Epson EPL-7500 User Manual

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN 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
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit difference from that to which the

receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

WARNING

The connection of a non-shielded printer interface cable to this printer will invalidate the
FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits
established by the FCC for this 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.

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.

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 Epson America, Inc. No patent liability
is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. While every
precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, Epson America, Inc. assumes no
responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting
from the use of the information contained herein.

FOR CANADIAN USERS

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 présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de Class B prescrites dans le règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

The manual and software and coded font programs described in this manual are registered
and copyrighted. The copyright of this manual is owned by Seiko Epson Corporation and
the copyrights of the software and coded font programs described in this manual are owned
by Adobe Systems Incorporated and are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Helvetica, Palatino, and Times are trademarks of Linotype AG and/or its subsidiaries.
ITC Avant Garde, ITC Bookman, ITC Zapf Chancery, ITC Zapf Dingbats and Stone are

registered trademarks of International Typeface Corporation.
IBM and IBM PC are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.
LaserJet, LaserJet+, LaserJet 500, LaserJet series II, and LaserJet series IIP are trademarks of

Hewlett-Packard Company.
Apple, AppleTalk, and LaserWriter are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Centronics is a trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corporation.
PostScript is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Copyright © 1990 by Seiko Epson Corporation

Nagano, Japan

Copyright © 1990 by Epson America Inc.
Torrance, California

ii

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1.

Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.

2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

3.

Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do
not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.

4. Do not use this product near water.

5.

Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table.
The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.

6.

Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the
product and to protect it from overheating, these openings
must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be
blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other
similar surface. This product should never be placed near or
over a radiator or heat register. This product should not be
placed in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is
provided.

7.

This product should be operated from the type of power source
indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type
of power available, consult your dealer or local power
company.

8. This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a

plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into
a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you
are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your
electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the
purpose of the grounding-type plug.

9.

Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.

iii

10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that

the total of the ampere ratings on the products plugged into
the extension cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere
rating. Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged
into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.

11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through

cabinet slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or
short out parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric
shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Manual, do not
attempt to service this product yourself. Opening or removing
those covers that are marked “Do Not Remove” may expose
you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all
servicing in those compartments to service personnel.

13.Unplug

qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
A. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
B. If liquid has been spilled into the product.
C. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
D. If the product does not operate normally when the

operating instructions are followed. Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the operating instructions since
improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage
and will often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the product to normal operation.

E. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been

damaged.

F.

If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance,
indicating a need for service.

this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to

iv

Safety Information

The EPL-7500 printer is certified as a Class 1 laser product, which
means that the printer does not produce hazardous laser radiation.

Since radiation emitted by the laser is completely confined within
protective housings and external covers, the laser beam cannot
escape from the machine during any phase of user operation.

WARNING: Use of controls, adjustments or performance

of procedures other than those specified in this guide
may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

The label shown below indicates that the printer is a Class 1 laser
product as defined in BS4803 and IEC 825 specifications.

Internal Laser Radiation

(nm)

-4

(W)

Maximum Radiation Power
Wavelength

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

. . . . . . . . . . .

2.42 X l0

780

This is a Class IIIb Laser Diode Assembly that has an invisible
laser beam.

The print head unit is NOT A FIELD SERVICE ITEM. Therefore,
the print head unit should not be opened under any circumstance.

v

Ozone Emission

During printer operation, a small amount of ozone is released. This

amount is not large enough to affect human beings adversely.

However, it is best to make sure the room where you a using the
printer has adequate circulation, especially if you are printing a
high volume of materials or using the printer continuously over a
long period of time.

vi

Contents

Introduction

Laser Printer Precautions

Finding Your Way Around

Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer

Finding a Place for the Printer
Unpacking the
Assembling

the Printer..

Printer..

.......................................................... 1-6

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

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

Chapter 2 Testing and Connecting Your Printer

The Control
Testing the Printer..

Connecting to Your Computer

Panel...................................................................

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

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

Chapter 3 SelecType

SelecType Overview

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

SelecType

Options..

