Epson DFX 8000 User Manual
®
EPSON
DFX-8000
User’s Manual
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS
This
quipment
device.
p
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.
no guarantee that
does cause
turning
one or more of the following measures:
.
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
.
Increase the separation between the
.
Connect the
receiver is connected.
.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
has been tested and found
to Part 15 of the
ursuant
w,
&&e&e ‘-
harmful~@gf&+e,~.radid
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
quipment
FCC &da. ‘Yhaee
YtiP
into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
to.&&
.wtorodioc
not~jttapar&&rin&l#&m.Ifthisquipment
qr
*ion
quipment
with
@te
limits pe designed to provide reasonable
and receiver.
limits for a class B digital
~ca&uu.
*on,
w&h .FM
However, there is
be determined by
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded printer interface cable to this printer will invalidate the FCC
Certification of this device and may cause
establiied
connector, do not leave cables connected to unused interfaces.
Seiko
use of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as
Products or Epson Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted, in any form
or otherwise, without the prior written
is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. While every
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 damages
from the use of the information contained herein.
by the
FCC
for this
Epson Corporation shall not be liable against any damages or problems
quipment.
interfemnce
If this
levels which exceed the
quipment
has more than one interface
limits
arisii
Origmal
from the
Epson
or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording,
permission
of Epson America, Inc. No patent liability
resultiq
FOR CANADIAN USERS
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class
apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
Le pr4sent
applicables aux
radidlectrique’
Epson and Epson
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Graphics created with
Copyright 0
Torrance, California
appareil
num6rique n&et
appareils nun&iques de
6dicte
par le Minis&e
ESC/P
are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
UniPaint
1989
by Epson America Inc.
pas de bruits radioflectriques
des
by Unison World Inc. and Epson JD-Graph.
B
limits for radio noise emissions from digital
Classe B prescrites darts le r4glement sur le brouillage
Communications du Canada.
depassant les limites
IlWORTANT
1.
Readall
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
2.
Unphrg 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.
5.
Do not
product may
Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
6.
provid&d
and to protect it from overheating, these openings must not be
blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by
placing the product
This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat
register.
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.
of these instructions and save them for later reference.
pbce
this
fall,
for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the product
This$rdduct’should
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The
causing serious damage to the product.
.on-a
bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
not be placed in a built-in instAlation
8.
This product is equipped with a &wire grounding-type plug, a plug
having a third (grounding) pm. This plug will only fit into a
grounding-type power outlet.
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
9.
Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.
phrg.
This
is a safety feature. If you are
iii
10.
If an
extension cord’is
total of the ampere ratings on the products
extension cord does not
Also, make sure that the total
used
with‘&
exceed’the
product, make sure that the
piugged
into the
extension cord ampere rating.
.of
all products plugged into the
wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
11.
Never
puih
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
:
dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing
Remove”
may expose you to
compartments to service personnel.
13.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
,in
those
A. When the power cord or
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
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.
iv
~1%
is damaged or frayed.
not operate normally when the operating
Contents
About This Manual
Introduction
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
Using the Two-Tractor System
Paper
Handling
....................................
..........................
Switching between Front and Rear Tractors
Changing the Paper
Printing on Special Paper
Chapter 3 Using the Printer
Operating the Control Panel
Setting the DIP Switches
Page Length
.............................................................
Skip Over Perforation
Using the Paper Memory Feature
Adjusting the Top of Form Position
Adjusting the Printing Position
Using Short Tear-Off
Selecting Typestyless
...................................................
...........................................
.......................................
............................................
...............................................
.................................
.............................
....................................
.................................................
...................................................
.....................
...................
1
3
1-1
1-2
1-7
1-9
1-13
1-26
1-36
2-1
2-2
2-20
2-24
2-29
3-1
3-2
3-7
3-17
3-18
3-20
3-33
3-37
3-40
3-43
Contents
v
Selecting an International Character Set
Choosing a Character Table
Data Dump Mode
.....................................................
