Epson DFX-8500 User Manual

9-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, 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. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

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.

SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION shall not be liable against 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.

General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be

trademarks of their respective owners.

User’s Guide

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.

T Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

T Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

T Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the

receiver is connected

T 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 meets all requirements of the Canadian InterferenceCausing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Declaration of Conformity

According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014

Manufacturer: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION Address: 3-5, Owa 3-chome, Suwa-shi,

Nagano-ken 392-8502 Japan

Representative: EPSON EUROPE B.V. Address: Prof. J. H. Bavincklaan 5 1183

AT Amstelveen The Netherlands

Declares that the Product:

Product Name: Dot Matrix Printer Type Name: DFX-8500 Model: P970A

Conforms to the following Directive(s) and Norm(s):

Directive 89/336/EEC:

EN 55022 Class B EN 61000-3-2 EN 61000-3-3 EN 50082-1 IEC 801-2 IEC 801-3 IEC 801-4

Directive 73/23/EEC:

EN 60950

March 1998

Y. Ishii President of EPSON EUROPE B.V.

iii

Safety Information

Important Safety Instructions

Before using the printer, read all of these instructions to make sure you use the printer safely and effectively. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the printer.

T Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a

radiator or heat source.

T Place the printer on a flat surface. The printer will not operate

properly if it is tilted or at an angle.

T Do not block or cover the openings in the printer’s cabinet. Do

not insert objects through the slots.

T Use only the type of power source indicated on the printer’s

label.

T Connect all equipment to properly grounded power outlets.

Avoid using outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control systems that regularly switch on and off.

T Do not let the power cord become damaged or frayed.

T If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the

total ampere rating of the devices plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure the total ampere rating of all devices plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating.

T Unplug the printer before cleaning. Clean with a damp cloth

only. Do not spill liquid on the printer.

T Except as specifically explained in this guide, do not attempt

to service the printer yourself.

T Unplug the printer and refer servicing to qualified service

personnel under the following conditions:

If the power cord or plug is damaged; if liquid has entered the printer; if the printer has been dropped or the cabinet damaged; if the printer does not operate normally or exhibits a distinct change in performance. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions.

T 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 16 Amp circuit breaker.

Bei Anschluß des Druckers an die Stromversorgung muß sichergestellt werden, daß die Gebäudeinstallation mit einem 16 A-Überstromschalter abgesichert ist.

ENERGY STAR Compliance

As an ENERGY STAR Partner, EPSON has determined that this product meets the

TAR guidelines for energy efficiency.

NERGY

The International a voluntary partnership with the computer and office equipment industry to promote the introduction of energy-efficient personal computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, and copiers in an effort to reduce air pollution caused by power generation.

NERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is

For United Kingdom Users

Use of options

Epson (UK) Limited shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the use of any options or consumable products other than those designated as Original EPSON Products or EPSON Approved Products by Epson (UK) Limited.

Safety information

Warning: This appliance must be earthed. Refer to the rating plate for voltage and check that the appliance voltage corresponds to the

supply voltage.

Important: The wires in the mains lead fitted to this appliance are coloured in accordance with the following code:

Green and yellow — Earth Blue — Neutral Brown — Live

If you have to fit a plug: As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in a plug, please proceed as follows:

The green and yellow wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E or with the Earth symbol (G).

The blue wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked with the letter N.

The brown wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked with the letter L.

If damage occurs to the plug, replace the cord set or consult a qualified electrician.

Replace fuses only with a fuse of the correct size and rating.

