Epson Fx1180 Service Manual

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Page 1

Service Manual

FX-880/FX-1180

Epson America, Inc.

TM-FX88/1180

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EPSON

FX-880/FX-1180

Service Manual

Revision Date

1st Release August 1998

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

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1. Product Description................................................................................1-1

2. Operating Principles...............................................................................2-1

3. Disassembly and Assembly....................................................................3-1

4. Adjustments ...........................................................................................4-1

5. Troubleshooting......................................................................................5-1

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

7. Appendix...............................................................................................A-1

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual iii

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EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

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Preface

The EPSON FX-880 and EPSON FX-1180 are identical products, except for their width. To permit printing on wider paper, the FX-1180 has a wider body than the FX-880, but is the same as t he FX-880 in all other respects. Unless noted otherwise, all information and instructions in this manual can be used to service either printer.

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual v

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EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

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FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

FOR AMERICAN USERS

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio and 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 that 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 printer.

FOR CANADIAN USERS

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le materiel brouilleur du Canada.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of Epson America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to use of the information contained herein. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. W hile every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, Epson America, Inc., assumes no responsibility for errors and omissions.

Neither Epson America, Inc., 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.

Epson America, Inc., shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the use of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original EPSON Products or EPSON-Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual vii

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TRADEMARKS

EPSON and ESC/P are registered trademarks and ESC/P 2, EPSON FX-880, and EPSON FX-1180 are trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation. Epson Connection is a service mark of Epson America, Inc.

General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in those marks.

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EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

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PRECAUTIONS

Precautionary notations throughout the text are categorized relative to:

1. personal injury.

2. damage to equipment.

WARNING

Signals a precaution which, if ignored, could result in serious or fatal personal injur y. Great caution should be exercised in performing procedures preceded by a WARNING heading.

CAUTION

Signals a precaution which, if ignored, could result in damage to equipment.

Always observe the precautionary measures itemized below when performing repair/maintenance procedures.

WARNING

1. Always disconnect the product from both the power source and host computer before performing any maintenance or repair procedure.

2. No work should be performed on the unit by persons unfamiliar with basic safety measures dictated for all electronics technicians in their line of work.

3. In performing testing described in this manual, do not c onnect the unit to a power source until instructed to do so. When the power s upply cable mus t be c onnec ted, use ex tr eme caution in working on the power supply and other electronic components.

CAUTION

1. Repairs on EPSON products should be performed only by an EPSON-certified repair technician.

2. Make certain that the source voltage is the s ame as the rated voltage lis ted on the serial num ber/rating plate. If the EPSON product has a prim ary AC rating different from the available power source, do not connect it to the power source.

3. Always verify that the EPSON product has been disconnected f rom the power sour ce befor e r em oving or replacing printed circuit boards and/or individual chips.

4. To protect sensitive µP chip and circuitry, use static discharge equipment, s uch as anti- static wris t straps , when accessing internal components.

5. Replace malfunctioning components only with those components recommended by the manufacturer; introduction of second-source ICs or other nonapproved components m ay damage the product and void any applicable EPSON warranty.

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual ix

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1. Product Description

Features..................................................................................................................................................... 1-1

Accessories................................................................................................................................................ 1-3

Hardware Specifications ............................................................................................................................ 1-4

Printing Method.................................................................................................................................. 1-4

Printing Specifications .......................................................................................................................1-4

Paper Handling Specifications........................................................................................................... 1-5

Paper Specifications..........................................................................................................................1-7

Cut Sheets............................................................................................................................. 1-7

Envelopes.............................................................................................................................. 1-8

Continuous Paper.................................................................................................................. 1-8

Roll paper ............................................................................................................................ 1-10

Ribbon Cartridge.............................................................................................................................. 1-10

Input data buffer............................................................................................................................... 1-10

Electrical Specifications....................................................................................................................1-11

Reliability..........................................................................................................................................1-12

Environmental Requirements ..........................................................................................................1-12

Safety Approvals.............................................................................................................................. 1-13

CE Marking......................................................................................................................................1-13

Acoustic Noise.................................................................................................................................1-13

Firmware Specifications........................................................................................................................... 1-14

Control Codes and Fonts................................................................................................................. 1-14

Interface Specifications ................................................................................................................... 1-15

Parallel Interface (Forward Channel)................................................................................... 1-15

Parallel Interface (Reverse Channel) .................................................................................. 1-17

Interfaces............................................................................................................................. 1-18

Interface Selection............................................................................................................... 1-19

Preventing Data Transfer Timeout in the Host ................................................................................1-19

Control Panel Operation...........................................................................................................................1-20

Control Panel...................................................................................................................................1-20

Overview of Functions..................................................................................................................... 1-20

Operation in Normal Mode ..................................................................................................1-20

Operation at Power-On........................................................................................................ 1-21

Operation in the Default Setting Mode ................................................................................ 1-21

Details of Selected Functions.......................................................................................................... 1-22

Micro-Adjust Function..........................................................................................................1-22

Tear-off Function.................................................................................................................. 1-22

Changing the Default Settings............................................................................................. 1-23

Bidirectional Adjustment Function ....................................................................................... 1-25

Printer States and Error Reporting...........................................................................................................1-27

Initialization......................................................................................................................................1-27

Error Conditions............................................................................................................................... 1-27

Conditions Indicated by the LEDs and Beeper................................................................................1-28

Main Components.................................................................................................................................... 1-29

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

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Product Descriptions

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EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

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Product Description

Features

The EPSON FX-880 and FX-1180 are small-footprint, 9-pin serial impact dot matrix printers. Except for their width, the two printers are exactly the same. The FX-1180 has a wider carriage unit and paper handling mechanism, and prints on wider paper than the FX-880.

The main features of the FX-880 and FX-1180 are:



Print Speed High speed draft 410 cps at 10 cpi

(max. 455 cps at 12 cpi) Draft 310 cps at 10 cpi NLQ 77 cps at 10 cpi



Feeding Method Friction feed (front, rear)

Push tractor feed (front, rear) Push and pull tractor feed (front, rear)* Pull tractor feed (front, rear, bottom) Cut-sheet feeder (CSF, optional)



Feeder Front push tractor, rear push tractor,

CSF bin1/bin2 (optional), roll paper holder (optional) pull tractor (optional)



Paper/Media Single sheet, continuous, and multi-part paper, envelopes, card stock,

labels, and roll paper**



Printable columns FX-1180: 136 columns (at 10 cpi)

FX-880: 80 columns (at 10 cpi)



Built-in fonts Bitmap fonts:

EPSON Draft 10, 12, 15 cpi EPSON Roman 10, 12, 15 cpi, proportional EPSON Sans Serif 10, 12, 15 cpi, proportional

Barcode fonts: EAN-13, EAN-8, Interleaved 2 of 5, UPC-A, UPC-E,

Code 39, Code 128, POSTNET

Notes:

*Additional tractor is required.

**Roll paper is not available on all models, and is not available in the U.S.

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

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Product Description



Character tables Standard version 11 tables

NLSP version 19 tables



Character sets 12 international character sets and one legal character set



Input buffer 32KB or 0KB (selectable in the default-setting mode or using the

EPSON Remote! utility with Windows 95)



Acoustic noise Approximately 55 dB(A), ISO 7779 pattern



Reliability Total print volume 6.5 million lines, except printhead

MTBF 4000 power-on hours (POH) at 25% Duty-Cycle Printhead life 200 million strokes per wire Ribbon life 3 million characters (in Draft mode at 10 cpi with

approximately 14 dots per character)



Interfaces One standard bidirectional, 8-bit, parallel interface with IEEE-1284

nibble mode support, and one optional Type B level 2 interface slot



Control codes ESC/P and IBM 2380 Plus (for the FX-880) or 2381 Plus (for the

FX-1180) character emulation



Copy capability 1 original + 5 copies

Figure 1-1. Exterior of FX-880

(FX-1180 similar but wider)

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EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

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Accessories

Product Description

Table 1-1. Items Included with the Printer

Enclosed item Quantity

User’s guide 1 Driver diskette 1 Ribbon cartridge 1

1-2. Consumables and Optional Units

Item

FX-1180 FX-880

Ribbon cartridge 8755 8750 High capacity cut sheet feeder (bin1) C806401 C806381 Second bin cut sheet feeder (bin2) C806391 C806371 Push/pull tractor unit 1038519 C800201 Roll paper holder 8310 8310 Front paper guide C814031 C814021 Front sheet guide C814011 C814001 0KB type-B Serial interface card C823051 C823051 32KB type-B intelligent serial I/F card C823071 C823071 Coax type-B I/F card C823141 C823141 Twinax type-B I/F card C823151 C823151 Multi-protocol Ethernet type-B I/F card C823572 C823572 Bi-directional parallel type-B I/F card C823452 C823452 LocalTalk I/F card C823121 C823121

Part Number

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

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Product Description

Hardware Specifications

This section describes the hardware specifications of the FX-880 and FX-1180.

Printing Method

Printing method



Number of pins



Pin arrangement



Pin diameter



Print color



Print direction



Impact dot matrix 9 pins 9 × 1

0.0114 inch (0.29 mm) Black Bidirectional logic seeking when printing text and graphics.

Unidirectional text or graphics printing can be selected with software commands.

Printing Specifications

Copy capability



Printing Mode Character Pitch Printable Columns Print Speed (cps) at 10 cpi

High-speed draft 10 cpi 136 80 410 345 Draft 10 cpi 136 80 310 260 NLQ 10 cpi 136 80 78 65

Notes:

1. Both printers can print a maximum of 455 cps at a pitch of 12 cpi.

2. If the power supply voltage drops below the lower limit, the printer stops until the voltage returns to the normal range. The printer then resumes printing, but more slowly than before.

3. If the printhead temperature rises above the upper limit, the printer stops until the printhead cools down to the normal temperature. The printer then resumes printing, but more slowly than before.

4. When the platen gap lever is set at position 2 or higher, the printer goes into copy mode. In copy mode, the print speed slows to prevent the dot wires from getting stuck in the thicker paper as the printhead travels across the page. Note that “copy mode,” as used in this manual, does not refer to overstrike, a function not supported by the FX-880 or FX-1180 printer.

1 original + 5 copies

Table 1-3. Print Speed and Printable Columns

FX-1180 FX-880 Normal Copy

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EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

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Product Description

Table 1-4. Print Resolution

Print Mode Horizontal density Vertical density Adjacent dot printed?

High-speed draft 90 dpi 72 dpi No Draft 120 dpi 72 dpi No NLQ 240 dpi 144 dpi No Bit image 60, 72, 80, 90 or

72 dpi Yes

120 dpi 120 or 240 dpi 72 dpi No



Control codes ESC/P and IBM 2380/2381 Plus character emulation.

Paper Handling Specifications



Paper feed methods Friction feed (front, rear)

Push tractor (front, rear) Pull tractor (front, rear, bottom) Push and pull tractor (additional tractor required) CSF bin1/bin2 (optional) Roll paper holder (optional)



Paper path Manual Insertion Front in, front out

CSF Rear in, front out Tractor Rear, front, or bottom in, front out



Paper capacity Single-bin cut-sheet feeder:

up to 50 sheets of 22 lb (80 g/m

) paper

Note:

The total thickness of the paper stack can be up to 0.20 inches (5 mm).

