Epson A251B, A251E User Manual
®
Color Inkjet Printer
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, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation.
The information contained herein is designed only for use with this Epson printer. Epson is
not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other printers.
Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this
product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by the purchaser or
third parties as a result of accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized
modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to strictly
comply with Seiko Epson Corporation's operating and maintenance instructions.
Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be liable for 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.
Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from
electromagnetic interference that occurs from the use of any interface cables other than those
designated as Epson Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.
®
EPSON
Corporation.
Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation. All rights reserved. PRINT Image Matching™ is a
trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. The PRINT Image Matching logo is a trademark of
Seiko Epson Corporation.
Copyright 2002 Seiko Epson Corporation. All rights reserved.
USB DIRECT-PRINT™ is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. The USB DIRECT-PRINT
logo is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Microsoft
Apple
Part of the photo data stored on the Printer Software CD- ROM is licensed from Design
Exchange Co., Ltd. Copyright © 2000 Design Exchange Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.
DPOF™ is a trademark of CANON INC., Eastman Kodak Company, Fuji Photo Film Co.,
Ltd. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such
marks by Seiko Epson Corporation is under license.
Zip
SD™ is a trademark.
Memory Stick, MEMORY STICK, Memory Stick PRO and MEMORY STICK PRO are
trademarks of Sony Corporation.
xD-Picture Card™ is a trademarks of Fuji Photo Film Co.,Ltd.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be
trademarks of their respective owners. Epson disclaims any and all rights in those marks.
Copyright © 2004 by Seiko Epson Corporation, Nagano, Japan.
is a registered trademark and PictureMate™ is a trademark of Seiko Epson
®
and Windows® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
®
and Macintosh® are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
®
is a registered trademark of Iomega Corporation.
English
1
Where to Find Information
Setup
This guide will help you set up and begin using your printer. It
includes information on setting up your printer and easy steps to
print your first photo.
Direct Print Guide
This guide provides information for direct printing,
troubleshooting tips and customer support information.
Photo Print Software Setup
This guide contained on the CD-ROM provides information on
installing EPSON PhotoQuicker, EPSON PhotoStarter, EPSON
CardMonitor, EPSON PRINT Image Framer Tool, PIF
DESIGNER. It also contains uninstalling and system
requirements.
Reference Guide
The Reference Guide contained on the CD-ROM provides
detailed information about printing with a computer,
maintenance, and problem solving.
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
Warnings
must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
w
Cautions
must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
c
Notes
contain important information and useful tips on the operation
of your printer.
2
Contents
Where to Find Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Printer Parts and Control Panel Functions . . . . . . . . . 11
Printer Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Direct Printing Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Paper Handling Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Loading Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Loading Memory Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Summary of Panel Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Basic Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Ejecting Memory Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
English
Various Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
More Options Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Exif Print and PRINT Image Matching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Printing with DPOF files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Printing with a Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Print Directly from a Digital Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Printing with an External Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Replacing Photo Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Checking the Ink Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Replacing the Photo Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
3
Improving Print Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Checking the Print Head Nozzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Cleaning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Aligning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Cleaning the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Transporting the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Error/Warning Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Print Quality Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Printout Problems Not Related to Print Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Paper Does Not Feed Correctly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Printer Does Not Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Printing Problem when Using Bluetooth Photo Print Adapter . . 67
Canceling Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Contacting Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Technical Support Web Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Regional Customer Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Option and Consumable Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Option and Consumable Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Using the Bluetooth Photo Printer Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Printer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Printer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
4
Safety Instructions
Important Safety Instructions
Read all of the instructions in this section before using your
printer. Also, be sure to follow all warnings and instructions
marked on the printer.
When choosing a place for the printer
Observe the following when choosing a place for the printer:
❏ Place the printer on a flat, stable surface that extends beyond
the base of the printer in all directions. If you place the printer
by the wall, leave more than 10 cm between the back of the
printer and the wall. The printer will not operate properly if
it is tilted at an angle.
