Epson ActionPrinter L-1000 User Manual
Where to Get Help
Customer support and service for Epson products are provided by a
network of authorized Epson dealers and service centers throughout
the United States. Epson America provides product information and
toll-free support to its dealers and service centers.
Epson is confident that this policy will provide you with the
assistance you need. For service center and technical support
referrals, please call our Consumer Information number:
1-800-922-8911.
Options and Supplies
To locate or purchase ActionPrinter™
call 1-800-873-7766.
accessories or supplies, please
Contents
Introduction
About This Guide
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
Printer Selection Menus
Chapter 2 Paper Handling
Using
Using Continuous Paper
Printing on Special Paper
Chapter 3 Using the Printer
Operating the Control Panel
DIP Switches
Selecting Typestyles
Selecting an International Character Set
Choosing a Character Table
Single
Sheets
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3-5
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3-16
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Problems and Solutions
Cleaning
Replacing
Transporting
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
the
the Ribbon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
the
Printer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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4-1
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Contents iii
Chapter 5 Technical Specifications
Printer Specifications
Interface Specifications
Initialization
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Default Settings
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5-2
5-7
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5-12
Chapter 6 Command Summary
Appendix
The Interface Boards
The Multi-Font Module
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Glossary
Index
6-1
A-1
A-2
A-14
iv
Contents
Introduction
The ActionPrinter™ L-1000 is an advanced 24-pin impact dot
matrix printer combining a 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, your printer offers the
following:
Draft mode with fast printing of up to 180 characters per second
in 12 cpi (12 characters per inch).
Two built-in Letter Quality fonts (Roman and Sans Serif) for
producing high-quality documents.
A convenient control panel design that allows for direct
selection of fonts.
Fourteen international character sets, a legal set, italics, and the
Epson Extended Graphics set.
Easy paper handling, featuring automatic single-sheet loading.
Compatibility with the Epson ESC/P® commands used by other
Epson Letter Quality printers.
Introduction 1
About This Guide
This user’s guide provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions
for setting up and operating your printer.
Finding your way around
Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up,
testing, and connecting the printer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions in this chapter first.
Chapters 2 and 3 include important information on paper
handling and general printer operation. This information is
necessary for the day-to-day operation of your printer.
Other chapters contain information on general maintenance,
specifications, and printer commands. There is also a glossary of
printer terms and an index.
At the back of this manual is a Quick Reference card.
Conventions used in this guide
WARNINGS: must be followed carefully to avoid damage
to your printer and computer.
CAUTIONS: should be followed carefully to ensure that
your printer operates correctly.
Notes: contain important information and useful tips on the
operation of your printer.
2
About
This Guide
Chapter
1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
Removing the pull tractor
Choosing a Place for the Printer
Assembling
Installing the paper feed knob
Installing the ribbon cartridge
Attaching the paper guide
Testing the Printer
Plugging in the printer
Loading a sheet of paper
Running the self test
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
The parallel interface ..............................................
Printer Selection Menus
Choosing from a menu
the
Printer..
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1-3
1-5
1-7
1-7
1-8
1-11
1-13
1-13
1-14
1-16
1-19
1-19
1-21
1-21
Setting Up the Printer
1-1
Unpacking the Printer
As you unpack the printer, check that you have all the parts shown
below and that none have been damaged during transportation.
Note: You’ll find the paper feed knob in a piece of the foam
packing. Also, in some locations, the power cable may be
attached to the printer.
1-2
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
After removing the parts, store the packaging materials in case you
ever need to transport your printer.
CAUTION:
printer designed for different electrical standards. The
power supply type is shown on the label on the back of
the printer. If it does not show the correct voltage for
your country, contact your dealer. It is not possible to
adjust the printer for use on another voltage.
There are several different versions of the
Removing the pull tractor
By removing the pull tractor now, you will be prepared to perform
the printer’s self test later. Follow these steps to remove the pull
tractor:
1. Raise the tractor cover to the upright position. Then lift the
cover up and off.