........................................
........................
3-47
3-49
3-51
Chapter 4 Software and Graphics
Enhancing
Graphics
Your Printing
.................................................................
User-defined Characters
Chapter 5 Using the Printer Options
............................................
..............................................
Pull Tractor.............................................................
Paper Cutter
Interface Boards
Chapter 6 Maintenance
............................................................
........................................................
Cleaning the Printer..................................................
Replacing the Ribbon
Transporting the Printer
.................................................
.............................................
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting
Problems and Solutions
Power Supply
..........................................................
..............................................
Printing...................................................................
Paper Handling........................................................
Options...................................................................
4-1
4-2
4-10
4-22
5-1
5-2
5-19
5-32
6-1
6-2
6-4
6-9
7-1
7-2
7-3
7-4
7-13
7-18
Chapter 8 Technical Specifications
Printer Specifications
Interface Specifications
Initialization
vi
Contents
.............................................................
.................................................
...............................................
8-1
8-2
8-11
8-17
Chapter 9 Command Summary
Using the Command Summary
Commands in Numerical Order
Epson ESC/P Commands Arranged by Topic
....................................
...................................
.................
IBM Emulation Mode Commands Arranged by Topic..
....
9-l
9-2
9-5
9-9
9-41
Appendix
Proportional Width Table
Character Tables
Glossary
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A-l
A-2
.
A-6
.
GL-1
IN-1
Contents vii
About This Manual
This user’s manual provides fully-illustrated, step-by-step
instructions for setting up and operating the
printer. It also includes information that you will need for your
daily use of the printer.
Epson
DFX-8000
Chapter
1
shows you how to unpack, set up, test, and connect
the printer. Be sure to read and follow the instructions in this
chapter first. Inside the back cover of this manual
are
illustrations that identify the parts of the printer. You may want
to unfold the cover and refer to these illustrations as you set up
and operate the printer.
Chapters
2
and 3 describe loading paper and using the printer.
This information is necessary for -the day-to-day operation of
your printer.
Chapter
4 provides, information on enhancing your printing,
using software commands and graphics, and creating your own
user-defined characters. Chapter
9
contains a summary of
printer commands.
7
Chapter
contains troubleshooting information. If the printer
does not operate properly or the printed results are not what
you expect, see Chapter
recommended solutions
7
for a list of possible problems and
.
Other chapters contain information on printer options, general
maintenance, and specifications. You will also find an appendix
with reference tables, a glossary of printer terms, and an index.
At the back of this manual is a handy Quick Reference card
that lists DIP switch settings and printer commands.
About This Manual
1
About This
Conventions used in this manual
Manual
WARNINGS must be followed carefully to avoid
61
damage to your printer and computer.
CAUTIONS must be followed to ensure that your
printer operates correctly.
Notes
containimportant
information and useful tips on the operation
of your printer.
Where to Get Help
Customer support and service for Epson products are provided by a
network of authorized Epson dealers and Customer Care Centers
throughout the United States. Epson
information and support to its
Therefore, we a& that you
dealem
contact the business where you purchased
America
and Customer Care
provides product
Centers.
your Epson product to request assistance. If the people there do not
have the answer to your question, they can obtain it through our dealer
support program.
Epson is confident that this policy will provide you with the assistance
you need. Call the Epson Consumer Information Center at
1-800-922-8911
l
The location of the nearest Epson dealer
l
The location of the nearest Customer Care Center
l
Information on Epson User Groups.
for the following:
2
About This Manual
Introduction
The Epson
DFX-8000
printer is an advanced dot matrix printer
designed for business applications. The printer combines high
performance and reliability with a wide range
of-f-es,
including
high speed printing and automatic paper handling.
