24-pin Dot Matrix Printer
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation.
The information contained herein is designed only for use with this Epson printer. Epson is
not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other printers.
Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this
product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by the purchaser or
third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized
modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to strictly
comply with Seiko Epson Corporation’s operating and maintenance instructions.
Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be liable for any damages or problems arising from the
use of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original Epson
Products or Epson Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.
EPSON and EPSON ESC/P are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be
trademarks of their respective owners. Epson disclaims any and all rights in those marks.
Copyright © 2004 by Seiko Epson Corporation, Nagano, Japan.
®
User’s Guide
iii
Contents
Introduction
Where to Find More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
FCC Compliance Statement for United States Users . . . . . . . . . . . vii
WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .viii
Chapter 1 Setting up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Remove the protective materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Assembling the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Connecting the printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Plugging in the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Chapter 2 Safety Instructions
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Hot Parts Caution Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Chapter 3 Paper Handling
Loading Passbooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Loading Single Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Adjusting the top-of-form position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Adjusting the printing start position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Chapter 4 Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge
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Genuine Epson ribbon cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Replacing the ribbon cartridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Chapter 5 Control Panel
Buttons and Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Functions auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Compress Printing Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Chapter 6 Changing your Printer’s Settings
About Your Printer’s Default Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Understanding default settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Changing default settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Printing a Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Printing Hex Dump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Aligning Vertical Lines in Your Printout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Chapter 7 Problem Solver
Using the error indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
PR2 mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
ESC/P and IBM PPDS modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Problems and Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Power supply problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Paper loading or feeding problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Printing position problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Printing or printout quality problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Network problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Clearing Paper Jams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Chapter 8 Options
Optional products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
v
Appendix A Product Information
Printer and Ribbon Cartridge Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Printer parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Ribbon cartridge parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Printer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Mechanical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Electronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Electrical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
Paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
Magnetic stripe reader/writer (horizontally installed only) .90
Standards and Approvals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
vi
Introduction vii
Introduction
Where to Find More Information
This User’s Guide provides you with instructions on operating
the impact dot matrix printer PLQ-20/PLQ-20M. You can find
information on the basic operation in this guide. But if you wish
for more information, refer to the Reference Guide, Paper
Specification, and Programming Guide. These guides are included
on the User CD-ROM. If you want the User CD-ROM, contact
your dealer.
FCC Compliance Statement for United States
Users
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
interference to radio and television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures.
❏ Reorient of relocate the receiving antenna
❏ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
viii Introduction
❏ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected
❏ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this
equipment will invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and
may cause interference levels which exceed the limits established
by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the user
to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this
device. If this equipment has more than one interface connector,
do not leave cables connected to unused interfaces.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
For Canadian users
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme
NMB-003 du Canada.
DECLARATION of CONFORMITY
According to 47CFR, Part 2 and 15 for Class B Personal Computers
and Peripherals; and/or CPU Boards and Power Supplies used
with Class B Personal Computers:
We:
Located at:
EPSON AMERICA, INC.
MS 3-13
3840 Kilroy Airport Way
Long Beach, CA 90806
Telephone: (562) 290-5254
Introduction ix
Declare under sole responsibility that the product identified
herein, complies with 47CFR Part 2 and 15 of the FCC rules as a
Class B digital device. Each product marketed, is identical to the
representative unit tested and found to be compliant with the
standards. Records maintained continue to reflect the equipment
being produced can be expected to be within the variation
accepted, due to quantity production and testing on a statistical
basis as required by 47CFR §2.909 Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Trade Name:
Type of Product:
Model:
EPSON
Dot Impact Printer
P381A
x Introduction
1
Setting up the Printer 1
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Chapter 1
Setting up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
These items are included in the box with your printer.
Remove the protective materials
Follow the directions written on the cardboard box to remove the
protective materials.
Save all packing and protective materials in case you need to ship
the printer in the future.
power code
printer
ribbon cartridge User’s Guide
2 Setting up the Printer
Assembling the Printer
1. Make sure the printer is turned off and unplugged.
2. Hold both sides of the printer cover and move it upward to
open it.
3. Push the release lever to move the upper mechanism forward.
Make sure that you push the lever until it clicks.
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4. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer by hand.
5. Remove the ribbon cartridge from the package.
6. Place the plastic hooks on the ribbon cartridge into the slots
of the printer. Then press both sides of the cartridge until it
clicks into place.
4 Setting up the Printer
7. Hold both sides of the ribbon guide and pull it down until it
is out of the cartridge.
8. Put the ribbon guide at the bottom of the print head and push
it up until it clicks into place.
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9. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob to help feed the ribbon into
place.
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Caution:
The ribbon should not be twisted or creased.
10. Pull the release lever back to move the upper mechanism to
its original position. Make sure that you pull the lever until it
clicks.
6 Setting up the Printer
c
Caution:
Make sure that you move the upper mechanism by pulling
the release lever. Do not pull the mechanism by hand. It may
damage the printer.
