4000/4500
User’s
Manual
4000288
C01-00
EPSON”~p~
4000/4500
User'’s Manual
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS
This equipment
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
.
Increase the
.
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.
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
interfaces.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Epson America, Inc., could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
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 numerique n’emet pas de bruits
applicables aux appareils num&iques de Classe B prescrites darts le reglement sur le
brouillage
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any
or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Epson America, Inc. No patent
liability is
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
resulting from the use of information contained herein.
Epson America, Inc. shall not be liable against any damages arising from the use of any
options other than those designated as Original Epson Products by Seiko Epson
Corporation.
has
been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital
the
receiving
separation
has
more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused
radio&ctriques
assumed with
between the equipment and receiver
edict6 par le
respect to the use of information contained herein. While every
antenna
WARNING
FOR CANADIAN USERS
radio&ctriques
Minis&e
des
Communications
means,
mechanical, photocopying. recording
depassant les limites
du Canada.
damages
Epson and Epson ESC/P are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and
may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Copyright © 1990 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California
ii
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.
1.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
2.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not
3.
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
8.
plug 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.
Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.
9.
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.
iv
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.
Contents
Introduction
Features.
Options
About This Manual
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
5
6
1-1
1-2
1-5
1-7
1-15
1-22
1-25
2-1
2-2
2-4
2-8
2-16
2-23
Chapter 3 Using the Printer
Operating the Control Panel
Selecting Typestyles
................................
Setting the DIP Switches.
Page Length
Skip Over Perforation.
.......................................
..............................
Adjusting the Loading Position.
Using Short Tear-off
................................
.........................
............................
......................
3-1
3-2
3-6
3-11
3-15
3-16
3-17
3-19
V
Selecting an International Character Set
Choosing a Character Set
Using the Data Dump Mode
............................
.........................
...............
3-22
3-24
3-26
Chapter 4 Software and Graphics
Enhancing Your Printing
Graphics
..........................................
User-defined Characters.
............................
............................
Chapter 5 Using the Printer Options
The Cut Sheet Feeder
The Pull Tractor
The Interface Boards
...............................
....................................
................................
Chanter 6 Maintenance
Cleaning the Printer
Replacing the Ribbon
Transporting the Printer.
................................
...............................
............................
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting
Printing
Paper Handling
...........................................
....................................
Options.. .........................................
4-1
4-2
4-7
4-17
5-1
5-2
5-24
5-37
6-1
6-2
6-4
6-10
7-1
7-2
7-7
7-10
Chapter 8 Technical Specifications
Printer Specifications
Interface Specifications
Option Specifications
Initialization
vi
.......................................
...............................
..............................
...............................
8-1
8-2
8-9
8-13
8-15
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
Proportional Width Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Sets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A-1
A-2
A-6
Glossary
Index
vii
Introduction
The Epson® ActionPrinter 4000 and ActionPrinter 4500 are advanced
24-pin dot matrix printers 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, the ActionPrinter 4000 and
ActionPrinter 4500 offer 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-950, LQ-1000, LQ-1010,
LQ-1050, LQ-1500, LQ-2500, and LQ-2550.
Fast draft mode printing of up to 192 characters per second at
12 cpi (characters per inch).
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, which allows use of
single sheets of paper without removing the continuous paper,
eliminates paper waste with short tear-off, and allows easy and
accurate paper alignment.
Nine built-in Letter Quality fonts for producing high-quality
documents:
Epson Roman, Epson San Serif, Epson Courier, Epson
Prestige, OCR-B, OCR-A, Epson Script, Epson Orator,
Epson Orator-S
A 360 x 360 dot per inch graphics mode.
Introduction 1
Introduction
l
A micro-adjustment feature that allows you to feed the paper
forward or backward to finely adjust the loading and short tearoff positions.
l
Fifteen international character sets, an italic character set, and
five graphics character sets.
l
The ability to handle a wide range of paper types, including
envelopes and labels.
The ActionPrinter 4000 and ActionPrinter 4500 are basically the
same printer except for the width of their carriages. The
ActionPrinter 4000 has a standard width carriage that accommodates
paper up to a width of 10 inches. The ActionPrinter 4500 has a wide
carriage that accommodates paper up to a width of 14 inches.
Throughout this manual, theActionPrinter 4000 is referred to as the
standard width printer and the ActionPrinter 4500 is referred to as
the wide carriage printer.
Options
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 options or supplies, call Epson Accessories, Inc. at
1-800-873-7766.
l
Film Ribbon Cartridge (#7768/#7770)
An optional film ribbon cartridge provides you with even higher
quality printing than the standard fabric ribbon.
2 Introduction
Single-bin Cut Sheet Feeder (C806122/806242)
l
The cut sheet feeder makes it possible to handle single-sheetThe cut sheet feeder makes it possible to handle single-sheet
paper more easily and more efficiently. Up to 150 sheets of
standard bond paper can be automatically fed into the printerstandard bond paper can be automatically fed into the printer
without reloading.without reloading.
Introduction
l
Pull Tractor Unit (C800062/C800142)
This option improves the performance of continuous paper
handling. It is especially useful with continuous multi-part
forms.
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 cover 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-today operation of your printer.
4
Introduction
Introduction
l 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.
l If the printer does not operate properly or the printed results are
not what you expect, see Chapter 7 for troubleshooting
instructions.
l
Other chapters and the appendix contain information on printer
options, general maintenance, and specifications. You will also
find a glossary of printer terms.
l
At the back of this manual is a handy Quick Reference card that
contains the information you are most likely to need.
Note: The majority of the illustrations in this manual show the
standard width printer. Whenever necessary, an illustration is
included to show the wide carriage printer.
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
WARNINGS
CAUTIONS
1
.
0
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the
operation of your printer.
printer.
must be followed to avoid bodily injury.
must be observed to avoid damage to your
Introduction 5
Introduction
Where to Get Help
A network of authorized Epson Customer Care Centers throughout
the United States offers customer support and service for Epson
products. Epson America provides product information and support
to its dealers and Customer Care Centers.
Call the Epson Consumer Information Center at l-213-782-2606 for
the following referrals:
l
Your nearest Epson dealer
l
The nearest Customer Care Center for parts and service
l Technical assistance.
6 Introduction
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
InstaIling the Ribbon Cartridge.
Attaching the Paper Guide.
Testing the Printer.
Plugging in the Printer
Running the Self Test
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
The Parallel Interface
Setting Up Your Application Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
..............................
...............................
.................
.............................
.........................
....................
........................
.................................
............................
.............................
.............
.............................
1-2
1-2
1-3
1-5
1-7
1-7
1-8
1-13
1-15
1-15
1-15
1-22
1-22
1-25
Setting Up the Printer
1-1
Unpacking the Printer
This section describes how to unpack your 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
V
printer
platen knob
ribbon cartridge
After removing the parts, save the packaging materials in case you
ever need to transport your printer.
1-2
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
Removing the Protective Materials
The printer is protected during shipping by pieces of white packing
material. Also, the wide carriage printer is protected by a locking
clip, which must be removed before you turn on the printer.
CAUTION:
I
.
0
Follow these steps to remove the protective materials.
1.
