Epson 4500 User Manual
4000111
C01-00
EPSON
®
Product Update Notice
This booklet describes the new features of your printer that have
been added since the User’s Manual was printed.
Print Speed
Your printer now prints at the following speeds.
Quality
Draft
Letter
Characters/inch Characters/second/line
10
12
10
12
160
192
53
64
Loading Single Sheets of Paper
The printer now automatically loads single sheets of paper. Follow
these steps whenever you load a single sheet of paper:
1.
Turn on the printer.
2.
Insert a sheet of paper in the paper guide until it meets
resistance. After about two seconds, the printer loads the paper
automatically and is set on line so that it can accept data from
your computer.
When loading a single sheet of paper, you do not press
or
ON LINE.
LOAD/EJECT
Product Update Notice
1
4000308
C01-00
Note: If the platen turns without loading the paper, press ON LINE
to take the printer off line. Then remove the paper and reinsert it
more firmly.
Follow the above steps to load a single sheet of paper when you
perform the self test (described in Chapter 1 of your User’s Manual),
when using single sheets (described in Chapter 21, and when you switch
from continuous paper to single sheets (described in Chapter 2).
Using SelecType
The printer now has ten built-in fonts: draft, Epson Roman, Epson
Sans Serif, Epson Courier, Epson Prestige, Epson Script, OCR-A,
OCR-B, Epson Orator, and Epson Orator-S.
Eight of the fonts are selectable from the SelecType feature of the
front panel.
2
Product Update Notice
no
-0
0 -
- -
0 ti
iii 0
I u
ti I
Y ti
Y
I
DRAFT
ROMAN
SANS SERIF
COURIER
PRESTIGE
SCRIPT
OCR-B
ORATOR
OTHER
BLINKING
FONT
When you press the FONT button, the printer scrolls through eight of
the ten built-in fonts. The indicator lights show the selected font.
m
m
\ I
m
indicates the light is off.
indicates the light is on.
/
indicates the light is blinking.
You use the software command ESC k to select the other two built-in
fonts:
ESCk6
ESCk8
OCR-A
Epson Orator-S
When you select one of these two fonts, the indicator lights show the
OTHER pattern. The software commands are described in Chapter 9
of your User’s Manual.
The SelecType feature is described in Chapter 3 of your User’s
Manual. Chapter 3 shows samples of the draft, Epson Roman, and
Epson Sans Serif fonts. The Multi-Font Module section of Chapter 5
shows samples of the Epson Courier, Epson Prestige, Epson Script,
OCR-B, OCR-A, Epson Orator, and Epson Orator-S fonts. These
fonts are now built-in and do not require the Multi-Font Module.
Therefore, ignore any references to the Multi-Font Module.
Product Update Notice
3
The DIP Switch Tables
The tables below show the settings for each DIP switch.
DIP switch 1
Description
International character set/
Graphics character sets
Page length
Condensed mode on/off Condensed Normal
Character table
Cut sheet feeder mode on/off
ON
See tables 1 and 2
See table 3
1
Graphics 1italics
On
I
DIP switch 2
SW Description
2-1 Not used
2-2 Tear-off mode
2-3
1 -inch skip over perforation
2-4 Auto line feed
2-5
Input buffer capacity
2-6 Graphics print direction
2-7 Character spacing See table 4
2-8
ON
- -
On
On
On
8 KB
Bidirect. Unidirect.
I
OFF
Off
OFF
Off
Off
Off
1 KB*
*Required for use of user-defined (downloaded) characters
4
Product Update Notice
Table 1 International character sets
Table 2 Graphics character sets
Graphics character set
Epson Extended Graphics
PC 437 (United States)
PC 850 (Multilingual)
PC 860 (Portugal)
PC 863 (Canada-French)
PC 865 (Norway)
1
Table 3 Page length selection
12 inches
8.5 inches
11.7 inches
ON
OFF ON
ON ON
OFF
SW l-l
ON
ON
ON
ON
OFF 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON
SW 1-2 SW 1-3
ON ON
ON OFF ON
OFF
OFF OFF
ON
SW 1-7
ON
ON
ON
Table 4 Character spacing
1
Character spacing
10cpi
12cpi
15 cpi
Proportional
SW 2-7 1 SW 2-8
OFF OFF
ON OFF
1
OFF 1 ON
1
ON 1 ON
Product Update Notice
1
5
Graphics Character Sets
Epson Extended Graphics Character Sets
PC 437 (United States)
PC 850 (Multilingual)
Product Update Notice
6
PC 860 (Portugal)
PC 863 (Canada-French)
Product Update Notice
7
PC 865 (Norway)
Application Notes
The Application Notes booklet for this printer is no longer available.
