Epson EPL-6000 User 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. 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 the receiving antenna

•

Relocate the printer with respect to the receiver

•

Move the printer away from 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 equipment interface cable to this equipment will invalidate

the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels that exceed the limits
established by the FCC for this equipment. If this equipment has more than one interface
connector, do not leave cables connected to unused interfaces.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.

Le present appareil numèrique n’èmet pas de bruits radioèlectriques dèpassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numeriques de Classe B prescrites dans le reglement sur le
brouillage radidlectriques èdicte par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

ii

IMPORTANT NOTICE

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

Epson America makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied,
by or with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable for any
implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or for any
indirect, special, or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion
of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

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 Epson America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to
the use of information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in
the preparation of this publication, Epson America assumes no responsibility for
errors or omissions. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use
of the information contained herein. Further, this publication and the features
described herein are subject to change without notice.

TRADEMARKS

Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
LaserJet and LaserJet Plus are trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company.

Copyright © 1989 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California

HGM45-32901
Rev. 7/89

Printed in Japan

iii

iv

Contents

About This Manual

Introduction

Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer

Finding a Place for the Printer.
Unpacking the Printer.
Carrying the Printer
Assembling the Printer

..............................

................................

..............................

....................... 1-2

Chapter 2 Testing and Connecting the Printer

Testing the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Connecting to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 3 Using the Printer

The Control Panel ..................................

SelecType Overview
The SelecType Control Panel.

Using SelecType. ...................................

SelecType Options. .................................

................................

........................

1

1

1-1

1-4
1-9
1-10

2-1

2-2
2-11

3-1

3-2
3-7

3-10
3-12
3-20

Chapter 4 Paper Handling

Selecting Paper. ....................................

Selecting a Paper Size
Printing Methods Summary
Paper Delivery Choices
Paper Feed Methods

...............................

.........................

.............................

................................

4-1

4-2
4-4
4-5

4-6
4-7

V

Chapter 5 Printer Modes

HP Emulation. .....................................

Printer Commands
Command List

.................................

.....................................

5-1

5-2
5-8

5-9

Chapter 6 Maintenance and Transportation

Maintenance
Maintenance Messages
Routine Printer Cleaning

General Printer Maintenance.
Service Overhaul
Transporting Your Printer

Unpacking the Printer after Shipment

.......................................

..............................

............................

........................

...................................

...........................

.................

Chapter 7 Troubleshooting

Error Messages
Paper Jam Problems

Troubleshooting.
Power Supply.
Printing Problems
Paper Handling
Decline in Print Quality

.....................................

................................

...................................

.....................................

..................................

....................................

.............................

Appendix A Character Samples and Symbol Sets

Resident Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Symbol Set Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6-1

6-2
6-3

6-19

6-24
6-32
6-33
6-40

7-1

7-2
7-7

7-12
7-13
7-14
7-19
7-22

A-1

A-2
A-3

Appendix B Technical Specifications

Printer Specifications
Interface Specifications.

Index

vi

...............................

.............................

B-1

B-2
B-7

Index-1

Introduction

The EPL-6000 laser printer offers high performance and reliability
and a wide range of features. Your printer combines a

semiconductor laser with the electrophotographic technology used

in office copiers to give you high-quality printing that is both fast
and quiet.

The imaging system used by your laser printer is driven by a
powerful computer that allows the printer to compose an entire
page in internal memory before printing. The printer can
manipulate the page it holds in memory to provide you with the
ability to mix text and graphics, create predefined forms, and print
with a range of fonts normally associated with typeset material.

Features

In addition to the high-quality printing and ease of operation you
have come to expect from Epson* printers, the EPL-6000 printer

offers the following:

HP LaserJet series II emulation resident in the printer, giving
you access to the wide range of software written for Hewlett­Packard laser printers.

An optional Epson FX Identity Cartridge that uses the ESC/P
standard. This cartridge comes with its own user’s manual.

Epson’s SelecType feature that gives you touch control over
many printer features, including font selection, paper size, and
interface settings.

Two slots available for font and identity cartridges.
The EPL-6000 can accommodate HP-compatible soft fonts.

A built-in 512KB of RAM. A 2MB memory board option
(upgradable to 4MB) is also available.

Introduction 1

Introduction

High-quality, 300 dot-per-inch (DPI) printing at a speed of 6
pages per minute for letter-size paper.

Two paper delivery methods: face-down delivery for collated
sheets and faceup delivery for printing on media requiring a
straight paper path and for immediate viewing of printed
output.

Three built-in interfaces: parallel and RS-232C and RS-422A
serial.

A small footprint and a light weight.

Enhanced paper handling capabilities that allow you to select a
variety of sizes for automatic feeding without having to change
paper cassettes. A manual paper feed capability is also available.

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 America provides product

information and support to its dealers and Customer Care Centers.

Therefore, we ask that you contact the business where you
purchased 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 l-800-922-8911 for
the following:

l

The location of the nearest Epson dealer

l

The location of the nearest Customer Care Center

l

Information on Epson User Groups.

2

Introduction

Introduction

Options and supplies

To locate or purchase accessories or supplies, contact your nearest
Epson dealer or call 1-800-873-7766.

Epson FX Identity Cartridge
Replacement Toner Cartridge
Drum Unit
Optional 2MB Memory Board

#IBS100
#IBS300
#IBS301
#IBS401

Laser printer precautions

Certain precautions are necessary to ensure the safe and efficient
operation of the EPL-6000. The following list of precautions applies
whenever you open the printer cover. Even if you are familiar with

other types of printers, be sure to follow these precautions carefully.

Be careful not to touch the fuser, which has a hot surface. (The
fuser is the orange-colored area on the left side of the printer,
inside the cover.) There is a label on the fuser warning you not
to touch the hot surface.

Protect the light-sensitive drum from exposure to light. You
should avoid exposing the drum unit to room light for any
longer than necessary. Never expose the drum to lighting any
stronger than room light. Overexposing the drum may cause
abnormally dark or light areas to appear on the printed page,
reducing the service life of the drum.

If you must expose the drum, either by taking the drum unit out

of the printer or by leaving the printer cover open, cover the

drum with a soft cloth or sheet of paper.

If you remove the drum, developer unit, or basket from the
printer, always set them on a clean, smooth surface. Be sure not
to scratch or mar the roller on the developer unit or the surface
of the drum. Also avoid touching the drum, since oils from your
skin can permanently mar its surface and affect print quality.

Introduction 3

Introduction

l

Never try to force the printer’s components into place. Although
the printer is designed to be sturdy, rough handling can damage
the printer.

4 Introduction

About This Manual

This user’s manual provides step-by-step instructions on setting up
and operating your laser printer.

Finding your way around

The introduction includes important information on precautions
you should take while operating your laser printer. It also discusses
the features of your EPL-6000, tells you where you can get help, and
lists the options available for this printer.

Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking and setting up
your printer.

Chapter 2 includes information on testing the printer and
connecting the printer to your computer. This chapter also
describes how to change your print density setting.

Chapter 3 contains information on general printer operation.
The information on SelecType is necessary for the day-today
operation of your printer.

Chapter 4 details paper handling.
Chapter 5 gives you information on the HP LaserJet series II

mode, including a command summary.

Chapter 6 gives you information on maintaining and
transporting your printer.

If the printer does not operate properly or the printed results are
not what you expect, see Chapter 7 for a list of possible
problems and recommended solutions.

See the appendixes for information on available symbol sets and
character samples, a list of technical specifications, and an index.

About This Manual

1

About This Manual

l A Quick Reference Card at the back of the manual provides a

map of SelecType menus.

l The back flap area has a front and rear view of the printer

designating major parts. Views of the printer’s internal
components are also shown.

Conventions used in this manual

WARNINGS must be followed carefully to avoid damage
to your printer or computer or injury to yourself.

CAUTIONS should be followed carefully to ensure that
your printer operates correctly.

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

2

About This Manual

Chapter 1

Setting Up the Printer

Finding a Place for the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unpacking the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Carrying the Printer
Assembling the Printer

Installing internal components
Installing the paper cassette.
Installing the face-up output tray
Attaching the power cord
Setting the paper feed mechanism

................................

..............................

.....................

.......................

...................

.........................

..................

1-2
1-4

1-9
1-10

1-11
1-19
1-20
1-23

1-23

Setting Up the Printer

1-1

Finding a Place for the Printer

Setting up your printer is a simple process that takes only a few
minutes. You need to find a location for your printer and install a
few parts. Then your printer will be ready to be connected to your
computer.