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

................................................................ 3-9

1

5

7

l-l

1-2

1-11

2-1

2-2
2-6
2-16

3-1

3-2
3-4

Chapter 4 Paper Handling

Choosing Paper
Choosing a Paper Size
Choosing Printing
Loading Paper in
Loading Paper Manually

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

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

Methods..

the Cassette.. .............................................

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

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

Chapter 5 Application Software

Using Your Printer with
Controlling the
Using PostScript Fonts

Printer.. .........................................................

Application

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

Software..

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

Contents

4-1

4-2
4-5

4-6
4-9
4-13

5-1
5-2

5-5

5-7

vii

Chapter 6 Maintenance and Transportation

TONER
Routine Cleaning
Transporting

LOW

Message..

Your Printer

...

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

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

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

6-1
6-2

6-14
6-22

Chapter 7 Troubleshooting

Status
Troubleshooting
Paper
Power
Test
Printing
Problems
SelecType
Paper
Decline
Options

and Error

Jam Problems..

Supply

Print .................................................................................

Problems

with

Problems..

Handling

in Print

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

Messages..
Directory..

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

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

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

Graphics..

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

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

Quality

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

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

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

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

Chapter 8 Technical Specifications

Printer
Interface
Initialization..
Option

Specifications..

Specifications..

Specifications

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

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

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

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

Appendix A Options

Lower Paper

The

Face-up

The

Memory

The

Cassette

Output Tray

Expansion

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

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

Board ............................................

7-1
7-2

7-6
7-8
7-17
7-18

7-19

7-22
7-23
7-24
7-28
7-34

8-1
8-2

8-10
8-17
8-24

A-1

A-2
A-14
A-20

Appendix B Character Samples

PostScript

Emulation

HP

Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .._.

Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Glossary
Index

viii

Contents

B-l

B-2

B-5

GL-1

IN-1

Introduction

The EPL-7500 is the first PostScript® printer in Epson’s advanced
line of laser printers. Real Adobe PostScript combines with Epson
quality for a high performance, reliable printer with a wide range
of graphic capabilities.

The PostScript imaging system used by the
a powerful processor that allows the printer to compose an entire
page in internal memory before printing. The
you with many features not found on other types of printers,
including the ability to mix text and graphics, create pre-defined
forms, and print with a range of fonts normally associated with
typeset material.

The EPL-7500 combines a semiconductor laser with the
electrophotographic technology used in office copiers to give you
high-quality printing that is both fast and quiet.

EPL-7500

EPL-7500

is driven by

provides

Features

In addition to the superior printing and easy operation you’d

expect from an Epson printer, these features make the EPL-7500

your best choice for today’s desktop publishing.

The Adobe PostScript Language. This powerful printer
language easily rotates, scales, clips, and orients any graphic
object on your page. Choose from the wide range of application
programs written for PostScript printers for professional results.

35 fonts in 11 font families. You’ll find these font families built
into the EPL-7500: Times™, Helvetica™, Courier, Symbol,
Avant Garde®, Bookman®, Helvetica Narrow, New Century
Schoolbook, Palatino™, Zapf Chancery®, and Zapf Dingbats®.

2 Megabytes of standard Random Access Memory (RAM). You

can expand the printer’s RAM to 6 Megabytes with the easy­to-install optional 4 Megabyte memory board.

Introduction 1

A standard paper cassette that holds up to 250 sheets of paper.
Add the optional lower paper cassette, which holds an
additional

High-quality, 300 dots-per-inch (DPI) printing at a speed of up
to six pages per minute. Whether you’re a serious desktop
publisher or just beginning, you’ll appreciate the crisp,
professional print quality produced by the EPL-7500 and its
leading edge processing speed.

Four built-in interfaces. Choose Centronics® parallel,
AppleTalk”, RS-232 serial, or RS-422 serial.

An all-in-one imaging cartridge that combines the
photoconductive, developing, and toner elements in a single,
disposable cartridge. Replace it in minutes for simple printer
maintenance.

Two paper delivery methods. Choose standard face-down
delivery for your everyday printing needs, or add the optional
face-up tray for printing on special media like labels or very
heavy paper.