2.
be absolutely sure you have removed the locking clip.
Turning on the printer while the clip is attached may
seriously damage the mechanism.
Remove the printer cover.
Remove the pieces of white packing material. At this point, the
standard width printer is completely unpacked.
Before turning on the wide carriage printer,
Setting Up the Printer
1-3
Unpacking
To remove the locking clip on the wide carriage printer, lift and
3.
the Printer
remove the paper tension unit.
Remove the locking clip.
4.
Note:
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.
Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight, excessive heat,
moisture, or dust.
Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or automatic
timers. Accidental interruption of power can wipe out
information in both your computer’s and printer’s memory.
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.
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.
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 printers white foam packing material.
1.
Insert the knob into the hole on the printers 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:
I
.
0
Installing the Ribbon Cartridge
Your printers ribbon cartridge is designed for easy installation and
removal. Before installing the ribbon cartridge, make sure the printer
is turned off.
Install the ribbon cartridge as follows.
position of the paper. This interferes with the automatic
paper loading system and may cause a paper jam.
Do not use the platen knob to adjust the
1-8
Setting Up the Printer
Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
1.
Assembling the Printer
CAUTION:
I
.
0
2.
turned on because this can damage the printer. Also, if you
have been using the printer, the print head may be hot; let
it cool for a few minutes before touching it.
Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow.
This removes slack in the ribbon and makes it easier to install.
Never move the print head while the printer is
Setting Up the Printer
1-9
Assembling
3.
On the standard width printer, open the paper tension unit
the Printer
cover. (On the wide carriage printer, you already removed the
paper tension unit when you removed the locking clip.)
4.
Hold the ribbon cartridge by its handle and push it firmly down
into position, making sure the plastic hooks fit into the slots.
Note:
the plastic
1-10
Press lightly on both ends of the cartridge to make sure
hooks
are properly seated.
Setting Up the Printer
Assembling the Printer
Use a pointed object, such as a ball point pen, to guide the ribbon
5.
between the print head and ribbon guide while you turn the
ribbon-tightening knob to help feed the ribbon into place.
Slide the print head from side to side to make sure it moves
6.
smoothly. Also check that the ribbon is not twisted or creased.
Setting Up the Printer
1-11
Assembling
7.
On the standard width printer, close the paper tension unit
the Printer
cover.
The standard width printer is now complete.
8.
On the wide carriage printer, fit the rear notches of the paper
tension unit over the pins of the printer; then lower the unit.
1-12
Setting Up the Printer
Assembling
9.
Press down on both sides of the paper tension unit to lock it in
the Printer
place.
Attaching the Paper Guide
When you use single sheets, the paper guide helps to feed the paper
smoothly and efficiently into the printer. Attach the paper guide
using the following procedure.
1.
Place the paper guide on the printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-13
Assembling the Printer
2.
Raise the paper guide until it locks into place.
Note:
To lower the paper guide, lift up slightly to release it
from its locked position; then gently lower it down onto the
printer.
3.
Attach the printer cover by fitting the hooks on the cover into the
notches at the front of the printer and tilting the cover back into
place.
1-14
Setting Up the Printer
Testing the Printer
Now that your printer is fully assembled, you can use its built-in self
test function to see that the printer is working correctly before you
connect it to a computer. You should perform this test to make sure
that your printer was not damaged during shipping and that the
ribbon is correctly installed.
Before running the self test, you need to connect the printer to an
electrical outlet and load a sheet of paper.
Plugging in the Printer
1.
Make sure that the printer is turned off.
2.
Plug the power cable into a properly grounded electrical outlet.
Running the Self Test
The self test can be run in the draft or Letter Quality mode,
depending on which button you hold down as you turn on the
printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-15
Testing the Printer
The self test is 8 inches wide on the standard width printer and
14 inches wide on the wide carriage printer.
CAUTION:
t
.
0
Although the self test can be run with continuous paper, use a single
sheet of paper now because single sheet loading is easier.
1.
2.
narrower than 8¼ inches (210 mm) on the standard width
printer or 14 inches (360 mm) on the wide carriage printer.
This prevents the print head from printing directly onto
the platen, which can damage the print head.
Make sure the printer is turned off.
Push the paper release lever back to the single sheet position.
Never run the self test using paper that is
1-16
Setting Up the Printer
3.
While holding down the
FORM FEED
button (Letter Quality mode), turn on the printer. The
LINE FEED
printer beeps several times and
come on.
4.
Move
the
left edge guide so that it locks in place
guide mark.
Testing the Printer
button (draft mode) or
POWER
and
PAPER OUT
next to
lights
the
5.
Adjust
the right edge
guide to match
Setting Up the Printer
the
width of your paper.
1-17
Testing the Printer
6.
Next, slide a sheet of paper down between the edge guides until
it meets resistance. After about two seconds, the printer loads the
paper automatically and then starts the self test.
Note: If the platen turns without loading the paper, press the
ON LINE
button to take the printer off line. Then remove the
paper and reinsert it more firmly.
A list of DIP switch settings is printed first, followed by a series
of characters. The self test continues until the paper runs out or
until you press the
1-18
Setting Up the Printer
ON LINE
button.
Testing the Printer
When you wish to stop the test, press the
7.
If the paper is still loaded, press the
8.
LINE FEED
I
.
0
button to eject it. Then turn off the printer.
CAUTION:
least five seconds before turning it back on. Turning the
power on and off rapidly can damage the printer.
After turning the power off, always wait at
LOAD/EJECT
ON LINE
button or
button.
Setting Up the Printer
1-19
Testing
the Printer
Here is part of a typical self test printed in Letter Quality mode.
Country/Graphic SW1-1 l-2 1-3
U.S.A/United States on on on
France/Multilingual on on off
Germany/Portugal on off on
U.K,/Canada-French on off off
Denmark/Norway
Sweden
Italy
Spain
Page length
11"
1.2
8,5”
A4
off on on
off on
off off on
off off off
SW1-4 1-5
off off
on off
off on
on on
off
Tear off
Invalid
Valid
1"Skip
Invalid
Valid
Auto LF
Invalid
Valid
Receive I
1kbyte:
8kbyte:
Graphics,
Uni-d
Bi-d
Pitch/
#$%&'()*+,-.
$%&'()*+,-.
/0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNl
%&’()*+,-. /0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO
&’()*+,-. 10123456789:;
'()*+,-. 10123456789:;
<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPl
<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQ
Prestige 10
o*+,-*
. .
/0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQR
*^.^^*-.--^A
.-.m .-----
^---
----*---
^-^-^
Note: When using the optional cut
sheet
feeder, the first page of
the self test printout is slightly different. For details, see The Cut
Sheet Feeder in Chapter 5.
1-20
Setting Up the Printer
Testing the Printer
If the self test does not print properly, check the control panel and
the print head area. Make sure that all packing material and
shipping restraints have been removed from inside the printer. See
Chapter 7, Troubleshooting, for other possible causes and solutions.
If the printer still does not print the self test correctly, contact your
dealer or call the Consumer Information number listed in Where to
Get Help.
Setting Up the Printer
1-21
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
If the self test printed correctly, you are now ready to connect the
printer to your computer.
