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

Printer Features

Bin Selection for the Cut Sheet Feeder

l

When there is no paper in the paper path:
Holding down the FONT (ALT) button while pressing PAUSE or PAPER FEED
alternates bin selection if a double-bin cut-sheet feeder is attached and friction feed
is selected.

Paper Ejection

Holding down the FONT (ALT) button and pressing PAPER FEED ejects a cut-sheet
forward or feeds continuous paper backward to the paper park position.

Indicators

READY

Ready to print:
Tear-off
Pause: Blinking (50% duty)
Paper error:

Head hot:

ON
Blinking (75% duty)

Blinking (25% duty)
Blinking (25% duty)

FONT

Draft:

OFF
NLQ Roman: ON
NLQ Sans serif:

Blinking

CONDENSED

Normal pitch: OFF

Condensed pitch: ON

When an error occurs, the READY, FONT, and CONDENSED

LEDs

combination to identify the error.

Table

I

Blinking simultaneously
Blinking simultaneously very quickly
Blinking sequentially in the clockwise direction
All on
Blinking in the counter-clockwise direction

1-15.

All indicators

Identification

of

Errors Using the LEDs

Error

Fatal error
Incorrect RAM
High voltage error
Low vottage error
Head thermistor open circuit error

are used in

Epson

FX-870/1170

1-19

Printer Features

Default Settings

You can set certain default parameters to be used at printer initialization.
the parameters shown in

1.

Turn on the printer while pressing the FONT button. The printer beeps once and
prints the current default settings on the paper loaded in the paper path.

2. Press FONT to select a parameter. The FONT and CONDENSED
on, off, or blink to show the current parameter selected.
as necessary, until the LEDs indicate the setting to be changed. (See Table l-16.)

3. Press PAUSE to change the setting. The READY LED shows your selection.

4. Repeat this procedure for any Group 1 feature you want to change. (After you set
the feature
Table 1-16.)

5. When all the settings are as you want
are stored in non-volatile memory.

at

the

Table l-16, Group 1 Features,

bottom

of Table 1-16, the printer returns to the first feature in

them,

follow the steps below:

Press FONT as many times

turn off the printer. The settings

To change

LEDs

turn

-.

FONT

LED

OFF

OFF

ON

ON

BLINKS

BLINKS

BLINKS

COND.

LED

ON

BLINKS

OFF

BLINKS

OFF

ON

BLINKS

Table l-16. Group 1’Features

Feature

Emulation

Character pitch

Page length

Skip over perforation

Zero face

Auto tear-off

Auto LF with CR

ESC/P OFF
IBM Proprinter ON

Pica OFF
Elite ON
11 inch
12 inch

8.5 inch

70/6 inch (A4)

No skip
Skip 1 inch

Setting

READY

LED

OFF
ON

BLINKS
BLINKS

FAST
OFF
ON

Note: The factory setting is that the READY LED is OFF for all features.

1-20

Epson

FX-870/1170

Printer Features

To change the settings shown in

Table l-18, Group 2 Features

1.

Turn on the printer while pressing the FONT and PAUSE buttons. The printer

beeps once and prints the current character table for either ESC/P or IBM mode

on the paper loaded in the paper path.

2. Press the FONT button to select the character table. The FONT, CONDENSED,
and BEADY

button as many times as necessary until the FONT, CONDENSED, and BEADY

LEDs

indicate the character set you want.

3. Turn off the printer. The settings are stored in non-volatile memory.

OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF

OFF
OFF
ON

ON

ON
ON
ON
ON
ON

LEDs

Table

OFF
OFF

ON
ON

ON
BLINKS
BLINKS
BLINKS

OFF
OFF

OFF

ON

ON

ON

BLINK

turn on, off, or blink to show your selection. Press the FONT

1-17.

BLINKS

OFF

BLINKS

OFF

BLINKS

OFF

BLINKS

OFF

BLINK

OFF

Table 1-17, Group 2 Features

(7BM

mode),

follow the steps below:

(ESC/P

Group 2 Features (ESC/P Mode)

Character Table

ON

ON

ON

ON

ON

Italic

Character table

U.S. (standard setting)
France
Germany
U.K.
Denmark
Sweden
Italy
Spain
PC437
PC850
PC860
PC863
PC865

BRASCI

Abicomp

mode),

I

or in

I

Note:

Epson

When the character table PCxxx is selected, that is assigned as the table
selected by the,ESC tl command. Then ESC tl and ESC 6 are set as defaults.
(Codes 80-9FH are printable characters.)

FX-870/1170

1-21

Printer Features

Table l-18. Group 2 Features (IBM Mode)

FONT COND. READY

LED

OFF
OFF

LED

OFF ON

OFF BLINKS

OFF ON

[

OFF 1 ON 1 ON

1.

Notes:

For table

1,

codes

LED

OFF

80-9FH

Character table PC437 (table 1) (standard)

are control codes. (ESC 7 is set.)

Character Table

PC437 (table 2)
PC865 (table
PC865 (table 2)

1)

For table 2, codes 80-9FH are printable characters. (ESC 6 is set.)

2. The character tables for ESC/P mode and IBM mode

aresaved

independently

in non-volatile memory.

Power On Default Settings

The printer also lets you change some of its power on parameters.

settings shown

in Table 1-19, Group 3 Features (Power On Settings),

below.

1.

Turn on the printer while pressing the PAUSE and PAPER FEED buttons.

2.

After

a few seconds, press the buttons indicatedin Table 1-19 to change parameters.

To change the

follow the steps

Table 1-19. Group 3 Features (Power-on Settings)

Button

PAUSE
PAPER FEED
FONT

Notes:

1. Auto CR moves the next print position to the left margin when a LF or the

2.‘~‘isonebeep,and‘*~

3. The printer automatically becomes ready to print after the selection.

Feature

Input buffer
Draft printing speed
Auto CR

valid p 0) or invalid

high p 0) or normal
valid p 0) or invalid

T

standard (factory) setting

ESC J code is sent.

’

is two beeps. If no operation is executed within a

few seconds, the printer exits the power on selection mode with five beeps

l l l l

(

0).

The selected value is stored in non-volatile memory.

Betting

p)
p)
p)

Self-Test

Press PAPER FEED while turning on the printer to put it in self-test mode. To stop
the self-test, turn off the printer. (The control panel is still operational in self-test
mode for paper handling and font selection.) When pages are printed

from

the cut-

-

1-22

Epson FX-870/1170

Printer Features

sheet feeder (CSF), the first sheet is used for scaling the sheet length. Then, the
maximum number of printable lines is printed in the bottom line of the sheet and
saved in non-volatile memory as the default page length. Page lengths are saved
individually when a dual-bin CSF is in use.

The self test prints out the following:

l

Maximum printable lines (only on cut sheets

l

Firmware version

l

Current default settings

l

Short help messages for control panel operation

l

A pattern of characters, as shown below.

t%om

the CSF)

Figure

l-8.

Self-Test Printout

Hexadecimal Dump

Press the PAUSE button while turning on the printer to put it in hexadecimal dump
mode. In this mode, the printer prints out the hexadecimal format for received data,

along with the corresponding ASCII characters. This function is useful to check
received data from the host.
printer prints a period (.) in the ASCII column.

See Tables 3-10 and 3- 11 for a hex listing of the commands acceptable to this printer.

Figure

If a received code is not a printable ASCII character, the

1-9.

Hexadecimal Dump Printout

Epson

FX-870/1170

1-23

Printer Features

Paper-out Detection

If the paper-out sensor detects a paper out, the printer automatically enters a pause
condition after feeding or printing several lines. When a paper-out is detected, load
new paper properly and set the printer ready to print by pressing the PAUSE button.

Auto

Tear-off

When the release lever is set to one of the tractor positions, paper advances to the tear-

off position automatically, if the input buffer is empty and paper is at the top-of-form
position (as long as the printer receives no additional data after receiving a form feed).
If it receives new data, the printer reverse feeds paper to its original position and
starts printing. This function can be disabled in the default setting mode.

Buffer Full Printing

The printer stores received data in the input data buffer, and prints it when it
encounters a print command (CR) or when the buffer becomes full.

Thermal Protection

When the thermistor detects that printhead temperature exceeds
printer stops printing to protect the printhead from overheating.

180”

F

(82”

C), the

High-Duty Printing

When the +35 V monitor circuit determines that printing duty is too heavy for the

power supply because the line voltage has dropped, the printer stops printing until
the voltage recovers.

It then continues printing the rest of the document at halfspeed.

Sheet Loading and Sheet Ejection

The release lever engages or disengages the tractor unit drive mechanism. The lever’s
operation provides improved paper-handling functions:

l

Automatic cut-sheet loading without the cut-sheet feeder

Move the release lever to the FRICTION position and load a sheet using the paper
guide (top or optional front). A few seconds later, the sheet is automatically loaded
to the top-of-form position, and the printer becomes ready to print.

. Automatic cut-sheet loading and ejection with the cut-sheet feeder

Move the release lever to the FRICTION position, and load a stack of paper into the

cut-sheet feeder hopper. Pressing PAPER FEED loads the sheet to the top-of-form

1-24

Epson FX-870/1170

Printer Features

position.

If a paper out is detected before printing starts, the sheet is loaded

automatically to the top-of-form position, without PAPER FEED being pressed.

l

Continuous paper loading and ejection (paper park)

Move the release lever to REAR PUSH/FRONT PUSH position and load paper into
the tractor unit. Press PAPER FEED to load the paper automatically to the top-of­form position.

If a paper-out is detected before printing starts, paper is loaded

automatically to the top-of-form position, without PAPER FEED being pressed.
If the FONT+PAPER FEED buttons are pressed when continuous paper is loaded, the

paper is ejected backward to the paper park position. To feed several pages backward,
repeat this operation several times.

Adjust Lever Operation

You must set the platen gap adjust lever to the proper position (from the 8 steps

available) for the paper thickness.

If this lever is set to position 2 (the 4th step) or

higher, printing speed and paper feeding speed are reduced.

