Epson FX-850 User Manual
User’s Manual
®
EPSON
User’s 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:
‘Television Interference Handbook.”
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Stock
No. 004-000-00450-7.
WARNING
The connection of a nonshielded 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.
Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be held liable for any damages or problems arising from the use
of any options other than those designated as Original Epson Products by Seiko Epson
Corporation.
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.
Copyright © 1988 by Seiko Epson Corporation
Nagano, Japan
ii
Table of Contents
Introduction
Features
Options
About This Guide
Setting Up the Printer
1
Unpacking the Printer
Choosing a Place for the Printer
Assembling the Printer
Testing the Printer
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
Paper Handling
2
Using Single Sheets
Using Continuous Paper
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
Adjusting the Loading Position
Using Micro-Adjustment
Using Short Tear-Off
Printing on Special Paper
Using the Printer
3
Operating the Control Panel
Setting the DIP Switches
Selecting Typestyles
Enhancing Your Printing
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1
1
2
2
1-1
1-2
1-5
1-6
1-12
1-18
2-1
.2-2
.2-4
2-10
2-14
2-14
2-15
2-17
3-1
3-2
3-5
3-10
3-13
4
Using Software and Graphics
Using the FX with Application Programs
Computer-Printer Communication
Dot Graphics
User-Defined Characters
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4-1
4-2
4-5
4-8
4-19
iii
Maintenance
5
Cleaning the Printer
Replacing the Ribbon
Transporting the Printer
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.....................................5-2
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................................ 5-6
5-1
.5-3
Troubleshooting
6
Problems and Solutions
Data Dump Mode
7
Using Printer Options
The Cut Sheet Feeder
The Pull Tractor
Interface Boards
Command Summary
8
Commands in Numerical Order
Epson (ESC/P) Commands
IBM Emulation Mode Commands
Appendix
Printer Specifications
Interface Specifications
Initialization
A: Technical Specifications
Appendix B: Tables
Proportional Width Table
Character Tables
Glossary
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A- 8
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GL-1
6-1
6-5
7-1
7-2
7-15
7-22
8-1
8-4
8-8
8-41
A-1
A-2
A-5
B-1
B-2
B-6
iv
Index
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Index-1
Introduction
The FX-850 and FX-1050 printers combine all the well-known features of
previous Epson® 9-pin printers with many features normally exclusive to
costly 24-pin printers.
Features
In addition to the high-quality printing and ease of operation you’ve
come to expect from Epson printers, the FX-850 and FX-1050 offer the
following:
An advanced paper handling system that lets you use single sheets of
paper without removing the continuous paper. This system allows
you to use continuous paper even while the optional cut sheet feeder
is attached.
A new short tear-off feature that saves paper. After you tear off the
last sheet printed on continuous paper, the printer reverses the paper
so that you can use all of the next sheet.
A micro-adjustment feature that allows you to feed the paper
forward or backward to finely adjust the loading and short tear-off
positions.
An improved control panel design that allows direct selection of
character fonts and pitch, as well as a choice of draft or near letter
quality (NLQ) printing.
Draft mode with fast printing of up to 264 characters per second at
12 cpi.
The ability to handle a wide range of paper types, including
envelopes.
Double-high and double-wide printing for headings and special
emphasis.
Introduction
1
options
A variety of printer options are available for use with FX printers. For
detailed information on the installation and use of these options, see
Chapter 7.
Single-bin cut sheet feeder
The cut sheet feeder gives you easier and more efficient handling of single
sheet paper. Up to 150 sheets of standard bond paper can be fed
automatically into the printer without reloading. This unit also can
automatically feed envelopes.
Pull tractor unit
This option improves the performance of continuous paper handling. It
is especially useful with continuous multi-part forms.
Optional interface boards
A number of optional interfaces can be used to supplement the FX’s built-
in parallel interface. Guidelines for choosing the right interface and
instructions on installing the boards are given in the section on interface
boards in Chapter 7.
