Epson FX-1170 Owner's Manual

User’s Guide Update
Please update your User’s Guide with the following information.
These page-length settings have been added to your printer:
5.5, 7, 17, 14, 8, 6, 4, 3.5, and 3 inches. See “Default-Setting Mode” in Chapter 3 for the groups of
available printer features. The page length feature has been deleted from Group 1 and now appears in a new group (Group 1 Extension). See the following table for a complete list of Group 1 Extension settings.
Group 1 Extension Settings Page length
Changing Group 1 Extension default settings
1.
Make sure the printer is turned off.
2.
To enter the Group 1 Extension default-setting mode, turn on the printer while you hold down the FONT and
PAPER FEED
11, 12, 8.5, 70/6(A4), 5.5, 7, 17, 14, 8, 6, 4,
3.5, and 3 inches
buttons. The printer beeps once.
3.
Load single-sheet or continuous paper. The printer then automatically loads the paper and prints a quick
reference.
Copyright © 1995 by Seiko Epson Corporation.
4004313
CO1 -00
Group
Feature
Page
length
4.
Exter
FONT
light
OFF
ON
Press the
FONT
CONDENSED,
show your selection.
button to select the page length. The
and
READY
lights turn on, off, or blink to
FONT,
For example, if you select 8 inches, the FONT light is on and
the CONDENSED
5.
After you Extension default-setting mode by turning off the printer.
Note:
If you want to check the new default settings, enter the default-setting mode again and print the quick reference. After that, turn off the printer to exit the default-setting mode.
have
and
READY lights
made your selection, exit the Group 1
are off.
FCC Compliance Statement
For United States Users
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures.
.
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different 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 equipment interface cable to this equipment will invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused interfaces. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
For Canadian Users
This 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 numerique limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de
reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique
Communications du Canada.
n’emet
pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les
Classe
B prescrites dans
edict6
par le
Minis&e
des
le
Important Safety Instructions
.
Read all of these instructions before you set up your printer.
.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the printer.
.
Unplug the printer from the wall outlet before you clean it, and use a damp cloth for cleaning, not liquid or aerosol cleaners.
.
Do not use your printer near water or spill any liquid on it.
.
Do not place the printer on an unstable cart, stand, table or other
surface that may allow the printer to fall.
.
Do not block any slots or openings in the cabinet. These are provided for the ventilation necessary to ensure reliable operation and protection from overheating. Placing the printer on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface may block the openings. Also, do not place the printer in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.
.
Never place the printer near or over a radiator or heat register.
.
Use the type of power source indicated on the label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
.
This printer may be equipped with a plug having a third
(grounding) pin, which fits only into a grounding-type outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, have an electrician replace your obsolete outlet. Do
not defeat the purpose of the grounding-type plug.
l
Do not put your printer where the cord will be walked on.
If you use an extension cord, make sure that the total of the
l
ampere ratings on the products plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the extension cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
Never push objects of any kind into your printer because they
l
may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
Except as specifically explained in the user’s manual, do not
l
attempt to repair the printer yourself. This could expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing in those compartments to service personnel.
Unplug the printer from the wall outlet and have it repaired by a
l
qualified service person under the following conditions:
When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed If liquid has been spilled into it If it has been exposed to rain or water If it 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 printer to normal operation.
If it has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged If it exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a
need for service.
Where United States Users Can Get Help
Epson America provides local customer support and service through a nationwide network of authorized Epson dealers and Service Centers.
Epson also provides the following support services through the Epson Consumer Resource Center at (800) 922-8911:
Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized Epson Reseller or Service Center
Technical assistance with the installation, configuration, and operation of Epson products
Epson technical information library fax service Product literature with technical specifications on our current