If your computer has a parallel interface and you have a suitable
shielded cable, you should be able to connect your printer
immediately. The steps below describe how to connect the parallel
interface cable.
If your computer requires another type of interface, you need to
install an optional interface board. See Interface Boards in Chapter 5.
If you are not sure which type of interface cable is required, see your
computer manual.
The Parallel Interface
Connect the parallel interface cable as described below:
1.
Make sure that both your printer and computer are turned off.
2.
Plug the cable connector securely into the printer.
1-22
Setting Up the Printer
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
3.
Squeeze
the wire clips together until they lock in place on either
side of the connector.
4.
If your cable has a ground wire, connect it to the ground screw
beneath the interface connector.
Setting Up the Printer
1-23
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
5.
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 at the back of the computer.
1-24
Setting Up the Printer
Setting Up Your Application Software
Now that you have set up and tested the printer, you should make
sure that it works with your application programs.
Most application programs let you specify the type of printer you
are using so that the program can take full advantage of the printer’s
features. Many of these programs provide an installation or setup
menu that presents a list of printers to choose from.
If your application program has a printer selection menu, use the
instructions below.
Choosing From a Menu
Because the family of Epson printers shares a great many
commands, you can use an application program even if it does not
list your printer on its selection menu. If the printer is not listed,
choose one of the following printers. They are listed in order of
preference.
LQ-510 (LQ-1010)
LQ-2550
LQ-2500
LQ-850 (LQ-1050)
LQ-500
LQ-800 (LQ-1000)
LQ-1500
If none of the above printers is listed, select the first one available on
the following list: LQ, EX, FX, LX, RX, MX, Epson printer, Standard
printer, Draft printer.
To use all of the features of the printer, however, it is best to use a
program with your printer on its menu. If an application program
does not list the printer, contact the software manufacturer to see if
an update is available that supports your model.
Setting Up the Printer
1-25
Chapter 2
Paper Handling
Selecting a Paper Feeding Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using Single Sheets
Loading Paper
Reloading During Printing
Using Continuous Paper
Positioning Your Continuous Paper Supply.
Loading Continuous Paper
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
Switching to Single Sheets
Switching Back to Continuous Paper.
Printing on Special Paper.
The Paper Thickness Lever
Multi-part Forms
Labels
Envelopes..
..........................................
.................................
...................................
........................
............................
.........
........................
......
.........................
...............
...........................
........................
.................................
.....................................
2-2
2-4
2-4
2-7
2-8
2-8
2-8
2-16
2-16
2-19
2-23
2-23
2-26
2-27
2-28
Paper Handling 2-1
Selecting a Paper Feeding Method
The paper release lever on the standard width printer has two
positions and on the wide carriage printer has three positions for use
with the various methods of paper feeding. Make sure the paper
release lever is set to match the desired paper feeding method.
Standard width printer
2-2
Wide carriage printer
Paper Handling
Selecting a Paper Feeding Method
The lever positions are marked by icons.
Single sheet position: When you load single sheets from
fl
either the paper guide or from the optional cut sheet feeder,
the lever should be all the way back.
-
Q
-.
E
-
PULL
Note:
the forward position for continuous paper whether the paper is
loaded from the built-in push tractor or the optional pull tractor.
Continuous feed position: When you load continuous paper
with the built-in push tractor, the lever should be all the
way forward on the standard width printer and in the
middle on the wide carriage printer.
.
Pull tractor position
load continuous paper with the optional pull tractor, the
lever should be all the way forward on the wide carriage
printer. Even
same time, you must set the lever to
select this position if you are using the optional pull tractor.
On
the
standard width printer, the paper release lever is in
-wide carriage printer only: When you
when
you use the built-in push tractor at
this
position. Only
the
Paper Handling 2-3
Using Single Sheets
The standard width printer can accommodate single sheets with a
width of 7.2 inches (182 mm) to 10 inches (254 mm). The wide
carriage printer can accommodate single sheets with a width of
7.2 inches (182 mm) to 14.3 inches (364 mm).
If you do most of your printing on single sheets, you may find it
more convenient to install the optional cut sheet feeder. This option
automatically inserts a new sheet and can hold up to 150 pages. For
more details, see Chapter 5.
Loading Paper
1.
Push the paper release lever back to the single sheet position.
2.
Turn on the printer. (The green
Note:
Do not insert paper before turning on the printer.
2-4 Paper Handling
POWER
light should come on.)
1
Using Single Sheets
Move the left edge guide so that it locks in place next to the
3.
guide mark. (You may want to change this position later,
depending on the margin settings of your application program.)
4.
Adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper.
Paper Handling 2-5
Using
Single
Sheets
5.
Slide the paper down between the edge guides 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.
CAUTION: Never advance the paper using the platen knob
You are now ready to begin printing.
2-6
Paper Handling
Using Single Sheets
Reloading During Printing
When you print a document of more than one page using single
sheets of paper, the printer stops printing when it reaches the bottom
of the page. When this happens, the
ON LINE
light either goes off
automatically or remains on, depending on your application
program software. If the
should do
is
press the
ON LINE
ON LINE
light remains on, the first thing you
button to take the printer off line.
Once the ON LINE
printed (if necessary, press the
and load a new sheet. Press the
light is off, remove the sheet that has just been
LOAD/EJECT
ON LINE
button to eject the page)
button to start printing the
next page and follow any additional prompts from your software.
Paper Handling 2-7
Using Continuous Paper
The push tractor built into your printer is remarkably easy to load
and operate.
handle paper up to 10 inches (254 mm) wide on the standard width
printer and up to 16 inches (406 mm) wide on the wide carriage
printer.
Positioning Your Continuous Paper Supply
An important consideration for achieving smooth and trouble-free
paper feeding is the position of your paper supply.
Three ways of positioning your printer and continuous paper supply
are shown below.
Its low-profile
design takes up little space and can
Be sure to align the paper supply with the paper loaded in the
tractor so that the paper feeds smoothly into the printer.
Loading Continuous Paper
1.
Be sure that the printer is turned off, then remove the paper
guide.
2-8
Paper Handling
Using Continuous Paper
2.
Set the paper
release lever to the continuous paper position. On
the standard width printer, this is the forward position.
On the wide carriage printer, this is the center position.
Paper Handling 2-9
Using Continuous Paper
3.
Release the sprocket units by pulling the sprocket lock levers
forward as shown below.
4.
Slide the left sprocket unit until it is one-half inch from the
farthest left position. Press the lever back to lock it in place.
2-10
Paper Handling
Using
5.
Slide the right sprocket unit so that it roughly matches the width
Continuous Paper
of your paper, but do not lock it.
6.
Move the paper support midway between the two sprocket
units.
Paper Handling
2-11
Using Continuous Paper
7.
Open both sprocket covers.
Note: Make sure that your paper has a clean, straight edge
before inserting it into the
printer.
2-12
Paper Handling
Using Continuous Paper
Fit the first three holes in the paper over the pins of both
8.
sprockets.
Close the sprocket covers.
9.
Paper Handling
2-13
Using Continuous Paper
10. Slide the right sprocket unit to a position where the paper is
straight and has no wrinkles. Then lock it in place.
