Epson FX-286e, FX-86e User Manual
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
FOR AMERICAN USERS
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference
to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of part 15 of
FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a
residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or 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 the receiving antenna
— Relocate the printer with respect to the receiver
— Plug the printer into a different outlet so that the printer and receiver are on different
branch circuits.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician
for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal
Communications Commission helpful:
“How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems.”
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Stock No. 004-000-0345-4.
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded printer interface cable to this printer will invalidate the FCC
Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused interfaces.
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, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation. No patent liability is assumed
with respect to the use of the information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken
in the preparation of this book, Seiko Epson Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or
omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information
contained herein.
Graphics created with UniPaint by Unison World Inc. and EPSON 3D-Graph.
Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corporation.
Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
ESC/P is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Copyright © 1986 by Seiko Epson Corporation
Nagano, Japan
ii
Contents
Introduction
About This Manual
2
Chapter 1
Setting Up Your FX Printer
1-1
Unpacking Your Printer
1-2
Selecting the Right Location
1-3 Installing the Ribbon
1-6
Loading Continuous-feed Paper
1-12 Turning On the Printer
1-12 Operating the Control Panel
1-14 SelecType
1-16 Running the Self Test
1-17 Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
1-18 Choosing the Operating Mode with DIP Switches
Chapter 2
Choosing and Loading Paper
2-1 Choosing Paper
2-1 Using Single-sheet Paper
2-6
Reinstalling the Tractor Unit
2-8
The Paper Thickness Lever
Chapter 3
Using the FX with Application Programs
3-1 Printer Selection Menus
3-2
Computer -Printer Communication
3-3 Word Processors
3-4 Spreadsheets
3-6 Graphics Programs
3-6 Programming Languages
Contents
iii
Chapter 4
FX Printer Features
4-1 Quality and Fonts
4-2
Print Size and Character Width
4-2 Pitches and Proportional Spacing
4-3
Special Effects and Emphasis
4-4
Using Different Character Sets
4-5
Page Layout and Other Commands
Chapter 5
Graphics and User-defined Characters
5-2 The Print Head
5-3 Pin Labels
5-4 Graphics Commands
5-6 Simple Graphics Programming
5-8 Density Varieties
5-10 Designing Your Own Graphics
5-13 User-defined Characters
Appendix A
Command Summary
A-4 Commands in Numerical Order
A-7 Epson (ESC/P) Commands
A-36 IBM Printer Emulation Mode Commands
Appendix B
Character Tables
El Epson Mode
B-9 Epson International Character Sets
B-11 IBM Printer Emulation Mode
Appendix C
Problem Solving and Maintenance
C-1 General Troubleshooting
C-3 Troubleshooting Graphics Problems
C-3 Data Dump Mode
C-4 IBM PC BASIC Solutions
C-5 Maintaining Your Printer
C-7 Transporting the Printer
iv
Contents
Appendix D
Defaults and DIP Switches
D-1 Default and Initialization Settings
D-2 DIP Switch Settings
D-3 International Character Sets
Appendix E
Choosing and Setting Up Optional Interfaces
E-1 Compatible Interfaces
E-2 Choosing an Interface
E-3 Installing an Interface
E-6
Inserting the Interface board
E-7 Serial Interface Settings
Appendix F
Technical Specifications
F-1 Printing
F-1 Paper
F-2 Mechanical
F-2 Electrical
F-3 Environment
F-3 Parallel Interface
F-5 Data Transfer Sequence
Index
Contents
v
Introduction
The FX-86e and FX-286e printers combine all the well-known virtues
of previous Epson 9-pin printers with many features normally exclusive
to costly 24-pin printers.
l
The speed of draft printing is 240 characters per second in draft elite
and 200 in draft pica. When you have perfected a document, you
can switch to one of two Near Letter Quality fonts-Roman or
Sans Serif.
Draft printing is extremely fast.
NLQ Roman is clear and typewriter-like.
NLQ Sans Serif is crisp and distinctive.
l The SelecType feature gives you access to Near Letter Quality
(NLQ) and condensed print. All you have to do is press the button
for the style you want. While the FX is printing, the SelecType panel
shows you what choices it’s using.
l
If you are using software designed for an IBM@ printer, you have the
choice of using the FX in Epson mode or IBM printer emulation
mode. Even better, you can combine the best of both worlds; the
powerful Epson mode commands can now print character graphics
like those used by IBM printers and computers.
l
Loading paper is now easier than ever. Single sheets can be loaded
by just moving a lever, and the tractor lets you load a wide range of
widths of continuous-feed paper, including labels.
l
For headings and other emphasis, you can use double-high and
double-wide printing.