A SelecType control panel for easy configuration control.
Customize your printer’s interface and communication settings
with the touch of a button from the printer’s front panel to
create the system that’s right for you.

250

sheets, and you can print up to

500

pages.

The HP™ emulation for application programs written for
Hewlett-Packard” LaserJet printers.

Options

Several printer options are available for your printer. For detailed
information on installing and using these options, see Appendix A.

2

Introduction

The Lower paper cassette (C812051 or C812061)

The optional lower paper cassette fits directly beneath the printer
and feeds up to 250 sheets of paper into the printer. The optional
cassette expands your standard paper cassette’s 250-sheet capacity
to

500

sheets.

The face-up output tray (C812071 or C812072)

The face-up output tray delivers paper face-up for immediate
viewing of your printed output. Also use the face-up output tray
for printing that requires a straight-through paper path, such as

labels, overhead transparencies and heavy paper.

Introduction 3

Introduction

Memory expansion board (C822021 or C822022)

The memory expansion board adds an extra 4 MB of RAM to your

printer. With this board, you can increase your printer’s memory
to a powerful 6 MB of RAM for rapid processing of the most
complex graphics.

Accessories and supplies

To locate or purchase accessories or supplies, contact your nearest
Epson dealer or call

4

Introduction

1-800-873-7766.

Laser Printer Precautions

This printer uses laser technology. 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 to ensure safe, efficient operation.

WARNING: High voltages are present inside the printer
when the power is on. Do not touch the areas marked by

a high voltage label.

l

Be careful not to touch the fuser, which is marked by a
CAUTION: HOT SURFACE label. If the printer has been in

operation, the fuser can be very hot.

l Protect the light-sensitive drum from exposure to light. You

should avoid exposing the imaging cartridge to room light for
any longer than necessary. Do not open the drum’s protective
cover. Overexposing the drum may cause abnormally dark or
light areas to appear on the printed page.

Laser Printer Precautions

5

If you must expose the drum either by taking the imaging
cartridge out of the printer or by leaving the printer cover
open, cover the drum with a soft cloth or sheet of paper.

l When you remove the imaging cartridge from the printer,

always set the cartridge on a clean, smooth surface.

l

Be sure not to scratch the surface of the drum. Also, avoid
touching the drum, since oils from your skin can permanently
damage its surface and may affect print quality.

l

Avoid pressing on the top of the toner cartridge. Pressing
directly on the cartridge may cause toner to spill into the
printer. If there is a spill, see Chapter 6 for cleaning
instructions.

l Never try to force the printer’s components into place.

Although the printer is designed to be sturdy, rough handling
can damage it.

6

Laser Printer Precautions

Finding Your Way Around

This user’s manual provides fully illustrated, step-by-step

instructions on setting up and operating your printer.

Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking and setting up the
EPL-7500. Be sure to read and follow these instructions first.

Chapters 2 and 3 contain information on using the control panel,
testing and connecting the printer, and general operation. Chapter
3 contains full information on SelecType.

For a detailed discussion of paper handling, see Chapter 4. Make
sure you read this chapter before purchasing your paper supply.

Chapter 5 contains information on using the printer with software,

while Chapter 6 gives you information on maintaining your

printer.
If the EPL-7500 does not operate properly or the printed results are

not what you expect, see Chapter 7 for troubleshooting tips.
Other chapters and appendixes contain information on technical

specifications, printer options, and printer modes. The appendixes
contain available character samples. The manual ends with a
glossary of printer terms and an index.

At the back of this manual is a Quick Reference card showing all

SelecType options. The SelecType menu maps found on this card

can be used as guides whenever you use SelecType.

On the back cover foldout are illustrations identifying the different

parts of your printer. You can refer to these as you set it up.

Finding Your Way Around

7

Finding Your Way Around

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

WARNING: must be followed carefully to avoid bodily

injury.

CAUTION: must be observed to avoid damage to your
equipment.

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

Where to Get Help

A network of authorized Epson dealers and Customer Care Centers
throughout the United States offers customer support and service
for Epson products. Epson America provides product information
and support to its dealers and Customer Care Centers.

