Epson FX870 S1 Service Manual

FX-870/1170

SERVICE MANUAL

Printed on Recycled Paper.

@

I

Revision Level

®

I

EPSON

FCC Compliance Statement

For American Users

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part
15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

l

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

l

Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

l

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from the one connected to the receiver.

For Canadian Users

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as
set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le present appareil numcrique n’cmet pas de bruits radkklectrique d&passant lea limites applicables aux
appareils numcriques de Classe B prescrites dans le rkglement sur le brouillage radioGctriques tdictk par le
Minis&e des Communications du Canada.

The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will invalidate the FCC
Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits established by the FCC
for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable
with this device. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave the cables connected
to unused interfaces.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to

operate the equipment.

ii

Epson

f%87W1170

-

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, electric, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without
the written permission of Epson America, Inc.
information contained herein. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the
information contained herein. While 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.

Copyright Notice

No patent liability is assumed with respect to use of the

Trademarks

Epson@ is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
F’X-870 and PX-1170 are trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
IBM@ and IBM PC@ are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.

Copyright © 1992 Epson America, Inc.

Epson America, Inc.
20770 Madrona Avenue, Torrance, CA 90509

Epson

FX-87W1170

...
III

Precautions

Precautionary notations throughout the text are categorized relative to 1) personal injury, and 2)
damage to equipment.

WARNING

CAUTION

The precautionary measures itemized below should always be observed when performing repair/
maintenance procedures.

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

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

WARNING

1.

Always disconnect the product from both the power source and the 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 as dictated for all electronics technicians in their
line of work.

3.

When performing testing as dictated within this manual, do not connect
the unit to a power source until instructed to do so. When the power

supply cable must be connected, use extreme 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 same as the rated voltage
listed on the serial number/rating plate. If the Epson product has a
primary 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 from the

power source before removing or replacing printed circuit boards and/or
individual chips.

4.

In order to protect sensitive pP chip and circuitry, use static discharge
equipment, such as anti-static wrist straps, when accessing internal
components.

5.

Replace malfunctioning components only with those components recom-

mended by the manufacturer; introduction of second-source ICs or other

nonapproved components may damage the product and void any appli­cable Epson warranty.

Epson

0(-870/l

170

How to Use this Manual

This manual contains the information that a service provider needs to support the Epson
FX-870/1170 printer.

0

It provides general information and specifications for the printer.

0

It tells you how to set up and configure the printer at a customer site.

.

If you encounter problems, the manual explains how to troubleshoot the printer, based
on the symptoms you are experiencing.

0

Once you have isolated the problem, the manual shows you how to take the printer
apart to remove any faulty component and replace it.

.

Then, the text describes how to adjust the printer.

l

The manual also provides a detailed discussion of the theory of operation.

.

There are schematics, circuit diagrams, exploded diagrams, and an index at the back of
the manual for quick reference.

The paragraphs below describe the contents of this manual in further detail.

1 Printer Features

Chapter 1 contains printer specifications, answers to a list of likely questions that custom­ers may ask the servicer, an explanation and tables of control panel settings, and a brief
description of the major printer components.

2 Installation and Setup Procedures

This section lists site requirements for the printer. It describes how to unpack the printer,
connect it, power it up, and test it.

The text describes the printer interfaces, and gives
signal tables and serial cable configurations. Finally, this section tells you what the cus­tomer needs to do to avoid problems and achieve maximum printer life.

3 Troubleshooting

This section begins with quick reference tables for the printer’s test points. The chapter
also provides an explanation of what each error code means, flowcharts that walk you
through the troubleshooting of various problems, an illustration of connector locations, and
illustrations of sensor locations.

You can use the set of troubleshooting tables and flowcharts to isolate the problem as far as

possible.

If you encounter problems using

Epson ESC/P control codes and symbol sets. There are tips for graphics handling and an

explanation of how to read hex dump printouts.

software,

the

!Z’roubZeshooting section lists supported

Epson

FX-87W1170

4 Disassembly/Assembly

This chapter lists the tools you need and gives the recommended procedure for removing
and replacing components.

5 Adjustments, Maintenance, and Lubrication

This chapter provides instructions for performing the platen gap adjustment and the

bidirectional adjustment procedure.

and an illustration of the points at which the printer needs to be lubricated after repair of
the mechanism.

There is also a description of the lubricants required

6 Principles of operation

The

Principles of Operation

printhead function, carriage movement, paper feeding, and

provides details about how printer components function mechanically and electronically.
At the end of the chapter, there is a section for dealers outside the U.S. who need to replace
individual components on the circuit boards.

section explains the theory

of

printer operation, including

ribbon

feeding. The chapter

7 Reference Materials

The Reference Materials section contains pin assignment tables, board layout diagrams,

circuit diagrams, and schematics.

