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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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+ 166 hidden pages

Compaq LA36 User Manual

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

Paper Handling