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

9-pin Dot Matrix Printer

User’s Guide

This manual is divided in two sections: English and Spanish. The English section begins after this page. The Spanish section begins approximately at the middle of the manual.

Este manual está dividido en dos secciones: Inglés y Español. El manual en español comienza aproximadamente a la mitad del libro. El manual en inglés comienza después de esta página.

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

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

SEIKO EPSON CO RPORATION shall not be liable for any damages or problems arisin g from the use of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original EPSON Products or EPSON Approved Products by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.

EPSON and EPSON ESC/P are registered trademarks of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.

EPSON Store and SoundAdvice are service marks of Epson America, Inc.

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

IBM and ProPrinter are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.

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

Introduction

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Where to Find Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Using the Online Reference Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Viewing the Reference Guide from the CD-ROM. . . . . . . . 2

Installing and viewing the Reference Guide from

the hard disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Using the Quick Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Chapter 1 -

Unpacking the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Installing the Ribbon Cartridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Attaching the Paper Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Using the parallel interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Using the USB interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-9

Installing an optional interface card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Plugging in the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Installing the Printer Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

For Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

For DOS programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-14

Chapter 2 -

Setting the Paper Release Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Adjusting the Paper-Thickness Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Loading Continuous Paper with the Front Push Tractor . . . . . . 2-3

Loading Continuous Paper with the Rear Push Tractor . . . . . . . 2-6

Loading Continuous Paper with the Pull Tractor . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8

Removing paper from the pull tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Loading Single Sheets with the Paper Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13

Setting Up the Printer

Paper Handling

iii

Loading Single Sheets with the Single-Bin Cut-Sheet Feeder . . 2-15 Loading Single Sheets with the High-Capacity

Cut-Sheet Feeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Loading Special Papers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22

Continuous multipart forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22

Single-sheet multipart forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22

Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23

Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24

Switching Paper Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25

Switching to printing on single sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26

Switching to printing on continuous paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27

Using the Micro Adjust Function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27

Adjusting the tear-off position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27

Adjusting the top-of-form position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29

Chapter 3 -

Buttons and Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Selecting a Font and Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

About Your Printer’s Default Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Changing default settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Locking the Control Panel Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Turning Lock-out mode on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Changing the Lock-out mode settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Emulating the Okidata Microline 320 Turbo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Chapter 4 -

Using the Error Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Problems and Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Power supply problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Paper loading or feeding problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Printing position problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Printing or printout quality problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Correcting USB Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Clearing Paper Jams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15

Aligning Vertical Lines in Your Printout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16

Printing a Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17

Printing a Hex Dump. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18

Where To Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19

Using the Control Panel

Troubleshooting

Chapter 5 - Product Information

Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Hot Parts Caution Symbol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Important Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1

ENERGY STAR Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

FCC Compliance Statement for United States Users . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

For Canadian users. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Introduction

This manual covers the following information:

❏ Setting Up the Printer

❏ Paper Handling

❏ Using the Control Panel

❏ Troubleshooting

❏ Product Information

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.

Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your

Notes contain important information and useful tips on the operation of your printer.

equipment.

Where to Find Information

In addition to this manual, you’ll find detailed information about your printer in the following places:

❏ Online Reference Guide. It describes all the printer’s

functions, optional products, printer software, troubleshooting, and technical specifications. See “Using the Online Reference Guide” on page 2.

❏ Online

and includes the paper handling information you’ll find in Chapter 2 of this book—all in a convenient online format.

Quick Guide

. It explains the control panel functions

Introduction

❏ Online Help. Access help anytime for information and

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

Note:

Although the illustrations in this manual show the FX-880+ printer,

the instructions apply to both the FX-880+ and the FX-1180+; the

printers work the same.

Using the Online Reference Guide

You can view the online Reference Guide directly from the

CD-ROM that comes with the printer, or install it on your hard

disk and view it from your computer.

Viewing the Reference Guide from the CD-ROM

1. Insert the printer software CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive. The Installation Program Screen appears. If it does not, double-click the My Computer icon. Click the CD-ROM icon, then double-click SETUP.EXE.

2. Double-click User Guides.

3. To open the Reference Guide, click the appropriate View button.

Installing and viewing the Reference Guide from the hard disk

To install the Reference Guide on your hard disk, follow steps 1 and 2 in the previous section. Then click Install Reference Guide, and follow the on-screen instructions. When the installation is complete, the FX880P 1180P Guide icon appears in the EPSON folder.

Introduction

To view the Reference Guide, click Start, go to Programs and select EPSON. Then, click FX880P 1180P Guide.

Note:

If your hard disk does not have enough space to install the Reference Guide, view it directly from the CD.

Using the Quick Guide

You can view the Quick Guide from the printer software CD-ROM, copy it to your hard disk, or print it out.

Follow these steps to view the Quick Guide from the CD-ROM:

2. Double-click User Guides.

3. To open the Quick Guide, click the appropriate View button.

Options

By adding options, such as a cut-sheet feeder or roll paper holder, you can further expand your printer’s capabilities. Optional interface cards are also available to supplement your printer’s built-in interfaces. (See “Options and Consumables” in the Reference Guide for more information.)

You can purchase ribbon cartridges, paper, manuals, and accessories from EPSON at (800) 873-7766, or visit the EPSON

Store please call (800) 873-7766 for dealer referral.

at www.epsonstore.com (U.S. sales only). In Canada,

Introduction

Chapter 1

Setting Up the Printer

This chapter describes how to unpack and set up your printer.

Unpacking the Printer

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

printer paper guide

ribbon cartridge

Caution:

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

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

power cord

Setting Up the Printer

1-1

Choosing a Place for the Printer

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

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

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

network interface cable, if necessary. Leave adequate room around the printer for easy operation and maintenance.

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

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

❏ Avoid places subject to shocks and vibrations.

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

unplug the power cord.

Note for French-speaking users:

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

❏ Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or

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

❏ Keep the entire computer system away from potential

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

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

❏ If you plan to use a printer stand, make sure it does not tilt

and is strong enough to hold the printer.

❏ Position the power cord and interface cable so they do not

interfere with paper feeding.

1-2

Setting Up the Printer

Installing the Ribbon Cartridge

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

Warning:

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

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

1. Make sure the printer is turned off. If it is connected to an electrical outlet, unplug it from the outlet.

The printer is off when the power switch is pressed down to the N side.

2. Open the printer cover, then pull it up to remove it.

Setting Up the Printer

1-3

3. Press the tabs on each side of the paper tension unit as shown, then lift the front of the unit and pull it up and out of the printer.

4. Make sure the print head is not hot; if it is, let it cool for a few minutes before touching it. Then slide the print head to the middle of the printer by hand.

Caution:

Never move the print head while the printer is turned on; this can damage the printer.

5. If a used ribbon cartridge is installed, grasp the cartridge by the handle and pull it up and out of the printer.

1-4

Setting Up the Printer

6. Remove the new ribbon cartridge from the package and turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow to remove any slack from the ribbon so it is easier to install.

7. Hold the ribbon cartridge by its handle and insert it into the printer as shown below; then press both sides of the cartridge firmly to fit the plastic hooks into the printer slots.

8. Use a pointed object, such as a ball point pen, to guide the ribbon between the print head and ribbon guide. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob to help feed the ribbon into place; it should not be twisted or creased.

Setting Up the Printer

1-5

9. Slide the print head from side to side to make sure it moves smoothly.

10. Reinstall the paper tension unit by placing it on the printer’s mounting pegs and lowering it into place. Press down on both sides of the unit until it clicks into place.

11. Replace the printer cover by inserting the front tabs into the slots on the printer and lowering the cover into place. Then push it down until it clicks.

1-6

Setting Up the Printer

Attaching the Paper Guide

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

Note:

You can use the paper guide only when the tractor is installed in the front or rear push position.

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

Setting Up the Printer

1-7

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

Your printer is equipped with both an IEEE-1284-compatible parallel interface and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. It also includes a Type-B optional interface slot in case your computer requires a different type of printer interface. (See “Installing an optional interface card” on page 1-10.) Connect your computer to the desired interface as described below.

Note:

You can connect a cable to both interfaces; the printer switches automatically to the appropriate interface when it receives data.

Using the parallel interface

To connect your computer to your printer’s built-in parallel interface, you need a shielded, twisted-pair parallel cable with a 36-pin Centronics

1. Make sure the printer and computer are turned off.

2. Plug the parallel cable connector securely into the printer’s parallel interface port. Squeeze the wire clips together until they lock in place on both sides of the connector.

compatible connector for the printer.

3. If there is a ground wire at the end of the cable, attach it to the printer’s ground connector as shown below.

1-8

Setting Up the Printer

4. Plug the other end of the cable into the computer’s parallel interface port. (If there is a ground wire at the end of the cable, attach it to the ground connector at the back of the computer.)

Using the USB interface

To connect the printer to a USB port, you need a standard, shielded USB cable.

Note:

Your computer must be a Windows Me, 98, or 2000 pre-installed model that is equipped with a USB port. If you use a USB hub, it is recommended that you connect the printer to the first tier of the hub or connect the printer directly to the computer’s USB port.

Follow these steps to connect the printer to your computer using the printer’s built-in USB interface:

1. Make sure both the printer and computer are turned off.

2. Plug the appropriate end of the cable into the USB port on the back of the printer.

3. Connect the other end of the cable to the computer’s USB port.

Setting Up the Printer

1-9

Installing an optional interface card

You can use optional interface cards to supplement your printer’s built-in parallel interface. The EPSON interface cards below are compatible with your printer. (Not all interfaces are available worldwide.)