and new products Sales of ribbons, supplies, parts, documentation, and accessories
for your Epson product Customer Relations.
For United Kingdom Users
Epson product guarantee
Under the law, goods sold must comply with their description and must be of merchantable quality and fit for their purpose or correspond with any sample.
This guarantee does not affect the seller’s legal obligation or the rights of the consumer in the “consumer transactions” under any Statute, including Sections 12 to 15 of the Sales of Goods Act, 1979.
All Epson Products, other than OEM products, are fully guaranteed against faulty operation or performance for a period of ONE YEAR from date of purchase by the user of the product.
All claims under this guarantee MUST be supported by evidence of purchase, normally the bill of sale invoice, and it is the responsibility of the claimant to furnish such proof. Epson (UK) Limited does not issue or operate any form of guarantee registration card.
Claims are made by the user returning the product to the supplier from whom it was purchased or, if this is impractical, to any Epson supplier who also handles the same product. In the event of any difficulty, users are requested to contact the Service Co-ordinator Manager at Epson (UK) Limited.
Epson (UK) Limited, or Epson Appointed Distributors, will at their discretion repair or replace part or all of the product to provide, in their judgement, a satisfactory performance of the product consistent with its age and apparent usage.
This guarantee covers the cost of both the parts and labour required
to correct any malfunction of the equipment, but specifically
excludes: wear and tear, consumables, physical damage due to
incorrect use or misuse and damage or faulty operation due to
unauthorized and inexpert repair,
The guarantee is restricted to the performance of the product alone, and Epson (UK) Limited does not accept responsibility for any consequential loss or damage, nor claimed or implied performance, when the product is used in any combination with other equipment or program software.
Product guarantee may be invalidated as a result of excessive or
inappropriate use, use in adverse environment or in conditions outside the specifications or if the product has been subjected to unapproved modifications.
The guarantee does not cover visits to the user’s premises or the
repair or commissioning of the product on site.
Use of options
Epson (UK) Limited shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the use of any options or consumable products other than those designated as Original Epson Products or Epson Approved Products by Epson (UK) Limited.
Safety information Warning:
voltage and check that the appliance voltage corresponds to the supply voltage.
Important:
coloured in accordance with the following code: Green and yellow - Earth Blue - Neutral Brown - Live As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may
not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
This appliance must be earthed. Refer to rating plate for
The wires in the mains lead fitted to this appliance are
The green and yellow wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E or with the earth symbol
(&)
or coloured green or green and yellow. The blue wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked
with the letter N or coloured black. The brown wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug
marked with the letter L or coloured red. If damage occurs to the plug, replace the cord set or consult a
qualified electrician. Replace fuses only with a fuse of the correct size and rating.
Tips for Printing on Single Sheets
There are a few things you should know about printing on single
sheets as opposed to continuous paper. When you print on single sheets, you may notice that your printer prints the first page of your file correctly but then prints too low on the next page, or that it prints the last few lines from one page onto the next.
These differences in print position are easy to adjust; you can simply
change some of the settings in your application program as described below to get the right results.
1.
When you install an application program, you normally need to identify the printer you are using. Make sure you choose the correct printer. See Chapter 1 for the right printer to choose.
2.
Many programs include an option to set the maximum lines per page. If your program has a lines-per-page setting and you are using standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper, set the lines per page to 61.
Note: To find the right lines-per-page setting for paper that is not
8.5 x 11 inches, create a test document using your application program. Set your top and bottom margins to 0 and then create a file of numbered lines from 1 to 66. When you print your file, notice the last number printed on the first page. This is your maximum lines-per-page setting.
3.
If your program doesn’t have a lines-per-page setting, try decreasing the top margin or increasing the bottom margin, or both, until you get the results you want.
4.
You can also try adjusting the form length setting. For a standard 8.5 x 11-inch page, try setting the form length at 10 inches.
5.
Some programs also let you indicate whether you are using single sheets or continuous paper. Make sure you choose single sheets.

