Epson ActionPrinter 2250 Setup Guide

U S E R’ S

G U I D E

4001245 GO1-01

Printer Parts

printer cover

ribbon Cartridge

parallel

FONT lights

in&ace

Never move this lever.

,~~

-~~~

Font button LF/FF button

Control panel

EPSON®,+eqpm

2250

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 Seiko Epson Corporation. 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, Seiko Epson Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

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 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 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.

Epson and Epson ESC/P are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation. Action Printer is a trademark of Epson America, Inc.

Nagano, Japan

User’s Guide

FCC Compliance Statement

For United States 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 or television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and 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 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 equipment interface cable to this equipment will invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused interfaces.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void

the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

For Canadian Users

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le present appareil limites

applicables reglement

Communications du Canada.

sur le brouillage radioelectrique

numerique n’emet

aux appareils

numeriques

pas de bruits radioelectriques

de Classe B

edict6

par le

prescrites

Ministere

des

d&passant

dans le

les

Important Safety Instructions

Read all of these instructions before you set up your printer.

Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the printer.

Unplug the printer from the wall outlet before you clean it, and use a damp cloth for cleaning, not liquid or aerosol cleaners.

Do not use your printer near water or spill any liquid on it.

Do not place the printer on an unstable cart, stand, table or other surface that may allow the printer to fall.

Do not block any slots or openings in the cabinet. These are provided for the ventilation necessary to ensure reliable operation and protection from overheating. Placing the printer on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface may block the openings. Also, do not place the printer in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.

Never place the printer near or over a radiator or heat register.

Use the type of power source indicated on the label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.

This printer may be equipped with a plug having a third (grounding) pin, which fits only into a grounding-type outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, have an electrician replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the grounding-type plug.

Do not put your printer where the cord will be walked on.

If you use an extension cord, make sure that the total of the ampere ratings on the products plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the extension

cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.

Never push objects of any kind into your printer because they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

Except as specifically explained in the user’s manual, do not attempt to repair the printer yourself. This could expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing in those compartments to service personnel.

iii

Unplug the printer from the wall outlet and have it repaired by a qualified service person under the following conditions:

When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed If liquid has been spilled into it If it has been exposed to ram or water If it 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 printer to normal operation.

If it has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged If it exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service

Where United States Users Can Get Help

Epson America provides local customer support and service through a nationwide network of authorized Epson dealers and Service Centers.

Epson also provides the following support services through the Epson Consumer Resource Center at (800) 922-8911:

Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized Epson Reseller or Service Center

Technical assistance with the installation, configuration, and operation of

Epson products Sales of the ESC/P Reference manual Epson technical information library fax service Product literature with technical specifications on our current and new

products Sales of ribbons, supplies, parts, documentation, and accessories for your

Epson product Customer Relations User group locations

For United Kingdom Users

Epson product guarantee

Under the law, goods sold must comply with their description and must be of merchantable quality and fit for their purpose or correspond with any sample.

This guarantee does not affect the seller’s legal obligation or the rights of the consumer in the “consumer transactions” under any Statute, including Sections 12 to 15 of the Sales of Goods Act, 1979.

All Epson Products, other than OEM products, are fully guaranteed against faulty operation or performance for a period of ONE YEAR from date of purchase by the user of the product.

All claims under this guarantee MUST be supported by evidence of purchase, normally the bill of sale invoice, and it is the responsibility of the claimant to furnish such proof. Epson (UK) Limited does not issue or operate any form of guarantee registration card.

Claims are made by the user returning the product to the supplier from whom it was purchased or, if this is impractical, to any Epson supplier who also handles the same product. In the event of any difficulty, users are requested to contact the Service Co-ordinator Manager at Epson (UK) Limited.

Epson (UK) Limited, or Epson Appointed Distributors, will at their discretion repair or replace part or all of the product to provide, in their judgement, a satisfactory performance of the product consistent with its age and apparent usage.