Model number Card type

C82305✽ / C82306✽ Serial interface

C82307✽ / C82308✽ 32 KB intelligent serial interface

C82313✽ 32 KB IEEE-488 interface

C82314✽ Coax interface

C82315✽ Twinax interface

C82345✽ IEEE-1284 parallel interface

C82363**/C82364 EpsonNet 10/100 Base Tx Int. Print Server

C82362 EpsonNet 10 Base 2/T Int. Print Server

C82384 EpsonNet 10/100 Base TX Int. Print Server

* The last digit varies by country.

** When using an optional interface adapter (C82525).

Follow these steps to install an optional interface card:

1. Make sure the printer is turned off. Unplug the printer’s power cord and disconnect the interface cable.

2. Remove the screws securing the shield plate to the back of the printer and remove the plate.

1-10

Setting Up the Printer

3. Slide the interface card along the slots on both sides of the interface compartment. Firmly push in the card to make sure the connector at the back of the card is fully inserted into the printer’s internal socket. Then replace the screws and tighten them.

Store the shield plate in a safe place; you will need to reattach it if you remove the interface card later.

To remove the interface card, reverse the steps above.

Plugging in the Printer

Follow these steps to plug in the printer:

1. Make sure the printer is turned off.

The printer is off when the power switch is pressed down to the N side.

Setting Up the Printer

1-11

2. Check the label on the back of the printer to make sure the voltage required by the printer matches that of your electrical outlet. Also make sure the shape of the plug on your printer’s power cord matches the shape of your electrical outlet.

Caution:

It is not possible to change the printer’s voltage. If the rated voltage on the printer and your outlet voltage do not match, contact your dealer for assistance. Do not plug in the power cord.

3. Plug the appropriate end of the power cord into the AC inlet on the back of the printer.

4. Plug the other end of the power cord into a properly grounded electrical outlet.

Installing the Printer Software

After you connect the printer to your computer, you need to install the software included in the EPSON printer software CD-ROM shipped with your printer:

❏ Printer driver

The printer driver is the software that runs, or “drives,” your printer. With it, you can select printer settings such as print quality, resolution, and paper size.

❏ EPSON Status Monitor 3 (Windows Me, 98, 95, 2000 or

NT 4.0) EPSON Status Monitor 3 notifies you of printer errors and displays printer status information. See the Reference Guide for more information on Status Monitor 3.

When you install the printer driver on Windows Me, 98, 95, 2000 or NT 4.0, the EPSON Status Monitor 3 utility will also be installed. For information on using the software, see “Printer Software” in the Reference Guide.

1-12

Setting Up the Printer

For Windows

Follow the steps below to install the printer software in Windows Me, 98, 95, 2000, or NT 4.0.

Note:

❏ Installing the printer software for Windows 2000 or NT 4.0 may

require administrator privileges. If you have problems, ask your administrator for more information.

❏ If you want to make a floppy disk version of the printer software on

your CD-ROM, insert the CD and run SETUP.EXE. In the dialog box that appears, double-click Create Floppy based printer driver/utility disks and follow the on-screen instructions.

❏ If you are using the floppy disk version of the EPSON software,

make a backup copy of the EPSON printer software disk or disks before you begin installation.

❏ If the New Hardware Found screen or any other wizard appears

when you turn on your computer, click Cancel.

❏ If the Digital Signature Not Found screen appears, click Yes. If

you click No, you must reinstall the printer driver.

1. Make sure Windows Me, 98, 95, 2000, or NT 4.0 is running and the printer is turned off.

2. Insert the printer software CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. The Install dialog box appears. If it does not, double-click the My Computer icon. Click the CD-ROM icon, then double-click SETUP.EXE.

(If you are using a floppy disk, insert the disk into the floppy disk drive. Double-click the floppy disk drive icon and then double-click the FD_SETUP.EXE icon.)

3. Click Install to start the printer software installation.

4. Select your printer from the list, then follow the instructions on the screen.

Setting Up the Printer

1-13

For DOS programs

To control the printer from DOS application programs, you need to select the printer you are using or another available printer from the printer list in your application.

Choose the EPSON printer at the appropriate step in the installation or setup procedure. If the list in your application does not include your printer, choose the first available printer from the following list:

For FX-880+:

FX-880 FX-870 FX-850 FX-800 FX-85 FX-80+ FX-80

If none of these printers is listed, choose the first one available from the following:

FX LX RX MX EPSON printer Standard printer Draft printer ASCII printer

Note:

If your application does not list a suitable alternative, contact the software manufacturer to see if an update is available.

For FX-1180+:

FX-1180 FX-1170 FX-1050 FX-1000 FX-105 FX-100+ FX-100

1-14

Setting Up the Printer

Chapter 2

Paper Handling

This chapter covers some important instructions you need to load and use paper in your printer. For complete paper handling information, see the Reference Guide.

Setting the Paper Release Lever

When you load continuous paper in the printer, you need to set the paper release lever to indicate the paper source you want to use, as described in the table below.

Lever position Description

Single-sheet position

For loading single-sheet paper from the top or front slot.

Front push tractor position

For loading continuous paper with the tractor installed in the front push position or when using the front push and pull tractors in combination.

Rear push tractor position

For loading continuous paper with the tractor installed in the rear push position or when using the rear push and pull tractors in combination.

Pull tractor position

For loading continuous paper from the tractor installed on top of the printer in the pull position. You can load paper in the front, rear, or bottom slot.

Paper Handling

2-1

Adjusting the Paper-Thickness Setting

Before you start printing, make sure the paper-thickness setting is correct for the type of paper you are using:

1. Turn the printer off and open the printer cover. The paper-thickness lever is located on the left side of the printer. The numbers next to the lever indicate the thickness setting.

-1

2. Select the correct lever setting according to this table.

Paper type Lever position

Ordinary paper 0 or 1 (single sheets)

Carbonless multipart forms with: 2 parts (original + 1 copy) 3 parts (original + 2 copies) 4 parts (original + 3 copies) 5 parts (original + 4 copies) 6 parts (original + 5 copies)

Continuous paper with labels 2

Envelopes 2 to 6

0 (continuous paper)

1 2 3 4 5

Note:

When the temperature is 5°C (41°F) or less, set the paper-thickness lever one position lower to improve print quality. When the temperature is 35°C (95°F) or more, set the paper-thickness lever one position higher to improve print quality.

2-2

Paper Handling

Loading Continuous Paper with the Front Push Tractor

1. Make sure the printer is turned off. Then open the front cover and the flap. Make sure the tractor is installed in the front push position.

2. Set the paper release lever to the front push tractor position. Also set the paper-thickness lever to the proper position for your paper’s thickness. See “Adjusting the Paper-Thickness Setting” on page 2-2 for instructions.

3. Release the left and right sprockets by pushing the blue lock levers backward.

Paper Handling

2-3

4. Slide the left sprocket approximately 12 mm (0.5 inch) from the far left position and pull the blue lever forward to lock it in place. Then slide the right sprocket to match the width of your paper, but do not lock it. Move the center support midway between the two sprockets.

5. Remove the front cover by pulling it straight down, as shown below.

6. Make sure your paper has a clean, straight edge. Then open both sprocket covers and fit the first four holes of the paper, with printable side up, over the tractor pins.

2-4

Paper Handling

7. Close the sprocket covers.

8. Slide the right sprocket to remove any slack in the paper; then lock it in place by pushing the sprocket lock down.

9. Attach the front cover with the continuous paper positioned as shown below.

10. Make sure the paper guide is lying flat on the printer and the edge guides are open all the way to the left and right. Then raise the continuous paper support.

11. Turn on the printer. When the printer receives data, it automatically loads the paper and starts printing.

If the first line on your page appears too high or low, you can change its position by using the Micro Adjust function as described on page 2-27.

Caution:

Never use the knob to adjust the top-of-form position; this may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

Paper Handling

2-5

Loading Continuous Paper with the Rear Push Tractor

1. Close the flap on the front cover if paper is not loaded from the front slot.

2. Make sure the printer is turned off, the tractor is installed in the rear push position, and the paper guide is removed.

3. Set the paper release lever to the rear push tractor position.

4. Release the left and right sprockets by pulling the blue sprocket lock levers forward.

2-6

Paper Handling

5. Slide the left sprocket approximately 12 mm (0.5 inch) from the far left position and push the blue lever back to lock it in place. Then slide the right sprocket to match the width of your paper, but do not lock it. Move the center support midway between the two sprockets.

The triangle mark on top of the printer indicates the point furthest to the left where printing can begin.

6. Make sure your paper has a clean, straight edge. Then open both sprocket covers and fit the first four holes of the paper, with the printable side down, over the tractor pins.

7. Close the sprocket covers. Then slide the right sprocket to remove any slack in the paper and lock it in place by pushing the blue lock lever down.

Paper Handling

2-7

8. Attach the paper guide and lay it flat on the printer. Open the edge guides all the way to the left and right, then raise the continuous paper support.

9. Turn on the printer. When the printer receives data, it automatically loads the paper and starts printing.

If the first line on your page appears too high or low, change its position with the Micro Adjust function. (See page 2-27.)

Caution:

Never use the knob to adjust the top-of-form position; this may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

Loading Continuous Paper with the Pull Tractor

1. Close the front cover flap if paper is not loaded from the front slot.

2-8

Paper Handling

2. Make sure the printer is turned off, and the printer cover is removed. Also make sure the tractor is installed in the pull position and the paper guide is lying flat on the printer.

3. Set the paper release lever to the pull tractor position.

4. Release the sprockets by pulling the sprocket lock levers forward.

5. Slide the left sprocket approximately 12 mm (0.5 inch) from the far left position and push the lever back to lock it in place. Then slide the right sprocket to match the width of your paper, but do not lock it. Move the center support midway between the two sprockets.