11. Reattach the paper guide. Then slide the edge guides apart to the
sides of the paper guide as shown.
2-14
Paper Handling
Using Continuous Paper
12. Turn on the printer. It will beep because there is no paper in the
printer.
loading position.
Then
press
the LOAD/EJECT
button to feed paper to the
13. Press
The printer remembers the loading position and advances each page
to the same position. If you need to adjust the loading position, use
the micro-adjustment feature. See Adjusting the Loading Position in
Chapter 3.
0
Note: Before you begin printing, check the page length and skip
over perforation settings; readjust the settings if necessary. See
Chapter 3 for details.
the ON LINE
accept data.
CAUTION:
I
.
platen knob and never turn the platen knob while the
printer is turned on.
button to set the printer on
Never adjust the loading position using the
line so that
Paper
Handling
it can
2-15
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
Even with continuous paper loaded in the printer, you can easily
switch to single-sheet printing without removing the continuous
paper from the tractor.
Switching to Single Sheets
To switch from continuous paper to single sheets, you remove the
last printed document and then back the continuous paper out of the
way. Follow the steps below.
1.
If the printer is on line, press the
off line.
2.
Tear off any outgoing sheets. If the end of the last printed
sheet has not reached the tear-off edge, you need to press the
FORM FEED
it can be easily removed.
button to advance your document to a point where
ON LINE
button to set the printer
2-16
Paper Handling
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
CAUTION:
I
.
0
3.
before pressing the
several pages at a time may result in a paper jam. This is
especially true for narrow paper (less than 6 inches or
150 mm wide).
Press the
backward out of the printer and into the standby position. The
paper is still attached to the tractor but no longer in the paper
path.
LOAD/EJECT
Make sure you tear off your printed document
LOAD/EJECT
button to feed the continuous paper
button. Reverse-feeding
Note: Pressing the
paper far back enough to reach the standby position. If the
PAPER OUT
LOAD/EJECT
paper, you can press the
If, however, you are using narrow paper (between 4 and 6
inches or 100 and 150 mm) you should only press the
LOAD/EJECT
labels.
light does not come on, you need to press the
button again. With normal-width continuous
button once. Also, do not use this button to eject
LOAD/EJECT
LOAD/EJECT
button once may not feed the
button up to three times.
Paper Handling
2-17
Switching
Between Continuous
and Single Sheets
CAUTION:
I
.
0
4.
5.
printer. Labels can easily come off the backing sheet and
jam the printer.
Push the paper release lever back to the single sheet position.
Stand the paper guide upright and adjust the edge guides to
roughly match the width of your paper.
Never feed labels backward through the
2-18
Paper Handling
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
6.
Insert a sheet of paper between the edge guides until it meets
resistance. Slide the edge guides to match the width of your
paper.
After about two seconds, the printer loads the paper
automatically and is set
ON LINE
so that is can accept data from
your computer.
Note: If the platen turns without loading the paper, press the
ON LINE
button to take the printer off line. Then
remove the
paper
and reinsert it more firmly.
Switching Back to Continuous Paper
It is easy to switch back to printing with continuous paper. Before
switching to continuous paper, make sure that the single sheet is
ejected and the printer is off line.
Paper Handling
2-19
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
Slide the edge guides apart so they do not interfere with
1.
continuous paper feeding.
Lower the paper guide onto the printer.
2.
2-20
Paper Handling
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
3.
On the standard width printer, pull the paper release lever
forward to the continuous paper position.
On the wide carriage printer, set the paper release lever to the
middle position for continuous paper feeding.
Paper Handling
2-21
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
4.
Press
the LOAD/EJECT
button to feed
the
continuous paper to the
loading position.
5.
Press the
ON LINE
button to set the printer
accept data.
on
line so that it
can
2-22
Paper Handling
Printing on Special Paper
In addition to printing on single sheets and continuous paper, your
printer can also print on a wide variety of paper types, including
multi-part forms, labels, and envelopes.
Before printing on special types of paper, you need to change the
paper thickness setting.
CAUTION:
I
.
0
The Paper Thickness Lever
To accommodate various thicknesses of paper, the printer is
equipped with a paper thickness lever that can be set to seven
positions (standard width printer) or eight positions (wide carriage
printer). These positions are identified by a scale on the printer next
to the lever.
To change the paper thickness setting, follow these steps.
1.
envelopes, make sure that your application program
settings keep the printing entirely within the printable
area.
For multi-part forms and labels you should not print any
closer than one-half inch from either side of the paper.
For information on the printable area for envelopes, see
Envelopes later in this chapter.
Make sure that the printer is turned off. Then remove the printer
cover.
When printing on multi-part forms, labels, or
WARNING:
head may be hot. Allow it to cool before touching it.
If the printer has just been in use, the print
Paper Handling
2-23
Printing on Special Paper
2.
Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
3.
Select the paper thickness you want according to the table on the
next page. For normal use, the lever should always be set to
position 2 on the scale.
Note: If you have installed the optional film ribbon cartridge, set
the paper thickness lever to position 1.
2-24 Paper Handling
7
Printing on Special
Paper
Paper Type
Paper (single sheets or continuous
paper with film ribbon installed)
Paper (single sheets or continuous)
Thin paper
24 lb paper
Multi-part forms
2-sheet
3-sheet
Labels
Envelopes
Air mail
Plain
Bond (20 lb)
Bond (24 lb)
Note: When the lever is set to position 4 or higher, the printing
speed is reduced.
4.
Reattach the printer cover.
Lever Position
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
4 or 5
6
6
7
Paper Handling 2-25
Printing on Special Paper
To help you check the position of the paper thickness lever, the
orange
MULTI-PART
light on the control panel comes on if the
lever is set to position 4 or higher.
CAUTION:
Always return the lever to position 2 when you
go back to printing on ordinary paper. Continuous
printing with the lever set at a position higher than 2 can
shorten the life of the print head. Printing past the edge of
envelopes, multi-part forms, labels, or thicker-than-normal
paper can damage the print head.
Multi-part Forms
With the built-in tractor unit, your printer can print on continuous
multi-part forms. You can use multi-part forms that have up to three
parts including the original. Make sure you set the paper thickness
lever to the proper position.
Except for the paper thickness lever setting, you load multi-part
paper the same way as continuous paper. For details, see Loading
Continuous Paper in this chapter. Also see Page Length and
Adjusting the Loading Position in Chapter 3.
2-26
Paper Handling
Printing on Special Paper
CAUTION: Do not use multi-part forms with the singlesheet feeding system or the optional cut sheet feeder.
Labels
If you need to print labels, always use labels mounted on a
continuous backing sheet with sprocket holes for use with a tractor.
Do not try to print labels as single sheets because labels on a shiny
backing sheet almost always slip a little.
You load labels the same way that you load continuous paper except
that the paper thickness lever must be adjusted for printing labels.
See Loading Continuous Paper earlier in this chapter. For the correct
paper thickness setting, see The Paper Thickness Lever earlier in this
chapter.
Paper Handling
2-27
Printing on Special Paper
CAUTION: Never feed labels backward through the
1
.