Product Update Notice
8
Printed in Japan 90.09-10
EPSON”,+amP-
4500
User’s Manual
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
.
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded printer interface cable to this printer will invalidate the FCC
Certification of this device and may cause interference levels that exceed the limits established
by the FCC for this equipment. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do not
leave cables connected to unused interfaces.
Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the
use of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original Epson
Products or Epson Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of Epson America, Inc. No patent liability is
assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. While every precaution
has been taken in the preparation of this book, Epson America, Inc. assumes no responsibility
for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of
the information contained herein.
ActionPrinter is a trademark of Epson America, Inc.
Epson and Epson ESC/P are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation
SmartPark is a trademark of Epson America, Inc.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Copyright 0 1989 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California
ii
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1.
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.
2.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
3.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not
use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.
Do not use this product near water.
4.
Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The
5.
product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.
Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
6.
provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the product
and to protect it from overheating, these openings must not be
blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by
placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat
register. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation
unless proper ventilation is provided.
This product should be operated from the type of power source
7.
indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of
power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a plug
8.
having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a
grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to
replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the
grounding-type plug.
9. Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.
iii
10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the
total of the ampere ratings on the products plugged into the
extension cord do not exceed the extension cord ampere rating.
Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into the wall
outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet
slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts
that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid
of any kind on the product.
12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Manual, do not
attempt to service this product yourself. Opening or removing
those covers that are marked “Do Not Remove” may expose you to
dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing in those
compartments to service personnel.
13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
A. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
B. If liquid has been spilled into the product.
C. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
D. If the product does not operate normally when the operating
instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions since improper
adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore
the product to normal operation.
E.
If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged.
F.
If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance,
indicating a need for service.
iv
Contents
Introduction
Features
Options and Supplies ..............................
About This Manual ................................
Application Notes .................................
Where to Get Help .................................
Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer ..............................
Choosing a Place for the Printer .....................
Assembling the Printer .............................
Testing the Printer .................................
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer .............
Setting Up Your Application Software
Chapter 2 Paper Handling
Selecting a Paper Feeding Method
Using Single Sheets
Using Continuous Paper
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
Printing on Special Paper
..........................................
................
....................
................................
............................
.......
...........................
1
1
2
4
5
6
1-2
1-2
1-5
1-7
1-14
1-23
1-26
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-7
2-16
2-24
Chapter 3 Using the Printer
Operating the Control Panel
Setting the DIP Switches
Page Length
Skip Over Perforation
Adjusting the Loading Position
Using Short Tear-Off
......................................
............................
..............................
...............................
.........................
......................
3-1
3-2
3-6
3-10
3-11
3-12
3-15
V
Selecting Typestyles
Selecting an International Character Set
Choosing a Character Table
Using the Data Dump Mode
................................
.........................
.........................
...............
3-19
3-22
3-24
3-26
Chapter 4
Enhancing Your Printing
Graphics
User-defined Characters
Chapter 5 Using the Printer Options
The Cut Sheet Feeder
The Pull Tractor
The Multi-Font Module
The Interface Boards
Chapter 6 Maintenance
Replacing the Ribbon
Transporting the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting
Problems and Solutions
Power Supply
Printing
Paper Handling
Options.. ........................................
Software and Graphics
............................
.........................................
............................
..............................
...................................
.............................
...............................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............................
.....................................
..........................................
...................................
4-1
4-2
4-9
4-20
5-1
5-2
5-21
5-34
5-40
6-1
6-5
6-11
7-1
7-2
7-4
7-5
7-14
7-24
Chapter 8 Technical Specifications
Printer Specifications
Interface Specifications
Option Specifications
Initialization
vi
......................................
...............................
.............................
..............................
8-1
8-2
8-8
8-12
8-14
Chapter 9 Command Summary
Using the Command Summary ......................