High-capacity cut-sheet feeder:

up to 150 sheets of 22 lb (82 g/m

) paper up to 25 plain or bond envelopes up to 30 airmail envelopes

Note:

The total thickness of the paper stack can be up to 0.59 inches (15 mm).



Line spacing 1/6 inch or programmable in increments of 1/216 inch

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

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Product Description



Feed speed

Table 1-5. Feed Speed

Mode Type of Feed Speed

Normal 1/6 inch 62 ms/line

Continuous 5.0 inches/sec (0.127 m/sec)

Copy 1/6 inch 83 ms/line

Continuous 3.1 inches/sec (0.078 m/sec)



Release lever Set the paper release lever using the following table.

Table 1-6. Paper Release Lever Position

Lever Position Paper Entrance Paper Types

Single-sheet position

Front push tractor position

Rear push tractor position

Pull tractor position From front, rear, or bottom using top-



Paper thickness lever Set the paper thickness lever, as indicated in the following table.

Lever Position Paper Thickness (inches) Paper Thickness (mm)

Front insertion Cut sheet (single sheet and multi-part)

Card stock

CSF bin1 Cut sheet (single sheet and multi-part)

Envelopes, card stock CSF bin2 Cut sheet (single sheet) From rear using roll paper holder Roll paper From front using front push tractor, or

using front push and pull tractors in combination

From rear using rear push tractor, or rear push and pull tractors in combination

mounted pull tractor

Table 1-7. Paper Thickness Lever Position

Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum

Continuous paper (single sheet and multi-part)

1-6

0 0.0024 0.0047 0.065 0.12 1 0.0047 0.0075 0.12 0.19 2 0.0075 0.0102 0.19 0.26 3 0.0102 0.0126 0.26 0.32 4 0.0126 0.0142 0.32 0.36 5 0.0142 0.0157 0.36 0.40 6 0.0157 0.0205 0.40 0.52

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

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Paper Specifications

This section describes the types of paper that can be used with this printer.

Cut Sheets

Table 1-8. Specifications for Cut Sheets (as single sheets of paper)

Product Description

Width

Length

FX-1180: FX-880: Front entry: 7.2 to 14.3 inches (182 to 364 m m )

5.8 to 16.5 inches (148 to 420 mm)

5.8 to 10.1 inches (148 to 257 mm)

Rear entry: 3.6 to 14.3 inches (92 to 364 mm )

Thickness Weight Quality

Note:

Printing on recycled paper or card stock is available only at normal temperatures and humidity.

Insertion

Width

Length* Copies Total thickness Weight Quality Joining

0.0025 to 0.0055 inches (0.065 to 0.14 mm) 14 to 24 lb (52 to 90 g/m

)

Plain or recycled paper; neither curled, folded, nor cr umpled

Table 1-9. Specifications for Cut Sheets (as multi-part forms)

Front or rear entry FX-1180:

FX-880:

5.8 to 16.5 inches (148 to 420 mm)

5.8 to 10.1 inches (148 to 257 mm)

7.2 to 14.3 inches (182 to 364 mm) 1 original + 5 copies

0.0047 to 0.018 inches (0.12 to 0.46 mm) 12 to 15 lb (40 to 58 g/m

) Carbonless multi-part for m s, neither curled, folded, nor crum pled Apply glue in a straight line at the top or at one side of a form.

Notes:

1. * Maximum length, including perforation area. Length excluding perforation area is 11.7".

2. Do not use CSF bin 2 when printing a multi-part form.

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

Figure 1-2. Margins for Cut Sheets

A The minimum top and bottom margins are

0.17 inch (4.2 mm).

B The minimum left and right margins are 0.12

inc h (3 mm).

The maximum printable width is 8 inches (203.2 mm) for the FX-880 and 13.6 inches (345.4 mm) for the FX-1180.

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Page 19

Product Description

Envelopes

Table 1-10. Specifications for Envelopes

Envelope type No.6 No.10 Width Length Insertion Total thickness

Rear entry only

0.0063 to 0.020 inches (0.16 to 0.52 mm)

6.5 inches (165 mm) 9.5 inches (241 mm)

3.6 inches (92 mm) 4.1 inches (105 mm)

The variation in thickness in the print area, due to envelope construction,

Weight Quality

must be within 0.0098 inches (0.25 mm). 12 to 24 lb (45 to 90 g/m Airmail envelopes without glue on the flap, bond envelopes, and plain

) envelopes.

Notes:

1. Printing on envelopes should be done only at normal temperatures and humidity.

2. Do not use CSF bin 2 when printing on envelopes.

3. Insert the longer side of the envelope horizontally.

Continuous Paper

Table 1-11. Specifications for Continuous Paper (single sheet and multi-part)

Insertion Width

Length Copies Total thickness Weight Weight (multi-part) Quality Joining

A The minimum top and bottom margins are 0.17 inch (4.2 mm). B The minimum left and right margins are 0.12 inch (3 mm).

Figure 1-3. Margins for Envelopes

Front entry, rear entry, bottom entry

FX-1180: FX-880:

4 to 22 inches (101.6 to 558.8 mm) 1original + 5 copies

0.0025 to 0.018 inches (0.065 to 0.46 mm) 14 to 22 lb (52 to 82 g/m 12 to 15 lb (40 to 58 g/m Plain paper, recycled paper, carbonless multi-part Apply small dots of glue, or paper staple (crimp) both the right and left sides.

4 to 16 inches (101.6 to 406.4 mm) 4 to 10 inches (101.6 to 254 mm)

)

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EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

Page 20

Table 1-12. Specifications for Continuous Form Labels

Product Description

Insertion Minimum label size

Front (push or pull tractor, but preferably pull) or bottom (pull tractor) See the figure below:

2.5" (63.5 mm)

Label

15/16" (23.8 mm)

Corner Radius 0.1" (2.5 mm)

Figure 1-4. Label

Backing sheet width

FX-1180: 4 to 16 inches (101.6 to 406.4 mm) FX-880: 4 to 10 inches (101.6 to 254.0 mm)

Backing sheet length Backing sheet thickness Total thickness Label weight Quality

4 to 22 inches (101.6 to 558.8 mm)

0.0028 to 0.0035 inches (0.07 to 0.09 mm)

0.0063 to 0.0075 inches (0.16 to 0.19 mm) 17 lb (68 g/m

)

AVERY Continuous Form labels, AVERY Mini-Line labels, or labels of equal quality

Notes:

1. Printing on labels is available only at normal temperatures and humidity.

2. The base sheet for the labels must be continuous paper.

Figure 1-5. Margins for Continuous Paper

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

A The minimum top and bottom margins (above and

below the perforation) are 0.17 inch (4.2 mm).

B The minimum left and right margins are 0.51 inch (13

mm).

The maximum printable width is 8 inches (203.2 mm) for the FX-880 and 13.6 inches (345.4 mm) for the FX-1180.

1-9

Page 21

Product Description

Roll paper

Table 1-13. Specifications for Roll Paper

entry

Insertion Maximum paper width

Thickness Weight Quality

Note:

Using roll paper requires an optional roll paper holder.

Rear FX-1180: 16 inches (406.4 mm) FX-880: 8.5 inches (216 mm)

0.0028 to 0.0035 inches (0.07 to 0.09 mm) 14 to 22 lb (52 to 82 g/m Plain paper; neither curled, folded, nor crumpled

A The minimum top and bottom margins are 0.17 inch (4.2 mm).

)

Ribbon Cartridge

Item Specifications

Type Fabric Color Black Ribbon life 3 million characters

B The minimum left and right margins are 0.12 inch (3 mm). The maximum printable width is 8 inches (203.2 mm) for the

FX-880 and 13.6 inches (345.4 mm) for the FX-1180.

Figure 1-6. Margins for Roll Paper

Table 1-14. Statistics for the Ribbon

(in draft mode at 14 dots per character)

Input data buffer



0 Kb or 32 Kb

Note:

The size of the input data buffer depends on the printer’s default settings.

1-10

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

Page 22

Product Description

Electrical Specifications

Electrical specifications for the FX-880 and FX-1180 depend on both the model and the type of power supply it contains:

Table 1-15. Electrical Specifications for the 120 V Version

Item Specification

Rated voltage 120 VAC Input voltage range 103.5 to 132 VAC Rated frequency range 50 to 60 Hz Input frequency range 49.5 to 60.5 Hz

Rated current 0.7 A (maximum 1.6 A, depending on the character type) Power consumption FX-1180: Approximately 36 W (ISO/IEC 10561 letter pattern)

FX-880: Approximately 34 W (ISO/IEC 10561 letter pattern)

ENERGY STAR Compliant Insulation resistance Dielectric strength 1000 VAC rms 1 min or 1200 VAC rms 1 sec (between AC line and

10 MΩ minimum (between AC line and chassis)

chassis)

Table 1-16. Electrical Specifications for the 230 V Version

Item Specification

Rated voltage 220 to 240 VAC Input voltage range 198 to 264 VAC Rated frequency range 50 to 60 Hz Input frequency range 49.5 to 60.5 Hz

Rated current 0.4 A (maximum 0.9 A, depending on the character type) Power consumption FX-1180: Approximately 36 W (ISO/IEC 10561 letter pattern)

FX-880: Approximately 34 W (ISO/IEC 10561 letter pattern)

ENERGY STAR Compliant Insulation resistance Dielectric strength 1000 VAC rms 1 min or 1200 VAC rms 1 sec (between AC line and

10 MΩ minimum (between AC line and chassis)

chassis)

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

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Page 23

Product Description

Table 1-17. Electrical Specifications for the UPS Version

Item Specification

Rated voltage 100 to 120 VAC or 220 to 240 VAC Input voltage range 90 to 132 VAC or 198 to 264 VAC Rated frequency range 50 to 60 Hz Input frequency range 49.5 to 60.5 Hz

Rated current at 120 V: 0.8 A (maximum 2.0 A, depending on the character type)

at 230 V: 0.5 A (maximum 1.0 A, depending on the character type) Power consumption FX-1180: Approximately 36 W (ISO/IEC 10561 letter pattern)

FX-880: Approximately 34 W (ISO/IEC 10561 letter pattern)

ENERGY STAR Compliant Insulation resistance

10 MΩ minimum (between AC line and chassis) Dielectric strength 1500 VAC rms 1 min (between AC line and chassis)

Reliability

Table 1-18. Reliability Statistics

Item Specifications

Total print volume 6.5 million lines (except printhead) MTBF 4000 power-on hours (POH) Printhead life 200 million characters/wire

Environmental Requirements

The printer requires the following conditions while operating or in storage:

Table 1-19. Environmental Requirements

Item Specifications

Temperature

41 to 95° F (5 to 35° C), operating 59 to 77° F (15 to 25° C), operating

-22 to 140° F(-30 to 60° C), storage

Relative Humidity 10 to 80%, operating

30 to 60%, operating 0 to 85%, storage

*1 *1, *2

Notes:

1. Without condensation.

2. During printing on envelopes, card stock, labels, multi-part forms, roll paper, or recycled paper.

*1, *2

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EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

Page 24

Safety Approvals

The FX-880 and FX-1180 have met the following safety approvals:

Table 1-20. Safety Information

Version Safety Standards EMI

120 V UL 1950 with D3,

CSA C22.2 No. 950

230 V EN60950 (VDE, NEMKO) EN55022 (CISPR pub. 22)

UPS UL 1950, CSA C22.2 No. 950 FCC part 15 subpart B class B,

FCC part 15 subpart B class B, CSA C108.8 class B

class B, AS/NZS 3548 class B

CSA C108.8 class B

CE Marking

The following table lists CE marking information for the 230 V version.