Index

The index tells you where to find key words

and

phrases in the manual.

vi

EptmnFX-870/1170

Handy Numbers for U.S. Dealers

Epson Customer Resource Center
Epson Faxback System [phone]
Epson Bulletin Board System

[phone]
[phone]

Numbers and Addresses

for Dealers Outside the U.S.

Epson Canada, Ltd.

95 Mural Street
Richmond Hill, Ontario

;htp

Epson Do Brazil

Av. Pedroso De Morais

631,5th

Pinheiros, Sao

;lgne:

Epson Argentina S.A.
Avenida Del Libertador
498,

1001 Buenos Aires
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

(800) GO-EPSON

.

.

[phone]

Floor

PauIoSP/O5419

(55) ( 11) 813-3044

,

.

(55) (11) 210-9290

Piso

12

LAB

3G3

Brazil

Epson Latin America, Inc.
6100 Blue Lagoon Drive
Floor 2, Suite 220
Miami FL 33126
Phone:
Fax: [phone]

Epson Chile S.A.
Avenida Costanera Andres Bello 2287
Providencia, Santiago, Chile
Phone:
Fax:

Epson Costa Rica

Apartado

San Jose, Costa Rica
Phone:
Fax:

[phone]

[phone]
[phone]

1076-2050

(506) 34-6666
(506) 25-5709

Epson Mexico S.A. De C.V.
Av. Ejercito
6

Piso

Col.

Condigo Postal 11510, Mexico, D.F.

;hp

.

.

Epson

FX-8700

NacionaI

PaIamas

[phone]

[phone]

170

No. 904

Polanco

Epson Venezuela S.A.

Edif.

Epson - La Urbina
Caracas, Venezuela
Phone:
Fax:

[phone]
[phone]

vii

Contents

Contents

Chapter 1

Options
Hardware Specifications
Firmware Specifications
Interfaces
Control Panel
Default Settings
Self-Test
Hexadecimal Dump

Paper-out Detection

Auto Tear-off

Buffer-full Printing
Thermal Protection
High-Duty Printing
Sheet Loading and Sheet Ejection
Adjust Lever Operation

Printer Initialization

-

Buzzer

Main Components
Commonly Asked Questions and Answers

.................................................................................

................................................................................................

..........................................................................................

..................................................................................................

...........................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

Printer Features

...........................................................................

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1-3

1-3
1-12
1-13
1-17
1-20
1-22
1-23

1-24
1-24

1-24

1-24
1-24
1-24
1-25
1-26
1-27

1-28
1-33

Chapter 2

Site Requirements
Removing the Packing Materials
The Correct Power On Sequence
Running the Self-Test

Connecting Printer Cables
Checking the Printer with the Computer
Tips to Increase Printer Life

Chapter 3

Test Points
Error Codes
Problem Isolation

Connector Locations
Sensor Locations
Hex Quick Reference Table for ESC/P Commands
Hex Quick Reference Table for IBM Commands

................................................................................................

...............................................................................................

Installation and Setup Procedures

....................................................................................

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Troubleshooting

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...................................

2-1
2-1
2-1
2-2
2-2

2-3
2-4

3-1
3-5

3-6
3-18
3-19
3-21
3-23

Epson FX-870.0 170

ix

Contents

Chapter 4

Precautions
Tools
Service Checks After Repair

Screw Specifications
Notes for Unit Removal and Installation
Items to Remove Before Disassembling the Printer

Removing the Panel Unit

Removing the Printhead
Removing the Upper Housing Assembly
Removing the Printer Mechanism

.......................................................................................................

.............................................................................................

Chapter 5

Disassembly and Assembly

..................................................................

...............................................................................

..............................................

.............................

.......................................................................

........................................................................

...............................................

.........................................................

Adjustments, Maintenance, and

Lubrication

Adjusting the Printer Mechanism
Bidirectional Alignment Adjustment
Preventive Maintenance

Lubrication

...............................................................................................

..........................................................................

...........................................................

.......................................................

4-1
4-1
4-2
4-3
4-4
4-5

4-6
4-7
4-8
4-9

5-1
5-3
5-5
5-5

Chapter 6

Printer Mechanism Operation
Power Supply Operation
Control Circuit Operation

Chapter 7

Connector Summary
Circuit Diagrams
Circuit Board Component Layouts
Outline Drawings

Principles of Operation

.................................................................

