Epson FX 1170 User Manual

LQ-870/1170
U s e r’ s
M a n
u
a
I
4000377 rn*
®
EPSON
LQ-870/1170
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs or expenses incurred by purchaser or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product
or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product.
Seiko Epson Corporation and its affiliates shall not be liable against any damages arising from the use of any options other than those designated as Original Epson Products or Epson Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.
Epson and Epson ESC/P are registered trademarks, Seiko Epson Corporation.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes
only and may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Copyright © 1991 by Epson America, Inc., Torrance, California. All rights reserved.
and
ESC/P 2 is a trademark, of
User’s Manual
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
applicables aux appareils numeriques brouillage radioelectrique edict6
appareil numerique n’emet
par le
pas de bruits
de
Classe B prescrites dans le reglement sur le
Ministere des
radioelectriques d&passant les limites
Communications du Canada.
ii
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, it normally asks you what 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 83 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 St x 11, 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
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.
iii
Where to Get Help for United States Users
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
P
Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized Epson Reseller or
Service Center
P
Technical assistance with the installation, configuration, and
operation of Epson products
LI
Information on application software drivers
P
Sales of the Epson ESC/P Reference Manual, which has
comprehensive information on all commands, including ESC/P
P
Epson technical information library fax service
P
Product literature with technical specifications on our current
and new products
2
(800) 922-8911:
P
Sales of ribbons, supplies, parts, documentation, and accessories
for your Epson product
P
Customer Relations.
iv

Contents

Introduction
Features Options Finding Warnings,
Printer
Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking Choosing Assembling Testing
Connecting Configuring
Chapter 2 Paper Handling
Selecting
Using
Using
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets......
Printing
........................................................................................
........................................................................................
Your
Cautions,
Parts.................................................................................
the
a
Place
the
the
Printer..
the
Your
a
Paper Single Continuous
on
Sheets
Special
Around..
Way
and
Printer.. ..........................................................
for the Printer..
Printer..
................................................................
Printer
Software
Feeding
.................................................................
Paper
Paper..
......................................................
Notes
.........................................................
to
..........................................................
................................................
.........................................
Your
Method .......................................
Computer..
for the Printer..
.......................................................
........................
.......................
1
1 2
3 3 4
1-1 1-2
1-4 1-6 1-10 1-14 1-15
2-1
2-2 2-3
2-7
............ 2-21
2-24
Chapter 3 Using the Printer
Control
DIP
Micro
Tear
Typestyles Data
Panel..
Switches
Feed..................................................................................
Off......................................................................................
Dump Mode..
............................................................................
..............................................................................
.................................................................................
..................................................................
3-1 3-2
3-6
3-13
3-16
3-19
3-23
Contents v
Chapter 4 Using the Printer Options
4-1
Cut-sheet Feeder Additional Tractor Unit
Interface Card
Chapter 5 Maintenance and Transportation
Cleaning the Printer Replacing Transporting the Printer
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
Problems and Solutions Power
Printing Paper Handling Options
Chapter 7 Technical Specifications
Printer Specifications Interface Specifications Optional Specifications Initialization
the Ribbon..
Supply ..........................................................................
.....................................................................................
....................................................................................
.....................................................................
.........................................................
..........................................................................
...............................................................
...........................................................
........................................................
..........................................................
.......................................................................
..............................................................
...........................................................
..........................................................
.............................................................................
4-2 4-13 4-16
5-1 5-2
5-3 5-4
6-1
6-2
6-3 6-4 6-8 6-10
7-1 7-2
7-10 7-14 7-16
Chapter 8 Command Summary
Using the Command Summary Commands Arranged by Topic
Appendix
Character Tables International Character Sets
Glossary
Index
Contents
vi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8-1
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
8-2 8-3
A-1
A-2 A-6
GL-1
IN-l

Introduction

Your new Epson® 24-pin dot matrix printer combines a compact design and high performance with a wide range of features.

Features

These features make your Epson printer an outstanding value:
Fast printing speed. Print up to 330 characters per second in 12 cpi draft mode.
Easy paper handling. Four paper paths to suit your printing needs: top, rear, bottom, and front loading.
Flexibility. Load single sheets from the top or front paper slots
without removing your continuous paper supply.
Epson’s ESC/P 2. The first dot matrix printer control language to offer scalable fonts and enhanced graphics.
Compatibility. Supports the Epson ESC/P commands widely used in application programs written for other Epson LQ printers.
More about ESC/P 2
Epson’s enhanced printer control language, ESC/P 2, offers two scalable fonts in sizes from 8 to 32 points. You can use this feature if your application program supports scalable fonts. For DOS-based word processing programs, new ESC/P 2 drivers may be available to enable your program to use your printer’s scalable fonts. Call
(800) 922-8911
For many graphics-based programs, such as Microsoft Windows,
ESC/P 2 works with your software to provide enhanced graphics printing capability. In the Windows environment, you’ll be able to print the Microsoft scalable fonts instead of the Epson fonts.
to ask about special ESC/P 2 drivers.
Introduction 1
Introduction
If you’re an experienced printer user, you may also want to order
the Epson ESC/P Referrence Manual for complete programming information. Call the number above to purchase the reference manual.

Options

For additional information on these options, see Chapter 4. Single-Bin Cut-Sheet Feeder
(C806371 for LQ-870, C806391 for LQ-1170) This economical cut-sheet feeder automatically feeds up to 50
sheets of paper into your printer without reloading. High-Capacity Cut-Sheet Feeder
(C806381 for LQ-870, C806401 for LQ-1170) This cut-sheet feeder automatically feeds up to 150 sheets of paper or 25 plain bond envelopes without reloading. You can create a double-bin cut-sheet feeder by connecting this cut­sheet feeder to the single-bin model.
Additional Tractor Unit
(C800201 for LQ-870, C800211 for LQ-1170) This option improves the performance of 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.
Film Ribbon Cartridge
(#7768 for LQ-870, #7770 for LQ-1170)
A film ribbon cartridge produces even higher quality printing
than the standard fabric ribbon.
Interface Card
(C823051/C823071)
Optional interface cards are available to supplement the
printer’s built-in parallel interface.
2
Introduction
Introduction

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!!!’
CAUTIONS must be observed to avoid damage to your
equipment.
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the
operation of your printer.
Introduction 3
Introduction

Printer parts

paper guide
paper tension unit
tractor
edge guides
front cover
paper thickness lever
ACinlet
rant
edge guide
fl
front
paw
1
Note: In some countries, the power cord is attached.
Introduction
4
I
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.
Introduction 5
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 this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
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.
6
Introduction
Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking
Checking Removing
Choosing
a
Assembling
Installing Attaching
Testing
the
Plugging
Running Connecting Configuring
Choosing
the
Printer.. ..........................................................
the
parts..
the
protective
Place
the Printer.. the
ribbon cartridge..
the
paper guides..
.............................................................
material.....................................
for the
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.........................................................
...........................................
..............................................
Printer..................................................................
in
the printer
.......................................................
the self test ..........................................................
the Printer
Your
to
Software
fromamenu..
Your
Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
for the
Printer.. .......................
.....................................................
1-2
1-2 1-3
1-4
1-6
1-6 1-9
1-10 1-10 1-11
1-14
1-15
1-15
Setting Up the Printer
1-1

Unpacking the Printer

Checking the parts

When you unpack the printer, make sure that you have all the parts shown below and that none has been damaged.
Paper guide
Power cord
Note: In some locations, the power cord is attached to the printer.
Store the packing materials in case you ever need to transport your
printer.
Printer
1-2
CAUTION: It is not possible to adjust voltage of the
printer for use at another voltage. If the label on the back of the printer does not show the correct voltage for your country,
Setting Up the Printer
contact
your dealer.
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:
l Make sure you remove all packing and protective materials
from your printer before turning on the power.
l
Save all packing and protective materials to protect your printer should you need to transport it elsewhere in the future.
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:
Place the printer on a flat, stable surface.
l
Place the printer close enough to the computer for the printer
l
cable to reach. Leave adequate room around the printer to allow for easy
l
operation and maintenance.
CAUTION: Avoid locations that are subject to direct
sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, or dust.
,
Use a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug. Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or
automatic timers. Accidental disruption of power can wipe out information in the memory of your computer or 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
Note: If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines:
Use a stand that supports at least twice the weight of the
l
printer.
17.8 kg (39.3
24.6 kg (54.2
Never use a stand that tilts the printer at an angle of more
l
than 15 degrees from horizontal. If you install a cut-sheet feeder, keep your printer absolutely level.
If you position the paper supply below the printer stand,
l
make sure that you allow enough clearance (1.2 inches or
30 mm) between the underside of the stand and the top of the paper supply to keep the paper from catching on the underside of the stand. Also check that the distance between the stand’s supports is at least 280 mm (11 inches), to accommodate any paper size you may use.
Position your printer’s power cord and interface cable so that
l
they do not interfere with paper feeding. If possible, secure the cables to the printer stand.
lbs)
for the
lbs)
for the LQ-1170
IQ-870
Align the paper stack with the tractor sprocket units, so that
l
the paper has a straight path into the printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-5

Assembling the Printer

After choosing a good place for your printer, you install the ribbon cartridge and paper guide.