Table l-20. Lever Positions

I Lever Position I

0

(2nd step) 0.0024 -0.0048 inches (0.06- 0.12 mm)

1

(3rd step) 0.0052 -0.0068 inches (0.13- 0.17 mm)

2

(4th step) 0.0072- 0.01 inches (0.18 -0.25 mm)

3

(5th step) 0.0104 -0.0128 inches (0.26- 0.32 mm)

Note:

If printing density is light, set the platen gap adjust lever position one step closer.

Paber

Position 1 (3rd step)

Thickness

I

Lever

Epson

FX-870/1170

Figure l-10. Lever Positions

1-25

Printer Features

Printer Initialization

The printer is initialized in the following cases.

l

When the printer is turned on.

l

When the INIT signal or CMREQ (optional

When the printer is initialized, it performs the following functions:

l

The printhead returns to the leftmost position (carriage home).

l

The READY LED lights.

l

The printer clears the print buffer and input data buffer.

l

The line spacing is set to l/6 inch.

l

The page length and skip-over-perforation settings are returned to their default
values.

l

All vertical tab positions are cleared.

l

The horizontal tab positions are set to every 8 columns.

.

The print mode is set to the default value set
non-volatile memory.

I/F )

fkom

is input.

the control panel and stored in

TOF position is reset in the following cases.

. Power on

l

Receipt of the

l Receipt of a software reset command (ESC

INIT signal

or

CMIXEQ

(optional

Q)

. Receipt of a page length command (ESC C)

Note:

The CMREQ signal goes LOW when the command request is sent from the

optional card to the

main

system.

I/F)

1-26

Epson

FX-87CY1170

Printer Features

Buzzer

The buzzer beeps for 0.1 second at a time. These beep sounds are combined in various

l

ways, as shown below, to indicate different meanings. In the following table, each

”

”

stands for one beep.

Table 1-21. Buzzer Functions

Status Sound

3EL code

Zarriage
Joltage

trouble

error

0

- -

No beeps.

Sounds when a BEL code is received.
A carriage error has occurred.
(Indicators blink sequentially in the

Description

clockwise direction.)

=atal

error

ncorrect

‘aper

error

No beeps.

memory m w a

0.ae.0ao.0

- - - - -

y

(Indicators blink simultaneously.)

-

RAM

- E*PROM

Continuous paper has run out.

Paper in the CSF has run out.
Paper was not present at the start of a
self-test.
A sheet could not be ejected from the

-.

no

CSF.
Anotherpaperdetectionerroroccurred:
With single-sheet feed selected, no

paper is present.
Continuous paper can’t be loaded.

Paper runs out after the PAPER FEED

button is pressed.

Illegal paper

release/unrelease

-

. . .

(continuously till corrected)
The release lever was changed while
there was paper in the paper path.

Change the lever again or remove the

paper in the path to stop the sound.

Recognition of l
operation

Power-on operation (self test, hex

dump, default setting, or power-on)

CSF bin -1 selected.

Micro feed

”

.

CSF bin -2 selected.

The adjusted value set with micro feed

is the same as the factory setting value

(loading position or tear-off position).

-

. . .

(continuously until button is released)
The micro feed value has reached its
upper or lower limit.

Epson

FX-870/1170

1-27

Printer Features

Main Components

The components of the FX-870/1170 are designed for easy removal and replacement
during

l

l

l

l

l

The following figure shows the main components of the FX-870/1170.

maintenance

and repair. The main components are:

C094 MAIN board assembly
C094 PNL board assembly
C076 PSB board assembly

Printer mechanism
Housing assembly

Platen

Gap Adjust Lever

Release Lever

B Board Assembly

IN Board Assembly

1-28

Pril

iter

Mechanism

Figure 1-11. Main Components

Epson FX-870/1170

Printer Features

C094 MAIN Board Assembly (Main Control Circuit Board)

Basically, the same board layout is used in both the
column model.
It consists of a

The CPU on this board controls all the main functions of the printer.

TMP90C041F 8-bit

CPU, an

E05A55YA

136~column

model and the

gate array, an

E2PROM,

PSRAM, a MASK ROM, motor drivers, and head drive transistors.

PF MOTOR

CR MOTOR

DRIVER

,,DAld-lfil-l

o”-+q/

1”

CPU

TM,p,),

I;

CTRr”.“’

E2PROM

; MASK ROM

80-

a

I/F

HEAD DRIVE
TRANSISTORS

GAiE

ARRAY

E05A66YA

Figure 1-12. CO94 MAIN Board Assembly

(Main Control Circuit Board)

Epson

FX-870/1170

1-29

Printer Features

C094

This
function buttons, and three indicator

PNL Board Assembly (Control Panel Circuit Board)

boardis

the control panel

Figure

ofthe F’X-870/1170,

1-13. CO94

LEDs.

(Control Panel Circuit Board)

consisting of a power button, three

PNL Board Assembly

CO76 PSB Board Assembly (Power Supply Circuit Board)

This board is composed of an input filter circuit, a transforming circuit, a switching
regulator circuit, a rectifying circuit, a smoothing circuit, and various protecting

circuits.

1-30

Figure

(Power Supply Circuit Board)

1-14. CO76

PSB Board Assembly

Epson FX-87011170

Printer Features

Printer Mechanism

The printer mechanism consists of a g-pin impact dot head, a carriage mechanism,

a carriage motor, a paper feed mechanism, a paper feed motor, a ribbon feed
mechanism, and various sensors.

136-column

80-column

model

model

Figure l-16. Printer Mechanism

Epson

FX-870/1170

1-31

Printer Feature8

Housing Assembly

The printer mechanism and all the boards are contained in a housing assembly that
consists of the upper case and the lower case.

1-32

Figure 1-16. Housing Assembly

Epson FX-870/1170

Printer Features

Commonly Asked Questions and Answers

This section contains facts that customers often want to know about this printer.
The question-and-answer format is to make it easier for you to scan through the

information.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

What are the FX-870 and FX-1170 printers?

Q.
A.

The FX-870 and FX-1170 printers are the direct

replacements for the

FX-850 and FX-1050 printers.

Q.

What is the rated

A.

380 cps in high-speed draft

print

speed for the FX-870 and the FX 1170?

285 cps in draft pica
342 cps in draft elite

Q.

What printer

A.

l Epson

l

IBM Proprinter (X or XL, for narrow or wide carriage)

Q.

What are the

operating modes

ESC/P

resident fonts are

are built into the FX-870/1170?

in these printers, and are they

scalable?

A.

Draft, Roman, and Sans Serif. The FX-870 and FX-1170 do not support

Epson ESC/P2 scalable fonts.
If the program I am running does not list the FX-870 or FX-1170 as a

Q.

printer selection, what other printer can I select in my software?

A.

6. Q.

A.

Acceptable

driver selections

for Epson mode are listed below in order of

preference:

l FX-850

. EX-800

l FX-86e

l

FX-80+ FX-

l

Epson Printer

l

g-pin

Printer

FX- 1050
EX-1000
FX-286e

lOO+

Acceptable driver selections for IBM mode are listed below:

l

IBM Proprinter (X for narrow carriage or XL for wide carriage)
What is the rated
Ribbon

life of the ribbon and printhead?

3 million characters at 14 dots per character

Printhead 100 million characters at 14 dots per character

Epson

FX-870/1170

1-33

Printer Features

7. Q.

A.

Q.

8.
A.

Q.

9.
A.

Q.

10.

Do the FX-870 and FX-1170 use the same
FX-

1050?

Yes.

8750 (fabric) for the FX-870

ribbons as

the FX-850 and

8755 (fabric) for the FX-1170
8758 ribbon only replacement pack

(Never use ribbons for 24-pin printers. To extend printhead life, use only
the Epson ribbons listed above.)

What is the

part number for the printhead?

F031000
If any of the pins in the printhead are shorted, be sure to replace the

main board at the same

What type of interface is built into the

time

as the printhead.

FX-870/1170?

The FX-870 and FX-1170 have the most commonly used interface port:

l

Centronics parallel

The printer also has an additional slot for an Epson Type B interface.

What

is the size of the

input buffer

for the built-in parallel interface?

11.

12.

A.

24K (can be enabled or disabled in the default setting mode)

Q.

What

A.

Q.
A

accessories

FX-870

Part No.

C808371
C803881
c800201
C814001

C823051
c823071
C823101
C823141
c823151

Cl

-9E-A

8310

What

is the

CSF

Single-bin
High-capacity

are available for the FX-870 and FX-1170?

FX-1170
Part No.

C808391
C808401
C800211
C814011

C823051
C823071
C823101
C823141
C823151

Cl

-9E-A

Description

Single bin cut sheet feeder
High-capacity cut sheet feeder
Additional tractor unit
Front sheet guide
Serial interface
32KB serial interface
32KB parallel interface
Coax interface

Twinax interface

Parallel printer cable
Roll paper holder (FX-870 only)

capacity of the optional cut-sheet feeders?

Capacity

50 sheets (no envelopes, multi-part forms, or labels)

150 sheets/25 envelopes (no multi-part forms or labels)

1-34

Epson

-

FX-870/1170

13. Q.

A.

14.

Q.

A.

15.

Q.

A.

Printer Features

How

many

paper paths

are there for the FX-870 and FX-1170?

The printers have 4 paper paths:

Top feed
Bottom feed
Rear feed
Front feed

How

is the

tractor

used for feeding with the FX-870/1170?

The FX-870 and FX-1170 come with one tractor, which can be positioned
for three different types of feeding:

Front feed push tractor
Rear feed push tractor
Top-mounted pull tractor

How

many sheets of

4,

including the original (carbonless only). The printer can handle

sheet multi-part forms using friction feed

multi-part paper

can the FX-870/1170 handle?

fkom

the front sheet guide.

cut-

16. Q.
A.

17. Q.
A.

18. Q.

A.

19. Q.
A.

20. Q.
A.

Can the FX-870 and FX-1170 print on

labels?

Yes, at normal temperature and humidity levels. Use continuous type

labels only. Never back feed labels.
Can the FX-870 and FX-1170 print on

envelopes?