........................................................................

......................................................................

Reference Materials

................................................................................

......................................................................................

........................................................

...................................................................................

6-1
6-19
6-22

7-1

7-5
7-10
7-13

X

Epson FX-870/1170

Chapter 1

Printer Features

Printer Features

Options..
Hardware

Firmware Specifications

Interfaces.

Control Panel

Default

Self-Test
Hexadecimal Dump
Paper-out Detection
Auto Tear-off
Buffer-full Printing

Thermal Protection
High-Duty Printing
Sheet Loading and Sheet Ejection
Adjust Lever Operation
Printer

Buzzer
Main Components

....................................................................................................

Specifications..
Printing Method
Paper Handling

Precautions for Paper Handling
Paper Specifications

Printable Area ..................................................................................

Ribbon Cartridge

Electrical Specifications
Environmental Conditions

Reliability .......................................................................................

Safety Approvals

Print Control
Input Data Buffer

................................................................................................

Parallel Interface

Optional Interfaces

Buttons

Micro Feed Function
Bin Selection for the Cut Sheet Feeder
Paper Ejection

Indicators

Settings..

Power On Default Settings

...................................................................................................

Initialization

.....................................................................................................

..................................................................................

..........................................................................................

...........................................................................................

.......................................................................................

....................................................................................

...........................................................................................

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...............................................................................

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.................................................................................

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..........................................................................

..............................................................................

1-3
1-3
1-3

1-4

1-5

1-6

1-8
1-10
1-11

1-11

1-11
1-12
1-12
1-12
1-13
1-13
1-13
1-16

1-17
1-17
1-18
1-19

1-19
1-20
1-20
1-22
1-22
1-23
1-24
1-24
1-24

1-24
1-24
1-24
1-25
1-26

1-27

1-28

Epson

FX-870/1170

1-i

Printer Features

C094 MAIN Board Assembly (Main Control Board)
C094 PNL Board Assembly (Control Panel Circuit Board)
C076 PSB Board Assembly (Power Supply Circuit Board)
Printer Mechanism
Housing Assembly

Commonly Asked Questions and Answers

........................................................................

.........................................................................

............................................

................. 1-29

................... 1-30

.................. 1-30

1-31
1-32
1-33

List of Figures

....

......

......

1-2
1-3
1-8

1-9
1-10
1-14
1-17
1-23
1-23
1-25
1-28

1-29
1-30

1-30
1-31
1-32

Figure 1-1.
Figure 1-2. Pin Configuration
Figure 1-3.
Figure 1-4.

Figure 1-5.
Figure 1-6.
Figure 1-7. Control Panel
Figure 1-8. Self-Test Printout
Figure 1-9. Hexadecimal Dump Printout
Figure 1-10. Lever Positions
Figure 1-11. Main Components
Figure 1-12. C094 MAlN Board Assembly (Main Control Circuit Board).
Figure 1-13. C094 PNL Board Assembly (Control Panel Circuit Board).

Figure 1-14. C076 PSB Board Assembly (Power Supply Circuit Board).
Figure 1-15. Printer Mechanism
Figure 1-16. Housing Assembly

External View of FX-870/1170

................................................................

Printable Area for Cut Sheets
Printable Area for Continuous Paper
Printable Area for Roll Paper
Data Transmission Timing

...................................................................

..............................................................

..................................................................

.............................................................

...........................................................

.............................................................

............................................

............................................

.................................

..........................................

...............................................

............................................

1-ii

List of Tables

Table 1-1. Line Feed Speed (1 line = l/6”)

Table 1-2.
Table 1-3.

Table 1-4.
Table 1-5. Specifications for Envelopes
Table 1-6.
Table 1-7.
Table 1-8.
Table 1-9. Environmental Conditions
Table 1-10.

Table 1-11. Printable Columns
Table 1-12. Print Speed
Table 1-13.

Specifications for Cut Sheets (Standard Paper)
Specifications for Cut Sheets
(Carbonless Duplicating Paper)
Specifications for Continuous Paper

Specifications for Labels
Specifications
Electrical Specifications for

Character Size and Pitch

Connector Pin Assignments and Signal Functions..

for Roll Paper

..........................................................

......................................................................

.........................................

.............................................

...................................................

.............................................

120 V Model

..............................................

................................................

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

........................................

.................................

.......................

1-11
1-11
1-12
1-12
1-13

......

1-14

Epson FX-870/1170

1-4

1-6
1-7

1-7
1-7
1-8

Printer Features

Table 1-14. Optional Interface ...........................................................