Commands in Numerical Order
Commands Arranged by Topic
......................
......................
9-1
9-2
9-5
9-8
Appendix A-1
Proportional Width Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Tables
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A-2
A-6
Glossary
Index
vii
Introduction
The Epson® ActionPrinter™ 4500 is an advanced 24-pin dot matrix
printer combining compact design and high performance with a wide
range of features.
Features
In addition to the high-quality printing and ease of operation you have
come to expect from Epson printers, this printer offers the following
features:
Easy paper handling, featuring automatic single-sheet loading.
Compatibility with the Epson ESC/P® commands used by the
LQ-500, LQ-510, LQ-800, LQ-850, LQ-1000, LQ-1010, LQ-1050,
LQ-1500, LQ-2500, and LQ-2550.
Fast draft mode printing of up to 180 characters per second at 12
cpi (characters per second).
An improved control panel design that allows direct selection of
character fonts, as well as a choice of normal or condensed
printing.
The SmartPark™ paper handling system that lets you use single
sheets of paper without removing the continuous paper, eliminates
paper waste with short tear-off, and allows easy and accurate paper
alignment.
Two built-in Letter Quality fonts (Roman and Sans Serif) for
producing high-quality documents.
A 360 x 360 dot per inch graphics mode.
A micro-adjustment feature that allows you to feed the paper
forward or backward to finely adjust the loading and short tear-off
positions.
Introduction 1
Introduction
l
Fourteen international character sets, a legal symbol set, an italic
character table, and the Epson Extended Graphics character table.
l
The ability to handle a wide range of paper types, including
envelopes, labels, and wide carriage computer paper.
Options and Supplies
A variety of printer options is available for use with your printer.
For detailed information on installing and using these options, see
Chapter 5.
To locate or purchase accessories or supplies, contact your nearest
Epson dealer or call 1-800-873-7766.
l
Single-bin Cut Sheet Feeder (C806241)
The cut sheet feeder makes it possible to handle single-sheet paper
easily and efficiently. Up to 150 sheets of standard bond paper can
be fed automatically into the printer without reloading.
Introduction
2
l
Pull Tractor Unit (C800141)
This option improves the performance of continuous paper
handling. It is especially useful with continuous multi-part forms.
l Multi-Font Module (#7407-A)
The optional Multi-Font module adds to the number of fonts
available in the Letter Quality mode.
Introduction
l
Film Ribbon Cartridge (#7770)
The optional film ribbon cartridge provides you with even higher
quality printing than the standard fabric ribbon.
Introduction 3
Introduction
l Interface Boards
Optional interface boards are available to supplement the printer’s
built-in parallel interface. Guidelines for choosing the right interface
and instructions on installing the boards are given in Chapter 5.
About This Manual
This user’s manual provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions
on setting up and operating your printer.
Finding your way around
l
Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up, testing,
and connecting the printer. Be sure to read and follow these
instructions first. Inside the back flap of this manual are illustrations
of the printer in which all of the major parts are identified.
l
Chapters 2 and 3 cover paper handling and general printer
operation. This important information is necessary for the
day-to-day operation of your printer.
4
Introduction
Introduction
Chapter 4 shows you how to get the most from your printer. It
includes advice on the use of software commands, graphics, and
creating your own user-defined characters. See Chapter 9 for a
useful summary of printer commands.
If the printer does not operate properly or the printed results are
not what you expect, see Chapter 7 for troubleshooting
instructions.
Other chapters and the appendix contain information on printer
options, general maintenance, and specifications. You will also find
a glossary of printer terms.
At the back of this manual is a handy Quick Reference card that
contains the information you are most likely to need.
Conventions used in this manual
WARNINGS must be followed carefully to avoid damage to
f!!!!?
your printer and computer.
CAUTIONS should be followed carefully to ensure that your
printer operates correctly.
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the
operation of your printer.
Application Notes
Also included in the box with your printer is a booklet called
Application Notes. It contains information on using specific software
applications with your printer. Be sure to look at the booklet after you
set up your printer.
Introduction 5
Introduction
Where to Get Help
Customer service for Epson products is provided by a network of
authorized Epson Customer Care Centers throughout the United States.
Call the Epson Consumer Information Center at 1-800-922-8911 for the
following:
l
Customer Care Center referrals
l Technical support referrals
l
Information on Epson User Groups.
