................................... 4-23

Default Character Set ................................................................................................ 4-23

IBM Defaults...................................................................................................................... 4-24

IBM Set 1/2 ............................................................................................................... 4-24

IBM Double Height................................................................................................... 4-24

IBM AGM .................................................................................................................. 4-24

Epson Defaults ................................................................................................................... 4-24

Epson Character Set .................................................................................................. 4-24

4-15

Using Set-Up Mode

MACRO 1 and MACRO 2 Options and Values

 Overprinted values are the factory settings.

 Some settings are overridden by commands from the computer.  Options that differ with protocols are described at the end of the table.

MACRO 1 and MACRO 2 Options Values Description

<PROTOCOL> Select the same protocol as is selected in your

software. See step 6 Connecting the Printer to Your Host System in the Installation Guide for information on selecting a protocol.

DEC PPL2 DEC PPL2 printers IBM PPX24  IBM Proprinter X24E printers (LA36N)

 IBM Proprinter XL24E printers (LA36W)

EPSON ESCP Epson printers using the ESC/P2 protocol AUTO Printer automatically senses the active protocol. This

is useful when you use various applications in a DOS or network environment and so you cannot determine the protocol. The efficiency of this function relies on the recognition of control sequences that are protocol specific. If such control sequences are not detected in the data string received, the printer may fail to determine the proper protocol, providing an unexpected result.

PORT DEPND Printer selects a protocol according to the active

interface (parallel or serial). See the next options.

4-16

<PRTCL SERL> Select a protocol for the serial interface. This is (Protocol Serial)

invalid and skipped when PORT DEPND is not selected for the <PROTOCOL> option.

DEC PPL2 DEC PPL2 printers (factory setting for Macro 1 and

Macro 2)

IBM PPX24  IBM Proprinter X24E printers (LA36N)

 IBM Proprinter XL24E printers (LA36W)

EPSON ESCP Epson printers using the ESC/P2 protocol

Using Set-Up Mode

MACRO 1 and

MACRO 2 Options Values Description

<PRTCL PARL> Select a protocol for the parallel interface. This is

(Protocol Parallel)

invalid and skipped when PORT DEPND is not selected for the <PROTOCOL> option.

DEC PPL2 DEC PPL2 printers IBM PPX24  IBM Proprinter X24E printers (LA36N)

 IBM Proprinter XL24E printers (LA36W) (Either is selected as factory setting for Macro 1.)

EPSON ESCP Epson printers using the ESC/P2 protocol (factory

setting for Macro 2)

<FONT> Select a font to be active when power is turned on.

For fixed-spaced fonts, be sure to change the horizontal pitch as well.

DRAFT Draft font (lower resolution than letter quality, 3

times letter quality speed)

HSDRAFT High-speed draft font (lower resolution than draft

quality, 3.3 times letter quality speed)

HI-IMPACT High-impact draft font (lower resolution than letter

quality, 1.5 times letter quality speed with high capability of copying)

PICA Pica 10 font COURIER Courier 10 font PRESTIGE Prestige 12 font COMPRESSED Compressed 17 font BOLDFACE Boldface PS font TIMELESS Timeless PS font NIMBUS-SAN Nimbus-Sans PS font OCR A OCR A 10 font OCR B OCR B 10 font

<HORZ PITCH> ## CPI 10, 12, 13.2, 15, 16.5, 17, 18, or 20

(Horizontal Pitch)

(characters per horizontal inch)

<VERT PITCH> ## LPI 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, or 12

(Vertical Pitch)

(lines per vertical inch)

## LPCM 1, 2, or 4

(lines per centimeter)

4-17

Using Set-Up Mode

MACRO 1 and MACRO 2 Options Values Description

<FORM LENGH> Specify the length of the page in inches or by the (Form Length)

<LEFT MARGN> Specify the left margin by the number of the left (Left Margin)

<FORM WIDTH> For LA36W only. Specify the physical right margin.

<TOP OF FRM> Specify the top of form in 1/60 inches. See Print

(Top-of-Form)

number of lines per page.

## INCHES 3, 3.5, 4, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 8.5, 11 (Letter size), 11 2/3 (A4

size), 12, 14, or 15

No of LINE 1 to 256 (66)

Number of lines per page

column (see Print Area Definition in Chapter 2 Paper Handling).

No of COLM 1 to 256

Number of the left column

8 IN 8-inch page width

13.2 IN 13.2-inch page width

13.6 IN 13.6-inch page width

Area Definition in Chapter 2 Paper Handling.

## /60 IN 0 to 99

Number of 1/60 inches

4-18

<TOP MRGN> Specify the number of the top line. See Print Area (Top Margin)

Definition in Chapter 2 Paper Handling.

## LINES 1 to 256

Number of the top line

<BOTTOM MRG> Specify the number of the bottom line. See Print (Bottom Margin)

Area Definition in Chapter 2 Paper Handling.

## LINES 1 to 256 (66)

Number of the bottom line

<LINE MODE> Specify the effect of LF (Line Feed) and CR (Carriage

Return) codes.