Before setting up your printer, you need to find a suitable place to
use it. Be sure to keep the following points in mind when selecting a
place for your printer:

Place the printer on a flat, stable surface.
Place the printer close enough to the computer or workstation

for its cable to reach.
Your printer is equipped with four rubber feet. Be sure that your

printer stand or desktop is large enough to accommodate all
four feet.

Use a grounded outlet-one that has three holes to match the
power plug on the printer. Do not use an adapter plug.

Leave adequate room around the printer to allow easy printer

operation and maintenance. You need to locate a space that is 35
inches (889 mm) wide and 24 inches (610 mm) deep. When you
install the printer in this space, you should make sure there is
sufficient room on each side of the printer. See the following
diagram for details.

Note: If you plan to install the face-up output tray, you need a
space that is 44 inches (1118 mm) wide and 24 inches (610
mm) deep. Within this area, you need 13 inches (330 mm) of
flat, unobstructed space to the left of the printer, rather than
the 5 inches (127 mm) shown in the diagram below. There
should be at least 2 inches (50 mm) of space to the left of the
tray after it is installed.

1-2

Setting Up the Printer

Finding a Place for the Printer

To give you enough room to open the printer cover, allow 18 inches
(457 mm) from the bottom of the print& to any shelf or surface
directly above the printer.

Setting Up the Printer

1-3

Finding a Place for the Printer

WARNINGS:

Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight,
excessive heat, moisture, or dust.

Avoid using electrical outlets that are controlled by
wall switches or automatic timers. Accidental
disruption of power can wipe out valuable
information in your computer’s memory and your
printer’s memory.

Avoid using outlets on the same circuit with large
motors or other appliances that might disrupt the
power supply.

Keep the entire computer system away from potential
sources of interference, such as loudspeakers or the
base units of cordless telephones.

Unpacking the Printer

Carefully unpack the outer carton. At the top of the carton is the
accessory pack containing several printer components. Beneath the
pack is the printer itself, which is protected by white foam packing
material.

Note: If you already followed the instructions on your unpacking
sheet, skip to the section on carrying the printer.

1-4

Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer

1.

Remove the accessory pack and make sure you have the
accessories shown below.

Setting Up the Printer

1-5

Unpacking the Printer

2.

Carefully remove the printer from the outer carton, lifting the
printer by the recesses on each side of it. Set the printer on a flat,
stable surface. Since the printer is heavy, you may need to have
someone help you lift it.

3. Remove the white foam packing material and plastic bag
protecting the printer. Also remove the plastic bag from the
paper cassette.

Note: It is very important to save all packing materials. You
need to repack the printer in these materials whenever you
ship the printer. Chapter 6 has details on transporting your
printer.

1-6

Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer

4.

Raise the top cover of your printer by lifting up on the latch.

5.

Remove the tape and foam from the printer and paper cassette.

CAUTION: Be particularly careful to remove the foam
taped inside the printer. Save this foam; you’ll need it
whenever you transport the printer.

Top cover

Setting Up the Printer

1-7

Unpacking the Printer

6.

To close the cover, push only on the ridged portion of the lid.

1-8

Setting Up the Printer

Carrying the Printer

When you move your printer to the location you selected for it,

carry the printer by holding the recesses on each side of the printer,

as shown below.

Note: The printer weighs about 36 lb. (16 kg) and should be
carried with care. You may need to have someone help you lift it.

Setting Up the Printer l-9

Assembling the Printer

Before you can use the printer, you need to install a few important
parts. Before proceeding, familiarize yourself with the components
shown below. The basket is inside the printer and must be removed
when you install certain parts. The other parts shown were shipped
in the accessory pack.

1-10

Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer

Note: Put the developer cleaner and magnetic cleaner in a safe
place for now. You’ll need to use the developer cleaner if vertical
white lines appear on your printed pages. The magnetic cleaner is
useful for removing excess toner from the paper guide. Usage of
these two accessories is described in Chapter 6.

Installing internal components

This section describes how to install internal components, including
the drum unit, drum replacement cartridge, cleaning pad, and
developer unit.

The drum unit, drum replacement cartridge, cleaning pad, and

toner cartridge (which is attached to the developer unit) need to be
replaced periodically. See Chapter 6 for details.

WARNING: When handling the drum, developer unit, or
basket, always set them on a clean, smooth surface. Be
sure not to scratch or mar the roller on the developer unit
or the surface of the drum. Also avoid touching the drum,
since oils from your skin can permanently mar its surface
and affect print quality.

Setting Up the Printer

1-11

Assembling the Printer

1.

Raise the top cover of your printer by lifting up on the latch.

2.

Remove the basket and place it on a flat surface.

3.

Locate the cleaning pad in the accessory pack. Holding the green
felt tabs on the cleaning pad, insert the pad into the indentation
on the orange-colored fuser on the left side of your printer.

WARNING Never touch the fuser. When the printer is in
operation, the fuser becomes very hot.

1-12

Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer

Locate the drum unit, which has two green handles, and the

4.
cotton swab.

WARNING: Do not expose the photosensitive drum to
light any longer than necessary (a few minutes at most). It
is recommended that you cover the drum with a soft cloth
or sheet of paper whenever the drum is exposed. Also, do
not touch the surface of the drum.

Place the drum unit on a clean, smooth surface and locate the

5.

main charger wire, which extends along the length of the green
drum inside a slot directly over the drum.

WARNING: The main charger wire is very delicate. Do
not press on it too hard or it may break Also, never touch
the wire.

Setting Up the Printer

1-13

Assembling the Printer

6.

Gently clean the main charger wire with the cotton swab by
rubbing the swab along the length of the wire. You need to
insert the cotton swab a fraction of an inch into the slot to reach
the wire.

7.

Set the drum unit aside for a moment and locate the developer
unit.

WARNING: Do not touch the roller on the developer
unit.

1-14

Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer

Hold the developer unit horizontally, with the toner cartridge

8.
label right side up. Gently shake the unit back and forth a few
times to distribute the toner.

9.

Install the drum unit (lifting it by its green handles) and the
developer unit in the basket.

Setting Up the Printer

1-15

Assembling the Printer

10. With the top cover of the printer open, align the arrow on the
back of the basket with the arrow on the printer case. (The
arrows point toward each other when the unit is properly
installed.) Gently lower the basket into place.

1-16

Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer

11. Press down simultaneously on the drum unit’s two green
handles until the drum unit clicks into place.

12. Unfasten the tape holding the clear plastic film in place on the
initial toner cartridge, which is attached to the developer unit.

Setting Up the Printer

1-17

Assembling the Printer

13. Pressing down on the toner cartridge to hold it firmly in place,
pull out the film. (pull the film up and out toward the back of
the printer.) Pull firmly until the other end of the film comes out

of the cassette.

14. Insert the drum replacement cartridge in the slot at the right rear
comer of the printer frame (with the printer cover open). Make
sure that the indicator light faces the front of the printer. Press
down on the cartridge until it clicks into place.

1-18

Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer

15. Now close the printer cover by pressing down on the ridged
area on the right side of the cover.

Installing the paper cassette

1.

Locate the paper cassette opening on the right side of the printer.
Align the hooks on either side of the paper cassette with the slots
in the opening.

2.

Insert the paper cassette into the printer in the direction of the
arrow on the side of the cassette. Push the cassette in until it
goes no further, then lower the right side of the cassette (the side
you insert paper into) until the cassette drops into place.

CAUTION: It is particularly important to lower the
cassette into place. If the paper cassette is not installed
properly, the control panel may display a PAPER

EMPTY

error.

Setting

Up the Printer

1-19

Assembling the Printer

Installing the face-up output

The faceup output tray lets you print heavier paper and other
media requiring a straight paper path. (See Chapter 4 for details.)
The faceup output tray also lets you view your printed output the
moment it comes out of the printer.

If you wish to install the face-up output tray, follow these steps:

1.

Locate the two faceup output tray hooks on the left side of your
printer.

2.

Mount the faceup output tray onto the hooks as shown.

tray

1-20

Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer

WARNING: When you open the printer cover, the tray
touches the desktop and slides to the left of the printer as
shown below. Before you install the tray, make sure there
is at least 13 inches (330 mm) of unobstructed area to the
left of the printer. Otherwise your tray may run into an
obstruction and break when you open the cover.

Setting Up the Printer

1-21

Assembling the Printer

When it is not in use, you can leave the tray attached to the printer
but rotated so that it rests on top of the printer. However, you
should lower the tray before you open the printer cover.