This guarantee covers the cost of both the parts and labour required to correct any

malfunction of the equipment, but specifically excludes: wear and tear, consumables, physical damage due to incorrect use or misuse and damage or faulty operation due to unauthorized and inexpert repair.

The guarantee is restricted to the performance of the product alone, and Epson (UK) Limited does not accept responsibility for any consequential loss or damage, nor claimed or implied performance, when the product is used in any combination with other equipment or program software.

Product guarantee may be invalidated as a result of excessive or inappropriate use, use in adverse environment or in conditions outside the specifications or if the product has been subjected to unapproved modifications.

The guarantee does not cover visits to the user’s premises or the repair or commissioning of the product on site.

Use of options

Epson (UK) Limited shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the use of any options or consumable products other than those designated as Original Epson Products or Epson Approved Products by Epson (UK) Limited.

Safety information

Warning: This appliance must be earthed. Refer to rating plate for voltage and check that the appliance voltage corresponds to the supply voltage.

Important: The wires in the mains lead fitted to this appliance are colored in accordance with the following code:

Green and yellow - Earth

Blue - Neutral Brown - Live

As the colors of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the colored markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:

The green and yellow wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E or with the earth symbol and yellow.

The blue wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked with the letter N or colored black.

(+)

or colored green or green

The brown wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked with the letter L or colored red.

If damage occurs to the plug, replace the cord set or consult a qualified electrician. Replace fuses only with a fuse of the correct size and rating.

Introduction

Features Finding Your Way Around Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking

Choosing a Place for the Printer Installing the Ribbon Cartridge Plugging in the Printer Running the Self Test Connecting the Printer to Your Computer Setting Up Your Software Programs

Chapter 2 Paper Handling

Printing on Single Sheets

Using Continuous Paper with the Push Tractor

Switching Between Continuous Paper and Single Sheets ....2-13

Printing on

...........................................................................................

..........................................................

..................................................

the

Printer

Special

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

1 2 2

1-1

1-2 1-4

1-5 1-7

1-8

1-11

1-13

2-1

2-2

Chapter 3 Using the Printer

Operating the Control Panel

Selecting

Using the Default-Setting Mode

Maintenance and Transportation

Troubleshooting

Character

Fonts..

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3-2 3-2

. 3-5

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Contents

3-5 3-16 3-19

vii

Appendix

A-1

Technical Specifications Command Summary Character Tables

................................................................

........................................................................

Glossary

Index

...........................................................

A-2 A-13 A-21

GL-1

IN-1

Viii

Contents

Introduction

Your new Epson® printer is an advanced 9-pin dot matrix printer that combines high performance with a wide range of features.

Features

These features give your Epson printer outstanding value:

Fast printing speed. You can print up to 240 characters per second in 12 cpi draft mode.

Easy paper handling. The built-in paper cassette holds up to 50 single sheets of paper. You can also install the push tractor to print on continuous paper, multi-part forms, and labels. Also you can switch between single-sheet and continuous printing without removing either paper supply.

Compatibility. The printer supports the Epson ESC/P commands widely used in software programs written for other Epson LX printers.

Two printer positions. You can set the printer upright or flat, whichever you prefer.

A range of popular fonts. You can choose from two draft fonts and two near letter quality fonts for professional results.

Unique control-panel design. The sleek, two-button panel makes it easy to customize the printer’s default settings.

No adjustment necessary for paper thickness. You do not need to adjust a paper thickness lever when you use thick paper.

In some locations, the push tractor is an option (part number

C80026*) .

Introduction 1

Introduction

Finding Your Way Around

Here’s what you’ll find in this book:

Chapter 1 contains step-by-step instructions for unpacking, setting up, testing, and connecting your printer. Be sure to read and follow these instructions.

Chapter 2 is a detailed discussion of paper handling.

Chapter 3 describes how to use the control panel to customize your printer settings. It also contains maintenance and troubleshooting information.