Introduction
1
About this Manual
To make it easier to set up your new FX-86e or FX-286e, this manual
includes a lo-step guide. This guide, which is printed on the inside of
the back flap, summarizes the first chapter’s setting up instructions.
Chapters 2 through 5 cover the basic and advanced functions, and
the appendixes contain reference information, including all the details
you need to use any of the printer’s commands, and some advice on
solving problems.
Finally, there is a comprehensive index, and inside the back of the
manual is a pull-out quick reference card containing the information
you need most.
2
Introduction
Chapter 1
Setting Up Your FX Printer
Setting up your new FX is easy. Simply follow the steps in this
chapter.
Note
The FX-86e and FX-286e are basically the same printer except that the
FX-286e can accept wider paper. Therefore, the illustrations in this
manual show only the FX-86e.
1 Unpacking Your Printer
First, remove the printer from the box and take off all outside plastic
covering and foam supports. Make sure you have received all the parts
shown in the illustration below.
Figure 1-1
Printer parts
Setting Up Your FX Printer
1-1
Tilt the tractor cover up and remove the two foam pads underneath
it. (These pads protect the tractor unit during shipping; be sure to save
them.)
WARNING
The printer is protected by a print head protector, a platen
protector and two locking tabs during shipping. These protective
items must be removed before you turn on the printer. Follow the
steps below Figure 1-2.
Also, you should install the paper feed knob. To install the knob,
simply push it onto the shaft on the right side of the printer as
shown in Figure 1-2.
1. Remove the left locking tab.
2. Remove the print head protector.
3. Move the print head to the left.
4. Remove the right locking tab and the platen protector.
2 Selecting the Right Location
The most important consideration in choosing a location for your
printer is that it be close enough to connect a cable to your computer.
But also keep the following tips in mind:
1-2
Setting Up Your FX Printer
l Place the printer or printer stand on a solid and level foundation.
Avoid setting it on carpet or on unstable surfaces such as chairs.
l Use a grounded outlet-one that has three holes to match the power
plug on the printer. Don’t use an adapter plug.
l
Avoid using electrical outlets that are controlled by wall switches. If
you accidentally turn off a switch, you could wipe out valuable
information and stop your printing.
l
Keep your printer and computer away from base units for cordless
telephones.
l
Avoid using an outlet on the same circuit breaker with large
electrical machines or appliances that might disrupt the flow of
power to your printer.
l Choose a place that is clean and away from moisture, dust, and
excessive heat (such as a heater or direct sunlight).
If you are going to use continuous-feed paper, clear enough space
around the printer so that the paper has an unobstructed path in and
out of the printer. There are three common methods of arranging a
printer and continuous paper:
l Using a printer stand with the paper stacked underneath it.
l Using a desk or table as a stand, with the printer near the rear edge
and the paper on the floor or on a shelf.
l Putting the printer on a desk or table and stacking the paper behind
the printer.
3 Installing the Ribbon
To install the ribbon, follow the directions below:
1. Remove the tractor cover that comes installed on the printer. To
remove it, simply pull the back of the cover toward you until the
cover is vertical. Then lift it up and off the printer.
2. Manually move the print head to the middle of the platen.
Setting Up Your FX Printer
1-3
WARNING
The power must be OFF when you move the print head. Moving the
print head when the power is ON may damage your printer. If you’ve
been using your printer just before changing the ribbon cartridge, be
careful not to touch the print head because it becomes hot during use.
3. before installing the ribbon cartridge, turn the small knob on top in
the direction of the arrow to tighten the ribbon as shown in Figure 1-3.
Figure 1-3
Tightening the ribbon
4. For the FX-86e, hold the ribbon cartridge by the raised plastic fin
on top of the cartridge; for the FX-286e hold the cartridge by the
two plastic tabs. Lower the cartridge into the printer, guiding the
two pins on each end of the cartridge into the slots in the printer
frame, as shown in Figure 1-4. Press firmly on each end of the
cartridge to make sure the pins are firmly seated in the slots.
5. Now use the point of a pencil to guide the ribbon into place be-
tween the ribbon guide and the print head as shown in Figure 1-5.
(There is also a diagram on the top of the ribbon cartridge itself.)
6. With the cartridge in place, again turn the ribbon knob in the
direction of the arrow to tighten the ribbon.
And that’s it-the ribbon is now installed.