Note: The EPL-6000 is factory set for face-down output on top of
the printer. If you prefer face-up delivery, simply move the paper
patch selector (located on the left side of the printer) to the down

position.

1-22

Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer

Attaching the power cord

1.

Before attaching the power cord, make sure that the power
switch on the left side of the printer is turned off. (It is off when
the O side of the switch is pushed down.)

2.

Attach the power cord to the socket at the back of the printer, as
shown below. Then plug the other end of the power cord into a
properly grounded outlet.

Setting the paper feed mechanism

Follow the steps below if you are using the printer for the first time
or if you have lust transported the printer:

1.

Be sure the printer is turned off; then remove the paper cassette.

2.

Turn on the power by pressing the side of the power switch
marked with the number 1. The power indicator lights and a

P A P E R

E MPTY

message appears.

Setting Up the Printer

1-23

Assembling the Printer

3.

Wait at least five seconds, then turn off the power and reinsert
the paper cassette. Push the cassette in until it goes no further,
then lower the right side of the cassette (the side you load paper
into) until it drops into place.

This procedure causes the paper feed mechanism, which can
become misaligned when you transport the printer, to resume its
original position. If you do not perform these steps before using
your printer for the first time or after transporting your printer,
paper jams may result.

1-24

Setting Up the Printer

Chapter 2

Testing and Connecting Your Printer

Testing the Printer.

Turning on the power
Loading paper
Performing the self test.

Adjusting print density
Performing the font and status print tests.

Connecting to Your Computer

Choosing an interface
Connecting the parallel interface
Connecting the serial interface
Setting the DIP switches for the serial interface

.................................

.............................

...................................

...........................

...........................

...........

.......................

.............................

...................

.....................

.......

2-2
2-2

2-3
2-5
2-6
2-8

2-11

2-11
2-12
2-13
2-14

Testing and Connecting Your Printer

2-1

Testing the Printer

The EPL-6000 has three built-in print tests: the self test, font print
test, and status print test. These tests let you check the operation of
your printer and obtain information on printer status.

It is recommended that you run the self test before you begin using

your printer to make sure the printer is operating correctly. This test

is also useful for checking the print density setting on your printer.

The other two tests, the font print test and status print test, can be
run any time you need information on fonts or printer status.

Before running any of these tests, make sure you have removed all
protective materials from the printer and that you have installed all
components as described in Chapter 1.

You do not need to connect the printer to your computer before
running these tests. (Connecting your printer to your computer is
described later in this chapter.)

Before performing these tests, it is necessary to turn on the power
and load paper as described below.

Turning on the power

1.

Make sure the printer is plugged in.

2.

Turn on the power by pressing the side of the power switch
marked with the number 1.

2-2

Testing and Connecting Your Printer

Testing the Printer

The power indicator lights and a PLEASE WAIT message

appears while the printer warms up. (It takes about a minute for
the printer to warm up.) Then the PAPER EMPTY message
appears. If the display remains blank, see Chapter 7 for
troubleshooting information.

CAUTION: After turning off the printer, always wait at
least five seconds before switching it back on.

Loading paper

The paper cassette holds up to 150 sheets of 20 lb. paper. To load
paper, follow the steps below. See Chapter 4 for more information

on paper handling.

1.

Remove the paper cassette.

2.

Open the manual feed tray on the paper cassette. Slide the paper
guides all the way apart, as shown below.

Testing

and

Connecting Your Printer

2-3

Testing the Printer

3.

Take a stack of paper and fan it. Next, tap the edges of the paper

on a flat surface to even up the stack.

4.

Insert the stack of paper into the paper cassette, making sure

that the top of the stack does not cover the red line inside the
paper cassette. Push the paper in gently as far as it can go.

5.

Slide the paper guides together (if necessary) until they are both
resting lightly against the paper.

6.

Close the manual feed tray.

7.

Reinsert the paper cassette into the printer with the arrow on the

side of the cassette pointing into the printer. Push the cassette in

until it goes no further and lower the right side of the cassette

(the side you load paper into) until it drops into place.

CAUTION: It is particularly important to lower the
cassette into place. If the cassette is not installed properly,
the message PAPER EMPTY appears in the display.

2-4

Testing and Connecting Your Printer

Testing the Printer

8.

If you are not using letter size paper (the factory default setting
for your printer), see the section on SelecType in Chapter 3 for
details on setting the correct paper size.

Performing the self test

Successful completion of the self test indicates that you have set up
your printer correctly and that you are ready to connect the printer
to your computer. If you are unable to print this test, see Chapter 7
for troubleshooting information.

The self test also lets you check your print density setting. After you
print the self test, check the character pattern to see whether you are
satisfied with the print density. The section in this chapter on
adjusting print density describes how to change the print density
setting.

Follow the steps below to perform the self test:

WARNING: Never open the printer cover while the

EPL-6000 is printing.

1.

Be sure that your printer is plugged in and the power is on

before performing the self test.

2.

Be sure that your printer is off line. (OFF L I NE appears on
your display.) If not, press the ON LINE button to set the printer
off line.

3.

Press the MANUAL and SPECIAL buttons on your control panel at
the same time.

Testing and Connecting Your Printer

2-5

Testing the Printer

4. When you release the buttons, SELF TEST appears on the

display and the printer prints a self test.

Notes:

l It is important to press the buttons at the same time.
l For more information on using the control panel, see

Chapter 3.

Part of the character pattern is shown below. Look at your printout
to determine whether the print is too light or too dark. If you need

to change the print density, see the following section on adjusting
print density.

Adjusting print density

If the self test you printed is too light or too dark, adjust the print
density as follows:

1.

Open the printer cover by lifting up on the latch.

2-6

Testing

and

Connecting Your Printer

Testing the Printer

2.

Locate the density control knob, which is in the front right
comer inside the printer.

3.

To make the print darker, turn the knob clockwise as shown
below.

Note: Increasing the print density increases toner
consumption. If you increase the print density, you need to
replace the toner cartridge more frequently.

4.

To make the print lighter, turn the knob counterclockwise.

Note: If you wish to return the print density to the factory
default setting, point the arrow on the knob toward the gray
dot on the printer case.

Testing and Connecting Your Printer

2-7

Testing the Printer

5.

Close the printer cover.

6.

Print the self test again to check the new print density setting.

(To print the self test, make sure the printer is off line, then press

the MANUAL and SPECIAL buttons at the same time.)

Performing the font and status print tests

There are two other tests you can perform, in addition to the self

test. The font print test gives you information on available fonts and
the status test lists printer settings. Like the self test, the successful
completion of either of these tests indicates that you have correctly
set up your printer and that you are ready to connect the printer to
your computer.

The font print test

The font print test gives you details on available HP fonts, including

font source and font ID number, pitch, point size, available symbol

sets, and a print sample.

The symbol set ID numbers listed on the font print test (in the

symbol set column) provide the unique portion of the escape

sequence needed to select that particular symbol set. For more

information on symbol sets, see Appendix A, and for more

information on escape sequences, see the Printer Commands section

in Chapter 5.

Follow the steps below to perform the font print test:

1.

Be sure that your printer is plugged in and the power is on.

2.

Be sure that your printer is off line. (OFF LINE appears on

your display.) If not, press the ON LINE button to set the printer
off line.

2-8

Testing and Connecting Your Printer

Testing the Printer

3.

To perform the font print test, press the RESET/CONTINUE and the
SPEClAL buttons at the same time.

4.

When you release the buttons, F0NT PRINT appears on the
display and the printer outputs a font print test.

A portion of the font print test printout is shown below.

Internal IOO COURIER

I01 COURIER

I02 COURIER

I03 COURIER

I04 COURIER BOLD

I05 COURIER BOLD

I06 COURIER BOLD

I07 COURIER BOLD

LINE PRINTER

I08

10 12

10 12

10

12

10 12

10 12

10 12

10 12

10 12 ON

16.6 8.5 8U

8U

10u

11u

ON

8U

10u

11u

Status print test

The status print test gives you information on current printer
settings, such as paper size, number of copies selected, and font
source and number.

Follow the steps below to perform the status print test:

1.

Be sure that your printer is plugged in and the power is on.

2.

Be sure that your printer is off line. (OFF LINE appears on
your display.) If not, press the ON LINE button to set the printer
off line.

Testing and Connecting Your Printer

2-9

Testing the Printer

3.

Press the and buttons at the same time.

4. When you release the buttons, STATUS PRINT appears on
the display and the printer outputs the status print test.

A portion of the printout is shown below.

