Epson DFX-5000 User Manual
User’s Manual
EPSON
Y47599108002
®
EPSON
DFX-5000
User’s Manual
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
FOR AMERICAN USERS
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used
properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause
interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in
Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection
against such interference in a residential installation. If this equipment does cause
interference to radio or 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 the receiving antenna
-Relocate the printer with respect to the receiver
-Plug the printer into a different outlet so that the printer and receiver are on different
branch circuits.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by
the Federal Communications Commission helpful:
“Television Interference Handbook”
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Stock No. 004-000-00450-7.
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded printer interface cable to this printer will invalidate the
FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits
established by the FCC for this printer. If this printer has more that one interface connector,
do not leave cables connected to unused interfaces.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording
or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation. No patent
liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. While every
precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, Seiko Epson Corporation
assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for
damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein,
Seiko Epson Corporation and its affiliates specifically disclaim any and all liability for any
damages or claims based upon or due to the use or combination of any Epson printer with
any hardware, software or other items not supplied by Seiko Epson Corporation or its
affiliates or approved by Seiko Epson Corporation or its affiliates for use with Epson
printers.
Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corporation.
Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Copyright © 1988 by Seiko Epson Corporation
Nagano, Japan
ii
Table of Contents
Introduction
Options ......................................
About This Manual
Conventions Used in This Manual
Where to Get Help
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
Choosing a Place for the Printer
A Look at Your Printer
Assembling the Printer
Testing the Printer
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
Setting Up Your Application Software
Loading and Using Paper
Using the Two-Tractor System
Loading Paper onto the Front Tractor
Loading Paper onto the Rear Tractor
Adjusting the Top of Form Position
Adjusting the Printing Position
Using Automatic Tear-Off
Switching Between Front and Rear Tractors . ...
Changing the Paper
Printing on Special Paper
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1
2
3
4
4
1-1
1-2
1-4
1-6
1-10
1-15
1-24
1-32
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-9
2-17
2-19
2-20
2-24
2-26
2-30
Using the Printer
Operating the Control Panel
Using DIP Switches
Using Your Printer With Application Programs . ..
Getting the Most from Your Printer
Enhancing Your Printing
Sending Commands to the Printer
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3-1
3-2
3-8
3-20
4-1
4-2
4-8
iii
Maintaining and Transporting the Printer ..............
Cleaning the Printer ..................................
Replacing the Ribbon .................................
Transporting the Printer
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5-1
5-2
5-3
5-8
Using the Printer Options
Using the Pull Tractor ................................
Using Interface Boards
Troubleshooting
Problems and Solutions
Data Dump Mode ....................................
Command Summary.....................................................
Using the Command Summary
Commands in Numerical Order
Commands Arranged by Topic
Appendix A Reference Tables ..................................
Proportional Width Table ............................
Character Tables
Appendix B Technical Specifications .........................
Printer Specifications
Interface Specifications ...............................
Initialization .........................................
Glossary ..........................................
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6-1
6-2
6-16
7-1
7-2
7-6
8-1
8-2
8-5
8-8
A-1
A-2
A-6
B-1
B-2
B-7
B-13
GL-1
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Index-1
iv
Introduction
The Epson® DFX-5000 printer is an advanced dot matrix printer
designed for business applications. The printer combines high
performance and reliability with a wide range of features
including high-speed printing and automatic paper handling.
Here are some of the features that make the DFX-5000 unique:
Extra-fast printing speeds of up to 533 characters per second in
draft mode.
Two built-in push tractors (front and rear) for convenient
paper handling. This dual system lets you switch between
types of continuous paper quickly and easily. The printer
remembers separate top of form positions for each tractor.
A front tractor that combines bottom feeding with easy front
access.
Automatic thickness adjustment for various paper types,
including multi-part forms and labels.
An improved control panel design that lets you select almost
any feature with a single button.
An automatic paper handling system that lets you control all
operations from the control panel. For example, you can
switch between paper loaded on the front and rear tractors
with the push of a button. Another button feeds the paper
forward so you can tear it off, and then reverses it to the top of
the page so it is ready to print.
Compatibility with the EPSON ESC/P commands used by
Epson FX printers.
Options
The following options are available for use with your DFX printer.
For detailed information on the installation and use of these
options, see Chapter 6.
Pull tractor
This option improves the handling of heavy multi-part forms and
labels. It also enhances printing alignment on preprinted forms.
Optional interface boards
A number of optional interface boards can be used to supplement
the DFX-5000’s built-in parallel and serial interfaces. Guidelines
for choosing the right interface and instructions for installing an
interface board are given in Chapter 6.
Coax and Twinax interface boards
Two other interface boards on the market (Coax and Twinax) let
you use the DFX-5000 as a local printer for your IBM@ mainframe
or minicomputer. These boards connect directly to the printer and
allow it to function as a local IBM printer without the addition of
any other circuitry or components.