The Appendix includes the printer specifications, commands, and character tables.

A glossary of printer terms and an index are at the end.

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

WARNINGS must be followed carefully to avoid bodily

I!!!9

injury.

CAUTIONS must be observed to avoid damage to your

equipment.

Notes contain important information and useful tips on the

operation of your printer.

Introduction

Chapter 1

Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking

Removing the protective materials Choosing a Installing the Ribbon Plugging in the Printer Running the Self Test

Loading paper into the paper cassette..

Running Connecting the Printer to Your Computer Setting Up

Printing

the

Printer..

Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

the

test

Your Software

test

file

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

....................................

Cartridge

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

................................................................

....................................................................

.................................................................. 1-14

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Programs..

.....................................

1-3

1-5 1-7 1-8

.............................

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-8 1-11

1-11 1-13

Setting Up the Printer

1-1

Unpacking the Printer

Your printer box should include these items.

printer

power cord*

In some locations, the power cord is attached to the printer.

In some countries, the push tractor is an option (part number

CAUTION: There are several versions of this printer

designed for different voltages, and it is not possible to

output guide

cable clip

change the voltage. If the label on the back of the printer does not show the correct voltage for your country,

contact your dealer.

ribbon cartridge

push tractor**

CSOOZS*).

1-2

Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer

Removing the protective materials

During shipping, a piece of foam packing, a print head protector, and a piece of tape protect the printer and paper cassette. Before you use the printer, you must remove these protective items.

Use the tabs on both sides of the printer cover to lift it off the printer. First remove the protective cover. Then remove the foam packing and the two protectors from inside the printer.

Remove the ribbon cartridge from its foam packing.

Pull the paper cassette out of the printer. Remove the tape that holds down the metal plate in the cassette during shipping.

Note: Store these protective items with the other packing

materials.

Setting Up the Printer

1-3

Choosing a Place for the Printer

The printer works flat or upright, as shown below. You can set it whichever way fits your preference or working space. (When you install the push tractor, you must use the flat position.)

When selecting a place for your printer, follow these guidelines:

Place the printer on a flat, stable surface. Do not slide the printer on rough surfaces because you may damage the flap on the bottom.

Place the printer close enough to the computer for its interface cable to reach the computer.

Leave adequate room for easy operation and maintenance.

Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, or dust.

Use a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug. Place the printer where you can easily unplug the power cord. Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or automatic

timers, and avoid outlets on the same circuit as large motors or other appliances that can 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.

1-4

Setting Up the Printer

Choosing a Place for the Printer

If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines:

Use a stand that supports at least 10 kg (22 lbs). Never use a stand that tilts the printer. It should always be kept

level. Make sure to provide enough clearance below the stand so your

continuous paper feeds smoothly. Place cables so they do not interfere with paper feeding; secure

them to a leg of the stand if possible. Align the continuous paper stack so the paper feeds straight into

the tractor’s sprocket units.

Installing the Ribbon Cartridge

Before you install the ribbon cartridge, make sure the power cord is not plugged into an electrical outlet.

Use the tabs on both sides of the printer cover to lift it off the printer. Then slide the print head to the middle of the printer.

Setting Up the Printer

1-5

Installing the Ribbon Cartridge

Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow to remove any slack in the ribbon. Insert the ribbon cartridge into the printer as shown; then press both sides of the cartridge firmly to fit the plastic posts into the slots.

Turn the ribbon-tightening knob to feed the ribbon into place. Make sure it is not twisted or creased.

0’

1-6

CAUTION:

l Never move the small levers on the ends of the metal

shaft (shown below). They have already been adjusted at the factory.

Never move this lever.

l Disregard the numbers 0 and 1 under the printer cover

on the left side. They are not necessary for printer operation.

Setting Up the Printer

Installing the Ribbon Cartridge

Replace the printer cover by inserting its tabs into the holes on the printer as shown below; then close the cover.