Yes, at normal temperature and humidity levels. You can use No. 6 and

No. 10 envelopes (up to

What is the printer’s

.0197

inches thick).

duty cycle?

25%. This means that out of every hour, the FX-870/1170 can print
continuously for only 15 minutes.

How do I get a printout of the current

printer

settings?
Hold down the PAPER FEED button while you turn on the printer.
Are there DIP

No.

AI1

default settings are made from the control panel and stored to

the

E2PROM.

switch

settings

for these printers?

(For more information on setting the defaults, see

page l-20.)

21.
A. 55

Epson

What is the

Q.

dB(A).

FX-870/1170

decibel level

for the FX-870/1170?

1-35

Installation and Setup

Chapter 2

Installation and Setup Procedures

Site Requirements ....................................................................................

Removing the Packing Materials
The Correct Power On Sequence

Running the Self-Test ..............................................................................

Connecting Printer Cables

Parallel Cables

Serial Cables ....................................................................................

Checking the Printer with the Computer

Parallel Connection to an MS-DOS Computer
Serial Connection to an MS-DOS Computer

Tips to Increase Printer Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

List of Figures

Figure 2-1. Serial Cable Configuration to a

9-Pin Computer Connector

Figure 2-2. Serial Cable Configuration to a

25-Pin Computer Connector

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

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

2-1
2-1
2-1
2-2
2-2
2-2
2-2
2-3

2-4
2-4

2-2

2-3

Epson FX-870/1170

2-i

Installation and Setup Procedures 2

This chapter provides tips to help you select a site, set up, and test the printer. There is
information on the using

configurations for serial transmission. The last portion of the chapter provides information
customers need to know about this printer to ensure maximum problem-free operation.

Site Requirements

Selection of a suitable location is essential to proper operation of the FX-870/1170. The

.

printer must be placed on a level, stable surface in a clean environment, which is not
subject to rapid fluctuations in temperature, vibration,

Use this list in placement of the printer:

.

Place the printer on a stable, flat surface capable of supporting at least twice the
weight of the printer (30 lb. for the narrow carriage printer or 40 lb. for the wide
carriage).

.

If you are using the built-in parallel interface, place the printer close enough to the
computer that you need a cable no longer than 10 feet, maximum.
be farther than 10 feet from the computer, install an optional Type B serial interface.

a

Leave adequate space around the printer for proper ventilation.

.

Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or automatic timers. Accidental

disruption of power can erase information stored in printer memory.

0

Keep the entire computer system away from potential causes of electromagnetic

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

.

Avoid dusty environments.

the

parallel and serial interfaces, along with cabling

ordirect

sunlight.

If the printer must

Removing the Packing Materials

Be sure to remove all the protective tape and packing material for the printer before

attempting to put the printer together. Refer to the Notice Sheet inserted in the printer for
directions. Save the packing materials in case the printer needs to be shipped later.

The Correct Power On Sequence

While the printer is plugged in, power is always applied to the secondary circuit. When you
press the OPERATE button, the printer performs the following power on sequence:

.

Checks

.

Moves the carriage back and forth until it finds the home position.

.

Lights control panel

If the printer cannot complete this sequence successfully, refer to Chapter 3,

Troubleshooting. Otherwise,

Epson

FX-870/1170

RAM

and

E2PROM

LEDs.

turn the printer off, and perform the self-test.

2-1

Installation and Setup

Running the Self-Test

The self-test checks the printer mechanically and electronically to
properly.
operational in the printer (with the possible exception of the interface circuit).

To run the self-test, hold down the PAPER PEED button while turning on the printer. You
can use any paper path and any acceptable paper type to run the self-test. To stop the
test, simply turn off the printer.

If the printer runs the self-test successfully, it means that everything is

make sure

it works

self-

Connecting Printer Cables

Parallel Cables

The cable you connect to the built-in parallel Centronics interface should be a shielded,
twisted-pair cable no longer than 10 feet (3 meters),
ground connector, attach it to the frame ground terminal beside the parallel connector in
the back of the printer. (See Table 1-13 for pin assignments and signal functions for the
parallel interface.)

maximum.

Serial Cables

If you install an optional Type B interface in the printer slot, you must use an RS-232C null
modem cable.

If the cable has a frame

-,

The cable configuration for connecting the printer serially to a g-pin (AT-type) computer

connector is shown in the figure below.

25-pin

Printer

side

2m

3

RXD

7

SGND.

20 DTR

Figure 2-1. Serial Cable Configuration to a O-Pin Computer Connector

4

to Spin

Serlal

Cable

J

2

Computer

Sick

,l

FKS

.2 RXD

3 TXD

+5

SGND

*6 CTS

,8

DCD

2-2

Epson

FX-870/1170

Installation and Setup

The cable configuration for connecting the printer serially to a 25-pin (XT-type) computer
connector is shown in the figure below.

25pin

PtiIltff

to

25pin

Serial Cable

Computer

side

,l

1 FGND,

FGND

:~.-x,xl

5

CTS

6 DSR

Figure 2-2. Serial Cable Configuration to a

-

4
4

25Pin

Computer Connector

,5

+6

CTS

DSR

Checking the Printer with the Computer

The paragraphs below describe ways to check the computer’s connection to the printer. If
you have problems after performing these checks, see Chapter 3,

Troubleshooting.

Parallel Connection to an MS-DOS Computer

Once you have connected the printer to the computer, you can test the connection by send­ing a print screen to the printer. (At the MS-DOS prompt, type
press

MS-DOS directory, type the following command and press

Print Screen

If the printer does not respond, try modifying the MS-DOS MODE command. From the

MODE LPTn,,P

In this command, n represents the port you are sending data through (typically

LPTB)

the message:

and P specifies unlimited retries for time-out errors. The computer will respond with

Resident portion of MODE loaded

Infinite retry on parallel printer time-out

or

Shift+Print Screen.)

Enter:

DIR

and press

Enter.

LPTl

Then

or

Epson

FX-870/1170

2-3

Installation and

Setup

Then try sending a print screen again or type:

DIR

>

PRN and press

Enter

at the MS-DOS

prompt to print a listing of the current directory.
(If you needed to change the MS-DOS MODE command to reroute the computer’s output to

the correct port, edit the system’s AUTOEXEC.BAT file to include this MODE command
automatically.)

Serial Connection to an MS-DOS Computer

Assuming you installed a 0KB or 32KB serial

switches on the interface card, the interface is set for the following:

9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity.

To match this setting in the host computer, change the interface configuration. From the
MS-DOS directory, type the following MS-DOS command and press

MODE

COMn:N,8,1,P

In this command, n represents the port you are sending data through (typically

COM2), N means no parity, 1 is one stop bit, and P specifies unlimited retries for time-out

errors. The computer will respond with the

Resident portion of MODE loaded

interface

message:

and did not change the DIP

Enter:

COMl

or

-

Infinite retry on serial printer time-out

To verify the connection, send a print screen to the printer. (At the MS-DOS prompt, type

DIR Enter.

Enter

at the MS-DOS prompt to print a listing of the current directory.

Then press

Print Screen

or

Shift+Print

Screen.)

Or, type:

DIR >

PRN

and press

(If you needed to change the MS-DOS MODE command to reroute the computer’s output to
the correct port, edit the system’s AUTOEXEC.BAT file to include this MODE command
automatically.)

Tips to Increase Printer Life

Although the FX-870/1170 does not require any routine maintenance, there are a few
things Epson owners can do to prolong the life of their printer:

l

Do not print continuously for long periods of time.
The FX-870/1170 has a 26% duty cycle. This means that it is built to run continuously

for 15 minutes out of every hour. Exceeding the duty cycle can cause the printhead to
overheat. Although the printhead has a built-in thermistor to protect it, if the printer
overheats repeatedly, it can result in printer failure.

l

Use only ribbons recommended by Epson for this printer, and do not re-ink ribbons.
The ink in the Epson-recommended ribbons for this product is especially formulated

with a lubricant that
gum up the printhead. Be-inking a used ribbon can cause the printhead pins to catch
on the worn ribbon fabric.

makes the

printhead last longer. The ink in cheap ribbons can

2-4

Epson

FX-870/1170

Chapter 3

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Test Points ................................................................................................

Error Codes ...............................................................................................

Problem Isolation .....................................................................................

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

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

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

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

3-18
3-19

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

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

3-21
3-23

List of Figures

Figure 3-1. Printhead Resistance
Figure 3-2. Connector Locations
Figure 3-3. Release Sensor
Figure 3-4.
Figure 3-5. Platen Gap Sensor
Figure 3-6.

Home Position Sensor

Front and Rear PE Sensors

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

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

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

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

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

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

3-18
3-19
3-19
3-20
3-20

3-1
3-5
3-6
3-7

3-3

List of Tables

Table 3-1.
Table 3-2.
Table 3-3.
Table 3-4.
Table 3-5.

Table 3-6.
Table 3-7.
Table 3-8.
Table 3-9.
Table 3-10.
Table 3-11.

Power Supply Test Points

Sensor Test Points ...............................................................

Motor Test Points and Coil Resistance
Printhead Test Points
Printhead Driver Test Points

Carriage and Paper Feed Motor Driver Test Points

Error Codes

Symptoms and Flowchart References
Identifying Serial
Hex Codes for ESC/P Commands
Hex Codes for IBM Commands

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

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

.........

.3-3

.3-4

3-7
3-21
3-23

and Coil Resistance

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

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

Communications Errors

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

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

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

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

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

3-1
3-2
3-2

3-4

3-5
3-6

Epson FX-870/1170

3-i

Troubleshooting 3

The information in this section can help you identify causes of printer problems and test the
printer to isolate the part that needs to be replaced. The chapter also contains illustrations
showing connector locations and sensor locations. Once you have read this chapter to

determine what tests you need to run on the printer, see Chapter 4 for instructions on how to
disassemble the printer.

WARNING

Before disassembling the printer to perform any troubleshooting tests, disconnect the
power supply cable from the AC power outlet. Failure to do so may cause physical injury.
The power switch is wired in the secondary circuitry. Therefore, the printer’s primary
circuitry remains live even after the power switch is turned off.