0
Envelopes
You can feed envelopes individually using the single-sheet loading
feature. Before loading envelopes, adjust the position of the paper
thickness lever. See The Paper Thickness Lever earlier in this
chapter.
printer. Labels can easily peel off the backing and jam the
printer. Therefore, never use the
labels. Also, never use the short tear-off function with
labels. (Be sure to set DIP switch 2-2 to off.) If a label does
become stuck in the printer, contact your dealer or call the
Consumer Information number listed in Where to Get
Help.
Because labels are especially sensitive to temperature and
humidity, always use them under normal operating
conditions. Don’t leave labels loaded in the printer
between jobs; they curl around the platen and may jam
when you resume printing.
LOAD/EJECT
button to eject
2-28
Paper Handling
Printing on Special Paper
When manually feeding an envelope, you may have to push it down
slightly while pressing the
properly.
LOAD/EJECT
button to get it to feed
I
.
0
CAUTION: The printable area for envelopes is shown on
the next page. The print head must not go past the left or
right edge of the envelope or other thick paper. Make sure
that the page setup of your application program keeps the
printing entirely within this printable area.
Paper Handling
2-29
Printing on Special Paper
0.12
inch
(3mm) minimum
1
0.87
inch
(22.0 mm) minimum
Note: Envelope printing is only available at normal temperature
(40°F to 95°F or 5°C to 35°C).
To make sure that the printing fits within the printable area, always
print a test sample using a normal sheet of paper before printing on
envelopes.
2-30 Paper Handling
Chapter 3
Using the Printer
Operating
Selecting Typestyles
Character Fonts
Condensed Mode
Setting the DIP Switches
Changing a DIP Switch Setting.
The DIP Switch Tables
The DIP Switch Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PageLength . . . . . .
Skip Over Perforation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting the Loading Position.
Using Micro-adjustment.
Using Short Tear-off
Adjusting the Tear-off Position
the Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
................................
..................................
................................
.............................
....................
............................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
......................
..........................
................................
.....................
3-2
3-6
3-6
3-10
3-11
3-11
3-12
3-14
3-15
3-16
3-17
3-17
3-19
3-20
Selecting an International Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Choosing a Character Set
Using the Data Dump Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........
Using the Printer
3-22
3-24
3-26
3-1
Operating the Control Panel
The indicator lights give you the current status of the printer. The
buttons and paper handling functions let you control many of the
printer settings.
Lights
0
POWER
OM$L$- OREADY
0
PAPER OUT
-=ii&l
00
DRAFT
-0
ROMAN
0 -
SANS SERIF
I-
COURIER
0 Y
PRESTIGE
YLO
SCRIPT
I Y
OCR-B
mm
ORATOR
mm
OTHER
m
BLINKING
FONT
1
0
CONDENSED
II
1
TN LINE
El
FORM
FEED
#&
sl
’
LOAD
q
I
EJECT
kiif
MULTI-PART
On
when the paper thickness
(orange)
lever is set to position 4 or
higher. When this light is
blinking, the micro-adjustment
function can be used.
POWER
(green)
On when the POWER switch is
on and power is supplied.
READY (green)
On when the printer is ready to
accept input data. Flickers
during printing.
PAPER OUT
(red)
On when the printer is out of
paper or when continuous
paper is in the standby position.
ON LINE
(green)
On when the printer is on line
and ready to accept data.
3-2
Using the Printer
Buttons
Operating
the Control Panel
0
POWER
O#.k&l- OREADY
0
PAPER OUT
SelecType
00
DRAFT
-0
ROMAN
0 -
SANS SERIF
-I
COURIER
0 m
PRESTIGE
m 0
SCRIPT
I m
OCR-B
m
I
ORATOR
mm OTHER
m
SLINKING
0
ON LINE
1
#; El
El
LOAD
[7
CONDENSED
1
/
EJECT
ON LINE
This button controls the printer’s
on line and off line status. Press
this button to put the printer on
line or to take it off line. When the
printer is on line, the
is on and the printer
ON LINE
can
receive
light
and print data from the computer.
FORM FEED
When the printer is off line, press
this
button to eject a single sheet
of paper or to advance continuous
paper to the top of the next page.
LINE FEED
When the printer is off line, press
this button to advance the paper
one line, or hold it down to
advance the paper continuously.
LOAD/EJECT
This button is used to feed paper
to the loading position or to eject
paper
Paper is ejected forward if
that
is already loaded.
the
paper release lever is set to the
single-sheet position and
backward (out of the paper path)
if the release lever is set to the
continuous paper position.
Using the Printer
3-3
Operating the
Control Panel
SelecType
0 #;-I- 0
00
DRAFT
-0
ROMAN
0 -
SANS SERIF
I-
COURIER
0 u
PRESTIGE
m0
SCRIPT
A
0
CONDENSED
0
POWER
READY
0
PAPER OUT
E
LOAD
/
EJECT
FONT
Press this button to select a font.
The two orange indicator lights
show the selected font. See
Selecting Typestyles later in this
chapter.
CONDENSED
Press this button to turn the
condensed mode on and off. The
orange indicator light is on when
the printer is in the condensed
mode. In the condensed mode,
all characters are printed at
approximately 60 percent of their
normal width.
3-4
Using the Printer
Operating the Control Panel
Other Control Panel Features
The control panel of your printer also gives you access to several
special functions.
Self test: Both a draft and Letter Quality self test function
are built into the printer. The self test printout
lets you check
and operating status of the printer. You can
start the printer’s self test by holding down the
LINE FEED
turning on the printer. See Testing the Printer in
Chapter 1 for more information.
the
current DIP switch settings
button or the
FORM FEED
button while
Micro-adjustment: By pressing the
after loading paper or when using short tear-off,
you can make fine adjustments to the loading
and short tear-off positions. These positions can
only be adjusted while
blinking. See Adjusting
Using Short Tear-off later in this chapter.
Data
dump: By holding down both the
FORM FEED
printer, you turn on the data dump mode. This
feature allows advanced users to locate the
source of communications problems between the
computer and printer. See Using the Data Dump
Mode for more information.
FORM FEED
buttons while you switch on
button immediately
the MULTI-PART
the
Loading Position and
LINE FEED
light is
and the
the
Using the Printer
3-5
Selecting Typestyles
You can produce a wide range of typestyles by selecting different
character fonts, widths, and other enhancements from the SelecType
control panel or by using software commands. This section describes
only the features controlled by SelecType. To use software
commands, see the Command Summary in Chapter 9.
You can use the SelecType section of the control panel to choose
fonts and condensed printing. Orange lights indicate which features
you have chosen.
Note: The settings you select using the SelecType panel remain
valid even after you turn off, reset, or initialize the printer.
However, commands from your application program temporarily
override the SelecType settings.
Some application programs are designed to control all typestyle
functions. These programs cancel all previous typestyle settings
with software commands. Because these commands override
SelecType settings, you should use the program’s print options
instead of SelecType to select your typestyles. If SelecType does
not work with a particular application, check your software
manual for instructions on selecting typestyles.
Character Fonts
Your printer 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.