Plugging in the Printer

Make sure the power switch on the printer is turned off. It is off when the 0 side of the switch is pressed down.

Check the label on the back of the printer to make sure the voltage required by the printer matches that of your electrical outlet.

CAUTION: If the rated voltage and your outlet voltage do

not match, contact your dealer for assistance. Do not plug in the power cord.

Setting Up the Printer

1-7

Running the SelfTest

If the power cord is not attached to the printer, connect it to the

3. AC inlet on the printer.

Plug the power cord into a properly grounded electrical outlet.

Running the Self Test

You can run the self test with either continuous paper or single sheets; this section describes the easier way, with single sheets.

If you want to use continuous paper, see “Using Continuous Paper with the Push Tractor” in Chapter 2.

Loading paper into the paper cassette

You can install the output guide to support printed pages as they

1. come out of the printer. To install it, insert the tabs on the guide

into the mounting slots on the printer case as shown below. Be sure to turn the guide over and install it in the opposite direction when you use the printer in the upright position.

1-8

Setting Up the Printer

Running the Self Test

Pull the paper cassette out of the printer.

Fan a stack of A4 or letter-size paper and then even up the edges.

Note: The US version uses letter-size paper; all others use A4

paper. The paper size (letter or A4) is shown on the inside of the paper cassette. The cassette holds up to 50 sheets (70 kg or 22 lb maximum).

Pull out the paper support.

Setting Up the Printer

1-9

Running the Self Test

While holding down the metal plate in the paper cassette, put

the paper in the cassette. Make sure the paper is underneath all five tabs, especially the small ones on the top edge of the cassette.

tabs

Insert the paper cassette into the printer as far as it will go. The

edge of the paper stack extends beyond the front of the printer.

1-10

Setting Up the Printer

Running the Self Test

Running the test

Make sure the printer is turned off.

While holding down the The printer gives two long and two short beeps, and then it

loads the paper automatically and begins the self test. The printer prints characters in the current font and character

table. Here is part of a typical self test:

!“#$%Sr*( I*+,-

!“#$%&-( )*+,“#$%&‘O*+,-./012345678Q:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMN #$%&‘( )a+,-

$%&‘()*+,-./012345678S:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP %&‘( )*+,&-()a+,-

./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO

./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQ

./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQR

LF/FF

./0123456789:;<=>?8ABCDEFGHIJKL

./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLM

(w )

button, turn on the printer.

Note: If the paper cassette is empty when you turn the power on,

the printer beeps three times and the

paper as described above and press the

self test.

READY

LF/FF

light flashes. Load

button to start the

To stop the self test, turn off the printer.

If the self test does not work properly, contact your dealer.

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

If the self test prints correctly, you’re ready to connect your printer to the computer. You need a parallel printer cable to connect your computer to the printer’s built-in parallel interface.

Follow these steps to connect the parallel interface cable:

Make sure both the printer and computer are turned off; then plug the cable connector securely into the printer’s interface connector.

Setting Up the Printer

1-11

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

Squeeze the wire clips together until they lock in place on either side.

Note: If your cable has a ground wire, connect it to the ground

connector below the interface connector.

Put the cable through the cable clip; then insert the clip in the slot on the bottom of the printer. (You may have to remove the output guide when you put the printer upright to attach the cable clip.)

1-12

Setting Up the Printer

Connecting the Printer to

Plug the other end of the cable into the computer. If there is a ground wire at the computer end of the cable, attach it to the ground connector

the back

the computer.

Your

Note: If you want the power cord or interface cable to be on the

opposite side, route it through the slot on the back.

Computer

Setting Up Your Software Programs

Most software programs let you specify the type of printer you use so that the program can take full advantage of the printer’s features. Many programs provide a printer selection menu.

Setting Up the Printer

1-13

Setting Up Your Software Programs

Because the family of Epson printers shares a great many commands, you can use a software program even if does not list your printer on its printer selection menu. Choose from the following list (the printers are listed in the order of preference).