Table 1-15. Identifying Errors Using the LEDs
Table 1-16. Group 1 Features

............................................................

Table 1-17. Group 2 Features (ESC/P Mode)
Table 1-18. Group 2 Features (IBM Mode)
Table 1-19. Group 3 Features (Power-on Settings)
Table 1-20. Lever Positions
Table 1-21. Buzzer Functions

................................................................ 1-25

.............................................................

................................

.....................................

........................................

........................... 1-22

1-16
l-19
1-20
1-21
1-22

1-27

Epson FX-870/1170

1 -iii

Printer Features

1

The FX-870/1170 combines advanced firmware, reliability, and affordability in a
single light-weight unit. The major features of this printer are:

l

Upward compatibility with the FX-850/1050 and the FX-86e/286e

l

380 cps (high-speed draft for both 80- and 136-column models)

l

285 cps

l

Advanced paper handling

(draft

pica), 342 cps

(draft

elite)

Continuous paper

3 paths for insertion (front/bottom/rear)
Dual paper park and auto load (front/rear)
The standard tractor unit can be set to 3 positions (2 push and 1 pull)
Continuous paper can be used without removing the cut-sheet feeder (CSF)

Cut sheets

2 paths for insertion (top/optional front)
Auto loading

l

24KB input buffer

l

8 character tables

(Italic,

l

A default setting mode replaces DIP switches for setting default values

l

Type B optional I/F boards can be installed

PC437,850,860,863,865, BRASCII,

and Abicomp)

Figure l-l on the next page shows an exterior view of the FX-870 and FX-1170.

EpsonFX-870/1170

1-1

Printer Features

80-column model

1-2

136-column model

Figure 1-1. External View of the FX-870/1170

Epson FX-870/1170

options

Printer Features

C806371

C806391
C806381
C806401
C800201
C800211

C814001

C814011

C823051
C823071
C823101
C823141

C823151

#8750
#8755
#8758

#8310

Single-bin cut-sheet feeder (80-column)
Single-bin cut-sheet feeder (136-column)
High-capacity cut-sheet feeder (80-column)
High-capacity cut-sheet feeder (136-column)
Tractor unit (80-column)
Tractor unit (136-column)
Front sheet guide (80-column)

Front sheet guide (136-column)

Serial I/F card (Type B)
32KB intelligent serial I/F card (Type B)
32KB intelligent parallel I/F card (Type B)
Coax interface (Type B)
Twinax interface (Type B)

Fabric ribbon cartridge (80-column)

Fabric ribbon cartridge (136-column)
Fabric ribbon sub cartridge
Roll paper holder (only for 80-column model)

Hardware Specifications

Printing Method

Printing method:
Pin configuration:

Impact dot matrix
9 wires

wire

#’ &

2+---

3 ‘----___

0

44

(diameter 0.29 mm)

--

0.35 mm

5

(l/72”)

Epson

M-870/1

170

Figure 1-2. Pin Configuration

1-3

Printer Features

Dot matrix:

9 x 7 matrix (high-speed draft)

9 x 9 matrix

18

x 23 matrix

(drafk)

(NLQ)

Paper Handling

Feeding methods: Friction feed (front/top)

Push tractor feed (front/rear)
pull tractor feed (front/rear/bottom)
Push-pull tractor feed (front/rear)

Method to use for each type of paper:

Fanfold: Tractor feed
Cut sheets:
Envelopes:

Labels:

Rdk

Line spacing:

Friction feed
Friction feed
Tractor feed
Friction feed

l/6”,

L/B”,

or programmable

(l/216”,

minimum)

Thin:
Thick:

Table l-l. Line Feed Speed (1 line = l/@?

Single line feed

Type of paper

Thin

Thick

ms ms

Fanfold paper
Single sheet (manual)
Cut sheet (CSF)

77
69 77

71

85

77

Thin paper is less than or equal to 0.007 inches (0.18 mm).

Thick paper is more than 0.007 inches (0.18 mm).

Continuous feeding

Thin

ms (ips)

55

(3.0)
45 (3.7)
48 (3.5)

Thick
ms (ips)
66 (2.5)
55

(3.0)

55

(3.0)

1-4

Epson

FX-8700170

Printer Features

Precautions for Handling Paper

Friction feed

l

Set the release lever to the FRICTION position.

l

Load the paper from the front or top entrance.

l

Do not use continuous paper.

l

Do not perform any reverse paper feeds within the top 0.34” (8.5 mm) area and

bottom 0.88” (22 mm) area.

l

Do not perform reverse feeds greater than

detected.

l

Use the paper-tension unit.

l

Insert multi-part cut-sheet forms only from the front.