Installing the ribbon cartridge

Before installing the ribbon cartridge, make sure that the printer is not plugged into an electrical outlet.
1. Lift the printer cover straight up and off.
Grasp the tabs on each side of the paper-tension unit as shown
2.
below. Press up firmly with your thumbs to lift the front of
the unit; then pull the paper-tension unit up and off of the printer.
_
_.
Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
3.
1-6
Setting Up the Printer
Assembling the Printer
CAUTION: Never move the print head while the printer
is turned on or you 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.
4.
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 and push it firmly down into position; then press on both ends of the cartridge to fit the plastic hooks
5.
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
6.
Slide the print head from side to side to make sure it moves
smoothly. Also check that the ribbon is not twisted or creased.
7.
Replace the paper-tension unit by placing it on the printer’s mounting pegs; then lowering it into place. Press down both ends of the paper-tension unit firmly until you feel it snap click into place.
-
-
-
8.
Replace the printer cover by first inserting the front tabs into the slots on the printer, then lowering it into place.
1-8
Setting Up the Printer
Assembling the Printer

Attaching the paper guides

Your printer comes with two paper guides so you can load single sheets from the top or front of the printer.
Top paper guide
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 lower it back to lie flat on the printer.
Front paper guide
The front paper guide fits inside the front of the printer, and may be installed over the tractor unit. Hold the paper guide as shown and slide it into place between the metal slots on either side of the opening, fitting the plastic notches over the mounting posts.
Setting Up the Printer
1-9

Testing the Printer

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

Plugging in the printer

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

Running the self test

You can run the self test with either 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 on single-sheet paper, loaded from the top. See Chapter 2 for full
details on paper handling.
The printer prints the self test in the currently selected font.
1.
Make sure that the printer is turned off. Move the paper­release lever to the single-sheet position.
2.
Hold down the LF/FF button while you turn on the printer. The
printer beeps several times and the
POWER
and
PAPER OUT
lights come on.
The self test begins by printing on the first and last lines of page
1. The printer then prints the DIP-switch settings and character
samples on page 2.
Setting Up the Printer
1-11
Testing the Printer
Move the left edge guide until it locks in place next to the
3.
arrow guide mark. Then adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper.
CAUTION: Run the self test using paper at least 210 mm
(8
i
inches) wide for the LQ-870 or 360 mm (14 inches) wide for the LQ-1170; otherwise the print head prints directly onto the platen.
-
-
Insert a sheet of paper down between the edge guides until it
4.
meets 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
The self test prints the current DIP-switch 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, press the PAUSE button. To
resume the test, press the PAUSE button again.
6. Press the LOAD/EJECT button to eject the paper. Then turn off the printer to end the self test.
Here is part of a typical self test:
Roman
I”#$%&‘()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJK
~“#$x&‘()*+,
Lfl$%&‘( )*+,
#$%8c’()*+,-
$%L’()*+,-.
%&‘(
)*+,-./0123456789: ;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP
I%‘( )*+,-.
Sans
Serif
‘(I*+,-.
o*+,-•
)*+,-. *+,-. +,-.
/0123456789
/0123456789
/0123456789:
/0123456789
-./0123456789
-./0123456789:;
./0123456789
/0123456789:;<
/0123456789:;
/0123456789
:;c=>?mABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUV
:;c=>?BABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQR
:;c=>?OABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRS :;c=>?OABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRST ;c=>?OABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTU
:;<=>?BABCDEFGHIJKL
c=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLM
:;<=>?BABCDEFGHIJKLMN
=>?BABCDEFGHIJKLMNO
*=>?BABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQ
Note: If the self test does not print properly, see Chapter 6.
Setting Up the Printer
1-13

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

If the self test printed correctly, you are ready to connect your printer to the computer. Use a shielded twisted-pair parallel cable to connect your computer to your printer’s built-in parallel interface.
Connect the parallel interface cable as described below:
1.
Make sure both the printer and computer are turned off; then plug the cable connector securely into the printer. Squeeze the wire clips together until they lock in place on either side of the connector.
Note: If your cable has a ground wire, attach it to the ground connector beneath the interface connector.
2.
Plug the other end of the cable into the computer. (If there is a
ground wire at the computer-end of the cable, attach it to the
ground connector at the back of the computer.)
1-14
Setting Up the Printer

Configuring Your Software for the Printer

Most application programs let you specify the type of printer you use so that the program can take full advantage of the printer’s features. Many of these programs provide an installation or setup
section that presents a list of printers.

Choosing from a menu

Although you can use an application program even if it does not list your printer on its printer selection menu, to take full advantage of your printer’s features (including ESC/P 2), choose the LQ-870/1170 or LQ-570/1070 when you set up your program. If your printer is not listed, call the software manufacturer or call Epson at (800) 922-8911 to see if an update is available. Until you receive an update choose from the following list (the printers are listed in the order of preference):
LQ-850/l050
LQ-510/1010 LQ-500
LQ-2550 LQ-2500
LQ-800/1000 LQ-1500
LQ
If none of these printers is listed, select the first one available from the following list: FX, LX, RX, MX, Epson printer, Standard printer, Draft printer. Because the printers in this list are 9-pin printers, your graphics printing will not be correct.
Setting Up the Printer
1-15
Chapter 2
Paper Handling
SelectingaPaper Feeding
Setting the paper-release
Method
lever
Using Single Sheets ................................................................
Loading single sheets from the Loading single sheets from the front
Using Continuous
Tractor position
Changing tractor
Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
and
available paper paths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
....................................... 2-2
.......................................... 2-2
2-3
top
.................................. 2-3
...............................
2-5
2-7 2-7
2-8 Loading continuous paper with the front push-tractor. 2-11 Removing continuous paper
from the front
push-tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2-13
Loading continuous paper with the rear push-tractor . . . 2-14 Removing continuous paper
from
the
rear
push-tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading continuous paper with the pull tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2-16
2-17
Removing continuous paper from the pull tractor . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets.. .......... 2-21
Switchingtosingle Switching
to continuous paper..
sheets.................................................. 2-21
........................................ 2-23
Printing
Setting
on
Special Paper..
the
paper-thickness
..................................................... 2-24
lever..
.................................... 2-24
Multi-part forms.. ............................................................... 2-25
Labels.. Envelopes
.................................................................................. 2-26
............................................................................. 2-27
Paper Handling 2-1

Selecting a Paper Feeding Method

Your printer comes with four paper paths so that you can print on almost any type of paper:
l Choose the top or front paper guide to print on single sheets
l Choose the tractor unit to load continuous paper from the
front, rear, or bottom.
You can mount the tractor unit in three different positions to suit your particular needs: use it as a front push-tractor, rear push­tractor, or top pull-tractor.
Once you select a feeding method, you simply set the paper­release lever, load your paper, and print. You can even print on single sheets without removing your continuous paper supply.

Setting the paper-release lever

You set the paper-release lever to determine the active paper path
in your printer. The printer automatically loads paper from the
position you choose. The figure below shows which setting to use
for single sheets and the various tractor positions.
2-2 Paper Handling
Selecting a Paper Feeding method
l Single-sheet position
For all single sheets, whether loaded from front, top, or either of the optional cut-sheet feeders.
l Front push-tractor position
For continuous paper with the tractor unit installed in the front.
l Rear push-tractor position
For continuous paper with the tractor unit installed in the rear.
0
Pull-tractor position
For continuous paper with the tractor unit installed on the top. In this case, you can load paper from
either the front, rear, or bottom.
Paper Handling 2-3

Using Single Sheets

Your printer accommodates single sheets up to a maximum width of 257 mm (10.1 inches) on the LQ-870 and 420 mm (16.5 inches) on the LQ-1170. You can load single sheets from either the top or front of the printer.
If the paper-tension unit is removed, you need to replace it before you print on single sheets. See page 1-8 in Chapter 1.