Contents

Introduction
Features Options Finding Your Way Around Warnings, Cautions, and Notes Printer Parts
.............................................................................................
..............................................................................................
............................................................
......................................................................................
....................................................
1 2 4 4 5
Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer Choosing a Place for the Printer Assembling the Printer
Testing the Printer Connecting the Printer to Your Computer Configuring
Your Software
................................................................
................................................
..............................................................
......................................................................
.............................
for the
Printer.. ..........................
Chapter 2 Paper Handling
Selecting a Paper Feeding Method Using Single Sheets Using Continuous Paper
....................................................................
...........................................................
..........................................
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets Printing on Special Paper
..........................................................
Chapter 3 Using the Printer
Control Panel
Default-Setting Mode
Micro Feed Tear Off Character Fonts Data Dump Mode
............................................................................... 3-2
.................................................................
...................................................................................
........................................................................................
...........................................................................
.......................................................................
..............
1-1
1-2
1-6 1-10 1-14
1-15
2-1
2-2 2-4 2-6
2-20
2-23
3-1
3-5
3-15 3-18
3-21
3-23
X
Contents
Chapter 4 Using the Printer Options
Cut-Sheet Feeders Additional Tractor Unit Roll Paper Holder Interface Front Sheet Guide
Cards
...................................................................... 4-2
.............................................................
.......................................................................
...........................................................................
.......................................................................
4-1 4-13
4-16
4-22
4-25
Chapter 5 Maintenance and Transportation
Cleaning the Printer Replacing Transporting the Printer
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
Problems and Solutions Power Supply Printing Paper Handling Options
Chapter 7 Technical Specifications
Printer Specifications
Interface Specifications Option Specifications
Initialization
Chapter 8 Command Summary
Using
ESC
/
IBM
the Ribbon
..............................................................................
................................................................... 6-8
.........................................................................................
................................................................................
the Command
P Commands Arranged by Topic
Commands Arranged
...................................................................
Cartridge
............................................................ 5-4
.............................................................
.................................................................
..............................................................
.................................................................
Summary
.............................................
.............................................
.................................
by Topic
......................................
5-1
5-2
5-4
6-1 6-2
6-3 6-4
6-11 7-1
7-2 7-11 7-15 7-18
8-1
8-2 8-3 8-14
Appendix
Character Tablesinthe
Character Tables in the IBM Emulation Mode
Glossary
Index
ESC/P Mode ......................................
.......................
A-1 A-2
A-9
GL-1

Introduction

Your new Epson® 9-pin dot matrix printer combines a compact design and high performance with a wide range of features.

Features

These features give your Epson printer outstanding value:
Fast printing speed. Prints up to 380 characters per second. Easy paper handling. Provides four paper paths to suit your
printing needs: top, rear, bottom, and front loading. Flexibility. You can load single sheets from the top paper slot
without removing your continuous paper supply. Automatic paper loading. Loads single sheets and continuous
paper automatically. Compatibility. Supports the Epson ESC/P® commands widely
used in application programs written for other Epson FX printers.
An IBM@ emulation mode. Provides compatibility with many
application programs written for popular IBM@ printers. Font selection. You can choose two draft and two Near Letter
Quality fonts (Epson Roman and Epson Sans Serif) directly from
the control panel as well as normal or condensed printing. Default settings. You can customize the printer’s default settings
with the control panel buttons. Thickness adjustment. You can set a simple lever to print on a
variety of paper types, including labels, envelopes, and multi­part forms.

Options

You may choose a cut-sheet feeder, an additional tractor unit, a roll paper holder, or a front sheet guide to enhance the use of your printer. For additional information on these options, see Chapter 4.
Single-Bin Cut-Sheet Feeder (C80637* for the standard-width carriage, C80639* for the wide
carriage)
This economical cut-sheet feeder automatically feeds up to 50 sheets of paper into your printer without reloading. You can also manually load single sheets without removing the cut-sheet feeder.
High-Capacity Cut-Sheet Feeder (C80638* for the standard-width carriage, C80640* for the wide carriage)
This cut-sheet feeder automatically feeds up to 150 sheets of paper or 25 plain bond envelopes without reloading. You can also create a double-bin cut-sheet feeder by connecting this cut­sheet feeder to the single-bin model.
Additional Tractor Unit (C80020* for the standard-width carriage, C80021* for the wide carriage)
This option improves continuous-paper handling. It is especially useful with continuous multi-part forms. You can also use it to load two types of continuous paper in the printer at the same time.
Roll Paper Holder (#8310)
Available only for the standard-width carriage, the optional roll paper holder makes it possible to use the many types of 8.5-inch wide roll paper sold for telexes and similar machines.
Interface Card
Optional interface cards are available to supplement the printer’s built-in parallel interface. Guidelines for choosing the right interface and instructions on installing the cards are given in Chapter 4.
Front Sheet Guide (C814001 for the standard-width carriage, C814011 for the wide carriage)
This front sheet guide allows you to load single sheets from the front paper slot.
(This option may not be available in some
countries.)
Front Paper Guide
(C814021 for the standard-width carriage, C814031 for the wide
carriage)
This front paper guide allows you to load single sheets from the front paper slot. (This option is available in North and South American countries only.)
The last figure in option part numbers, represented by an asterisk
(*), varies by country. Contact your local Epson dealer for the part number in your country.