6. Make sure your paper has a clean, straight edge. Then open the sprocket covers.

Paper Handling

2-9

Note:

Make sure the printer is off before you insert the paper in the paper slot. If you insert the paper while the printer is on, a paper jam may occur.

7. Insert the paper into the front or bottom paper slot as shown in the illustrations below until it emerges between the platen and the ribbon guide. Then pull up the paper until the perforation between the first and second pages is even with the top of the printer’s ribbon.

Front slot

Before you load paper in the front slot, remove the front cover. Then load paper with the printable side facing up.

2-10

Bottom slot

Load paper in the bottom slot with the printable side facing up.

Paper Handling

8. Fit four holes of the paper over the tractor pins on both sprockets. Then close the sprocket covers.

9. Slide the right sprocket to remove any slack in the paper, then lock it in place.

10. Open the edge guides on the paper guide all the way to the left and right, then raise the continuous paper support.

11. If you are using the front slot, open the flap on the front cover. Then, reattach the front cover as shown below.

12. Turn on the printer.

Paper Handling

2-11

13. Remove any slack in the paper by pressing the LF/FF button.

(Always remove any slack from the paper; otherwise print quality may deteriorate.)

14. When the printer receives data, it will start printing at the current position without advancing the paper. If necessary, follow the steps in “Using the Micro Adjust Function” on page 2-27 to adjust the current position of the paper.

Caution:

Never use the knob to adjust the top-of-form position; turning the knob when the printer is on may damage it or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

15. Attach the printer cover by inserting the front tabs into the slots on the printer, then lowering the cover into place.

16. Send a print job to the printer. The printer starts printing from the top-of-form position. After you finish printing, tear off the printed document at the perforation nearest the paper exit slot.

2-12

Paper Handling

Removing paper from the pull tractor

1. After you finish printing, tear off the paper supply at the perforation nearest the paper entry slot.

2. To feed paper forward and eject it, hold down the LF/FF button.

Caution:

Never press the Load/Eject or Tear Off/Bin button when you are using the pull tractor; the paper could come off the pull tractor and jam the printer.

Loading Single Sheets with the Paper Guide

1. Close the flap on the front cover if paper is not loaded from the front slot.

Paper Handling

2-13

2. Make sure the paper guide is in the upright position. Then set the paper-thickness lever to 0 if you are using ordinary single-sheet paper. (If you are using envelopes, see “Envelopes” on page 2-24 to set the lever.)

Also move the paper release lever to the single-sheet position.

3. Turn on the printer, if necessary.

4. Slide the left edge guide until it locks in place next to the triangle mark on the paper guide. Next adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper.

5. Insert a sheet of paper with the printable side down between the edge guides until it meets resistance. The printer feeds the paper automatically and is ready to print.

2-14

Paper Handling

If the first printed line on your page appears too high or low, you can use the Micro Adjust function to adjust the top-of-form position. See page 2-29 for more information.

Loading Single Sheets with the Single-Bin Cut-Sheet Feeder

The single-bin cut-sheet feeder holds up to 50 sheets of paper. See the Reference Guide for instructions on installing the cut sheet feeder.

Caution:

Do not load multipart forms, carbon paper, envelopes, or labels in the single-bin cut-sheet feeder.

1. Close the flap on the front cover if paper is not loaded from the front slot.

2. Make sure the paper guide is removed, set the paper release lever to the single-sheet position, and set the paper-thickness lever to 0.

-1

Paper Handling

2-15

3. Slide the left paper guide of the cut-sheet feeder so it is aligned with the triangle mark. Next, slide the right paper guide to roughly match the width of your paper. Slide the paper support midway between the paper guides.

paper guides

paper support

4. Pull both paper set levers forward until the paper guides retract and lock open to allow paper loading.

5. Take a stack of paper (up to 50 sheets) and fan it. Next, tap the side and bottom edges of the paper on a flat surface to even up the stack.

2-16

Paper Handling

6. Insert the paper stack printable side down along the left paper guide.

7. Adjust the right paper guide so that it matches your paper’s width. Make sure the position of the guide allows the paper to move up and down freely.

8. Push back the paper set levers to clamp the paper against the guide rollers.

9. Attach the stacker-support wires to the paper guide as shown below, if necessary.

Paper Handling

2-17

10. Install the paper guide with the attached stacker-support by fitting the notches on the paper guide straight down over the mounting posts on the printer. Slide the edge guides to the middle of your paper.

The cut-sheet feeder automatically loads paper when the printer receives data.

If the first line on your page appears too high or low, you can adjust its position using the Micro Adjust function. See page 2-27.

Loading Single Sheets with the High-Capacity Cut-Sheet Feeder

The high-capacity cut-sheet feeder holds up to 150 sheets of paper or up to 25 envelopes. For instructions on installing it, see the Reference Guide.

Caution:

Do not load multipart forms, carbon paper, or labels in the high-capacity cut-sheet feeder.

2-18

Paper Handling

1. Close the flap on the front cover if paper is not loaded from the front slot.

2. Set the paper release lever to the single-sheet position. Also make sure the paper-thickness lever is set to 0 if you are using ordinary single-sheet paper. (If you are using envelopes, see “Envelopes” on page 2-24 for instructions on setting the paper-thickness lever.)

-1

3. Pull the lock levers on the edge guides forward to release them.

Paper Handling

2-19

4. Slide the left paper guide until it is aligned with the triangle mark; then lock it in place by pushing back its lock lever. Next, slide the right paper guide to roughly match the width of your paper. Slide the paper support to midway between the paper guides.

5. Pull both paper set levers forward until the paper guides retract and lock open to allow paper loading.

6. Take a stack of paper (up to 150 sheets) and fan it. Next, tap the side and bottom edges of the paper on a flat surface to even up the stack.

2-20

Paper Handling

7. Insert the paper stack printable side down along the left paper guide.

8. Adjust the right paper guide so that it matches your paper’s width and lock it in place. Make sure the position of the guide allows the paper to move up and down freely.

If you are loading envelopes, push back the envelope levers as shown below.

9. Push back the paper set levers to clamp the paper or envelopes against the guide rollers.

The cut-sheet feeder automatically loads paper when the printer receives data. If the first line on your page appears too high or low, you can adjust its position using the Micro Adjust function. See page 2-27 for more information.

Paper Handling

2-21

Loading Special Papers

Follow the guidelines in this section when loading continuous multipart forms, single-sheet multipart forms, labels, and envelopes.

Continuous multipart forms

Except for setting the paper-thickness lever, you load continuous multipart forms the same way as ordinary continuous paper. Just keep the following in mind:

❏ Be sure your multipart forms do not exceed 0.46 mm

(0.018 inch) in thickness.

❏ Do not load paper that is curled or has been folded.

❏ Thick paper, such as multipart forms with five or six parts,

requires a straight paper path to avoid paper jams. Load thick paper in the front or bottom slots.

Single-sheet multipart forms

To load single-sheet multipart forms, use the front paper entry slot with the optional front paper guide or front sheet guide installed. Thick paper, such as multipart forms with five or six parts, requires a straight paper path to avoid paper jams. For more information, see the Reference Guide.

2-22

Paper Handling

front paper guide

front sheet guide

Labels

When printing on labels, use only the type of labels that are mounted on continuous backing sheets with sprocket holes for use with a tractor feeder. Do not try to print on single sheets with labels because the printer may not feed labels on a shiny backing sheet properly.

Thick paper, such as continuous paper with labels, requires a straight or almost straight paper path. You can load labels in the front (push tractor or pull tractor) or bottom (pull tractor) paper slot; however, for best results, use the tractor in the pull position, and load paper in the front or bottom paper slot.

The loading procedure for continuous paper with labels is the same as that for ordinary continuous paper, except you must set the paper-thickness lever to 2 before printing.

Note:

❏ It is best to load continuous paper with labels on the pull tractor.

Do not load labels on the rear or front push tractor.

❏ Never feed labels backward using the Load/Eject or

Tear Off/Bin button. When fed backward, labels can easily peel off

the backing sheet and cause a paper jam.

❏ Because labels are sensitive to temperature and humidity, use them

only under normal operating conditions:

Temperature Humidity

❏ Do not leave labels loaded in the printer between jobs; they may

curl around the platen and jam when you resume printing.

❏ Do not load continuous paper with labels from the rear paper slot.

Because the rear paper path is curved, labels may come off their backing sheets inside the printer and cause a paper jam.

❏ Do not load paper that is curled or has been folded.

15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F) 30 to 60% RH

Paper Handling

2-23

Removing continuous paper with labels

To prevent labels from peeling off the backing sheet and jamming the printer, follow these steps to remove continuous paper with labels from the printer:

1. Tear off the fresh supply of continuous labels at the perforation nearest the paper entry slot.

2. Hold down the LF/FF button to eject the remaining labels from the printer.

Caution:

Never feed labels backward using the Load/Eject or Tear Off/Bin button. When fed backward, labels can easily come

off the backing sheet and cause a paper jam.

Envelopes

You can feed envelopes one at a time using the paper guide, or you can load multiple envelopes using the optional high-capacity cut-sheet feeder (bin 1 of the double-bin cut-sheet feeder).

Before loading envelopes, set the paper-thickness lever to a position from 2 (for thin envelopes) to 6 (for thick envelopes).

2-24

Paper Handling

To load single envelopes, follow the instructions in “Loading Single Sheets with the Paper Guide” on page 2-13. To load multiple envelopes, see “Loading Single Sheets with the High-Capacity Cut-Sheet Feeder” on page 2-18.

Note:

❏ Be sure to place the envelope printable side down and insert the top

edge of the envelope into the printer first.

❏ The print head must not print past the left or right edge of the

envelope or other thick paper. Make sure your application program prints entirely within the printable area of your envelope. See “Printer Specifications” in the Reference Guide for more information on the printable area of envelopes.