1-4
Setting Up Your FX Printer
Figure 1-4.
Installing the ribbon cartridge
Figure 1-5.
Positioning the ribbon
Setting Up Your FX Printer
1-5
4
Loading Continuous-feed Paper
When you receive your FX, it is set up to print on continuous-feed
paper. If you plan to use single-sheet paper, turn to Chapter 2 for
instructions on setting up the printer for single sheets. If you have
bought the optional automatic sheet feeder, complete the remainder of
the setup steps before you install the automatic sheet feeder (which has
its own manual).
The FX tractor units are adjustable to accommodate different widths
of paper-from 4 to 10 inches on the FX-86e and from 4 to 16 inches on
the FX-286e. Before you load continuous-feed paper, prepare the printer
in the following manner:
1. Make sure the printer is turned off.
2. Remove the tractor cover that comes installed on the printer. To
remove it, simply pull the back of the cover toward you until it is
vertical. Then lift the cover up and off the printer.
3. Install the paper rest as shown in Figure 1-6. This part helps prevent
the paper from catching on the printer cable.
1-6
Setting Up Your FX Printer
Figure 1-6.
Installing the paper
4. Pull both the paper release lever and the paper bail lever toward the
front
rest
of the printer. (Figure 1-6 shows where these levers are.)
Setting Up Your FX Printer
1-7
Now you are ready to load the continuous-feed paper. Just follow the
steps below:
1. Using Figure 1-7 as a guide, pull the locking levers on the
pin-feed holders forward so that you can move the holders to
the left and right.
Figure 1-7.
Pin-feed
locking levers
2. Move the left holder so that the locking lever is about 1/4 inch
from the left side and push the locking lever back to lock that
holder in place. Leave the right holder unlocked.
3. Open the pin-feed covers as shown in Figure 1-8.
WARNING
Do not use the pin-feed covers to move the pin-feed holders.
1-8
Setting Up Your FX Printer
Figure 1-8.
Open pin-feed cover
4. Guide the paper into the paper slot, and push it through until it
comes up between the ribbon guide and the platen. (Moving the
paper with a side-to-side motion makes it easier to push the paper
through.)
5. Pull the paper up until the top is above the pin-feed holders. Fit the
holes on the left side of the paper over the pins in the left holder (as
shown in Figure 1-9) and close the cover.
Figure 1-9.
Fitting the paper over the pin feeds
Setting Up Your FX Printer 1-9
6. Fit the right side of the paper into the right holder, moving the
holder as needed to match the width of the paper.
7. Close the right cover, making sure the paper has no dips or wrinkles
and lock the right holder in place.
Now that you have loaded the continuous-feed paper, prepare the
printer for printing.
1. Push the paper bail lever back.
2. Hold the paper guide above the printer with the edge tab on the
left. Insert the right hinge tab into the right tab slot, as shown in
Figure 1-10. Then insert the left tab into the left slot and push
the guide back so that it is horizontal.
Figure 1-10
This guide keeps paper that is coming out of the printer from
interfering with the paper going in. The guide is also used in the
upright position for printing on single sheets of paper.
1-10
Setting Up Your FX Printer
3. With the printer turned OFF, advance the paper with the paper
feed knob on the right side of the printer until the first row of
perforations is about even with the top of the ribbon. (See
Figure 1-1 1.)
Figure 1-11.
Setting top of form
This
is the top of
form
position. It makes your printed pages end
where you want them to and prevents the printer from printing on the
perforations. The paper should be in this position when the power is
turned on or when software initializes the printer or sets the page
length.
4. Replace the tractor cover.
Setting Up Your FX Printer
1-11
5
Turning On the Printer
Before plugging in the power cord, see that the power switch near
the back of the left side of the printer is turned off; then plug the
power cord into a properly grounded socket.
WARNING
Before turning on the printer, be absolutely sure you have removed all
packing materials. Turning on the printer when the print head cannot
move may seriously damage the mechanism.
Now, turn the power ON with the switch on the left side of the
printer. When you turn on the printer, three things happen:
l The print head moves back and forth and stops at the left side of the
printer; this is the home position.
l
The printer is initialized and set to certain default settings (which are
fully described in Appendix D).
l The green power light on the control panel comes on.
6 Operating the Control Panel
The control pane! is shown in Figure 1-12.
Figure 1-12.
The FX control panel.
1.12
Setting Up Your FX Printer
The three buttons nearest the front of the printer control advancing
the paper and communication with the computer. The four indicator
lights show when the printer is turned on and when it is ready to use.
