Epson FX-1180PLUS, FX-880PLUS Setup Guide

®

9-pin Dot Matrix Printer

Setup Guide

Read Before Using the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1 Setting Up the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 Using Online Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

3 Safety and Environmental Information . . 24

4014598-00
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Where to Find Information

Setup Guide (this manual)

Explains how to set up the printer and install the printer software.

Reference Guide (online guide)

Provides detailed information on the printer’s functions, optional
products, printer software, troubleshooting, and technical
specifications. You can view this guide directly from the CD, or
install it on your computer and view it from your hard disk.

Quick Guide (online guide)

Provides a summary of basic information on how to use the
printer.

Online Help

Provides detailed information and instructions on the printer
software that controls your printer. Online help is automatically
installed when you install the printer software.

Note:

Although the illustrations in this manual show the FX-880+ printer, the
instructions apply to both the FX-880+ and the FX-1180+; the printers work
in the same way.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. The
information contained herein is designed only for use with this EPSON printer. EPSON is not
responsible for any use of this information as applied to other printers.

Neither SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of
this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by the purchaser
or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized
modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to strictly
comply with SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION’s operating and maintenance instructions.

SEIKO EPSON C ORPORATION shall not be liable fo r 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 and EPSON ESC/P are registered trademarks of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

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

Copyright © 2001 by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, Nagano, Japan.

1

Read Before Using the Printer

This guide consists of three chapters. The first and the second
chapters describe how to set up your printer and install the printer
software. The last chapter provides detailed safety and
environmental information. Be sure to follow the instructions
carefully to ensure safe and efficient use of your printer.

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

Warnings

must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.

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Cautions

must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.

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Notes

contain important information and useful tips on the operation of

your printer.

2

Read Before Using the Printer

Setting Up the Printer

1

Follow the instructions in this chapter to unpack and set up your
printer.

1-1 Unpacking the Printer

Besides the items shown in the illustration below, the printer box
should include an EPSON printer software CD-ROM and a Notice
Sheet.

printer paper guide

power cord

ribbon cartridge

Note:

Depending on your printer model, the power cord may be permanently
attached to the printer. Also, the shape of the power cord plug varies
depending on the country of purchase; be sure the plug you have is the
right one for your location.

Setting Up the Printer

3

Caution:

There are several models of the printer designed for different

c

voltages, and it is not possible to adjust the printer for use with
another voltage. If the label on the back of the printer does not
show the correct voltage for your country, contact your dealer.

You must remove all protective materials packed around and
inside your printer before you set it up and turn on the power.
Follow the directions on the Notice Sheet (packed with the
printer) to remove these materials.

Save all packing and protective materials in case you need to ship
the printer in the future. It should always be transported in its
original packing materials.

1-2 Choosing a Place for the Printer

Follow these guidelines when selecting a location for your printer.

❏ Place the printer on a flat, stable surface. The printer will not

operate properly if it is tilted or placed at an angle.

❏ Place the printer where you can easily connect it to a network

interface cable, if necessary.

❏ Leave adequate room around the printer for easy operation

and maintenance.

❏ Avoid using or storing the printer in places subject to rapid

changes in temperature and humidity. Keep it away from
direct sunlight, strong light, heat sources, or excessive
moisture or dust.

❏ Avoid places subject to shocks and vibrations.

❏ Place the printer near a wall outlet where you can easily

unplug the power cord.

4

Setting Up the Printer

Note for French-speaking users:

Placez l’imprimante près d’une prise de courant où la fiche peut être
débranchée facilement.

❏ Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or

automatic timers. An interruption in power can erase
information in the memory of your printer or computer. Also
avoid outlets on the same circuit as large motors or other
appliances that can cause voltage fluctuations.

❏ Keep the entire computer system away from potential sources

of electromagnetic interference, such as loudspeakers or the
base units of cordless telephones.

❏ Use a grounded power outlet; do not use an adapter plug.

If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines:

❏ Use a stand that can support at least the following weight:

29.0 kg (63.93 lb) for FX-880+

37.0 kg (81.57 lb) for FX-1180+

❏ Never use a stand that tilts the printer. The printer should

always be kept level.

❏ Position your printer’s power cord and interface cable so they

do not interfere with paper feeding. If possible, secure the
cables to a leg of the printer stand.

Setting Up the Printer

5

1-3 Assembling the Printer

Follow the steps in this section to attach the paper guide and
install the ribbon cartridge.

Attaching the paper guide

To attach the paper guide to your printer, insert the tabs on the
paper guide straight down into the mounting slots on the printer.
Then place the paper guide in the upright position.

Note:

You can use the paper guide only when the tractor is installed in the
front or rear push position. To switch from printing on single sheets
using the paper guide to printing on continuous paper from a tractor,
see “Switching Between Continuous Paper and Single Paper” in the
Reference Guide.

6

Setting Up the Printer

When you are not using the paper guide, lay it flat on the printer
to prevent it from obstructing your paper or being damaged. To
lay the paper guide down, lift it up slightly, then lower it until it
is lying flat on top of the printer.

2

1

1-4 Installing the Ribbon Cartridge

EPSON recommends the use of genuine EPSON ribbon cartridges
(#8750 for the FX-880+, #8755 for the FX-1180+). Products not
manufactured by EPSON may cause damage to your printer,
which is not covered by EPSON’s warranties.

Follow these steps to install the ribbon cartridge:

Warning:

You need to move the print head by hand to install the ribbon

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cartridge. If you have just used the printer, the print head may be
hot; let it cool for a few minutes before touching it.

Setting Up the Printer

7

1. Make sure the printer is turned off. The printer is off when
the power switch is pressed down to the

N side.

2. If the printer is connected to an electrical outlet, unplug it from
the outlet.

3. Open the printer cover to the upright position, then pull it up
to remove it.

8

Setting Up the Printer