Loading single sheets from the top

1. Place the paper-release lever in the single-sheet position. Make sure the paper guide is in the upright position.
2.
Turn on the printer. The POWER light on the control panel comes on.
2-4
Paper Handling
Using Single Sheets
3.
Move the left edge guide until it locks in place next to theMove the left edge guide until it locks in place next to the arrow the paper guide. Next adjust the right edge guide toarrow the paper guide. Next adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper.match the width of your paper.
4.
Slide a sheet of paper down between the edge guides until it
meets resistance. The printer loads the paper automatically and
you are
CAUTION: Use the knob on the left side of the printer only to clear paper jams when the printer is off. Otherwise you may damage the printer or lose the top­of-form position.
If the platen turns but the printer doesn’t load the paper, completely remove the paper and reinsert it more firmly.
To eject the paper, press the
LOAD/EJECT
button.
Paper Handling 2-5
Using Single Sheets

Loading single sheets from the front

1.
Place the paper-release lever in the single-sheet position and open the front cover.
2.
Turn on the printer. The POWER light on the control panel comes on.
3.
Move the edge guide until you feel it click into place above the arrow mark on the paper guide. You can slide the edge guide to the left in left margin on your printout.
2-6
Paper Handling
l/lo-inch
increments to increase the size of the
Using Single Sheets
4.
Align the left edge of the paper with the edge guide and insert
the page firmly until it meets resistance. The printer loads the
paper automatically. You are now ready to print.
CAUTION: Use the knob on the left side of the printer
only to clear paper jams when the printer is off.
Otherwise you may damage the printer or lose the top­of-form position.
If the platen turns but the printer doesn’t load the paper, completely remove the page and reinsert it more firmly.
To eject the paper, press the
LOAD/EJECT
button.
Note: The printer’s paper guide serves as a built-in stacker and
can hold up to 50 sheets of ejected paper.
Paper Handling 2-7

Using Continuous Paper

You can load continuous paper through either the front, rear, or bottom paper slot, depending upon the position of the tractor unit
and the placement of your paper supply. Your printer can handle continuous paper up to 254 mm (10.0
inches) wide on the LQ-870 and up to 406 mm (16.0 inches) wide on the LQ-1170.
To print on continuous paper, you can install the tractor unit in
one of the following positions-
the paper-release lever correctly before you print. See Setting the
paper-release lever at the beginning of this chapter for a description of each position.

Tractor position and available paper paths

Below are the possible ways of feeding continuous paper. Always
set the paper-release lever to the position indicated for the paper­feed method you want to use.
front, rear, or pull. Be sure you set
Tractor
position
Pull-tractor
t
Position
of
paper-
r8
dease
level
2-8 Paper Handling
Paper paths
Using Continuous Paper
Note: Make sure you align your paper supply with the paper
loaded in the tractor so that the paper can feed smoothly into
the printer. If you want to feed paper through the bottom paper slot, use a printer stand that has a large enough opening for paper to feed from the bottom without obstruction.
Using the paper-path guide
You can lift the paper-path guide on the printer cover to change the direction that continuous paper is ejected, as shown below.
Forward ejection
Rear ejection

Changing tractor positions

Before installing the tractor in a different position, remove it from its current position by pressing the lock tabs while you lift it out.
Installing in the front push-tractor position
1.
Make sure the printer is turned off. Open the front cover and remove the paper guide by grasping the fins on both sides and pulling it straight out of the printer.
Paper Handling 2-9
Using Continuous Paper
2.
Press in the tractor’s lock tabs as you push the tractor into the printer’s mounting slot.
To remove the tractor unit, press the tractor’s lock tabs, tilt the unit forward, and lift it out of the printer.
See page 2-12 for instructions on loading continuous paper with the front push tractor.
Installing the push-tractor in the rear position
1.
Make sure the printer is turned off. Lift the paper guide up and off the printer.
2.
While pressing in the tractor’s lock tabs, lower the tractor straight down into the printer’s mounting slots.
-
2-10
Paper Handling
~..
Using Continuous Paper
See page 2-15 for instructions on loading paper with the rear-push tractor.
To remove the tractor unit, press the tractor’s lock tabs, tilt the unit back, and lift it off the printer.
Installing the pull-tractor
You can also use the tractor unit as a pull-tractor. To do this, you remove the paper-tension unit and install the tractor unit in its place. Follow the steps below to install the pull-tractor:
1.
Make sure the power is turned off. Lift the printer cover and
paper guide up and off the printer.
2.
Grasp both ends of the paper-tension unit and lift it up and off the printer. Store the paper-tension unit in safe place.
3.
An arrow on each side of the mounting slots shows you where to install the tractor. While pressing in the tractor’s lock tabs, tilt the tractor unit forward and lower it straight down into the slots.
See page 2-18 for instructions on loading paper with the pull-
tractor.
To remove the tractor unit, press the tractor’s lock tabs, tilt the unit back, and lift it off the printer. Then replace the paper tension unit.
Paper Handling
2-11
Using Continuous Paper

Loading continuous paper with the front push-tractor

1. Make sure the printer is turned off and remove the front cover and the front paper guide.
2. Make sure the tractor is in the front push-tractor position and the paper-release lever is in the front push-tractor position.
2-12
Paper Handling
Using Continuous Paper
3.
Release the sprocket units by pushing the sprocket locks backward.
4.
Slide the left sprocket unit to approximately 12 mm (0.5 inch) from the far left position and pull the lever forward to lock it in place. Now slide the right sprocket unit to approximately match the width of your paper, but do not lock it. Move the paper support so it is midway between the sprocket units.
12 mm (0.5 inch)
Paper Handling
2-13
Using Continuous Paper
Make sure your paper has a clean, straight edge. Open both
5.
sprocket covers and fit the first four holes of the paper over the sprocket pins.
6.7.Close the sprocket covers.
Adjust the right sprocket to remove any slack in the paper.
Lock the sprocket unit in place by pulling the sprocket lock forward.
8.
Attach the front paper guide and the front cover.
9.
Turn on the printer. When the printer receives data, it
automatically loads the paper before printing.

Removing continuous paper from the front push-tractor

1.
To remove continuous paper, press the TEAR OFF button to feed
the paper’s perforation to the tear-off edge of the printer cover.
Note: If the page perforation does not meet the tear-off edge,
you can adjust the tear-off position using the micro-feed feature. See Chapter 3.
2. Tear off the paper.
3. Press the LOAD/EJECT button to feed the continuous paper backward out of the printer and into the standby position.
2-14
Paper Handling
Using Continuous Paper

Loading continuous paper with the rear push-tractor

1. Make sure the printer is turned off and the paper guide is
removed.
2.
Make sure the tractor is in the rear push-tractor position and the paper-release lever is in the rear push-tractor position.
3. Release the sprocket units by pulling the sprocket locks
forward.
Paper Handling
2-15
Using Continuous Paper
4.
Slide the left sprocket to approximately 12 mm (0.5 inch) from
the far left position (use the alignment marks on the printer
case). Push the lever back to lock it in place. Then slide the
right sprocket unit to match the width of your paper, but do not lock it. Move the paper support so it is midway between the sprocket units.
5.
Make sure your paper has a clean, straight loading edge. Open the sprocket covers and fit the holes of the paper over the sprocket pins.
2-16 Paper Handling
Using Continuous Paper
6. Close the sprocket covers.
7.
Adjust the right sprocket to remove any slack in the paper; then lock it in place.
8.
Attach the paper guide in its flat position over the printer.
Slide the edge guides to the center.
9.
Turn on the printer. When the printer receives data, it loads the paper automatically before printing.
Note: You can also advance the paper to the loading position by
pressing the
LOAD/EJECT
button.
CAUTION: Use the knob on the left side of the printer
only to clear paper jams when the printer is off. Otherwise you may damage the printer or lose the top­of-form position.