LF=LFCR=CR

LF=LF+CR CR=LF+CR LFCR=LF+CR

CR=CR: No line feed is added to a carriage return.

To be continued

Using Set-Up Mode

MACRO 1 and

MACRO 2 Options Values Description

Continued CR=LF+CR: A line feed is added to each carriage

return.

LF=LF: No carriage return is added to a line feed.

LF=LF+CR: A carriage return is added to each line feed.

<PAPER SRC> Specify the paper input source. This setting is valid

(Paper Source)

immediately after powering on. After that, the paper source follows the setting of the paper select lever.

TRACTOR Continuous forms selected

MANUAL Single sheets selected RSVD 1 Reserved RSVD 2 Reserved RSVD 1/2 Reserved

<PRINT DIR> UNIDIR Unidirectional printing. Unidirectional printing is

(Print Direction)

used for the printing that needs the precise vertical alignment. Unidirectional printing is slower than bidirectional printing.

BIDIR Bidirectional printing. The printer prints in either

direction while seeking the next print direction for a shorter print time. The unidirectional command is ignored.

SOFT CNTRL The print direction follows a command from the

(Software Control)

computer. If no command is sent, print direction is bidirectional.

4-19

Using Set-Up Mode

MACRO 1 and MACRO 2 Options Values Description

=DEC DEFLTS========= The following are the Set-Up options for DEC PPL2 (DEC Defaults)

<DEC PRT ID> Specify the printer ID to be given in response to DA (DEC Printer ID)

<AUTO WRAP> TRUNCATE Characters are received but not stored in the print

protocol only.

commands from the computer.

LA50 ID LA120 ID LA210 ID

buffer.

WRAP End-of-line wrap. Causes a Carriage Return plus a

Line Feed.

<EOT DISCON> Specify whether the DSR signal is controlled by the

EOT character. (DEC-423 serial interface only)

(End of Transmission Disconnect)

NO DISCON EOT character is ignored. DISCONNECT DTR signal turns low for five seconds when the EOT

character is detected.

<INIT REPRT> Specify whether the status is sent to the computer

when the printer is turned on. (DEC-423 serial

(Initialization Report)

NO Status is not sent.

interface only)

YES Status is sent.

<AUTO ANSBK> Specify whether the ANSWERBACK message is sent

to the computer when printer is turned on.

(Automatic ANSWERBACK)

NO ANSWERBACK message is not sent.

YES ANSWERBACK message is sent.

<ANSWER ENQ> Specify whether the ANSWERBACK message is sent

to the computer when printer receives an ENQ code.

(ANSWERBACK on ENQ)

NO ANSWERBACK message is not sent. YES ANSWERBACK message is sent.

4-20

Using Set-Up Mode

MACRO 1 and

MACRO 2 Options Values Description

<DEC G0 CST> Select a character set (language) for the G0.

(DEC G0 Character Set)

US ASCII American English

BRITISH British English D-FINNISH DEC Finnish FRENCH French D-FRENCH-C DEC French-Canada GERMAN German I-ITALIAN ISO Italian J-ROMAN JIS Roman D-NORW/DAN DEC Norwegian/Danish I-SPANISH ISO Spanish D-SWEDISH DEC Swedish NORW/DAN Norwegian/Danish D-DUTCH DEC Dutch D-SWISS DEC Swiss D-PORTGU DEC Portuguese LEGAL Legal D-SUPPL DEC Supplemental D-GRAPHICS DEC Special Graphics D-TECH DEC Technical D-7 HEBREW DEC 7-bit Hebrew D-HEBREW-S DEC Hebrew Supplement D-GREEK-S DEC Greek Supplement D-7 TURKI DEC 7-bit Turkish D-TURKI-S DEC Turkish Supplement J-KATAKANA JIS Katakana

4-21

Using Set-Up Mode

MACRO 1 and MACRO 2 Options Values Description

<USER PREF> Select a character set (language) for the DEC User

(User Preference)

Preference supplement.

D-SUPPL DEC Supplemental

D-GRAPHICS DEC Special Graphics D-TECH DEC Technical D-7 HEBREW DEC 7-bit Hebrew D-HEBREW-S DEC Hebrew Supplement D-GREEK-S DEC Greek Supplement D-7 TURKI DEC 7-bit Turkish D-TURKI-S DEC Turkish Supplement J-KATAKANA JIS Katakana I-LATIN 1 ISO Latin 1 I-LATIN 2 ISO Latin 2 I-LATIN 5 ISO Latin 5 I-LATIN 9 ISO Latin 9 I-LATIN HB ISO Latin Hebrew I-LATIN GK ISO Latin Greek I-CYRILLIC ISO Cyrillic

4-22

Using Set-Up Mode

MACRO 1 and MACRO 2 Options Values Description

=IBM&EPSON ========= The following are the Set-Up options common to IBM

Proprinter X24E and XL24E protocol and Epson ESC/ P2 protocol.