❏ When storing or transporting the printer, do not tilt it, stand
it on its side, or turn it upside down. Otherwise, ink may leak
from the cartridge.
English
❏ Leave enough space in front of the printer for the paper to be
fully ejected.
❏ Avoid places subject to rapid changes in temperature and
humidity. Also, keep the printer and the AC adapter away
from direct sunlight, strong light, water, or heat sources.
❏ Avoid places subject to dust, shock, or vibration.
❏ Leave enough room around the printer to allow for sufficient
ventilation.
5
❏ Place the printer near a wall outlet where the plug can be
easily unplugged.
❏ Do not place or store the printer or the AC adapter outdoors.
When setting up your printer
Observe the following when setting up the printer:
❏ Do not block or cover the vents and openings in the printer.
❏ Power supply cords should be placed to avoid abrasions, cuts,
fraying, crimping, and kinking. Do not place objects on top of
power-supply cords and do not allow the AC adapter or
power-supply cords to be stepped on or run over. Be
particularly careful to keep all power-supply cords straight at
the ends and the points where they enter and leave the AC
adapter.
❏ Use only the AC adapter model A251B/E that comes with this
product. Use of another cord may result in fire or electrical
shock, or injury.
❏ The AC adapter is designed for use with the printer with
which it was included. Do not attempt to use it with other
electronic devices unless specified.
❏ Use only the type of power source indicated on the AC
adapter's label, and always supply power directly from a
standard domestic electrical outlet with the AC power cord
that meets the relevant local safety standards.
❏ Avoid using outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air
control systems that regularly switch on and off.
❏ Avoid using electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or
automatic timers.
6
❏ Keep the entire computer system away from potential sources
of electromagnetic interference, such as loudspeakers or the
base units of cordless telephones.
❏ Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord and AC adapter.
❏ If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure that
the total ampere rating of the devices plugged into the
extension cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also,
make sure that the total ampere rating of all devices plugged
into the wall outlet does not exceed the wall outlet’s ampere
rating.
❏ Never disassemble, modify, or attempt to repair the AC
adapter, power cord, printer, and option by yourself except
as specifically explained in the printer's guides.
❏ Unplug the printer and the AC adapter, and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
The power cord or plug is damaged; liquid has entered the
printer or the AC adapter; the printer or the AC adapter has
been dropped or the casing damaged; the printer or the AC
adapter does not operate normally or exhibits a distinct
change in performance. (Do not adjust controls that are not
covered by the operating instructions.)
❏ Do not use with wet hands.
English
If you plan to use the printer in Germany, the building
installation must be protected by a10 or 16 amp circuit breaker
to provide adequate short-circuit protection and over-current
protection for this printer.
7
When using the printer
Observe the following when using the printer:
❏ Do not insert objects through the slots in the printer.
❏ Take care not to spill liquid on the printer and the AC adapter.
❏ Do not put your hand inside the printer or touch the photo
cartridge during printing.
❏ Do not move the print head by hand; otherwise, you may
damage the printer.
❏ Always turn the printer off using the P On button. Do not
unplug the printer or turn off the power to the outlet until the
power light goes out.
❏ Before transporting the printer, make sure that the photo
cartridge is in place.
❏ Leave the photo cartridge installed. Removing the cartridge
can dehydrate the print head and may prevent the printer
from printing.
When using a memory card
❏ Use only memory cards compatible with the printer. Refer to
Loading Memory Cards.
When using LCD
❏ The LCD panel contains a few small bright or dark spots.
These are normal and do not mean that the LCD monitor is
damaged in any way.
8
❏ Only use a dry, soft cloth to clean the LCD panel. Do not use
liquid or chemical cleansers.
❏ If the LCD panel on your printer's control panel is damaged,
contact your dealer. If the liquid crystal solution gets on your
hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and water. If the
liquid crystal solution gets into your eyes, flush them
immediately with water. If discomfort or vision problems
remain after a thorough flushing, see a doctor immediately.