Removing continuous paper from the rear push-tractor

1.
To remove continuous paper, press the TEAR OFF button to feed the paper’s perforation to the tear-off edge of the printer cover.
Note: If the page perforation does not meet the tear-off edge, you can adjust the tear-off position using the micro-feed feature. See Chapter 3.
2. Tear off the paper.
3.
Press the
LOAD/EJECT
button to feed the continuous paper
backward out of the printer and into the standby position.
CAUTION: Make sure you tear off your printed
document before pressing the Reverse-feeding several pages at a time may cause a
uauer iam.
LOAD/EJECT
button.
Paper Handling
2-17
Using Continuous Paper
Loading continuous paper with the pull tractor
1.
Make sure the printer is turned off and the printer cover and paper guide are removed.
2.
Make sure the tractor is installed in the pull-tractor position and the paper-release lever is set to the pull-tractor position.
3.
Release the sprocket units by pulling the sprocket locks forward.
2-18
Paper Handling
Using Continuous Paper
4.
Slide the left sprocket unit to approximately 12 mm
(OS
from the far left position (use the alignment marks on the printer case). Push the sprocket lock back to lock it in place.
Then slide the right sprocket unit to match the width of your
paper, but do not lock it. Move the paper support so it is midway between the sprocket units.
inch)
5.
Make sure your paper has a clean, straight edge. Insert the
paper into the desired paper slot (front, bottom, or rear) until it emerges between the platen and the ribbon guide. Pull the paper up until the perforation between the first and second pages is even with the top of the printer’s ribbon.
Paper Handling
2-19
Using Continuous Paper
6. Open the sprocket covers and fit the holes of the paper over
the sprocket pins.
7. Close the sprocket covers.
8. Adjust the right sprocket unit to remove any slack in the
paper; then lock it in place.
9. Attach the paper guide in the flat position. Then slide the edge
guides to the center of the paper’s width.
10. Turn on the printer.
11. Make any adjustments to the loading position with the micro-
feed feature, as described in chapter 3.
12. Install the printer cover.
CAUTION: Use the knob on the left side of the printer
only to clear paper jams when the printer is off. Otherwise you may damage the printer or lose the top­of-form position.
2-20
Paper Handling
Using continuous Paper
Adjusting the top-of-form position
The top-of-form position is the position the printer feeds the paper to when it loads the paper or performs a form feed. This position is important because it determines where the printing begins on the page.
You may need to adjust the top of form to a certain position for printing on ready-made forms. To do this, see Adjusting the loading position on page 3-14.
Removing continuous paper from the pull tractor
1. Tear off the printed document or excess paper at the tear-off
edge.
2.
Hold the LF/FF button to feed the continuous paper forward to be ejected.
Note: When you are printing with the pull tractor, do not use
the TEAR OFF and LOAD/EJECT buttons.
Paper Handling
2-21

Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets

Even with continuous paper loaded in the printer, you can easily switch to single-sheet printing without removing the continuous paper from the tractor. This feature can be used whenever the tractor unit is installed on the front or the rear or when using both the front and rear (with the optional tractor).

Switching to single sheets

To switch from continuous paper to single sheets, follow the steps below.
1.
If you have a printed document still in the printer, press the TEAR OFF button to feed the paper forward to the tear-off position. Tear off the document and press the TEAR OFF button again to feed
the continuous paper backward to the loading position.
CAUTION: Make sure you tear off your printed
document before pressing the LOAD/EJECT button. Reverse-feeding several pages at a time may cause a
paper jam.
2. Now press the LOAD/EJECT button to feed the continuous paper out of the printer and into the standby position. The paper is still attached to the tractor but no longer in the paper path.
t
l
0
2-22
CAUTION: Never feed labels backward through the
printer. Labels can easily come off the backing sheet and jam the printer.
Paper Handling
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
3.
Push the paper-release lever back to the single-sheet position.
4. You can now load single sheets from either the front or top as
described in Using Single Sheets, earlier in this chapter.
Paper Handling
2-23
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets

Switching to continuous paper

You can also easily switch back to printing on continuous paper.
1.
If you have a single sheet still in the printer, press the LOAD/EJECT button to eject it.
2.
Lift up slightly on the paper guide and then lower it until it lies flat on top of the printer. Slide the left and right edge guides together so that they meet at the middle.
3.
Set the paper-release lever to either the front or rear push­tractor position, depending on which tractor position you are using.
Your printer loads the continuous paper automatically.
2-24
Paper Handling

Printing on Special Paper

In addition to printing on single sheets and continuous paper, your printer can also print on a wide variety of paper types, such as envelopes, labels, and multi-part forms. Before printing on special types of paper, you may need to change the paper-thickness setting.
CAUTION: When printing on labels or multi-part forms, make sure that your printing stays within the printable area of the page to prevent damage to the print head. For more information on the printable area, see Chapter 7. Always return the paper-thickness lever to position 0 when you return to printing on ordinary paper.

Setting the paper-thickness lever

To accommodate various thicknesses of paper, the printer is equipped with a paper-thickness lever that can be set to six positions. These positions are identified by the scale on the printer next to the lever.
Paper Handling
2-25
Printing on Special Paper
Use the following table to set the paper-thickness lever to match
the thickness of your paper according to the table below:
Paper type*
Ordinary (single sheets or continuous)
Ordinary (with film ribbon) -1 Thin paper Carbonless multi-part forms
2 sheets
3 sheets
4 sheets Labels Envelopes
*See Chapter 7 for complete paper specifications
(original (original (original
+1copy) +2copies) +3copies)
Lever position
0
-1 or0
1
2 3
2 2to5
Note: If the paper-thickness lever is set to the second position above, the MULTI-PART light comes on and print speed is reduced.

Multi-part forms

-
You can use carbonless multi-part forms of up to four parts
(including the original). Make sure you set the paper-thickness lever to the proper position described in the table above.
Except for the paper-thickness setting, you load multi-part paper the same way as ordinary paper. For details, see the sections on loading continuous paper and loading single sheets earlier in this chapter. Pay special attention to setting the top-of-form position.
CAUTION: Do not load individual multi-part forms
from the top. Use the front loading slot instead. Be sure that the multi-part forms do not exceed 0.32 mm (0.0128 inches) in thickness.
2-26
Paper Handling
Printing on Special Paper

Labels

When printing labels, always choose the type mounted on a continuous backing sheet with sprocket holes for use with a tractor. Do not try to print labels as single sheets because labels on a shiny backing sheet do not feed properly.
You can load labels from the front (push tractor or pull tractor), or bottom (pull tractor) paper slot; however, for best results you
should use the tractor in the pull-tractor position. You load labels the same way that you load continuous paper, except you must also set the paper-thickness lever to 2 before printing labels.
See Loading continuous paper with the pull tractor earlier in this
chapter for details.
Never feed labels backward with the LOAD/EJECT or TEAR OFF buttons. Labels can easily peel off the backing and jam the printer.
Because labels are especially sensitive to extreme temperature and humidity, always use them under normal operating conditions.
Do not leave labels loaded in the printer between jobs; they curl around the platen and may jam when you resume printing.
To remove labels from the paper path after you finish printing, first tear off the labels at a point before the paper slot. Then use the LF/FF button to advance the remaining labels out of the printer.
Paper Handling
2-27
Printing on Special Paper

Envelopes

You can load envelopes individually using the single sheet loading
feature from the top paper guide only. If you want to load several envelopes at the same time, you can install the optional single-bin cut-sheet feeder. See Chapter 4 for a description of loading
envelopes with the cut-sheet feeder.
Before loading an envelope, set the position of the paper-thickness
lever to position 2, 3, or 4, depending on the thickness of the
envelope. To load an envelope, follow the steps described in
loading single sheets from the top, earlier in this chapter.
Note:
The print head must not print past the left or right edge of
l
the envelope or other thick paper. Make sure that your application program keeps printing entirely within the printable area of the envelope you are using.
Always keep the longer side of the envelope horizontal.
l
If you use No. 6 envelopes, make sure the left edge guide is
l
aligned with the arrow on the paper guide.
2-28 Paper Handling
Chapter 3
Using the Printer
Control
Lights..
Buttons.. ...............................................................................
Other
DIP
Changing
DIP-switch DIP-switch
Micro Feed
Using Adjusting
Tear
Using Using Adjusting
Typestyles..
Character Character
Panel..
control-panel
Switches ...........................................................................
micro
Off..
the the
.........................................................................
..................................................................................
features
a
DIP-switch
tables................................................................
functions..
.............................................................
feed.. ...............................................................
loading
the
.................................................................................
tear-off
TEAR
......................................................................
fonts.. pitch..
OFF
tear-off position .........................................
the
..................................................................
..................................................................
........................................................
position..........................................
mode..
button................................................
.............................................
setting
...................................................
.........................................
3-2 3-2
3-3 3-5
3-6 3-6
3-7 3-9
3-13 3-13 3-14
3-16 3-16 3-17 3-18
3-19 3-19 3-22
Data
Dump
Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Using the Printer 3-1

Control Panel

The indicator lights give you the current status of the printer. The buttons let you control many of the printer settings.