<DEFLT SET> Select a basic code page. (Default Character

Set)

CP 210 CodePage 210 CP 220 CodePage 220

CP 437 CodePage 437

CP 850 CodePage 850 CP 851 CodePage 851 CP 852 CodePage 852 CP 857 CodePage 857 CP 858 CodePage 858 CP 860 CodePage 860 CP 862 CodePage 862 CP 863 CodePage 863 CP 865 CodePage 865 CP 866 CodePage 866 CP DHN CodePage DHN TURKEY Turkish ECMA 94 ECMA 94 ISO LATIN1 ISO Latin 1 ISO LATIN2 ISO Latin 2 ISO LATIN9 ISO Latin 9 HUNGARY Hungarian SLOVENY Slovenian POLAND Polish MAZOWIA Mazowian KAMENIC Kamenicky CYRILLIC Cyrillic ELOT927 ELOT 927 ELOT928 ELOT 928 LTN POLISH Latin Polish LITHUANY 1 Lithuanian 1 LITHUANY 2 Lithuanian 2 MIK MACEDONIAN Macedonian

4-23

Using Set-Up Mode

MACRO 1 and MACRO 2 Options Values Description

=IBM DEFLTS========= The following are the Set-Up options for the IBM (IBM Defaults)

<I-SET 1/2> Specify a character set of the IBM Proprinter X24E or (IBM Set 1/2)

<I-DBL HIGT> Specify whether the character height is doubled. If (IBM Double Height)

<IBM AGM> Specify whether the Alternate Graphics Mode (AGM)

=EPSON DFLT========= The following are the Set-Up options for the Epson

(Epson Defaults) <E-CHR SET> Select a national character set.

(Epson Character Set)

Proprinter X24E or XL24E protocol only.

XL24E.

IBM SET 1 IBM character set 1 IBM SET 2 IBM character set 2

specified, change the vertical pitch also.

NO Standard character height YES Double character height

is used, that is, the printer is compatible with the IBM Graphics printers.

NO The base of line spacing is 1/72 inch or 1/216 inch. YES The base of line spacing is 1/60 inch or 1/180 inch.

ESC/P2 protocol only.

USA American English

FRANCE French GERMANY German UK British English DENMARK1 Danish 1 SWEDEN Swedish ITALY Italian SPAIN 1 Spanish 1 JAPAN Japanese NORWAY Norwegian DENMARK2 Danish 2 SPAIN 2 Spanish 2 LATIN AM Latin American

KOREA Korea LEGAL Legal

4-24

Using Set-Up Mode

Changing Install Options

The INSTALL function defines the printers installation conditions. You can select a language from five that are used to print menu functions and options during the Set-Up operation . You can adjust the start timing of auto loading or auto tear-off feeding. You can also change the operation of the error beep or allocation of the input buffer. If you are using the DEC-423 serial interface, you must set the serial interface options properly for the printer to function correctly with your system hardware.

The following table describes the INSTALL options and values . Options are listed in the order in which they are printed. For the procedure for changing the INSTALL options, see the early sections of this chapter.

Install Options List

Language ............................................................................................................................ 4-26

Tear ..................................................................................................................................... 4-26

Single Sheet Load .............................................................................................................. 4-26

Error Beep .......................................................................................................................... 4-26

Buffer ................................................................................................................................. 4-27

Interface Type .................................................................................................................... 4-27

Auto Switch ....................................................................................................................... 4-27

Baud Rate ........................................................................................................................... 4-28

Bit & Parity ........................................................................................................................ 4-28

Buffer Control .................................................................................................................... 4-28

Disconnect on Fault ........................................................................................................... 4-28

4-25

Using Set-Up Mode

INSTALL Options and Values

 Overprinted values are the factory settings.

INSTALL

Options Values Description

<LANGUAGE> Specify a language to be used to print the Set-Up

ENGLISH English

DEUTSCH German ESPANOL Spanish FRANCAIS French ITALIANO Italian

<TEAR> Specify the (auto) start timing of tear off feeding.

AUTO 1 SEC 1 second after data stops from the computer.

AUTO 2 SEC 2 seconds after data stops from the computer. AUTO 3 SEC 3 seconds after data stops from the computer. AUTO 4 SEC 4 seconds after data stops from the computer. AUTO 5 SEC 5 seconds after data stops from the computer. MANUAL Feed the paper for tear-off when the Pause button is

NO TEAR Tear off feeding is inhibited under any conditions.

menu functions and options.

pressed.

Specify this setting for labels that tend to peel off during backward feeding.

4-26

<S-SHEET LD> Specify the (auto) start timing of single sheet loading. (Single Sheet

Load)

AUTO 1 SEC 1 second after a single sheet is set on the platen. AUTO 2 SEC 2 seconds after a single sheet is set on the platen.

AUTO 3 SEC 3 seconds after a single sheet is set on the platen. AUTO 4 SEC 4 seconds after a single sheet is set on the platen. AUTO 5 SEC 5 seconds after a single sheet is set on the platen. MANUAL Load a single sheet when the FF/Load button is

pressed.

<ERROR BEEP> Enable or disable the printer status buzzer when a

fault condition occurs.

ONE One beep for a period of about 500 ms

CONTINUOUS Buzzer on until the fault condition is cleared. OFF Buzzer off under any condition.