Product Description

Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC EN60950 EMC Directive 89/336/EEC EN55022 class B

Acoustic Noise

Level



Table 1-21. CE Marking for the 230 V Version

EN61000-3-2 EN61000-3-3 EN50082-1 IEC801-2 IEC801-3 IEC801-4

Approximately 55 dB (A) (ISO 7779 pattern)

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

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Page 25

Product Description

Firmware Specifications

This section provides detailed information about firmware for the FX-880 and FX-1180.

Control Codes and Fonts

Control codes



Typefaces Bit map fonts



and POSTNET

Character sets



ESC/P 2 and IBM 2380/2381 Plus character emulation

EPSON Draft 10 cpi, 12 cpi, 15 cpi EPSON Roman 10 cpi, 12 cpi, 15 cpi, proportional EPSON Sans Serif 10 cpi, 12 cpi, 15 cpi, proportional

Bar code fonts

EAN-13, EAN-8, Interleaved 2 of 5, UPC-A, UPC-E, Code 39, Code 128,

Character tables



Standard version

12 international character sets and one legal character set

Table 1-22. Character Tables

Character Tables Bitmap Fonts

Italic PC437 (US Standard Europe) PC850 (Multilingual) PC860 (Portuguese) PC861 (Icelandic) PC863 (Canadian-French) PC865 (Norwegian) Abicomp BRASCII Roman 8 ISO Latin 1

EPSON Draft EPSON Roman EPSON Sans Serif

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EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

Page 26

Product Description

Interface Specifications

The FX-880 and FX-1180 provide a bidirectional 8-bit parallel interface and a Type-B optional interface slot as standard.

Parallel Interface (Forw ard Channel )

Transmission mode



Adaptable connector



Synchronization



Handshaking



Signal level



8 bit parallel, IEEE-1284 compatibility mode 57-30360 (AMPHENOL) or equivalent /STROBE pulse BUSY and /ACKNLG signals TTL compatible (IEEE-1284 level 1 device)

Table 1-23. Pin Assignments for Forward Channel

Pin Signal Return

GND Pin

1 /STROBE 19 In Strobe pulse. Input data is latched at falling edge of

2 to 9 DATA1 to 8 20 to 27 In Each signal, from bit 0 to bit 7, represents parallel

10 /ACKNLG 28 Out This signal (negative pulse) indicates that the printer

11 BUSY 29 Out This signal’s HIGH level means that the printer is not

12 PE 28 Out This signal’s HIGH level means the printer has a

13 SLCT 28 Out Always HIGH when the printer is powered on. 14 /AFXT 30 In Not used. 31 /INIT 30 In This signal’s negative pulse initializes the printer. 32 /ERROR 29 Out This signal’s LOW level means the printer is in an

36 /SLIN 30 In This signal is always HIGH when printer power is ON. 18 Logic H 35 +5V 17 Chassis 16,33

19-30 15,34 NC

GND

   



In/Out Functional Description

the signal.

input data. HIGH means data 1; LOW means data 0.

has received data and is ready to accept more data.

ready to accept data.

paper-out error.

error state.

Out Out

This line is pulled up to +5 V through 3.9K Ω resistor. This line is pulled up to +5 V through 1.0K Ω resistor. Chassis GND. Signal GND.

Not connected.

Note:

In/Out refers to the direction of signal flow from the printer’s point of view.

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Product Description



The BUSY signal is active (HIGH) under the following conditions:

■

While receiving data.

■

When the input buffer is full.

■

When the INIT signal is active LOW.

■

When the /ERROR or PE signal is active.

■

During hardware initialization.

■

In the self-test mode.

■

In the adjustment mode.

■

In default-setting mode.



The /ERROR signal is active LOW under the following conditions:

■

If there is a release lever error.

■

If there is a paper-out error.

■

If there is a paper-jam error.



The PE signal is active HIGH under the following conditions:

■

If there is a paper-out error

DATA

STROBE

BUSY

ACKNLG

DATA (n)

hold

setup

ready

busy

stb

ack

Figure 1-7. Data Transmission Timing

nbusy

DATA (n+1)

1-16

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Page 28

Table 1-24. Maximum and Minimum Timings for Data Transmission

Parameter Minimum Maximum

tsetup 500 nsec thold 500 nsec tstb 500 nsec tready 0 tbusy treply tack 500 nsec 10 us tnbusy 0 tnext 0 ttout* ttin**

Notes:

* Rise and fall time of output signals. ** Rise and fall time of input signals.

Product Description

  

  

 

500 nsec



120 nsec

200 nsec

Parallel Interface (Reverse Channel)



Transmission mode IEEE-1284 nibble mode



Adaptable connector 57-30360 (Amphenol) or equivalent



Synchronization Refer to the IEEE-P1284 specification



Handshaking Refer to the IEEE-P1284 specification



Signal Level IEEE-1284 level 1 device

TTL compatible



Data transmission timing Refer to the IEEE-1284 specification

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Product Description

Table 1-25. Pin Assignments for Reverse Channel

Pin Signal Return

In/Out* Functional Description

GND Pin

1 HostClk 19 In Host clock signal 2 to 9

DATA1∼8

20 to 27 In Parallel input data to the printer 10 PtrClk 28 Out Printer clock signal 11 PtrBusy, DataBit-3,7 29 Out Printer busy signal and reverse channel transfer

data bit 3 or 7

12 AckDataReq,

DataBit-2, 6

28 Out Acknowledge data request signal and reverse

channel transfer data bit 2 or 6

13 Xflag, DataBit-1, 5 28 Out X-flag signal and reverse channel transfer data

bit 1 or 5 14 HostBusy 30 In Host busy signal 31 /INIT 30 In Not used 32 /Data Avail,

DataBit-0, 4

29 Out Data available signal and reverse channel

transfer data bit 0 or 4 36 1284-Active 30 In 1284 active signal 18 Logic-H



Out

This line is pulled up to + 5 V through 3.3K Ω

resistor. 35 +5 V



Out

This line is pulled up to +5 V through 1.0K Ω

resistor 17 Chassis 16, 33,

GND

 

Chassis GND

Signal GND 19-30 15, 34 NC



Not connected

Note:

* In/Out refers to the direction of signal flow from the printer’s point of view.

Interfaces

The FX-880 and FX-1180 include one built-in parallel interface card and one built-in card slot. The card slot accepts a variety of Type-B optional interface cards, as indicated by the table below.

Table 1-26. Type B Optional Interface Cards

Catalog Number Interface

C823051 Serial interface card C823071 32 KB intelligent serial interface card C823141 Coax interface card C823151 Twinax interface card C823572 Ethernet interface card C823452 Parallel interface card C823121 LocalTalk interface card

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Product Description

Interface Selection

The printer selects the interface automatically, unless the user manually overrides it.



Manual selection

The user can override automatic selection by selecting either the built-in parallel or the optional Type-B interface in the default setting mode. (See “Control Panel Operation” later in this chapter.)



Automatic selection

Normally, interface selection is automatic. (This is the factory-set default, but it can be changed in the default settings.) With automatic selection enabled, the printer initializes to the idle state and scans its interfaces. When the printer receives data, the interface that receives the data first is selected. As long as the host continues sending data or the printer interface is busy, the selected interface remains active. When the host stops transferring data and the printer sits in standby for the number of seconds specified in the default settings, the printer returns to the idle state and the interface is de-activated.



Interface state and interface selection

When the printer is initialized or returns to the idle state after printing, three things happen:

■

The parallel interface goes into the ready state.

■

If an optional interface card is installed, the printer sends it an enable command.

■

If a serial interface card is installed, it sends an XON code and sets the DTR signal to SPACE.

When an interface is not selected, various things can happen:

■

When the parallel interface is not selected, it goes into a busy state.

■

When an optional interface card is installed and not selected, the printer sends a disable command to the optional interface.

■

When the Type-B serial interface card is installed and it is not selected, the interface sends an XOFF code and sets the DTR signal to MARK.

Interrupt signals, such as the INIT signal for the parallel interface, are not effective unless the interface to which it is directed is selected.

Preventing Data Transfer Timeout in the Host

Generally, a host abandons data transfer to a peripheral when the peripheral is in the busy state for a period of 30 seconds or more, depending on the default settings of the host. To prevent time-out in the host, the printer begins receiving data more slowly after the input buffer has received several hundred bytes of data. Data transfer may then slow to as little as a few bytes per minute, with the printer registering a busy state only if the input buffer fills completely.

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Product Description

Control Panel Operation

This section tells how to use the FX-880 and FX-1180 control panel.

Control Panel

The printer control panel contains four non-lock-type pushbuttons and one lock-type power button, as well as various LEDs to report on printer functions.

Font

Draft Draft Condensed Roman Roman Condensed Sans serif Sans serif Condensed

Tear Off/Bin

Tear off Bin1 Bin2

LF/FF

Micro Adjust

Load/Eject Pause Paper Out

Operate

3sec

Figure 1-8. Control Panel

Overview of Functions

You can use the control panel to access a variety of printer functions; some of these functions are accessible only when the printer is in certain states, as explained below.

Operation in Normal Mode

During normal operation, the panel buttons perform the functions shown below.

Table 1-27. Operation in Normal Mode

Buttons Function

Operate



Turns the printer on and off.

1-20

Pause

Load/Eject



Alternates between printing and non-printing states.



Activates the micro-adjust and font selection functions if

held down for more than 3 seconds while the printer is not printing (buffer is empty); pressing it again turns these functions off.



Loads or ejects paper.



Micro feeds forward, when the micro-adjust function is

enabled.

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Product Description

LF/FF

Tear Off/Bin



Performs a line feed if pressed momentarily.



Performs a form feed if held down continously.



Micro feeds backward, when the micro-adjust function is

enabled.



Advances continuous-feed paper to the tear-off position;

if pressed again, repositions the paper to top-of-form (TOF).



Selects CSF bin 1 or CSF bin 2.

Operation at Power-On

To access these functions, the button indicated below must be pressed while turning on the printer.

Table 1-28. Operation at Power On

Buttons Function

Load/Eject LF/FF Performs a self-test in draft mode. Load/Eject + LF/FF Pause + Tear Off/Bin

Pause Performs a bidirectional adjustment. Tear Off/Bin Activates the Mode 1 default setting function. Tear Off/Bin + LF/FF Activates the Mode 2 default setting function.

Performs a self-test in NLQ mode.

Performs a data dump. Clears the line counter (a value stored in the EEPROM,

used to indicate ribbon life).

Operation in the Default Sett ing Mode

When the printer is in the default setting mode, the panel buttons perform the functions shown below.

Table 1-29. Operation in Default Setting Mode

Buttons Function

Tear Off/Bin Selects the setting to be adjusted from a printed menu. Load/Eject Changes the setting’s value.

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Product Description

Details of Selected Functions

This section explains how to use several of the more complex functions.