Lights

POWER
On when the power switch is on and power is supplied.
DATA
On when data is present in the printer’s memory buffer.
MULTI-PART
On when the paper-thickness lever is set to position 2 or higher. When this light is blinking, you can use the micro-feed feature.
PAPER OUT
On when the printer runs out of paper.
PAUSE
On when you press the PAUSE button. This light stays off unless you
TEAR OFF
On when you press the TEAR OFF button to feed continuous paper
to the tear-off position.
(green)
(orange)
(green)
(red)
(orange)
press the
(orange)
PAUSE
button to prevent printing.
3-2
Using the Printer
Control Panel
BIN 1
(green) On when bin 1 of the optional cut-sheet feeder is selected for paper feeding.
BIN 2
(green)
On when bin 2 of the optional cut-sheet feeder is selected for
paper feeding.
Font
(green)
Shows which font is selected.
Pitch
(green)
Shows which pitch is selected.

Buttons

PAUSE
Press this button to temporarily stop printing. Press this button again to resume printing.
LOAD/EJECT
Press this button to load paper, if it is not loaded, or to eject it if paper is loaded. If the paper-release lever is set to the single-sheet position, paper is ejected. If the paper-release lever is set to the front-tractor or rear-tractor position, paper moves back to the
standby position.
LF/FF
Press this button briefly to feed the paper forward one line. Hold this button down to eject a single sheet of paper or advance continuous paper to the top of the next page.
(Line feed/Form feed)
Using the Printer
3-3
Control Panel
ALT
Holding down this button while pressing certain other buttons results in the following alternate functions:
BUFFER CLEAR (ALT + PAUSE)
Clears the printer’s buffer and initializes the printer settings, including top-of-form setting
MICRO FEED:
(ALT + LOAD/EJECT)
Feeds paper forward in l/180-inch increments
(ALT + LF/FF)
Feeds paper backward in l/180-inch increments
see Micro Feed later in this chapter for details
TEAR OFF
(Bin Select) Use this button to select the paper bin when both optional cut­sheet feeders are installed and you are printing on single sheets. When printing on continuous paper, press this button once to feed paper from the loading position to the tear-off position. Press this button again to feed the paper backward to the loading position.
FONT
Press this button to select one of the 10 built-in fonts. If an optional font module has been installed, select it by choosing SLOT.
PITCH
Press this button to select one of the six character pitches
(characters per inch).
Note: The font names on the control panel are meant as guides only; your actual printed results may differ slightly in appearance.
3-4 Using the Printer
-.
Control Panel

Other control-panel features

The control panel also gives you access to two special functions. Self test:
Data dump:
Hold down the
LF/FF
(for LQ mode) or
LOAD/EJECT
(for Draft mode) button while you turn on the printer to perform the self test. The self test lets you check that your printer is operating properly and gives you a printout of the current DIP-switch settings. See the section on testing the printer in Chapter 1 for more information.
Hold down both the
LF/FF
button and
LOAD/EJECT
button while you turn on the printer to enter data
dump mode. The data dump mode allows advanced users to find the cause of communication problems between the printer and the computer. The data
dump mode is explained at the end of this chapter.
Using the Printer 3-5

DIP Switches

By changing the settings of the two sets of DIP switches, which are inside the compartment on the control panel, you can control various printer features, such as the character set and the page length. These new settings become effective when the printer is turned on, reset, or initialized.

Changing a DIP-switch setting

1.
Make sure the printer is turned off.
2. Open the DIP-switch cover.
3.
Use a pointed instrument, such as the tip of a pen, to turn a switch on or off. The tables on the following pages give the DIP-switch functions for each setting.
4. Close the DIP-switch cover. The new DIP-switch settings take effect when the printer is turned
on.
3-6 Using the Printer
DIP Switches

DIP-switch tables

The tables below show the settings for each DIP switch function.
The current settings appear on your self-test printout.
Table 1 DIP Switch 1 setting
International character sets/ character tables
See tables 3 and 4
Table 2 DIP Switch 2 setting
SW
2-1
Page length (for continuous
Description
2.2 paper)
2-3 Tear off 2-4 Auto
linefeed
* Asterisks indicate the default settings.
ON
See Table 5
ON ON
OFF
OFF* OFF*
Page
3-8
3-12 3-12
Using the Printer
3-7
DIP Switches
Table 3 International character sets
Table 4 Character tables
Character table SW l-1
SW
1-2
SW 1-3
SW
1-4
Italic
PC 437 (United States) PC 850 (Multilingual) PC 860 (Portugal)
PC 863 (Canada-French) PC 865 (Norway)
Set international character sets according to Table 3
ON ON ON ON
OFF
ON ON
ON OFF ON OFF OFF ON
ON ON
OFF ON
Settings not shown above select PC 437 (United States).
Table 5 Page length for continuous paper
Page length
3-8
Using the Printer
1 sw2-1 I sw2-2 I
OFF
ON
ON
ON
DIP Switches

DIP-switch functions

This section describes the different features you can control with the printer’s DIP switches.
International character sets
You can choose from eight international character sets by setting
DIP switches l-l, 1-2, 1-3, and 1-4, according to DIP-switch Table
3. See the Appendix for character samples.
The character sets you can select with DIP switches are USA,
France, Germany, United Kingdom, Denmark I, Sweden, Italy, and Spain I. However, you can also select the following sets only with the ESC R software command: Japan (English), Norway, Denmark II, Spain II, Latin America, Korea, and Legal.
Character tables
Your printer has five graphics character tables in addition to the italic character table. You can select these character tables by
setting DIP switches 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, and 1-4, as listed in Table 4.
To select a graphics character table, you must first turn DIP switch
1-4 on.
Tables of these characters are included in the Appendix.
Using the Printer
3-9
DIP Switches
Print direction for graphics
The printer ordinarily prints text bidirectionally for speed and prints graphics characters unidirectionally for precise vertical alignment. You can, however, change text printing to unidirectional with the software command ESC U 1.
If you want to increase printing speed, you can change graphics character printing to bidirectional by turning DIP switch 1-5 on. If DIP switch 1-5 is off, graphics character printing is unidirectional whether or not you use ESC U o.
High-speed draft
By setting DIP switch 1-6 on, you can print at up to 330 cps
(characters per second) if you select the 12 cpi draft font. The printer reduces the number of dots in each draft character to increase the printing speed.
If you select emphasized printing or condensed printing during
high-speed draft mode, printing speed temporarily switches to normal draft speed until the enhancement is turned off. Also, if a
line contains superscript, subscript, dot-graphics, or downloaded
characters, printing speed switches to normal draft speed for that
line only.
Input buffer capacity
The input buffer stores data sent from your computer. If you want
to free your computer for other tasks while the printer prints, turn
DIP switch 1-7 off to select the 8 KB input buffer.
3-10
Using the Printer
DIP Switches
Skip-over-perforation
Turning DIP switch 1-8 on when you are using continuous paper
enables the skip-over-perforation function. Use this function to leave a one-inch (25.4 mm) space between the last printable line on one page and the first printable line on the next page so that the printer skips over the perforation.
Most application programs take care of the top and bottom
margins. Do not turn on skip-over-perforation unless your program
does not provide these margins. You can adjust your top-of-form position with the MICRO FEED
buttons if you want half of the space at the bottom of one page and half at the top of the next page.
Continuous paper page length
When you are printing on continuous paper, DIP switches 2-1 and
2-2 let you select one of the four page lengths described in
DIP-switch Table 5.
Tear off
You can turn DIP switch 2-3 on to select tear-off mode. See page
3-16 for a complete description of using the tear-off mode.
Tear-off mode is available only with continuous paper loaded with the rear or front push-tractor.
Using the Printer
3-11
DIP Switches
Auto line-feed
When auto line feed is on (DIP switch 2-4 on), the printer follows each carriage-return code (CR) received with a line feed code (LF).
If your printer is double spacing, turn DIP switch 2-3 off. If each
line overprints the next, turn DIP switch 2-4 on.
3-12
Using the Printer

Micro Feed

The micro-feed feature allows you to move the paper forward or backward in 1/180-inch increments. You can use this feature to
adjust the loading and tear-off positions. When you make adjustments to the loading or tear-off positions
for continuous paper, the printer remembers the new position even if you turn off the printer. The printer automatically advances paper to the new position when the power is turned on again.
When you adjust the loading position for single-sheet paper, the printer remembers the new position only until you turn off the power. The loading position returns to the factory setting when
the power is turned on again.