INSTALL

Options Values Description

Using Set-Up Mode

Assign buffer memory as the input buffer.

2 KBYTE 2K bytes 8 KBYTE 8K bytes 16 KBYTE 16K bytes 32 KBYTE 32K bytes

64 KBYTE 64K bytes

Note: The larger the input buffer selected, the smaller the

download buffer reduced. Even with 64K bytes of input buffer, a minimal download buffer is provided. If you need a larger capacity for downloading fonts, reduce the input buffer.

<I/F TYPE> Select the type of interface to the computer.

(Interface Type)

PARALLEL Centronics parallel interface SERIAL DEC-423 serial interface

AUTO Both interfaces are ready for communication. The

printer communicates with the interface from which it first receives data. The interface is active until the input buffer becomes empty.

<AUTO SW> Specify the timing of regarding the selected protocol

(Auto Switch)

or interface as being inactive when AUTO is specified in the <PROTOCOL> or <I/F TYPE> option.

2 SEC 2 seconds elapsed after data stops from the computer.

4 SEC 4 seconds elapsed after data stops from the computer. 6 SEC 6 seconds elapsed after data stops from the computer. 8 SEC 8 seconds elapsed after data stops from the computer. 10 SEC 10 seconds elapsed after data stops from the computer. 12 SEC 12 seconds elapsed after data stops from the computer. 14 SEC 14 seconds elapsed after data stops from the computer. 16 SEC 16 seconds elapsed after data stops from the

computer.

18 SEC 18 seconds elapsed after data stops from the

computer.

20 SEC 20 seconds elapsed after data stops from the

computer.

4-27

Using Set-Up Mode

INSTALL

Options Values Description

<BAUD RATE> Setting of data transmission speed for DEC-423. The

<BIT&PARITY> Setting of data format for DEC-423.

baud rate is in bps (bits per second). Select the same baud rate as that used by your computer or modem.

600 BPS 1200 BPS 2400 BPS 4800 BPS

9600 BPS

19200 BPS

Number of data bits Parity bit

7 EVEN 7 Even 7 ODD 7Odd 7 SPACE 7 Space * 7 MARK 7 Mark * 8 EVEN 8 Even 8 ODD 8Odd

8 NONE 8 None

* The mark is logical 1. The space is logical 0.

4-28

(Buffer Control)

DTR The Data Terminal Ready signal is used.

Setting of data transmission buffer control for DEC-423.

XON/XOF The DC1 and DC3 codes are used.

<DISC FAULT> Specify the disconnect control of the interface when a

(Disconnect on Fault)

NO DTR is kept as it was.

fault condition occurs.

DROP DTR DTR is turned low and fixed. PULSE DTR DTR is turned low for five seconds and returned to

the original state.

Using Set-Up Mode

Adjusting Top-of-Form Origin

Print positions often change gradually when you use the printer over long periods of time. The ADJUST function allows you to adjust these positions by fine-tuning the Top-of-Form origin.

The following table describes the ADJUST options and values. Options are listed in the order they are printed.

ADJUST Options and Values

 Overprinted values are the factory settings.

ADJUST

Options Values Description

<FNFOLD ADJ> Adjust the Top-of-Form origin for

(Fanfold Adjustment)

(Manual Adjustment)

<MNUAL ADJ> Adjust the Top-of-Form origin for

###/60 IN -10 to 10 (0)

continuous forms in increments of 1/60 inch (0.42mm) from the physical top of the page.

Number of 1/60 inches

single sheets in increments of 1/60 inch (0.42mm) from the physical top of the page.

Number of 1/60 inches

<RESVD 1> Reserved <RESVD 2> Reserved

4-29

Using Set-Up Mode

Changing Menu Access Options

You can restrict the access to the Set-Up functions to avoid accidentally changing the SetUp options.

MENU ACCESS Option and Values

 Overprinted values are the factory settings.

MENU ACCESS

Option Values Description

<MENU-ACCES> Specify the type of access to the Set-Up functions

from the control panel or from the <FUNCTIONS> menu.

ALL FUNC All functions are accessible. MACRO ONLY Only MACRO 1 and MACRO 2 functions are accessible

from the <FUNCTIONS> menu.

NO ACCESS Set-Up mode is inaccessible. NO PANEL Font, Macro, and Protocol buttons are disabled even

in Normal mode. Set-Up mode is also inaccessible.

Note: You can return to the All Functions Accessible mode by turning the printer on while pressing the Park,

and FF/Load buttons at the same time. The

printer enters the Set-Up mode with this operation.

Exiting and Saving

This section describes how to exit the set up mode while saving any changes you have made.

To exit the Set-Up mode with the settings saved, select the SAVE&EXIT function and press the button or the button.

Any settings changed while in the Set-Up mode are saved as the new power-on defaults for the printer. The new defaults remain active until you change them again.

Caution: To temporarily use your changes, press the Set-Up/Quit button. These changes

are lost at the next power-off.