Note: Remove the packaging material inserted between both sides
of the tractor unit and the tractor cover. Be sure to store this
material with the other packaging materials in case you ever need
to transport the printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-3
Unpacking the Printer
2. Hold both ends of the tractor unit and slowly tilt the unit back
until the front notches of the unit are free.
3. Lift the tractor unit up and off.;
1-4
Setting Up the Printer
Choosing a Place for the Printer
When you select a location for your printer, keep the following in
mind:
l Place the printer on a flat, stable surface.
l
Place the printer close enough to the computer for its cable to
reach.
l
Leave adequate room around the printer to allow for easy
operation and maintenance.
l
Use a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
The illustration below shows a good printer location.
Setting Up the Printer
1-5
Choosing a Place for the Printer
Note: If you plan to use a printer stand, make sure it meets the
following requirements:
l
The stand must support at least 30 lb or 14 kg (twice the
weight of the printer).
l The stand must not tilt the printer more than 15 degrees from
horizontal. With a cut sheet feeder, the stand must keep the
printer level.
l If the paper supply is below the printer stand, make sure that
the paper cannot catch on the underside of the stand or on
the stand supports.
l Make sure that the power cord and the interface cable do not
interfere with paper feeding. If possible, secure them to a
printer stand support.
WARNING:
Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight,
l
excessive heat, moisture, or dust.
Avoid using electrical outlets that are controlled by
l
wall switches or automatic timers. Accidental
disruption of power can wipe out information both in
your computer’s memory and in your printer’s
memory.
Avoid using outlets on the same circuit with large
l
motors or other appliances that might disturb the
power supply.
Keep the entire computer system away from potential
l
sources of interference such as loudspeakers or the
base units of cordless telephones.
1-6
Setting
Up
the Printer
Assembling the Printer
To assemble the printer, you need only do the following:
l Install the paper feed knob.
l Install the ribbon cartridge.
l Attach the paper guide.
Installing the paper feed knob
The first step in setting up the printer is to install the paper feed
knob. You use this knob to manually feed paper in the printer when
the printer is turned off.
You’ll find the paper feed knob packed in an indentation in the
white foam packing material.
1.
Insert the knob into the hole on the printer’s side and rotate it
until it slips onto the six-sided shaft.
Setting
Up the Printer
1-7
Assembling the Printer
2.
Push firmly on the knob until it fits against the printer case.
Installing the ribbon cartridge
Follow these steps to install the ribbon cartridge.
1.
Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
1-8
CAUTION:
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.
Setting
Up the Printer
Never move the print head while the printer is
Assembling the Printer
2.
Remove the ribbon cartridge from its box and remove the plastic
wrapper.
3. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow.
This removes any excess slack in the ribbon and makes it easier
to install.
4.
Hold the ribbon cartridge by its handle and push it firmly down
into position, making sure the plastic hooks fit into the printer.
Press lightly on both sides of the cartridge to be sure the hooks
are properly inserted.
Setting Up the Printer
1-9
Assembling the Printer
5.
Use a pointed object, such as the tip of a pencil, to guide the
ribbon between the print head and ribbon guide while you turn
the ribbon-tightening knob to help feed the-ribbon into place.
6.
Slide the print head from side to side to be sure it moves
smoothly. Also check that the ribbon is not twisted or creased.
1-10 Setting Up
the
Printer
Assembling the Printer
Attaching the paper guide
The paper guide functions to feed the paper smoothly and
efficiently. Follow these steps to install the paper guide:
1. Place the paper guide on the printer.
2.
Raise the paper guide until it locks into place.
Setting Up the Printer
1-11
Assembling the Printer
Attach the printer cover by fitting the legs of the cover into the
3.
notches at the front of the printer.
4. Close the printer cover.
1-12
Setting Up the Printer
Testing the Printer
Now that your printer is fully assembled, you can use the built-in
self test function to see that the printer is working correctly even
though it is not connected to a computer. Be sure to perform this
test to check that your printer is operating properly.