11. Close the printer cover.
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
Connecting the printer
Make sure both the printer and computer are turned off, then
connect the interface into the printer and computer. Use USB,
Serial, or Parallel cable to connect the printer and computer.
Note:
The interface cable connectors have only one correct orientation. Ensure
the correct orientation of a connector before inserting it into the
appropriate port.
USB
Serial
Parallel
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Setting up the Printer 7
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Plugging in the Printer
Make sure the printer is turned off, then plug the power cord into
the printer’s AC inlet and a properly grounded electrical outlet.
8 Setting up the Printer
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Safety Instructions 9
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Chapter 2
Safety Instructions
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
w
Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
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Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the operation
of your printer.
Hot Parts Caution Symbol
Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these safety instructions before using the printer. In
addition, follow all warnings and instructions marked on the
printer itself.
K
This symbol is placed on the print head and other
parts to indicate that they may be hot. Never touch
those parts just after the printer has been used. Let
them cool for a few minutes before touching them.
10 Safety Instructions
When setting up the printer
c
Caution:
Be sure the AC power cord meets the relevant local safety
standards.
❏ Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a
radiator or heat source.
❏ Place the printer on a flat surface. The printer will not operate
properly if it is tilted or placed at an angle.
❏ Do not place this product on a soft, unstable surface like a bed
or a sofa, or a small, enclosed area, as this restricts ventilation.
❏ Do not block or cover the slots and openings in the printer’s
cabinet, and do not insert objects through the slots.
❏ Use only the type of power source indicated on the printer’s
label. If you are not sure of the power supply specifications in
your area, contact your local power company or consult your
dealer.
❏ Connect all equipment to properly grounded electrical
outlets. Avoid using outlets on the same circuit as
photocopiers or air control systems that regularly switch on
and off.
❏ Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord.
❏ The power cord should be placed to avoid abrasions, cuts,
fraying, crimping, kinking, and other damage.
❏ If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the
total ampere rating of all devices plugged into the extension
cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make
sure the total ampere of all devices plugged into the electrical
outlet does not exceed the electrical outlet’s ampere rating.
2
Safety Instructions 11
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❏ Use only the power cord that comes with this product. Use of
another cord may result in fire or electric shock.
❏ This product’s power cord is for use with this product only.
Use with other equipment may result in fire or electric shock.
❏ When connecting this product to a computer or other device
with a cable, ensure the correct orientation of the connectors.
Each connector has only one correct orientation. Inserting a
connector in the wrong orientation may damage both devices
connected by the cable.
❏ Place the printer where you can easily connect it to a network
interface cable, if necessary.
❏ Leave adequate room around the printer for easy operation
and maintenance.
❏ Avoid places subject to shocks and vibrations.
❏ Place the printer near a wall outlet where you can easily
unplug the power code.
❏ Keep the entire computer system away from potential sources
of electromagnetic interference, such as loudspeakers or the
base units of cordless telephones.
❏ Avoid electrical outlet controlled by wall switches or
automatic timers. An interruption in power can erase
information in the memory of your printer or computer. Also
avoid outlets on the same circuit as large motors or other
appliances that can cause voltage fluctuations.
❏ Use a grounded power outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
❏ If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines:
Use a stand that can support at least 15 kg (33.1 lb) for PLQ-20
or 17 kg (37.5 lb) for PLQ-20M.
12 Safety Instructions
Never use a stand that tilts the printer. The printer should
always be kept level.
Position your printer’s power cord and interface cable so they
do not interfere with paper feeding. If possible, secure the
cables to a leg of the printer stand.
When maintaining the printer
❏ Unplug the printer before cleaning it, and always clean it with
a piece of damp cloth only.
❏ Do not spill liquid onto the printer.
❏ Except as specifically explained in this guide, do not attempt
to service the printer yourself.
❏ Unplug the printer and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions:
❏ Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions.
❏ If you plan to use the printer in Germany, observe the
following:
To provide adequate short-circuit protection and
over-current protection for this printer, the building
installation must be protected by a 10- or 16-amp circuit
breaker.
i. If the power cord or plug is damaged.
ii. If liquid has entered the printer.
iii. If the printer has been dropped or the cabinet damaged.
iv. If the printer does not operate normally or exhibits a
distinct change in performance.
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Safety Instructions 13
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When loading paper
❏ Use passbooks and paper that have more than 60%
reflectance.
❏ When you use a passbook, set Passbook mode to On and set
Binding mode to the method for the passbook’s binding in the
default settings mode.
❏ Do not load passbooks that are creased or have ripped seam.
❏ Do not use a passbook that has any metallic parts such as
staplers or metal clips.
❏ Do not use a passbook with sticky parts such as stamps or
seals.
❏ Do not use a passbook that has any pages smaller than the
cover page.
❏ Do not print on the front or back cover of a passbook. Printing
can be done only when the passbook is opened.
❏ When you use paper that is shorter than 110.0 mm, set the
paper eject direction to front. The factory set default is front.
Refer to the Programming Guide for details.