The buttons
There are three large buttons on the control panel.
OFF LINE/
ON LINE
FORM FEED/
ROMAN
LINE FEED/
SANS SERIF
Note
Use the paper feed knob on the right side of the printer only when the
printer is turned OFF Using it when the printer is on can damage the
printer mechanism.
The green light next to this button indicates that
the printer is able to receive and print data from
the computer. When the light is off, the printer is
off line and cannot receive any data. Press the
button to change from on line to off line or from
off line to on line. The printer automatically goes
off line when you try to print without paper in
the printer. Pressing the button then has no
effect until you load paper.
When the printer is off line, this button ejects a
single sheet of paper or advances continuous
paper to the next top of form.
When the printer is on line and in NLQ mode,
pressing the button selects the Roman font.
When the printer is off line, this button
advances the paper one line each time you press
it or continuously if you hold it down. When
the printer is turned on, use this button to
advance paper.
When the printer is on line and in NLQ mode,
pressing the button selects the Sans Serif font.
The indicator lights
In addition to the ON LINE light, the printer has three other lights.
POWER
READY
Setting Up Your FX Printer
This comes on to show that the printer is
connected to the power and is turned on.
This comes on when the printer is on line and
ready to print. It normally flickers during
printing.
1-13
PAPER OUT
Also on the control panel are two touch switches that let you choose
the print style and size. These are the SelecType buttons, which are
described in the next section.
7
SelecType
The SelecType feature consists of two buttons on the control panel.
These buttons select the most used printing features-Near Letter
Quality (NLQ) and condensed.
With the two SelecType buttons, you can produce any of the four
typestyles shown below:
This comes on when the printer is out of paper.
NLQ can also be condensed for more characters on a line.
Draft is for fast printing and NLQ for higher-quality work. In the
condensed mode all characters are about 60% of their normal width.
Two NLQ fonts are available: Roman and Sans Serif. You select
and
them by using the
printer is on line. The FORM FEED button selects Roman, and the
LINE FEED
the NLQ typeface is also available in the
FORM FEED
button selects Sans Serif, A software command to
LINE FEED
Epson mode.
buttons while the
change
NLQ Roman is clear and typewriter-like.
NLQ Sans Serif is crisp and distinctive.
If you want NLQ printing, simply press the
condensed printing, simply press the
When you press either SelecType button, it beeps twice and its
orange indicator light turns on to show that you have selected it. If you
1.14
CONDENSED
NLQ
button. If you want
button.
Setting Up Your FX Printer
want to turn off either mode, press its button again. It beeps once and
the indicator light turns off to show that the mode is cancelled.
As you can see, SelecType makes it easy to choose either NLQ or
condensed, and the indicator lights always tell you which modes you’ve
selected.
Trying out SelecType is a simple three-step process:
1. Create a short sample document or file with your favorite
application program.
2. Press either or both of the SelecType buttons.
3. Print the document or file using your application program’s print
command.
If SelecType Does Not Work
Some applications programs are designed to control all typestyle
functions. Before each printing operation, these programs cancel all
previous typestyle settings by sending a signal (INIT) or by sending
specific control codes to cancel certain typestyles. These signals or
control codes may cancel your SelecType settings.
One reset signal, however, does not affect your SelecType settings.
This is the ESC @ command.
You can see whether your program is changing your settings by
watching the buttons when printing starts. If the lights change, the
program is controlling the typestyles.
If your application program changes your SelecType settings, you
have two choices:
1. Use the program’s setup procedure (which could be called by
another name, such as install) to remove the codes that interfere
with your SelecType settings.
2. Use the print control codes for your application program instead of
SelecType to control your printing. Most programs that cancel
SelecType settings also have sophisticated print control commands
that give the same results that SelecType does. The manual for your
program should explain the necessary commands.
Setting Up Your FX Printer
1-15
Note
Also remember that control codes in your document will override the
SelecType settings. Therefore, if you have a code for NLQ in your
document and you press the
DRAFT
SelecType button, your printing
will still be in NLQ.
8 Running the Self Test
The FX has a built-in self test that prints out the characters in its
memory so that you can see that the printer is working properly.
The self test also prints the settings of the printer’s DIP switches.
You’ll use this part of the printout in the last section of this chapter.
Before running the self test, make sure that the power is OFF and
paper is loaded in the printer. (Use wide paper in the FX-286e to avoid
printing on the platen.)