Therefore, we ask 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-213-782-2600 for the following:

l The location of the nearest Epson dealer.
l The location of the nearest Customer Care Center.

To locate or purchase accessories or supplies, contact your Epson

dealer.

8

Finding Your Way Around

Chapter 1

Setting Up the Printer

the Printer..

a

Finding

Opening the printer cover

Unpacking the Printer

Carrying the printer

Assembling the Printer

Installing the cleaning pad
Installing the imaging cartridge
Installing the paper cassette
Attaching the power cord..

Place

for

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

l-2
1-4

l-6
l-10

l-11

l-11
l-13
l-19

l-21

Setting Up the Printer

l-l

Finding a Place for the Printer

Before unpacking the printer, you need to find a suitable place to
use it. 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.
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. The diagram below shows the
amount of space recommended for your printer.

l-2 Setting Up the Printer

• If you install the optional face-up tray, you need 400 mm (16
inches) of space behind the printer. Make sure there is 330 mm
(13 inches) of flat, unobstructed space to the left of the printer
to accommodate the tray.

•

To give you enough room to open the printer cover, allow

430 mm (17 inches) from the bottom of the printer to any shelf

or surface directly above the printer, as shown below.

Setting Up the Printer

l-3

Finding a Place for the Printer

If you install the optional lower paper cassette, you need an
additional 100 mm (4 inches) directly above the printer.

CAUTIONS:

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 printer’s
memory.

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

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

Opening the printer cover

The printer cover opens to two positions, as shown on the
following page. When you lift the latch to open the printer cover,
it stops automatically in the lower position (at an angle of about
45 degrees). This position protects the imaging cartridge from
overexposure to light. When you lift the cover as far as it will go,
it stops at the upper position (about 70 degrees). The instructions
in this manual tell you which position to use for each task.

1-4

Setting Up the Printer

Lower position (45°)

Upper position (70°)

Finding a Place for the Printer

Setting Up the Printer 1-5

Unpacking the Printer

The printer and the imaging cartridge are packed separately. First,
carefully unpack the large main carton. At the top of this carton is

the accessory pack containing several printer components. Under
this is the printer itself, which is protected by white packing
material.

1.

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

1-6

Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer

Carefully remove the printer from the large carton and set it on

2.
a flat, stable surface. Since the printer is heavy, you may need
someone to help you lift it.

Remove the plastic bag protecting the printer. Then remove the

3.
plastic bag from the paper cassette.

Note: Make sure that you save all packing materials. You must
repack the printer in these materials whenever you transport it.
See Chapter 6 for details on transporting your printer.

Setting Up the Printer

1-7

Unpacking the Printer

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

5.

Use the wrench to unscrew the two screws on the front of the
printer, as shown below.

1-8 Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer

6

Lift up the front latch and open the printer cover as far as it
will go, as shown below. Remove the protective plate.

7. To close the printer, gently press down on the top of the case
until the latch clicks shut.

8.

Finally, check to see that neither the printer nor any of the

accessories has been damaged during transportation.

Setting Up the Printer

1-9

Unpacking the printer

Carrying the printer

When you move your printer to the location you selected for it,
carry it by grasping the recesses on each side of the printer, as
shown below.

Note: The printer weighs about 18 kg (40 lb.) and should be
carried with care. You may need someone to help you lift it.

1-10

Setting Up

the

Printer

Assembling the Printer

Before you can use the printer, you need to install a few important
parts. Make sure your printer is at its operating location before
you install the parts.

Installing the cleaning pad

The first component that you need to install is the cleaning pad.
It is packaged inside the imaging cartridge box. The felt cleaning
pad constantly cleans the surface of the fusing roller, which fixes
toner onto the paper.

Setting Up the Printer

1-11

Assembling the Printer

1.

Open the imaging cartridge box and take out the cleaning pad.
Leave the imaging cartridge, cotton swab, and packing materials
inside the box for now; you will use them later.

2.

Lift up the front latch and open the printer cover to the upper
position, as shown below.

1-12

Setting Up the Printer