3-6
Using the Printer
SelecType
00
DRAFT
-0
ROMAN
0 -
SANS SERIF
-I
COURIER
0 Y PRESTIGE
yi
0 SCRIPT
I Y
OCR-E
Y I
ORATOR
MY
OTHER
hi
BLINKING
FONT
Selecting Typestyles
When you press the
FONT
button, the printer scrolls through eight of
the ten built-in fonts. The indicator lights show the selected font.
I
indicates the light is off.
indicates the light is on.
\I/
indicates the light is blinking.
You use the software command ESC k to select the other two built-in
fonts:
ESC k6 OCR-A
ESC k 8 Epson Orator-S
When you select one of these fonts, the indicator lights show the
OTHER
pattern. See the Command Summary in Chapter 9 for details
on software commands.
Using the Printer
3-7
Selecting Typestyles
The following samples
show the
DRAFT
Epson Sans Serif
character set available for each font.
Epson Courier
!“#$%a’( )*+,-.
/0123456789:;4=>?aABCDEFGHIJK
LMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ’q§^-‘abcdefghijklmnopqrstuv
wxyzehe”C~~aaaa~gge~~~~~~~8~~~~~UU~f~R~~~6
tifiRNir++iaB
Epson Prestige
! “1/$X& ’ (
)“+ ) -
/0123456789:;<=>?BABCDEFGHIJK
.
LMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ’C§^-‘abcdefghijklmnopqrstuv
WX~Z~~~“~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~AE~~~~~~~UU~~~~~~~~
tiiiRBP~“~*i <<>>
3-8
Using the Printer
Selecting Typestyks
Note: The OCR-B and OCR-A fonts can be read by an optical
character reader (also known as a document reader or image
scanner) for input into another computer. Print enhancements,
such as bold and underlining, cannot be read by an actual
character reader.
Epson Orator
! “#Hi& ’ ( ) *+, -
LMNO~QQTljW~< c§
~QZEUE
UNNAQLrlz)iO
$UEAAAACEE~?~~A
./(/12$456789:;(=>?AABCDEFGHI
Al)
EFW~~KLMNOPQRST~~
RLOOOUUYOU$EYR~AIO
iiF
Using the Printer
JK
3-9
Selecting Typestyles
Epson Orator-S
!
“#WI ’ ( ) *+, -
LMNOI'GQTUVWXYZ c§
ygzeue
UnNQQirl
The draft mode uses fewer dots per character for high-speed
printing, which makes it ideal for rough drafts and editing work.
The other fonts are Letter Quality (LQ) fonts. Letter Quality takes a
little longer to print, but produces nicely formed characters suitable
for most documentation requirements.
Condensed Mode
You can use the condensed mode to change the size of printed
characters. In the condensed mode, characters are approximately 60
percent of the width of normal characters. Hence, condensed
printing is very useful for spreadsheets and other applications where
you need to print the maximum amount of information on a page.
You can combine the condensed mode with 10 cpi, 12 cpi, and
proportional printing, but not 15 cpi.
C!
./Q12j456789:;<=>?dABCDEFGHIJK
ak, efg~~~&Qnnopws~yy
'$i$i&e@e~iiA a!iooouuyOU$E~Ptfaio
iit
To select the condensed mode, simply press the
so that the orange indicator light comes on. To turn off the
condensed mode, press the button again.
The following printout compares normal 10 and 12 cpi with
condensed 10 and 12 cpi. The condensed 10 cpi is 17 cpi, and the
condensed 12 cpi is 20 cpi.
This is 10 CPI printing.
This is condensed 10 CPI printing.
This is 12 CPI printing.
This is condensed 12 CPI printing,
3-10
Using the Printer
CONDENSED
button
Setting the DIP Switches
The printer has two sets of DIP switches located under a small cover
above the control panel. By changing the settings of these switches,
you can control various printer features, such as the character set
and page length. The new settings become effective when the printer
is turned on, reset, or initialized.
DIP switch settings are shown in the DIP switch tables later in this
section. Descriptions of all the DIP switch functions follow the
tables.
Changing a DIP Switch Setting
To change a DIP switch setting, follow these steps:
1.
Turn off the printer.
2.
Open the DIP switch cover and use a pointed object, such as a
pen, to change the DIP switch settings. A DIP switch is on when
it is up, and off when it is down.
The new DIP switch settings take effect when the printer is turned on.
Using the Printer
3-11
Setting the DIP Switches
The DIP Switch Tables
The tables below show the settings for each DIP switch. The page
numbers indicate where the feature is described.
DIP switch 1
SW Description
1-1
International character set/
1-2
Graphics character set
1-3
1-4 Page length
1-5
1-6 Condensed mode on/off
1-7 Character set
1-8
Cut sheet feeder mode on/off
DIP switch 2
-----1---
ON
See tables 1 and 2
I
Condensed
Graphics
On
1
See table 3
OFF
Normal
Italics
Off
Page
3-22
3-24
3-15
3-10
3-24
5-2
l
Required for use of user-defined (download) characters.
3-12
Using the Printer
Setting the DIP Switches
Table 1
International character sets
Table 2 Graphics character sets
Graphics character sets
PC 437 (United States)
Epson Extended Graphics ON ON ON
PC 850 (Multilingual)
PC 860 (Portugal)
PC 863 (Canada-French)
PC 865 (Norway)
SW1-1 SW1-2 SW1-3
ON ON
ON
ON
OFF ON ON
OFF ON
OFF
OFF
OFF
The graphics character sets are also called code page tables.
Table 3 Page length selection
Page length
11
inches
12 inches
8.5 inches
11.7 inches
SW1-4 SW1-5
OFF OFF
ON
OFF ON
ON ON
OFF
Table 4 Character spacing
Character spacing
10 cpi
12 cpi ON
15 cpi
Proportional
Using the Printer
SW2-7 SW2-8
OFF OFF
OFF
OFF ON
ON ON
3-13
Setting the DIP Switches
The DIP Switch Functions
Auto line feed
When auto line feed is on (DIP switch 2-4 on), each carriage return
code (CR) is automatically followed by a line feed code (LF).
Input buffer capacity
The input buffer stores data from your computer. If you want to free
your computer for other tasks while the printer prints, change the
setting of switch 2-5 to 8 KB (on). Before using user-defined
characters, however, be sure to set the input buffer to 1 KB (off).
Printing direction
With unidirectional printing, the print head prints in one direction
only. This allows for precise vertical alignment, making it ideal for
printing graphics such as lines and boxes. With bidirectional
printing the print head prints in both directions. This is faster than
unidirectional printing.
When DIP switch 2-6 is off, the printer prints unidirectionally; when
it is on, the printer prints bidirectionally. Either setting can be
overridden by a software command (ESC U).
To achieve precise vertical alignment without the slower printing
speed caused by unidirectional printing, see your dealer for
adjustment of your bidirectional print settings.
Tear-off mode
When DIP switch 2-2 is on, the short tear-off mode is on. This feature
automatically advances continuous paper to the tear-off position,
and then reverse-feeds the paper to the loading position. See Using
Short Tear-off later in this chapter.
3-14
CAUTION:
Using the Printer
Do not use the short tear-off mode with labels.
Page Length
You can select one of four page lengths using DIP switches 1-4 and
1-5.