When performing the testing described in this chapter, do not connect the printer to the
power source unless instructed to do so in the test. When the power supply must be

connected, use extreme caution, because the voltage may cause physical injury and may

, damage the components of the printer.

Test Points

The test point tables and diagrams have been placed at the front of this chapter to provide you

with a quick reference for checking motors, the printhead, printhead drivers, sensors, and the
power supply, if you suspect a problem.

Table 3-1. Power Supply Test Points

Gower

Supply

Connector

Pin Numbers

11 and3

(CW

Power Supply

Connector

Pin Numbers

1 and3

VW

Check with Printer Power Off.)

Place one lead on pin 11 and the other on
pin 3 (ground).

Check with Printer Power On.)

Place the + lead on pin 1 (5 V) and the

-

lead on pin 3 (ground).

Test Method

(Set Meter to Continuity.

Test Method

(Set Meter to Volts.

Meter Reading

Continuity/open means OPERATE is activated
and you can check the power supply voltages.

Meter Reading

+5

v

9and3

CN2

Epson

Place the + lead on pin 9 (35 V) and the

-

lead on pin 3 (ground).

FX-870/1170

+35

v

3-1

Troubleshooting

Table 3-2. Sensor Test Points

Sensor

Connector

Number

Release

(CN4)

Lever

Check with Printer Power Off.)

Place one lead on each pin. Change the release
lever position.

Test Method

(Set Meter to Ohms.

Platen Gap Place one lead on each pin. Change the adjust

(CW

lever position.

CR Home Place one lead on each pin. Move carriage to and

(CN7)

away from home position.

Front PE Place one lead on each pin. Toggle sensor by

(CN3)

inserting and removing paper.

Sensor Test Method

Connector (Set Meter to Volts.

Rear PE

W9)

Note:

Number

Place one lead on pin 3 (GND) and one on pin 2
(PER). Toggle by inserting and removing paper.

Illustrations later in this chapter show sensor locations.

Check with Printer Power On.)

Meter Reading

Meter should toggle between
open and short.
Meter should toggle between

open and short.
Meter should toggle between

open and short. (Closed = active.)

Meter should toggle between

open and short. (Open = active.)

Meter Reading

Meter should toggle between 0 V
and HIGH.

Motor

Connector

Number

Carriage

Motor

(CN13)

Paper Feed

Motor

VW

Notes: l

l If any phase of the motor is shorted, see Table 3-6 to check the main board. (If the drivers on

Table 3-3. Motor Test Points and Coil Resistance

Test Method

Common

Pin

Numbers

5

6

5

Test Pin

Numbers

1,2,3,4

1 and2

3and4

Common pins may be reversed. If you do not obtain the proper reading with one common, try

the other common for that motor. If you still do not obtain proper readings, the motor is bad.

the main board are also shorted, and the board is not replaced at the same time as the motor,
the short in the main board drivers may burn out the new motor.)

(Set Meter to Ohms. Disconnect

Motor from Main Board and Check

it with Printer Power Off.)

Place one lead on pin 5 and the other lead

on each of the four test pins to check the

four motor phases.

Put one lead on pin 6 and the other lead

on pin 1 and then on pin 2.

Put one lead on pin 5 and the other lead

on pin 3 and then on pin 4.

Meter Reading

5R *7%

(at

77”

F,

25” C)

6352 *352

(at

77”

F,

25” C)

3-2

Epson

FX-670/1170

Ho

0

#8

0

#I7

0

#6

0.

#I5

0

#4

0

#3

0

#2

Troubleshooting

[TERMINAL ASSIGNMENT]

Note:

The printhead is
upside down in
this illustration.

0

#’

[WIRE ASSIGNMENT]

Note: The commons correspond to the following

printhead dot wires:

Figure 3-1. Printhead Resistance

Table 3-4. Printhead Test Points and Coil Resistance

Common Connector

Connector

Number

Printhead

-

Thermistor

Pin

Numbers

2

8

14

-

Test Pin

Numbers Printer Power Off.) Meter Reading

1,3,and5

4,6,

and 13 Place one lead on pin 8 and the other on

10,i 1,

and 12

7and9

(Set Meter to Ohms. Disconnect

Place one lead on pin 2 and the other on

test pins

resistance of printhead dots #2, #4, and #6. 25” C)

test pins 4, 6, and 13 to check the
resistance of printhead dots #7, #8, and #9.

Place one lead on pin 14 and the other lead
on each of the test pins 10, 11, and 12 to
check the resistance of printhead dots

#l

,

Place one lead on each pin.

1

COM. 2 =
COM. 8 =
COM.

Test Method

Printhead and Check it with

1,3,

and 5 to check the

#3,

and #5.

J

#2, #4, #6
#7, #8, #9

14=#1,#3,#5

16.5&-I

Approx. 9.3 K

(at

*1.6S2

77”

F,

R

Epson

FX-870/1170

3-3

Troubleshooting

Table 3-5. Printhead Driver Test Points

Transistor

Numbers

Q2,

Q4,

Q6, Q8,

Ql

0, Ql 1, Q12

Q3, Q7,

Q5
Q9

Q13

(Set Meter to Diodes. Check with Printer Power Off.)

Emitter and base are marked on the CO94 MAIN board.
Check from base to collector, from base to emitter, and
from emitter to collector. Reverse leads and test again.

Test Method

Table 3-6. Carriage and Paper Feed Motor Driver Test Points

CR Motor

Driver (IC6) (Set Meter to Diodes.

‘in Numbers Check

1,

8,

ll,and18

on chip

SLA7024M

Pins 1 and 18 are marked on board. All odd
pins are on one side, and even are on the Not open and not shorted. (The typical reading
other. Place + lead on pin 4 (ground) and is 547, but the reading is not as important as

-

lead on each of the four pins. consistency.)

Test Method

with Printer Power Off.)

-

Meter Reading

Consistent readings for all
transistors, within YZ 20%.

Not open and not shorted
between base and collector

and base and emitter.

Meter Reading

Consistent readings from all pins within f 20%.

PF Motor Test Method

Driver

‘in

(El)

(Set Meter to Diodes.

Numbers Check with Printer Power Off.)

3, 5, 7, and Pins 1 and 10 are marked on board. Place

9 on chip

UPA1476H

+ lead on pin 1 (ground), and count over

to find each of the four pins to be checked. is .672, but consistency is most important.)

Test Method

PF

(Set Meter to Diodes.

Transistor Check with Printer Power Off.)

Q15

Emitter and base are marked on board.
Check from base to collector, from base to
emitter, and from emitter to collector. base and collector and base and emitter.

Reverse leads and test again.

Meter Reading

Consistent readings from all pins within f 20%

Not open and not shorted. (The typical reading

Meter Reading

Consistent readings for all transistors, within

*

20%. Not open and not shorted between

--.

3-4

Epson

-.

FX-870/1170

Error Codes

Troubleshooting

Table 3-7. Error Codes

Error Warning Error

3uzzer beeps:

Carriage error

moo.0

3uzzer beeps:

Memory error

Y.0.0..

3uzzer beeps:

mnnnn

Memory error

3uzzer beeps: Paper out error

moooooOenoeonnn

Buzzer beeps:

Paper out error

m

Cause

Use flowchart 2 in this chapter to isolate

the problem.

RAM abnormality.

E2PROM

l

Continuous paper has run out.

l

There is no cut sheet paper in the CSF.

l

abnormality.

No paper was present at the start of
a self-test.

l

The CSF cannot eject a sheet.

l

Single sheet feed is selected and

no paper is present.

l

Continuous paper cannot be loaded.

l

Paper runs out after the PAPER FEED
button has been pressed.

Buzzer beeps: Paper release error

-

All indicators blink

(continuously).

Fatal error

simultaneously.
All indicators blink Memory error

simultaneously quickly.
All indicators blink High-voltage error

sequentially in the
clockwise direction.

All indicators blink Thermistor error
sequentially in

counter-

clockwise direction.
All indicators are on. Low-voltage error

Note:

In the table above, each l represents one beep. See Table 1-21 for information on non-error buzzer

functions.

The paper release lever is set to an

inappropriate position.

Voltage error, head thermistor error, bad

RAM, CPU, or other fatal error.
Incorrect RAM

The power supply voltage is abnormal.
Use flowchart 1 in this chapter to
isolate the problem.

The head thermistor has an open circuit
error.

The power supply voltage is abnormal. Use
flowchart 1 in this chapter to isolate the

problem.

Epson

FX-870/1170

3-5

Troubleshooting

Problem Isolation

Most printer problems can be corrected by replacing the defective unit. First, identify the
problem from the symptoms you observe using the table below. Then, follow the instructions in
the corresponding flowchartto correct the problem.

Table 3-8. Symptoms and Flowchart References

Flowchart

Symptom

Possible Problems .

or Solution

Printer dead, or abnormal l Possible power supply voltage problem.

operation at power on.

l

A motor or printhead may be shorted.

. CO94 MAIN board may be bad.

Carriage does not move, or
carriage operation abnormal.

l

Something in the mechanism may be catching.

l

Sprocket or ribbon driie gears may be stuck or broken.

l

CR HOME sensor may be bad.

l

Carriage motor may be bad.

l Driver for CR on CO94 MAIN board may be bad.

Paper does not feed, or l Something in the mechanism may be catching.
paper feeds abnormally.

Self-test printout has poor
quality.

l Paper feed motor may be bad.

l

Drier

for PF on CO94 MAIN board may be bad.

l

Platen gap may be incorrect.

l

Printer may need bidirectional adjustment.

l Head cable may be bad.
l Printhead may be bad.

l

Printhead

drivers

on CO94 MAIN board may be bad.

See

Chart 1.

See

chart 2.

-,

See

Chart 3.

See

Chart 4.

Printing is darker on one
side of the page than on
the other side.

Printing is intermittently

dark and light.

Data from the host is
printed incorrectly. (Host is
assumed to have checked
out OK

with

another printer.)