❏ Do not insert paper that is curled or has been folded into the
slot when you load it.
❏ Do not punch holes in the area from 25.0 to 40.0 mm from the
left edge of paper.
When operating the printer
❏ Avoid using or storing the printer in places subject to rapid
changes in temperature and humidity. Keep it away from
direct sunlight, strong light, heat sources or excessive
moisture or dust.
14 Safety Instructions
❏ Adjust only those controls that are covered in the user
documentation. Improper adjustment of other controls may
result in damage requiring extensive repair by a qualified
technician.
❏ Whenever you turn off the printer, wait at least five seconds
before turning it back on; otherwise, you may damage the
printer.
❏ Do not turn off the printer while it is printing the self-test.
Always press the Offline button to pause printing. Then turn
off the printer.
❏ Do not turn off the printer while it is printing the hex dump.
Always press the Offline button to pause printing. Then turn
off the printer.
❏ Do not reconnect the power cord to an electrical outlet that
has the wrong voltage for your printer.
❏ Never replace the print head yourself; you may damage the
printer. Also, other parts of the printer must be checked when
the print head is replaced.
❏ You need to move the print head by hand to replace the ribbon
cartridge. If you have just used the printer, the print head may
be hot; let it cool for a few minutes before touching it.
Note for German-speaking users:
Bei Anschluss des Druckers an die Stromversorgung muss
sichergestellt werden, dass die Gebaudeinstallation mit einer 10 Aoder 16 A-Sicherung abgesichert ist.
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Safety Instructions 15
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ENERGY STAR
®
Compliance
The International ENERGY STAR® Office Equipment Program is
an international program that promotes energy saving through
the penetration of energy efficient computers and other office
equipment. The program backs the development and
dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce
energy consumption. It is an open system in which business
proprietors can participate voluntarily. The targeted products are
office equipment such as computers, monitors, printers,
facsimiles, copiers, scanners, and multifunction devices. Their
standards and logos are uniform among participating nations.
As an
ENERGY STAR
®
Partner, Epson
has determined that this product meets
the
ENERGY STAR
®
guidelines for
energy efficiency.
16 Safety Instructions
3
Paper Handling 17
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Chapter 3
Paper Handling
Loading Passbooks
You can load vertical-fold and horizontal-fold passbooks. Follow
the steps shown below to load passbooks.
1. Turn on the printer.
2. Open your passbook to the page to be printed.
Note:
Make sure that you press any bulging parts of the folded passbook
down to 0.6 mm or less before inserting it into the front slot. For
information on the thickness of passbooks you can print, see the
Paper Specification that is included on the User CD-ROM.
18 Paper Handling
3. Insert the passbook printable side up into the front slot until
the top part of it reaches the roller inside. The printer loads it
automatically to the correct position and the passbook is
ready to be printed.
c
Caution:
❏ When you use a passbook, set Passbook mode to On and set
Binding mode to the method for the passbook’s binding in the
default settings mode.
❏ Use a passbook that has more than 60% reflectance.
❏ Do not load passbooks that are creased or have ripped seam.
❏ Do not use a passbook that has any metallic parts such as
staplers or metal clips.
❏ Do not use a passbook with sticky parts such as stamps or
seals.
❏ Do not use a passbook that has any pages smaller than the
cover page.
❏ Do not print on the front or back cover of a passbook. Printing
can be done only when the passbook is opened.
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Paper Handling 19
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❏ Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer
does not print when the printer cover is open.
Loading Single Sheets
You can load single sheets and carbonless single sheet multipart
forms up to 7 parts (one original and six copies). Follow these
steps to load single sheets.
1. Turn on the printer.
2. Insert a single sheet printable side up into the front slot until
the top part of the paper reaches the roller inside. The printer
loads the paper automatically to the correct position and the
paper is ready to be printed.
Note:
❏ Use paper that has more than 60% reflectance.
❏ Do not load paper that is curled or has been folded.
❏ Do not punch holes in the area from 25.0 to 40.0 mm from the left
edge of paper.
20 Paper Handling
❏ When you use paper that is shorter than 110.0 mm, set the paper
eject direction to front. The factory set default is front. Refer to the
Programming Guide for details.
❏ When you print a multipart form that is glued at the top, load the
glued part first.
❏ Be sure your multipart forms do not exceed 0.53 mm (0.021 inch)
in thickness.
❏ Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer does not
print when the printer cover is open.
Adjusting the top-of-form position
The top-of-form position is the vertical position on the page where
the printer starts printing. If the printout appears too high or low
on the page, you can use this function to adjust the top-of-form
position.
Follow these steps to adjust the top-of-form position:
Note:
❏ The factory set default for the top-of-form position is set as shown
below.
PR2: 4.2 mm
ESC/P and IBM PPDS: 8.5 mm
❏ This mode can be used even when the printer cover is open.
❏ If you wish to change the top-of-form position in PR40+, make sure
that you set the TOF position for PR40+ to Off.
❏ Your top-of-form position setting remains in effect until you change
it, even if you turn off the printer.
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