Epson ESC480 Setup Manual
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Where to Find Information
Daily Use guide
"Setup Guide" of this guide will help you set up and begin using
your printer. It includes information on setting up your printer
and installing the printer software. And this guide provides
information on normal printer operation. It also contains
troubleshooting tips and customer support information.
Reference Guide included on the CD-ROM
The Reference Guide contained on the CD-ROM included with
your printerprovidesdetailedinformationaboutprinter software
settings, printing on special paper, maintenance, and problem
solving.
Opening the Reference Guide:
Insert the printer software CD in the CDROM drive. Select Online Guide from
the Installer dialog box and click .
Then click View Reference Guide to
open the guide.
Installing the Reference Guide:
To install the Reference Guide on your hard disk, click Install
Reference Guide and follow the on-screen instructions. When
installation is complete, an ESC480 Guide icon appears in the
EPSON folder. Double-click the icon to open the guide.
Note:
If your hard disk does not have enough space to install the Reference
Guide, view it directly from the CD.
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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 SEIKO EPSON
CORPORATION.The informationcontained hereinis designed onlyfor usewith this EPSON
printer. EPSON is not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other printers.
Neither SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of
this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, orexpenses incurred by the purchaser
or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized
modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to strictly
comply with SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION's operating and maintenance instructions.
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONshall notbe liable for any damagesor problemsarising 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.
SEIKOEPSONCORPORATIONshallnotbeheldliableforanydamageresultingfrom
electromagnetic interference that occurs from the use of any interface cables other than those
designated as EPSON Approved Products by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
EPSON is a registered trademark and EPSON Stylus is a trademark of SEIKO EPSON
CORPORATION.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be
trademarks of their respective owners. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in those marks.
Copyright © 2000 by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, Nagano, Japan.
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Contents
Safety Instructions
Safety InstructionsSafety Instructions
SafetyInstructions ............................
........................................................
............................1111
ImportantSafetyInstructions .............................1
AFewPrecautions ......................................2
ENERGYSTARCompliance..............................4
Warnings,Cautions,andNotes ...........................4
Setup Guide
Setup GuideSetup Guide
SetupGuide ................................
................................................................
................................5555
CheckingthePackageContents ...........................5
Unpackingtheprinter ...................................6
AttachingthePaperSupport .............................6
ConnectingthePrinter...................................7
InstallingthePrinterSoftware ............................7
InstallingandCheckingtheInkCartridges .................9
PrintingYourFirstPage .................................12
Printer Parts and Functions
Printer Parts and FunctionsPrinter Parts and Functions
PrinterPartsandFunctions.....................
..........................................
.....................15
1515
15
PrinterParts............................................15
Loading Special Paper, Envelopes, and Other Media
Loading Special Paper, Envelopes, and Other MediaLoading Special Paper, Envelopes, and Other Media
Loading Special Paper, Envelopes, and Other Media 17
1717
17
LoadingSpecialPaperandOtherMedia ...................17
LoadingEnvelopes ......................................19
Using the Printer Software
Using the Printer SoftwareUsing the Printer Software
UsingthePrinterSoftware .....................
..........................................
.....................21
2121
21
PrinterSoftwareIntroduction.............................21
MakingChangestoPrinterSettings .......................22
Previewingyourprintout ................................30
GettingInformationThroughOnlineHelp .................33
Checking Printer Status
Checking Printer StatusChecking Printer Status
CheckingPrinterStatus .......................
..............................................
.......................35
3535
35
UsingEPSONStatusMonitor3 ...........................35
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Replacing Ink Cartridges
Replacing Ink CartridgesReplacing Ink Cartridges
ReplacingInkCartridges ......................
............................................
......................37
3737
37
Maintenance
MaintenanceMaintenance
Maintenance ...............................
..............................................................
...............................41
4141
41
CheckingthePrintHeadNozzles......................... 41
CleaningthePrintHead................................. 42
AligningthePrintHead ................................. 43
Troubleshooting
TroubleshootingTroubleshooting
Troubleshooting..............................
............................................................