Function & Menu Status

Paper Size
Copies
Auto Continue
Status print
Power-ON
Data Buffer
Over Run Buffer
Buzzer

Letter
1
ON
OFF
ON-LINE
2K Bytes
10 %
ON

Interface

Parallel

Page Length
Top Margin
Text Length
Current LPI

2-10

Testing and Connecting Your Printer

Current Page Format

Letter

Vertical Horizontal

66 Lines Left Margin 0 columns

3 Lines Right Margin

60 Lines Current CPI

6 LPI Printable Chara

8.5 x 11 inch

80 Columns
10 CPI
80 Characters

Connecting to Your Computer

For the EPL-6000 to be able to receive and interpret information

from your computer, both devices need to be set up so that they can
communicate correctly. This requires having the correct interface
cable and selecting the right communications settings. You can

select from the following built-in interfaces:

l Parallel
l RS-232C serial
l RS-422A serial.

Choosing an interface

When connecting the EPL-6000 to your computer, you first have to

determine whether a parallel or serial connection should be used.

Many computers only provide one type of connection for a printer.

If both serial and parallel connections are available, it is normally

better to use the parallel interface for the printer, leaving the serial

port of your computer free for devices such as modems. If you are in

any doubt about which type of connection to make, consult your

Epson dealer.

Your printer is set up at the factory for parallel communication. If

your computer also uses parallel communication, you should be

able to connect up immediately, provided you have a shielded

parallel interface cable.

However, if you find that you need a serial interface, you must

change the communications settings with SelecType as described in

Chapter 3. You also need to find out which type of serial interface is

required by your computer (RS-232C or RS-422A) and set the

printer’s DIP switches accordingly. (The DIP switches are factory set

for the RS-232C serial interface.)

Testing and Connecting Your Printer

2-11

Connecting to Your Computer

Connecting the parallel interface

If you are using the EPL-6000’s standard parallel interface, you must
use a shielded parallel interface cable.

Follow these steps to connect the parallel interface:

1.

Turn off both your printer and computer.

2.

Plug the connector securely into the parallel interface of the
printer as shown. (The parallel interface is the leftmost
connector, if you are facing the back of your printer.)

3.

Lock the wire clips together into place on each side of the
connector.

2-12 Testing and Connecting Your Printer

Connecting to Your Computer

4.

Plug the other end of the cable into your computer.

Now that you have connected the parallel interface, see Chapter 3
for information on operating your printer.

Connecting the serial interface

If you are using the printer’s serial interface, make sure that you
have a properly shielded cable, and that it is the correct one for your
computer.

Follow these steps to connect the serial interface:

1.

Turn off both the printer and the computer.

2.

Plug the cable connector securely into the serial interface as
shown. (The serial interface is just to the left of the DIP switches
if you are facing the back of your printer.)

Testing

and

Connecting Your Printer

2-13

Connecting to Your

3.

Use a screwdriver to fasten the screws of the connector, if
required.

4.

Plug the other end of the cable into your computer. (Fasten the
screws of the connector to the interface, if required.)

This completes the connection of the serial interface cable. Now you
need to set the DIP switches for the type of serial interface you are
using.

Computer

Setting the DIP switches for the serial interface

The DIP switches are factory set for the RS-232C interface. If you are
using the RS-422A interface, you need to change the DIP switches
according to the table below.

2-14

Testing and Connecting Your Printer

Connecting to Your Computer

The DIP switches are located at the back of your printer and are
numbered 1 through 8.

The DIP switch settings are listed below. Use the tip of a ballpoint
pen or another small pointed object to turn the switches ON or OFF.

Pressing a switch down sets it ON and up sets it OFF.

CAUTION:

Turn your printer off before setting the

switches. Then turn it back on to implement your changes.

1
RS-232C
RS-422A

* If DIP switch 5 is turned ON when the RS-232C serial interface is in use, pin 25

on the connector is set to +5V; if the DIP switch is turned OFF, the pin on the
connector is not used.

OFF OFF OFF OFF l
OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON ON

3

2

5

4

Testing and Connecting Your Printer

7 6

6
OFF OFF ON

OFF

2-15

Connecting to Your Computer

Now that you have connected the serial interface cable and
checked the DIP switches, you need to set the printer for serial
communication in SelecType. You may also need to change several
interface settings, such as baud rate and parity, before your printer
and computer can communicate properly. See the SelecType section
in Chapter 3 for details on serial interface settings and for other
information on operating your printer.

2-16

Testing and Connecting Your Printer

Chapter 3

Using the Printer

The Control Panel

Control panel display
Indicator lights.
Buttons

SelecType Overview

SelecType main menu.
Interface submenu.
HP emulation submenu

The SelecType Control Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using SelecType.

Enter SelecType
Display main menu functions

Enter menu options.

Set an option.
Display submenu functions and select options
Exit SelecType and reset the printer.
Initializing SelecType to factory default settings
SelecType practice example.

.........................................

..................................

.............................

..................................

................................

............................

...............................

...........................

...................................

..................................

......................

..............................

....................................

.......

................

......

.......................

3-2
3-2
3-4
3-4

3-7
3-8
3-9
3-9

3-10

3-12

3-12
3-13
3-13
3-14
3-14
3-17

3-18
3-19

SelecType Options.

Main menu options
HP emulation submenu options
Interface submenu options.

.................................

...............................

....................

........................

Using the Printer

3-20
3-20
3-23
3-25

3-1

The Control Panel

The EPL-6000 control panel gives you control over many printer
functions, including interface settings, font selection, and paper size.
The control panel is made up of three elements: an LCD (liquid
crystal display), Lights, and buttons. The buttons let you select

options for SelecType printer functions, while the indicator lights
and the display let you monitor the current status of the printer.

Control panel display

The display on the left side of the control panel lets you monitor the
printer’s status and view SelecType functions and their available
options. The display gives you three types of information, as

described below:

l Status messages, which appear in the display as part of the

normal operation of your printer, indicate the printer’s current
status.

DATA IN BUFFER

FONT PRINT

3-2

Using the Printer

This message appears after the printer
receives data without a form feed
command. The printer is waiting to receive
more data or a form feed command or for
you to press the RESET/CONTINUE button to
print the page.

This message appears when you run the
font print test, which prints all available
fonts in HP emulation.

The Control Panel

INITIALIZE

ON LINE [LTR]

OFF LINE [LTR]

PLEASE WAIT

PROCESSING

PUSH MANUAL KEY

This message appears when you reset
printer functions to the original factory
default settings. This procedure is
described in the section on initializing
SelecType in this chapter.

This message appears when the printer is
on line, ready to receive data. The current
paper size is shown on the right (for
example, LTR for letter size paper).

This message appears when the printer is
off line, unable to receive data. The current
paper size is shown on the right.

This message appears for approximately

60 seconds while the printer warms up and

completes self-diagnostic checks.
This message appears while the printer is

receiving data and printing. It changes to

ON

L I NE before the paper is ejected.

This message appears during manual
printing. See Chapter 4 for instructions on
manual feed printing.

RESET

SELF TEST

STATUS PRINT

This message appears when you reset
printer functions to their SelecType
settings.

This message appears during the self test,

which prints a character pattern that lets
you check the print density and see
whether your printer is operating correctly.

This message appears during the status
print test, which gives you information on
current printer settings.

Using the Printer

3-3

The Control Panel

l

Maintenance and error messages inform you of required
maintenance or of an existing error condition. For a detailed list
of maintenance and error messages, see Chapter 7.

l

SelecType options let you control many printer functions, such
as font selection and paper handling. For information on
SelecType instructions and messages, see the SelecType section
later in this chapter.

Indicator lights

POWER
ERROR

MANUAL

Buttons

SelecType

UP
DOWN

On when the printer power supply is on.
On to indicate an error condition. Details

of the error condition appear in the
display.

Indicates that the printer is in the manual
paper feed mode.

When the printer is off line, use this button
to enter or exit SelecType.

In SelecType mode, these two buttons

allow you to move through SelecType

menus and submenus.

3-4

Using the Printer

The Confrol Panel

SET

RESET/CONTINUE

Press this button to switch from a
SelecType function to a list of options for
that function and to set SelecType options.

This button has several functions.
Printing data in buffer-When the printer

is on line, if print data is in the buffer and
no new data is received within five
seconds, the message DATA
appears. Pressing the

RESET/CONTINUE

I N

BUFFER

button at that time clears the buffer by
printing a page.

Resetting the printer - When the printer is
off line, holding this button down for three

seconds clears the buffer, resets printer

functions to their current SelecType
settings, and clears temporary soft fonts
and temporary macros. The message

RESET appears briefly in the display.