Using micro feed

To use the micro-feed feature, you press the ALT button in combination with the the printer’s control panel. Follow the steps below to see how the
MICRO FEED
1.
Make sure that printing has stopped before you adjust the position of the paper.
button operates:
LOAD/EJECT
or
LF/FF
button, as indicated on
Using the Printer
3-13
Micro Feed
2.
While holding down the
button to feed the paper forward or press the LF/FF button to feed the paper backward, as indicated by the arrows above the
buttons.
ALT
button, press the
LOAD/EJECT

Adjusting the loading position

The loading position is the position of the paper after it is
automatically loaded by the printer. If your printing is too high or low on the page, you can change the loading position with the micro-feed feature as follows:
1. Make sure the printer is turned on.
2.
Load either continuous or single-sheet paper (load continuous paper by pressing the light begins to blink.
LOAD/EJECT
button). The
MULTI-PART
Note: You can adjust the loading position only while the MULTI-
PART
3-14
light is blinking.
Using the Printer
Micro Feed
3.
While holding down the
ALT
button, press the
LOAD/EJECT
button to move the loading position down on the page, or press the LF/FF button to move the loading position up on the
page.
The printer remembers the new loading position and advances all
subsequent pages to the new position.
Note:
l The printer has a minimum and maximum loading position.
If you try to advance the loading position beyond these limits, the printer beeps and the paper stops moving.
l
When the paper reaches the factory-set loading position, the printer beeps and paper feeding pauses briefly. Use the
factory setting as a reference point when adjusting the loading position.
Using the Printer
3-15

Tear Off

After you finish printing, the tear-off feature advances continuous paper to the tear-off edge of the printer. You can then easily tear off printed sheets. When you resume printing, the printer automatically feeds paper back to the loading position.
This feature lets you save the paper normally lost between
documents. You can use the tear-off feature in either of two ways:
l Turn DIP switch 2-3 on to select tear-off mode.
l
Press the
0

Using the tear-off mode

TEAR OFF
button on the control panel.
CAUTION:
l The tear-off feature can be used only with the front
or rear push-tractor feeding
l Never use the tear-off feature with labels. When fed
backward, labels may come off the backing and jam the printer.
systems.
When you select tear-off mode with DIP switch 2-3, the printer automatically advances continuous paper to the tear-off position when you finish printing.
The printer advances paper to the tear-off position whenever the
printer receives a full page of data or a form feed, and then
receives no more data for three seconds.
Enter tear-off mode by performing the following steps:
1.
Make sure the printer is turned off. Turn DIP switch 2-3 on. Also, make sure the page length for continuous paper is selected correctly (DIP switches 2-1 and 2-2).
2. Turn the printer on.
3-16
Using the Printer
Tear Off
3. Print on continuous paper loaded on the front or rear tractor
(as described in Chapter 2). When you finish printing, the printer advances the final printed page to the tear-off position.
4. Tear off all printed pages.
Note: If the perforation does not meet the tear-off edge, you
can adjust the tear-off position using the micro-feed feature as described later in this chapter.
5. When you resume printing, the printer automatically feeds the paper back to the loading position and begins printing.
You can leave tear-off mode turned on (DIP switch 2-3 on) even when you are using single sheets or the pull tractor because
tear-off mode is disabled when you set the paper-release lever to the single-sheet or pull-tractor position.

Using the TEAR OFF button

Whether or not the printer is in tear-off mode, you can use the TEAR OFF button to advance continuous paper to the tear-off position following the steps below:
1.
Make sure printing has finished. Press the TEAR OFF button. The printer advances the paper to the tear-off edge and the
TEAR OFF
2. Tear off all printed pages.
light comes on.
Note: If the perforation does not meet the tear-off edge, you
can adjust the tear-off position using the micro-feed feature as described in the next section of this chapter.
3. When you resume printing, the printer automatically feeds the
paper back to the loading position and begins printing. (You can also manually feed the paper back to the loading position by pressing the
TEAR OFF
button again.)
Using
the
Printer
3-17
Tear Off

Adjusting the tear-off position

If the paper’s perforation does not meet the tear-off edge, follow the steps below to adjust the tear-off position:
1.
Make sure the paper is in the tear-off position and the TEAR
OFF
light is on.
2.
While holding down the
ALT
button, press the
LOAD/EJECT
button to move the tear-off position down on the page, or press the LF/FF button to move the tear-off position up on the page. The printer remembers the new tear-off position even after the printer is turned off.
3. Tear off any printed pages.
4.
When you begin printing, the printer automatically feeds the paper back to the loading position and begins printing.
Note:
l The printer has a minimum and a maximum tear-off
position. If you try to advance the tear-off position beyond the limits, the printer beeps and the paper stops moving.
-.
l When the paper reaches the factory-set tear-off position, the
printer beeps and paper feeding pauses briefly. Use the factory setting as a reference point when you adjust the tear-off position.
3-18
Using the Printer

Typestyles

You can produce a wide range of typestyles by selecting different character fonts, widths, and other enhancements from the control panel.
The font names on the control panel are meant as guides only;
your actual printed results may differ slightly in appearance.
Note: The settings you select from the control panel remain
valid even after you turn off the printer.
Some application programs control all typestyle functions. Because program commands often override panel settings, you should use your application program’s print options instead of the control panel to select typestyles. If your panel setting does not work, check your software user’s manual for instructions on selecting typestyles.

Character fonts

The printer has ten built-in fonts: draft, Courier, Roman, Sans Serif, Prestige, Script, Script-C, Orator, Orator-S, and OCR-B. To select a font, press the FONT button until the green indicator light of your desired font comes on. Note that font selection skips over SLOT unless an optional font module is installed in that slot.
The Roman and Sans Serif fonts are scalable. The minimum size of each font is 8 points and the maximum size is 32 points. You can
use your application program (if it supports the LQ-870/1170) to increase the size of the font in two-point increments, as shown in
the
following sample:
Using the Printer
3-19
Typestyles
Roman
AA
Sans
A
There are two printing speeds for the draft font; high-speed draft and normal draft, controlled by the DIP switch 1-6 setting.
The following shows sample characters for each font. Normal Draft (DIP switch
'"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJK
ILMN~Pc~RsTuVWXYZ[\]~
wxyr{l}"aC~~~aaa~s~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~f~F~~~~
AAAA
serif
A
AAAAA
l-6
A
OFF)
‘abcdefghi jklmnopqrstuv
Epson Roman proportional
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?8ABCDEFGHIJK LMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_'abcdefghijklmnopqrstuv
wxyz{l}"oCiie~~LC~~~~~~~~~~o~~~~~~~~~~i
3-20
Using the Printer
Epson Sans Serif
!“#$%&‘()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?gABCDEFGHIJK
LMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^-‘abcdefghijklmnopqrstuv
WX~~{:}-~CU~~BBB~~~~~~~~A~~~&~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Typestyles
Epson
Epson
Sans
Serif proportional
!“#$%&‘()*+,-./0123456789:;c=>?@ABCDEFGH LMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^-‘abcdefghijklmnopqrstuv wxyz{t}-p~Ue~LBBB~g9ei”i~~A~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~j
Prestige
I
JK
!"#$%%'( )*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJK LMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]"-‘abcdefghijklmnopqrst,uv wxyz(~}"h~~~~88~~~~~~~l~A$~~~~~~~~uu~~~R~~f
Epson Script-C
! “#$w’ ( ) j:+, -a /0123456789: ; <=>?@ABCDEFGHIJK
LMNOPQRSTt.IVWX?E \I *-’
wKyx{~}-DCii&ciiihbceeertt;QA~~oouuyt)l2~~YPtf6i
Epson Orator
! “#WV ( )*+,-.
/012~4~6789:;<=,?@ABCDEFGHIJK
LMNOPQRsTUVWXYZ[\]
wxYz{;]
n~ai~~AA~~~~~~iAA~~~ooouuYou~~~~~~~
4 0 . 8. 4 .
abcdefgfii
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUV
j RI
. .I . ,. . .a
n .
. \ h \ . . -*
mnopqrst
*a
uv
Epson Orator-S
!
“#$%&’
()$+,--.
/012?456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJK
LMNOPQRt$TUVWXYZ[\] y,scpcdefghij
wxyz(t
OCR-B
!“#SX&‘O*+,-.
LMNOPQRSTUVWXYZC\l”
wxyzCl~“aC~Ct~a~C~C~~~;~~~~~~~~~~~~~~f~~~~~
} 6Ca~8s~8c~~eiiiAA~a~~o~~~~~~~~~~~~
/0123456789:;<=>?aABCDEFGHIJK
‘abcdefghijklmnopqrctuv
Using the Printer
klmnopqrstuv
3-21
Typestyles