Micro-Adjust Function

The micro-adjust function lets you set the top of form (TOF) and tear-off positions for your paper. Which position you adjust depends on whether the paper is in the TOF or the tear-off position when you make the adjustment. Adjustments can be made in increments of 1/216 inch. Use the the paper up, and the

You can activate the micro-adjust function by pressing the Pause button for at least 3 seconds when:



The data buffer is empty and the printer is on-line.



The paper is at the TOF or tear-off position.

When you press the Pause button again, the printer exits micro-adjust mode and the new position is automatically saved to the EEPROM so that the setting is not cleared if the printer is turned off.

LF/FF button to move it down

Load/Eject

button to move

Tear-off Function

The tear-off function advances continuous paper to the tear-off position. There are two modes for this function: auto tear-off and manual tear-off. You can select the tear-off mode in the default settings, explained later in this chapter.

Auto tear-off

In auto tear-off mode, the printer automatically advances the paper to the tear-off position when it has finished printing. After you tear the paper off at the perforation, the paper feeds back to the TOF position when a new print job is sent to the printer. The auto tear-off function is activated when:



Auto tear-off has been set to ON in the default settings.



The release lever has been set to one of the tractor positions.



The data buffer is empty and the printer is on-line.



More than 3 seconds have passed since the host computer finished transferring print data.

Manual tear-off

In manual tear-off mode, you must press the Tear Off/Bin button to advance the paper to the tear-off position. Pressing the button again returns the paper to TOF. The manual tear-off function can be activated if:



Auto tear-off has been set to OFF in the default settings.



The release lever has been set to one of the tractor positions.



The printer is off-line; or, if the printer is on-line, the data buffer is empty.

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Product Description

Paper handling when in the tear-off mode



If you press the Pause button with the printer off-line, the printer feeds the paper back to the TOF

position for the next page and brings the printer back on-line.



If you press the Pause button with the printer on-line, the printer feeds the paper back to the TOF

position for the next page and takes the printer off-line.



Pressing the LF/FF button feeds the paper back to the TOF position for the next page and executes a

line feed.



Pressing the Load/Eject button feeds the paper back to the TOF position for the next page and ejects

paper backward.



If the printer is turned off while in the tear-off mode, the tear-off position is saved, and paper is fed

back to the TOF position for the next page when you turn the printer on again.

Changing the Default Settings

Default settings are special settings stored in the printer’s EEPROM which remain active even after turning off the printer. The FX-880 and FX-1180 both have two default setting modes. You can change different printer settings in each of these modes.

When you enter the default setting mode, the printer prints out instructions for changing the settings, as well as a menu of options. In general, you use the Tear Off/Bin button to select from the printed menu the setting you wish to change, and the Load/Eject button to change the value of the setting. In addition to these buttons, you use four LEDs: the Font and TearOff/Bin LEDs to follow your menu selections, and the Pause and Paper Out LEDs to see the current settings.

Default Settings (Mode 1)

Refer to the following flowchart and its accompanying table to adjust the default settings in mode 1.

START

Hold down the

switch and turn on the printer.

The language selection menu

Change the language?

Push the

The default settings menu and

selection guide are printed.

Tear off/Bin

prints.

Tear off/Bin

switch.

YES

Push the

select a different language.

Load/Eject

switch to

Push the

Tear off/Bin

to select the default setting

you wish to change.

Push the

Load /Eject

to change the setting's value.

Finished?

Turn the printer off to save the

switch

YES

settings.

Figure 1-9. Changing Default Settings (Mode 1)

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END

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Product Description

Note that in the following table, factory settings are shown in bold.

Table 1-30. Default Settings (Mode 1)

Item Setting/Value

Skip over perforation Auto tear off Auto line feed Print Direction I/F mode Auto I/F wait time Software 0 slash High speed draft Input buffer Beeper Auto CR* I.B.M. character table*

On, Off On, Off On, Off

Bi-d, Uni-d Auto, Built-in Parallel, Optional Type-B 10 sec, 30 sec ESC/P, IBM 2380/2381 Plus O, Ø On, Off On, Off On, Off On, Off table 2, table 1

Note:

* Auto CR and I.B.M. character table are available only when IBM 2380/2381 Plus emulation is selected.

Default Settings (Mode 2)

Refer to the following flowchart and its accompanying table to adjust the default settings in mode 2.

START

Hold down the

switches and turn on the printer.

The language select ion menu

The default settings menu and

Tear off/Bin

prints.

Change the language?

Push the

Tear off/Bin

selection guide are printed.

and

switch.

LF/FF

YES

Push the

select a different language.

Load/Eject

switch to

Tear off/Bin

Push the

to select the default setting

you wish to change.

Push the

Load /Eject

to change the setting's value.

Finished?

Turn the printer off to save the

settings.

switch

YES

1-24

END

Figure 1-10. Changing Default Settings (Mode 2)

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Page 36

Product Description

Note that in the following table, factory settings are shown in bold.

Table 1-31. Default Settings (Mode 2)

Item Setting/Value

Page length for front tractor 3 inch, 3.5 inch, 4 inch, 5.5 inch, 6 inch, 7 inch, 8 inch, 8.5 inch,

11 inch, 70/6 inch, 12 inch, 14 inch, 17 inch

Page length for rear tractor 3 inch, 3.5 inch, 4 inch, 5.5 inch, 6 inch, 7 inch, 8 inch, 8.5 inch,

11 inch, 70/6 inch, 12 inch, 14 inch, 17 inch

Character tables

International character sets for Italic table *

Italic, PC437, PC850, PC860, PC863, PC865, PC861, BRASCII, Abicomp, ISO Latin 1, Roman 8

NLSP version: Italic, PC437, PC437 (Greek), PC774, PC850, PC852, PC853,

PC855, PC857, PC866, PC866 (Latin), PC866 (UKR), PC869, ISO Latin 1T, MAZOWIA, Code MJK, Bulgaria, Estonia, ISO 8859-2, ISO 8859-7

Italic U.S.A, Italic France, Italic Germany, Italic U.K., Italic Denmark 1, Italic Sweden, Italic Italy, Italic Spain 1

Note:

* The options available for this setting vary by country.

Restoring Factory-Set Defaults

You can return all settings to their factory defaults by pressing the Tear Off/Bin and Load/Eject buttons while turning on the printer.

Bidirectional Adjustment Function

The bidirectional adjustment function allows you to adjust alignment at the following print speeds:



High-speed draft mode



Draft mode



NLQ mode

The bidirectional adjustment can be performed either with a stand-alone printer, or using the adjustment program with a host computer connected to the printer. With a stand-alone printer, enter the bidirectional adjustment mode by pressing the Pause button while turning on the printer; the flowchart on the next page outlines this procedure.

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Product Description

To perform the adjustment with a host computer, see Chapter 4,

START

Hold down the

and turn on t h e printer.

An instruction guide prints.

The first alignment pattern prints, consisting

of 25 numbered rows of sample output.

Follow the printed instruction guide to select the

most closely aligned pattern.

higher-numbered print pattern, and

lower-num b ered one.

Finalize your selection by pressing the

Tear Off/Bin

alignment pattern prints.

Pause swi tch

Load/Eject

switch, and the next

LF/FF

selects a

Note:

Each time you go through this cycle, you adjust

alignment at a different print speed, as follows:

1. High-speed draft mode

2. Draft mode

3. NLQ mode

Finished?

Adjustments

YES

Turn the printer off to save the

settings.

END

Figure 1-1 1. Bidirectional Adjustment

1-26

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Product Description

Printer States and Error Reporting

This section describes various printer states and how the printer uses its beeper and LED indicators to report errors.

Initialization

Hardware Initialization

Initialization occurs when the printer is turned on or when the printer receives an /INIT signal (negative pulse) or cold-reset command (remote RS command). Initialization does the following:



Initializes the printer mechanism.



Clears all data in the buffers.



Cancels downloaded character definition.



Places the printer in standby state, if no errors occur.



Executes software initialization (see below).

Software Initialization

The control code ESC @ also initializes the printer. This initialization



Clears all unprinted data from the buffers.



Resets all printer settings to their default values.

Error Conditions

If any of the following occurs, the printer reports an error and automatically goes off-line:



Paper out, paper jam, or paper eject error



Release lever operation error (detected when the position of the release lever does not match the

paper path)



Carriage control, power supply voltage, or CG access error

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Product Description

Conditions Indicated by the LEDs and Beeper

The following table shows how to interpret the printer’s indicators.

Table 1-32. Beeper and LED Indicators

Pause Paper Out Tear off/Bin Condensed Font Beeper

Pause On Paper Out On On Paper Jam On Blinks Paper Eject

Error Head Hot Blinks Blinks Micro-adjust Blinks Tear Off Bin Selection Font Selection Fatal Error Blinks Blinks Blinks Blinks Blinks Release Lever

Operation Error

Illegal Operation

On Blinks

    

   

 

  



 

*1 *1

 

 

❍ ❍ ❍

● ● ● ● ● ❍ ❍ ❍

 

● ● ● ● ●

❍

Notes:

*1 The Tear Off/Bin LED is ON when bin 1 is selected, and OFF when bin 2 is selected. The LED blinks

when continuous paper is in the tear-off position.

*2 The two font LEDs display the selected font.

❍

Indicates a beep lasting 100 ms followed by 100 ms of silence.

●

Indicates a beep lasting 500 ms followed by 100 ms of silence



Indicates that the LED or beeper is not used to indicate this condition.

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Product Description

Main Components

The main components of the FX-880 and FX-1180 are designed for easy removal and repair. The main components include the following:



C229 MAIN Board Assembly



C229 PSB/PSE/PSH Board Assembly



C229 PNL Board Assembly



Printer Mechanism (M-3J10)



Housing Assembly

Upper Housing

C229 PNL

Control Panel

Printer Mechanism

C229 PSB/PSE/PSH

Power Supply

Lower Housing

Figure 1-12. Main Components.

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

C229 MAIN Board Assembly

1-29

Page 41

2. Operating Principles

Printer Mechanism Operation.................................................................................................................... 2-1

Printhead........................................................................................................................................... 2-2

Carriage Unit ..................................................................................................................................... 2-4

Paper Handling Mechanisms ............................................................................................................ 2-4

Paper Paths........................................................................................................................... 2-5

Ribbon Advance Mechanism............................................................................................................. 2-9

Platen Gap Adjustment Mechanism.................................................................................................2-11

Paper Feed Motor.............................................................................................................................2-11

Circuit Operation...................................................................................................................................... 2-12

Power Supply – Circuit T ypes.......................................................................................................... 2-12

Power Supply Operation...................................................................................................... 2-12

Control Circuit.................................................................................................................................. 2-14

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Operating Principles

2-ii

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Page 43

Operating Principles

Printer Mechanism Operation

This section describes the FX-1180 and FX-880 printer mechanism, which features a 9-pin serial impact dot matrix printhead. The printer mechanism consists of the following parts:



Printhead



Carriage unit



Paper handling mechanisms



Ribbon advance mechanism



Platen gap adjustment mechanism



Paper feed (PF) motor



Carriage (CR) motor



Sensors

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2-1

Page 44

Operating Principles

Tractor

Rear PE Sensor

Front PE Sensor

Parallelism Bushing

Release Lever

PF Motor

Platen Roller

Printhead

Release Sensor

CR Guide Shaft

Parallelism Bushing

CR Motor

Ribbon Feed Mechanism

PG Adjust Lever

Carriage Unit

HP Sensor

Timing Belt

Figure 1. Printer Mechanism

Printhead

The printhead transfers ink to the printed page by means of 9 wires which strike the ink ribbon as the printhead travels across the page. Each wire has its own drive coil that is actuated by a separate signal from the printhead drive circuitry. Figure 2 depicts one of the nine independent drive coil mechanisms.

