Compaq P5000 User Manual

Setup Guide

The Printronix P5000 series with DEC LG Emulation

Setup Guide

172292-001, Rev B

Trademark Acknowledgments

ANSI is a registered trademark of American National Standards Institute, Inc.

Code V is a trademark of Quality Micro Systems.

Chatillon is a trademark of John Chatillon & Sons, Inc.

ENERGY STAR

Environmental Protection Agency. As an Printronix has determined that this product meets the guidelines for energy efficiency.

Ethernet is a trademark of Xerox Corporation.

IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

IGP is a registered trademark of Printronix, Inc.

Intelligent Printer Data Stream and IPDS are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.

LinePrinter Plus is a registered trademark of Printronix, Inc.

MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

PC-DOS is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

PGL is a registered trademark of Printronix, Inc.

PrintNet is a registered trademark of Printronix, Inc.

Printronix is a registered trademark of Printronix, Inc.

PSA is a trademark of Printronix, Inc.

QMS is a registered trademark of Quality Micro Systems.

RibbonMinder is a trademark of Printronix, Inc.

SureStak is a trademark of Printronix, Inc.

Thermaline is a registered trademark of Printronix, Inc.

Torx is a registered trademark of Camcar/Textron Inc.

Utica is a registered trademark of Cooper Power Tools.

Printronix, Inc. makes no representations or warranties of any kind regarding this material, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Printronix, Inc. shall not be held responsible for errors contained herein or any omissions from this material or for any damages, whether direct, indirect, incidental or consequential, in connection with the furnishing, distribution, performance or use of this material. The information in this manual is subject to change without notice.

This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. No part of this document may be reproduced, copied, translated or incorporated in any other material in any form or by any means, whether manual, graphic, electronic, mechanical or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Printronix, Inc.

Use of the term “LG Emulation” is to indicate compatibility with products from Digital Equipment Corporation. No claim of affiliation with Digital Equipment Corporation or Compaq Computer Corporation is made.

COPYRIGHT © 2000, 2002 PRINTRONIX, INC.

is a registered trademark of the United States

ENERGY STAR

Partner,

ENERGY STAR

Table of Contents

1 Overview............................................................... 9

About This Guide ................................................................................... 9

Warnings and Special Information .................................................. 9

Printing Conventions in This Guide ................................................. 9

Related Documents......................................................................... 9

The P5000 series with DEC LG Emulation Printer Family................... 10

Printer Emulations ......................................................................... 11

Host Computer Interfaces ............................................................. 11

Graphics Enhancement Option ..................................................... 13

Taking Care of Your Printer........................................................... 13

LinePrinter Plus Features.............................................................. 13

Protocols and Emulations ............................................................. 14

Line Matrix Printing ....................................................................... 15

Printing Speed............................................................................... 16

2 Setting Up the Printer ......................................... 17

Before You Begin................................................................................. 17

Power Requirements..................................................................... 17

Select a Site .................................................................................. 17

Printer Component Locations........................................................ 20

Remove the Shipping Restraints (Cabinet Model)............................... 21

Remove the Cardboard Packing ................................................... 21

Remove the Hammer Bank Protective Foam and Foam Strips .... 22

Remove the Platen Protective Foam............................................. 23

Adjust the Paper Supports ............................................................ 24

Release the Paper Chains ............................................................ 25

Remove the Tags .......................................................................... 26

Attach the Control Panel Overlays ................................................ 27

Remove the Shipping Restraints (Pedestal Model) ............................. 27

Remove the Hammer Bank Protective Foam................................ 28

Remove the Platen Protective Foam............................................. 29

Adjust the Paper Supports ............................................................ 30

Remove Tag.................................................................................. 31

Attach the Output Basket .............................................................. 32

Attach the Control Panel Overlays ................................................ 33

Install Basic Components .................................................................... 34

Table of Contents

Connect the Interface and Power Cables ..................................... 34

Install the Ribbon .......................................................................... 36

Load the Paper.............................................................................. 40

Power On the Printer..................................................................... 44

Set the Top-of-Form ...................................................................... 45

Test the Printer.............................................................................. 48

3 Configuring the Printer........................................ 49

Overview.............................................................................................. 49