❏ If you are using No. 6 envelopes, make sure the left edge guide is

aligned with the arrow on the paper guide.

Switching Paper Types

You can easily switch back and forth between printing on continuous paper with a push tractor and printing on single sheets without having to remove or reload the continuous paper.

Paper Handling

2-25

Switching to printing on single sheets

Follow the steps below to switch from printing on continuous paper from a push tractor to printing on single sheets.

Note:

If continuous labels are loaded in the printer, remove them before switching to single-sheet printing. See “Removing continuous paper with labels” on page 2-24 for more information.

If the tractor is in the pull position, remove any continuous paper from it before switching to single-sheet printing. See “Removing paper from the pull tractor” on page 2-13 for more information.

1. If any printed pages remain in the printer, press the Tear Off/Bin button to advance the paper to the tear-off position. Then tear off the printed pages.

Caution:

Make sure you tear off your printed document before you press the Load/Eject button in the next step. Reverse feeding several pages at a time may cause a paper jam.

2. Press the Load/Eject button to feed the continuous paper backward to the standby position. The paper is still attached to the push tractor but is no longer in the paper path.

3. Lower the continuous paper support on the paper guide until it clicks into place, then move the paper guide to the upright position.

4. Set the paper release lever to the single-sheet position.

5. Load single sheets as described in “Loading Single Sheets with the Paper Guide” on page 2-13.

2-26

Paper Handling

Switching to printing on continuous paper

Follow the steps below to switch from printing on single sheets to printing on continuous paper with a push tractor.

Note:

To switch from printing with the optional front sheet guide to printing with the front push tractor, you need to remove the front sheet guide.

1. If a single sheet remains in the printer, press the Load/Eject

button to eject it.

Caution:

Never use the knob to eject paper when the printer is on; this may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

2. Make sure the tractor is installed in the front or rear push position and that continuous paper is loaded on it.

3. Set the paper release lever to the front or rear push position, depending on the tractor position you are using.

Your printer loads the continuous paper automatically when you begin printing.

Using the Micro Adjust Function

The Micro Adjust function allows you to move the paper forward or backward in 0.118 mm (1/216-inch) increments to adjust the tear-off and top-of-form positions.

Adjusting the tear-off position

If your paper’s perforation is not aligned with the tear-off edge, you can use the Micro Adjust function to move the perforation to the tear-off position, as described below. Your tear-off position setting remains in effect until you change it, even if you turn off the printer.

Paper Handling

2-27

Caution:

Never use the knob to adjust the tear-off position; this may damage the printer or cause it to lose the tear-off position.

1. You may need to press the Tear Off/Bin button to advance the paper to the tear-off position. Make sure the Tear Off/Bin light is flashing (the paper is at the current tear-off position).

2. Hold down the Pause button for about three seconds. The Pause light begins flashing and the printer enters the Micro Adjust mode.

3. Press the LF/FF the Load/Eject paper perforation is aligned with the tear-off edge of the printer cover.

2-28

Paper Handling

D button to feed paper backward, or press

U button to feed paper forward, until the

tear-off edge of the printer cover

paper perforation

Note:

The printer has a minimum and a maximum tear-off position. If you try to adjust the tear-off position beyond these limits, the printer beeps and stops moving the paper.

4. Tear off the printed pages.

5. Press the Pause button to turn off Micro Adjust mode.

When you resume printing, the printer automatically feeds the paper back to the top-of-form position and begins printing.

Adjusting the top-of-form position

The top-of-form position is the position on the page where the printer starts printing. If your printing appears too high or low on the page, you can use the Micro Adjust function to adjust the top-of-form position, as described below. Your top-of-form position setting remains in effect until you change it, even if you turn off the printer.

Caution:

Never use the knob to adjust the top-of-form position; this may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

1. Make sure the printer is turned on.

2. Load paper. (If the tractor is in a push position, press the

Load/Eject button to advance continuous paper to the current top-of-form position.) If necessary, lift up the printer cover so you can see the paper position.

3. Hold down the Pause button for three seconds. The Pause

light flashes and the printer enters the Micro Adjust mode.

Paper Handling

2-29

4. Press the LF/FF up on the page, or press the Load/Eject the top-of-form position down on the page.

5. Press the Pause button to exit the Micro Adjust mode.

Note:

❏ The printer has a minimum and a maximum top-of-form

position. If you try to adjust it beyond these limits, the printer beeps and stops moving the paper.

❏ When the paper reaches the default top-of-form position, the

printer beeps and stops moving the paper briefly. You can use this setting as a reference point when adjusting the position.

D button to move the top-of-form position

U button to move

2-30

❏ The top margin setting made in some software overrides the

top-of-form position setting you make with the Micro Adjust function.

Paper Handling

Chapter 3

Using the Control Panel

This chapter describes how to use the buttons on the control panel to control various printer functions.

Buttons and Lights

Button/Light Function

Font button

Font lights

Reset

Pitch button

Tear Off/Bin button

Selects one of the fonts. See “Selecting a Font and Pitch” on page 3-3.

Indicate which font is selected.

When you press both the Font and Pitch buttons simultaneously, the printer clears the buffer and restores its default settings.

Selects one of the pitch settings. See “Selecting a Font and Pitch” on page 3-3.

Feeds continuous paper forward to the tear-off position.

Feeds continuous paper backward from the tear-off position to the top-of-form position.

Selects a cut-sheet feeder bin when the cut-sheet feeder is installed.

Using the Control Panel

3-1

Tear Off/Bin light

LF/FF button

Micro Adjust

Load/Eject button

Pause light

Pause button

Lock

Paper Out light

Flashes when continuous paper is in the tear-off position.

On when bin 1 of the optional cut-sheet feeder is selected.

Off when bin 2 of the optional cut-sheet feeder is selected.

Feeds paper line by line when pressed quickly.

Ejects a single sheet or advances continuous paper to the next top-of-form position when held down.

When you hold down the Pause button for three seconds, the printer enters the micro adjust mode. In this mode, you can press the

D and Load/Eject

LF/FF the top-of-form or tear-off position. See “Using the Micro Adjust Function” on page 2-27.

Loads a single sheet of paper.

Ejects a single sheet of paper.

Loads continuous paper from the standby position.

Feeds continuous paper backward to the standby position if a sheet is loaded.

On when the printer is paused.

Flashes when the printer is in the Micro Adjust mode.

Stops printing temporarily, and resumes printing when pressed again.

When held down for three seconds, enters the Micro Adjust mode. When pressed again, exits the Micro Adjust mode.

When Lock-out mode is on, the Paper Out and Pause lights flash if a locked button is pressed.

On when no paper is loaded in the selected paper source or paper is not loaded correctly.

Flashes when paper has not been fully ejected or a paper jam has occurred.

U buttons to adjust

3-2

Using the Control Panel

Selecting a Font and Pitch

Usually, you use your application program to select the font and pitch you want to use in a document. However, you can select one of the printer’s five fonts (in different pitches) with the buttons on the printer’s control panel, as described below. (The settings you make in application programs usually override settings you make from the printer’s control panel.) The available pitch depends on the font you select:

Font Pitch

USD 10, 12

HSD 10, 12, 15, 17, 20

Draft 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, PS

Roman 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, PS

Sans Serif 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, PS

1. Make sure that the printer is not printing.

2. Press the Font button until the two Font lights indicate the

desired font as shown below.

o n USD n o HSD n

n Draft o f Roman f o Sans Serf

n = on

o = off

f = flashing

3. Press the Pitch button until the two Pitch lights indicate the

desired pitch.

o n 10 cpi n o 12 cpi n n 15 cpi o f 17 cpi f o 20 cpi n f PS

Using the Control Panel

3-3

About Your Printer’s Default Settings

The default settings control many printer functions. While you can often set these functions through your software or printer driver, you may sometimes need to change a default setting from the printer’s control panel using the default-setting mode. The following table shows the options available for each printer setting. For instructions on changing the settings, see page 3-9.

Default-setting mode

Setting Options

Page length for front tractor Length in inches: 3, 3.5, 4, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 8.5, 11,

Page length for rear tractor Length in inches: 3, 3.5, 4, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 8.5, 11,

Skip over perforation Off, On

Auto tear-off Off, On

Auto tear off wait time* 0.5 second, 1 second, 2 seconds, Others

Auto line feed Off, On

Print direction Bi-D, Uni-D

Software ESC/P, IBM PPDS (same as IBM 2380 Plus),

0 slash 0,

I/F (interface) mode Auto, Parallel, USB, Option

Auto I/F (interface) wait time 10 seconds, 30 seconds

Parallel I/F bidirectional mode** Off, On

Packet mode** Off, Auto

Character table Standard model: italic, PC 437, PC 850,

70/6, 12, 14, 17

OKI ML 320T*

PC 860, PC 863, PC 865, PC 861, BRASCII, Abicomp, Roman 8, ISO Latin 1, PC858, ISO 8859-15 All other models: Italic, PC 437, PC 850, PC 437 Greek, PC 853, PC855, PC 852, PC 857, PC 866, PC 869, MAZOWIA, Code MJK, ISO 8859-7, Bulgaria, PC 774, Estonia, PC 866 LAT., ISO 8859-2, PC 866 UKR, PC-APTEC, PC-771, PC-AR864, PC 708, PC 720

3-4

Using the Control Panel

Setting Options

International character set for italic table (options vary depending on the country)

Manual feed wait time 1 second, 1.5 seconds, 2 seconds, 3 seconds

Buzzer Off, On

Auto CR (carriage return)*** Off, On

IBM character table*** Table 2, Table 1

Bottom margin* 4.2 mm, 20 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, Others

Line spacing (lines per inch)* 6 LPI, 8 LPI

Paper out override* Off, On

* Available only in Okidata mode. (See page 3-11 for more information.)