2-2

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Page 45

Operating Principles

As shown in the diagram below, the head driving coil, when energized, pulls against the actuating plate. This thrusts the dot wire against the ink ribbon and creates a printed dot. (The ribbon mask prevents the ribbon from smudging the paper as the printhead moves back and forth across the page.)

After striking the ink ribbon, the driving coil is shut off and the dot wire returns to its original position. This is accomplished by the wire resetting spring, which is aided by the rebound action of the dot wire hitting the platen.

Since the printhead heats up after a period of use, it is equipped with a thermistor to detect head temperature. Voltage changes reflecting changes in the thermistor’s resistance are output to the CPU. Should the printhead overheat, the CPU detects this and automatically stops printing until the printhead cools.

Pivot

Figure 2. Printhead Drive Coil Mechanism

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Page 46

Operating Principles

Carriage Unit

The carriage unit transports the printhead back and forth across the printed page. It is driven by the carriage (CR) motor—a stepper motor—via the timing belt, which connects to the underside of the carriage. The carriage slides along the carriage guide shaft, which maintains the printhead’s horizontal alignment with the platen, while the base frame provides further support and maintains the printhead’s vertical alignment. The home position (HP) sensor detects the home position of the carriage at power-on and when the CR motor changes direction.

Carriage Guide Shaft

Figure 3. Carriage Unit

Paper Handling Mechanisms

Cut sheets are fed by friction. Continuous paper is fed by tractor. There are three ways to feed paper with tractors: the push tractor method, the pull tractor method, and the push-pull tractor method. During normal operation, the printer is set up with only one tractor, which functions as either a push or pull tractor, depending on where it is attached on the printer. To use the push-pull tractor feed method, an optional tractor must be attached.

The paper release lever is used to switch PF motor torque between cut sheet (friction) feeding and continuous paper (tractor) feeding. In addition, the paper release sensor detects the release lever’s setting position. This lets the main logic board know what type of paper is loaded and how many lines to print per page. (Cut sheets print at 61 lines per page, while continuous paper prints at 66 lines per page.)

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Operating Principles

Paper Paths

Different kinds of paper feed through the printer in different ways. The paths different kinds of paper follow are divided into four groups, depending on the entrance the paper is fed from (front, rear, bottom, or top).



Top Entrance

The following figure shows the paper path for friction feeding using the top entrance. The top entrance is used only for the friction feed method. When the top entrance is used, the rear PE sensor senses when paper is out.

Figure 4. Paper Path for Friction Feeding Using the Top Entrance



Rear Entrance

Figures 5, 6, and 7 show the paper paths for tractor feeding using the rear entrance. The rear entrance can be used for any of the following paper feed methods: push tractor feed, pull tractor feed, or push-pull tractor feed. When the rear entrance is used, the rear PE sensor senses when paper is out.

Figure 5. Paper Path for Push Tractor Feeding Using the Rear Entrance

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Operating Principles

Figure 6. Paper Path for Pull Tractor Feeding Using the Rear Entrance

2-6

Figure 7. Paper Path for Push-Pull Tractor Feeding Using the Rear Entrance

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

Page 49

Operating Principles



Bottom Entrance

The following figure shows the paper path for tractor feeding using the bottom entrance. The bottom entrance is used only for pull tractor feeding. When the bottom entrance is used, the front PE sensor senses when paper is out.

Figure 8. Paper Path for Pull Tractor Feeding Using the Bottom Entrance



Front Entrance

Figures 9 through 12 show the paper paths for the front entrance. The front entrance can be used with any of the following paper feed methods: friction feed, push tractor feed, pull tractor feed, or push-pull tractor feed. When the front entrance is used, the front PE sensor senses when paper is out.

Figure 9. Paper Path for Friction Feeding Using the Front Entrance

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Operating Principles

Figure 10. Paper Path for Push Tractor Feeding Using the Front Entrance

2-8

Figure 1 1. Paper Path for Pull Tractor Feeding Using the Front Entrance

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

Page 51

Figure 12. Paper Path for Push-Pull Tractor Feeding Using the Front Entrance



Summary of Paper Paths

Operating Principles

The various paper paths diagrammed above are summarized below in tabular form:

Table 1. Possible Combinations of Feed Methods and Paper Entrances

Feed Method

Friction

Push tractor

Pull tractor

Push-pull tractor

Top Rear Front Bottom

Yes No Yes No

No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No

Paper Entrance

Ribbon Advance Mechanism

The ribbon advance mechanism is driven by the same timing belt that moves the printhead back and forth across the printed page. To make the ribbon feed in one direction only, the timing belt connects to a specially designed gear linkage which always turns the ribbon advance roller counterclockwise, no matter which direction the printhead is moving.

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Operating Principles

In the figure below, black arrows indicate directional movement when the printhead carriage travels left to right. In this case, motion transfers through the gear linkage as follows:

Belt Pulley → Sun Gear → Planet Gear → Gear 1 → Ribbon Driving Gear Note that the belt pulley and the sun gear are on the same axle and rotate together as a unit. When the printhead carriage changes direction, the planet gear, which pivots on the planet gear lever,

disengages from gear1, swings over, and engages with gear 2. Motion then continues to pass through gear 3 and on to the ribbon driving gear. In this way, the ribbon driving gear always turns counterclockwise, no matter which direction the printhead is moving.

Belt Pulley

Planet Gear

Gear 1

Gear 3

Gear 2

Sun Gear

Planet Gear Lever

Figure 13. Ribbon Advance Mechanism

The ribbon cartridge itself contains several mechanisms to ensure proper guidance of the ribbon. At the entrance slot, a pressure roller clamps the ribbon against the advance roller, enabling the advance roller to “grab” the ribbon and draw it in. The ribbon brake spring, attached to the exit slot of the cartridge case, prevents slack in the ribbon and keeps its tension at a constant level. Finally, the ribbon mask prevents the ribbon from brushing against the paper.

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Operating Principles

Platen Gap Adjustment Mechanism

The platen gap (the gap between the platen and the printhead) can be adjusted to allow the printer to use paper of different weights or thicknesses. When the platen gap adjust lever is moved forward or backward, the carriage guide shaft rotates. Because the carriage guideshaft is eccentric at the ends, this rotation moves the carriage either toward or away from the platen, and changes the platen gap. The platen gap (PG) sensor detects the position of the adjust lever. The correct platen gap is 0.38 mm ± 0.02 mm with the adjust lever set to position 0. If the lever is set to position 2 (the 5th slot from the top) or higher, the printer goes into copy mode.

Figure 14. Platen Gap Adjustment Mechanism

Paper Feed Motor

The paper feed (PF) motor advances the paper at minimum increments of 1/216 inch. This motor is a 2-2 phase, constant-voltage stepper motor. CPU ports P70 to P73 generate phase signals to drive the motor. PFA to PFB are turned on or off within the µPA1476H (IC1), depending on the phase data sent from the CPU.

When pin A19 of the CPU goes HIGH, D1 outputs +35 volts to hold the motor stationary.

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Operating Principles

Circuit Operation

Power Supply – Circuit Types

The FX-1180 and FX-880 printers can be powered by any of three power supply boards: the C229 PSB board (120 V), the C229 PSE board (230 V), or the C229 PSH board (UPS). The output of these boards supplies the DC current necessary to drive the printer control circuits and the printer drive mechanism. Though all three boards provide the same output, their primary circuitry differs.

The input voltages and fuse ratings for these boards are shown in the following table.

Table 2. Power Supply Boards

Board Input Voltage Input Frequency Range Fuse F1 Rating

C229 PSB 85 to 138 VAC 49.5 to 60.5 Hz 4 A / 125 V, 250 V C229 PSE 187 to 276 VAC 49.5 to 60.5 Hz T2.0 A / 250 V C229 PSH 85 to 276 VAC 49.5 to 60.5 Hz T4.0 A / 250 V

Power Supply Operation

The table below describes the two power supply output voltages and lists their applications.

Table 3. Power Supply Output Voltages and Applications

Output Voltage (DC) Rated Output Current Applications

+5 V ± 5%

+35 V ± 6%

0.7 A

0.8 A

The power supply circuit consists of a line filter, a ZC-RCC (Zero-Cross Ringing Choke Converter) switching circuit, and a 5 V chopper regulator IC. When AC power enters the printer from an external power source, the line filter circuit removes high-frequency noise. The AC voltage then undergoes full wave rectification and is smoothed to produce direct current. The voltage is then fed through the switching circuit and a secondary smoothing circuit to produce a stepped down +35 VDC voltage; feedback ensures stable output. A second, additional output at +5 VDC is produced by a chopper regulator IC which draws from the 35 V supply.

❏

Main control board

logic circuitry

❏

Sensors

❏

Control panel LEDs

❏

Printhead drive

❏

CR motor drive

❏

PF motor drive

2-12

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Operating Principles

To protect the printer, the power supply board incorporates over-voltage and over-current protection circuitry. If the 5 V supply exceeds +7 VDC, or if the 35 V supply exceeds +36 VDC, the operation of the ZC-RCC switching circuit is immediately stopped, and its output falls to zero. In addition, a voltage drop protection circuit protects the printer in case of a short circuit in any component that draws from the +35 VDC line. If a voltage drop is detected, this also stops the operation of the ZC-RCC. Fuse F1 protects the power supply itself.

Normally, the printer is turned on and off using the Operate switch on the front control panel. When the printer is turned off, the switching circuit is de-energized and output at +35 VDC stops. However, since the Operate switch is in the secondary circuitry, current continues to flow in the primary circuitry as long as the printer remains plugged in. Therefore, you should unplug the printer from the external AC power source before performing maintenance.

The following figure shows the power supply circuitry in block diagram form.

AC inpu t Line Filter

Figure 15. Power Supply Circuit Block Diagram

Fuse

CN1

Switching FET

ZC-RCC Switching

Overcurrent

Overvoltage

Photo-coupler

Transform er

Regu lator IC

Regu lator

R e g u la to r IC

+35 VDC

+5VDC

PSC

CN2

D iode Bridge

Figure 16. Power Supply Board Component Layout (C229 PSB/PSE/PSH)

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Operating Principles

Control Circuit

The C229 MAIN board is the control circuit board for the FX-1180 and FX-880. The control circuit includes a TM96C141AF CPU that runs at 14.47 MHz, an E05B50 gate array that contains various memory management functions, a reset IC, EEPROM, etc. The table below shows the functions of the main board components.

Table 4. MAIN Board Components and Functions

Component Address Function

TMP96C141AF IC3 CPU; controls the C229 main board. It performs the

functions below:

❏

Receives data from the host computer and loads it to the input buffer in RAM

❏

Expands the input data held in the buffer to create image data

❏

Loads the image data to the image buffer in RAM

❏

Transfers the image data to the printhead drive circuit

❏

Controls various printer mechanism parts, such as motors.