Character pitch

You can select a character pitch from the control panel. To select a pitch, press the PITCH button until the indicator light next to the desired pitch comes on.
The table below shows the character pitches available for each
font.
Script-C
Orator
Orator-S OCR-B
In the
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
lo-, 12-, 15-, 17-,
0
or
20-cpi
0
0 0
modes, each character gets an
0
equal amount of space. In proportional mode, the spacing varies from character to character. A narrow letter like the lowercase receives less space than an uppercase W.
The printout below compares the different pitches:
This is 10
This is 12
This is IS
This is 17 This is 20
cpi printing.
cpi
cpi
cpi
printing.
cpi
printing.
printing.
printing.
This is proportional printing.
3-22 Using the Printer
i

Data Dump Mode

Data dump mode is a special feature that allows experienced users to find the cause of communication problems between the printer and application programs.
In data dump mode, the printer produces an exact printout of the codes it receives. To use data dump mode, follow these steps:
1. Make sure the printer is off.
2.
Hold down the on the printer. The printer beeps three times.
3. Load the paper.
4.
Next, run either an application program or a program you have written in any programming language. Your printer prints all the codes it receives in hexadecimal format, as shown below.
Data
Dump Mode
1B
40
1B
54
6C 65
70 20 69 732066 65 61 74 73 20 65 61
52
68 69
73
20
6F
20 70 72
LOAD/EJECT
00 18 74
20 69
73
66 20 61 69 6E 74
73 79
20 66
01
lB
20
61
20 64
6F
75 75
6F
and
LF/FF
36
12 16 50 202020
6E 20 65
61 74 61 74 2E 20 72 65 20 6D 72
OD OA
78 61
20 64 75 54 68 69
61
buttons while you turn
.@.R..t..6..P
70
6D
6D
73 65 is
68
This is
le
of data
p s easy for..
an examp
a
printout. This
feature
dum
make
5.
To turn off data dump mode, press the PAUSE button to stop printing and eject the paper; then turn off the printer.
By reading the characters printed in the text field on the right side of the data dump printout (shown in step 4) or the printout of hex codes, you can check which codes are being sent to the printer.
In the text field, characters appear as their true ASCII characters, if they are printable. Nonprintable codes, such as control codes, are represented by dots.
Using the Printer
3-23
Chapter 4
Using the Printer Options
Cut-Sheet
Installing Loading paper with the single-bin cut-sheet feeder.. Loading paper or envelopes with the high-capacity
cut-sheet feeder.. .............................................................
Assembling the Switching between continuous paper and the
cut-sheet feeder..
Additional
The Using
Interface Cards ........................................................................
Installing
C823051/C823061
Feeders..
a
cut-sheet
Tractor Unit
tractor positions
two tractor units
an
.................................................................
..............................................
cut-sheet feeder
paper paths
combination..
in
................................................
interface
.............................
.........................
card..
.......................... 4-18
double-bin
.............................................................
interface
serial
feeder
.........................................................
and
card
..................
....
4-2 4-2
4-3
4-6
4-9 4-11 4-13
4-13 4-14
4-16
4-16
Using the Printer Options
4-1

Cut-Sheet Feeders

Two cut-sheet feeders are available for use with your printer:
Printer
LQ-870 C806371
LQ-1170 C806391
The single-bin cut-sheet feeder holds up to 50 single sheets of paper. When this cut-sheet feeder is installed alone, you can still
manually insert single sheets using the paper guide. The high-capacity cut-sheet feeder holds up to 150 sheets of paper.
You can also load up to 25 envelopes automatically with this cut-sheet feeder.
You can also connect both cut-sheet feeders and operate them as a double-bin cut-sheet feeder (see Assembling the double-bin cut­sheet feeder). This allows you to load two different types of paper
automatically. Follow the directions included with your cut-sheet feeder to
assemble it; then install the cut-sheet feeder as described in this chapter.
Single-bin High-capacity
C806381 C806401

Installing a cut-sheet feeder

Installation of each cut-sheet feeder-single-bin, high-capacity, or double-bin-is basically the same. Install your cut-sheet feeder by following the steps below.
1.
Make sure the printer is turned off. Remove the paper guide and printer cover.
2. If the tractor unit is installed in the top-tractor position,
remove it and re-install it in the front- or rear-tractor position and install the paper-tension unit.
Note: Keep the paper guide handy; if you install the single-bin
unit, you need to re-install the paper guide after you load paper.
Also, you will need it if you ever remove the cut-sheet feeder.
4-2
Using the Printer Options
. .
Cut-Sheet Feeder
3.
Make sure the paper-release lever is in the single-sheet position.
4.
Hold the cut-sheet feeder in both hands. Press down on the latch levers and fit the notches in the cut-sheet feeder over the mounting posts on the printer. Release the latch levers to lock
the cut-sheet feeder in place.
5.
Replace the printer cover by first inserting the front tabs into the slots on the printer, then lowering it into place.
You are now ready to load paper with your cut-sheet feeder.
To remove a cut-sheet feeder, reverse the steps above.

Loading paper with the single-bin cut-sheet feeder

Load paper using the single-bin cut-sheet feeder as follows:
1. Make sure the paper guide is removed.
Using the Printer Options
4-3
Cut-Sheet Feeder
2.
Slide the left paper guide so it is aligned with the triangle
mark. Next, slide the right paper guide to roughly match the
width of your paper. Slide the paper support midway between the paper guides.
3.
Pull the paper-set levers all the way forward until the paper guides retract and lock open.
4.
Take a stack of paper and fan it. Next, tap the side and bottom of the paper on a flat surface to even up the stack.
4-4
Using the Printer Options
Cut-Sheet Feeder
CAUTION: Do not use envelopes multi-part forms,
carbon paper, or labels in the single-bin cut-sheet feeder.
5.
Insert up to 50 sheets of paper along the left paper guide.
6.
Adjust the position of the right paper guide so that it matches your paper’s width. Make sure the position of the guide allows
the paper to move up and down freely.
7.
Push the paper-set levers back to clamp the paper against the guide rollers.
8.
Attach the stacker-support wires to the edge guides of the
paper guide. Then place the notches on the paper guide straight down over the mounting posts on the printer to reinstall it. Slide the edge guides to the middle of your paper.
You can still insert single sheets using the rear paper guide or the front paper slot. The cut-sheet feeder automatically loads paper when you send print data to the printer (as long as the PAUSE light is not lit). You can also load paper from the cut-sheet feeder by pressing the
LOAD/EJECT
button.
Using the Printer Options
4-5
Cut-Sheet Feeder

Loading paper or envelopes with the high-capacity cut-sheet feeder

1.
Pull the lock levers forward on the left and right paper guides
to release them.
2.
Slide the left paper guide until it is aligned with the triangle
mark; then lock it in place by pushing back on its lock lever.
Next, slide the right paper guide to roughly match the width of
your paper. Slide the paper support midway between the paper
guides.
“‘.--
--
4-6
Using the Printer Options
Cut-Sheet Feeder
3. Pull the paper-set levers all the way forward until the paper
guides retract and lock open.
4. Take a stack of paper and fan it. Next, tap the side and bottom
of the paper on a flat surface to even up the stack.
CAUTION: Do not use multi-part forms, carbon paper,
or labels in the cut-sheet feeder.
5. Insert up to 150 sheets of paper, 25 plain bond or 30 air mail
envelopes along the left paper guide.
6. Adjust the position of the right paper guide so that it matches
your paper’s width and lock it in place. Make sure that the position of the guide allows the paper to move up and down freely.
Using the Printer Options
4-7
Cut-Sheet Feeder
If you are loading envelopes, push the envelope levers back.
7.
Push the paper-set levers back to clamp the paper or envelopes
8. against the guide rollers.
Note: You can also insert single sheets using the front paper slot
or the slot between the paper guide and stacker.
-
-
The cut-sheet feeder automatically loads paper when you send print data to the printer (as long as the PAUSE light is not lit). You can also load paper from the cut-sheet feeder by pressing the
LOAD/EJECT
button.
4-8 Using the Printer Options
-.
Cut-Sheet Feeder
Assembling the double-bin cut-sheet feeder
You can attach the single-bin cut-sheet feeder and high-capacity cut-sheet feeder to create a double-bin cut-sheet feeder. Follow
these steps:
1.
Remove the gear cover from the back of the high-capacity
cut-sheet feeder and store it in a safe place.
Hold the single-bin cut-sheet feeder in both hands. Fit the
2. notches in the single-bin cut-sheet feeder over the mounting posts on the rear of the high-capacity cut-sheet feeder.
Using the Printer Options
4-9
Cut-Sheet Feeder
3. Press the two cut-sheet feeders together while pushing firmly on the tab locks. Make sure the two cut-sheet feeders are
securely locked together.
4. Install the assembled double-bin cut-sheet feeder on the
printer. See Installing a cut-sheet feeder in this chapter.
5.
Load paper into each bin. See the sections on loading paper in this chapter.
You can now use either cut-sheet feeder to load paper.
Note: You can also insert single sheets using the front paper
slot.
The high-capacity cut-sheet feeder becomes BIN 1 and the single­bin cut-sheet feeder becomes BIN 2. Select the bin number by pressing the BIN SELECT button. The indicator light of the selected bin comes on.
You can also specify the bin number by using software commands as described in Chapter 8, or by using your application software as described in your software user’s manual.
4-10 Using the Printer Options
Cut-Sheet Feeder