Printer stand
The DFX-5000’s printer stand conveniently holds both front and
rear paper supplies as well as stacks of printed output. The stand
is on casters so you can move the printer easily.
2
Introduction
About This Manual
This user’s manual provides step-by-step instructions for setting
up and operating the DFX-5000 printer. It also includes
information that you will need for your daily use of the printer.
Chapter 1 shows you how to unpack, set up, and connect the
printer. Be sure to read and follow the instructions in this chapter
first.
Chapters 2 and 3 give you important information on loading
paper and using the printer. This information is necessary for the
day-to-day operation of your printer.
Chapter 7 contains troubleshooting information, including a list of
possible problems and recommended solutions.
Other chapters include information on enhancing your printing,
maintaining the printer, using printer options, and a summary of
software commands. The appendixes include reference tables and
technical specifications.
At the back of the manual you’ll find a glossary, an index, and a
Quick Reference card listing software commands and DIP switch
settings. Inside the back cover of this manual are illustrations of
the printer with all of the major parts identified. You can unfold
the cover and refer to the illustrations when you are setting up
and operating the printer.
Introduction 3
Conventions Used in This Manual
WARNINGS
damage to your printer and equipment.
must be followed carefully to avoid
Cautions must be followed to ensure that your printer
operates correctly.
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the
operation of your printer.
Where to Get Help
Customer support and service for Epson products is 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 our dealers and service
centers.
Therefore, we ask that you contact the business where you
purchased your Epson product to request assistance. If they do
not have the answer to your question, they can obtain it through
our toll-free dealer support program.
We are confident that this policy will provide you with the
assistance you need. If you need to find an Epson dealer or service
center in your area, please contact our Consumer Information
Center at (800) 421-5426.
Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
Checking the parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Removing the protective materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
A Look at Your Printer
The printer parts
Control panel indicator lights
Control panel buttons
Assembling the Printer
Installing the ribbon cartridge
Attaching the power cable
Testing the Printer
Plugging in the printer
Loading paper for the self test
Running the self test
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
Connecting the parallel interface
Connecting the serial interface
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
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1-6
1-7
1-8
1-9
1-10
1-10
1-14
1-15
1-15
1-16
1-22
1-24
1-25
1-28
Setting Up Your Application Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
Unpacking the Printer
Because the printer weighs approximately 65 pounds, you should
not lift or carry it by yourself. Two people should carry it by the
bottom.
Checking the parts
Check to see that you have the parts shown below and that
nothing has been damaged during transportation.
cross-head
screwdriver
connector lock nuts
ribbon cartridge
power cable
After you unpack the printer, store the packaging materials in
case you ever need to transport the printer.
1-2
Setting Up the Printer
Removing the protective materials
The printer is protected during shipping by several pieces of foam
packaging, two brackets, and a carriage support bar. These
protective items must be removed before you turn on the printer.
After removing the protective materials as described below, store
them with the other packaging material.
Open the printer’s top cover and remove the foam packaging
1.
material.
Using the cross-head screwdriver, remove the carriage support
2.
bar and slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-3
Use the cross-head screwdriver to remove the two screws and
3.
the two locking brackets from the inside of the printer.
WARNING: Be sure to remove all protective materials
before you turn on the printer.
Choosing a Place for the Printer
When you select a location for your printer, keep the following in
mind:
Place the printer on a flat, stable surface.
l
Place the printer close enough to the computer for its cable to
l
reach.
Leave plenty of room around the printer for your front and
l
rear stacks of continuous paper as well as your printed output.
Use a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
l
1-4
Setting Up the Printer
The illustration below shows a good printer location.
An optional printer stand designed for the DFX-5000 is also
available. See your Epson dealer for details.
Setting Up the Printer
1-5
WARNING:
l Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight,
excessive heat, moisture, or dust.
l Avoid using electrical outlets that are controlled by
wall switches or automatic timers. Accidental
disruption of power can wipe out information in
both your computer’s memory and 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.
A Look at Your Printer
Now that you’ve unpacked the DFX-5000, you may want to use
the following information for reference as you assemble and test
the printer. This section includes an illustration that shows you
the printer’s various parts. It also gives you a close-up look at the
control panel and indicator lights. See Chapters 2 and 3 for more
detailed information on operating your printer.
1-6
Setting Up the Printer
The printer parts
The following illustration gives you a detailed view of the
printer and the names of the important parts. You can refer to
this illustration when you set up and operate the printer. This
illustration is also on the inside back cover of this manual.
tear-off edge
paper separator cover
aper separator
back flap
serial interface
interface cover
w
Setting Up the Printer
paper
platen
mask
1-7
Control panel indicator lights
The indicator lights on the control panel let you check the current
status of the printer. Below is an illustration of the control panel
lights and a description of their functions. These functions are
described more fully in Chapters 2 and 3.
POWER
READY
PAPER OUT
ON LINE
TEAR OFF
TOP OF FORM
PAPERSELECT
On when the POWER switch is on and power is
supplied to the printer.