Features
In addition to the high-quality printing and ease of operation you
expect from Epson printers, the
Extra-fast printing speeds of up to
(characters per inch) or
DFX-8000
1066 characters
960
characters per second at
offers the following:
per
second at
10
I.2 cpi,
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,
An automatic paper back-out feature that allows you to switch
between paper loaded on the front or rear tractor without
removing either paper supply.
A short tear-off feature that saves paper. When a sheet of
continuous paper is torn off at the end of a printout, the printer
reverse-feeds the remaining paper so that printing can begin at
the top of the next sheet.
cpi
A paper memory feature that produces high quality printing on
your multi-part forms by using stored paper format and
thickness information to adjust the print head.
A width detection feature that automatically adjusts the printing
to match the width of the paper loaded in the printer. This
prevents the printer from printing directly on the platen, which
damages the print head.
Introduction
3
Introduction
l A micro-adjustment feature that allows you to feed the paper
forward or backward to finely adjust the top of form, loading,
and short tear-off positions.
l An improved control panel design that lets you select almost
any feature with a single button.
l Compatibility with the Epson
FX-850/1050
l An
IBM@
and
DFX-5000 ,printers.
emulation mode that provides compatibility with
ESC/P@
commands used by
application programs written specifically for IBM printers.
Options
The following options are available for use with your
DFX-8000
printer. For detailed information on installing and using these
options, see Chapter
l
Pull
Tractor 4~8309)
5.
This option improves the handling of heavy multi-part forms
and labels. It also enhances printing alignment on preprinted
forms.
4
Introduction
Introduction
l Paper Cutter
(C815001)
This option allows you to handle continuous paper more easily
by cutting off printed documents for you.
l Interface Boards
You can use several optional interface boards to supplement the
printer’s built-in parallel and serial interfaces. Chapter 5
provides guidelines for choosing the right interface and
instructions for installing an interface board.
Introduction 5
Introduction
Coax and Twinax interface boards
Two
interface
DFX-8000
boards (Coax and
as a local printer
Twinax)
fez
an IBM mainframe or
let. you use the
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.
6
Inkduction
Chapter
1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
Checking the parts
Removing the protective materials
Choosing a Place
Assembling the Printer
Installing the ribbon cartridge
Testing the Printer
Plugging in the printer
Running the self test
Solving any self test problems
................................................
.................................................
.............................
for
the Printer
..................................
...............................................
...................................
....................................................
............................................
...............................................
..................................
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
The parallel interface
The serial interface
Setting Up Your Application Software
..............................................
.................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.....................
1-2
1-3
1-4
1-7
l-9
l-9
1-13
1-13
1-15
1-24
l-26
1-27
1-31
l-36
.
Setting
Up the Printer l-l
Unpacking the Printer
Because the printer weighs approximately
64
lbs.
(29
kg),
you should not lift or carry it alone. Two people should carry it by
the bottom, as shown here:
1-2
Setting Up
the Printer
Checking the parts
Unpacking the Printer
When you unpack the printer, make sure that you
shown
below
and that none have
been
damaged during
transportation.
optional connector
have all the parts
power cable
lock
nuts
ribbon cartridge
cross-head screwdriver
In some locations, the power cable may be attached to the printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-3
Unpacking the Printer
WARNING: There are several different versions of the
printer designed for different electrical
power
supply voltage is shown on the label on the back
standards.
The
of the printer. If the voltage shown is not correct for your
country, contact your dealer. It is not possible to adjust
the printer for use with different voltages.
After you unpack the printer, save the packaging materials in case
you ever need to transport your printer.
Removing the protective materials
The printer is protected during shipping by two brackets, a carriage
guide support bar, and a plastic print head protector. Your printer
may also be protected by several pieces of foam packaging. 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.
1.
Open the top cover by lifting its front edge up and away from
you. Remove any packing materials in the printer.
1-4
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
2.
Use the enclosed cross-head screwdriver to remove the five
screws and the two transport locking brackets from the inside of
the printer.
3.