Clearing certain error messages - When

certain error messages appear in the

display, this button can be pressed to clear

them and set the printer on line. Pressing

this button also overrides paper size

messages. See the “Error Messages” section

in Chapter 7 for more information.

MANUAL

The

RESET/CONTINUE

button also has

several functions related to SelecType. See

the section on the SelecType control panel

for details.

When the printer is off line, use this button

to alternate between manual and automatic

paper feed modes.

Using the Printer

3-5

The Control Panel

SPECIAL

ON LINE

Press this button to set a higher fuser

temperature. Use this setting for envelopes
and heavy (27 through 34-pound) paper.
When this option is on, a pound sign (#)
appears at the right of the display. The

default setting is off.

Press this button to set the printer on line

or off line. This button is disabled in the
SelecType mode.

3-6

Using the Printer

SelecType Overview

The SelecType feature lets you control many of your printer’s
functions, from the simplest to the most complex.

With SelecType’s menu-based system, you can easily change the
printer’s configuration without DIP switches. (It is necessary to use

DIP switches only if you need to select the RS-422A serial interface.
See Chapter 2 for details.) Also, SelecType lets you select many font
and print functions without software commands.

You can enter the main menu to perform routine printing functions.
In addition, you can enter submenus to control serial interface
settings and emulation options for HP and FX emulation.

Notes:

l

Your application program may send printer commands that

temporarily override the HP emulation submenu settings. If
you are not getting the results you expect, check your
application software settings.

l Epson FX emulation is available through an optional Epson

FX Identity Cartridge. SelecType options for FX emulation are
discussed in the manual that comes with the FX cartridge.

A brief description of each menu function is given below. See the
SelecType Options section in this chapter for a detailed description
of each function and its available options. The sections on the
control panel and using SelecType explain SelecType operation.

Note: See the Quick Reference Card at the back of this manual for
a map of SelecType menus.

Using the Printer

3-7

SelecType Overview

Main Menu

PAPER SIZE
COPIES
AUTO CONT
EMULATION

I/F
STATUS PRT
POWER ON

DATA BUFFER
OVER LORD
BUZZER

Interface Submenu

BAUD RATE
PROT
DATA BIT

PARITY
STOP BIT
ROBUST-XON

SelecType main menu

PAPER SIZE

COPIES

AUTO CONT

(Automatic Continue)

EMULATION

HP Emulation Submenu

(resident)

FONT SOURCE
FONT NUMBER
FORM

SYMBOL

Specifies the size of the paper.
Selects the number of copies to print.
Lets the printer continue printing instead

of stopping under certain error conditions.

Allows you to select the emulation mode
and enter the emulation submenus.

I/F

(Interface)

STATUS PRT

POWER ON

DATA BUFFER

3-8

Using the Printer

Allows you to set up the printer’s
interface to conform to the requirements of
your computer.

Allows you to run the status print test each
time the printer is powered on.

Selects either on line or off line mode when
the printer is powered on.

Sets the size of the data buffer in kilobytes.

SelecType Overview

OVER LORD
BUZZER

Selects the data buffer overflow value.
Turns the buzzer on or off.

Interface submenu

BAUD RATE

PROT

(Protocol)

DATA BIT
PARITY
STOP BIT
ROBUST-XDN

Sets the data transfer rate.
Selects the protocol.

Selects the number of data bits.

Selects the parity.
Selects the number of stop bits.
Turns Robust-Xon on and off.

HP emulation submenu

FONT SOURCE
FONT NUMBER

FORM

(Form Length)

Sets the default font source location.
Allows you to specify font number based

on the font source selected.
Sets the number of lines that can be printed

on the paper.

SYMBOL

Selects a symbol set.

Using the Printer

3-9

The SelecType Control Panel

This section examines the SelecType portion of the control panel and
describes the steps necessary to select SelecType functions and
change options for each function.

The SelecType portion of the control panel consists of the display,
the SelecType button , the and and buttons, and the
addition, the RESET/CONTINUE button has several functions in
SelecType.

The display shows SelecType functions on the left side. On the right
side, the display shows the options for each function.

SET

button. In

SelecType

The main menu works in a loop, so that pressing the button at the

last function takes you around to the first function; pressing the A

button at the first function takes you to the last function.

3-10

Using the Printer

Use the
SelecType. (After exiting SelecType, you
must use the RESET/CONTINUE button as

described below to implement your

changes.)

The A button moves you up a
menu or increases numeric values.

The button moves you down a menu or
decreases numeric values.

SelecType

button to enter and exit

The SelecType

Control

Use of these buttons is described in more detail in the following
sections.

Panel

RESET/CONTINUE

This button has several uses related to

SelecType. (For information on other uses
of this button, see the section on buttons
earlier in this chapter.)

Implementing SelecType changes - After

you exit SelecType (with the printer off
line), hold down this button for three
seconds (until the message RESET
appears) to implement your SelecType
settings.

Initializing SelecType settings to factory
defaults - In SelecType mode, hold down

the

RESET/CONTINUE

button for three

seconds (until the message INITIALIZE
appears). Then hold down the button for
three more seconds (until the message
RESET appears) to return all SelecType
functions to the factory settings. See the
section on initializing SelecType for full
details.

SET

CAUTION:

This initializing procedure returns all
SelecType options to their factory settings, cancelling all
changes you have made. It should be used with care.

Use the SET button to select and set
SelecType options.

Using the Printer

3-11

Using SelecType

This section describes how to change SelecType functions. For
descriptions of each available option, see the SelecType Options
section later in this chapter. You need to follow several basic steps

each time you use SelecType:

l Enter SelecType

l

Display main menu functions

l Enter menu options

l Set an option

l

Display submenu functions and select submenu options

(if desired)

l

Exit SelecType and reset the printer.

Details of each step are provided below.

Enter SelecType

To enter SelecType, set the printer off line by pressing the ON LINE
button. Then press the SelecType button. You are now in the main

menu, which contains these menu functions:

PAPER SIZE

COPIES
AUTO CONT
EMULATION

I/F
STATUS PRT
POWER ON

DATA BUFFER
OVER LOAD
BUZZER

3-12

Using the Printer

Using SelecType

The left side of the display shows menu functions. The right side
shows options for each function. An asterisk (*) to the right of an
option indicates that it is the current setting.

Display main menu functions

As soon as you enter the main menu, you see the first function and
the current option for that function. The function is blinking.
(Blinking functions or options appear shaded in this chapter.)

You can use the to move down the list of functions; you can use
the to move back up the list.

Enter menu options

Move to the function you wish to change. Press the SET button to

activate the list of options. The menu function stops blinking, and

the menu option starts blinking, indicating that you can now choose
an option.

Use the and buttons to move forward and backward through
the various options.

Using the Printer

3-13

Using SelecType

Set an option

When you reach the option you wish to use, press the SET button.

An asterisk (*) appears next to the option, indicating that it has been

set. The option stops blinking and the function starts blinking. To

implement your SelecType changes, see the section on exiting
SelecType later in this chapter.

If you want to return to the list of menu functions without setting a
new option, make sure the current option (the one with the asterisk
next to it) appears in the display. (If necessary, use the arrows to
move to the current option.) Press the SET button. The option stops
blinking and the menu function begins blinking. You can now move
to a new function.

Display submenu functions and select options

When you want to enter the emulation or interface submenus from

the SelecType main menu, follow the steps described below.

Note: Options for each function are described in the SelecType
Options section later in this chapter.

HP emulation submenu

To enter the emulation submenu, follow the steps described below:

1.

Press the or button until you see the EMULATION function
in the display.

2.

Press the SET button to switch to the current option. If the

HPLJ2* option does not appear in your display, use the or

button to select it.

3-14

Using the Printer

Using SelecType

Press the SET button again to set the emulation.

3.

4.

Press the SET button a third time to enter the emulation
submenu, where you can change options for the following
functions:

FONT SOURCE
FONT NUMBER
FORM
SYMBOL

5.

Use the or button to move to a function you want to

change.

Note: This submenu does not work in a loop. Pressing the
button when FONT

SOURCE is displayed or the button

when SYMBOL is displayed causes you to exit the emulation
submenu and return to the main menu.

6.

Press the SET button to activate the option. The function stops
blinking, and the option starts blinking.

7.

Use the or button to move to the option you want to set.

8.

Press the SET button. An asterisk (*) appears next to the option,
indicating that the new option has been set. The option stops

blinking; the function starts blinking.

9.