4-30

Using Set-Up Mode

Recalling Factory Settings

Factory settings are those settings preselected at the factory. To recall (reset) the factory settings, select the RCALL-FACT function and press the button or the button.

Options under the MACRO, INSTALL, and ADJUST functions are all initialized to the factory settings.

Using the Diagnostic Functions

The TESTS function allows you to diagnose the printer with the following two functions:  PRINT-T (printing test)  HEX-DUMP (hex dump)

These functions are used for checking print quality and diagnosing printer problems. Hex dump also provides useful information for programmers. There are two other options in the TESTS function, but they are for service personnel only.

Printing Test

The printing test function prints test pages independently of your computer to check printing operations and quality. It does not check the interface between the computer and the printer.

The printing test prints all of the characters available in the ASCII character set. For color printers having a color ribbon, printing occurs in four colors.

To start the printing test, make sure that continuous forms paper is loaded into the printer. Enter the Set-Up mode and follow these steps:

1. Start the printing test (select the PRINT-T option).

Check that the red cursor stands under PRINT-T, and then press the button or the button. The printer selects (underlines) PRINT-T and starts printing. A short help menu is printed at the top of the page. Note that the printer is not ready for the computer during printing test.

2. Exit the printing test.

Exit the printing test in either of the following ways after printing a dozen of lines:  To exit the printing test and return to the <TESTS> menu, press the button or

the button.

 To exit the printing test and return to the <FUNCTIONS> menu, press the Exit/Save

button.

 To exit the printing test and return to the Normal mode (ready), press the Set-Up/Quit

button. The printer temporarily saves any changes made while in the Set-Up mode

and returns to the Ready state.

3. Examine the test page.

A sample test page is shown in step 5 Testing the Printer of the Installation Guide.

4-31

Using Set-Up Mode

Hex Dump Mode

The Hex Dump mode prints data and commands in hexadecimal characters and abbreviated control codes. The ASCII characters are used for printing. No characters are printed for hexadecimal codes 80 to FF. The Hex Dump mode is useful for checking whether your computer is sending the correct commands to the printer and whether the printer is executing the commands correctly. It is also useful for debugging software programs.

To start the Hex Dump mode, make sure that continuous forms paper is loaded into the printer. Enter the Set-Up mode and follow these steps:

1. Start the Hex Dump mode (select the HEX-DUMP option).

Repeatedly press the button to position the red cursor under HEX-DUMP, and then press the button or the button. The printer selects (underlines) HEX-DUMP, goes ready and prints a header at the top of the page.

Note: You cannot switch back to Set-Up mode from Hex Dump mode. Do not change

any value before entering Hex Dump mode, because your changes will be lost.

2. Print the hex dump.

To start hex dump printing, send your file or program to the printer. The printer goes online and prints the hex dump.

Press the Pause button to pause and resume printing in Hex Dump mode. To resume hex dump printing, press the Pause button again.

To print another hex dump, send another file to the printer.

3. Exit the Hex Dump mode

Turn the printer off to exit the Hex Dump mode.

Caution: If you changed any settings in Set-Up mode before starting Hex Dump mode,

these changes are lost.

4-32

Sample Hex Dump

Using Set-Up Mode

4-33

Using Set-Up Mode

Set-Up Mode Quick Reference

The following flowchart shows how the Set-Up mode is organized.

Note: Asterisks (*) indicate factory settings.

SETUP MODE

MACRO1 MACRO2

DEC PPL2

PROTOCOL:

IBM PPX24 EPSON ESCP AUTO PORT DEPND*

FORM LENGH:

3 INCHES

3.5 INCHES 4 INCHES

5.5 INCHES 6 INCHES 7 INCHES 8 INCHES

8.5 INCHES 11 INCHES* 11 2/3INCH 12 INCHES 14 INCHES 15 INCHES 1 LINES

•

• 256 LINES

DEC PRT ID: PPL2*

LA50 ID LA120 ID LA210 ID

DEC DEFLTS DEC DEFLTS DEC DEFLTS DEC DEFLTS DEC DEFLTS DEC DEFLTS

LEFT MARGN: 1 COL*

AUTO WRAP: TRUNCATE

DEC PPL2*

PRTCL SERL:

IBM PPX24 EPSON ESCP

Valid when PORT DEPND is selected for PROTOCOL.

2 COL 3 COL 4 COL

•

• 255 COL 256 COL

WRAP*

FORM WIDTH:

Appears in LA30W only.