Changing and Saving Parameter Settings .................................... 51

Default and Custom Configurations .............................................. 51

Operating Modes........................................................................... 52

The Control Panels ....................................................................... 52

Unlocking and Locking the ENTER Key........................................ 53

Factory Default Configuration Values ........................................... 53

Changing Parameters.......................................................................... 55

Example ........................................................................................ 55

Saving Your New Configuration .................................................... 57

Deleting Your Configuration .......................................................... 59

Protecting Your Configurations ..................................................... 61

Printing the Current Configuration................................................. 61

Loading Configuration Values ....................................................... 63

The Power-Up Configuration......................................................... 65

4 The Configuration Menus ................................... 67

Overview.............................................................................................. 67

Configuration Main Menu .............................................................. 67

CONFIG. CONTROL ........................................................................... 70

Menu ............................................................................................. 70

ACTIVE EMULATION .......................................................................... 72

EMULATION........................................................................................ 73

Digital LG ............................................................................................. 74

Submenu....................................................................................... 74

LinePrinter+ ......................................................................................... 78

Proprinter XL Emulation ............................................................... 82

Epson FX Emulation ..................................................................... 84

P-Series Emulation ....................................................................... 86

IGP/PGL Emulation ............................................................................. 89

Submenu....................................................................................... 89

IGP/VGL Emulation ............................................................................. 94

Submenu....................................................................................... 94

MAINT / MISC.................................................................................... 102

Menu ........................................................................................... 102

Table of Contents

HOST INTERFACE ........................................................................... 103

Serial Submenu........................................................................... 104

Parallel Submenu ........................................................................ 107

PRINTER CONTROL ........................................................................ 112

DIAGNOSTICS .................................................................................. 114

RIBBONMINDER............................................................................... 117

5 Interfaces.......................................................... 119

Overview............................................................................................ 119

Dataproducts Parallel Interface ......................................................... 120

Dataproducts Parallel Interface Signals ...................................... 120

Dataproducts Parallel Interface Configuration............................. 121

Centronics Parallel Interface.............................................................. 122

Centronics Interface Signals ....................................................... 122

Centronics Parallel Interface Configuration................................. 123

Terminating Resistor Configurations ................................................. 124

Removal and Installation ............................................................. 125

IEEE 1284 Parallel Interface.............................................................. 126

Operating Modes......................................................................... 126

The Negotiation Phase................................................................ 127

Signals ........................................................................................ 127

RS-232 and RS-422 Serial Interfaces ............................................... 130

RS-232 and RS-422 Serial Interface Signals .............................. 131

RS-232 and RS-422 Serial Interface Protocol............................. 131

RS-232 and RS-422 Serial Interface Error Handling................... 131

RS-232 and RS-422 Serial Interface Configuration .................... 132

VMS Operating System ..................................................................... 133

Interface Configuration ................................................................ 133

6 Routine Service and Diagnostics...................... 135

Cleaning Requirements ..................................................................... 135

Exterior Cleaning......................................................................... 135

Interior Cleaning .......................................................................... 135

Diagnosing Problems......................................................................... 138

Printer Self-Tests ........................................................................ 138

Printing a Hex Dump ................................................................... 140

Fault Messages ........................................................................... 142

7 RibbonMinder ................................................... 149

Overview............................................................................................ 149

Using the RibbonMinder .................................................................... 150

Configuration ............................................................................... 150

Running a Job ............................................................................. 152

Table of Contents

New Ribbon................................................................................. 152

Ribbon Action .............................................................................. 153

RibbonMinder Fault ..................................................................... 154

Ribbon Size ................................................................................. 155

Ribbon Adjust .............................................................................. 156

Fault Action ................................................................................. 156

A Printer Specifications........................................ 157

Ribbon Specifications ........................................................................ 157

Paper Specifications .......................................................................... 157

Printer Dimensions ............................................................................ 158

Environmental Characteristics ........................................................... 158

Electrical Characteristics ................................................................... 159

Interfaces ........................................................................................... 159

Printing Rates .................................................................................... 160

B Standard ASCII Character Set ......................... 161

C Printronix Technical Support ............................ 163

Sources of Support ............................................................................ 163

D Glossary ........................................................... 165

1 Overview

About This Guide

This Setup Guide is designed so you can quickly find the information you need to install and configure your Printronix DEC LG Emulation printer.