Introduction

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2

How to Use This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-3

If You Need Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-4

Chapter 1

Unpacking the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Installing the Ribbon Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Plugging in the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Chapter 2

For Windows 95 Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Installing the printer driver using My Computer . . . . . . 2-3

Installing the printer driver using plug-and-play . . . . . . 2-4

Accessing the printer driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Changing the printer driver settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

For Windows 3.1 Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Installing the printer driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Accessing the printer driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Changing the printer driver settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Setting Up the Printer

Setting Up Your Software

vii

For Windows NT 4.0 Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Installing the printer driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Accessing the printer driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Changing the printer driver settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

For Windows NT 3.5x Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Installing the printer driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Accessing the printer driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Changing the printer driver settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19

For DOS Program Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21

Installing the printer driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21

Chapter 3 Paper Handling

Using the Two-Tractor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Positioning the paper supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

What paper types you can use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Loading Paper onto the Front Tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Loading Paper onto the Rear Tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Adjusting the Paper Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17

Adjusting the top-of-form position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17

Adjusting the printing position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20

Tearing Off the Printed Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21

Tear-off mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21

Using the Tear Off button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23

Adjusting the tear-off position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23

Switching Between Front and Rear Tractors . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26

Changing the Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28

Printing on Multi-Part Forms and Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31

Using multi-part forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32

Using labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33

viii

Chapter 4 Using the Printer

Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Other control panel features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Using DIP Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Changing DIP switch settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

DIP switch tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

DIP switch functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16

Using the Paper Memory Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22

Saving paper memory settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23

Chapter 5 Using EPSON Status Monitor 2

Installing EPSON Status Monitor 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Accessing EPSON Status Monitor 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Checking the Printer Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Using the EPSON Status Monitor 2 window . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Using the Printer Status window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

Setting Monitoring Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

Turning on background monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

Using the background monitoring icon . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12

Using the Paper Memory Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12

Accessing the paper memory utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13

Registering or changing your paper settings . . . . . . . . . 5-13

Chapter 6 Using Printer Options

Using the Pull Tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Installing the pull tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Using the pull tractor with the front tractor . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

Using the pull tractor with the rear tractor . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

Removing the pull tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11

Using the Perforation Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Installing the perforation cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

Attaching the perforated paper output attachment

and output tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16

Paper handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18

Removing the perforation cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20

Using the Paper Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-24

Installing the paper cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-24

Paper handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28

Removing the paper cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32

Interface Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-35

Installing an interface card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-36

Using a serial interface card (C82305@ or C82306@) . . . . . 6-38

Chapter 7 Maintenance and Transportation

Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Cleaning the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Transporting the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

Chapter 8 Troubleshooting

Using the Error Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

Printing a Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

Using the Hex Dump Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6

Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7

Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

Paper handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13

Printout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18

Clearing a Paper Jam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-19

Appendix A Specifications

Printer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-13

Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-14

Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-14

Safety approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-15

CE marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-15

Parallel Interface Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-16

Forward channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-16

Reverse channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-16

Serial Interface Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-17

Optional Perforation Cutter Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . A-17

Appendix B Printer Commands and Character Tables

EPSON ESC/P Control Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

Barcode commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

IBM 2381 Plus Emulation Control Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6

Character Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-7

Appendix C Contacting Customer Support

For United States and Canada Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

For United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland Users . . . . . C-4

Enquiry Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4

Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4

Faxon EPSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5

EPtec - Bulletin Board Service for latest drivers and utilities C-5

World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5

For Australian Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6

EPSON FAXBACK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6

EPSON Bulletin Board System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6

Internet URL http://www.epson.com.au . . . . . . . . . . . C-6

Your dealer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6

EPSON Helpdesk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7

For Singapore Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7

For Hong Kong Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7

Internet home page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8

Electronic bulletin board system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8

Technical Support Hotline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8

For Philippines Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8

Glossary

Index

xii

Printer Parts

front cover

sprockets*

control panel

paper supports*

sprockets**

power switch

* front tractor unit parts

top cover

ribbon cartridge

paper separator

rear flap

rear cover

paper supports**

print head

paper bail

** rear tractor unit parts

paper separator cover

serial interface

parallel interface

Introduction

The EPSON DFX-8500 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.

Features

T High speed draft mode printing of up to 1120 characters per

second (cps) at 10 characters per inch (cpi).

T Built-in front and rear push tractors for convenient paper

handling. This dual system lets you switch between different types of continuous paper quickly and easily. The printer remembers separate top-of-form positions for each tractor.

T Eight barcode fonts, as well as three bit-map fonts.

T The ability to print on multi-part forms consisting of one

original plus up to six copies at the front tractor.