** Not available in Okidata mode.

*** Available only in IBM PPDS emulation mode.

Italic U.S.A., Italic France, Italic Germany, Italic U.K., Italic Denmark 1, Italic Sweden, Italic Italy, Italic Spain 1

Page length for front tractor

This setting allows you to set the page length (in inches) for the continuous paper loaded on the front push tractor.

Page length for rear tractor

This setting allows you to set the page length (in inches) for the continuous paper loaded on the rear push tractor.

Skip over perforation

This feature is available only when continuous paper is selected. When you turn on this feature, the printer provides a one-inch (25.4 mm) margin between the last line printed on one page and the first line printed on the next page. Because most application program margin settings override margin settings from the control panel, you should use this setting only if you cannot set your top and bottom margins using your application.

Using the Control Panel

3-5

Auto tear-off

When auto tear-off is on and you are using continuous paper with the front or rear push tractor, the printer advances the paper perforation to the tear-off position. When the printer receives data again, it moves the paper back to the top-of-form position and starts printing, so you can use all of the next page.

When auto tear-off is off and you are using continuous paper with the front or rear push tractor, you need to move the perforation to the tear-off position manually by pressing the Tear Off/Bin button. See “Adjusting the tear-off position” on page 2-27 for more information.

Auto tear-off wait time

When the printer is in Okidata mode, this option lets you specify how long to wait before the printer advances the paper perforation to the tear-off position.

Auto line feed

When auto line feed is on, the printer accompanies each carriage return (CR) code received with a line feed (LF) code.

Print direction

You can select auto print direction, bidirectional printing (Bi-D), or unidirectional printing (Uni-D). Printing is normally bidirectional; however, unidirectional printing allows for precise vertical printing alignment.

Software

Select ESC/P to operate the printer in EPSON ESC/P mode. Select IBM PPDS to make the printer emulate an IBM printer.

0 slash

The zero character has a slash (0/) when this feature is on; it has no slash (0) when this feature is off. The slash allows you to easily distinguish between the uppercase letter “O” and a zero.

3-6

Using the Control Panel

I/F (interface) mode

The printer has a slot for an optional interface in addition to its built-in parallel and USB interfaces. You can choose Auto (automatic), Parallel, USB or Option for the interface mode. When you select Auto, the printer automatically selects the interface that is receiving data. This lets you share the printer among multiple computers without changing the interface mode. If only one computer is connected to the printer, you can select Parallel, USB or Option, depending on which interface your computer uses.

Auto I/F (interface) wait time

When the printer is in auto interface mode and it receives no data from the currently selected interface for the amount of time specified with this setting, it determines which interface is receiving data and switches to that interface. You can specify either 10 seconds or 30 seconds.

Parallel I/F bidirectional mode

The Parallel Interface bidirectional transfer mode is used when this feature is on. If bidirectional transfer mode is unnecessary, turn this off.

Packet mode

Make sure Auto is selected when you print from Windows using the printer driver. If you cannot connect when printing with DOS, turn this feature off.

Character table

You can select various standard character tables.

International character set for italic table

You can select among several international character sets for the italic character table. Each character set contains eight characters that vary depending on the country or language, so you can customize the italic table to suit your printing needs.

Using the Control Panel

3-7

Manual feed wait time

The printer is set to wait 1.5 seconds between feeding sheets manually, but you can change it to 1, 2, or 3 seconds if necessary.

Buzzer (beeper)

The printer beeps when an error occurs. If you don’t want the printer to beep when an error occurs, turn off this setting.

Auto CR (carriage return)

This setting is available only in IBM PPDS emulation mode. When auto carriage return is on, each line feed (LF) code or ESC J code is accompanied by a carriage return (CR) code so the printer moves the next printing position to the left margin. When this setting is off, you must send a CR code after the line feed code to move the printing position to the left margin.

IBM character table

This setting is available only in IBM PPDS emulation mode. When you select Table 1, hex codes 00H to 1FH and 80H to 9FH of the character tables are used for the control codes. When you select Table 2, hex codes 00H to 1FH are used for the control codes and 80H to 9FH are used for characters.

Bottom margin

When the printer is in Okidata mode, you can change the length of the bottom margin (the area between the last printable line and the bottom of the sheet).

Line spacing

When the printer is in Okidata mode, use this setting to change the number of lines printed per inch.

Paper out override

When the printer is in Okidata mode, you can turn this setting on to disable the paper out function and print beyond the bottom margin. Then you can press the LF/FF button for each extra line you want to print until you reach the bottom limit.

3-8

Using the Control Panel

Changing default settings

Follow these steps to enter the default-setting mode and change the printer’s default settings:

Note:

❏ To print the language selection and default-setting mode

instructions, you need three sheets of A4 or letter size single-sheet paper or three pages of continuous paper that is at least 279 mm (11 inches) long and 210 mm (8.3 inches) wide.

❏ If you use single sheets, you need to load a new sheet of paper each

time the printer ejects a printed sheet from the paper guide.

1. Make sure paper is loaded and the printer is turned off.

2. Turn on the printer while holding down the Font button.

The printer enters the default-setting mode and prints the language selection instructions (one page).

3. Press the Font button until the Font and Pitch lights indicate

the language you want, as described in the language selection instructions.

Note:

If you want the instructions in English, there is a faster way to enter default setting mode which skips printing the language instruction sheet. Hold down the Tear Off and Font buttons while you turn on the printer.

4. Press the Tear Off/Bin button to print the current default

settings and instructions in the language you selected.

5. Follow the printed instructions to change the printer’s default settings from the control panel.

6. When you finish making settings, turn off the printer to store your new settings and exit the default-setting mode.

Note:

You may exit the default-setting mode by turning off the printer at any time. Any settings you have made remain in effect until you change them again.

Using the Control Panel

3-9

Locking the Control Panel Buttons

You can restrict the use of buttons on the control panel using Lock-out mode. In the default Lock-out mode, you can use only the Pause, Load/Eject and Tear off buttons. If you want to change which functions are locked, see “Changing the Lock-out mode settings” below.

Turning Lock-out mode on and off

1. Make sure the printer is turned off.

2. Turn on the printer while holding down the Load/Eject and Pause buttons. The printer beeps twice, indicating that the Lock-out mode has been turned on.

When the Lock-out mode is on, the Pause and Paper Out lights flash simultaneously three times when any locked button is pushed.

To turn Lock-out mode off, repeat steps 1 and 2. The printer beeps once, indicating that Lock-out mode has been turned off.

Changing the Lock-out mode settings

You can select which printer functions you want to be locked while Lock-out mode is on (as described below). The following table shows which functions you can lock and their default settings (in Lock-out mode).

Function Default setting

Load Unlocked

Eject Unlocked

LF Locked

FF Locked

Tear Off Unlocked

Bin Locked

3-10

Using the Control Panel

Micro Adjust Locked

Font Locked

Pitch Locked

Pause Unlocked

Reset Locked

1. Make sure paper is loaded and the printer is turned off.

2. Turn on the printer while holding down the LF/FF and Pause buttons. The printer enters the Lock-out setting mode and prints the instructions. (You’ll need three sheets of A4 or letter size single-sheet paper or three pages of continuous paper that is at least 279 mm [11 inches] long and 210 mm [8.3 inches] wide.)

3. Follow the instructions to change the settings as desired.

4. Turn off the printer.

See “Turning Lock-out mode on and off” on page 3-10 for instructions on how to turn on Lock-out mode after you change the Lock-out mode setting.

Emulating the Okidata Microline 320 Turbo

If you have the EPSON FX-880+, you can make it work like the Okidata different mode. In Okidata mode, the printer emulates Okidata functions, and the following additional settings can be selected in the default setting mode:

Feature Printer settings in Okidata mode

Software emulation IBM PPDS, EPSON ESC/P, Oki ML 320T

Auto tear off wait time 0.5 second, 1 second, 2 seconds,

Bottom margin 4.2 mm, 20 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, Others

Line spacing (lines per inch) 6 LPI, 8 LPI

Paper out override Off (No), On (Yes)

Microline® 320 Turbo by turning the printer on in a

Others

Using the Control Panel

3-11

The default settings (shown in bold) are consistent with Okidata Microline 320 Turbo factory settings.

Note: Because the ML 320T does not have a built-in USB interface, the FX-880+ does not support the USB interface in Okidata mode.

If you want to use your printer in Okidata mode, do not install

the Windows

driver that came with your FX-880+. If you have been using an Okidata driver, you can continue to use it with your FX-880+ in Okidata mode.

If you have been using an Okidata printer, you may want to print out its default settings for reference before changing modes on the FX-880+. To do this on the ML 320T, press SHIFT + SEL to enter Menu mode, and then press PRINT.

To enter Okidata mode, make sure the printer is turned off. Then hold down the Tear Off/Bin and Pause buttons while you turn on the printer. The printer beeps once to indicate it is now in Okidata mode.

The printer remains in Okidata mode until you repeat the above procedure. To return to FX-880+ mode, hold down the Tear Off/Bin and Pause buttons while you turn on the printer. The printer beeps twice and is now operating in FX-880+ mode.

Note:

When you switch from one mode to the other, any changes you made to the printer’s settings in the original mode are restored to their default values. You can print the default settings for the printer when it is in Okidata mode to check the current settings and change them if necessary. See “Changing default settings” on page 3-9.

3-12

Using the Control Panel

Chapter 4

Troubleshooting

Using the Error Indicators

If your printer stops working and one or more control panel lights are on or flashing or the printer beeps, use the following table to diagnose and fix the problem. If you cannot fix your printer problem, see “Problems and Solutions” on page 4-2.