3-6

l

Platen may not bs parallel to carriage guide shaft.

l Ribbon may be bad.

l Ribbon mask may be damaged.
l Sprocket or ribbon drive gears may be stuck or broken.
l Platen gap may be incorrect.

l

Printer default settings may be wrong for application.

l

Interface cable may have a problem.

l

Software settings may be incorrect for printer.

l

Possible problem with ROM or CO94 MAIN board.

Epson FX-8700170

Perform platen

gap adjustment.

See

Chart 5.

See

Chart 6.

-_

Table 3-8. Symptoms and Flowchart References (Continued)

Symptom

Possible Problems

Troubleshooting

Flowchart

or Solution

When I try to load paper, the
printer feeds it back out.

The printer continues printing

beyond the paper end onto
the platen.
After I micro adjust top
margin, the top margin of
subsequent pages is wrong
or drifts down the page.
The carriage slams into
the right side of the
printer, or the printer doesn’t
find home after power on.

The FX-1170 will print only

BO columns.

The printer double-spaces
lines of text.

l There is a problem with one of the PE sensors.
l The main board is not reading sensor output correctly.

Use Table 3-2

to test front and

rear PE sensor.

l There is a problem with one of the PE sensors.
l The CO94 MAIN board is not-reading sensor output

correctly.

l Page size may be set incorrectly in printer.
l Application software may be set incorrectly.
l CO94 MAIN board may have a problem.

l There is a problem with the HP sensor.
l The CO94 MAIN board is not reading the sensor

See Chart 7.

Use Table 3-2 to

test sensor.

correctly. If problem is with

l (For narrow carriage printer) the main board E2PROM

may have the wrong

carriige

width. dealer BBS at

the E2PROM, call

(800) 234-i 445

for Version 4.0 of

Confidence Test

to reprogram.

l The E2PROM on the CO94 MAIN board contains the

Call dealer BBS

wrong carriage width. at [phone]

for Version 4.0 of

Confidence Test

to reprogram.

l Auto LF is set to ON in default setting mode. See Chart 8.
l Software is set up incorrectly.
l (If parallel) computer is constantly holding pin 14 LOW.

Serial Communications Errors

Some common serial data transmission problems can be identified by their symptoms. The
table below lists these problems and their corresponding solutions.

Table 3-9. Identifying Serial Communications Errors

Problem

Garbled print

l Baud rate mismatch
l Parity mismatch

Epson FX-87011170 3-7

Possible Cause

Solution

Verify DIP switch settings on the interface card. Type
a MODE command at the MS-DOS prompt to match
these settings. For instance, if the serial interface
card’s switches are in the factory setting, type:

MODE=COMn:9600,N,8,1

(“n”

is the number of the COM port you are using.)

,P

Troubleshooting

Table 3-9. IdentiQing Serial Communications Errors (Continued)

Problem

Possible Cause

-_

Solution

Device timeout

error

Characters are

printed as

graphics or are

printed in italics.

l The computer is not set for

infinite retries to the
printer.

l Bit word length mismatch

Type a MODE command from the MS-DOS prompt

that includes the infinite retry parameter. For

instance, if the serial interface card’s switches are

in the factory setting, type:

MODE=COMn:9600,N,8,1

(“n”

is the number of the COM port you are using.)

,P

The P parameter at the end of the command sets

infinite retries to the printer.

Verffy the word length set with DIP switch 1-2 on

the interface card. To be sure that the computer

is set to the same setting, type a MODE command
from the MS-DOS prompt. For instance, if the
serial interface card’s switches are in the factory
setting, type:

MODE=COMn:9600,N,8,1,P

(“n”

is the number of the COM port you are using.)
The 8 parameter in the command sets the word
length to 8 bits.

-_

The printer
outputs a couple
of pages

and

then stops.

Nothing is
printed.

l Handshaking problem
l Cable problem

l Cable problem
l Baud rate mismatch

Verify that computer and printer are using the
same type of handshaking. One cannot use
BUSY/READY if the other is using XON/XOFF.

Check the cable configuration. (See Figure 2-1
and Figure 2-2.)

Check the cable configuration. (See Figure 2-1
and Figure 2-2.)

Verify the baud rate set with the DIP switches on
the interface card. To be sure that the computer

is set to the same setting, type a MODE command
from the MS-DOS prompt. For instance, if the
serial interface card’s switches are in the factory

setting, type:

MODE=COMn:9600,N,8,1

(“n”

is the number of the COM port you are using.)

,P

-

3-8

Epson

FX-870/1170

START

0

Chart 1. Printer Dead at Power On

Use correct AC

No

NO

voltage.

fluctuation from

AC range shown

I

at left is
permitted.

I

(No

board.

Troubleshooting

Measure the VP

I

(+35 V)

(+35 V)

Q

at oin 10 I

at pin 10

of

CM2

on the

C076 PSR

board assembly.

1

Measure the

(+5 VI

of

CM2

C076 PSR

Is

output
vo I tage

norma

VL

at pin 1

on the

the

I

1

Yes

No

No

No

No

Dower

does

“;e;c;dhe

board assembly.

Disconnect

and check the
power supply

voltages out of

*

A

circuit

pin 10 and pin 1.

board assembly.

on,

the new

at

CM14

Epson

FX-870/1170

END

v

END

v

3-9

Troubleshooting

Chart 1. Printer Dead at Power On (Continued)

Disconnect

connector

and power on

printer.

CM1

2

initialize?

Check motors and
printhead.

(If shorted, use
Tables 3-5 and 3-6 to
check drivers on
MAIN board, and if
bad, replace main
board at same time.

board.

END

C994

Yes

1

I”

R;g;y;N;ha

board.

1

END

*

3-10 Epson

-

FX-870/1170

Troubleshooting

Chart 2. Carriage Does Not Move or Moves Abnormally

kcuro

on

the

CO94

U&IN

thr

connmtors.

Manually wow

the

Check the gears.

timing

belt. and belt
pulley for

brmkagr,

objects.

Replace parts and

lubrlcatr

(km

war,

and Coralgn

as nerdad.

Chapter

5.1

Epson

Rapl8ca the

Cg94 MAIN

FX-870/1170

board.

Repl8ce CR motor.

any coil Is shorted.

use

Table 3-6 to test
CR drivers on the

CW4

WIN

If bad.

board at SW tlr.

board.

replaca rln

END

*

If

and

3-11

Troubleshooting

Chart 3. Paper Does Not Feed or Feeds Abnormally

START

n

TY*s

YOS

No

/

/ \No

il

IR,

3-12

roslstanca
tha PF motor.

Is It

Replace PF motor. If

my coil Is shortrd.
use Table 3-6 to
PF

drlvors

CW4 WIN board. and

If bad. raplace uln

board at

*

63

of

No

I

on the

aaa tin.

END

l /-3

Cast

Epson

FX-870/1170

Troubleshooting

Chart 4. Poor Print Quality in

and turning

the

bo8rd

on

prlntar.

connected

Srcurs the

connectors.

Self-Test

Perform thll

Are

any

dots

q

lsslng or

drrgglng?

Q

No

No

1

for bent or

Chmck printhead rrslstance.

It

Is not 16.5 ohms

raplax

thr

If any

prlnthmd

use

Tablo

QZ - Q13

on tha

If shorted.

tlm 8s

the

prlnthrad.

3-5

to

raplace at
printhead.

If

+/-

1.6

olmr

pin Is

uln bawd, and

shortrd.

chack drlwrs

the

sm

Epson

FX-870/1170

3-13

Troubleshooting

Chart 5. Ribbon Not Feeding Properly

START

Q

Rap

I ace the

ribbon mark.

rlght and left,

does ribbon

See Figure 6-21 (page
Check gearing for broken or

wore

gears or foreign objects
stuck In the gears. Repface

eny

gears
Lubricate as
Chapter
gears are turning smoothly.

necessmy.

5.1

And

necessary.

make

6-18).

(See

sure

-,

3-14

Epson FX-87011170

Troubleshooting

Chart 6. Data

fhm

Host is Printed Incorrectly

-

Run self-tart.

(Turn on

down

Chrck daf8UltS

in the self-test. Are

they correct for the
8ppliC8tlOn? If

sat th8m

(Sm Def8Ult Settings

prlntor

*hIlo

holding

the

PAPER

FEED button.

correctly.

In Chaptar

1

shown

not.

1.1

If

self-tart

g8rbl.d.
problr

the RDN or

th8

Is

RAIN bo8rd.

Is

with

C194

Note: The host computer is assumed to

be operating normally.

Epson

FX-870/1170

Exit

progrv 8nd

send

8 print

scrmn

from

US-DOS prompt.

Chock softw8re
conflgurrtlon.
Verify

prlnter
opor8tion

other software.

wlth

I

END

*

thm

R8pl8ca th8

RAIN bo8rd.

C194

3-15

Troubleshooting

Chart 7. Page Length/Margins Incorrect

Run self-test and
the printer’s
settings

settings

tlon

SOftW8rS.

drf8ult

8gainst

In your

chSck

the

8pplic8-

printer.

3-16

YOS

The

C894 IL&IN bo8rd

“y bs b8d.
(This

Is

mor8

than problems

softw8rS

f-l

r8rS

with

settings.)

Th8

problv

wlth th8 softw8ro

Is

Epson

FX-870/1170

Chart 8. Printout Double-Spaced

the printer Is

OK.

Troubleshooting

At the MS-DOS prompt,

type the following:

NODE=LPTn:.6.P
and

press Enter.

(“n” is the port you

8r*

using.

1

Send

another

screen.

Disconnmt

the
you will

nmbers
a piace

14 to block thr
fra the printer.

the cable. At

prlntar

connector.

see

that the pin
are Iabolod. Put
of tape over pin

print

sIgnal

Epson

FX-870/i

170

3-17

Troubleshooting

Connector Locations

The layout diagram below shows the positions of connectors on the C094 MAIN board.

PE

Rear’

‘R\\

/

II’

Figure 3-2. Connector Locations

3-18

Epson

FX-870/1170

Troubleshooting

Sensor Locations

The illustrations below show the locations of sensors in the printer mechanism.