Page length
8.5 inches (216 mm)
11 inches (279 mm) OFF OFF
11.7 inches (296 mm)
12 inches (305 mm)
Note:
Be sure to set the page length to match the paper you are
SW1-4 SW1-5
OFF ON
ON
ON
ON
OFF
using.
Other page lengths can be set using the commands ESC C and
ESC C 0. See the Command Summary in Chapter 9 for details.
Note:
If you are using the cut
sheet
feeder, the page length is
automatically set when you run the self test. See The Cut Sheet
Feeder in Chapter 5 for details.
Using the Printer
3-15
Skip Over Perforation
By changing the setting of DIP switch 2-3, you can set skip over
perforation to on or off. If this feature is on when using continuous
paper, a one-inch margin is provided between the last printable line
on one page and the first printable line on the next page. This feature
is very convenient if your application program does not provide for
top and bottom margins.
If you adjust your loading position correctly, you can get half of the
margin at the bottom of one page and half at the top of the next
page, as shown in the following illustration.
DIP switch 2-3 ON (Skip over perforation ON)
I,
23456789:
3456789:
;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\I'
;<=>?$ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\I^_
l
._______
--------------
___-
_
-------
l
456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]--
l
56789:;<=>?@!ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\l*w't
6789:
Note:
Most application programs take care of top and bottom
margins. Use skip over perforation only if your program does not
provide these margins.
The skip over perforation setting can be set to values other than
one inch by using the ESC N command. See the Command
Summary in Chapter 9 for details.
;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]"-'at
3-16
Using the Printer
Adjusting the Loading Position
The loading position is the position of the paper when it has been
automatically loaded by the printer.
This position is important because it determines where the printing
begins on the page. If the printing is too high or too low on the page,
change the loading position using the micro-adjustment feature
described in the next section.
CAUTION: Never use the platen knob to feed paper except
in case of a paper jam or other paper feeding problem. (If
you need to use the platen knob, make sure the power is
off.) If you need to adjust the loading position, always use
Until the loading position is reset, the printer remembers this
position even if it is turned off, and uses it as a reference point for
feeding paper.
The micro-adjustment feature moves the paper in 1/180-inch
increments to make fine adjustments to the loading position. Once
you have used micro-adjustment to change the loading position of
continuous paper, the printer remembers that position even after it is
turned off.
When you use micro-adjustment to change the loading position of
single-sheet paper, however, the printer does not remember this
position after the power is turned off. When the power is turned
back on, the loading position returns to its factory setting.
Using Micro-adjustment
Make sure that the printer is turned on and that either a single
1.
sheet or continuous paper is loaded.
Using the
Printer
3-17
Adjusting the Loading Position
2.
Press the
ON LINE
button. The
I:::
MULTI-
PART
Note:
You can use the
micro-adjustment only while the
3.
Press the
LINE FEED
FORM FEED
button to feed the paper backward.
FORM FEED
button to feed the paper forward or the
MULTI-PART
and
LINE FEED
MULTI-PART
light begins to blink
buttons for
light is blinking.
Note:
When the paper reaches the factory-set loading position,
the printer beeps and micro-adjustment feeding pauses for a
moment before continuing. You can use this factory
a reference point when adjusting the printer’s loading
position. When the paper reaches either the minimum or
maximum top margin, the printer beeps and the paper stops
moving.
3-18
Using the Printer
setting as
Using Short Tear-off
When you are finished printing, the short tear-off feature
automatically feeds the perforation of the continuous paper to the
tear-off edge of the printer cover so that you can tear off the last
sheet. When you resume printing, the paper feeds backward to the
loading position. This feature lets you save the paper normally lost
between documents.
To use this feature, set DIP switch 2-2 to on. Then load continuous
paper in the normal way.
You can leave the short tear-off feature turned on (DIP switch 2-2 on)
even when you are using single sheets. When you move the paper
release lever to the singlesheet position, the short tear-off feature is
disabled.
CAUTION:
I
.
0
When you have finished printing, and if the perforation is at the top
of form position, the printer automatically feeds the perforation of
the continuous paper to the tear-off edge of the printer cover. You
can then tear off the page using the tear-off edge as shown on the
next
Otherwise, labels may come off their backing and jam the
printer.
page.
Never use short tear-off with labels.
Using the Printer
3-19
Using Short Tear-off
If the page perforation is not properly aligned with the tear-off edge,
you can adjust the tear-off position using micro-adjustment, as
described below.
Note:
Short tear-off is performed whenever the printer receives a
full page of data or a form feed, and no more data is received for
three seconds.
When you resume printing after tearing off the sheet, the paper
automatically feeds backward to the loading position before printing
begins.
Adjusting the Tear-off Position
If the paper’s perforation does not meet the tear-off edge, follow
these steps to adjust the tear-off position.
1.
Make sure the printer feeds the paper to the tear-off position
after printing the document.
3-20
Using the Printer
Using Short Tear-off
2.3.The
MULTI-PART
light should begin blinking, indicating that you
can now use the micro-adjustment feature to make fine
adjustments to the tear-off position.
To make fine adjustments to the tear-off position, press the
FORM FEED
button to feed the paper forward or the
LINE FEED
button to feed it backward.
You can now tear off your document from
the
perforation and
resume printing. The printer remembers this new tear-off position
even after the printer is turned off.
Using the Printer
3-21
Selecting an International Character Set
International character sets provide you with the characters and
symbols used in other languages. You can select one of eight
international character sets by changing the DIP switch settings.
Whenever the printer is turned on, reset, or initialized, the character
set selected by the DIP switches becomes the default character set.
To select an international character set, set DIP switches l-l, 1-2, and
1-3 according to the table below.
Note: DIP switch 1-7 must be off. To select an international
character set when DIP switch 1-7 is on, use the ESC R command.
This table also shows the characters that differ in each international
character set.
Country
0
U.S.A.
1
France
2
Germany
3
U.K.
4
Denmark
5
Sweden
6
Italy
7
Spain
ASCII code hex
23 24 40 5B 5C 5D 5E 60 7B 7C 7D 7E
DIP SW
Note: To change the setting of a DIP switch, first turn off the
printer, change the DIP switch setting, and then turn the printer
back on.
3-22
Using the Printer
Selecting an International Character Set
In addition to the eight character sets shown on the previous page,
the seven international character sets that follow can be selected with
a software command, ESC R For more information, see the
Command Summary in Chapter 9.
Country
8
Japan
9
Norway
10 Denmark II
11 Spain II
12 Latin America
Korea
13
64 Legal
ASCII code hex
23 24 40 5B 5C 5D 5E 60 7B 7C 7D 7E
#$e[Yl-‘{Il”
#El~ErnR~iiLe,iiB
#$J3warAu6re0~ii
#$dir;iik’iii66
#$diRiCiiiii6d
#$erwl*‘~I}”
#
$ g o ’ )) q t (0 Qb -f
-
Using the Printer
3-23
Choosing a Character Set
DIP switch 1-7 selects either the italic character set or a graphics
character set. The graphics character sets contain international
accented characters, Greek characters, mathematic symbols, and
character graphics for printing lines, comers, and shaded areas.
If you have an
character set when you wish to print character graphics as they are
displayed on the screen. Even if you select a graphics character set,
you can still print ordinary text and italics. For italics, see your
software manual or the description of the ESC 4 command in the
Command Summary, Chapter 9.