Light status Beep

n Paper Out n Pause

n Pause ••• The paper release lever is set to the wrong

f Paper Out n Pause

pattern

••• No paper is loaded in the selected paper source.

••• The paper is not loaded correctly.

••• A single sheet of paper is not fully ejected.

••• Continuous paper is not fed to the standby

Problem

Solution

Load paper in the printer or select a different paper source; the Paper Out light goes off. Then press the Pause button; the Pause light goes off and the printer starts printing.

Remove your paper and reload it correctly. See Chapter 2 or the

position.

Set the paper release lever to the position for the paper source you want to use. If paper from another paper source is currently in the paper path, press the Load/Eject button to eject the paper; then move the paper release lever to the desired position.

Press the Load/Eject button to eject the sheet.

position.

Tear off the printed page at the perforation; then press the Load/Eject button. The printer feeds the paper to the standby position.

Reference Guide

Troubleshooting

4-1

Light status Beep

f Paper Out n Pause

f Pause — The print head is overheated.

f Paper Out f Pause f Tear Off/Bin f f Font light f f Pitch light

pattern

••• Paper is jammed in the printer.

— The printer is in Micro Adjust mode

••••• An unknown or fatal printer error has occurred.

Problem

Solution

To clear the paper jam, see “Clearing Paper Jams” on page 4-15.

Wait a few minutes; the printer resumes printing automatically once the print head cools.

Make the adjustments as described on page 2-27.

Turn off the printer and leave it off for several minutes; then turn on the printer again. If the error recurs, contact your dealer.

n = on

••• = three beeps, ••••• = five beeps

f = flashing

Problems and Solutions

Most problems you may encounter while operating your printer have simple solutions. Use the information in this section to find the cause of and solution to printer problems that occur. Determine the type of problem that occurred, and see the appropriate section below:

❏ “Power supply problems” on page 4-3

❏ “Paper loading or feeding problems” on page 4-4

❏ “Printing position problems” on page 4-7

❏ “Printing or printout quality problems” on page 4-9

4-2

Troubleshooting

You can also use the self test to determine whether the printer or the computer is causing the problem. See “Printing a Self Test” on page 4-17 for instructions. To pinpoint communication problems, experienced users may want to use the printer’s hex dump mode, described in “Printing a Hex Dump” on page 4-18.

To clear a paper jam, see “Clearing Paper Jams” on page 4-15.

Power supply problems

The control panel lights come on briefly, but then go off and stay off.

Cause What to do

The printer’s voltage rating does not match the voltage of your electrical outlet.

Warning:

Do not reconnect the power cord to an electrical outlet that has the wrong voltage for your printer.

Check the printer and the outlet voltage ratings. If the voltages do not match, unplug the printer immediately and contact your dealer.

The printer does not work and the control panel lights are off even when you turn on the printer.

Cause What to do

The power cord is not properly plugged into the electrical outlet or your printer.

The electrical outlet does not work.

Turn off the printer, and make sure the power cord is firmly plugged into the electrical outlet (and the printer, if necessary). Then turn on the printer.

Use a different outlet.

Troubleshooting

4-3

Paper loading or feeding problems

The printer does not load single-sheet paper or does not feed it properly.

Cause What to do

Continuous paper is in the paper path.

The paper release lever is set to a tractor position.

The paper on the paper guide is positioned too far to the left or right for the printer to detect that it is there.

Single-sheet paper is not loaded properly.

The paper-thickness lever is not set correctly.

Press the Load/Eject button to feed the continuous paper back to the standby position. Set the paper release lever to the single-sheet position and insert a new sheet. (See “Switching to printing on single sheets” on page 2-26 for more information.)

Set the paper release lever to the single-sheet position.

Move the paper (and the edge guides) a little to the left or right.

See Chapter 2 or the Reference Guide for instructions on loading single-sheet paper.

Set the paper-thickness lever to match the thickness of your paper. See page 2-2 for instructions.

Paper is creased, old, too thin, or too thick.

4-4

Troubleshooting

Use new, clean sheets of paper.

The printer does not fully eject a single sheet.

Cause What to do

Paper is too long. Press the Load/Eject button to eject

the sheet. Make sure the page length of your paper is within the range specified for single-sheet paper. Also check and adjust the paper size setting in your application or printer driver.

The paper does not feed properly with the optional cut-sheet feeder.

Cause What to do

The cut-sheet feeder is not installed properly.

Too many sheets are loaded in the cut-sheet feeder. You cannot load more than 150 sheets of paper in the high-capacity cut-sheet feeder.

The edge guides of the cut-sheet feeder are not positioned correctly.

There is only one sheet left in the bin.

Reinstall it as described in the online Reference Guide.

Load less than 150 sheets of paper. See the online Reference Guide for more information.

Align the left edge guide with the arrow mark, then move the right edge guide to match your paper’s width.

Add more paper to the cut-sheet feeder.

Troubleshooting

4-5

The printer does not load continuous paper or does not feed it properly.

Cause What to do

The paper release lever is not set correctly.

Single-sheet paper is in the paper path.

Continuous paper is not loaded properly.

The paper-thickness lever is not set correctly.

Set the paper release lever to the position for the paper source you want to use. See “Setting the Paper Release Lever” on page 2-1.

Press the Load/Eject button to eject the sheet.

See Chapter 2 or the online Reference Guide for instructions on loading continuous paper with the tractor you want to use.

Set the paper-thickness lever to match the thickness of your paper, as described on page 2-2.

The printer does not feed continuous paper to the standby position.

Cause What to do

You have not torn off the printed pages before pressing the Load/Eject button.

Tear off the printed pages at the perforation. Then press the Load/Eject button to feed the paper backward to the standby position.

4-6

Troubleshooting

Printing position problems

Wrong top-of-form position

Your printing appears too high or low on the page.

Cause What to do

The paper size setting in your application software or printer driver does not match the size of the paper you are using.

The printer’s page length settings for the front or rear tractor do not match the size of the continuous paper you are using.

The top margin or top-of-form position setting is incorrect.

The printer driver settings you want to use are not selected in your software.

Check the paper size setting in your application or printer driver.

Check the page length settings for the front or rear tractor using the printer’s default-setting mode. See “About Your Printer’s Default Settings” on page 3-4.

Check and adjust the margin or top-of-form position settings in your software.

You can also adjust the top-of-form position using the Micro Adjust function. However, settings made in Windows applications override settings made in the Micro Adjust mode. See “Adjusting the top-of-form position” on page 2-29.

Choose the correct printer driver setting from the Windows desktop or in your application before printing.

You moved the paper using the knob while the printer was on.

Adjust the top-of-form position using the Micro Adjust function. See “Adjusting the top-of-form position” on page 2-29.

Troubleshooting

4-7

Caution:

Never use the knob to adjust the top-of-form position; this may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

Wrong tear-off position

The printer prints on (or too far away from) the perforation of your continuous paper.

Cause What to do

The tear-off position setting is incorrect.

Caution:

Never use the knob to adjust the tear-off position; this may damage the printer or cause it to lose the tear-off position.

You moved the paper using the knob while the printer was on.

The printer you want to use is not selected in your software.

The paper size setting in your application or printer driver does not match the size of the paper you are using.

The printer’s page length settings for the front or rear tractor do not match the size of the paper you are using.

Adjust the tear-off position using the Micro Adjust function. See “Adjusting the tear-off position” on page 2-27.

Choose the correct printer from the Windows desktop or in your application before printing.

Check the paper size setting in your application or printer driver.

Check the page length settings for the front or rear tractor using the printer’s default-setting mode. See “About Your Printer’s Default Settings” on page 3-4.

4-8

Troubleshooting

Printing or printout quality problems

The printer does not print when the computer sends data.

Cause What to do

The printer is paused. Press the Pause button to turn off the

Pause light.

The interface cable is not plugged in securely.

Your interface cable does not meet the printer and/or computer specifications.

Your software is not properly set up for your printer.

Check that both ends of the cable between the printer and the computer are plugged in securely. If the cable is connected correctly, run a self test as described on page 4-17.

Use an interface cable that meets the requirements of both the printer and computer. See “Connecting the Printer to Your Computer” on page 1-8 and your computer documentation.

Select your printer from the Windows desktop or in your application. If necessary, install or reinstall the printer driver software as described on page 1-12.

The printer makes noise, but nothing prints or printing stops abruptly.

Cause What to do

The paper-thickness lever is set incorrectly.

Set the paper-thickness lever to match the thickness of your paper. See “Adjusting the Paper-Thickness Setting” on page 2-2 for instructions.

Troubleshooting

4-9

The ribbon has too much slack, the ribbon has come loose, or the ribbon cartridge is not installed properly.

Remove any slack in the ribbon by turning the ribbon-tightening knob, or reinstall the ribbon cartridge as described on page 1-3.

The printout is faint.

Cause What to do

The paper-thickness lever is set incorrectly for your paper.

The ribbon is worn out. Replace the ribbon cartridge as

Move the paper-thickness lever to a lower setting. See “Adjusting the Paper-Thickness Setting” on page 2-2 for instructions.

described on page 1-3.

Part of the printout is missing, or dots are missing in random positions.

Cause What to do

The ribbon has too much slack, the ribbon has come loose, or the ribbon cartridge is not installed properly.

The ribbon is worn out. Replace the ribbon cartridge as

Remove any slack in the ribbon by turning the ribbon-tightening knob, or reinstall the ribbon cartridge as described on page 1-3.

described on page 1-3.

4-10

Troubleshooting

Lines of dots are missing in the printout.

Cause What to do

The print head is damaged. Stop printing and contact your dealer

to have the print head replaced.

Caution:

Never replace the print head yourself; you may damage the printer. Also, other parts of the printer must be checked when the print head is replaced.

All the text is printed on the same line.