Warnings and Special Information

Read and comply with all information highlighted under special headings:

WARNING

CAUTION

IMPORTANT

Conditions that could harm you as well as damage the equipment.

Conditions that could damage the printer or related equipment.

Information vital to proper operation of the printer.

NOTE: Information affecting printer operation.

Printing Conventions in This Guide

UPPERCASE print indicates control panel keys. Example: Press the CLEAR key, then press the ON LINE key.

Quotation marks (“ ”) indicate messages on the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). Example: Press the ON LINE key. “OFFLINE” appears on the LCD.

The + (plus) symbol represents key combinations. Example: “Press at the same time.

= + >” means press the = (UP) key and the > (DOWN) key

The P5000 series with DEC LG Emulation Printer Family

The DEC LG Emulation printers are a family of line matrix printers consisting of 500, 1000, and 1500 line per minute (lpm) models packaged in various configurations. All of the models offer software versatility and the latest refinements in line matrix printing technology. The model numbers indicate printing speed and physical configuration:

Table 1. The DEC LG Emulation

Model Number Print Speed Pedestal Cabinet

P5005 500 lpm

P5205 500 lpm

P5010 1000 lpm

P5210 1000 lpm

P5215 1500 lpm

Printer Emulations

Most line matrix printers have specialized architectures, which enable the printer to emulate, or behave like, another printer. These specialized architectures are restricted. Your printer, however, introduces an open architecture concept that is not available on any other line matrix printer.

Your printer is very easy to use. The message display and lights on the control panel communicate with you directly and clearly. You can select every function on your printer at the control panel, or you can send commands from the host computer.

The printer has a feature called Flash memory, which allows you to download programs from a diskette to your printer. Flash memory provides “instant” booting of the printer. The absence of Read Only Memory (ROM) and the flexibility of Flash memory makes program updates easy and eliminates the need to swap parts to accommodate program changes.

The print mechanisms are housed in sound-insulation which make your printer among the quietest impact printers in the world.

Printer Emulations

The following printer emulations (or protocols) are selectable at the control panel:

• Digital LG

• LinePrinter Plus, which consists of:

IBM

Proprinter® III XL

Epson Printronix P-Series

FX-1050

• IGP/PGL (optional)

• IGP/VGL (optional)

Each emulation provides a different set of configuration menus, control codes, and character sets.

Host Computer Interfaces

The following host computer interface choices are available:

• Centronics

• IEEE

• Dataproducts

• RS-232 serial interface

• RS-422 serial interface

parallel interface

1284 parallel interface

parallel interface

Chapter 1 The P5000 series with DEC LG Emulation

P5205 P5210 P5215

P5005 P5010

Figure 1. The DEC LG Emulation Printers

Graphics Enhancement Option

The IGP/PGL and IGP/VGL emulations allow you to create and store forms, generate logos, bar codes, expanded characters, and create other graphics. Alphanumeric and bar code data are added as the form is printed.

These emulations are available as factory-installed or field-installed options. For more information, contact your authorized service representative.

Taking Care of Your Printer

Your printer will produce high print quality jobs if it is well taken care of. Periodic cleaning, handling the printer properly, and using the correct paper and ribbons, will ensure optimum performance. Chapter 6 explains how to clean the printer, and printer supplies are listed in Appendix A.

Whenever it is necessary to service the printer, remember these important maintenance concepts:

• Use only the ribbons specified in Appendix A. Use of incorrect ribbons

can lead to ink migration problems, degraded print quality, and expensive damage to the printer.

• Incorrect closure of the forms thickness lever can lead to smearing,

degraded print quality, paper jams, and damage to the platen and shuttle assembly. Never close the forms thickness lever too tightly.

• Printing outside the boundaries of the paper will degrade print quality and

cause hammer bank damage. Never print outside of the paper width.