LX-100 ActionPrinter 2250 LX-810/850

LX-800 LX-86 LX-80 FX-850 FX-86e / 800 EX-800 FX-85 FX-80+ FX-80

If none of these printers is listed, select the first one of these available: LX, FX, EX, RX, MX, Epson printer, Standard printer, Draft printer.

To use all of the features of the printer, however, it is best to choose a program with

one of the LX printers on its menu. If your program does not list one of these printers, contact the software manufacturer to see if an update is available.

Printing a test file

After you select the most appropriate printer, create and print a test file using the fonts, symbols, features, and formats that you use most often. Printing the test file shows you how the printer works with your software program.

If the printing results are not what you expect, see Troubleshooting in Chapter 3, or consult your computer or software manual.

1-14

Setting Up the Printer

Chapter 2

Paper Handling

Printing on Single Sheets

Tips for using the paper

Loading paper manually

Using Continuous Paper with the Push Tractor

Installing the push tractor..

Loading continuous paper..

Tips for using continuous Using Removing the push tractor

Switching Between Continuous Paper and Single Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Switching to single Switching to continuous paper

Printing on Special

Envelopes Multi-part forms Labels

the

tear-off feature

Paper..

..............................................................................

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.........................................................

cassette

.....................................................

paper

....................................................

sheets

...................................................................

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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2-2 2-2

2-3 2-5

2-5 2-7 2-10

2-11 2-11

2-13 2-14

2-15 2-16 2-17

2-17

Paper Handling 2-1

Printing on Single Sheets

You can load standard-sized single sheets with the paper cassette and you can load single sheets of paper from 148 mm (5.8 inches) to 257 mm (10.1 inches) wide with the manual insertion slot.

Tips for using the paper cassette

Review “Loading paper into the paper cassette” on page 1-8. Also, the tips below will help you get the best performance when using the cassette.

Load paper in the cassette before you turn on the printer and send data. When the printer receives data from the computer, it loads a single sheet automatically and begins to print.

If the printer runs out of paper during a print job, reload the paper cassette and press the

LF/FF

button to load the paper. Press the You can adjust the top-of-form position with the gear under the

printer cover. It is marked by + and - signs. Open the printer cover and turn the gear to adjust the position. The notches on the ribbon mask indicate the base line of printed characters. The gear adjustment affects only the loaded page. If you want to change the top-of-form position permanently, you can adjust it in the default-setting mode described in Chapter 3. However, most software programs take care of the top and bottom margins. You usually don’t need to set the top-of-form position on the printer.

2-2

LF/FF

button to eject a sheet of loaded paper.

Paper Handling

ribbon mask

- c base line of characters

Printing on Single Sheets

When you want to push the paper support back into the paper

cassette, first remove paper from the cassette. Then hold down

the locking tab while pushing the paper support in.

The default page length for the paper cassette is 65 lines (A4-size

paper) or 61 lines (letter-size paper). You can change it using your software or printer commands, if necessary. See the Appendix for more about printer commands.

You can switch to manual insertion or to the push tractor

without removing the paper cassette. For instructions, see

“Loading paper manually” or “Switching Between Continuous

Paper and Single Sheets” later in this chapter.

Loading paper manually

You can load single sheets of paper from the rear manual insertion

slot. (If you’ve installed the push tractor, remove it before loading

paper manually.)

Place the printer in the upright position and turn it on.

Paper Handling 2-3

Printing on Single Sheets

Next, lower the flap on the rear slot. Then insert a single sheet

2. into the slot, aligning the paper edge with the arrow mark on the printer case. The page loads automatically. When the printer receives data, it begins printing.

Be sure to raise the flap when not using manual insertion.

You can adjust the top-of-form position in the same way that you do for paper loaded from the cassette.

When you want to switch to the paper cassette, press the button without inserting a page into the rear slot. The printer

loads a page from the cassette.

2-4

Paper Handling

LF/FF

+ 76 hidden pages