To run the self test in the Near Letter Quality (NLQ) mode, hold
down the
When the printing starts, release the
The self test first prints the version number of the printer and several
lines of settings that are explained in the last section of this chapter.
Then it prints the characters from its memory. The test continues until
you turn the printer off. Part of a typical self test is shown below.
FORM FEED
button at the same time you turn the printer on.
FORM FEED
button.
Character mode
Shape of zero 0 (Unslashed) 1-2 OFF
CG Table Italic6
Protocol mode ESC/P
Print Quality Draft 1-5 OFF
Country
Page Length
CSF Mode
Skip Perforation None 2-3 OFF
Auto LF
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\
"#$%&'()*+,1./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]
#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]~
$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]!-.
&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]-.a
'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]-.ab
()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]~-.abc
1-16
Normal 1-1 OFF
1-3 OFF
1-4 OFF
U.S.A.
11 inch 2-1 OFF
Invalid 2-2 OFF
Depend on I/F
1-6 ON 1-7 ON 1-8 ON
2-4 OFF
Setting Up Your FX Printer
To run the same test in the draft mode, hold down the
button instead of the
The FX cannot print a draft self test, however, if the NLQ DIP switch is
on. Therefore, if the Print Quality line of the self test printout says NLQ,
you cannot print a draft test without changing a DIP switch.
FORM FEED
button while you turn the printer on.
LINE FEED
9 Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
Your FX printer communicates with your computer through a
Centronics® compatible parallel interface. If your computer uses this
type of interface and you have a suitable cable, you can connect your
computer immediately. (Be sure that your cable is a shielded cable.)
If you do not know what kind of interface your computer requires,
consult its manual or your dealer. For information on optional
interfaces available from Epson, see Appendix E, and for further
information on the standard interface, see Appendix F.
The parallel interface
Before connecting a parallel interface cable, see that both the printer
and computer are turned off. Then plug the connector into the printer.
Next squeeze the clips gently and click them into place.
Some parallel cables have a ground wire. Connect this wire to the
ground screw on the printer to protect data from interference. Then
plug the other end of the cable into the computer and connect the
ground wire on the computer end of the cable if it has one.
Figure 1-13 shows a properly connected parallel cable.
Figure 1-13.
Connecting a parallel cable
Setting Up Your FX Printer
1-17
10 Choosing the Operating Mode with DIP Switches
The FX has 12 switches that allow you to change many of the
printer’s settings to suit your individual needs. You may need to change
one or two of them now. These switches, known as DIP (Dual In-line
Package) switches, are in the back of the printer. See Figure 1-14.
Figure 1-14.
DIP
switch location
The switches are in two groups and are numbered, as shown in
Figure 1-14. As you can see in the example below, the first part
of the self test shows the settings of the switches. You will find
your own self test printout helpful as you use this section.
Character mode Normal 1-1 OFF
Shape of zero 0 (Unslashed) 1-2 OFF
CG Table
Protocol mode ESC/P
Italics 1-3 OFF
1-4 OFF
Print Quality Draft 1-5 OFF
Country
Page Length
U.S.A.
1-6 ON 1-7
11 inch 2-1 OFF
ON
1-8
ON
CSF Node Invalid 2-2 OFF
Skip Perforation
None
2-3 OFF
Auto LF Depend on I/F 2-4 OFF
.!"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDBFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;
<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\
"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]
#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]~
1-18
Setting Up Your FX Printer
Before you change any DIP switch settings, turn the printer around
to give you easy access to the switches. Then you can easily turn the
switches on and off with a thin pointed object, such as a small
screwdriver or the cap of a ballpoint pen. The switches are ON when
they are UP, and OFF when they are DOWN.
Note
When you change a DIP switch setting, turn off the power, reset the
switch or switches, then turn on the power again. The printer checks
and recognizes new settings only at the time you turn the power on.
The operating mode
The FX has two operating modes, ESC/P® and IBM® printer
emulation mode. ESC/P stands for Epson Standard Code for Printers,
a powerful set of commands developed by Epson and supported by
almost all application software for personal computers. This is the
mode that you should find the most useful and valuable for your
printing. The rest of this manual refers to the ESC/P mode simply as
the Epson mode.
The IBM printer emulation mode is for software that is designed only
for IBM printers. It is not necessary to use this mode for your FX to be
compatible with IBM computers. As you can see from the list of Epson
and IBM printer emulation mode commands in Appendix A, the
Epson mode has more commands and many more capabilities.