..............................45
4545
45
ErrorMessages......................................... 45
TypicalProblemsandSolutions .......................... 45
CancellingPrinting ..................................... 47
WheretoGetHelp...................................... 48
Consumable Products
Consumable ProductsConsumable Products
ConsumableProducts ........................
................................................
........................49
4949
49
ConsumableProducts................................... 49
Printer Specifications
Printer SpecificationsPrinter Specifications
PrinterSpecifications .........................
..................................................
.........................51
5151
51
SystemRequirements ................................... 51
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Safety Instructions
Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these instructions before using your printer. Also, be
sure to follow all warnings and instructions marked on the
printer.
❏ Do not block or cover the openings in the printer’s cabinet.
Do not insert objects through the slots.
❏ Take care not to spill liquid on the printer.
❏ Use only the type of power source indicated on the printer’s
label.
❏ Connect all equipment to properly grounded power outlets.
Avoid using outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air
control systems that regularly switch on and off.
❏ Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or
automatic timers.
❏ Keep the entire computer system away from potential sources
of electromagnetic interference, such as loudspeakers or the
base units of cordless telephones.
❏ Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord.
❏ Unplug the printer’s power cord from the electrical outlet
when you do not use the printer for a long period of time.
❏ If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the
total ampere rating of the devices plugged into the extension
cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make
sure the total ampere rating of all devices plugged into the
wall outlet does not exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating.
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❏ Do not attempt to service the printer yourself.
❏ Unplug the printer and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions:
The power cord or plug is damaged; liquid has entered the
printer; the printer has been dropped or the cabinet damaged;
the printer does not operate normally or exhibits a distinct
change in performance.
A Few Precautions
Take note of the following when using the printer, handling the
ink cartridges, or choosing a location for the printer.
When using the printer
❏ Do not put your hand inside the printer or touch the ink
cartridges during printing.
❏ Do not move the print head by hand; otherwise, you may
damage the printer.
❏ Before transporting the printer, make sure the print head is in
thehome(farright)positionandtheinkcartridgesarein
place.
When handling the ink cartridges
❏ Keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children. Do not allow
children to drink from or otherwise handle the cartridges.
❏ If ink gets on your skin, wash it off with soap and water. If it
gets in your eyes, flush them immediately with water.
❏ Do not shake an ink cartridge; this can cause leakage.
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❏ Install the ink cartridge immediately after you remove it from
its package. Leaving the cartridge unpacked for a long time
before use may result in reduced print quality.
❏ Once you install an ink cartridge, do not open the clamp or
remove the cartridge except to replace it with a new one.
Otherwise, the cartridge may become unusable.
❏ Do not use an ink cartridge beyond the date printed on the
cartridge carton. For best results, use up the ink cartridges
within six months of installing them.
❏ Do not dismantle the ink cartridges or try to refill them. This
could damage the print head.
When choosing a place for the printer
❏ Place the printer on a flat, stable surface that extends beyond
the printer base in all directions. The printer will not operate
properly if it is tilted or at an angle.
❏ Leave enough space in front of the printer for paper to be
ejected smoothly.
❏ Avoid places subject to rapid changes in temperature and
humidity. Also, keep the printer away from direct sunlight,
strong light, or heat sources.
❏ Avoid places subject to shocks and vibrations.
❏ Leave enough room around the printer to allow for sufficient
ventilation.
❏ Placetheprinternearawalloutletwheretheplugcanbe
easily unplugged.
❏ Avoid places subject to dust.
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ENERGY STAR Compliance
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, EPSON hasdetermined
that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines
for energy efficiency.
The International ENERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is
a voluntary partnership with the computer and office equipment
industry to promote the introduction of energy-efficient personal
computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, and copiers in an
effort to reduce air pollution caused by power generation.
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
w
Warnings
must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
c
Cautions
must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Notes
contain important information and useful tips on the operation of your
printer.
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Setup Guide
Checking the Package Contents
paper support
paper manuals
Daily Use
printer
printer software &
Reference Guide CDROM
The package contents may vary in certain locations.
The ink cartridges packed with your printer are for initial setup.