On when the printer is on line and ready to
accept input data. This light flickers during
printing.
On when the printer is out of paper.
On when the printer can receive and print data
from the computer.
On when the printer is in tear-off mode.
On when the printer is in top of form mode.
Front tractor arrow: Green when the front
tractor is selected and paper is loaded. Red
when the front tractor is out of paper.
Rear tractor arrow: Green when the rear tractor
is selected and paper is loaded. Red when the
rear tractor is out of paper.
1-8
Setting Up the Printer
Control panel buttons
The buttons on the control panel let you control most of the
printer’s operations, Below is an illustration of the control panel
buttons and a description of their functions. These functions are
described more fully in Chapters 2 and 3.
ON LINE
FORM FEED
LINE FEED/LOAD
TEAR OFF
MICRO FEED
TOP OF FORM
FRONT/REAR
Controls the printer’s on line/off line status.
Advances paper to the top of the next page
when the printer is off line.
Advances paper one line when the printer is off
line. (Feeds paper continuously if the button is
held down.) This button can also be used to load
paper when the printer is on line. See Chapter 2
for details.
Advances paper to its tear-off position and then
feeds the paper back to the top of form position.
Advances or reverses paper in 1/216-inch
increments when the printer is off line. These
buttons are used to adjust the top of form and
tear-off positions.
Enters and exits the top of form mode when the
printer is off line.
Selects the front or rear tractor.
Setting Up the Printer 1-9
Assembling the Printer
Since the printer comes almost completely assembled from the
factory, all you need to do is install the ribbon cartridge and
attach the power cord.
Installing the ribbon cartridge
Before installing the ribbon cartridge, make sure the printer is
turned off. Remove the ribbon cartridge from its box and plastic
wrapper and then follow these steps to install the ribbon
cartridge:
1.
Open the top cover by lifting its front edge up and away
from you.
1-10
WARNING:
printer is 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
2.
Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
3.
Remove the plastic separator from the middle of the ribbon
cartridge. (You will not need the separator again and can
discard it.) Next, detach the ribbon guide from the cartridge
and turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the
arrow to take up any slack in the ribbon.
4.
Hold the ribbon cartridge with both hands and lower it into the
printer as shown below. Pulling the cartridge toward you,
slide the hooks nearest you over the corresponding two pins in
the printer. Then push the cartridge down into position until
the other two hooks snap into place over the mounting pins in
the printer.
5.
Press lightly on both sides of the cartridge to make sure the
hooks are properly inserted.
1-12
Setting Up the Printer
6.
Insert the ribbon guide over the metal pins on each side of the
print head as shown below. The smaller end of the guide
should be on top, with its angled edge toward the platen. Turn
the ribbon-tightening knob again to remove any slack in the
ribbon.
7.
Slide the print head from side to side to see that it moves
smoothly and that the ribbon is not twisted or creased.
8.
Close the printer’s top cover.
Attaching the power cable
Follow these steps to attach the power cable:
1.
Check the label on the printer’s rear panel to see if the voltage
required by the printer matches that of your electrical outlet. If
it does not match, contact your Epson dealer without
connecting the power cable.
1-14
Setting Up the Printer
2.
Plug the power cable into the AC inlet on the printer’s rear
panel.
Note: If you move to another country, you may need to change
the voltage of the printer. See your dealer for information.
Testing the Printer
Now that your printer is fully assembled, you can use your
printer’s built-in test function to be sure the printer is working
correctly before you connect it to a computer.
Before performing the test, you need to plug in your printer and
load paper.
Plugging in the printer
Follow these steps to plug in the printer:
1.
Make sure the printer is turned off. (The zero (0) on the power
switch should be visible.)
2. Plug the power cable into a properly grounded electrical outlet.
Setting Up the Printer 1-15
WARNING: Whenever you turn off the power, wait at
least five seconds before turning it back on. Rapid
switching on and off can damage the printer.
Loading paper for the self test
Next, you need to load continuous paper that is at least 15 inches
wide. To load paper, follow these steps:
WARNING: Use paper that is at least 15 inches wide for
I
the self test to keep the print head from printing directly
.
77
1.
onto the platen.
Open the printer’s front cover by lifting its bottom edge up and
toward you, as shown below.
2.
Release the sprocket lock levers on both the right and left
sprocket units by pulling each lever down.
3.
Slide the left sprocket unit all the way to the left. Lock it into
place by pushing the sprocket lock lever up.
4.
Now slide the right sprocket unit to approximately
width of your paper. (Do not lock it in place yet.)
5.
Slide the two paper supports so that they are spaced evenly
between the sprocket units.
match the
1-18
Setting Up the Printer
6. Open both sprocket covers.
7.
Be sure your paper has a clean, straight edge, and then fit the
first five holes in the paper over the pins of the sprocket units
as shown below. The side of the paper that you want to print
on should be facing you. Now close the sprocket covers.
Setting Up the Printer
1-19
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