E05B50 IC2 Gate array; performs the functions below:

❏

Controls the printhead

❏

Controls the parallel and optional type B interface

❏

Controls the control panel

❏

Controls the PF motor and changes over the CR motor

current PST594E IC1 Reset IC for performing a system reset. AT93C46 IC4 EEPROM, used to store information such as top-of-form

position.

PSRAM IC5 The PSRAM contains the CPU working area and

buffers. ROM IC7 2/4 MB EEPROM and Mask ROM. SLA7024M IC8 Driver circuit for the carriage return (CR) motor. A2917SEB IC11 Driver circuit for the paper feed (PF) motor. Comparator IC12 Power-off signal sensing.

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The following illustration shows the control circuits in block diagram form.

Operating Principles

Control Panel

Parallel I/F

Type B I/F

(Optional)

PF Motor

Driver

Printhead

Driver

G.A.

E05B50

(IC2)

CR Motor

Driver

PSRAM

Address Data Bus

Reset IC

EEPROM

ROM

CPU

TMP96C141AF

(IC3)

35 V Sensor

Thermistor

PG Sensor

Rear PE

Sensor

Front PE

Sensor

HP Sensor

Release Lever

Sensor

Figure 17. Control Circuit Block Diagram

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Operating Principles

Data from the host computer is first stored in the printer’s input buffer. The printer then converts it into image data, stores it in the image buffer, and then transfers it to the printhead via the gate array. This is shown in the diagram below:

H ost com puter

Print data conversion

Im age data tra n s fe r

CPU

D a ta la tc h

and

data output

Gate array

Figure 18. Data Flow

Input buffer

Im age buffer

RAM

Printhead driver

circuit

PF Motor Driver IC

CN3

Print Head Driver

CR Motor Drive IC Gate array

CPU

EEPROM

E05B50

PSRAM

PROM

Figure 19. MAIN Board Component Layout (C229)

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3. Disassembly and Assembly

Overview.................................................................................................................................................3-1

Printer Disassembly Precautions..................................................................................................3-1

Tools..............................................................................................................................................3-2

Service Checks after Repair .........................................................................................................3-3

Screw Specifications.....................................................................................................................3-4

Printer Disassembly and Assembly........................................................................................................3-5

Printhead Removal .......................................................................................................................3-6

HP (Home Position) Sensor Removal ..........................................................................................3-7

Disassembly Preparation..............................................................................................................3-8

Upper Housing Removal...............................................................................................................3-9

C229 Main Board Removal.........................................................................................................3-11

C229 PSB/PSE Board Removal ................................................................................................. 3-13

ROM Removal ............................................................................................................................3-14

Platen Removal...........................................................................................................................3-15

Printer Mechanism Removal.......................................................................................................3-17

Printer Mechanism Disassembly.................................................................................................3-19

CR Motor Removal ........................................................................................................3-19

PF Motor Removal......................................................................................................... 3-21

PF Gear Train Disassembly...........................................................................................3-22

PG (Platen Gap) Sensor Removal.................................................................................3-24

Release Lever Sensor Removal....................................................................................3-25

Front PE (Paper End) Sensor Removal.........................................................................3-26

Rear PE Sensor Removal..............................................................................................3-27

Carriage Removal..........................................................................................................3-28

Rear Paper Guide Removal...........................................................................................3-30

Ribbon Drive Removal...................................................................................................3-32

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Disassembly and Assembly

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Disassembly and Assembly

Overview

This chapter describes procedures for disassembling the EPSON FX-880 and FX-1180. Unless otherwise specified, you can assemble the components by reversing the disassembly procedures.

Printer Disassembly Precautions

When working on the EPSON FX-880 or FX-1180, follow the warnings and cautions below.

WARNING

■

Disconnect the power cable before opening the printer case.

■

Do not open the printer for at least five minutes after disconnecting the power cable to allow the electrolytic capacitor to discharge completely.

■

Never touch primary parts of the power supply unit (including the heat sink) while the power supply cable is connected to the power socket. The heat sink is not electrically isolated.

■

Don’t touch the heat sink even after power has been disconnected, as it may be very hot.

■

Don’t touch the printhead after printing, as it may be very hot.

CAUTION

■

Use only recommended tools for maintenance work.

■

Use only recommended lubricants and adhesives. (See Chapter 6.)

■

Always follow the instructions in this manual when you perform any adjustment on the printer. (See Chapter 4.)

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Disassembly and Assembly

Tools

Table 3-1 lists the required tools for disassembling, assembling, or adjusting the printer. Use only the specified tools to avoid damaging the printer.

Table 3-1. Required Tools

Name Availability EPSON Part No.

Phillips screwdriver (no. 2) Commercially available B743800200 Phillips screwdriver (no. 1) Commercially available B743800100 Hexagonal box driver (7 mm diagonal) Commercially available B741700200 Tweezers Commercially available B741000100 Round-nose pliers Commercially available B740400100 E-ring holder #6 Commercially available B740800800 Soldering Iron Commercially available B740200100 Thickness gauge (t=0.42 mm) Commercially available B776702201 Multimeter Commercially available Oscilloscope (50 MHz min.) Commercially available Extractor (for removing rivet in PSB) EPSON part EXTRACTOR

Note:

An oscilloscope is required only for making repairs at the component level.

 

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Disassembly and Assembly

Service Checks after Repair

Before returning the printer after service, use the check list in Table 3-2, which provides a record to make servicing and shipping more efficient.

Table 3-2. Inspection Check List for the Repaired Printer

Category Component Item to Check Status

mechanism

Printhead Are any wires broken?

Are any wires worn out?

Carriage mechanism

Paper advance mechanism

Paper path Is the

Does the carriage move smoothly?



Movement noisy?  Mechanism

dirty?  Mechanism oily? Is the CR motor at the correct

temperature (not overheating)? Is paper advancing smoothly?



Movement noisy?  Mechanism dirty?  Mechanism oily?  Paper jamming?

Is the paper feed motor running at the correct temperature (not overheating)?

type

of paper in the printer

feeding smoothly? Is the tractor feeding the paper

correctly? Is the paper path clear of all

obstructions?



Checked Not necessaryPrinter



Checked Not necessary



Checked Not necessary



Checked Not necessary



Checked Not necessary



Checked Not necessary



Checked Not necessary



Checked Not necessary



Checked Not necessary

Is the platen free of damage?

Ribbon mask Is the ribbon mask free of distortion?

Operation Self-test Was the self-test successful?

On-line test Was the on-line test successful?

Adjustments Platen gap Is the platen gap adjusted correctly?

Bi-D adjustment

Firmware ROM chip Check that the printer has the latest

Packing Ribbon

cartridge Attachments

and accessories

Is the bi-directional print position adjusted correctly?

ROM version. Has the ribbon been removed?

Have all the printer’s attachments and accessories been included in the package?

ESPON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual



Checked Not necessary



Checked Not necessary



Checked Not necessary



Checked Not necessary



Checked Not necessary



Checked Not necessary



Checked Not necessary



Checked Not necessary



Checked Not necessary

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Disassembly and Assembly

Screw Specifications

Table 3-3 lists the abbreviations used in the following pages for small parts, such as screws and washers.

Table 3-3. Screw Types and Abbreviations (I)

Abbreviation Description

CB Cross Bind-head screw CBS Cross Bind-head S-tight screw CBB Cross Bind-head B-tight screw CBP Cross Bind-head P-tight screw CP Cross Pan-head screw CB(O) Cross Bind-head screw with outer toothed lock

washer

Table 3-4. Screw Types and Abbreviations (II)

Head Body Washer

Bind-head S-tight

B-tightPan-head

P-tight

Outer toothed lock washer

3-4

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Disassembly and Assembly

Printer Disassembly and Assembly

This section provides disassembly procedures. The basic order for disassembly is shown in the flowchart below. Exploded diagrams are also provided in the Appendix. Refer to the Appendix if necessary to see how components fit together.

WARNING

Before disassembling any part of the printer, note the warnings in Printer Disassembly Precautions on page 3-1.

Main Components Disassembly

START

Disassembly Preparation

Upper Housing Removal

Printer Mechanism

Removal

C229 PSB/PSE Board

Printhead Removal

HP Sensor Removal

C229 Main Board

Removal

Platen Removal

ROM Replacemant

Figure 3-1. Disassembly Flowchart

Printer Mechanism Disassembly

START

PF Motor RemovalCR Motor Removal

Carriage Removal

Ribbon Drive

Removal

PF Gear Train Removal

Rear Paper Guide

Removal

PG Sensor

Removal

Release Sensor

Removal

Front PE Sensor

Removal

Rear PE Sensor

Removal

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Disassembly and Assembly

Printhead Removal

1. Remove the top cover.

2. Remove the 2 CBS screws (M3 x 8) securing the printhead to the carriage assembly.

3. Disconnect the FFC from the printhead and remove the printhead.

WARNING

Wait for five minutes after unplugging the printer before removing the printhead; it is very hot and needs to cool down.

CAUTION

After replacing the printhead, perform the platen gap adjustment (see Chapter 4).

Printhead

Head FFC

CBS (M3 x 8)

3-6

Figure 3-2. Printhead Removal

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Page 67

HP (Home Position) Sensor Removal

1. Remove the top cover.

2. Release the hook securing the HP sensor to the printer.

3. Disconnect the cable from the sensor and remove the sensor.

Disassembly and Assembly

Cable

Hook

HP Sensor

Figure 3-3. HP Sensor Removal

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Disassembly and Assembly

Disassembly Preparation

1. Remove the paper guide, top cover, front cover, and knob. Remove the tractor and paper eject cover by pushing the tabs on each end.

Paper Eject Cover

Top Cover

Knob

Tractor

Paper Guide

3-8

Front Cover

Figure 3-4. Disassembly Preparation

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Disassembly and Assembly

Upper Housing Removal

1. Follow the disassembly preparation procedures (see page 3-8).

2. Remove the 2 CBS (M3 × 6) screws and a CBB (4 × 12) screw securing the upper housing to the lower case. See Figure 3-5.

3. Set the release lever to the friction feed position.

4. Lift the front of the upper housing and disconnect the control panel FFC from the control panel connector.

5. Release the 2 hooks securing the control panel to the bottom-front of the upper housing, and remove the control panel.

6. Lift the upper housing by the front and remove it.

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Disassembly and Assembly

During re-assembly, note the following points:



When replacing the upper housing, seat the hooks on the upper housing in the corresponding

holes in the rear of the lower housing; then close the housing.



The release lever collar can be replaced after the upper housing has already been installed.

Control Panel FFC

CBS Screw (M3 x 6)

Control Panel

Release Lever Collar

CBB Screw (4 x 12)

Release Lever Sheet

Upper Housing

CBS Screw (M3 x 6)

Release Lever

3-10

Lower Case

Control Panel FFC

Figure 3-5. Upper Housing Removal

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Disassembly and Assembly

C229 Main Board Removal

1. Follow the disassembly preparation procedure (see page 3-8).

2. Remove the upper housing (see page 3-9).

3. Remove the 5 CBS (M3 × 4) screws and 3 CBB (3 × 12) screws securing the shield cover to the printer mechanism and lower housing; then remove the shield cover. See Figure 3-6.