In order to maintain high quality printouts, your printer will use
large quantities of ink during the setup process. As a result, the
ink cartridges used for setup will empty faster than normal.
ink cartridge package
(contains both black and
color ink cartridges.)
Follow "Checking the Package Contents" section through
"Installing the Printer Software" section in this manual to install
the printer software. After the software installation is complete,
follow the on-screen messages and proceed to "Installing and
Checking the Ink Cartridges" section. To ensure that your printer
is operating correctly, proceed to "Printing Your First Page"
section after an on-screen message informs you that the setup is
complete.
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Unpacking the printer
Remove all tape and protective materials attached to the printer.
Attaching the Paper Support
Insert the paper support into the slots at the rear of the printer and
place the printer on a flat, stable surface. Leave enough space in
front of the printer for paper to be ejected smoothly.
*Th
enumber oftape stripusedmay varyfrom whatisshown.
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Connecting the Printer
Your printer connects to your computer via a shielded, twistedpair parallel interface. Make sure that the parallel cable supports
bidirectional communication. Otherwise, the printer will not
work. Depending upon your geographic location, you may need
to obtain the appropriate cable. See "Options and Consumable
Products" in the Daily Use guide for details.
Follow these steps to connect the printer to your PC.
1. Make sure that the computer is turned off, and the printer’s
power cord is unplugged.
2. Plug the cable connector securely
into the printer's interface
connector. Then squeeze the wire
clips together until they lock in
place on both sides. If your cable
has a ground wire, connect it to
the ground connector below the
interface connector.
3. Plug the other end of the cable into the computer's parallel
interface. If there is a ground wire at the computer end of the
cable, connect it to the ground connector at the back of the
computer.
Installing the Printer Software
After connecting the printer to your computer, you need to install
thesoftwareincludedonthe“Printer Software for EPSON Stylus
COLOR 480” CD-ROM shipped with your printer.
If you wish to make a floppy disk version of the printer software
on your CD-ROM, you can use the driver disk creation utility
included on the CD.
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Note:
❏ When using Windows 2000, if you do not follow the steps below to
install the printer software, Microsoft’s Universal driver may be
installed instead. To see if the Universal driver has been installed,
right click anywhere in the printer driver window and then click
About in the list that appears. If a screen containing the words
Unidrv Printer Driver is displayed, follow the steps below to
reinstall the printer driver.
❏ If the Digital Signature Not Found dialog box appears during the
installation process, click Yes.IfyouclickNo, you must reinstall
the printer software as described below.
Follow these steps to install your printer software.
1. Make sure that your printer is unplugged.
2. Turn on your computer and start Windows. If the New
Hardware Found dialog box or any other Wizard appears,
click Cancel.
3. Insert the printer software CD shipped with your printer in
the CD-ROM drive. The Installerdialogbox appears. If it does
not, double-click the My Computer icon. Click the CD-ROM
icon, then select open from the File menu. Then double-click
Epsetup.exe.(Forfloppydiskusers,insertthediskinadisk
drive and double-click the My Computer icon, then the
floppy disk drive icon, and then Setup.exe.)
4. Select Install Printer Driver/Utility,and
click . Then click OK in the dialog box
thatappearsto start the printer software
installation.
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5. Follow the on-screen instructions to plug the power cord into
a properly grounded electrical outlet. Before plugging in the
cord, check the label on the back of the printer to make sure
the voltage required by the printer matches that of the
electrical outlet you will plugging it into. Also, make sure that
you have the correct power cable for your power source.
c
Caution:
It is not possible to change the printer’s voltage. If the rated
voltage and your outlet voltage do not match, contact your
dealer for assistance. Do not plug in the power cord.
Note:
If the power cord is not attached to the printer, connect it to the AC
inlet on the back of the printer.
6. After plugging in the power cord, the
Setup utility opens automatically. If a
message informs you to restart your
computer, follow the instructions.