About This Guide
This User’s Guide provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions for
setting up and operating the FX-850 and FX-1050 printers. The FX-850
and FX-1050 are basically the same printer except that the FX-1050 can
accept wider paper. The illustrations in this manual usually show the
FX-1050 printer.
Finding your way around
Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up, testing, and
connecting the printer. Be sure to read and follow the instructions in this
chapter first.
Chapters 2 and 3 include important information on paper handling and
general printer operation. This information is necessary for the day-today operation of your printer.
2
Introduction
Chapter 4 contains information designed to help you get the most from
your printer. This section includes advice on the use of software, printer
commands, graphics, and user-defined characters. Also, see Chapter 8
for a summary of printer commands.
If the printer does not operate properly or the printed results are not
what you expect, see Chapter 6 for a list of possible problems and
recommended solutions.
Other chapters contain information on general maintenance, use of the
printer options, and specifications. There is also a glossary of printer
terms and an index.
At the back of this guide is a Quick Reference card that contains
information about commands and settings for your printer.
Conventions used in this guide
WARNINGS: must be followed carefully to avoid damage to
your printer and computer.
Cautions: should be followed carefully to ensure that your printer
operates correctly.
Notes: contain important information and useful tips on the operation
of your printer.
Introduction
3
Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
Removing the protective materials
Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assembling the Printer
Installing the platen knob
Installing the ribbon cartridge
Attaching the paper guide
Testing the Printer
Plugging in the printer
Loading a sheet of paper
Running the self test
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
Connecting the parallel interface cable
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1-13
1-2
1-3
1-5
1-6
1-6
1-8
1-11
1-12
1-13
1-16
1-18
1-18
Setting Up the Printer
l-l
Unpacking the Printer
As you unpack the printer, check that you have all the parts shown
below and
that
none has been damaged during transportation.
Printer
Cross-head screwdriver
Platen knob
Note: You’ll find the platen knob in a piece of the foam packing.
After removing
need to transport your printer.
1-2
the
parts, store
the
packaging materials in case you ever
Setting Up the Printer
Removing the protective materials
The printer is protected during shipping by two locking tabs and a print
head protector. These protective items must be removed before you turn
on the printer. After removing these items, store them with the other
packaging material.
1
Remove the printer cover.
2.
Remove the print head protector.
Setting Up the Printer
1-3
3.
Remove the left and right locking tabs.
4.
Slide the print head to the middle of the printer. Then, use the
enclosed cross-head screwdriver to unscrew and remove the two
transport locking brackets.
1-4
WARNING: Be sure to remove all protective materials before
you turn on the printer.
Setting Up the Printer
Choosing a Place for the Printer
When you select a location for your printer, keep the following
in mind:
l
Place the printer on a flat, stable surface.
l
Place the printer close enough to the computer for its cable to reach.
l
Leave adequate room around the printer to allow for easy operation
and maintenance.
l
Use a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
The illustration below shows a good printer setup.
Setting Up the Printer
1-5
WARNING:
l
Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight,
excessive heat, moisture, or dust.
l
Avoid using electrical outlets that are controlled by wall
switches or automatic timers. Accidental disruption of
power can wipe out information in both your computer’s
memory and your printer’s memory.
l
Avoid using outlets on the same circuit with large motors
or other appliances that might disturb the power supply.
l
Keep the entire computer system away from potential
sources of interference such as loudspeakers or the base
units of cordless telephones.
Assembling the Printer
To assemble the printer, you need only do the following:
l
Install the platen knob
l
Install the ribbon cartridge
l
Attach the paper guide.
Installing the platen knob
The first step in setting up the printer is to install the platen knob. You
should never need to use this knob during the normal operation of your
printer. However, in case of a paper jam, you can use this knob to
manually feed paper. (Be sure the printer is turned off before using the
platen knob.)
You’ll find the platen knob packed in an
indentation in the white foam packing
material.
1-6
Setting Up the Printer
1.