4. Remove the connector cables from CN3, CN4, CN5, CN6, CN7, CN8, CN9, CN10, CN11, and CN12 on the C229 main board.

Note: Most of the cables are easily removed by pulling them straight up and out of their sockets. However, with CN3, CN8, and CN9, you must first raise the head of the connector socket. To do this, grasp the two small tabs on each end of the socket’s head, and pull straight up. Then pull out the cable.

5. Remove the 2 CBS (M3 × 12) screws securing the upper interface cover to the upper interface grounding plate, then remove the grounding plate.

6. Remove the remaining 5 CBB (3 × 12) screws that secure the C229 main board to the lower case.

7. Remove the interface board guide.

8. Remove the 2 CP (M3 × 8) screws securing the lower interface grounding plate to the parallel interface on the C229 main board, then remove the lower interface grounding plate.

9. Remove the C229 main board.

WARNING



The edges of the shield plate are very sharp.

CAUTION



Be sure to match the connectors to the correct cables by color – blue to blue, yellow to yellow, etc.



The red wire on the cables for CN3, CN8 and CN9 must be in the Pin No. 1 position.



After replacing the main board, perform the Default Setting and Bi-d Adjustments to write the new settings to the EEPROM (see Chapter 4).

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Disassembly and Assembly

CBS Screw (M3 x 4)

CBB Screw (3 x 12)

Lower I/F Grounding Plate

Shield Cover

CBS Screw (M3 x 4)

Upper I/F Grounding Plate

CBB Screw (3 x 12)

C229 PSB/PSE Board

CP Screw (M3 x 8)

I/F Guide Board

CBB Screw (3 x 12)

C229 Main Board

ROM

CBS Screw (3 x 12)

Upper Interface Cover

3-12

Printer Mechanism

Lower Case

Figure 3-6. Main Board Removal

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Page 73

Disassembly and Assembly

C229 PSB/PSE Board Removal

WARNING



The primary parts of the power supply are connected to the main power line. Unplug the printer

before servicing, and wait at least 5 minutes for the filter capacitor to discharge.



The heat sink is

printer is plugged in.



The heat sink gets very hot during operation. Avoid touching the heat sink for at least 5 minutes after

unplugging the printer.

1. Follow the disassembly preparation procedure (see page 3-8).

2. Remove the upper housing (see page 3-9).

3. Remove the 5 CBS (M3 × 4) screws and 3 CBB (3 × 12) screws securing the shield cover to the printer mechanism and lower housing, then remove the shield cover (see page 3-11).

not

electrically isolated from the main power line. Never touch the heat sink while the

4. Disconnect the connector cable from CN3 on the C229 main board.

5. Disconnect the power cable connector from CN1 on the C229 PSB/PSE board. See Figure 3-7.

Note: To remove the connector, squeeze the latch on the top part of the connector between your thumb and forefinger. While holding the circuit board down with your other hand, pull the connector up and off.

6. Remove the 1 remaining CBB (3 × 12) screw on the C229 PSB/PSE board.

7. Use the Extractor to remove the rivet from the C229 PSB/PSE board.

Note: To remove the rivet, center the Extractor on top of the rivet and push down to force the Extractor’s teeth under the head of the rivet. Then remove the rivet with a pull-and-twist motion.

When re-installing the power supply board, use a CBB (3 × 12)

screw in place of the rivet.

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Disassembly and Assembly

C229 PSB/PSE Board

CN1

CBB Screw (3 x 12)

Rivet

Lower Case

C229 Main Board

Figure 3-7. Power Supply Board Removal

ROM Removal

1. Follow the disassembly preparation procedures (see page 3-8).

2. Remove the upper housing (see page 3-9).

3. Remove the 5 CBS (M3 × 4) screws and 3 CBB (3 × 12) screws securing the shield cover to the printer mechanism and lower housing, then remove the shield cover (see page 3-11).

4. Remove the ROM from the C229 main board.

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Disassembly and Assembly

Platen Removal

1. Follow the disassembly preparation procedure (see page 3-8).

2. Remove the upper housing (see page 3-9).

3. Remove the 2 CBS (M3 × 8) screws securing the platen cover. See Figure 3-8.

4. Rotate the platen shaft holders on either end of the platen until the tabs on the holders line up with the cutouts on the two side frames.

5. Slide the platen slightly to the right, then lift up to remove it.

CAUTION

When replacing the platen, perform the platen gap adjustment (see Chapter 4).

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Disassembly and Assembly

Platen Shaft Holder

Left Side Frame

CBS Screw (M3 x 8)

Platen Cover

Platen

Platen Shaft Holder

Right Side Frame

3-16

Figure 3-8. Platen Removal

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Page 77

Disassembly and Assembly

Printer Mechanism Removal

1. Follow the disassembly preparation procedure (see page 3-8).

2. Remove the upper housing (see page 3-9).

3. Remove the 5 CBS (M3 × 4) screws and 3 CBB (3 × 12) screws securing the shield cover to the printer mechanism and lower housing, then remove the shield cover (see page 3-11).

4. Disconnect the connector cables from CN3, CN4, CN5, CN6, CN7, CN8, CN9, CN10 and CN11 on the C229 main board.

5. Remove the 2 CBB (4 × 12) screws securing the front frame to the lower housing, then remove the front frame. See Figure 3-9.

6. Remove the 4 printer mechanism mounting screws, then lift the printer mechanism out to remove it.

CAUTION

After replacing the printer mechanism, perform the platen gap and Bi-d adjustments (see Chapter 4).

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Disassembly and Assembly

Mechanism Mounting Screw

Printer Mechanism

Front Frame

CBB Screw (4 x 12)

Mechanism Mounting Screw

3-18

Lower Housing

Figure 3-9. Printer Mechanism Removal

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Page 79

Disassembly and Assembly

Printer Mechanism Disassembly

CR Motor Removal

1. Remove the printer mechanism (see page 3-17).

2. Release the tension spring.

3. Disengage the timing belt from the CR motor pinion and hang it on the nearby hook.

4. Remove the 2 carriage mounting screws securing the CR motor assembly to the right subframe, then remove the CR motor.

5. Remove the 2 CB (M3 × 6) screws securing the CR motor to the motor bracket, then remove the CR motor.

Carriage Mounting Screw

Tension Spring

Right Subframe

CR Motor

CR Motor Bracket

CB Screw (M3 x 6)

Hook

Timing Belt

Figure 3-10. CR Motor Removal

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Disassembly and Assembly

When reassembling the CR motor, position it on the bracket as shown below:

CR Motor Bracket

CR Motor

Figure 3-11. Positioning the CR Motor on its Bracket

Cable

CAUTION

After replacing the CR motor or timing belt, perform the Bi-d adjustment (see Chapter 4).

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Disassembly and Assembly

PF Motor Removal

1. Remove the printer mechanism (see page 3-17).

2. Release the motor cable from the printer mechanism.

3. Set the release lever to the tractor feed position (forward).

4. Remove the 2 CBS (M3 × 8) screws securing the PF motor to the right sub frame, then remove the PF motor.

CAUTION

If the release lever is in the friction feeding position, the PF motor cannot be removed.

Release Lever

MOVE LEVER FORWARD

Right Subframe

PF Motor

CBS Screw (M3 x 8)

Cable

Figure 3-12. PF Motor Removal

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Disassembly and Assembly

PF Gear Train Disassembly

1. Remove the printer mechanism (see page 3-17).

2. Remove the CR motor (see page 3-19).

3. Remove the PF motor (see page 3-21).

4. Remove the head FFC from the right subframe of the printer mechanism.

5. Remove the 2 CBS (M3 × 8) screws securing the right subframe, then remove the right subframe.

6. Remove the gears.

Compression Spring 200

Plain Washer

Spur Gear, 34.5

Spur Gear, 21

Spur Gear, 34

Spur Gear, 27

Tractor Cam Clutch

Spur Gear, 34.5

Release Lever

Intermittent Gear

Right Subframe

CBS Screw (3 x 8)

Head FFC

3-22

Figure 3-13. PF Gear Train Disassembly

ESPON FX-880/FX-1180 Service Manual

Page 83

Disassembly and Assembly

CAUTION



When assembling, engage the hole in the tractor cam clutch with the lower tab of the release lever.



Be sure to properly match the release lever with the teeth of the intermittent gear, as shown below.

Release Lever

Intermittent Gear

Tab

Figure 3-14. Release Lever and Intermittent Gear

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Disassembly and Assembly

PG (Platen Gap) Sensor Removal

1. Remove the printer mechanism (see page 3-17).

2. Release the 2 hooks securing the PG sensor to the left frame of the printer mechanism.

3. Disconnect the cable from the sensor and remove the sensor.

Hook

PG Sensor

Left Frame

Figure 3-15. PG Sensor Removal

3-24

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Page 85

Disassembly and Assembly

Release Lever Sensor Removal

1. Remove the printer mechanism (see page 3-17).

2. Release the 2 hooks securing the release lever sensor to the right subframe of the printer mechanism.

3. Disconnect the cable from the sensor and remove the sensor.

Release Sensor

Hooks

Figure 3-16. Release Lever Sensor Removal

Right Subframe

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Disassembly and Assembly

Front PE (Paper End) Sensor Removal

1. Remove the printer mechanism (see page 3-17).

2. Release the 2 hooks securing the front PE sensor to the rear paper guide.

3. Disconnect the cable from the sensor, then remove the sensor.

Rear Paper Guide

Hook

Front PE Sensor

Figure 3-17. Front PE Sensor Removal

3-26

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Page 87

Disassembly and Assembly

Rear PE Sensor Removal

1. Remove the printer mechanism (see page 3-17).

2. Carefully stand the printer mechanism on end.

3. Release the 2 hooks securing the rear PE sensor to the rear paper guide.

4. Release the 2 hooks attaching the rear paper guide to the sensor, slide the sensor to the rear, and pull down to remove it.

5. Disconnect the cable from the sensor.

Rear Frame

Rear Paper Guide

Hooks

Figure 3-18. Rear PE Sensor Removal

Rear PE Sensor

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Disassembly and Assembly

Carriage Removal

1. Remove the printer mechanism (see page 3-17).

2. Remove the printhead FFC (see page 3-6).

3. Remove the platen (see page 3-15).

4. Remove the hexagon nut and washer securing the release lever to the CR guide shaft, then remove the lever.

5. Remove the parallel adjustment bushing from the CR guide shaft.

6. Disengage the timing belt from the CR motor (see page 3-19).

7. Move the carriage to the far-right end of the CR guide shaft, and remove both the carriage and CR guide shaft by lifting them from the front frame.

8. Release the timing belt from the 2 clips at the bottom of the carriage assembly.

Hexagon Nut

Washer

Front Frame

Release Lever

Parallel Adjustment Bushing

Timing Belt

Figure 3-19. Carriage Removal

Carriage

Oil Pad

Carriage Guide Shaft

CAUTION

After replacing the carriage, perform the platen gap adjustment (see Chapter 4).

3-28

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Page 89

Disassembly and Assembly

CAUTION

When attaching the timing belt to the carriage, secure the timing belt to the left and right clips of the carriage assembly as shown below. Make sure there is no slack in the timing belt.