DEC PPL2

PRTCL PARL:

IBM PPX24* EPSON ESCP**

Valid when PORT DEPND is selected for PROTOCOL. ** Default for Macro 2

8 IN

13.2 IN

13.6 IN*

EOT DISCON:NO DISCON*

DISCONNECT

FONT: DRAFT*

HSDRAFT HI-IMPACT PICA COURIER PRESTIGE COMPRESSED BOLDFACE TIMELESS NIMBUS-SAN OCR A OCR B

TOP OF FRM: 0 /60 IN*

1 /60 IN 2 /60 IN

•

99/60 IN

LINE MODE: LF=LFCR=CR*

LF=LF+CR CR=LF+CR LFCR=LF+CR

INIT REPRT:NO*

HORZ PITCH:

TOP MRGN: 1 LINES*

PAPER SRC: TRACTOR*

YES

2 LINES 3 LINES

•

256 LINES

MANUAL RESVD 1 RESVD 2

AUTO ANSBK:NO*

10 CPI* 12 CPI

13.2 CPI 15 CPI

16.5 CPI 17 CPI 18 CPI 20 CPI

BOTTOM MRG: 1 LINES*

PRINT DIR: UNIDIR

YES

VERT PITCH:

ANSWER ENQ:NO*

2 LPI 3 LPI 4 LPI 6 LPI* 8 LPI 12 LPI 1 LPCM 2 LPCM 4 LPCM

2 LINES 3 LINES

•

256 LINES

BIDIR SOFT CNTRL*

YES

4-34

SETUP MODE

Using Set-Up Mode

FUNCTIONS

OPTIONS&VALUES

Exit/Save

PRINT INSTALL ADJUST TESTS

DEUTSCH ESPANOL FRANCAIS ITALIANO

I/F TYPE: PARALLEL

SERIAL AUTO*

DEC G0 CST: US ASCII*

DEC DEFLTS DEC DEFLTS

BRITISH D-FINNISH FRENCH D-FRENCH-C GERMAN I-ITALIAN J-ROMAN D-NORW/DAN I-SPANISH D-SWEDISH NORW/DAN D-DUTCH D-SWISS D-PORTGU LEGAL

AUTO SW: 2 SEC*

4 SEC 6 SEC : : 18 SEC 20 SEC

D-SUPPL D-GRAPHICS D-TECH D-7 HEBREW D-HEBREW-S D-GREEK-S D-7 TURKI D-TURKI-S J-KATAKANA

or or Select function.

Select value, print next option. Select value, print previous option

PRINT-T HEX-DUMP SERIAL-T PARALLEL-T

FNFOLD ADJ: -10 /60 IN

➤

: 0 /60 IN* : 10 /60 IN

TEAR:LANGUAGE: ENGLISH*

AUTO 2 SEC AUTO 3 SEC AUTO 4 SEC AUTO 5 SEC MANUAL NO TEAR

1200 BPS 2400 BPS 4800 BPS 9600 BPS* 19200 BPS

USER PREF: D-SUPPL*

D-GRAPHICS D-TECH D-7 HEBREW D-HEBREW-S D-GREEK-S D-7 TURKI D-TURKI-S J-KATAKANA I-LATIN 1 I-LATIN 2 I-LATIN 5 I-LATIN 9 I-LATIN HB I-LATIN GK I-CYRILLIC

Move the cursor on the print head.

RCALL-FACT

MNUAL ADJ: -10 /60 IN

S-SHEET LD:AUTO 1 SEC*

MENU-ACCES SAVE&EXIT

ALL FUNC* MACRO ONLY NO ACCESS NO PANEL

: 0 /60 IN* : 10 /60 IN

AUTO 2 SEC* AUTO 3 SEC AUTO 4 SEC AUTO 5 SEC MANUAL

➤

BIT&PARITY:BAUD RATE: 600 BPS

7 EVEN 7 ODD 7 SPACE 7 MARK 8 EVEN 8 ODD 8 NONE*

DEFLT SET: CP 210

IBM&EPSON

CP 220 CP 437 * CP 850 CP 851 CP 852 CP 857 CP 858 CP 860 CP 862 CP 863 CP 865 CP 866

RSVD 1 RSVD 2

ERROR BEEP:AUTO 1 SEC

BUFFER CTL:

CP DHN TURKEY ECMA 94 ISO LATIN1 ISO LATIN2 HUNGARY SLOVENY ISO LATIN9 POLAND MAZOWIA KAMENIC CYRILLIC ELOT927

ONE* CONTINUOUS OFF

DTR XON/XOFF*

ELOT928 LTN POLISH LITHUANY 1 LITHUANY 2 MIK MACEDONIAN

BUFFER: 2 KBYTE

DISC FAULT:

8 KBYTE 16 KBYTE 32 KBYTE 64 KBYTE*

NO* DROP DTR PULSE DTR

➤

I-SET 1/2: IBM SET 1 *

IBM SET 2

IBM DEFLTS IBM DEFLTS IBM DEFLTS

I-DBL HIGT: NO *

YES

IBM AGM: NO *

YES

E-CHR SET: USA *

EPSON DFLT

FRANCE GERMANY UK DENMARK 1 SWEDEN ITALY SPAIN 1

JAPAN NORWAY DENMARK 2 SPAIN 2 LATIN AM KOREA LEGAL

4-35

Using Set-Up Mode

4-36

Maintenance

Your printer requires very little care. Occasional cleaning and replacement of the ribbon cartridge are all that is required.

Lubrication of the printer is not usually necessary. If the print head carriage does not move smoothly back and forth, clean the printer in the manner described in this chapter. If the problem continues, contact your dealer to determine whether lubrication may be necessary.