Insert the knob into the hole on the printer’s side and rotate it until it
slips onto
2.
Push firmly on the
the
shaft.
knob
until it fits against the printer
case.
Caution: Never use the platen knob to adjust the position of the paper
except in the case of a paper jam. Only use the platen knob when the
printer is turned off.
Setting Up the Printer
1-7
Installing the ribbon cartridge
Follow these steps to install the ribbon cartridge:
1. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
Caution: Never move the print head while the printer is turned on
because this can damage the printer. Also, if you have been using the
printer, the print head may be
hot;
let it cool for a few minutes before
touching it.
2. Remove the ribbon cartridge from its box and remove the plastic
wrapper.
1-8
Setting Up the Printer
3. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow. This
removes any excess slack in the ribbon and makes it easier to install.
4.
Hold the ribbon cartridge by its handles and push it firmly down
into position, making sure the plastic hooks fit into the printer. (The
FX-850 has only one handle in the center of the ribbon cartridge.)
Press lightly on both sides of the cartridge to be sure the hooks are
properly inserted.
Setting Up the Printer
1-9
5.
Use a pointed object, such as the tip of a pencil, to guide the ribbon
between the print head and ribbon guide while you turn the ribbontightening knob to help feed the ribbon into place.
6. Slide the print head from side to side to make sure it moves
smoothly. Also make sure the ribbon is not twisted or creased.
1-10 Setting: Up the Printer
Attaching the paper guide
The paper guide functions to feed the paper smoothly and efficiently.
Follow these steps to install the paper guide:
1.
Place the paper guide on the printer.
2.
Raise the paper guide until it locks into place.
Setting Up the Printer
1-11
3.
Now reinstall the printer cover by fitting the legs of the cover into
the notches at the front of the printer.
4.
Close the printer cover.
Testing the Printer
Now that your printer is fully assembled, you can use the built-in self
test function to see that the printer is working correctly even though it is
not connected to a computer. Be sure to perform this test to check that
your printer is operating properly
Before running the self test, you need to connect your printer to an
electrical outlet and load a sheet of paper.
1-12
Setting Up
the
Printer
Plugging in the printer
Follow these steps to plug in the printer:
1. Be sure the printer is turned off.
2.
Plug the power cable into a properly grounded electrical outlet.
WARNING: Whenever you turn off the power, wait at least
five seconds before turning it back on. Rapid switching on
and off can damage the printer.
Loading a sheet of paper
Next, you need to load a sheet of paper
FX-850) or 14 inches wide (if you have an FX-1050).
that
is letter size (if you have an
WARNING: Before turning on the printer, be absolutely sure
you have removed all protective materials. Turning on the
printer while the print head cannot move may seriously
damage the print mechanism.
1.
Turn on the printer. The green
on.
POWER
and red
PAPER OUT
lights come
Setting Up the Printer
1-13
be sure that the paper release lever is pushed back to the single sheet
2.
position.
Move the left edge guide so it locks in place
3.
paper guide.
1-14
next to the arrow on the
setting Up the Printer
4.
Adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper. Next,
slide a sheet down between the edge guides until it meets resistance.
5.
Press the
LOAD/EJECT
button once to automatically load the paper. If
the platen turns without loading the paper, remove the paper
completely and re-insert it more firmly; then press the
LOAD/EJECT
button again.
Setting Up the Printer
1-15
Running the self test
The self test can be run in draft mode or near letter quality (NLQ) mode.
Follow the steps below.
1.
Load a sheet of paper as described above.
WARNING: Never run the self test using paper that is
narrower than 8¼ inches if you have an FX-850, or
if you have an FX-1050, because you may seriously damage
14 inches
the print head.
2.
Turn off the printer.
3.
While holding down the
printing starts, release the
LINE FEED
LINE FEED
button, turn on the printer. After
button.
1-16
Setting Up the
Printer
A list of your printer’s settings is printed first, followed by a series of
characters. Here is part of a typical draft self test:
%‘( )*+,-.