Clip

Timing Belt

Wrong

Figure 3-20. Attaching the Timing Belt

Right

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Page 90

Disassembly and Assembly

Rear Paper Guide Removal

1. Remove the printer mechanism (see page 3-17).

2. Remove the platen (see page 3-15).

3. Remove the hexagon nut and the washer securing the adjust lever to the CR guide shaft, then remove the lever. See Figure 3-21.

4. Remove the parallel adjustment bushing from the CR guide shaft (see page 3-28).

5. Remove the PG sensor (see page 3-24).

6. Remove the cable from the HP sensor.

7. Remove the 4 CBS (M3 × 8) screws securing the left frame of the printer mechanism, then remove the left frame. See Figure 3-21.

8. Remove the printhead FFC from the rear frame of the printer mechanism.

9. Remove the 2 CBS (M3 × 8) screws securing the rear frame to the right frame.

10. Push the hook on the bottom of the rear paper guide, then slide the rear paper guide out from the rear frame.

3-30

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Page 91

CBS Screw (M3 x 8)

Disassembly and Assembly

Left Frame

Rear Frame

Rear Paper Guide

Hook

CBS Screw (M3 x 8)

Rear Frame

Figure 3-21. Rear Paper Guide Removal

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Disassembly and Assembly

Ribbon Drive Removal

1. Remove the printer mechanism (see page 3-17).

2. Remove the platen (see page 3-15).

3. Remove the hexagon nut and the washer securing the adjust lever to the CR guide shaft, then remove the lever.

4. Remove the parallel adjustment bushing from the CR guide shaft. (see page 3-28)

5. Remove the PG sensor cable (see page 3-24).

6. Remove the HP sensor cable from the left frame.

7. Remove the 4 CBS (M3 × 8) screws securing the left frame, then remove the left frame.

8. Remove the CBC (M3 × 8) screw and the CBB (3 × 8) screw securing the ribbon drive.

9. Release the ribbon drive from the roller drive, then remove the ribbon drive.

Roller Drive

CBB Screw (3 x 8)

CBC Screw (M3 x 8)

Ribbon Drive

3-32

Front Frame

Figure 3-22. Ribbon Drive Removal

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Page 93

4. Adjustments

Adjustment Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 4-1

Required Adjustments .................................................................................................................................. 4-1

Adjustment Tools.......................................................................................................................................... 4-1

Adjusting and Resetting the Printer...................................................................................................................... 4-2

Platen Gap Adjustment.................................................................................................................................4-2

Factory Settings............................................................................................................... ............................. 4-4

Bidirectional Adjustm ent...............................................................................................................................4-6

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Adjustments

4-ii

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Page 95

Adjustments

Adjustment Overview

Required Adjustments

Whenever you remove or replace parts, you must perform certain adjustments. The required adjustments are shown in Table 4-1 according to the type of repair per f ormed.

Table 4-1. Required Adjustments

Repair Procedure Platen Gap Factory Settings Bi-D Print Alignment

Printhead removal or replacement Printer mechanism replacement — — Printer mechanism removal Main board replacement — Timing belt replacement Platen replacement Carriage assembly replacement CR motor replacement — — EEPROM initialization — —

⊗

⊗ ⊗ ⊗

—

⊗⊗

— —— —

⊗ ⊗ ⊗

⊗

⊗ ⊗ ⊗

Notes:

⊗

means the adjustment is required.

—

means the adjustment is not required.

Adjustment Tools

The following table shows the tools required for each adjustment.

Table 4-2. Required Adjustment Tools

Adjustment Required Tool

Platen gap Thickness gauge Factory settings Adjustment program diskette Bi-D print alignment Adjustment program diskette

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Adjustments

Adjusting and Resetting the Printer

Platen Gap Adjustment

If the CR guide shaft has been removed, or if the parallelism adjustment bushing has been rotated, you must perform the platen gap adjustment. Symptoms of a mis-adjusted platen gap include faint printing (if the gap is too wide), or smudge marks appearing on the page (if the gap is too narrow). If any of these symptoms appear, you must perform the platen gap adjustment.

Remove the upper housing as described in Chapter 3,

Remove the printhead from the carriage assembly as described in Chapter 3.

Using tweezers, remove the ribbon mask from the carriage assembly.

Disassembly and Assembly

Ribbon Mask

Carriage Assembly

Figure 4-1. Ribbon Mask Removal

Re-install the printhead on the carriage assembly.

Set the paper adjustment lever to “0” (the second step position from the rear).

Rotate the CR guide shaft so that the large countersunk hole on the left edge of the shaft faces upward.

Parallelism Adjustment Bushing

CR Guide Shaft

Carriage Assembly

4-2

Large countersunk hole

Figure 4-2. Setting CR Guide Shaft

Small countersunk hole

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Adjustments

Move the carriage assembly to the right edge.

Slightly loosen the hexagonal nut securing the PG adjust lever and the CR guide shaft.

Set the thickness gauge to 0.38 mm and insert it between the printhead and platen.

10.

Insert a screwdriver into the countersunk hole located on the left side of the CR guide shaft and turn the screwdriver until the platen and the printhead touch each other lightly.

11.

Move the carriage assembly to the left edge.

12.

Insert the thickness gauge (0.38 mm) between the printhead and platen.

13.

Insert the screwdriver into the countersunk hole and turn the screwdriver until the platen and printhead touch each other lightly.

14.

Continue performing adjustment steps 10 through 13, rotating the parallelism adjustment bushing until the parallelism gap is correct on each end. The difference between the right and left gaps should be less than

0.02 mm.

15.

Move the carriage assembly to the center of the printable area.

16.

Insert the thickness gauge between the printhead and the platen, and rotate the CR guide shaft until the platen gap is 0.365 ± 0.015 mm.

0.365+/-0.015

Platen

Figure 4-3. Platen Gap

17.

When the adjustment is complete, re-tighten the hexagonal nut on the PG adjust lever.

18.

Remove the printhead and install the ribbon mask.

19.

Re-install the printhead in the carriage assembly.

Printhead

CAUTION

Do not rotate the platen during adjustment.

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Adjustments

Factory Settings

The printer’s factory settings are stored in the EEPROM on the main board. Therefore, if you replace the main board, you must restore the settings using the adjustment program.

CAUTION



When using the adjustment program, do not select any options that are not described in this manual. The adjustment program is the same as the check program used in the factory and includes many options that are not needed for service. If you select options other than those indicated in this manual, the printer may go into an error state and need to be reset.



The new factory settings are saved only after printing a test pattern, as described in the instructions below. Do not turn the printer off or exit the adjustment program until you have first printed a test pattern.

Connect the printer to the host computer with a parallel interface cable.

Place continuous paper in the printer, according to the model indicated below:

FX-880: 10-inch wide paper FX-1180: 15-inch wide paper

Run the adjustment program on the host computer.

The printhead wire select menu appears. Press ↑ or ↓ to select 9 pins from the list, and press Enter.

Program : xxxxxSetting:

VR 0 = x VR 1 = x VR 2 = x

** ** [ Printer setting ] >(1) 9 pins (2) 24 pins

The market setting menu appears. Referring to Table 4-3, press ↑or ↓ to select your market from the list and press Enter. If you need to change your selection, press Esc to display the market setting menu again. An example (for EAI) is shown below:

Program : xxxxxSetting: 9 pins VR 0 = x VR 1 = x VR 2 = x

** ** [ Setting File ] (1) DEFSTD (6) ITALIC >(2) USASTD (3) EURSTD (4) NLSP (5) RUSSIAN

4-4

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Table 4-3. Market List

Destination Code

EAI, EAI (Latin) USASTD EURO, EDG, EUL, EUL (SCANDINAVIA), EFS, EIS, EIB EDG (NLSP) NLSP EUL (MIDDLE EAST), EAL, ESP, EHK

The process selection menu appears. Press ↑ or ↓ to select In line and press Enter.

Program : xxxxxSetting: 9 pins VR 0 = x VR 1 = x VR 2 = x

** ** [ Process select ] >(1) In line (2) Out-Going

EURSTD

DEFSTD

Adjustments

The carriage width select menu appears. Press ↑ or ↓ to select a column width for your printer model, and press Enter:

FX-880: 80 columns FX-1180: 136 columns

Program : xxxxxSetting: 9 pins VR 0 = x VR 1 = x VR 2 = x

** In line** [ Carriage Width ] >(1) 80 column (2) 106 column (3) 136 column

The main menu appears. Press ↑ or ↓ to select FF paper and press Enter. The printer starts printing the test pattern.

Program : xxxxxSetting: 9 pins VR 0 = x VR 1 = x VR 2 = x

** In line** [ Main Menu ] (1) Bi-D Adjust(6) Envelope >(2)FF paper (7) – SUB MENU

(3) ---- N/A ----

After the test pattern is printed, turn the printer off to store the factory settings in the EEPROM.

10.

Press Esc several times to quit the program.

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Adjustments

Bidirectional Adjustment

You can perform the bidirectional adjustment with the adjustment program or from the control panel. This section describes how to make the adjustment with the adjustment program. To make the adjustment from the control panel, see “Control Panel Operation” in Chapter 1.

CAUTION



Follow steps 1 through 7 under “Factory Settings” on page 4-4 to display the main menu, shown below:

Program : xxxxxSetting: 9 pins VR 0 = x VR 1 = x VR 2 = x

** In line** [ Main Menu ] >(1) Bi-D Adjust(6) Envelope (2)FF paper (7) – SUB MENU

(3) ---- N/A ----

Press ↑ or ↓ to select

The Bi-D adjustment menu appears. Three modes are listed in the menu, and each mode corresponds to a different print speed. To perform the Bi-D adjustment, you must test the printer at all three speeds. Press ↑ or ↓ to select the desired Bi-D printing mode, and press ← or → to change the setting’s value.

Press the space bar to print the four-line Bi-D pattern for the current print mode, as shown below.

Bi-D Adjust

Cancel Print Speed Value Write Default [ESC] [SPACE] [↑ ↓][←→][RET][HOME]

and press

Enter

. The printer starts printing the test pattern.

< Bi-D Adjustment >

> Mode 0 = x Mode 1 = x Mode 4 = x

4-6

Figure 4-4. Bi-D Adjustment Pattern

EPSON FX-880/FX-1180 Servic e Manua

Epson Fx1180 Service Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Revision Date

Table of Contents

Preface

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

PRECAUTIONS

Features

Hardware Specifications

Paper Specifications

Electrical Specifications

Safety Approvals

Firmware Specifications

Interface Specifications

Control Panel Operation

Main Components

Printer Mechanism Operation

Printhead

Carriage Unit

Paper Handling Mechanisms

Ribbon Advance Mechanism

Platen Gap Adjustment Mechanism

Paper Feed Motor

Circuit Operation

Control Circuit

Overview

Tools

Service Checks after Repair

Screw Specifications

Printhead Removal

Platen Removal

PF Motor Removal

PF Gear Train Disassembly

PG (Platen Gap) Sensor Removal

Release Lever Sensor Removal

Front PE (Paper End) Sensor Removal

Rear PE Sensor Removal

Carriage Removal

Rear Paper Guide Removal

Ribbon Drive Removal

Platen Gap Adjustment

Factory Settings