There are only two cases in which you may want to use the IBM
printer emulation mode:
1. Your software lists only IBM printers in its printer selection menu.
2. You need to use the following characters and your application
software will not print them in the Epson mode:
If you select IBM printer emulation mode with the DIP switch and
choose an IBM printer in your software’s printer selection menu, your
FX will behave as an IBM printer does. You can use most software that
supports IBM printers, but you will notice that the commands do not
allow you access to all the features of your Epson printer.
Setting Up Your FX Printer
1-19
DIP switch 1-4 controls the choice of operating modes. Turning the
switch OFF selects Epson mode, and turning it ON selects IBM printer
emulation mode.
The Epson character graphics set
Half of the characters used by IBM PCs and compatibles are special
character graphics and international characters. Most previous Epson
printers printed italics instead of these characters. With the FX-86e and
FX-286e, however, you can print the character graphics without losing
italics or any of the power of the Epson commands.
DIP switch 1-3 controls the choice between the italic and the
character graphic table (called CG table in the DIP switch printout).
Turning the switch ON selects the character graphic table, and turning
it OFF selects the italic table. Remember that italics are available even
if you select the character graphic table.
Making the choice
The decision you make about the operating mode and the character
graphics set depends upon the software you use. For most applications,
choose the Epson mode and the Character Graphics set (DIP switch
1-4 OFF and DIP switch 1-3 ON). That way you can set up your
software for an Epson printer and have the full power of the Epson
commands.
If you have trouble printing italics, change DIP switch 1-3 to OFF to
choose italics instead of character graphics. On the other hand, if you
have trouble printing character graphics, change the printer to IBM
printer emulation mode by setting DIP switch 1-4 ON and set your
software to match.
WARNING
You must always be careful to set up your printer and software to
match. Although the IBM commands are based on some of the Epson
commands, important differences affect much software. These
differences can cause erratic printing. In particular, line spacing and
page layout are likely to be wrong, and extra characters may appear.
Other DIP switch settings
Appendix D summarizes all the DIP switch settings in a group of
tables. See that appendix for reference and further information.
1-20
Setting Up Your FX Printer
Chapter 2
Choosing and Loading Paper
The FX printer can accommodate many different sizes and types of
paper, using either its automatic single-sheet loading feature or its
adjustable tractor.
The easy-to-use tractor can handle a wide range of paper widths, and
the automatic single-sheet loading feature handles individual sheets
quickly and easily. For greater efficiency with individual sheets you can
add an optional automatic sheet feeder.
Choosing Paper
Without any accessories, you can use single-sheet paper from 7¼ to
8½ inches wide (up to 14½ inches on the FX-286e) and continuous
paper from 4 to 10 inches wide (up to 16 inches on the FX-286e)
including the perforated edge strips.
Carbon copies
If you use multi-part forms or carbon copies in the FX, use no more
than three sheets or parts at a time, with a total thickness of no more
than 0.25 mm. Also change the paper thickness setting as described at
the end of this chapter.
Using Single-sheet Paper
The automatic sheet loading feature of the FX gives you short
printing times by combining fast loading with fast printing.
If you print large amounts on single sheets of paper, however, you
may find it more convenient to use an automatic sheet feeder. This is
an optional device that holds a stack of paper and inserts a new sheet
whenever required, making single sheets as easy and convenient to use
as continuous paper. The automatic sheet feeder has its own user’s
manual.
Choosing and Loading Paper
2-1
Before you load single-sheet paper the first time, you must prepare
the printer by removing the tractor unit and installing the paper guide,
as described in the next five steps. (If you have previously loaded
continuous-feed paper, you have already done some of the steps.)
Preparing the printer
1. Remove the tractor cover that comes installed on the printer. To
remove it, simply pull the back of the cover toward you until it is
vertical. Then lift the cover up and off the printer.
2. Be sure that you have removed the protective items as described on
page 1-2.
3. Remove the tractor unit. Simply press the release levers (shown in
Figure 2-1) with your thumbs, rock the tractor unit back, and lift it
off the printer.
Figure 2-1.
Removing the tractor unit
4. Move the edge guides on the paper guide to accomodate the
width of the sheet of paper.
2-2
Choosing and Loading Paper
5. Hold the paper guide above the printer. Insert the right hinge
tab into the right tab slot, as shown in Figure 2-2. Next, insert
the left tab into the left slot. When both tabs are in the slots,
push the guide back so that it is horizontal, and then pull it
toward you until it stops at an angle (about 45 degrees).
Figure 2-2.
Installing the Paper guide
Choosing and Loading Paper
2-3
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