Figure 3-3. Release Sensor

Figure 3-4. Home Position Sensor

Epson

FX-870/1170

3-19

Troubleshooting

Printer Mechanism

Figure 3-5. Platen Gap Sensor

3-20

Rear Paper Guide Assembly

Figure 3-6. Front and Rear PE Sensors

Epson

FX-870/1170

Troubleshooting

Hex Quick Reference Table for ESC/P Commands

Use the table below as an aid to read printer hex dumps. This table is for quick reference only.
The user’s guide contains a detailed description of the control codes.

Table 3-10. Hex. Codes for ESC/P Commands

Hex. Dec.

07
08
09
OA
OB

oc
OD
OE
OF
11
12
13

14
18

19
20
21
23
24

25

26

28 74

2A
2D
2F
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38

39
3A
3c

07 BEL Beeper
08 BS Backspace

09 HT Horizontal tab
10
11

12
13
14
15
17 DC1
18
19
20 DC4 Cancel double-width mode
24 CAN Cancel line
25 ESC EM n
32 ESC SP n Set intercharacter space
33 ESC!n Master select
35 ESC # Cancel MSB control
36
37 ESC %n Select user-defined set
38 ESC & nn Define user-defined characters
40 116 ESC(tnn Assign character table
42 ESC * mn Select graphics mode
45
47
48 ESC 0 Select

49 ESC 1 Select 7/72-inch line spacing
50 ESC 2 Select
51
52 ESC 4 Select italic mode
53 ESC 5 Cancel italic mode
54 ESC 6 Enable printable characters
55 ESC 7 Enable control codesupper
56 ESC 8 Disable
57 ESC 9 Enable paper-out detection

58
60

ASCII

LF

VT

FF
CR
so

SI Select condensed mode

DC2 Cancel condensed mode
DC3 Deselect printer

ESC $ nl n2 Set absolute horizontal print position (n = (nl + n2 x

ESC - l/O Turn underlining on/off

ESC/c

ESC3n

ESC:OnO
ESC

<

Command

Line feed

Vertical tab

Form feed
Carriage return
Select double-width mode (one line)

Select printer

Turn cut-sheet feeder on/off, select bin, eject sheet

Select vertical tab channel (c = channel 0 - 7)

l/8-inch

l/6-inch

Set n/216-inch line spacing

Copy ROM to RAM (n = 0 copies Roman; n = 1 copies San
Select unidirectional mode (one line)

line spacing

line spacing

paperout

detection

256)/60”)

serll

Epson

FX-870/1170

3-21

Troubleshooting

Table

Hex. Dec.

3D 61
3E 62
3F 63 ESC?sm
40 64 ESC
41
42 66

43 67
44
45 69 ESC E Select emphasized mode
46 70 ESC F Cancel emphasized mode
47

48 72 ESC H Cancel double-strike mode

49 73 ESC I n Printable code area expansion (codes 0
4A 74

48

4c 76
4D 77 ESC M Select 12 cpi

4E 78
4F
50 a0 ESC P Select 10 cpi
51 81
52 a2
53
54 84 ESC T Cancel subscript/superscript mode
55 85

57 87
59 a9
5A 90
5c 92
5E 94
61
62 98 ESC b nn
6B 107 ESC k l/O

6c 108
70 112 ESC 110
73 115 ESC s l/O
74 116
77
78 120
7F 127 DEL

65

68

71

75

79

83

97

119

3-10.

Hex. Codes for ESC/P Commands (Continued)

ASCII

ESC = Set MSB to 0
ESC

>

@
ESCAn

ESC B nn
ESC C n (0 n) Set page length in lines (in inches)
ESC D nn

ESC G Select double-strike mode

ESCJn

ESC K nl n2 Select single-density graphics mode
ESC L nl n2

ESC N n
ESC 0

ESCQn
ESCRn

ESC S

ESC U
ESC W l/O
ESC Y nl n2 Select high-speed double-density graphics mode
ESC Z nl n2 Select quadrupledensity graphics mode
ESC \ nl n2
ESC * mn

ESCan

ESC I n

ESCtn
ESCwl/O
ESCxllO

l/O

l/O

p

Command

Set MSB to 1

Reassign graphics mode

Initialize printer
Set n/72-inch line spacing
Set vertical tabs

Set horizontal tabs

Perform line feed of

Select double-density graphics mode

Set skip over perforation
Cancel skip over perforation

Set right margin
Select international character set

Select subscriptlsuperscript mode

Turn unidirectional mode on/off

Turn double-width mode on/off

Set relative horizontal print position
Select O-pin graphics mode
Select justification
Set vertical tabs in channels
Select Sans serii/Roman typeface

Set left margin
Turn proportional mode on/off
Turn half-speed mode on/off

Select character table

Turn double-height mode on/off

Select NLQldraft

Delete character

n/21

6 inch

famify

- 31

and

128 - 159,

-

decimal:

-

-

3-22

Epson FX-87011170

Hex Quick Reference Table for IBM Commands

Troubleshooting

Use the table below as an aid to read printer hex dumps.

This table is for quick reference only.

The user’s guide contains a detailed description of the control codes.

Table 3-11. Hex. Codes for IBM Commands

Hex. Dec.

07
08
09
OA
OB
oc
OD
OE

OF
11
12

14

ia

2D 45
30
31

32
33
34
35
36
37
3A

3D

41
42 66
43 67

44 68
45
46
47

48

49

4A 74

48

4c

07

08
09
10

11
12
13
14
15
17

ia

20
24

48
49

50
51
52
53
54
55
58

61
65

69
70
71
72
73

75
76

ASCII

BEL
BS
HT
LF
VT

FF
CR
so

SI

DC1

DC2

DC4

CAN

ESC - l/O
ESC 0
ESC 1
ESC 2

ESC3n

ESC 4
ESC 5 l/O
ESC 6
ESC 7
ESC :
ESC = nn Define user-defined characters

ESCAn

ESC B nn Set vertical tabs
ESC C n (0 n)
ESC D nn
ESC E
ESC F

ESC G
ESC H

ESCln
ESCJn

ESC K nl n2
ESC L nl n2

Command

Beeper
Backspace

Horizontal tab
Line feed
Vertical tab
Form feed
Carriige return
Select double-width mode (one line)
Select condensed mode
Select printer
Select 10 pitch
Cancel double-width mode (one line)

Cancel line

Turn underlining on/off

Select

l/8-inch

Select 7/72-inch line spacing
Select ESC A line spacing
Set n/216-inch line spacing
Set top-of-form
Set/reset automatic line feed

Enable printable characters
Enable control codesupper
Select 12 pitch

Set n/72-inch line spacing

Set page length in lines (in inches)
Set horizontal tabs
Select emphasized mode

Cancel emphasized mode
Select double-strike mode
Cancel double-strike mode
Select font
Perform line feed of n/216 inch
Select single-density graphics mode
Select double-density graphics mode

line spacing

Epson FX-87011170 3-23

Troubleshooting

Hex. Dec.

I

4E 78
4F 79
50 80

51 81
52 82
53 83
54 a4
55 a5
57 a7
58 aa
59 89
5A 90
5B 40
5c 92
5E 94
5F 95

Table 3-11. Hex. Codes for IBM Commands (Continued)

Command

Set skip over perforation
Cancel skip over perforation

Turn proportional mode on/off

Deselect printer
Reset all tabs
Select subscript/superscript mode
Cancel subscript/superscript mode
Turn unidirectional mode on/off
Turn double-width mode on/off
Set left and right margins

Select high-speed double-density graphics mode
Select quadruple-density graphics mode

Select double-height, double-width mode

Print characters from symbol set

Print

one character from symbol set

Turn overscoring mode on/off

91

64

ASCII

ESCNn

ESC 0

ESC P

ESCQn

ESC
ESC S l/O
ESC T
ESC U
ESC W

ESCXnl r-12

ESC Y nl n2

ESC Z nl n2
ESC [ Q nn
ESC \ nl n2

ESC

ESC- l/O

l/O

R

l/O

l/O

h

-

I

-.

8-24

Epson

FX-870/1170

Chapter 4

Disassembly and Assembly

Disassembly and Assembly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

........................................................................ 4-7

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

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

Removing the Platen Assembly
Removing the Rear Frame Assembly
Removing the CR Motor Assembly
Removing the PF Motor Assembly
Disassembling the PF Gear Train
Removing the Carriage Guide Assembly

Removing the Ribbon Drive
Removing the Home Position (HP) Sensor
Removing the Platen Gap (PG) Sensor

Removing the Front and Rear Paper End (PE) Sensors......

Removing the Release Sensor
Arranging the Cables
Disassembling the Tractor Unit
Removing the C094
Removing the C076 PSB Board Assembly

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

MAIN Board Assembly

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

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

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

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

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

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

(RD) Assembly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.......

4-1

4-1
4-2
4-3
4-4
4-5
4-6

4-8

4-9
4-10
4-11
4-12
4-13
4-14
4-15

4-17
4-18
4-18

.4-19

4-20
4-21
4-22
4-23
4-24

List of Figures

Figure 4-1.
Figure 4-2.
Figure 4-3. Removing the Panel Unit
Figure 4-4. Connecting the FFC Cable to the Panel Unit
Figure 4-5. Removing the Printhead
Figure 4-6. Removing the Upper Housing Assembly
Figure 4-7.
Figure 4-8. Removing the Platen Assembly
Figure 4-9. Removing the Rear Frame Assembly
Figure 4-10. Removing the
Figure 4-11. Positioning the CR Motor Assembly

Epson FX-870/1170

Flowchart for Disassembling the Printer
Removing the Paper Guide Assembly

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

................................................... 4-7

Removing the Printer Mechanism

CR Motor Assembly

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

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

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

......................... 4-4

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

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

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

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

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

4-10
4-11
4-12
4-12

4-5
4-6
4-6

4-8
4-9

4-i

Disassembly and Assembly

Figure 4-12. Removing the PF Motor Assembly
Figure 4-13. Disassembling the PF Gear Train
Figure 4-14.

Figure 4-15.

Figure 4-16. Attaching the Timing Belt..