When using the optional Bluetooth Photo Print
Adapter
Refer to the Bluetooth Photo Print Adapter's documentation for
the safety instructions.
When handling photo cartridges
Observe the following when handling photo cartridges:
❏ Do not shake photo cartridge after removing it from the bag;
this can cause leakage.
English
❏ Do not remove or tear the label on the cartridge; this can cause
leakage.
❏ Do not use a photo cartridge beyond the date printed on the
cartridge carton: otherwise, it may result in reduced print
quality. For best results, use up the photo cartridge within six
months of installing it.
❏ Do not dismantle photo cartridges or try to refill them. This
could damage the print head.
9
❏ After bringing a photo cartridge inside from a cold storage
site, allow it to warm up at room temperature for at least three
hours before using it.
❏ Store photo cartridges in a cool, dark place.
❏ The IC chip on the photo cartridge retains a variety of
cartridge-related information, such as the amount of ink
remaining, so that the cartridge may be removed and
reinstalled freely. However, each time the cartridge is
inserted, some ink is consumed because the printer
automatically performs a reliability check.
❏ Store each photo cartridge so that the bottom of its packaging
faces down.
ENERGY STAR
The International
a voluntary partnership with the computer and office equipment
industry to promote the introduction of energy-efficient personal
computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers, scanners,
and multifunction devices in an effort to reduce air pollution
caused by power generation. Their standards and logos are
uniform among participating nations.
®
Compliance
As an ENERGY STAR® Partner, Epson has
determined that this product meets the
®
STAR
guidelines for energy efficiency.
ENERGY STAR
®
Office Equipment Program is
ENERGY
10
Printer Parts and Control Panel
Functions
Printer Parts
paper support
paper feeder
English
edge guides
control panel
Memory card slot (enlarged figure)
Memory Stick/Memory Stick
PRO/SD/MultiMediaCard memory card slot
CompactFlash Type II memory card slot
carrying handle
memory card
slot cover
output tray
SmartMedia/xD-Picture Card
memory card slot
11
cartridge
compartment cover
Control Panel
cartridge lock
lever
photo
cartridge
external device
USB connector
AC inlet
computer USB
connector
12
10
817
9 5 46
2
3
Buttons and lights
1. LCD panel: Displays the printer status messages, and the items
and settings which can be changed with the buttons on the control
panel.
2. Save Photo button: Store the contents of memory card in an
external storage device.
3. Memory card light: On when a memory card is inserted into
the memory card slot. Flashes when the printer is accessing the
memory card.
4. Cancel button: Cancels print operations, or the settings on the
LCD panel. Resets all printer settings when you press and hold
this button for three seconds or more.
5. Print button: Starts printing with the settings on the LCD panel
selected via the buttons on the control panel.
6. Power light: On when the printer is turned on and ready.
Flashes during printing.
7. OK button: Opens the setting menu and selects the item to be
set on the LCD panel.
English
8. Up u /Down d arrow buttons: Move the cursor on the LCD
panel. Increase and decrease numbers being entered.
9.Back button: Returns to the main menu on the LCD panel.
10. On button: Turns the printer on and off. To turn off the printer
power, press and hold the Power button for two seconds.
Note:
With the exception of the Cancel button and the On button, the control
panel buttons are used only with direct printing from a memory card.
13
Direct Printing Basics
Introduction
This section provides information on how to print directly from
a memory card using settings on the LCD panel and without the
use of a computer.
The instructions below provide an example of how to make
settings to print a selected photo directly from a memory card.
Before you start, you will need paper and a memory card
containing suitable digital photo data.
Note:
❏ Before printing large jobs, print a single sheet to confirm quality.
❏ Disconnecting the USB cable is recommended when printing
directly from a memory card.
Paper Handling Instructions
When storing printouts
❏ Do not touch the printed side or stack your printouts until the
ink is dry.