To exit the emulation submenu and return to the main menu,
use the or button to take you back to the main menu. The
message EMULATION = HPLJ2* appears in the display.

If you wish to exit SelecType at this point, see the section on
exiting SelecType later in this chapter.

Using the Printer 3-15

Using SelecType

Interface submenu

To enter the interface submenu from the main menu, follow the
steps below:

1.

Press the or button until you see the I/F function in the
display.

2.

Press the SET button to activate the menu option. (The option
starts blinking, indicating that it has been activated.)

3.

If the I/F function is set to the PARALLEL option, press the
button to select the SERIAL option.

4.

Press the SET button to set the SERIAL option. An asterisk (*)
appears next to SERIAL.

5.

Press the SET button a third time to enter the interface submenu,
where you can change options for the menu functions listed
below. (The SelecType Options section in this chapter describes
options for these functions in detail.)

BAUD RATE
PROT
DATA BIT
PARITY
STOP BIT
ROBUST-XON

6.

Use the or button to move to a function you want to

change.

Note: This submenu does not work in a loop. Pressing the

button when BAUD

RATE is displayed or pressing the

button when ROBUST-XON is displayed causes you to exit the
submenu and return to the main menu.

3-16

Using the Printer

Using SelecType

7.

Press the SET button to activate the option. The function stops
blinking, and the option starts blinking.

8.

Use the or button to move to the option you want to set.

9.

Press the SET button. An asterisk (*) appears next to the option,
indicating that the new option has been set. The option stops
blinking and the function starts blinking.

10. To exit the emulation submenu and return to the main menu,

use the or button to take you back to the main menu. The
message I/F

If you wish to exit SelecType at this point, see the section below on

exiting SelecType.

= SERIAL* appears in the display.

Exit SelecType and reset the printer

To exit SelecType (from any main menu or submenu function) and

implement your changes, follow these steps:

1.

When you have set all the options you want, press the SelecType

button. The printer is set off line.

2.

Hold down the RESET/CONTINUE button for three seconds (until
the message RESET appears) to implement your changes. The
options are implemented in the printer’s memory until you
change them or initialize them to the factory settings.

Note:

LOAD, and interface submenu settings you must also turn the
printer off. Remember to leave the printer off for at least five
seconds before turning it back on.

To implement changes

to

the

DATA

BUFFER, OVER

Using the Printer

3-17

Using SelecType

Initializing SelecType to factory default settings

To initialize SelecType options, returning them to the factory
settings, follow the steps below. (Factory settings are marked with
an asterisk (*) in the SelecType Options section.)

1.

Press the ON LINE button to set the printer off line.

2.

Press the SelecType button to enter SelecType. This message
appears:

PAPER SIZE = LTR*

3.

Hold down the RESET/CONTINUE button for three seconds until
the message INITIALIZE appears in the display.

4.

Your printer is set off line. This message appears in the display:

OFF LINE LTR

5.

Hold down the RESET/CONTINUE button for three more seconds
until the message RESET appears in the display.

6.

Your printer is set on line. This message appears in the display:

ON LINE LTR

7.

If initializing SelecType changes your DATA
LOAD, or interface submenu settings, you should also turn off the
power to save these settings. (Remember to wait for at least five
seconds before turning

3-18

Using the Printer

the printer back on.)

BUFFER, OVER

Using SelecType

SelecType practice example

To better understand how to use SelecType, you may want to try
this example.

Turning off the buzzer

This example shows how to turn off the buzzer.

1.

Press the SelecType button to enter SelecType. This message
appears:

2.

Press the button nine times or simply press the button once,
until the BUZZER=ON* appears in the display. The word

BUZZER

3.

Press the SET button to move to the list of buzzer options. The

word ON starts blinking.

is blinking.

4.

Press the button to move to the OFF option.

5.

Press the SET button to set the option. The asterisk (*) now
appears next to the word OFF. The word BUZZER starts blinking
again.

Now exit SelecType by pressing the SelecType button. Then hold
down the RESET/CONTINUE button for three seconds until RESET
appears in the display.

Using the Printer

3-19

SelecType Options

This section describes in detail each SelecType menu option.

Main menu options

When you enter the SelecType main menu by setting the printer off

line and pressing the SelecType button, you can change any of the
menu functions listed below:

PAPER SIZE
COPIES
AUTO CONT
EMULATION

I/F
STATUS PRT
POWER ON
DATA BUFFER
OVER LOAD
BUZZER

Options for each menu function are described below. An asterisk (*)
is shown to the right of the factory default setting.

PAPER SIZE = LTR*

The four paper size options are listed below:

3-20

LTR
LGL

A4

EXEC

Using the Printer

Letter size paper (8.5 x 11 inches)
Legal size paper (8.5 x 14 inches)
European style (210 x 297 mm)
Executive (7.25 x 10.5 inches)

LTR*
LGL
A4
EXEC

SelecType Options

COPIES = 01* 01 through 99

You can change the setting to print between one and 99 copies of
each page.

AUTO CONT = ON*

ON*
OFF

When this option (automatic continue) is on, your laser printer

automatically continues printing after a 10 second pause when one
of the following errors occurs: paper size, error 20 (memory
overflow), error 21 (page too complex), error 22 (communication
error), and error 40 (parity/baud rate error). When this option is off,
you must press the RESET/CONTINUE button to continue printing. See
Chapter 7 for details on error messages.

EMULATION = HPLJ2* HPLJ2*

This option allows you to enter the HP emulation submenu

(described in the following section). When an optional Epson FX

Identity Cartridge is installed, the printer also shows FX as an

option. (The SelecType options for the FX cartridge are described in
the option manual.)

I/F = PARALLEL* PARALLEL*

SERIAL

This option selects the printer interface. When the serial interface is
set, this option is used to enter the interface submenu (described
later).

Using the Printer

3-21

SelecType Options

STATUS PRT = OFF*

ON
OFF*

When this option is on, a status print test is run each time the printer
is powered on. See Chapter 2 for information on this print test.

POWER ON = ON LINE*

ON LINE*
OFF LINE

When this option is set to on line, the printer is set on line after you

power on. In the off line setting, the printer is set off line after you

power on.

DATA BUFFER = 02*

01 through 99

This option sets the size of the data buffer in kilobytes.

OVER LOAD = 10* 01 through 40

This option selects the printer’s data buffer overflow value. The
options are percentages.

BUZZER = ON*

ON*
OFF

When this option is on, a buzzer sounds when a printer error occurs.
When the option is turned off, the buzzer does not sound.

3-22

Using the Printer

SelecType Options

HP emulation submenu options

When you enter the HP emulation submenu, you can access any of
the menu functions listed below. Accessing this submenu is
described in the section on displaying submenu functions.

FONT SOURCE

FONT NUMBER
FORM
SYMBOL

Options for each function are described below. An asterisk (*) is

shown to the right of the factory default option.

FONT SOURCE = I* I*

1

2
S

This option selects the printer’s font source. The four options are
listed below:

I

1

2
S

Internal font
Cartridge slot 1
Cartridge slot 2
Downloadable soft font

Note: Only available options appear on your display.

FONT NUMBER = 00*

This option selects the printer’s font number, based on the font
source option selected above. For a list of available fonts and font ID
numbers, print the font print test as described on page 2-8.

00 through 99

Using the Printer

3-23

SelecType Options

FORM = 060*

005-128

This option sets the form length (the number of lines printed on

each page).

SYMBOL = ROMAN8*

ROMAN8*
ECMA-94 (Latin 1)

I EM-US

IBM-ON (Danish/Norwegian)
ISO2 (International Reference

Version)

ISO4 (United Kingdom)

ISO6 (ASCII)

ISO10 (Swedish)
ISO11 (Swedish)

ISO14 (JIS ASCII)

ISO15 (Italian>

ISO16 (Portuguese)

ISO17 (Spanish)

ISO21 (German)

ISO25 (French)

ISO57 (Chinese)

ISO60 (Norwegian 1)

ISO61 (Norwegian 2)

ISO69 (French)

ISO84 (Portuguese)

ISO85 (Spanish: IBM)

GERMAN

SPANISH

This option sets the symbol set. A symbol set is a unique group of
available characters. Each symbol set is designed to meet the needs

of a specific application, See Appendix A for details.

3-24

Using the Printer

SelecType Options

Interface submenu options

The interface submenu is used to set options for the serial interface.

If you are using a serial interface, the options listed below should be
set so that they match the requirements of your computer.