LinePrinter Plus Features

If you have enabled the LinePrinter Plus emulations, your printer will support the following features:

Output Control

The printers have the following output control features:

• Three modes for printing text:

1) Correspondence (NLQ)

2) Data Processing (DP)

3) Draft (high speed)

• Selectable forms length and width

• Character attribute specification:

1) Selectable pitch: normal, expanded, and compressed

2) Bold (double-strike) printing

3) Emphasized (shadow) printing

4) Automatic underlining and overscoring

5) Superscript and subscript printing

6) Double high and wide printing

• Resident multinational character sets

Chapter 1 The P5000 series with DEC LG Emulation

Graphics and Vertical Formatting

Several graphics and vertical formatting features are available:

• Four built-in graphics generators:

1) IBM Proprinter III XL bit-image graphics

2) Epson FX dot graphics mode

3) P-Series Plot

4) LG Sixel Graphics

• Programmable electronic vertical formatting provides rapid vertical paper

movement to specified lines for printing repetitive and continuous forms. You can choose from the following methods:

1) Vertical tabbing in Proprinter III XL and Epson FX emulation modes

2) Electronic Vertical Format Unit (EVFU) in P-Series emulation mode

3) Centronics Vertical Format Unit (CVFU) in P-Series

4) Dataproducts Vertical Format Unit (DVFU) in P-Series

Built-in Diagnostic Tools

The following diagnostic tools are provided with the printer:

• Comprehensive diagnostic self-tests permanently stored in the printer

• Configuration printout

• Data stream hex code printout

Protocols and Emulations

A protocol is a set of rules governing the exchange of information between the printer and its host computer. These rules consist of codes that manipulate and print data and allow for machine-to-machine communication. A printer and its host computer must use the same protocol. As used in this manual, protocol and emulation mean the same thing.

Most impact printers use single ASCII character codes to print text, numbers, and punctuation marks. Some characters, both singularly and in groups of two or more, are defined as control codes. Control codes instruct the printer to perform specific functions, such as underlining text, printing subscripts, setting page margins, etc. The main difference between most printer protocols is in the characters used to create control codes and the ways in which these characters are formatted.

When the printer executes the character and control codes of a particular printer protocol, it is “emulating” that printer. For example, if the printer uses the Proprinter III XL protocol, it is emulating an IBM Proprinter III XL printer. If the printer is using the Epson FX printer protocol, it is in Epson FX emulation mode.

Line Matrix Printing

Your printer creates characters and graphics by a printing technique called line matrix printing. Line matrix printing consists of printing patterns of ink dots on paper, an entire line at a time.

Each text character is stored in memory as a pattern of dots on a logical grid called the dot matrix. (See Figure 2.) The actual ink dots are made by a row of hammer springs mounted on a shuttle that sweeps rapidly back and forth. Printer logic divides every printable line into horizontal dot rows. The hammer springs put dots at the required positions for the entire line by striking a moving ink ribbon and the paper.

Dot Column

Matrix visible only to the printer

Dot Row

Ink dots formed by hammer tips

Character Column

Character Row

Figure 2. Dot Matrix Character Formation

Unlike serial dot matrix printers, which form complete text characters one at a time with a moving printhead, a line matrix printer divides each printable line into horizontal dot rows, then prints a dot row of the entire line with every lateral sweep of the shuttle. (See Figure 3.)

During each sweep of the shuttle, the hammers print dots at the required positions in the dot row. At the end of a sweep, the shuttle reverses direction, the paper advances one dot row, and the hammers print the next row of dots as the shuttle sweeps in the opposite direction.

Chapter 1 The P5000 series with DEC LG Emulation

After a line of characters is printed, hammer action stops while the paper advances to the first dot row of the next printable line. The number of rows allowed for line separation depends on the line spacing you select.

Direction of Shuttle Movement

Dot

Row Start

1 2 3 4

10 11

5 6 7 8

Number of rows is determined by line spacing.

1 2

One Text

Line

Paper

Feed Direction

This row is used only for lowercase descenders.

This row is used for underlining and lowercase descenders.

Figure 3. Line Matrix Printing

Printing Speed

The speed at which text prints is measured in lines per minute (lpm). This speed is inversely proportional to the number of dot rows required to produce a character line, regardless of the number of characters in the line. More dot rows are required to print lowercase characters with descenders; consequently, those character lines print at a fractionally lower rate.

The printer also prints dot-addressable graphic images. The speed at which graphics are plotted is measured in inches per minute (ipm). Unidirectional plotting produces slightly better print quality and takes about twice as long as bidirectional plotting. You can select either plotting mode from the control panel.