’ t I*+,-
t I*+,--.
4.
The self test continues until the paper runs out or until you press the
ON LINE
/t312345(5’7#9:
, ./(.,.j.;:345,5789: a. .
/ (:) J 2 3 4 5 6 7 $3 9 :.; c, -
button. To stop the test temporarily, press the
;
,:::=:.
~?@APCDEI=‘GH I J
..-...
,’ -‘s.?&APCDEF~GH I
‘--“.‘;:@!ABC;DEFGH 1 J
,i
KLMNC)POI
J
KI....MNUF’GlK
&MNU/=QFtS
ON LINE
button to take the printer off line.
5.
To end the self test, be sure
EJECT
button to eject any paper that is still loaded, and then turn off
the
printer is off line. Press the
LOAD/
the printer.
Note: When the cut sheet feeder is installed, the self test printout is
slightly
different. For details, see the section on the cut sheet feeder in
Chapter 7.
To run the self test in NLQ mode, follow these steps:
1.
Load another
2.
Turn off the printer, then turn it on again while holding down the
FORM FEED
sheet
of paper as described above.
button. After printing starts, release the
FORM FEED
button.
Setting Up the Printer
1-17
Part of a typical self test in NLQ mode is shown below:
a-()*+,-.
‘(I*+,-./0123456’789:;~=~?t@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQR
(I*+,-./0123456789:;~=~?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRS’
3.
To end the self test, press
line. Then press
off the printer.
/0123456789:;<=>?BABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQ
the ON LINE
the LOAD/EJECT
button to take the printer off
button to eject the paper, and turn
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
If the self test printed correctly and your printouts looked like the ones
shown, you are now ready to connect your printer to the computer.
Your FX printer has a Centronics®-compatible parallel interface. If you
have a suitable shielded cable, you should be able to connect your
printer immediately. If your computer requires the use of another type of
interface, you need to install an optional interface board.
If you are unsure whether your computer has a parallel interface, see
your computer’s operating manual. If the computer cannot use a parallel
interface, see the section
on
interface boards in Chapter
7.
Connecting the parallel interface cable
Connect
1.
the
parallel interface cable as described below:
Turn off both the printer and your computer.
1-18
Setting Up
the
Printer
2.
Plug the cable connector securely into the printer.
3.
Squeeze the wire clips together until they lock in place on either side
of the connector.
Note: For your printer to work properly, this connection must be
secure.
4.
If your cable has a ground wire, connect it to the ground connector
beneath
5.
Plug the other end of the cable into the computer. (If there is a
ground wire at the computer end of the cable,
the
interface connector.
attach
it to the ground
connector at the back of the computer.)
1-20
Setting Up the Printer
Chapter 2
Paper Handling
Using Single Sheets
Reloading during printing
Using Continuous Paper
Positioning your continuous paper supply
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
Switching back to continuous paper
Adjusting the Loading Position
Using Micro-Adjustment
Using Short Tear-Off
Printing on Special Paper
The paper thickness lever
Multi-part forms
Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Envelopes
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2-2
2-4
2-4
2-9
2-10
2-13
2-14
2-14
2-15
2-17
2-17
2-18
2-19
2-19
Paper Handling
2-1
Using Single Sheets
Your printer can handle a wide range of paper sizes up to a maximum
width of
Always make sure that your printing is confined to the size of paper you
are using. Never print on the platen (black roller).
If you do most of your printing on single sheets, you may find it more
convenient to install the optional cut sheet feeder. This option
automatically inserts a new sheet whenever required and can hold up to
150 pages or 25 envelopes. For more details, see Chapter 7.
To load a single sheet of paper follow these steps:
10.1
inches on the FX-850 or
14.4
inches on the FX-1050.
Note: If you
instructions on page
single sheets.
Turn on the printer.
1.
Push the paper release lever back to the single sheet position.
2.
already have
continuous
2-10
for switching between continuous
paper loaded, follow the
paper and
2-2
Paper Handling
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