Cause What to do

A line feed command is not being sent at the end of each line of text.

Turn on the auto line feed setting using the printer’s default-setting mode so that the printer automatically adds a line feed code to each carriage return. See “About Your Printer’s Default Settings” on page 3-4.

The printout has extra blank lines between lines of text.

Cause What to do

Two line feed commands are being sent at the end of each line of text, because the printer’s auto line feed setting is on.

The line space setting in your application software is incorrect.

Turn off the auto line feed setting using the printer’s default-setting mode. See “Changing default settings” on page 3-9.

Adjust the line space setting in your application software.

Troubleshooting

4-11

The printer prints strange symbols, incorrect fonts, or other inappropriate characters.

Cause What to do

Your printer and computer are not communicating correctly.

The wrong character table is selected in your software.

The printer you want to use is not selected in your software.

Your application software is not configured correctly for your printer.

Make sure you are using the correct interface cable and that the communications protocol is correct. See “Connecting the Printer to Your Computer” on page 1-8. If you installed an optional serial interface card, also see “Installing an optional interface card” on page 1-10.

Select the correct character table using your software or the default-setting mode. The character table setting in your software overrides settings made in the default-setting mode.

Choose the correct printer from the Windows desktop or in your application before printing.

Make sure that your application software is configured correctly for your printer. See your application documentation. If necessary, install or reinstall the printer driver software as described on page 1-12.

Software settings override settings you make using the default-setting mode or the control panel buttons.

4-12

Troubleshooting

Use your application software to select the font.

Vertical printed lines are not aligned.

Cause What to do

Bidirectional printing, which is the printer’s standard printing mode, is out of alignment.

Use the printer’s bidirectional adjustment mode to correct this problem. See “Aligning Vertical Lines in Your Printout” on page 4-16.

Correcting USB Problems

If you are having difficulty using your printer with a USB connection, read the information in this section.

Make sure that your computer is a Windows Me, Windows 98, or Windows 2000 pre-installed model

Your computer must be a Windows Me, Windows 98, or Windows 2000 pre-installed model. You may not be able to install or run the USB printer driver on a computer which is not equipped with a USB port or which has been upgraded from Windows 95 to Windows Me, 98, or 2000.

For details about your computer, contact your dealer.

Make sure that EPSON USB Printer Devices appears on the Device Manager menu (for Windows Me and Windows 98 only)

If you canceled the plug-and-play driver installation before the procedure was complete, either the USB printer device driver or the printer driver may be incorrectly installed.

Follow these steps to check the installation and reinstall the drivers:

1. Turn the printer on, and plug the USB cable into the printer and the computer.

2. Right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop, then click Properties.

Troubleshooting

4-13

3. Click the Device Manager tab.

If your drivers are correctly installed, EPSON USB Printer Devices should appear on the Device Manager menu.

If EPSON USB Printer Devices does not appear on the Device Manager menu, click the plus (+) sign beside Other devices to view the installed devices.

If USB Printer appears under Other devices, the USB printer device driver is not installed correctly. If EPSON FX-880+ or EPSON FX-1180+ appears, the printer driver is not installed correctly.

If neither USB Printer nor EPSON FX-880+ or EPSON FX-1180+ appears under Other devices, click Refresh or unplug the USB cable from the printer, then plug it into the printer again.

4. Under Other devices, select USB Printer or EPSON FX-880+ or EPSON FX-1180+ and click Remove. Then, click OK.

5. At the confirmation screen, click OK. Then click OK again to close the System Properties dialog box.

6. Turn off the printer and restart your computer. Then, reinstall the drivers from the beginning, following the instructions on page 1-12.

Printer does not work correctly with the USB cable

If your printer does not work correctly with the USB cable, try one or more of these solutions:

❏ Make sure that the cable you are using is a standard, shielded

USB cable.

❏ If you are using a USB hub, connect the printer to the first tier of

the hub, or connect the printer directly to the computer’s USB port.

4-14

Troubleshooting

❏ For Windows 98, try reinstalling the USB printer device driver

and the printer software. First, uninstall EPSON Printer Software using the Add/Remove Programs utility in the Control Panel, then uninstall EPSON USB Printer Devices. Next, reinstall the software as described on page 1-12. If EPSON USB Printer Devices is not registered in the Add/Remove Programs list, access the CD-ROM and double-click epusbun.exe in Win9x folder. Then follow the on-screen instructions.

Clearing Paper Jams

Follow these steps to clear a paper jam:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Open the printer cover.

3. If continuous paper is jammed in the printer, tear off the fresh supply at the perforation nearest the paper entry slot.

4. Turn the knob on the left side of the printer away from you to remove the paper in the printer. Remove any remaining pieces of paper.

If the paper is stuck where the printer ejects it, gently pull the paper out of the printer.

Caution:

Use the knob on the left side of the printer to clear paper jams only when the printer is off. Otherwise, you may damage the printer or change the top-of-form or tear-off position.

5. Close the printer cover and turn on the printer. Make sure the Paper Out light is not flashing and the Pause light is off.

Troubleshooting

4-15

Aligning Vertical Lines in Your Printout

If you notice that the vertical lines in your printout are not properly aligned, you can use the printer’s bidirectional adjustment mode to correct this problem. During bidirectional adjustment, the printer prints three sheets of alignment patterns, labeled High Speed Draft, Draft, and NLQ (near letter quality). You select the best alignment pattern from each sheet.

To print the instruction sheet and alignment patterns, you need five single sheets or five pages of continuous paper of at least the following sizes:

Paper type FX-880+ FX-1180+

Continuous paper (including perforated border)

Single sheet A4 or letter size A3 landscape

241 × 279 mm (9.5 × 11 inches)

376 × 279 mm (14.8 × 11 inches)

If you use single sheets, you need to load a new sheet of paper each time the printer ejects a printed sheet from the paper guide.

Follow these steps to perform the bidirectional adjustment:

1. Make sure paper is loaded, then turn off the printer.

Caution:

Whenever you turn off the printer, wait at least five seconds before turning it back on; otherwise you may damage the printer.

2. While holding down the Pause button, turn on the printer. The

printer enters the bidirectional adjustment mode and then prints instructions and the first set of alignment patterns.

3. As described in the instructions, compare the alignment patterns and select the pattern with the best alignment. Then select the pattern with the best alignment for each of the remaining sets of alignment patterns.

4. After you select the best pattern in the final set of alignment patterns, save your selection by turning off the printer.

4-16

Troubleshooting

Printing a Self Test

Running the printer’s self test helps you determine whether the printer or the computer is causing the problem:

❏ If the self test results are satisfactory, the printer is working

properly and the problem probably results from your printer driver settings, application settings, computer, or interface cable. (Be sure to use a shielded interface cable.)

❏ If the self test does not print properly, there is a problem with

the printer. See “Problems and Solutions” on page 4-2 for possible causes and solutions to the problem.

You can print the self test using either single sheets or continuous paper of at least the following width:

Paper type FX-880+ FX-1180+

Continuous paper (including perforated border)

Single sheet A4 or letter size A3 landscape

Follow these steps to perform a self test:

241 mm (9.5 inches)

376 mm (14.8 inches)

1. Make sure paper is loaded and the printer is turned off.

2. To run the test using the Draft font, turn on the printer while

holding down the LF/FF button. To run the test using the printer’s near letter-quality fonts, hold down the Load/Eject button while you turn on the printer. Either self test can help you determine the source of your printing problem; however, the draft self test prints faster than the near letter-quality test.

After a few seconds, the printer loads the paper automatically and begins printing the self test. A series of characters is printed.

Note:

To temporarily stop the self test, press the Pause button. To resume the test, press the Pause button again.

Troubleshooting

4-17

3. To end the self test, press the Pause button to stop printing. If paper remains in the printer, press the Load/Eject button to eject the printed page. Then turn off the printer.

Caution:

Do not turn off the printer while it is printing the self test. Always press the Pause button to stop printing and the Load/Eject button to eject the printed page before you turn off the printer.

Printing a Hex Dump

The hex dump feature is designed for DOS-based PC connections. If you are an experienced user or a programmer, you can print a hexadecimal dump to isolate communication problems between the printer and your software program. In hex dump mode, the printer prints all data it receives from the computer as hexadecimal values.

You can print a hex dump using either single sheets or continuous paper that is at least 210 mm (8.3 inches) wide, such as A4 or letter size paper.

1. Make sure paper is loaded and the printer is turned off.

2. To enter hex dump mode, turn on the printer while holding down the LF/FF and Load/Eject buttons.

3. Open a software program and send a print job to the printer. Your printer prints all the codes it receives in hexadecimal format, such as:

By comparing the characters printed in the right column with the printout of the hexadecimal codes, you can check the codes the printer is receiving. If characters are printable, they appear in the right column as ASCII characters. Nonprintable codes, such as control codes, are represented by dots.

4-18

Troubleshooting

4. To turn off hex dump mode, press the Pause button, eject the

printed page(s), and then turn off the printer.

Caution:

Do not turn off the printer while it is printing the hex dump. Always press the Pause button to stop printing and the Load/Eject button to eject the printed page before you turn off the printer.

Where To Get Help

If your EPSON printer is not operating properly and you cannot solve the problem using the troubleshooting information see the contact information below.

EPSON provides technical assistance 24 hours a day through the electronic support services and automated telephone services listed below.

Service Access

World Wide Web From the Internet, you can reach EPSON Support at

Automated Telephone Services

http://support.epson.com. At this site, you can download drivers and other files, look at product documentation, access troubleshooting information, and receive technical advice through e-mail.

A variety of automated help services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To use these services, you must have a touch tone telephone and call (800) 922-8911. Use one of the following SoundAdvice Express Codes to quickly select your printer in SoundAdvice: 91000 (for the FX-880+) or 91005 (for the FX-1180+).