Printing and plotting rates also vary according to the print mode you select. Print mode refers to the way you instruct the printer to create characters. If, for example, you select near letter quality (NLQ) mode, the printer uses more dot rows to form characters than if you choose high speed (HS) mode. Character formation and print speed are faster in HS mode because the printer prints fewer dot rows to form characters. Vertical dot density is a factor in printing speed.

2 Setting Up the Printer

Before You Begin

Read this chapter carefully before installing and operating the DEC LG Emulation printer.

The printer is easy to install, but for your safety, and to protect valuable equipment, perform all the procedures in this chapter in the order presented.

Power Requirements

IMPORTANT

It is recommended that printer power be supplied from a separate AC circuit protected at 10 amperes for 120 volts or 5 amperes for 230 volts at 50 or 60 Hertz.

The printer must be connected to a power outlet that supplies 88 to 135 Volts AC or 178 to 270 Volts AC at 47 to 63 Hz. The printer automatically senses and adjusts itself to conform to the correct voltage range.

Primary circuit protection is provided by the power switch, which is also a circuit breaker. Consult an electrician if printer operation affects local electrical lines. See Appendix A for additional power specifications.

Select a Site

Printer dimensions are shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5. Select a printer site that meets the following requirements:

• Permits complete opening of the printer cover and doors.

• Allows at least three feet of clearance behind the cabinet printer model.

(This permits air to circulate freely around the printer and provides access to the paper stacking area.)

• Has a standard power outlet that supplies 100-120 Volts AC or 200-240

Volts AC power, at 47 to 63 Hz. The printer automatically senses and adjusts itself to conform to the correct voltage range. (For the 100-120 Volt outlet, power may fluctuate between 88 and 135 Volts AC. For the 200-240 Volt outlet, power may fluctuate between 178 and 270 Volts.)

• Is relatively dust-free.

• Has a temperature range of 10° C to 40° C (50° F to 104° F), and a

relative humidity from 15% to 90% non-condensing.

Chapter 2 Before You Begin

• Is located within the maximum allowable cable length to the host

computer. This distance depends on the type of interface you plan to use, as shown in Table 2:

Interface Type Maximum Cable Length

Centronics Parallel 5 meters (15 feet)

IEEE 1284 Parallel 10 meters (32 feet)

Dataproducts Parallel 12 meters (40 feet)

Serial RS-232 15 meters (50 feet)

Serial RS-422 1220 meters (4000 feet)

Table 2. Interface Connections

Printer Cover

Cabinet Rear Door

27.0 in.

(68.6 cm)

83.0 in.

(210.8 cm)

29.0 in.

(73.7 cm)

27.0 in.

(68.6 cm)

27.0 in.

(68.6 cm)

41.0 in.

(104.1 cm)

57.5 in.

(146.1 cm)

Figure 4. Cabinet Model Dimensions

Select a Site

25 in. (63.5 cm.)

24.6 in. (62.48 cm.)

30 in. (76.2 cm.)

10.5 in. (26.67 cm.)

48.0 in. (122 cm.)

Figure 5. Pedestal Model Dimensions

Chapter 2 Before You Begin

Printer Component Locations

Familiarize yourself with the names and locations of the printer components shown in Figure 6 before continuing with the rest of the installation procedure.

Horizontal Adjustment Knob

Ribbon Loading Path Diagram

Tractor Lock

Paper Scale

Splined Shaft

Paper Support

Tractor

Hammer Bank Cover and Ribbon Mask

Vertical Position Knob

Forms Thickness Lever

Figure 6. Component Locations

Remove the Cardboard Packing

Remove the Shipping Restraints (Cabinet Model)

Cardboard packing, protective foam, and tie wraps protect printer mechanisms from damage during shipment. This section describes how to remove these shipping restraints from the cabinet model before you operate the printer.

Save the cardboard packing, foam blocks, and bubble wrap along with the other packing materials, since you may need to reinstall them.

If it is necessary to move the printer, reinstall the shipping restraints. Reverse the steps in this section.

CAUTION

Cardboard Packing (2)

To avoid shipping damage, reinstall the shipping restraints whenever you move or ship the printer.