Remove the print head protector, as shown below. Then lift up
the paper bail and remove the piece of foam packing underneath
it.
Setting Up the Printer
1-5
Unpacking the Printer
4.
Using the enclosed cross-head screwdriver, remove the carriage
guide support bar.
WARNING: Be sure to remove all protective materials
before you turn on 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 the printer
cable to reach.
l Leave plenty of room around the printer for your front and rear
stacks of continuous paper as well as your printed output.
l Use a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
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 interruption of power
can wipe out information in your computer’s and your printer’s
memory.
Avoid using outlets on the same circuit with large motors or
electrical
appliances
that might 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
1-7
Choosing a Place for the Printer
The illustration below shows a good printer location.
Notes: If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines
to select and set up the stand:
The stand should be able to support at least
which is twice the weight of the
DFX-8000
128 lbs. (58
printer.
kg),
Never use a stand that supports the printer at an angle. The
printer should always be kept level.
If you keep your paper supply underneath the printer stand,
be sure there is enough clearance to prevent the paper from
catching on the underside of the stand. Also, check to see that
the distance between the stand supports is wide enough to
accommodate the paper you will be using.
Position your printer’s power cable and interface cable so that
they do not interfere with paper feeding. If possible, fasten the
cables to the printer stand to keep them away from the paper.
1-8
Setting Up the Printer
Assembling the Printer
After you’ve decided on the best place to set up your printer, you
need to install the ribbon cartridge.
Installing the ribbon cartridge
Before installing the ribbon cartridge, make sure that the printer is
not plugged into an electrical outlet. 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.
Setting
Up the Printer
1-9
Assembling the Printer
2..
Slide the print head to the exposed part of the paper bail as
shown below.
3..
Remove the separator from the middle of the ribbon cartridge
and discard it. Then
cartridge (but
not
tightening knob in the
from
detach
the ribbon guide from the ribbon
the ribbon) and turn the ribbon-
direction
of the arrow to take up any
slack in the ribbon.
1-10
setting Up the Printer
Assembling the Printer
4.
Hold the ribbon cartridge with both hands and lower it into the
printer.
Pulling
the cartridge toward you, slide the hooks in the
sides of the cartridge over the two corresponding 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
Note: Press lightly on both sides of the cartridge to make sure
the hooks are properly connected.
5..
Insert the ribbon guide over the metal pins on each side of the
print head. The
its angled edge
knob again to remove any
smaller
toward
end of the guide should be on top, with
the
platen.
slack in
Turn the ribbon-tightening
the ribbon.
Setting Up the Printer
1-11
Assembling the Printer
Slide the print head from side to side to make sure that it moves
6.
smoothly and that the ribbon is not twisted or
7.
Close
the top cover.
creased.
1-12
Setting Up the Printer
Testing the Printer
Now that your printer is fully assembled, you can use its built-in
self test function to be sure 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 performing the self test, you need to plug in your printer and
load paper.
Plugging in the printer
1.
Make sure that the printer is turned off.
2.
Check the label on the printer’s back panel to make sure the
voltage required by the printer matches that of your electrical
outlet.
Setting Up the Printer
1-13
Testing the Printer
WARNING: If the rated voltage and your outlet voltage
r!!!b
3.
4.
do not match, contact your Epson dealer. Do not plug in
the power cable.
If necessary, connect the power cable to the AC inlet on the
printer’s rear panel.
Plug the power cable into a properly grounded electrical outlet.
!!9
1-14
Setting Up the Printer
WARNING: Whenever you turn off the power, wait at least
five seconds before
the power on and off can damage the printer.
turning
it back on. Rapidly switching
Running the self test
Testing the Printer
The self test can be run in draft or Near Letter Quality
(NLQ)
mode, depending on which button you hold down as you turn on
the printer.
1.
Be sure the printer is turned off.
Open the front cover by lifting its bottom edge up and toward
2..
you.
Setting Up the Printer
1-15
Loading...