Before running the self test, you need to connect your printer to an
electrical outlet and load a sheet of paper.
Plugging in the printer
Follow these steps to plug in the printer:
1. Be sure the printer is turned off.
2. Plug the power cable into a properly grounded electrical outlet.
WARNING:
least five seconds before turning it back on. Turning the
power on and off rapidly can damage the printer.
After turning the printer off, always wait at
Setting Up the Printer
1-13
Testing the Printer
Loading a sheet of paper
Next, you need to load a sheet of paper that is letter or A4 size.
Turn on the printer. The green
1.
Be sure
2.
sheet position.
that
the paper release lever is pushed back to the single
POWER
and red
PAPER OUT
lights
1-14
Setting Up
the
Printer
Testing the Printer
Move the left edge guide so it locks in place next to the guide
3.
mark.
Adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper.
4.
Next, slide a sheet down between the edge guides until it meets
resistance.
Setting Up the Printer
1-15
Testing the Printer
WARNING:
narrower than 8¼ inches (210 mm or A4 size) because
then the print head prints directly onto the platen.
5.
Press
the AUTO LOAD
paper.
Note: If the platen turns without loading the paper, remove the
paper and re-insert it more firmly; then press the
button again.
Never run
button once to automatically load the
the
self test using paper that is
AUTO LOAD
Running the self test
The self test can be run in draft mode or Letter Quality mode.
Follow the steps below:
Be sure you have loaded a sheet of paper, as described above.
1.
2. Turn off the printer.
1-16
Setting Up
the
Printer
3.
While holding down the
FORM FEED
After printing starts, release the button.
button (Letter Quality mode), turn
LINE FEED
Testing the Printer
button (draft mode) or the
on the
printer.
A list of your printer’s settings is printed first, followed by a series
of characters. Here is part of a typical draft self test:
Setting Up the Printer
1-17
Testing
the Printer
The self test continues until the paper runs out or you press
4.
ON LINE
to stop the test, press the
To end the self test, be sure the printer is not printing. If paper
5.
is still loaded, press
off
the
button. If the test results are satisfactory and you wish
ON LINE
the FORM FEED
printer.
button.
button to eject it. Then turn
the
1-18
Setting Up the Printer
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
If the self test printed correctly and your printouts looked like the
ones shown, you are now ready to connect your printer to the
computer. If the self test did not print correctly, see “Where to Get
Help” on the inside front cover of this guide.
The printer has a built-in parallel interface. If you have a suitable
shielded cable, you should be able to connect your printer
immediately. If you are unsure whether your computer has a
parallel interface, see your computer’s operating manual.
The parallel interface
Connect the parallel interface cable as described below:
Be sure both the printer and computer are turned off.
1.
2. Plug the cable connector securely into the printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-19
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
3.
Squeeze the wire clips together until they lock in place on either
side of the connector.
Note: If your cable has a ground wire, connect it to the ground
connector beneath the interface connector.
4.
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.)
1-20
Setting Up the Printer
Printer Selection Menus
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 section that presents a list of printers to choose from.
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 printer selection menu. Choose from the following list
(the printers are listed in the order of preference):
L-1000
L-750
LQ-850/950/1050
LQ-500
LQ-2550
LQ-800/1000
LQ-1500
If none of these printers is listed, select the first one available on the
following list.
EX
FX
LX
Rx Draft printer
To use all the features of your printer, however, it is best to use a
program with one of the LQ printers on its menu. If your program
does not list these printers, contact the manufacturer to see if an
update is available.
MX
Epson printer
Standard printer
Setting Up the Printer
1-21
Printer Selection Menus
1-22
Setting Up the Printer
Chapter 2
Paper Handling
Using Single Sheets
Attaching the paper guide
Loading paper
Reloading during printing
U
Printing on Special Paper
Continuous
sing
Installing the pull tractor
Positioning your continuous paper supply
Loading continuous paper
Attaching
Setting the top of form position..
When you have finished printing
The paper thickness lever
Using multi-part forms
the paper guide
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Paper Handling 2-1
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