Remove the Cardboard Packing

55blocks August 8, 2000

Figure 7. Removing the Cardboard Packing

1. Raise the printer cover.

2. Remove the cardboard packing.

3. Remove the envelope that contains the sample configuration printout.

Store this in the pouch that is attached to the left interior side of the cabinet.

Chapter 2 Remove the Shipping Restraints (Cabinet Model)

Remove the Hammer Bank Protective Foam and Foam Strips

Hammer Bank Protective Foam

Foam Strips (2)

Tractor Door

Tractor Lock

Figure 8. Removing the Hammer Bank Protective Foam and Foam Strips

1. Open the tractor doors. Push the tractor locks down. Slide the tractors

and paper supports outward as far as they will go. The forms thickness lever should be in the fully open (raised) position.

2. Lift the hammer bank protective foam and remove it from between the

ribbon mask and the platen.

3. Remove the foam strips and the tape securing the foam strips.

Remove the Platen Protective Foam

Platen Protective Foam

Support Shaft

Forms Thickness Lever

Figure 9. Removing the Platen Protective Foam

1. Rotate the forms thickness lever downward to position “A”.

2. Rotate the platen protective foam toward the front of the printer and out

from under the support shaft. Remove the platen protective foam.

Chapter 2 Remove the Shipping Restraints (Cabinet Model)

Adjust the Paper Supports

Tractor Door

Paper Supports

Tractor Door

Figure 10. Adjusting Paper Supports

1. Slide paper supports inward until they are approximately four inches from

the tractor door.

Release the Paper Chains

Tie Wrap

Paper Chains

Tie Wrap

Plastic Bags

Figure 11. Releasing the Paper Chains

1. Open the cabinet rear door.

2. Cut the tie wraps and release the paper chains from the bags at the top

rear of the printer frame. Remove the tie wraps and bags.

3. Make sure each chain hangs freely, with no kinks or knots.

Chapter 2 Remove the Shipping Restraints (Cabinet Model)

Remove the Tags

Tie Wrap

Passive Paper Stacker

Tag

Figure 12. Remove Tag and Tie Wrap from Fence or Passive Paper

Stacker

1. Remove the tie wrap and large red tag attached to the passive paper

stacker.

2. Close the cabinet rear door.

3. Close the printer cover.

Tie Wrap

Tag

Fence

Attach the Control Panel Overlays

Figure 13. Attaching Control Panel Overlay

1. Choose the overlay labels in the appropriate language.

2. Open the printer cover, peel off the back of the overlay and apply to the

control panel.

Remove the Shipping Restraints (Pedestal Model)

Protective films and foam blocks protect printer mechanisms from damage during shipment. This section describes how to remove these shipping restraints from the pedestal model before you operate the printer.

Save the foam blocks, since you may need to reinstall them.

If it is necessary to move the printer, reinstall the shipping restraints. Reverse the steps in this section.

CAUTION

To avoid shipping damage, reinstall the shipping restraints whenever you move or ship the printer.

Chapter 2 Remove the Shipping Restraints (Pedestal Model)

Remove the Hammer Bank Protective Foam

Hammer Bank Protective Foam

Tractor Door

Tractor Lock

Figure 14. Removing the Hammer Bank Protective Foam

1. Raise the printer cover.

2. Open the tractor doors. Push the tractor locks down. Slide the tractors

and paper supports outward as far as they will go. The forms thickness lever should be raised (in the fully open position).

3. Remove the envelope that contains the sample configuration printout.

4. Lift the hammer bank protective foam and remove it from between the

ribbon mask and the platen.

Remove the Platen Protective Foam

Platen Protective Foam

Support Shaft

Forms Thickness Lever

Figure 15. Removing Platen Protective Foam

1. Rotate the forms thickness lever downward to position “A”.

2. Rotate the platen protective foam toward the front of the printer and out

from under the support shaft. Remove the platen protective foam.

Chapter 2 Remove the Shipping Restraints (Pedestal Model)

Adjust the Paper Supports

Tractor Door

Paper Supports

Tractor Door

Figure 16. Adjusting Paper Supports

1. Slide paper supports inward until they are approximately four inches from

the tractor door.

2. Close the printer cover.

+ 156 hidden pages