Cleaning

The front and back covers and the acoustic cover of the printer help protect it against dust, dirt, and other contaminants. However, paper produces small particles that accumulate inside the printer. This section explains how to clean and vacuum the printer and how to clean the platen and paper bail rollers.

Maintenance

It is easier to clean the printer when the front cover, the cut sheet stand, and back cover are removed.

Cleaning and Vacuuming the Printer

If the print head carriage does not move smoothly back and forth or paper particles have accumulated in the printer, clean the printer.

Warning: To avoid any possibility of injury, before cleaning the printer, turn off the power to

both the printer and the computer, and unplug the printer.

To clean and vacuum the printer:

1. Remove any paper from the printer. Make sure that the power is off, and then disconnect the printer power cord.

2. Using a soft vacuum brush, vacuum the exterior of the printer. Be sure to vacuum the air vents at the front, left sides, and bottom of the printer. Also vacuum the cut sheet stand.

3. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the exterior of the printer, including the covers. A mild detergent may be used.

Warning: Do not use solvents, kerosene, or abrasive cleaning materials that may damage

the printer.

5-1

Maintenance

4. Open the front cover of the printer and remove the ribbon cartridge. Using a soft vacuum brush, gently vacuum the platen, the print head carriage and shaft, and surrounding areas. You can easily slide the print head to the left or right when the power is off. Be careful not to press too hard on the flat ribbon cable 1 that extends from the print head carriage.

Printer Interior

5. Re-install the ribbon cartridge. Close the front cover.

6. Open the top cover. Vacuum the inside of the top cover, the bail rollers, the cut sheet entry behind the platen, and surrounding areas.

7. Raise the cut sheet stand together with the back cover. Vacuum the forms tractors and surrounding areas.

Cleaning the Platen and Paper Bail Rollers

Clean the platen and paper bail rollers about once a month or if stains or smudges appear on the paper. Use alcohol or water., as appropriate.

WARNING Do not use alcohol to clean the platen. Alcohol may cause the rubber to harden.

To clean the platen and the bail rollers:

1. Apply a small amount of alcohol or water to a soft cloth. Avoid spilling alcohol or water inside the printer.

5-2

2. Place the cloth against the platen and manually rotate the platen knob.

3. To dry the platen, place a dry cloth against the platen and manually rotate the platen

knob.

4. Gently wipe the paper bail rollers using the cloth moistened with alcohol or water. Dry

the rollers using a dry cloth.

Cleaning the Print Head

If the paper is smudged or stained by ink, clean the nose of the print head with a dry cloth. For removing and installing the print head, see the section Replacing the Print Head later in this chapter.

Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge

If printing is too light because of ribbon wear, replace the ribbon cartridge. Appendix A lists the order number for the ribbon cartridge.

The replacement is almost the same with the installation except that it involves removing the old ribbon cartridge and unpacking the purchased ribbon cartridge from the carton. The installation of the ribbon cartridge is detailed in the section Installing the Ribbon Cartridge in step 3 of the Installation Guide. This section describes only the removal of the old ribbon cartridge.

Maintenance

5-3

Maintenance

To remove the ribbon cartridge:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Open the front cover. For easy removal, slide the print head carriage between the second and the third bail rollers (from left to right).

Warning: The print head may be hot if you have been printing recently.

3. Move the paper thickness lever 1 located on the top right of the printer to position D.

4. To remove the ribbon cartridge, press the ribbon release levers 2 located on the sides of the cartridge and carefully lift the cartridge out of the printer.

Removing the Ribbon Cartridge

5. Remove the new ribbon cartridge from its package and install.

5-4

Replacing the Print Head

If a specific dot is not printed for all characters, replace the print head.

Warning: The print head may be hot if you have been printing recently.

To remove the print head:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Open the front cover and remove the ribbon cartridge.

3. Pull the right end of the head lock wire 1 forward to release it from the hook at the right of the print head carriage. Then release the wire from the center hook.

4. Lift the print head to remove it from the connector on the carriage.

Maintenance

Removing the Print Head

To install the print head:

1. Carefully fit the mounting guide grooves of the print head on the locating studs on the carriage.

2. Push the print head into the connector and hook the wire into place in the reverse order of removal.

5-5

Maintenance

5-6

Trouble-Shooting

Your printer is extremely reliable, but occasional problems may occur. You can solve many of these problems yourself, using this chapter. If you encounter problems that you cannot resolve, contact your dealer for assistance.

This chapter is organized as follows:

 Solving problems  Diagnostic functions  Returning the printer for maintenance  Contacting your Compaq Customer Support Center

Solving problems

The tables in this section describe common printer problems and their solutions. The following types of problems are considered:

 Print quality problems  Paper handling problems  Operating problems  Printer failure

Print Quality Problems and Solutions

Poor print quality or other printing problems are often caused by incorrect printer set-up or incorrect software settings. A gradual decrease in print quality usually indicates a worn ribbon. The following table identifies common print quality problems and suggests solutions.

6-1

Trouble-Shooting

Problem Solution

Printing is too light or too dark. Make sure that the ribbon cartridge is properly

installed and that the ribbon feeds smoothly. Make sure that the paper thickness lever is set for the

thickness of your paper. See the Paper Thickness Lever Settings table in Chapter 2, page 2-11.