Note:
In most cases, a graphics character set is the preferred
selection.
To select either the italics or a graphics character set, set DIP switch
1-7 according to the table below.
Note:
To change the setting of a DIP switch, first turn off the
printer, change the DIP switch, and then turn the printer back on.
You can also select the italics character set or a graphics character
set using the ESC t command. See the Command Summary in
Chapter 9.
IBM®
or IBM-compatible computer, select a graphics
1
3-24
Using the Printer
Choosing a Character Set
When DIP switch 1-7 is on, the graphics character set is determined
by the settings of DIP switches, 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3.
The graphics character sets are also called code page tables.
Sample printouts of the italic character set and the graphics character
sets are shown in the Appendix.
Note:
When DIP switch 1-7 is off, DIP switches 1-1,1-2, and 1-3
select an international character set.
Using the Printer
3-25
Using the Data Dump Mode
The data dump mode is a special feature that makes it easy for
experienced users to identify the cause of communication problems
between the printer and application programs. The data dump mode
gives a printout of the codes reaching the printer.
To use the data dump mode, follow these steps:
1.
Make sure the printer is loaded with either single sheet or
continuous paper.
Note: Use paper at least 7.2 inches (182 mm) wide.
2.
If the printer is on, switch it off, then hold down the
and
LINE FEED
buttons at the same time you turn on the printer.
FORM FEED
3-26
Using the Printer
Using the Data Dump Mode
3.4.Run any program that causes the printer to print (either an
application program or one in any programming language).
Your printer prints out all the codes sent to the printer, as shown
below. (In order to print the last line, you will have to take the
printer off line.)
1B 40 1B 52 00 1B 74 01
20 20 54 68 69 73 20
60 70 6C 65 20 6F 66
75 6D 70 20 70 72 69
69 73 20 66 65 61 74
OA 20 20 20 20 20 69
1B 50 1B 70 00 .@.R..t..6..P.p.
6E 20 65 78 61
61 74 61 20 64 mple of a data d
F
75 74 2E 20 54 68 ump
20 6D 61 6B 65 73 is feature
73 79 20 66 bF
This is an exa
printout. Th
makes
it Toeasy
On the left side of the printout all the codes are printed in
hexadecimal format. On the right side of the printout all
printable characters are printed, and others, such as control
codes, are represented by dots.
To turn off the data dump mode after you have taken the printer
off line, turn off the printer.
By comparing the characters printed in the text field on the right side
of the data dump printout with the printout of hex codes, you can
check which codes are being sent to the printer.
To interpret the data dump printout, examine the first three hex
codes on the second line of the printout sample (20 20 54). Each hex
code 20 represents a space; hex code 54 represents the letter T. Check
the second line of the text field on the right side of the printout and
you will find the letter T preceded by two spaces.
The chart below interprets the first eight codes.
Hex
codes Command
1B 40
1B 52 00
1B 74 01
ESC
ESC R0
ESC t1
Function
Initialize printer
Select USA character set
Select PC 437 (Epson Extended Graphics)
Using the Printer
3-27
Chapter 4
Software and Graphics
Enhancing Your Printing
Character Spacing
Character Size
Special Effects and Emphasis.
Graphics
The PrintHead
The Graphics Command
Column Reservation Numbers
A Simple Graphics Program
Designing Your Own Graphics.
User-defined Characters.
Designing Your Characters
Defining Your Characters
Sending Information to Your Printer
Printing User-defined Characters
Copying ROM Characters to RAM.
Letter Quality Characters
Mixing Print Styles
..........................................
...................................
...................................
............................
................................
......................
..........................
.....................
.......................
....................
............................
........................
.........................
..........................
...............................
................
...................
.................
4-2
4-2
4-3
4-4
4-7
4-8
4-11
4-12
4-12
4-13
4-17
4-17
4-19
4-21
4-24
4-25
4-26
4-27
Software and Graphics
4-1
Enhancing Your Printing
You can obtain a wide variety of printing effects with your printer,
from changing the number of characters per inch to using special
effects on selected words and phrases. This section gives you a
sampling of the features you may select with your software.
For software control of these features, see the instructions for your
application programs or look up their specific commands in the
Command Summary in Chapter 9.
Character Spacing
To add greater variety to your documents, the printer has three cpi
spacings, as well as proportional spacing. Each one can be selected
with a software command.
For each of the built-in fonts, you can choose a character spacing of
10, 12, or 15 characters per inch, or proportional spacing. The
printout below compares the three spacings:
This is 10 cpi printing.
This is 12 cpi printing.
This is 15 cpi printing.
As shown above, 15 cpi characters are only about two-thirds the
height of 10 and 12 cpi characters. This makes 15 cpi particularly
useful when you want to separate certain material from the main
text.
In fixed cpi spacing each character is given the same amount of
space. The width of proportional characters, however, varies from
character to character. For example, a narrow letter like i takes less
space than a wide letter like W. The width of each proportional
character is given in the Appendix.
4-2
Software and Graphics
Enhancing Your Printing
The following printout compares 10 cpi spacing with proportional
spacing:
This is 10 cpi printing.
This is proportional printing.
Note: Proportional spacing is not available in the draft mode.
I
See the Print Size and Character Width commands in Chapter 9.
Character Size
In addition to the basic cpi spacings and proportional spacing, the
printer offers three other modes that can change the size of your
printing. These modes are double-width, double-height, and
condensed.
The doublewidth mode doubles the width of any size character,
while the double-height mode doubles the height of any size
character. These modes are useful for emphasizing document titles
and headings in reports, but are usually not suitable for large
amounts of text. These modes can also be combined to obtain even
more impressive printing results.
This is normal 10 cpi printing.
This is double
-width.
I
This is double-height,
This is double-width
and double-height.
Software and Graphics
4-3
Enhancing Your Printing
Both 10 and 12 cpi printing can be reduced to about 60 percent of
their normal width using the condensed mode. This mode is
particularly useful for printing wide spreadsheets because
condensed 12 cpi printing allows you to print up to 160 characters
on an 8-inch line.
The condensed mode can be selected with a software command, or
by using SelecType (see Chapter 3). Even if you turn the condensed
mode on with SelecType, you can still turn it off with a software
command.
Condensed 10 cpi gives you many characters on a line,
Condensed 12 cpi gives you even tore characters on a line.
Widening or narrowing the characters also widens or narrows the
spaces between words. Because word processors usually create a left
margin by printing spaces, you may need to change the left margin
and the number of characters on a line to keep the margins correct if
you change character widths.
See the Print Size and Character Width commands in Chapter 9.
Special Effects and Emphasis
The printer offers two ways of emphasizing text and also allows you
to use underlining, superscripts, subscripts, and italics. These
features can be controlled directly by software commands. Many
application programs can also produce some of these effects. See
your application program manual for details.
Emphasized and double-strike printing
Emphasized and double-strike printing can give words and phrases
added prominence. In emphasized mode, each character is printed
twice as the print head moves across the paper, with the dots in the
second pass printed slightly to the right of the first pass. This process
produces darker, more fully formed characters.
4-4
Software and Graphics
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