To speak to a technical support representative, dial:

to 6PM, Pacific Time, Monday through

❏ U.S.: (562) 276-4322, 6

Friday.

to 6PM, Pacific Time, Monday

❏ Canada: (905) 709-2170, 6

through Friday.

Toll or long distance charges may apply.

Troubleshooting

4-19

Before you call, please have the following information ready:

❏ Product name (EPSON FX-880+ or FX-1180+)

❏ Product serial number (located on the back of the printer)

❏ Proof of purchase (such as a store receipt) and date of purchase

❏ Computer configuration

❏ Description of the problem

You can purchase ribbon cartridges, paper, manuals, and accessories from EPSON at (800) 873-7766, or visit the EPSON Store at www.epsonstore.com (U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call (800) 873-7766 for dealer referral.

4-20

Troubleshooting

Chapter 5

Product Information

Safety Instructions

Hot Parts Caution Symbol

This symbol is placed on the print head and other parts to

Important Safety Instructions

indicate that they may be hot. Never touch those parts just after the printer has been used. Let them cool for a few minutes before touching them.

Read all of these safety instructions before using the printer. In addition, follow all warnings and instructions marked on the printer itself.

❏ Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a

radiator or heat source.

❏ Place the printer on a flat surface. It will not operate

properly if it is tilted or placed at an angle.

❏ Do not block or cover the slots and openings in the printer’s

cabinet, and do not insert objects through the slots.

❏ Use only the type of power source indicated on the printer’s

label.

❏ Connect all equipment to properly grounded electrical

outlets. Avoid using outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control systems that regularly switch on and off.

❏ Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord.

Product Information

5-1

❏ If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the

total ampere rating of all devices plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure the total ampere of all devices plugged into the electrical outlet does not exceed the electrical outlet’s ampere rating.

❏ Unplug the printer before cleaning it, and always clean it

with a piece of damp cloth only.

❏ Do not spill liquid onto the printer.

❏ Except as specifically explained in this guide, do not attempt

to service the printer yourself.

❏ Unplug the printer and refer servicing to qualified service

personnel under the following conditions:

i. If the power cord or plug is damaged.

ii. If liquid has entered the printer.

iii. If the printer has been dropped or the cabinet damaged.

iv. If the printer does not operate normally or exhibits a

distinct change in performance.

❏ Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating

instructions.

❏ If you plan to use the printer in Germany, observe the

following:

To provide adequate short-circuit protection and over-current protection for this printer, the building installation must be protected by a 10- or 16-amp circuit breaker.

Note for German-speaking users:

Bei Anschluss des Druckers an die Stromversorgung muss sichergestellt werden, dass die Gebaudeinstallation mit einer 10 Aoder 16 A-Sicherung abgesichert ist.

5-2

Product Information

ENERGY STAR

Compliance

ENERGY STAR

As an determined that this product meets the

ENERGY STAR

efficiency.

guidelines for energy

Partner, EPSON has

The International voluntary partnership with the computer and office equipment industry to promote the introduction of energy-efficient personal computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers, and scanners in an effort to reduce air pollution caused by power generation.

ENERGY STAR

Office Equipment program is a

FCC Compliance Statement for United States Users

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the 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 and television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures.

❏ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

❏ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

❏ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different

from that to which the receiver is connected

❏ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician

for help.

Product Information

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WARNING

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 cables connected to unused interfaces.

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

For Canadian users

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interface Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouileur du Canada.

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Product Information

Declaration of Conformity

Standard model:

According to 47CFR, Part 2 and 15 for Class B Personal Computers and Peripherals; and/or CPU Boards and Power Supplies used with Class B Personal Computers:

We: Located at:

Declare under sole responsibility that the product identified herein, complies with 47CFR Part 2 and 15 of the FCC rules as a Class B digital device. Each product marketed is identical to the representative unit tested and found to be compliant with the standards. Records maintained continue to reflect the equipment being produced can be expected to be within the variation accepted, due to quantity production and testing on a statistical basis as required by 47CFR §2.909. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Trade Name: EPSON

Type of Product: Dot Matrix Printer

Model: P980C/P981C

EPSON AMERICA, INC. MS 3-13 3840 Kilroy Airport Way Long Beach, CA 90806 Telephone: (562) 290-5254

Product Information

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UPS (Universal Power Supply) model:

According to 47CFR, Part 2 and 15 for Class B Personal Computers and Peripherals; and/or CPU Boards and Power Supplies used with Class B Personal Computers:

We: Located at:

Trade Name: EPSON

Type of Product: Dot Matrix Printer

Model: P980C/P981C

EPSON AMERICA, INC. MS 3-13 3840 Kilroy Airport Way Long Beach, CA 90806 Telephone: (562) 290-5254

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Product Information

EPSON AMERICA, INC.

LIMITED WARRANTY

What Is Covered: Epson America, Inc. (“EPSON”) warrants to the first end user customer of the EPSON product enclosed with this limited warranty statement that the product, if purchased and used in the United States or Canada, conforms to the manufacturer’s specifications and will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of two years from the date of original purchase. EPSON also warrants that the consumable ribbon enclosed with the product will perform to the manufacturer’s specified usage, which usage may expire before the expiration of the limited warranty for the EPSON product.

What EPSON Will Do To Correct Problems: Should your EPSON product prove defective during the warranty period, please call the EPSON Connection at 562-276-4322 or (905) 709-2170 (Canada) for warranty repair instructions and return authorization, if required. EPSON will, at its option, repair or replace on an exchange basis the defective unit, without charge for parts or labor. When warranty service involves the exchange of the product or of a part, the item replaced becomes EPSON property. The exchanged product or part may be new or previously repaired to the EPSON standard of quality. Exchange or replacement products or parts assume the remaining warranty period of the product covered by this limited warranty. For warranty service, you must provide proof of the date of original purchase.

What This Warranty Does Not Cover: This warranty covers only normal consumer use in the United States and Canada. This warranty is not transferable and will not apply to products purchased from an end user. This warranty does not cover damage to the Epson printer caused by parts and supplies not manufactured, distributed or certified by Epson. This warranty does not cover ribbon or third party parts, components or peripheral devices added to the EPSON product after its shipment from EPSON, e.g., dealer-added boards or chips. EPSON is not responsible for warranty service should the EPSON label or logo or the rating label or serial number be removed or should the product fail to be properly maintained or fail to function properly as a result of misuse, abuse, improper installation, neglect, improper shipping, damage caused by disasters such as fire, flood, and lightning, improper electrical current, software problems, interaction with non-EPSON products, or service other than by an EPSON Authorized Servicer. Packaging, postage, insurance and shipping costs incurred in presenting your EPSON product for warranty service are your responsibility. If a claimed defect cannot be identified or reproduced in service, you will be held responsible for costs incurred.

Product Information

5-7

THE WARRANTY AND REMEDY PROVIDED ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SOME LAWS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES. IF THESE LAWS APPLY, THEN ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO THE WARRANTY PERIOD IDENTIFIED ABOVE. UNLESS STATED HEREIN, ANY STATEMENTS OR REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY ANY OTHER PERSON OR FIRM ARE VOID. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY, NEITHER EPSON AMERICA, INC., NOR ITS AFFILIATES SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS, INCONVENIENCE, OR DAMAGE, INCLUDING DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, RESULTING FROM THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE EPSON PRODUCT, WHETHER RESULTING FROM BREACH OF WARRANTY OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. IF THE REMEDY ABOVE FAILS, EPSON’S ENTIRE LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO A REFUND OF THE PRICE PAID FOR THE EPSON PRODUCT COVERED BY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.

In Canada, warranties include both warranties and conditions.

Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

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Epson America, Inc., P. O. Box 93012

Long Beach, CA 90809-3012

Product Information

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

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Introduction

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

Where to Find Information

Using the Online Reference Guide

Viewing the Reference Guide from the CD-ROM

Installing and viewing the Reference Guide from the hard disk

Using the Quick Guide

Options

Unpacking the Printer

Choosing a Place for the Printer

Installing the Ribbon Cartridge

Attaching the Paper Guide

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

Using the parallel interface

Using the USB interface

Installing an optional interface card

Plugging in the Printer

Installing the Printer Software

For Windows

For DOS programs

Setting the Paper Release Lever

Adjusting the Paper-Thickness Setting

Loading Continuous Paper with the Front Push Tractor

Loading Continuous Paper with the Rear Push Tractor

Loading Continuous Paper with the Pull Tractor

Removing paper from the pull tractor

Loading Single Sheets with the Paper Guide

Loading Single Sheets with the Single-Bin Cut-Sheet Feeder

Loading Single Sheets with the High-Capacity Cut-Sheet Feeder

Loading Special Papers

Continuous multipart forms

Single-sheet multipart forms

Labels

Envelopes

Switching Paper Types

Switching to printing on single sheets

Switching to printing on continuous paper

Using the Micro Adjust Function

Adjusting the tear-off position

Adjusting the top-of-form position

Buttons and Lights

Selecting a Font and Pitch

About Your Printer’s Default Settings

Changing default settings

Locking the Control Panel Buttons

Turning Lock-out mode on and off

Changing the Lock-out mode settings

Emulating the Okidata Microline 320 Turbo

Using the Error Indicators

Problems and Solutions

Power supply problems

Paper loading or feeding problems

Printing position problems

Printing or printout quality problems

Correcting USB Problems

Clearing Paper Jams

Aligning Vertical Lines in Your Printout

Printing a Self Test

Printing a Hex Dump

Where To Get Help

Safety Instructions

Hot Parts Caution Symbol

Important Safety Instructions

Compliance

FCC Compliance Statement for United States Users

WARNING

For Canadian users

Declaration of Conformity