Check ribbon wear. Replace the ribbon if necessary.

Stains or smudges appear on the page.

Make sure that the paper thickness lever is set for the thickness of your paper. See the Paper Thickness Lever Settings table in Chapter 2, page 2-11.

Check ribbon wear. Replace the ribbon if necessary. Check whether the tip of the print head is dirty.

Clean the head with a soft cloth if necessary. For removing the print head, see the section Replacing the Print Head in Chapter 5, page 5-5.

The page is blank. Make sure that the ribbon cartridge is properly

installed. See the section Installing the Ribbon Cartridge in step 3 of the Installation Guide, on page 1-8.

Printing is erratic or the wrong characters are printed. Many ? or unexpected characters are printed.

Make sure that the interface cable is securely connected to both the printer and computer.

Make sure that the printer protocol selected in your software is the same as the protocol selected on the printer. See step 6 Connecting the Printer to Your Host System on page1-17 of the Installation Guide.

If you are using an DEC-423 serial interface, make sure that the serial settings required by your software or computer are the same as the settings on the printer. See the section Changing Install Options in Chapter 4, page 4-26.

If the PROTOCOL option is set to AUTO, the printer may not detect the proper protocol. Force this option according to your need. See the section Changing Macro 1 and Macro 2 Options in Chapter 4, page 4-16.

6-2

Printing is vertically misaligned (jagged).

Use the printer's vertical alignment function to check the vertical print alignment. If necessary, adjust the print alignment. See the section Checking Vertical Alignment in this chapter, page 6-7.

Trouble-Shooting

Problem Solution

The top margin is wrong. The top margin is the sum of the printers top-of-form

setting, the software-specified top margin, and the printers TOP-MRGN setting. Proceed as follows:

 Make sure that the top-of-form setting is correct.

The factory default is 0 mm (0 inch). See the section Changing Top of Form Origin in Chapter 4, page 4-29.

 Check the software-specified top margin. Refer to

your software documentation.

 Check the printers TOP-MRGN setting. See the

section Changing Macro1 and Macro2 Options in Chapter 4, page 4-18.

Lines are double spaced instead of

single spaced.

Check the line spacing setting in your software. Change the LINE MODE setting in the printer Set-Up

mode to LF=LFCR=CR. See the section Changing Macro1 and Macro2 Options in Chapter 4, pages 4-18 and 4-19.

The printer overprints on the same

line.

Change the LINE MODE setting in the printer Set-Up mode to CR=LF+CR. See the section Changing Macro1 and Macro2 Options in Chapter 4, pages 4-18 and 4-19.

The next print line starts where the previous line ended instead of at the left margin.

Change the LINE MODE setting in the printer Set-Up mode to LF=LF+CR. See the section Changing Macro1 and Macro2 Options in Chapter 4, pages 4-18 and 4-19.

The printer overprints on the same line while the next print line starts where the previous line ended instead of at the left margin.

Change the LINE MODE setting in the printer Set-Up mode to LFCR=LF+CR. See the section Changing Macro1 and Macro2 Options in Chapter 4, pages 4-18 and 4-19.

6-3

Trouble-Shooting

Paper Handling Problems and Solutions

The following table describes common paper handling problems and suggests solutions. See Chapter 2 Paper Handling for detailed procedures on loading and using paper.

Problem Solution

Paper cannot be loaded or fed. Make sure that the paper select lever located on the

top left of the printer is set correctly. Move the lever backward for continuous forms or forward for single sheets.

Make sure that the paper covers the paper-out sensor, i.e., the left paper edge is within 52 mm for single sheets or 41 mm for continuous forms from the left edge of the platen. (This problem cannot occur if you use the forms tractor unit or insert a single sheet with its left edge in contact with the left paper guide.)

Make sure that the tractor unit is correctly installed and that the tractor shaft gear engages the platen shaft gear. If you are using the tractor unit for rear feeding, open the front cover and make sure that the second stud from the left on the printer bottom frame projects outward.

Paper jams while loading. Turn off the printer and remove the jammed paper.

Remove any obstructions from the paper path. Make sure that the paper thickness lever is set for the

thickness of your paper. See the table Paper Thickness Lever Settings in Chapter 2, page 2-11.

Make sure that the paper is not folded, creased, or torn.

Make sure that the left and right tractors are set so that the continuous forms are stretched taut. See the section Using Continuous Forms in Chapter 2, page2-14.

Paper jams while printing. Turn off the printer and remove the jammed paper.

Remove any obstructions from the paper path. Make sure that the paper thickness lever is set for the

thickness of your paper. See the table Paper Thickness Lever Settings in Chapter 2, page 2-11.

For continuous forms, make sure that the incoming and outgoing paper stacks are correctly placed. Paper should feed straight. See the subsection Positioning the Paper Stack in Chapter 2, page 2-15.

6-4

Compaq LA36 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

Paper Handling

Printing

Using Set-Up Mode

Maintenance

Trouble-Shooting