❏ To avoid scratching the image, be sure not to rub the printed
side of the paper. If the printed side is rubbed too strongly,
ink may come off the paper.
❏ Do not stack printouts with the image sides touching.
14
❏ Do not stack printouts and conventional film photographs
with the image sides touching.
❏ If you stack printouts, place a sheet of plain paper or other
absorbent paper between the individual prints.
When storing unused paper
Return any unused paper to the original package, and store it
away from extreme temperatures, high humidity, and bright
lights.
When displaying printouts
❏ When displaying your printouts indoors, EPSON
recommends placing your printouts in glass frames to
preserve the colors in your image.
❏ Avoid displaying your printouts outdoors or in a place
exposed to direct sunlight to prevent fading.
English
Note:
For best results, allow your prints to dry thoroughly for 24 hours before
framing.
Loading Paper
Follow the steps below to load paper into the printer.
1. Make sure the printer is turned on and the green light around
Print button is on.
15
2. Open the paper feeder, slide
out the paper support and
slide the left edge guide to
the left. Then lower the
output tray.
3. Fan a stack of paper, then tap
paper on a flat surface to
even the edges.
4. Load the paper with the
printable side up so it is
against the right edge guide,
and slide it into the paper
feeder. Then slide the left
edge guide against the left
edge of the paper. Make sure
that the paper stack is loaded
under the tabs inside the
edge guides. You can load
paper up to 20 sheets.
Note:
Make sure that the paper stack is flush with or lower than the triangular
load-limit mark on the edge guide.
16
Loading Memory Cards
Loadable storage media
Digital photographs are stored either in the digital camera’s
built-in memory or in loadable storage media called memory
cards. Memory cards can be inserted into and removed from the
camera. The types of storage media that can be used with this
printer are shown below.
Loadable storage media:
• CompactFlash • MagicGate Memory Stick
• Memory Stick (Up to 128
MB)
• Memory Stick Duo ( must be
used with a Memory Stick
Adapter)
• MultiMediaCard (Up to 128
MB)
• SmartMedia • miniSD card (must be used
• Memory Stick PRO
• Microdrive
• SD Card
with an SD adaptor)
English
• xD-Picture Card
Caution:
The methods for using memory cards vary according to card type.
c
Be sure to refer to the documentation packaged with your memory
card for details.
Note:
For the latest information on memory cards available for your printer,
contact your dealer or regional Epson sales office.
17
Memory card data format
You can use image files that meet the following requirements.
Digital camera DCF version 1.0 compliant
*1
File format JPEG format image files*2 taken with a DCF
version 1.0 compliant digital camera
Image size Vertical 120 to 4600 pixels, horizontal 120
to 4600 pixels
Number of files Up to 999
*1
:DCF stands for the “Design rule for Camera File system” standard, set by the
Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA).
*2
:Supports Exif Version 2.1/2.2.
Note:
File names containing double-byte characters are not valid when
printing directly from a memory card.
Inserting memory cards
1. Turn the printer on, and open the memory card slot cover.
18
2. Insert a memory card as shown in the illustration.
When the memory card is inserted correctly, the memory card
light comes on.
English
CompactFlash/
Microdrive
Memory Stick/
Memory Stick Duo/
SD Card/
MultiMediaCard/
miniSD card
SmartMedia/
xD-Picture Card
When you insert a memory card, the Print Wizard appears on
the panel. The wizard guides you through the steps for
printing. If you do not want to use the wizard, turn the Print
Wizard Off on the More Options menu.
19
Caution:
❏ Loading a memory card in ways other than those shown here
c
may damage the printer, memory card, or both.
❏ Use only one type of memory card at a time. Eject the loaded
memory card before inserting another kind of memory card.
❏ Close the memory card slot cover when the memory card is
in operation to protect the memory card from static
electricity. If you touch the memory card when it is inserted
in the printer, it may cause the printer to malfunction.
❏ Before loading the Memory Stick Duo, and miniSD Card
attach the adapter provided with it.