Finding Your Way Around

This manual provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions for setting up and operating your printer.
Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up, testing,
and connecting the printer. Be sure to read this chapter first. Chapters 2 and 3 include important information on paper
handling and day-to-day operation of your printer. Chapter 6 contains troubleshooting information. If the printer
does not operate properly or the printed results are not what you expect, see Chapter 6 for a list of problems and solutions.
Other chapters contain information on installing options, general maintenance, specifications, and printer commands. There is also a glossary of printer terms and an index.

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

WARNINGS must be followed to avoid bodily injury.
I!!!!!!’
t
l
01
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the operation of your printer.
CAUTIONS must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Printer Parts
prilzfel
cover
paper guide
paper-fension unit
tractor
edge guides
lever
control panel
\
\
ribbon cartridge
lever
parallel interfa
A\C inlet
Note: In some countries, the power cord is attached.
Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
Checking the parts
Removing ChoosingaPlace for Assembling the Printer
Installing the ribbon cartridge..
Attaching the paper
Testing the Printer......................................................................
Plugging in the printer
Running the self test ..............................................................
Connecting Configuring Your Software for the Printer
Choosing from
the
protective materials
the
Printer to
...............................................................
.................................................................
....................................
the Printer
..............................................................
guide
..........................................................
Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
a
menu..........................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
............................................
....................................................
............................
1-2
1-2
1-3
1-6 1-6 1-9
1-10 1-10 1-11
1-15 1-15
Setting Up the Printer
l-l

Unpacking the Printer

This chapter contains information on unpacking, setting up, testing, and connecting the printer. Read this chapter first.

Checking the parts

When you unpack the printer, make sure that you have all the parts shown below and that none is damaged.
Printer
Power cord
Note: In some countries, the power cord is attached to the printer.
Store the packing materials in case you ever need to transport your printer.
t
l
1-2
CAUTION: It is not possible to change the voltage of the
printer. If the label on the back of the printer does not show the correct voltage for your country, contact your
dealer.
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer

Removing the protective materials

To prevent damage during shipping, several pieces of protective material are packed with your printer. You must remove these before you put your printer together.
Follow the directions on the Notice Sheet inserted in your printer when removing the protective material.
Note:
Make sure you remove all packing and protective materials
l
from your printer before turning on the power. Store all packing and protective materials in case you ever
l
need to transport the printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-3

Choosing a Place for the Printer

When selecting a place to set up your printer, keep the following in mind:
l
Place the printer on a flat, stable surface.
l
Place the printer close enough to the computer for the printer cable to reach.
l
Leave adequate room around the printer for easy operation, maintenance, and proper ventilation.
t
0
l
CAUTION: Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, or dust.
Use a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug. Place the printer where you can easily unplug the power cord.
Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or automatic
timers. Accidental disruption of power can erase information in the memory of your printer.
Avoid outlets on the same circuit with large motors or other appliances that might cause fluctuations in line voltage.
Keep the entire computer system away from potential causes of electromagnetic interference such as loudspeakers or the base units of cordless telephones.
1-4
Setting Up the Printer
Choosing a Place for the Printer
Setting
UP
the Printer
1-5
Note: If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines:
l Use a stand that supports at least twice the weight of the
printer.
13.6 kg (30 Ibs) for the standard-width carriage
18.4 kg (40 Ibs) for the wide carriage
l Never use a stand that tilts the printer at an angle of more
than 15 degrees from horizontal. If you install a cut-sheet feeder, keep your printer absolutely level.
l Make sure you provide enough clearance below the stand and
between its legs so that your continuous paper feeds
smoothly.
l Position your printer’s power cord and interface cable so that
they do not interfere with paper feeding. If possible, secure the cables to the printer stand.
l Align the stack of paper so that the paper has a straight path
into the printer.