Push tractor feed

l

Set the release lever to the REAR PUSH/FRONT PUSH position.

l

Load the paper from the rear or front entrance.

l

Release the friction feed mechanism.

l

Multi-part paper must be carbonless.

l

Use the paper-tension unit.

l

Do not perform reverse feeds greater than

l

Do not perform reverse feeding after the paper end has been detected, because

accuracy of paper feed cannot be assured.

l/6”

after the paper end has been

l/6”.

Pull tractor feed

l

Set the release lever to the PULL position.

l

Load the paper from the front, rear, or bottom entrance.
(The front or bottom entrance is recommended for thick paper or labels.)

l

Release the friction feed mechanism.

l

Remove the paper-tension unit and attach the pull tractor unit.

l

Insert paper from either front or bottom.

l

Multi-part paper must be carbonless.

l

Do not perform reverse feeds.

Push-pull tractor feed

l

Set the release lever to the REAR PUSH/FRONT PUSH position.

l

Load the paper from the front or rear entrance.

. Release the friction feed mechanism.

l

Remove the paper-tension unit and attach the pull tractor unit.

l

Remove any slack in the paper between the platen and the pu11 tractor.

l

Precisely adjust the horizontal position of the pull tractor and push tractor.

l

Multi-part paper must be carbonless.

l

Do not perform reverse feeds greater than l/6”.

l

Do not perform reverse feeds after the paper end has been detected.

Epson FX-870/1170

1-5

Printer Features

Paper Specifications

See Tables 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, and 1-7.

Normal Environmental Conditions

Recycled paper, envelopes, and labels require normal environmental conditions,
which are the following:

Temperature:
Humidity:

Table 1-2.

Width

top insertion

front insertion

Length
Thickness
Weight
Quality

59-68”F(15-25°C)

30 - 60 %

RI-I

Specifications for Cut Sheets (Standard Paper)

5.8-l 0.1” (148-257 mm) 80-column

5.8-l 6.5” (148-420 mm)

7.2-10.1”

7.2-14.3” (182-364 mm)
Up to 14.3” (364 mm)

0.0025-0.0055” (0.065-0.14 mm)
14-24 lb (45-78 kg) (52.3-90

Standard copier paper

Recycled paper (at normal temperature and
humidity levels)

(182-257 mm)

136~column

80-column

136~column

g/m*)

Table 1-3. Specifications for Cut Sheets

(Carbonless Duplicating Paper)

1-6

Width

front insertion

Length

Quality
Thickness
Weight
Copies

7.2-10.1”

7.2-l 4.3” (182-364 mm)
Up to 11.7” (297 mm) 80-column
Up to 14.3” (364 mm)
Carbonless duplicating paper

0.0047-0.0086”

12-15 lb (34-50 kg) (40-58

4 sheets (1 original + 3 copies) maximum

(182-257 mm)

(0.12-0.22 mm)

g/m*) -

Epson

80-column

136~column

136~column

each

FX-870/1170

Printer Features

Table

Width

Thickness
Weight

Quality

Copies

Size No. 6

Thickness

Weight

~

Quality

1-4.

Table

No. 10

Specifications for Continuous Paper

4- 10”

(101-254 mm) 80-column

4-l 6” (101-406 mm)

0.0025-0.012”

14-22 lb (45-70 kg) (52.3-82
12-l 5 lb (34-50 kg) (40-58.2

Standard or carbonless duplicating paper

Recycled paper (at normal temperature and
humidity levels)

4 sheets (1 original + 3 copies) maximum

1-5.

Specifications for Envelopes

166 mm x 92 mm

240mmxlO4mm

0.16-0.52 mm

Differences in thickness within the printing
area must be less than 0.0098”

(0.25 mm).
12-24 lb (39-78 kg) (45-91
Bond paper, copier paper, airmail

(0.065-0.32 mm)

(0.0063-0.0197”)

g/m*)- single sheet
g/m*)- each

g/m*)

136~column

Notes: 1. Envelopes must be inserted from the top.

2.

Keep the longer side of the envelope horizontal during insertion.

3.

Set the left edge of a No. 6 envelope at the sheet guide setting mark.

4.

Do not feed envelopes with the standard-capacity cut-sheet feeder.

Table 1-6. Specifications for Labels

Size

Thickness

Quality Standard paper

Notes: 1. Labels must be fanfold.