Summary of Panel Setting
1
2
3
4
1. Select Photo
On this menu, you can select how to print data stored on a
memory card.
20
All Print all photographs on the memory cards.
One Photo Print a single, selected photograph from the memory
card.
Several Print selected photographs from the memory card.
Range Print a range of photographs on the memory card.
DPOF This option is automatically displayed when a memory
card contains data whose printing instruction is set with
a DPOF-compatible digital camera. Even if DPOF is
selected, DPOF does not work when a memory card
does not contain data set by DPOF.
2. Copies
Select the number of copies you want to print.
3. Layout
On this menu, the print layout can be specified.
Borderless Prints without margins. Portrait layout.
Border Prints with 3-mm margins on all sides.
Portrait layout.
20 Prints 20 images (landscape) on one
page.
Double Prints two images (portrait) on one page.
When Borderless printing, note the following:
❏ Because this setting enlarges the image to a size slightly
larger than the paper size, the portion of the image that
extends beyond the edges of the paper will not be printed.
❏ Print quality may decline in the top and bottom areas of
the printout, or the area may be smeared when printing.
English
❏ Before printing large jobs, print a single sheet to confirm
quality.
21
4. More Options
Color Effects Print Confirmation
Print Zoom Template Maintenance
Zoom Memory Card Overwrite
Auto Correction Select Language
Small Image Enhancer BT Device Name
Date Stamp BT Communication Mode
Time Stamp BT Encryption
P.I.F. Index BT Passkey
Print Wizard BT Device Address
When you have finished selecting photos, press the Back
button. Then press the d button to select Copies, and press
the OK button to confirm your selections.
Basic Printing
This section explains how to make print settings without using
the Print Wizard.
Printing an index
You can print one or more copies of an index of all or the specified
photographs on a loaded memory card. An index can be helpful
in selecting which photos you want to print.
1. Make sure Select Photo is highlighted, then press the OK
button to open the menu.
22
2. Press the u button to
select All to print all
photographs, then
press the OK button.
Note:
You can print an index of selected photographs by selecting Several
for Select Photo setting and choose the photo numbers.
3. Make sure that 1 each
is indicated as the
Copies setting.
4. Press the u or d button to select Layout, then press the OK
button.
5. Press the u or d button to select 20, then press OK button.
6. Press the Print button to print the index.
English
23
Single photo print
The example here is to print a single photo with Borderless and
normal print quality.
Index photo number
1. From the index, find the number of the photo that you want
to print. The number is printed under the photo.
2. Press the u or d button to select Select Photo, then press the
OK button.
3. Press the u or d to select One Photo, then press the OK
button.
4. Press the u or d button
to specify the photo
number that you have
selected from the
Index, then press the
OK button.
24
5. Select Copies, press
the OK button to open
the Copies counter,
select the number you
want to print, then
press the OK button.
6. Make sure that Borderless is indicated as the Layout setting.
7. Press the Print button and follow the message displayed on
the panel.
Print all photographs on the memory card
1. Select All as the Select
Photo.
2. Select Copies, press the OK button to open the Copies
counter, select the number of copies you want to print, then
press the OK button.
English
3. Make any Layout and More Options settings as needed.
4. Press the Print button and follow the message displayed on
the panel.
25
Print multiple selected photographs
1. Select Several as the Select Photo.
2. Press the u or d button
to select the photo
number you want to
print, then press the
OK button.
3. Press the u or d button
to select the number of
copies you want to
print, then press OK
button.
4. Repeat steps 2 through 3 to register other photos.
Note:
To reset the number of copies, select the photo and press the OK
button. The number of copies resets to 0 and the check box is cleared.
5. When you have
finished selecting
photos, press the Back
button. Then press the
d button to select
Copies, and press the
OK button to confirm
your selections.
6. Make any Layout and More Options settings as needed.
7. When the numbers of all the photos you want to print have
been registered, press the Print button to print the selected
photographs.
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