BAUD RATE
PROT
DATA BIT
PARITY

STOP BIT

ROBUST-XON

Options for each menu function are described below. An asterisk (*)

is shown to the right of the factory default setting.

BAUD RATE = 9600*

19200

9600*
4800
2400

1200

600
300

This option sets the rate data is transferred from the computer to the

printer. The computer and printer must be set to the same baud rate.

PROT = RDY/BSY(H)*

RDY/BSY(H)*
RDY/BSY(L)
XON/XOFF

This option sets printer’s communication protocol. A
communication protocol keeps the computer from sending more

information than the printer can handle. Most computers require

RDY/BSY set to high. The RDY/BSY option is also referred to as

DTR POLARITY.

Using the Printer

3-25

SelecType Options

DATA BIT = 8* 8*

7

This option sets the number of data bits in each character of
information sent to the printer.

PARITY = NONE*

NONE*
ODD
EVEN

IGNORE

This option sets the parity bit, which provides a basic form of error

detection.

STOP BIT = 1*

1*

2

This option sets the number of stop bits on each character of
information sent to the printer. Stop bits signal the end of a
character.

ROBUST-XON = ON*

ON*
OFF

When this option is set to ON, additional Xon's are transmitted at
one-second intervals until data is received. Only one Xon is
transmitted when this option is set to OFF. This option should
normally be set to ON, since most computers run using the ON

setting.

3-26

Using the Printer

Chapter 4

Paper Handling

Selecting Paper. .

Selecting a Paper Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Printing Methods Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Paper Delivery Choices
Paper Feed Methods

Automatic printing
Feeding paper manually.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

................................

...............................

..........................

4-2
4-4

4-5

4-6
4-7

4-7
4-11

Paper Handling 4-1

Selecting Paper

With the EPL-6000, you can print on many sizes and types of paper.
You can also use other media, such as envelopes, labels, and

overhead projector transparencies. The printer feeds most types of
paper automatically from the paper cassette, while special print
media and special paper require manual feeding for greater control.

The type of paper you use in the printer directly affects the quality
of the material you print.

A printed image is made up of many tiny dots of toner. If the paper
is rough, the edges of the letters become ragged because some of the
dots fall into indentations on the paper. The smoother the paper
used, the better your printing will look

You should use especially smooth paper for printing originals that

will be used to make reproductions. Because reproduction
introduces its own raggedness to the edges of the letters, you want
to start with the best originals possible.

Below are some recommendations for selecting paper and other
print media for your printer.

Note: Since the quality of a particular paper may be changed by
the manufacturer at any time, Epson cannot guarantee any
particular brand or type of paper. Be sure to test samples of paper
stock before purchasing large quantities or printing large jobs.

Standard office paper -

automatically feed most types of 16 to 27 lb. (60 g/m2 to 101 g/m2)
paper. This typically includes such paper as copier paper, memo
sheets, cotton bond, and letterhead. If you feed paper manually
through the manual feed slot, you can use 14 to 34 lb. (52 g/m2 to

128 g/m2) paper.

4-2

Paper Handling

You can use the paper cassette to

Selecting Paper

For best results, use paper made especially for laser printers. Paper
made for plain-paper copiers is also a good choice.

If you want to use less expensive paper, test it thoroughly before
regular use. Paper should be of good quality, relatively smooth, and
readily available. Also, keep in mind that if the paper is textured or

too rough, your printed output may not be as clear.
Special paper - You can use colored or three-hole punched paper

as long as it meets the weight limits given above for standard office
paper. However, do not use coated paper.

Labels

- Use only labels designed for laser printers or plain-paper
copiers in your printer. When printing labels, you should use the
faceup output tray; this keeps the labels from curling or coming off

their backing sheet. (Face-up printing is described in the section on
paper delivery choices.)

To prevent the adhesive from coming into contact with printer

parts, use only labels that completely cover the backing sheet so that
there are no gaps.

You should also test the label sheet for leaking adhesive by pressing
an ordinary sheet of paper on top of a sheet of labels. If the paper
sticks at all, the labels should not be used.

Other materials

- You can use overhead projector transparencies
and adhesive drafting film if they are made for use with plain-paper
copiers or laser printers. These materials should be ejected face-up
into the face-up paper tray.

Paper Handling 4-3

Selecting a Paper Size

The default paper size setting in SelecType is LTR for letter-size
paper. If you are using a different size paper, change the PAPER
SIZE setting in SelecType. You may also need to adjust the paper

guides on the paper cassette to match the size of the paper you want
to use.

The table below lists all of the paper sizes on the SelecType menu.

LETTER

LEGAL

A4

EXECUTIVE

8.5 x 11 inches

8.5 x 14 inches
210 x 297 mm

7.25 x 10.5 inches

4-4

Paper Handling

Printing Methods Summary

You have several choices to make when printing. These choices

depend mainly on the type of paper or other print media you use.
Paper delivery method - You can choose between face-up output

and face-down output.

Paper feed method -

You can select either automatic or manual

paper feed.

SPECIAL

button

- You should press this button before printing

envelopes or heavy paper.
The following table shows recommended settings for different print

media. (If you wish to try other settings, be sure to test print a few
sheets before regular use.) Paper feed and paper delivery methods
are described in the following sections.

Paper

Delivery

Face-up or
Face-down

Face-up or
Face-down

Face-up

Thin Paper
(14 - 16 lb.)
(52 - 60 g/m2)

Regular Paper
(16 - 27 lb.)
(60 - 101 g/m2)

Heavy Paper
(27 - 34 lb.)
(101 - 128 g/m2)

Paper

Feed

Manual

Auto

Manual

SPECIAL

Button

No

No

Yes

Envelopes
Transparencies

Labels

Manual
Manual
Manual

Yes
Optional
Optional

Face-up
Face-up
Face-up

Paper Handling 4-5

Paper Delivery Choices

Your laser printer can deliver paper facedown on top of the printer
or faceup into the faceup output tray. The advantage of printing
face-down is that when the printed stack is turned over, the pages
are collated from first page to last. On the other hand, the faceup

output tray gives you immediate viewing of your printed output.
The faceup method of delivery is necessary for printing on media
that require a straight-through paper path, such as envelopes, labels,
heavy paper, and overhead transparencies.

To select faceup printing, simply move the paper path selector
(located on the left side of the printer) to the down position. Also be
sure that the face-up output tray is installed. (See Chapter 1 for
details.) To select facedown printing, move the paper path selector
to the up position.

4-6 Paper Handling

Paper Feed Methods

The paper cassette holds up to 150 sheets of 20 lb. paper for
automatic printing. Additionally, the manual feed tray, on top of the
paper cassette, allows you to hand-feed single sheets of paper.

Automatic

To print automatically, follow the steps listed below.

1.

Remove the paper cassette.

2.

Open the manual feed tray on the paper cassette. Slide the paper
guides all the way apart, as shown below.

printing

Paper Handling 4-7

Paper Feed Methods

Take a stack of paper and fan it as shown. Next, tap the edges of

3.
the paper on a flat surface to even up the stack.

4.

Insert the stack of paper into the paper cassette, making sure
that the top of the stack does not cover the red line on the inside
of the paper cassette. Push the paper in gently as far as it can go.

4-8 Paper Handling

Paper Feed Methods

Note: Additional instructions for printing on special paper types
are given below.

To print on letterhead or three-hole punched paper, load it

l

faceup, with the top of the paper pointing into the printer.

To print on the back of a printed page, load the paper with the

l

printed side facedown, top of the page in first. To reduce
paper jams, manual feed is recommended for two-sided
printing. (When you print on both sides of a page, the print

quality on the second side may not be as good as on the first.)
To print on legal-size paper, pull out the paper support

l

beneath the paper cassette as shown below.

Slide the paper guides together (if necessary) until they are both

5.
resting lightly against the paper.

Close the manual feed tray.

6.

Paper Handling 4-9

Paper Feed Methods

7.

Locate the paper cassette opening on the right side of the printer.
Align the hooks on each side of the cassette with the slots on

each side of the opening.

8.

Reinsert the paper cassette into the printer with the arrow on the
side of the cassette pointing into the printer. Push the cassette in
until it can go no further and lower the right side of the cassette
(the side you load paper into) until the cassette drops into place.

CAUTION: It is particularly important to lower the

cassette into place. If the cassette is not installed properly,
the message PAPER EMPTY appears in the display.

9.

For envelopes and paper weights of 27 to 34 lb. (101 to

128 g/m

2

), press the SPECIAL button. A pound sign (#) appears

at the right of the display.