2. Example of labels: Avery continuous form or mini-line labels.

3. Labels should be used with the pull tractor (front, bottom) or the front
push tractor.

4. Do not perform reverse feeds at any time (including by hand).

5. Remove labels from the paper path when not in use.

6. Label printing is possible only at normal temperature and humidity levels.

2

l/2”

x

15/l 6”

4” x 15/l 6”
4” x

17/l 6”

0.0028-0.0031” (0.07-0.09 mm)

0.0063-0.0075”

(0.16-0.19 mm)

-

base paper

-

total

Epson FX-87011170

1-7

Printer Features

Note:

Roll paper is available optionally only for the 80-column model, and its diameter
must not exceed 5” (127 mm).

Printable

Cut sheets

Table 1-7. Specifications for Roll Paper

Size
Thickness 0.0028-0.0035”
Weight
Quality

Area

top insertion 5.8-10.1”

fkont

insertion

8.5 f 0.12” (216 A 3 mm)
(0.07-0.09 mm)

14-22 lb (45-70 kg) (52.3-82

Standard paper

(148-257 mm):

5.8-16.5” (148-420 mm):

7.2-10.1”

7.2-14.3” (182-364 mm):

(182-257 mm):

T

-

g/m*)

80-column

136-column

80-column

136-column

1

‘
:

-

?

J

m

1

Figure 1-3. Printable Area for Cut Sheets

*l

0.12” (3.0 mm) or more when the paper width is less than 14.3’ (364 mm).

0.9” (25 mm) or more when the paper width is 16.5” (420 mm)

3.0 mm (0.12”) or more (80-column).

Note:

Paper feed accuracy cannot be assured within 0.94” (24 mm) from the bottom
edge of the paper (for top insertion) or from within 1.9” (48.5 mm) from the
bottom edge of the paper (for front insertion).

(136column).

-,

--_

1-8

Epson FX-8700170

Continuous paper

Printer Features

80

Area

136

columns
columns

*1

>L+

c

WXYZ

J

WXYZ g

I

>

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
G

c

g

0

-0
0
0

0

0

0

101-254mm(4-10"):
101-406mm(4-16"):

Printable

c

c

0
3
0

0

0

<I
0

ABCD

0

c

0

0

0

0
0
0

C
c

Figure 1-4. Printable Area for Continuous Paper

l

1

13 mm (0.51”) or more when the paper width is 4” to 9.5” (101 mm to 241 mm).
25 mm (1

13 mm (0.51”) or more when the paper width is 4” to 14.87” (101 mm to 377.8 mm).

25 mm or more when the paper width is

(136 columns).

Epson

FX-870/1170

,O”)

or more when the paper width is

15”

lo”

(254 mm) (80 columns).

to 16” (381 mm to 406 mm)

1-9

Printer Features

Roll paper (80-column model only)

top insertion

-_

216 2 3 mm (8.5 2 0.12”)

Printable Area

WXYZ

t

-

Figure

*I

0.12” (3.0 mm) or more

Note:

Ribbon Cartridge

Ribbon

Color

Whhnn Life

Paper feed accuracy cannot be assured within 24 mm (0.94”) from the bottom

edge of the paper (top insertion only).

Cartridge type (same as

WXYZ

J

1-5.

Printable Area for Roll Paper

F’X

series)
# 8750

#

8755(M)

#

8758

80-column

136~column

Subcartridge

model

model

Black

3 million characters (at 14 dots/character)

-,

1-10

EpsonFX-870/1170

Electrical Specifications

See Table l-8.

Printer Features

Table 1-8. Electrical Specifications for

Rated voltage
Input voltage range
Rated frequency range

.

Environmental Conditions

Input frequency range

Rated current
Power consumption

Dielectric strength

Table 1-9. Environmental Conditions

5 to

350

Temperature

-30 to

C (41 to

60”

120 VAC

103.5132 VAC
50-60 Hz

49560.5 Hz

1.8 A
Approx. 45 W ( 80 columns)
Approx. 45 W (136 columns)

(Self-test in draft mode, 10 cpi)

1.2K

(Between AC line and chassis)

95”

C (-22 to

120

V

Model

VAC rms, 1 second

F) - operating

140”

F) - in shipment container

Humidity

Resistance

to shock

Resistance
to vibration

Reliability

MCBF

MTBF (expected value)

Printhead Life

10 to 80 % RH - operating

5to85%RH

1 G, within 1 ms - operating

2G,

0.25 G, 55 Hz max. - operating

0.50 G, 55 Hz max. - non-operating

-

non-operating

within 1 ms - non-operating

5 million lines (excluding a printhead)
(MCBF: Mean Cycles Between Failures)
4000 power on hours (duty cycle 25%)

6000 power on hours (duty cycle 25%)

(MTBF: Mean Time Between Failures)

100 million characters (14 dots/character)

(80~column)
(136-column)

Epson

FX-870/1170

1-11

Printer Features

Safety Approvals

Safety standards

RF1

*

UL1950

CSA!z2.2#220

FCC class B

with D3

Firmware Specifications

Print Control

Printing direction
Text mode

Bit image mode Unidirectional printing

Character sets ASCII characters

ESC/P mode
IBM mode

Bidirectional printing with logic seeking.
(Unidirectional printing can be specified by software.)