Figure 4-17. Removing the RD Assembly
Figure 4-18. Removing the HP Sensor
Figure 4-19. Removing the PG Sensor..
Figure 4-20. Removing the PE Sensors
Figure 4-21. Removing the Release Sensor
Figure 4-22. Arranging the Cables
Figure 4-23. Disassembling the Tractor Unit
Figure 4-24. Position of the Cog

Figure 4-25.
Figure 4-26. Special Extractor Tool
Figure 4-27.

Positioning the Release Lever for Insertion
Removing the Carriage Guide Assembly

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

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

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

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

.........

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

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

Removing the C094 MAIN Board Assembly

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

Removing the C076 PSB Board Assembly

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

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

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

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

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

List of Tables

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

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

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

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

4-13
4-14
4-14
4-15
4-16
4-17

4-18
4-18
4-19

4-20

4-21

4-22

4-22

4-23

4-24

4-24

Table 4-1.
Table 4-2.
Table 4-3.
Table 4-4.
Table 4-5.

Recommended Tools
Equipment Required for Maintenance
Inspection Checklist for Repaired Printer
Abbreviations Used for Screws
Screw Types and Abbreviations

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

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

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

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

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

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

4-ii

Epson FX-870/1170

Disassembly and Assembly 4

This section provides information you need to know to disassemble or assemble the printer.

Precautions

Read the precautions below before you disassemble or assemble the printer.

WARNING

Before disassembling, assembling, or adjusting the printer, disconnect the power supply cable

from the AC power outlet. Failure to do so may cause physical injury. The power switch is
wired in the secondary circuitry. Therefore, the printer’s primary circuitry remains live even
after the power switch is turned off.

recommended tools for maintenance

5. Adjust the printer only as

described in this manual. (See Chapter 5.)

Tools

Tables 4-1 and 4-2 list the recommended tools needed to disassemble, assemble, or adjust the
printer. Use only tools that

Tool

Round-nose pliers

Nippers
Tweezers
Soldering iron

E-ring holder

Phillips screwdriver no. 2

Flatblade screwdriver
Thickness gauge

Notes:

Table 4-2. Equipment Required for Maintenance

meet

these specifications.

Table 4-1. Recommended Tools

Part No.

8740400100

B740500100

B741000100
B740200100

#2.5

1.

All the tools in the table above are commercially available.

2.

Removing the power supply also requires the special tool shown on page 4-24.

B740800400

B743800200

B743000100

--

-

Epson

FX-870/1170

Description

Multimeter

.

Oscilloscope

Specification

20 MHz

I

4-1

Disassembly and Assembly

Service Checks After Repair

Before you send the printer back to the customer,
state of the components. This checklist facilitates servicing and shipping.

Table 4-3. Inspection Checklist for Repaired Printer

fill in the checklist in Table 4-3

to

the current

note

--

QmwY

Printer
features

Adjustment Printhead

System
upgrade

Component

Printhead

Carriage
mechanism

Paper
advance
mechanism

Paper path

Ribbon mask
Self-print test
On-line test

Printing

ROM version

Shipment

items to Check

Are any wires broken?
Are any wires worn out?

Does the carriage move smoothly?
0 Movement noisy, 0 Mechanism dirty,
0 Mechanism oily

Is the carriage motor at the correct

temperature and not overheating?

Is paper advancing smoothly?
0 Movement noisy, 0 Mechanism dirty,
0 Mechanism oily

Is the paper feed motor running at the

correct temperature and not overheating?

Is the type of paper in the printer feeding

smoothly?

Is the tractor feeding the paper correctly?

Is the paper path clear of all obstructions?

Is the platen free of damage?

Is ribbon mask free of distortion?

Was the self-print successful?
Was the on-line test successful?

Is the platen gap adjusted correctly?

Is the bidirectional alignment adjusted
correctly?
The ROM version is XXX.

Has the ribbon been removed?
Have all the required parts been included in

the shipment?

Is Check Requlred?

q

Checked, 0 Not necessary

0 Checked, 0 Not necessary

q

Checked, 0 Not necessary

q

Checked, 0 Not necessary

0 Checked, 0 Not necessary

0 Checked, 0 Not necessary

0 Checked, 0 Not necessary

0 Checked, 0 Not necessary
0 Checked, 0 Not necessary
0 Checked, 0 Not necessary
0 Checked, 0 Not necessary
0 Checked, 0 Not necessary
0 Checked, 0 Not necessary
0 Checked, 0 Not necessary
0 Checked, 0 Not necessary

q

Checked, 0 Not necessary

0 Checked, 0 Not necessary
0 Checked, 0 Not necessary

4-2

Epson

FX-870/1170

Disassembly and Assembly

Screw Specifications

This chapter uses abbreviations for small parts, such as screws and washers. Tables 4-4 and
45 list these abbreviations.

Table 4-4. Abbreviations Used for Screws

Abbreviation

CBB
CBC
CBN
CBS

Table 4-5. Screw Types and Abbreviations

Head

TOP

.Cross-recessed head 1. Bind

+

0

!.Slotted head

-

8

2._Pan

Part Name

Cross-recessed Bind head B tight screw
Cross-recessed Bind head C tight screw

.

Cross-recessed Bind head N tight screw
Cross-recessed Bind head S tight screw

Body

Side

1 .tjormal

--

0

2. S-tight

(with Notch)

--.. __
.

oT=d

o~ooE

/- \

cl

,.-

:’ ,
OQ

Washer

(assembled)

1 ._Plain washer

2.Qutside toothed
lock washer

Epson

FX-870/1170

3.cup

@=J

4. Iruss

--

4. Iapping

3.Spring washer

OQ$+

4-3

Disassembly

and Assembly

Notes for Unit Removal and Installation

This section describes the procedures for disassembling and assembling the main components of
the printer. Generally, you can install a component in the printer simply by reversing the procedure
for removing the component. Therefore, this chapter does not describe assembly procedures in most
cases.
the description of each procedure. Be sure to follow the instructions in these notes.

If necessary, special notes on assembling or adjusting a component are given at the end of

WARNING

Before disassembling, assembling, or adjusting the printer, disconnect the power supply
cable

from

the AC power outlet. Failure to do so may cause physical injury. The power
switch is wired in the secondary circuitry. Therefore, the printer’s primary circuitry
remains live even after the power switch is turned off.

CAUTION
Before disassembling any part of the printer, remove the paper and the ink ribbon. Also
disconnect the interface cable.

Note:

The flowchart below shows the order in which you need to disassemble the printer.

yq

I

Disconnect the printer’s power cord and interface cable.

PAGE
Before

Diimbly

I

4-5

PAGE

Disassembling the

Tractor Unit

.

I

4-22

PAGE

Removing the
FRONT AND REAR
PE SENSORS

4-4

I

4-19

I

PAGE

Removing the
CARRIAGE GUIDE
ASSEMBLY

4-15

PAGE
Removing tfk
RELEASE

SENSOR

I

4-20

RD ASSEMBLY

Disassembling the

PF GEAR TRAIN

Figure 4-1. Flowchart for Disassembling the Printer

Epson

FX-870/1170

Disassembly and Assembly

Items to Remove Before Disassembling the Printer

1.

Remove the paper guide assembly, ribbon, top cover, front cover, paper eject cover, and tractor

unit.

Note:

Epson

FX-870/i

Figure 4-2. Removing the Paper Guide Assembly

Remove the

paper eject cover and the tractor unit by pushing and releasing the hooks
at both sides.
parts.

170

When remounting them, be sure to snap these hooks on the projecting

4-5

Disassembly and Assembly

Removing the Panel Unit

1.

Remove

the paper guide assembly, ribbon, top cover, f?ont cover, paper eject cover and tractor

unit. fSee page 4-5.)

2.’

Push the two clips on the bottom of the panel unit and

3.

Remove the flexible flat cable (FFC).

remove

-

the panel unit.

Figure 4-3. Removing the Panel Unit

Assembly Note

The FFC cable must be connected properly, as shown below.

Plain Face

FFC Cable

1 /

Face with exposed

terminals at the end

of the cable.

5

-,

4-6

Figure 4-4. Connecting the FFC Cable to the Panel Unit

Epson

FX-870/1170

Disassembly

and Assembly

Removing the Printhead

1.

Remove the paper guide assembly, ribbon, top cover, front cover, paper eject cover, and tractor
unit. (See page 4-5.)

2.

Remove the two CBS
FFC cable.

3.

Remove the printhead.

FFC

(M3x8)

screws from the printhead, lift the printhead up, and remove the

Epson

FX-870/1170

Figure 4-5. Removing the Printhead

4-7

Disassembly and Assembly

Removing the Upper Housing Assembly

1.

Remove the paper guide assembly, ribbon, top cover, front cover, paper eject cover, and tractor
unit. (See page 4-5.)

2.

Remove the panel unit. (See page 4-6.)

3.

Remove the four CBC (M4x15) screws securing the upper housing assembly. (There are only
three screws in the 80-column printer.)

4

Use a small screwdriver to push the two hooks through the cutouts, located on the front cover,

to disengage the hooks from the plates.
Remove the upper housing assembly.

5

Upper Housing Assembly

cut

Lift up the front side of the upper housing assembly.

CBC

(M4X15)

/

\

/

-_

\

Screwdriver

Note: The figure

4-8

Hooks

Figure 4-6.

above shows the

Removing the

136column

Upper Housing

printer.

Assembly

Epson

FX-870/1170

Disassembly and Assembly

Removing the Printer Mechanism

1.

Remove the paper guide assembly, ribbon, top cover, front cover, paper eject cover, and tractor
unit. (See page 4-5.)

2.

Remove the panel unit. (See page 4-6.)

3.

Remove the upper housing assembly. (See page 4-8.)

4.

Remove the four CBB (M4x12) screws securing the printer mechanism.

5.

Remove the CBS (M3x6) screw securing the interface cover.

6.

Disconnect the following connectors on the MAIN board assembly: CN3 (a-pin, BLUE), CN4

(a-pin,
(lCpin,

WHITE).

7.

Remove the printer mechanism.