Installing and Checking the Ink Cartridges
When your printer software installation is complete, the Setup
utility opens automatically. The Setup utility leads you through
the ink cartridge installation process and then prints nozzle and
print head alignment check patterns to ensure that your printer
is operating correctly. Follow the on-screen instructions.When an
on-screen message informs you that the ink cartridge installation
is complete, click OK and proceed to "Printing Your First Page"
section.
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Note:
❏ After the setup process is complete, a printer-shaped shortcut icon
appears on the Windows taskbar. For details on how to use this icon
see "Monitoring Preferences" in your online Reference Guide.
❏ If you did not use the Setup utility to install ink cartridges, use
EPSON Status Monitor3 to install them. To access EPSON Status
Monitor3, right click the printer shortcut icon on the taskbar, and
choose EPSON Stylus COLOR 480. Then click the How to button.
Installing the Ink Cartridges
Please pay attention to the following information when installing
the ink cartridges.
w
Warning:
The ink cartridges are self-contained units. Under ordinary use,
ink will not leak from a cartridge. If ink does get on your hands,
wash them thoroughly with soap and water. If ink gets into your
eyes, flush them immediately with water.
c
Caution:
❏ You must remove the yellow tape seals from the cartridges
before installing them; otherwise,the cartridges will become
unusable.
❏ Do not remove the blue portion of the tape seals from the
cartridges; otherwise, the cartridges may become clogged and
unable to print.
❏ Do not remove the tape seals from the bottom of the
cartridges; otherwise, ink will leak.
❏ Once you install the ink cartridges, do not open their clamps
again until you replace the ink cartridges; otherwise, the
cartridges may become unusable.
❏ Do not move the print head by hand; otherwise, you may
damage the printer.
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Note:
❏ Do not open the ink cartridge packages until just before you install
them, or the ink may dry up.
❏ Install both ink cartridges. If either of the cartridges is not installed,
the printer will not work.
Checking the printer
After installing the ink cartridges, the Setup utility automatically
guides you through the nozzle check and print head alignment
check. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Nozzle check
The printer will print a test pattern, allowing you to check if any
nozzles are clogged.
Herearesampleprintouts.
If the printout is satisfactory, proceed to the next section, “Print
head alignment.”
If the nozzle check page does not print satisfactorily (for example,
if any segment of the printed lines is missing), click Cleaning to
clean the print heads.
If print quality hasn’t improved after repeating the nozzle
checking and cleaning procedures four or five times, contact your
dealer.
Segments are missing
Good sample Print head needs to be cleaned.
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Print head alignment
The printer will print test patterns,
allowing you to check if the print head is
aligned.
Here are sample printouts.
From each pattern on the printed test
sheet, choose the vertical line that is
aligned best. For each pattern, select the
corresponding line number from the
appropriate drop-down list box in the Print Head Alignment
dialog box, then click Finish to put the new settings into effect.
Note:
If you cannot find a line which is aligned
correctly, select the number of the line which
is the closest to being correct and click
Realignment. The alignment test sheet will
be printed again.
Printing Your First Page
After making sure your printer is operating correctly, you are
ready to print your first page. To familiarize yourself with the
printer software, we recommend printing one of the sample files
provided with your printer software. To print a sample file, follow
the instructions in this section.
If you choose to print your own document instead, open the
document in your application, then proceed to step 4 in the
relevant section below, making changes where appropriate.
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Note:
❏ See your software manual for details on how to use your application
software.
❏ Depending on the type of document you are printing and the type
of paper you are using, youmay have to make settings different from
those described in this section.
Follow these steps to print the sample file.
1. Make sure A4 or letter size plain paper is loaded in the printer.
2. Insert the printer driver CD-ROM. If the Installer dialog box
appears, click Quit.
3. Double-click the My Computer icon. Right-click the CD-
ROM icon and click Open.
4. Double-click the sample.bmp file to open it.
5. To change the printer driver settings, open
theFilemenuandclickPrint.APrint
dialog box similar to the one below opens
(This example is from Paint).
6. Make sure EPSON Stylus COLOR 480 is selected in the Name
list box, then click Properties. The printer driver opens.
7. Click the Main tab, then click anywhere in the Media Type
box and select Plain Paper.
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