-

Italic, PC

-

PC 473,865 (PC = Personal Computer character table
Fonts:

437,850,860,863,

Draft, NLQ Roman, NLQ Sans serif

865, BRASCII, Abicomp

)

-

Table l-10. Character Size and Pitch

Type of letters

Pica
Condensed

Elite

Condensed elite

80-column

Pica

Condensed

Elite

Condensed elite

Width

[mm1

2.1

1.05

1.7

0.85

Height

[mm1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

Character pitch

2.54

1.48

2.11‘ (12 cpi)

1.27 (20 cpi)

Table l-11. Printable Columns

Type of letters

model
80
137
96
160 272

Printable columns

136-column

model

136

233

163

[mm1

(10 cpi)

(17

cpi)

[cpi]

1-12

Epson FX-8700170

Notes:

Printer Features

Table 1-12. Print Speed

Type of letters Print speed [cps]
High-speed draft
Draft pica
Draft elite
Condensed draft pica
Emphasized draft pica

NLQ normal pica

1.

The printing speed for high-speed drafl is reduced to the value in

thick paper (over 0.007 inches or 0.18 mm).

2. The printing speed for high-speed draft is reduced to the value of “draft
pica” when any graphic character is in the line.

3. The printing speed for draft is reduced to the value in
character is in the line.

4. The speed for high-duty printing is reduced to approximately half of each
speed, except for the printing speed in “[

380
285

342

243

142

57

I”.

(320)
ii421
[1701

v221

1711

‘I[ I”

11421

‘I( )”

with

when any italic

Input Data Buffer

24K or OK bytes (selectable with power on default settings;

Settings,

later in this chapter.)

see Pouter On Default

Interfaces

This printer has a built-in, 8-bit Centronics parallel interface.

Parallel Interface

Data transmission mode
Synchronization
Handshaking
Logic level
Connector plug

It is recommended that the interface cable be as short as possible
maximum).

&bit

parallel
Controlled by external STROBE pulse.
Controlled by ACKNLG and BUSY signals.
TTL-compatible
57-30360 (Amphenol) or equivalent

(

10 feet or 3 meters,

Epson

FX-870/1170

1-13

Printer Features

BUSY

ACKNLG

DATA

STROBE

t,:
t2:7 w

5:

p

0.5 p-s

(minimum)

(approximate)

5 w

(approximate)

-

t1

I

t1

. . . .

t1

. . . . . . . . . . . .

t2 t3

Figure 1-6. Data Transmission Timing

Table 1-13. Connector Pin Assignments and Signal Functions

Signal Return

Pin
No. No.

Pin

Signal

Name

Dir.

Description

-.-

-

1

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10

11

19

20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27

STROBE In

DATA 1 In
DATA2 In
DATA3 In
DATA4 In
DATA5 In
DATA6 In
DATA7 In
DATA8 In

28 ACKNLG

29

BUSY

out

out

STROBE pulse to read data in. Pulse
width must be more than 0.5 us at

receiving terminal.

These signals represent the 1st to 8th

bits of parallel data, respectively. Each
signal is HIGH when data is a logical 1
and LOW when a logical 0.

Approx. 12 us pulse. LOW indicates that

data has been received and that the

printer is ready to accept more data.

A HIGH signal indicates that the printer

cannot receive more data. The signal

becomes HIGH in the following cases:

1. During data entry

2. During input buffer full

3. During printer error status

-

1-14

Epson

FX-870/1170

Table 1-13. Connector Pin Assignments and

Signal Functions (Cont.)

signal

Return

30

Pin

30 PE

-

-0V

-

-

-

-

-

-

Signal

Name

AUTO FEED In
XT

CHASSIS

GND

GND

im

ERROR Out

GND

SLCT IN In

Pin
No. No.

12

13 - -

14

15 - NC
16
17

18 - NC

9

to

31

32

33
34 - NC
35 --

36

Printer Features

Dir.

Out A HIGH signal indicates that the printer

is out of paper.