T A convenient control panel that allows direct selection of fonts.

T Support of advanced EPSON ESC/P

2380/2381 Plus emulation.

T A printer driver and a status monitor utility that let you

change printer settings easily.

T A paper memory utility that lets you register paper

information in the printer.

commands and IBM

Introduction 1

Options

The following options are available for your printer:

T The Pull tractor (#8309) improves the handling of heavy

multi-part forms and labels. It also enhances printing alignment on preprinted forms.

T The Perforation cutter (C81507

make it easier to handle continuous paper by cutting off printed documents for you.

T Interface cards are available to supplement the printer’s

built-in serial and parallel interfaces. Chaper 6 provides guidelines for choosing the right interface and instructions for installing an interface card.

) and Paper cutter (C81500@)

How to Use This Manual

This manual provides illustrated, step-by-step instructions for setting up and operating your printer.

Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up, and connecting the printer. Be sure to read this chapter first.

Chapter 2 explains how to set up your software, which includes a printer driver for Microsoft

Chapter 3 includes important information on paper handling and printing on various types of paper.

Windows® operating systems.

Chapter 4 describes how to use your printer’s control panel functions, change DIP switch settings, and use the paper memory feature.

Chapter 5 explains how to use the EPSON Status Monitor 2 for Windows 95.

2 Introduction

Chapter 6 explains how to use optional accessories with your printer.

Chapter 7 provides printer maintenance and transportation guidelines.

Chapter 8 contains troubleshooting tips. If the printer does not operate properly or the printed results are not what you expect, see this chapter for a list of problems and solutions.

Appendix A gives the printer’s specifications.

Appendix B lists ESC/P emulation commands and the printer’s built-in character tables.

Appendix C explains how to contact customer support if you need assistance.

A glossary and an index are provided at the end of this manual.

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

This guide uses the following conventions:

Warnings must be followed to avoid bodily injury.

Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.

Notes contain important information and useful tips on the operation

of your printer.

Introduction

If You Need Help

If you need assistance in setting up or using your printer, see Appendix C for guidelines on how to get customer support.

4 Introduction

Chapter 1

Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Installing the Ribbon Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Plugging in the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Setting Up the Printer 1-1

Unpacking the Printer

Because the printer weighs approximately 29 kg (64 lbs), 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

In addition to this guide, your printer box should include two EPSON printer driver diskettes, two Status Monitor software diskettes, a Notice Sheet, and the following items:

power cord

printer

screwdriver

ribbon cartridge

optional connector

lock nuts

Note:

Depending on your printer model, the power cord may be permanently attached to the printer. Also the shape of the power cord plug varies depending on the country in which you bought your printer; be sure the plug you have is right for your location.

Setting Up the Printer 1-3

You must remove all protective materials packed around and inside your printer before you set it up and turn on the power. Follow the directions on the Notice Sheet to remove these materials. A screwdriver has been included for removing the transportation screw.

Save all packing and protective materials, including the protective locking clips on the paper tension unit and the transportation screw, in case you need to ship the printer in the future. It should always be transported in its original packaging, or equivalent materials.

Caution: There are several versions of the printer designed for different

voltages, and it is not possible to adjust the printer for use at another voltage. If the label on the back of the printer does not show the correct voltage for your country, contact your dealer.

Choosing a Place for the Printer

When selecting a place to set up your printer, be sure to follow these guidelines:

T Place the printer on a flat, stable surface, close enough to

the computer for the interface cable to reach it.

T Leave adequate room around the printer for easy operation

and maintenance.

T Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight, excessive

heat, moisture, or dust.

T Use a properly grounded electrical outlet; do not use an

adapter plug.

T Place the printer where you can easily unplug the power

cord.

1-4

Setting Up the Printer

T Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or

automatic timers. An interruption of power can erase information in the memory of your printer or computer.

T Avoid outlets on the same circuit as large motors or

other appliances that can cause voltage fluctuations.

T Keep the entire computer system away from potential

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

If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines:

T Use a stand that supports at least 58 kg (128 lbs).