WHITE), CN5

FFC cable),

CBB

k4X12)

CN9

(2-pin,

BLACK), CN6

(6pin,

BLACK), CN7

(a-pin,

YELLOW), CN8

(&pin, WHITE), CN12 (lo-pin, control panel), and CN13

(5-pin,

Interface Cover

Printer Mechanism

Epson

FX-870/1170

Figure

4-7.

Removing the Printer Mechanism

4-9

Disassembly

and Assembly

Removing the Platen Assembly

1.

Remove

the paper guide assembly, ribbon, top cover, front cover, paper eject cover and tractor

unit. (See page 4-5.)

2.

Remove the panel unit. (See page 4-6.)

3.

Remove the upper housing assembly. (See page 4-8.)

4.

Remove the two CBS (M3x8) screws securing the platen cover.

5.

Disengage the teeth of the platen shaft holders and rotate them. Then slide the left platen

sh&

holder to the left.

6.

Remove the platen knob.

7.

Remove the ribbon mask by pushing the two clips.

8.

Slide the platen assembly and remove it.

CBS

(M3X8)

Platen Knob

Platen Cover

-_

Platen Shaft Holder

Figure 4-8. Removing the Platen Assembly

4-10

Epson

FX-870/1170

Disassembly and Assembly

Removing the Rear Frame Assembly

1.

Remove the paper guide assembly, ribbon, top cover, front cover, paper eject cover, and tractor
unit. (See page 4-5.)

2.

Remove the panel unit. (See page 4-6.)

3.

Remove the upper housing assembly. (See page 4-8.)

4.

Remove

5.

Remove

6.

Remove

nut and washer securing the adjust lever.

Remove the left frame.

7.

Remove the FFC cables from the right frame of the printer mechanism, and then the two

the printer mechanism. (See page 4-9.)
the platen assembly. (See page 4-10.)

the four CBS (M3x8) screws securing the left frame of the printer mechanism, and the

Remove

the parallelism adjustment bushing.

CBS (M3x8) screws securing the right frame.

8.

Remove the rear frame assembly.

9.

Push the clip on the back of the rear frame assembly. Slide out the rear frame.

Hexagon Nut

Outside Toothed

Lock Washer

CBS

Parallelism Adjustment Bushing

Rear Paper Guide Assembly

/

(M3X8)

frfd??iA

”

I

Epson

FX-870/1170

Figure 4-9. Removing the Rear Frame Assembly

4-11

Disassembly

and Assembly

Removing the CR Motor Assembly

1.

Remove the paper guide assembly, ribbon, top cover, front cover, paper eject cover, and tractor
unit. (See page 4-5.)

2.

Remove the panel unit. (See page

3.

Remove the upper housing assembly. (See page 4-8.)

4.

Remove the face screw (M3x7) securing the CR motor assembly. After releasing the tension

4-6.)

spring, disengage the timing belt from the CR motor assembly and hang it on the hook.

5.

Disconnect connector CN13 on the C094 MAIN board assembly. Remove the CR motor
assembly.

6.

Remove

the two CBN (M3x6) screws on the back of the CR motor assembly. Remove the CR

motor assembly.

CR Motor Assembly

-’

Face Screw

(M3X7)

+$@)-Belt

hi

/

LCBN

Tension Plate

W3X8)

-

Figure 4-10. Removing the CR Motor Assembly

Assembly Note

Position the CR motor assembly on the belt tension plate correctly as shown below.

Cable

CR Motor

Figure

4-12

4-11.

Positioning the CR Motor Assembly

Epson

FX-870/1170

-

Removing the PF Motor Assembly

1.

Remove

the

paper guide assembly, ribbon, top cover, front cover, paper eject cover, and tractor

unit. (See page 4-5.)

2.

Remove the panel unit. (See page 4-6.)

3.

Remove the upper housing assembly. (See page 4-8.)

4.

Remove

5.

Set the release lever to the vertical or forward position.

6.

Remove the FFC cables and then the two

7.

Remove the PF motor assembly.

the printer mechanism. (See page 4-9.)

CBS(M3x8)

(This position does not release

Lever Positions

the PF motor assembly)

Disassembly and

Assembty

screws securing the PF motor assembly.

-

(M3X8)

Figure 4-12. Removing the PF Motor Assembly

Epson

FX-870/1170

4-13

Disassembly and Assembly

Disassembling the PF Gear Train

1.

Remove

the paper guide assembly, top cover, front cover, paper eject cover, and tractor unit.

(See page 4-5.)

2.

Remove the panel unit. (See page 4-6.)

3.

Remove the upper

4.

Remove the printer mechanism. (See page 4-Q.)

5.

Remove the CR motor assembly. (See page 4-12.)

6.

Remove the PF motor assembly. (See page 4-13.)

7.

Remove the FFC cables

housing

from

assembly. (See page 48.)

the right sub

fkame

of the printer mechanism, and then remove

the two CBS (M3x8) screws securing the right sub frame.

8.

Remove the right sub frame.

Be sure

4-14

Figure 4-13. Disassembling the PF Gear Train

Assembly Note

to mesh the release lever with the mechanism properly.

Figure 4-14. Positioning the Release Lever for

Insertion

Epson

FX-870/1170

Disassembly and Assembly

Removing the Carriage Assembly

1.

Remove the paper guide assembly, ribbon, top cover, front cover, paper eject cover, and tractor
unit, (See page 4-5.)

2.

Remove the panel unit. (See page 4-6.)

3.

Remove the printhead. (See page 4-7.)

4.

Remove the upper housing assembly. (See page 4-8.)

5.

Remove the printer mechanism. (See page 4-9.)

6.

Remove the platen assembly. (See page 4-10.)

7.

Remove the left frame of the printer mechanism.

8.

Disengage the timing belt from the CR motor assembly. (See page 4-12.)

9.

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

10.

Move the carriage assembly to the CR motor assembly. Remove the carriage assembly from

(See page 4-11.)

the rack.

Ribbon Mask Holder

Epson

FX-870/1170

Figure 4-15. Removing the Carriage Assembly

4-15

Disassembly

and Assembly

Assembly Note

When attaching the timing belt to the carriage assembly, secure the timing belt using

1eR

and right clips of the carriage assembly as shown below. Make sure there is no slack

the

in the timing belt.

Clip

Timing

Figure 4-16. Attaching the Timing Belt

‘-

4-16

Epson

-

FX-870/1170

Disassembly and Assembly

Removing the Ribbon Drive (RD) Assembly

1.

Remove the paper guide assembly, ribbon, top cover, front cover, paper eject cover, and tractor
unit. (See page 4-5.)

2.

Remove the panel unit. (See page 4-6.)

3.

Remove

4.

Remove the printer mechanism. (See page 4-9.)

5.

Remove the platen assembly. (See page 4-10.)

6.

Remove the left frame of the printer

7.

Disengage the timing belt from the CR motor assembly.

8.

Remove the carriage guide assembly. (See page 4-15.)

9.

Remove the CBC (M3x8) screw and the CBB (M3x8) screw securing the RD assembly.

10.

Remove the RD assembly.

the upper housing assembly. (See page 4-8.)

mechanism. (See

CBC (M3X8)

RD Assembly

page 4-11.)

(See page 4-12.)

Epson FX-870/1170

Figure 4-17. Removing the RD Assembly

4-17

Disassembly and Assembly

Removing the Home Position (HP) Sensor

1.

Remove the paper guide assembly, ribbon, top cover, front cover, paper eject cover, and tractor
unit. (See page 4-5.)

2.

Remove the clip of the HP sensor. Remove the sensor.

3.

Disconnect the HP lead from the HP sensor.

Figure 4-18. Removing the HP Sensor

Removing the Platen Gap (PG) Sensor

-

-,

1.

Remove the paper guide assembly, ribbon, top cover, front cover, paper eject cover, and tractor
unit. (See page 4-5.)

2.

Remove the panel unit. (See page 4-6.)

3.

Remove the upper housing assembly. (See page 4-8.)

4.

Remove the printer mechanism. (See page 4-9.)

5.

Remove

the two clips of the PG sensor attached to the left frame of the printer mechanism.

Remove the sensor.

6.

Disconnect the PG lead from the PG sensor.

Printer Mechanism

4-18

Figure 4-19. Removing the PG Sensor

Epson FX-870/1170

Removing the Front and Rear Paper End (PE) Sensors

1.

Remove

the paper guide assembly, ribbon, top cover, front cover, paper eject cover, and tractor

unit. (See page 4-5.)

2.

Remove the panel unit. (See page 4-6.)

3.

Remove

4.

Remove the printer mechanism. (See page 4-9.)

5.

Remove the platen assembly. (See page 4-10.)

6.

Remove the rear frame assembly. (See page 4-11.)

7.

Remove

the upper housing assembly. (See page 4-8.)

the clip for each PE sensor mounted on the rear paper guide assembly. Remove the

front PE sensor and rear PE sensor.

8.

Remove the lead from each PE sensor.

Disassembly and Assembly

Epson

m-am1

Figure 4-20.

170

Removing the PE Sensors

4-19

Disassembly

and Assembly

Removing the Release Sensor

1.

Remove the paper guide assembly, ribbon, top cover, front cover, paper eject cover, and tractor
unit. (See page 4-5.)

2.

Remove the panel unit. (See page 4-6.)

3.

Remove the upper housing assembly. (See page 4-8.)

4.

Remove the printer mechanism. (See page 4-9.)

5.

Remove the platen assembly. (See page 4-10.)

6.

Remove the rear frame assembly. (See page 4-11.)

7.

Remove the two clips for the release sensor mounted on the rear paper guide assembly.
Remove the release sensor.

8.

Disconnect the release lead from the sensor.

-

Release

Figure 4-21. Removing the Release Sensor

Sensor

4-20

Epson FX-870/1170

Disassembly and Assembly

Arranging the Cables

When you assemble the printer, arrange the cables as shown in Figure 4-22.

Printer Mechanism

(Bottom)

Figure 4-22. Arranging the Cables

El

-

-

W

Epson FX-8700170

4-21