-

-

-

-

-

-

In

-

-

-

Pulled up to +5 V through a
resistor.
When this signal is LOW, paper is
automatically fed one line upon receipt of
a CR code. (This signal level can be set
LOW by default.)
Not used.
Logic GND level.

Printer chassis GND.
In the printer, the chassis GND and the

logic GND are short-circuited.

Not used.
Twisted-pair return signal GND level.
When the level of this signal becomes

LOW, the printer controller is reset to its
initial state and the print buffer is cleared.
This signal is normally at the HIGH level,

and its pulse width must be more than
50 us at the receiving terminal.
The level of this signal becomes LOW

when the printer is in

1. Paper-out status

2. Error status

Twisted-pair return signal GND level.

Not used.
Pulled up to +5V through a 3.3 K-ohm

resistor.
The data between DC3 and
when this signal is HIGH. (The level of

this signal is factory set to LOW.)

Description

.

3.3K-ohm

-

DC1

is invalid

Notes:

Epson

FX-870/1170

1. Direction of signal flow is as viewed from the printer.

2. Return means twisted pair return and is to be connected at signal ground
level.

Be sure to use a twisted-pair cable for each signal, and always complete the

3.
connection on the return side. To prevent noise effectively, these cables

1-15

Printer Features

should be shielded and connected to the chassis of the host computer and
the printer, respectively.

4. All interface conditions are based on TTL level. Both the rise and fall times
of each signal must be less than 0.2 us.

5. Data transfers must not be carried out by ignoring the ACKNLG or BUSY
signal. (Data transfers to this printer can be carried out only after con­firming the ACKNLG signal or when the level of the BUSY signal is LOW.)

Optional Interfaces

The following interface cards can be used for this printer:

Table 1-14. Optional Interfaces

I

Catalog

C823051
C823071
C823101
C823141
C823151

W

I

Serial
32KB intelligent serial
32KB intelligent parallel
Coax interface (Type B)

Twinax interface (Type B)

I/F

card (Type B)

Interface

I/F

card (Type B)

I/F

card (Type B)

-

I

-_

1-16

Epson

FX-870/1170

Control Panel

Buttons

OPERATE
PAUSE/TEAR OFF
PAPER FEED
FONT

,,

OPL,,

Figure 1-7. Control Panel

1 lock type button

I-

(non-lock push-type buttons)

Printer Features

READY

3

Indicators

READY -

-

FONT (Draft, Roman, Sans serif) - (green)

(green)

LEDs

CONDENSED - (green)

Buttons

PAUSE

l

When there is data in the input buffer:

Selects printing or pause alternately.

l

When there is no data in the input buffer:
Advances continuous paper to tear-off position after the printer has printed
received data and is ready to receive more print data.

PAPER FEED

l

When there is paper in the paper path:
Advances the paper line by line, using the current line spacing setting while the

printer is ready to print or paused by PAUSE button.

Holding down the button for

about 1 second advances the paper to the next top-of-form (TOF) position.

all

l

When there is no paper in the paper path:
Loads continuous paper inserted in the push tractor or cut sheets in the CSF after
the printer has detected the paper out.

Epson

FX-870/1170

1-17

Printer Features

FONT (ALT)

Selects NLQ Roman, NLQ Sans serif, Draft, and condensed

(DraR
Sam

serif

+
*

Draft

Sam cond. +

cond.

3 Roman

Draft

ofthose

+

+

3 fonts in rotation:

Roman

Draft

cond.

cond.

3

. ...)

(The factory setting is Draft, uncondensed font.) The selection is executed when the
button is released and is stored in non-volatile memory.

Micro Feed Function

l

When paper is in the paper path:

1.

Press the PAUSE button to stop printing.

2.

Hold down the FONT (ALT) button and press the PAUSE button to enter the
micro feed mode.

3.

The FONT and CONDENSED lights blink alternately to indicate that the
printer is in micro feed mode.

-

l

In micro feed mode:

PAUSE
Advances the paper forward by 2/216 inch per step.

PAPER FEED
Moves the paper backward by 2/216 inch per step.

Depending on the time when the micro feed is activated, it will micro-adjust the
following positions:

l

the loading position (immediately after paper is loaded in the printer).

l

the tear-off position (when paper has been advanced for tear

l

the current print position (this position is not stored in memory).

off).

The adjustedloading and tear-off positions are stored in non-volatile memory (except
for the position of cut sheets

loadedby

manual insertion). You can

endmicro feedmode

by pressing the FONT button again. The printer exits this mode automatically when
any data arrives from the host computer.

1-18

Epson

-

FX-870/1170