Assembling the Printer

Installing the ribbon cartridge

1.
Make sure the printer is not plugged into an electrical outlet.
2.
Lift the printer cover by its back edge and then pull it straight up and off.
3.
Grasp the tabs on each side of the paper-tension unit as shown below. Press up firmly with your thumbs to lift the front of the unit; then pull the paper-tension unit up and off the printer.
4.
Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
1-6
Setting Up the Printer
Assembling the Printer
t
0
5.
0
CAUTION: Moving the print head while the printer is on might damage the printer. Also, if you just used the printer, the print head may be hot; let it cool for a few minutes before touching it.
Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow to
remove any slack in the ribbon. Next, hold the ribbon cartridge
by its handle (two handles for the wide carriage) and push it
firmly down into position; then press on both ends of the cartridge to fit the plastic hooks into the slots.
6.
Use a pointed object, such as a ball point pen, to guide the ribbon
between the print head and ribbon guide while you turn the
ribbon-tightening knob to help feed the ribbon into place.
Setting Up the Printer
1-7
Assembling the Printer
7.
Slide the print head from side to side to make sure it moves smoothly. Also check that the ribbon is not twisted or creased.
8.
Replace the paper-tension unit by placing it on the printer’s mounting pegs and lowering it into place. Press down on both ends of the unit until you feel it click into place.
9.
Replace the printer cover by first inserting the front tabs into the slots on the printer and then lowering it into place. Finally, push it down until it clicks.
1-8
Setting Up the Printer
Assembling the Printer

Attaching the paper guide

Your printer comes with a paper guide that allows you to load a
single sheet from the top of the printer. Place the notches on the paper guide straight down into the
mounting slots on the printer. You can stand the paper guide in an upright position, or lift slightly and then lower it until it lies flat on the printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-9

Testing the Printer

Before connecting your printer to a computer, use the built-in self test to see that the printer is working properly.

Plugging in the printer

1.
Make sure the printer is turned off.
2.
Check the label on the back of the printer to make sure the voltage required by the printer matches that of your electrical outlet.
t
3.
4.
l
CAUTION: If the rated voltage and your outlet voltage do not match, contact your dealer for assistance. Do not plug in the power cord.
If the power cord is not attached to the printer, connect it to the AC inlet on the printer’s rear panel.
Plug the power cord into a properly grounded electrical outlet.
1-10
Setting Up the Printer
Testing the Printer

Running the self test

You can run the self test with continuous paper or single sheets. Also, you can load paper for the test from the rear, front, top, or bottom. The following steps describe how to run the test using a single sheet of paper, loaded from the top. See Chapter 2 for full details on paper handling.
The printer prints the self test using the currently selected font.
1.
Make sure that the printer is turned off. Move the paper-release lever to the single-sheet position.
2.
Hold down the The printer beeps several times and the
PAPER FEED
button while you turn on the printer.
READY
Setting Up the Printer
light blinks.
1-11
Testing
3.
the Printer
Move the left edge guide until it locks in place next to the arrow guide mark. Then adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper.
CAUTION: Use paper that is at least 210 mm (8.27 inches)
wide for the standard-width carriage or 360 mm (14
Insert a sheet of paper between the edge guides until it meets
4. resistance. After about two seconds, the printer loads the paper automatically and starts the self test.
1-12
Setting Up the Printer
Testing the Printer
Setting Up the Printer
1-13
The printer prints the default settings, followed by font samples
for each of the printer’s available fonts.
5.
The self test continues until the paper runs out or until you press
the
PAUSE
button. When the printer beeps, you can load another sheet of paper to continue printing font samples. When you wish to stop the test temporarily, press the the test, press the
PAUSE
button again.
PAUSE
button. To resume
6. While holding down the
ALT
button, press the
EJECT
eject the paper. Then turn off the printer to end the self test.
Here is part of a typical self test.
--- CIJRRECIT
I”ri.11 ter Character spacinq
SGrip-over--perforation
Shape of Tear off
hut<>
line feed
Paoe
length
mode
zercl
SETTIl’ICi --I-.-
EF’SOCI l3c/I­I.
0 c u i
Ho
skip
0
V&id
Depentl!5
11
on
irlChC?!5
l/I-
button to
Note: If the self test does not print properly, see Chapter 6.
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