4-10

Paper Handling

Paper Feed Methods

10. If you want faceup delivery, set the paper path selector to the
down position.

11. If the paper you have just loaded is a different size than the

paper you last used, set the SelecType option for the new paper
size, as described in Chapter 3.

12. Press the ON LINE button to set the printer on line.

Now your EPL-6000 is ready to print.

Feeding paper manually

If you want to print on mailing labels, heavy paper (over 27 lb. or
101 g/m2), light-weight paper (14 through 16 lb. or 52 through
60 g/m2), envelopes, or transparencies, or if you are printing a small
job on a different type of paper than is already in the cassette, you
can hand-feed the paper using the manual feed tray.

You can manually feed paper ranging in size from 3.2 x 5.0 inches

(82 x 127

mm) to 8.5 x 14.0 inches (216 x 356 mm).

Note: For best results, it may be necessary to change the amount
of paper in the paper cassette; it is recommended that you leave
the cassette half-filled (half-way to the red line) during manual
printing.

It is easy to hand-feed paper with the EPL-6000; just follow the steps
listed below.

1.

If the paper size you are printing on is different than the paper
size you just used, use SelecType to select the new paper size as
described in Chapter 3. (If you are using a non-standard paper
size that is not listed in SelecType, skip this step.)

Paper Handling

4-11

Paper Feed Methods

2.

If the printer is on line, press the ON LINE button to set the printer

off line. Set the printer for manual printing by pressing the
MANUAL button on the control panel. The manual light comes on.

3.

Open the manual feed guides wide enough to fit the paper being
printed.

4-12 Paper Handling

Paper Feed Methods

4.

Insert a sheet of paper into the manual feed slot, gently pushing
it in as far as it can go.

Note: Insert the paper with the side you want to print on face-up.
For example, to print on the back of a printed page, load the
paper with the blank side face-up.

5.

Slide the manual feed guides together until they are both resting
lightly against the paper.

6.

For envelopes and paper weights of 27 to 34 lb. (101 to

128 g/m2), press the SPECIAL button. A pound sign (#) appears

at the right of the display when you press this button.

7.

For transparencies, mailing labels, envelopes, and thick paper,
set the paper path selector to the down position for face-up
delivery.

8.

Press the ON LINE button to set the printer on line.

9.

Use your application software to print your document. The

message PUSH MANUAL KEY appears in the display.

10. Push the MANUAL button again to print the first page.

Paper Handling

4-13

Paper Feed Methods

11. Insert the next sheet of paper and press the MANUAL button
again. Proceed in this manner until you have finished the print
job.

12. When you have completed manual printing, set the printer off

line by pressing the ON LINE button. Next, press the MANUAL

button. (The manual light goes out.) Then press the ON LINE

button to set the printer back on line.

You may now resume normal printing.

4-14

Paper Handling

Chapter 5

Printer Modes

HP Emulation.

Unique features
Printer driver information
Fonts and font cartridges
Memory management.

Reset
Paper handling.
Character clipping.

Printer Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Command List

Job control commands
Cursor positioning

Font selection
Font management
Soft font creation
Graphics
Macros
Programming aids

...........................................

.....................................

..................................

.........................

..........................

............................

..................................

...............................

.....................................

............................

...............................

....................................

................................

.................................

........................................

..........................................

................................

5-2
5-2

5-3

5-3
5-5
5-5
5-6

5-7

5-8
5-9

5-9
5-12

5-13
5-18
5-19
5-19

5-21
5-21

Printer Modes 5-1

HP Emulation

Your EPL-6000 printer offers HP emulation that enables you to use
application programs written for HP LaserJet series II printers.

Note: Epson FX emulation is available with an optional emulation
cartridge. The Epson FX Identity Cartridge lets you use software
written specifically for Epson FX printers.

HP emulation lets you use commercial software designed for the HP
LaserJet series II printer. Simply follow the software’s instructions
for printing with an HP LaserJet series II printer.

This chapter gives you information about using HP emulation, It
describes the unique features of your printer’s HP emulation, as
well as the differences between the EPL-6000’s HP emulation and
printing with the HP LaserJet itself. A list of printer commands is
also provided.

Unique features

Certain EPL-6000 printer functions give you greater versatility than

you get with an HP LaserJet series II printer. These include the
following:

l The ability to print on different sizes of paper without changing

the paper cassette.

l An adjustable temperature feature that makes it possible to

lower the fuser temperature when printing on lightweight paper

or heat-sensitive media.

l An easy-to-use control panel.

5-2

Printer Modes

HP Emulation

Printer driver information

Many application programs let you specify the type of printer
you’re using by selecting a printer driver. Drivers are programs that
your software uses to send commands to the printer. Application

programs often provide an installation or setup procedure that
presents a list of printer drivers to choose from.

To take advantage of HP emulation, simply choose a printer driver
from the list below. They are listed in order of priority.

HP LaserJet series II
HP LaserJet Plus
HP LaserJet

TM

TM

The application program’s menu may list a number of more specific
choices corresponding to various HP LaserJet font cartridges. (The

choices are labeled with capital letters, such as A, B, or C.)

Fonts and font cartridges

There are six resident fonts in your printer. These correspond to the
resident fonts for the HP LaserJet series II printer. They are:

Courier
Courier
Courier bold
Courier bold
Line printer
Line printer

12 point
12 point
12 point
12 point

8.5 point

8.5 point

In addition, the cartridge slots on your printer let you access a wide
variety of other fonts available on font cartridges.

portrait
landscape
portrait
landscape
portrait
landscape

Printer Modes 5-3

HP Emulation

Installing a font cartridge

To install a font cartridge, follow these steps:

1.

Press the

ON

LINE button to set the printer off line.

CAUTION: Never insert or remove the cartridge while the

printer is on line.

2.

Insert the font cartridge (with the label facing up and the

connectors pointing into the printer) into either cartridge slot on
the lower right side of the printer. Press firmly until it clicks into
place.

3.

Press the ON LINE button to set the printer on line.

5-4

Printer Modes

HP Emulation

Removing a font cartridge

To remove a font cartridge, follow these steps:

1.

Press the ON LINE button to set the printer off line.

CAUTION: Never insert or remove the cartridge while the
printer is on line.

2.

Hold the edges of the cartridge and slowly pull it from the slot.

3.

Press the ON LINE button to set the printer on line.

Memory management

Your printer has a standard memory of 512KB expandable to 2.5MB

with the purchase of the optional 2MB memory board. An
additional 2MB can be added to the optional memory board for a
total memory of 4.5MB.

If you wish to print full-page, 300 dot-per-inch graphics or perform

other sophisticated print jobs, it is recommended that you install the
optional 2MB memory board.

Reset

The printer can be reset in the following three ways:

1.

By turning the power off and then back on

2.

By holding down the RESET/CONTINUE button for three seconds

(with the printer off line)

3.

By sending the ESC E command.

Printer Modes 5-5

HP Emulation

The result varies depending upon which method you use, as shown

in the table below.

Power
Off/On

Data in Buffer

Permanent
Downloaded
Fonts/Permanent
Macros

Temporary

Downloaded
Fonts/Temporary
Macros

SelecType
Settings*

* After any reset, the printer is set to the SelecType settings, overriding any

software commands that have been set.

clears

clears

clears

does not

change

RESET/CONTINUE

Button
clears

does not clear

clears

does not
change

ESC E
Command

prints data in
buffer and clears

does not clear

clears

1 does not

change

Note: A font or macro can be designated “permanent” or

“temporary” through the use of printer commands.

Paper handling

With the EPL-6000, the paper size is not determined by the paper

tray as it is with an HP LaserJet printer. Use the PAPER SIZE
option in SelecType to set any of the four paper sizes supported by
the printer. See Chapter 3 for SelecType information.

5-6

Printer Modes

HP Emulation

If you set the paper size with a print command that differs from the
size selected in SelecType, the message PS CHANGE appears.
Press the RESET/CONTINUE button to clear the error; the printer is set
off line.

After clearing the error, you have two options:

1.

Change the paper in the cassette; then enter SelecType and
change the paper size to match. Press the ON LINE button after

exiting SelecType to continue printing.

2.

Alternatively, press the ON LINE button to continue printing on
the current paper. (The message PAPER SIZE ERROR
appears in the display.)

For certain nonstandard sizes of paper, you may need to use the
manual feed option described in Chapter 4.

Character clipping

If a character is partially outside the printable area, the HP LaserJet

does not print any portion of the character. The EPL-6000 prints that
portion of the character within the printable area, making it easier to
tell when you have exceeded your margins.

Printer Modes 5-7