Epson ActionPrinter L-750 User Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.

2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

4. Do not use this product near water.

5. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.

6. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are 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.

7. This product should be operated from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company

8. This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding type plug, a 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.

9. Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.

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 Users Manual, do not attempt

to service this product yourself. Opening or removing those covers that are marked “Do Not Remove” may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing in those compartments to service personnel.

13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to

qualified service personnel under the following conditions: A. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed. B. If liquid has been spilled into the product. C. If the product has been exposed to rain or water

D. If the product does not operate normally when the operating

instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are covered ‘by the operating instructions since improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal operation.

E. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been

damaged.

F. If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating

a need for service.

PQ277

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™ accessories or supplies, please call 1-800-873-7766.

Chapter 5 Technical Specifications

Printer Specifications Interface Specifications Initialization

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Default Settings

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5-1 5-2

5-11 5-12

Chapter 6 Command Summary

Appendix

The

Interface Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6-1

A-1

A-2

Glossary

Index

Contents

Introduction

The ActionPrinter™ printer combining a compact design and high performance with a wide range of features.

L-750

is an advanced

24-pin impact

dot

matrix

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 216 characters per second in 12 pitch (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

specifications, and printer commands. There is also a glossary of

printer terms and an index. At the back of this guide is a Quick

Reference card.

general maintenance,

Conventions used in this guide

WARNINGS:

to your printer and computer.

CAUTIONS:

your printer operates correctly.

Notes: contain important information and useful tips on the operation of your printer.

About This Guide

must be followed carefully to avoid damage

should be followed carefully to ensure that

Chapter 1

Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking

Removing the protective materials Removing the pull tractor

Choosing a Place for the Printer

Assembling the Printer

Installing the paper feed knob Installing the ribbon cartridge Attaching the paper guide

Testing the Printer

Plugging in Loading a sheet of paper Running

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

The parallel interface

Printer

Choosing from a menu

the Printer

the printer

the self

Selection Menus

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test

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1-2 1-3 1-6

1-7

1-9 1-9 1-10

1-13

1-17

1-17 1-17 1-18

1-20

1-22

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.

After removing the parts, store the packaging materials in case you ever need to transport your printer.

1-2

Setting

the Printer

Unpacking the Printer

Removing the protective materials

The printer is protected during shipping by the platen protector, two locking tabs, the carriage protector, and the print head protector. These protective items must be removed before you turn on the printer. After removing these items, store them with the other packaging materials.

Raise the tractor cover to the upright position. Then lift the cover up and off.

2. Pull the paper bail lever toward you; then remove the platen protector.

Setting Up the Printer 1-3

Unpacking the Printer

3. Remove the left and right locking tabs.

Holding the print head in place at the left of the printer, remove

4. the carriage protector

as shown below.

1-4

Setting

Carriage protector

Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer

Push the paper bail lever back. Then slide the print head to the middle of the printer. Hold the print head in place and remove

the print head protector.

WARNING:

before you turn on the printer.

Be sure to remove all protective materials

Setting Up the Printer

1-5

Unpacking the Printer

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. Make sure that the printer is turned off.

With the tractor cover off, pull the paper bail lever toward you.

2. Press the tabs on the pull tractor. Then tilt the tractor back and lift it off the printer.

1-6

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 1-7

Choosing a Place

for

the Printer

Note: If you plan to use a printer stand, make sure it meets the

following requirements:

The stand must support at least 35 lb or 16 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.

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, excessive heat, moisture, or dust.

Avoid using electrical outlets that are controlled by 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.

l Avoid using outlets on the same circuit with large

motors or other appliances that might disturb the power supply.

l Keep the entire computer system away from potential

sources of interference such as loudspeakers or the base units of cordless telephones.

1-8 Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer

To assemble the printer, you need only do the following:

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.

Insert the knob into the hole on the printer’s side and rotate it until it slips onto the shaft.

Setting

the

Printer

1-9

Assembling the Printer

Push firmly on the knob until it fits against the printer case.

Installing the ribbon cartridge

Follow these steps to install the ribbon cartridge:

Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.

1-10

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.

Never move the print head while the printer is

Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer

Remove the ribbon cartridge from its box and remove the plastic

wrapper. 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.

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

1-11

Assembling the Printer

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.

Slide the print head from side to side to be sure it moves

smoothly. Also check that the ribbon is not twisted or creased.

1-12

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:

Push the paper release lever back. Insert the paper guide pegs into the slots on the printer; then lean the guide back until it locks into place.

2. Attach the printer cover.

Setting Up the Printer

1-13

Assembling the Printer

3. Turn on the printer. The green

come on.

Be sure that the paper release lever is pushed back to the single-sheet position.

POWER

and red

PAPER OUT

lights

1-14 Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer

Move the left edge guide so it locks in place next to the guide mark.

Adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper. Next, slide a sheet down between the edge guides until it meets resistance.

WARNING:

Run the self test using paper wider than

14 inches (364 mm) to prevent the print head from

printing directly onto the platen.

Setting Up the Printer

1-15

Assembling the Printer

Pull the paper bail lever forward to automatically load the

7. paper.

When the paper stops, push the paper bail lever back.

Note: If the platen turns without loading the paper, remove the

paper and reinsert it more firmly; then pull the paper bail lever forward.

1-16

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.

Plug the power cable into a properly grounded electrical outlet.

Loading a sheet of paper

Next, you need to load a sheet of paper wider than

Setting Up the Printer 1-17

inches

(364

mm).

Testing the Printer

Running the self test

The self test can be run in draft mode or Letter Quality mode. To run the self test follow the steps below:

Be sure you have loaded a sheet of paper, as described before.

2. Turn off the printer.

3. While holding down the

FORM FEED

After printing starts, release the button.

A list of your printer’s settings is printed first, followed by a

series of characters. Here is part of a typical Letter Quality self test:

button (Letter Quality mode), turn

LINE FEED

button (draft mode) or the

the printer.

1-18

Setting Up the Printer

Testing the Printer

The self test continues until the paper runs out or you press the

ON LINE

to stop the test, press the

To end the self test, be sure the printer is not printing. If paper is still loaded, press the off the printer.

button. If the test results are satisfactory and you wish

ON LINE

FORM FEED

button.

button to eject it. Then turn

Setting Up the Printer

1-19

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.

Your 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.

2. Plug the cable connector securely into the printer.

1-20

Setting

Up the Printer

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

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

3. side of the connector.

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

connector beside the interface connector.

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.)

Setting Up the Printer

1-21

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-750 L-1000 LQ-850/950/1050 LQ-500 LQ-2550 LQ-2500 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

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 Draft printer

1-22 Setting Up the Printer

Chapter 3

Using the Printer

Operating

Lights ..................................................................

Buttons Other control panel features

DIP Switches

Setting the DIP switches

DIP switch functions

Selecting Typestyles

Built-in character fonts

Selecting a font with the control panel.. Selecting a font with DIP switches

Selecting an International Character Set

Choosing a Character Table

the Control Panel

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Using the Printer

3-1

+ 89 hidden pages