T Never use a stand that tilts the printer. The printer should

always be kept level.

T If you plan to load continuous paper through the bottom of

the printer, choose a stand that provides an unobstructed paper path.

T 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.

Setting Up the Printer 1-5

Installing the Ribbon Cartridge

Before installing the ribbon cartridge, make sure that the protective packing materials have been removed and that the power cord is not plugged into an electrical outlet. Remove the ribbon cartridge from the box and plastic bag. Then follow these steps:

1. Open the top cover as shown below.

Warning:

Never move the print head while the printer is turned on

unless instructed to 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.

1-6 Setting Up the Printer

2. Slide the print head to the open section of the paper bail as shown below.

Position the print head here.

3. Remove the separator from the middle of the ribbon cartridge and discard it. Then detach the ribbon guide from the cartridge (but not from the ribbon) and turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow to take up any slack in the ribbon.

ribbon guide

separator

Setting Up the Printer 1-7

4. Hold the ribbon cartridge with both hands and lower it into the printer as shown below. Pulling the cartridge toward you, slide the notches nearest you over the two corresponding pins in the printer. Then push the cartridge down into position until the other two slots snap into place over the mounting pins in the printer.

5. Press lightly on both sides of the cartridge to make sure it is locked in place.

1-8 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 facing back toward the platen. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob again to remove any slack in the ribbon.

ribbon guide

7. Slide the print head from side to side to see that it moves smoothly and that the ribbon is not twisted or creased.

print head

Setting Up the Printer 1-9

8. Close the top cover.

Plugging in the Printer

1. Make sure the printer is turned off. (The “” symbol on the

power switch located on the lower right side of the printer should be pressed down.)

2. Check the label on the back of the printer to make sure the voltage matches that of your electrical outlet.

Caution: If the rated voltage and your outlet voltage do not match,

contact your dealer for assistance. Do not plug in the power cord.

3. If the power cord is not attached to the printer, connect the appropriate end to the AC inlet on the printer’s rear panel.

4. Plug the power cord into a properly grounded electrical outlet.

1-10 Setting Up the Printer

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

Your printer has two separate interface connections: a Centronics compatible serial interface. If you are not sure which one is required by your computer, check your computer manual.

Note:

Your printer has an auto interface mode function that allows you to connect to more than one interface at a time. See “Using DIP Switches” in Chapter 4.

compatible parallel interface and an RS-232C-

serial interface

parallel interface

If you have a suitable shielded cable, you should be able to connect the printer immediately. If you have one of the few computers that requires a different type of interface, you need to use an optional interface card. See Chapter 6.

Setting Up the Printer 1-11

Follow the steps below to connect a parallel or serial interface cable to the printer.

1. Make sure both the printer and computer are turned off.

2. Open the rear cover by grasping it on each side and pulling down.

rear cover

3. Plug the cable connector securely into the printer’s parallel or serial interface connector.

1-12 Setting Up the Printer

serial interface

parallel interface

4. If you are connecting the parallel interface, squeeze the wire clips together until they lock in place on either side of the connector. If your cable has a ground wire, connect it to the printer’s ground connector as shown below.

If you are connecting the serial interface, fasten the screws on the cable connector. (If your cable has a ground wire, connect it to the printer’s ground connector as shown above.)

Note:

If the screws that come with the cable do not fit into the connector lock nuts on the interface, replace the lock nuts with the optional lock nuts provided with the printer.

Setting Up the Printer 1-13

5. Open the plastic clamp to the right or left of the interface connectors by pulling out its top tab. Insert the cable in the plastic clamp and close the clamp, as shown below.

6. Close the rear cover.

Caution:

Always close the rear cover before using the printer.

1-14 Setting Up the Printer

7. 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.)

Before using the printer’s serial interface, you need to select serial communication by changing the printer’s DIP switch settings. You may also need to change two other serial interface settings, serial baud rate and parity, before your printer and computer can communicate properly. See “Using DIP Switches” in Chapter 4 for more information.

Setting Up the Printer 1-15

1-16 Setting Up the Printer