Switching between continuous paper and the cut-sheet feeder

This printer allows you to switch easily between the cut-sheet feeder and the tractor-feeding system without removing either the feeder or the continuous-paper supply.
Switching to continuous paper
1.
If a single sheet is in the paper path, press the LOAD/EJECT button to eject it.
2.
Place the paper release lever in the front or rear push-tractor
position.
3. Open the paper-path guide to eject the continuous paper
forward.
Using the Printer Options
4-11
Cut-Sheet Feeder
Switching to the cut-sheet feeder
1.
If any printed sheets remain in the printer, press the TEAR OFF button to advance the continuous paper to the tear-off position.
2. Tear off the printed pages.
3.
Press the
paper backward to the standby position. The paper is still
attached to the push tractor but is no longer in the paper path.
LOAD/EJECT
button. The printer feeds the continuous
CAUTION: Never feed labels backward. Labels can
easily come off their backing and jam the printer. See the instructions below.
4. Place the paper-release lever in the single-sheet position. If you are printing labels, follow these instructions to remove to
the label supply and switch to the cut-sheet feeder:
1.
Press the LF/FF button until the last printed label is at the point
where you can tear it off easily.
2.
Always remove labels by tearing off the fresh supply at a perforation below the push-tractor.
3.
Press the LF/FF button to eject the remaining labels The labels are no longer attached to the push-tractor.
4.
Place the paper-release lever in the single-sheet position.
4-12
Using the Printer Options

Additional Tractor Unit

You can improve the performance of continuous paper handling by using two tractor units at the same time. An additional tractor unit is available as an option. This is especially useful for continuous pre-printed forms, multi-part forms, and labels. Use of two tractor units at once is also recommended to print the highest quality graphics.
Also, if you install the tractor units in the front and rear push-
tractor positions, you can load two types of continuous paper at the same time and switch between them by moving the paper-
release lever.

The tractor positions and paper paths

Below are the various ways of feeding continuous paper with two tractor units.
or Rear push-tractor
Using the Printer Options
4-13
Additional Tractor Unit

Using two tractor units in combination

1.
Install one tractor unit in the pull-tractor position as described in Chapter 2. Install another one in the front or rear position.
2.
Place the continuous paper on the sprocket units of the front
or rear push-tractor unit (see Using Continuous Paper in Chapter 2).
3.
Turn on the printer. Press the LOAD/EJECT button to load paper; then hold down the LF/FF button to feed one page of paper.
CAUTION: Use the knob on the left side of the printer
only to clear paper jams when the printer is off. Otherwise you may damage the printer or lose the top­of-form position.
Release the sprocket lock levers of the pull tractor and adjust
4.
the sprocket units to match the width of the paper. Be sure
that the sprocket units on both the tractors are aligned so that the paper is not crooked.
Fit the holes of the paper over the tractor pins of the sprocket
5.
units and adjust the sprocket units as necessary (see Using Continuous Paper in Chapter 2).
Close the sprocket covers.
6.
4-14
Using the Printer Options
Additional Tractor Unit
7.
If there is slack in the paper between the push and pull tractors, place the paper-release lever in the pull-tractor position and use the micro-feed feature to advance the paper until slack is removed. Then place the paper-release lever back in its original position.
8.
See that the paper is not crooked or wrinkled and lock the sprocket units in place.
9.
Reinstall the printer cover and the paper guide.
Using the Printer Options
4-15
Interface Card
You can use optional interface cards to supplement your printer’s built-in parallel interface.
The Epson interfaces below are compatible with your printer.
_.
Model number
I
If you are unsure whether you need an optional interface or would like to know more about interfaces, contact your dealer.
Note: These interfaces are not available in some countries.

Installing an interface card

1.
Make sure the printer is turned off. Unplug the printer’s power
cable and disconnect the interface cable.
I
Name
I
4-16
Using the Printer Options
Interface Card
2.
Remove the screws from the interface cover and remove it.
3.
Insert the interface card into the slots on both sides of the interface compartment. Slide the card in firmly until the connector at the rear of the interface card fits into the printer’s internal socket.
4.
Replace the cover and secure the screws to complete installation,
Note: If the original screws do not fit, use the screws provided
in the interface package.
To remove the interface card, first unplug the power cord; then
perform the reverse of the steps above.
Using the Printer Options
4-17
Interface Card
The C823051 serial interface card
If you are using an optional interface, it may be necessary for you to alter the communication protocol of the printer or computer so they can communicate properly. In most cases, you should use the information in your optional interface manual or your computer’s manual to match the computer with the interface.
If you are using the C823051 optional interface card with your
printer, make sure that you read through the section below on
baud-rate selection. You may also want to refer to the section on handshake timing and error handling for interface information specific to your printer.
For all other data transfer conventions, such as word structure or communications protocol, see the manual supplied with your
C823051
optional interface.
Baud rate selection
You can select from the following baud rates:
2400, 4800, 9600,
the baud rate, see the baud rate selection table in the C823051 interface manual.
and
19,200
bps (bits per second). When you set
150, 300, 600, 1200,
Handshake timing
When the vacant area for data in the input buffer drops to 256 bytes, the printer outputs an X-OFF code or sets the DTR flag to
“1” (MARK) indicating that it cannot receive data. Once the vacant area for data in the buffer increases to 528 bytes,
the printer outputs an X-ON code or sets the DTR flag to “0”
(SPACE) indicating that it is again ready to receive data.
Error handling
When a parity error is detected, your printer prints an asterisk (*). All other errors, including framing and overrun errors, are ignored.
4-18 Using the Printer Options
Chapter 5
Maintenance and Transportation
Cleaning Replacing
Transporting
the
the
Printer
Ribbon
Printer
the
...............................................................
Cartridge..
........................................................
..........................................
5-2
5-3
5-4
Maintenance and Transportation
5-1

Cleaning the Printer

To keep your printer operating at its best, you should clean it thoroughly several times a year.
Make sure the printer is turned off. Then remove the paper
1.
guide, printer cover, tractor unit, and any installed options. Use a soft brush to carefully clear away all dust and dirt.
2. If the outer case or paper guide is dirty or dusty, clean it with
3.
a soft, clean cloth dampened with a mild detergent. Keep the printer cover in place to prevent water from getting inside the printer.
WARNING: Be careful not to get water on the printer
mechanism or electronic components.
t
0
0
5-2 Maintenance and Transportation
CAUTION:
l Never use alcohols or thinners to clean the printer;
these chemicals can damage the components as well as the case.
l Do not use a hard or abrasive brush. l Do not spray the inside of the printer with lubricants;
unsuitable oils can damage the mechanism. Contact your dealer or a qualified service person if you think lubrication is needed.

Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge

When your printing becomes too faint, you need to replace the
ribbon cartridge. The following Epson replacement ribbon cartridges are recommended:
Printer Standard fabric
LQ-870
LQ-1170 # 7754 To replace the ribbon cartridge, follow the steps described in
Installing the ribbon cartridge in Chapter 1.
#
7753
Film
#
7768
#
7770
Note:
l Use the optional film ribbon when you need especially high-
quality printing. For everyday operations, use the standard ribbon.
l Do not use ribbons designed for nine-pin printers.
Maintenance and Transportation 5-3
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