To locate or purchase accessories or supplies, contact your nearest
Epson dealer or call 1-800-873-7766.
Introduction
6
Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
Checking the Parts
Removing the Protective Materials
Choosing a Place for the Printer
Assembling the Printer
Installing the Platen Knob
Installing the Ribbon Cartridge
Attaching the Paper Guide
Testing the Printer
Plugging in the Printer
Running the Self Test
If the Self Test Does Not Work
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
The Parallel Interface
Setting Up Your Application Software
Choosing From a Menu
................................
.................................
....................
........................
................................
...........................
.......................
...........................
....................................
..............................
...............................
.......................
...............................
.............................
................
...................
1-2
1-2
1-3
1-5
1-7
1-7
1-8
1-12
1-14
1-14
1-15
1-22
1-23
1-23
1-26
1-26
Setting Up the Printer
1-1
Unpacking the Printer
Checking the Parts
When you unpack the printer, make sure that you have all the parts
shown below and that none have been damaged.
Paper guide
Printer
Ribbon cartridge
1-2 Setting Up the Printer
Platen knob
Unpacking the Printer
Removing the Protective Materials
The printer is protected during shipping by a locking clip. You must
remove this clip before turning on the printer.
B
Follow these steps to remove the locking clip.
1. Remove the printer cover.
turning on your printer. Turning on the printer while the clip
is attached may seriously damage the mechanism.
WARNING: Be sure you have removed the locking clip before
Setting Up the Printer
1-3
Unpacking the Printer
2. Remove the paper tension unit as shown below.
3. Remove the locking clip.
Store the clip with the other packing material in case you
ever need to transport your printer.
1-4 Setting Up the Printer
Choosing a Place for the Printer
There are several important things to consider when selecting a place to
set up your printer. Keep the following in mind:
Place the printer on a flat, hard, stable surface. A soft surface, such
as a padded counter or carpeted area, will block the ventilation
slots and may cause overheating.
Place the printer close enough to the computer for the printer cable
to reach.
Leave adequate room around the printer to allow for easy printer
operation and maintenance, and for unrestricted flow of air around
the printer.
Use a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
WARNING: Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight,
excessive heat, moisture, or dust,
I
Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or automatic
timers. Accidental interruption of power can wipe out information
in your computer’s memory and in your printer‘s memory.
I
Avoid using outlets that share a circuit with large motors or
electrical appliances; this could cause fluctuations in line voltage.
Keep the entire computer system away from potential sources of
electromagnetic interference such as loudspeakers or the base units
of cordless telephones.
Setting Up the Printer
1-5
Choosing a Place for the Printer
The illustration below shows a good printer location.
Note: Before using a printer stand, read these requirements and
suggestions.
l
The stand should be able to support at least twice the weight of
the printer, or approximately 36 pounds (16 kilograms).
l
Never use a stand that supports the printer at an angle of more
than 15 degrees from horizontal.
l
With a cut sheet feeder, your printer must be kept level.
l If your paper supply is positioned below the printer stand, make
sure there is enough clearance to keep the paper from catching on
the underside of the stand. Also, make sure the distance between
the stand supports is wide enough for the paper you are using.
l
Position your printer’s cables so that they do not interfere with
paper feeding. If possible, secure the cables to the printer stand.
1-6 Setting Up the Printer
Assembling the Printer
After you’ve decided on the best place to set up your printer, the next
step is to install the platen knob.
WARNING: Be sure to remove the locking clip as described in
Installing the Platen Knob
The platen knob is used to feed the paper manually in the event of a
paper jam or other paper feeding problem. The platen knob is packed
in an indentation in the printer’s white foam packing material.
1. Insert the knob into the hole on the printer’s side and rotate it
slowly until it slips onto the shaft.
Setting Up the Printer 1-7
Assembling the Printer
2. Push firmly on the platen knob until it fits against the printer case.
CAUTION: Do not use the platen knob to adjust the position
of the paper. This interferes with the automatic paper loading
system and may cause a paper jam.
Installing the Ribbon Cartridge
Your printer’s ribbon cartridge is designed for easy installation and
removal. Before installing the ribbon cartridge, make sure the printer is
turned off.
1-8 Setting Up the Printer
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