Epson FX 890 Diagram
®
9-pin Dot Matrix Printer
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
CORPORATIO N. The information contained h erein is designed only for use with th is 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 C ORPORATION shall not be liable fo r any damages or problems arising from
the use of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original
EPSON Products or EPSON Approved Products by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
EPSON and EPSON ESC/P are registered trademarks of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark 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.
Copyright © 2003 by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, Nagano, Japan.
Reference Guide
Chapter 1 Safety Instructions
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Hot Parts Caution Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
For United Kingdom users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Chapter 2 Paper Handling
Selecting a Paper Source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Printing on continuous paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Printing on single sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Setting the Paper Release Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Adjusting the Paper-Thickness Lever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Loading Continuous Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Positioning the continuous paper supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Loading continuous paper with the tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Using the Tear-off Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Loading Single Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Available paper types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Using the paper guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Loading paper in the paper guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Loading Special Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Multipart forms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Envelopes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Switching Between Printing on Continuous Paper and Single Sheets
60
Switching to printing on single sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Switching to printing on continuous paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Using the Micro Adjust Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Adjusting the tear-off position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Adjusting the top-of-form position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Chapter 3 Printer Software
iii
About Your Printer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Using the Printer Driver with Windows Me, 98, and 95 . . . . . . . . 68
Accessing the printer driver from Windows applications . . 69
Accessing the printer driver from the Start menu . . . . . . . . . 70
Changing the printer driver settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Using the Printer Driver with Windows XP, 2000 and NT 4.0 . . . 72
Accessing the printer driver from Windows applications . . 73
Accessing the printer driver from the Start menu . . . . . . . . . 75
Changing the printer driver settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Printer Driver Settings Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Using EPSON Status Monitor 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Setting up EPSON Status Monitor 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Accessing EPSON Status Monitor 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Setting Up Your Printer on a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Sharing the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Setting up your printer as a shared printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Using an additional driver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Setting for the clients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Installing the printer driver from the CD-ROM . . . . . . . . . . 101
Canceling Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Uninstalling the Printer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Uninstalling the printer driver and EPSON Status Monitor 3104
Chapter 4 Control Panel
Buttons and Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Selecting a Font and Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
About Your Printer’s Default Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Understanding default settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Changing default settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Lock-Out Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Turning on or off the lock-out mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Changing the lock-out mode setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Chapter 5 Problem Solver
Diagnosing the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
iv
Using the error indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129
EPSON Status Monitor 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130
Printing a Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131
Printing Hex Dump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132
Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
Power supply problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135
Paper loading or feeding problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136
Printing position problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138
Printing or printout quality problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141
Network problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
Correcting USB Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
Clearing Paper Jams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Aligning Vertical Lines in Your Printout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Canceling Printing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
Contacting Customer Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
For users in North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155
For users in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland156
For users in Australia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157
For users in Singapore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159
For users in Malaysia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159
For users in India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
For users in the Philippines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Chapter 6 Options and Consumables
Ribbon Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164
Genuine EPSON ribbon cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164
Replacing the ribbon cartridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164
Cut-Sheet Feeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171
Installing the cut-sheet feeder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172
Loading paper in the single-bin cut-sheet feeder . . . . . . . . .175
Loading paper in the high-capacity cut-sheet feeder . . . . . .180
Assembling the double-bin cut-sheet feeder . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
Selecting the paper path (bin 1 or bin 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187
Front Sheet Guide and Front Paper Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188
Installing the front sheet guide or front paper guide . . . . . .189
Loading paper in the front sheet guide or front paper guide191
Roll Paper Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195
v
Assembling the roll paper holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Installing the roll paper holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Loading roll paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Removing roll paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Additional Tractor Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Interface Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Installing an interface card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Print Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Appendix A Product Information
Printer Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Printer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Electronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Printable area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Command Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
EPSON ESC/P control codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
IBM PPDS emulation control codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Standards and Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Cleaning the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Transporting the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Glossary
Index
vi
Chapter 1
Safety Instructions
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Hot Parts Caution Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
For United Kingdom users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Safety Instructions 1
1
1
1
1
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
w
Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
c
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the operation
of your printer.
Hot Parts Caution Symbol
This symbol is placed on the print head and other
K
parts to 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.
Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these safety instructions before using the printer. In
addition, follow all warnings and instructions marked on the
printer itself.
When setting up the printer
❏ Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a
radiator or heat source.
❏ Place the printer on a flat surface. The printer will not operate
properly if it is tilted or placed at an angle.
2 Safety Instructions
❏ Do not place this product on a soft, unstable surface like a bed
or a sofa, or a small, enclosed area, as this restricts ventilation.
❏ 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. If you are not sure of the power supply specifications in
your area, contact your local power company or consult your
dealer.
1
1
1
❏ 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.
❏ The power cord should be placed to avoid abrasions, cuts,
fraying, crimping, kinking, and other damage.
❏ 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.
❏ Use only the power cord that comes with this product. Use of
another cord may result in fire or electric shock.
❏ This product’s power cord is for use with this product only.
Use with other equipment may result in fire or electric shock.
When maintaining the printer
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
❏ Unplug the printer before cleaning it, and always clean it with
a piece of damp cloth only.
❏ Do not spill liquid onto the printer.
Safety Instructions 3
1
❏ 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.
When Handling the paper
❏ Never use the knob to adjust, move, or eject paper; this may
damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position
❏ 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.
❏ Never press the Load/Eject or Tear Off/Bin b ut to n w hen yo u
are using the pull tractor; the paper could come off the pull
tractor and jam the printer.
4 Safety Instructions
❏ Do not pull up the paper by hand to fit it on the pull tractor;
this may damage the printer. Press the LF/FF button to move
the paper.
❏ Do not load multipart forms, carbon paper, or labels in the
paper guide.
❏ It is best to load continuous paper with labels on the pull
tractor. Loading labels on the rear or the front push tractor is
not recommended.
1
1
1
❏ 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 described
below:
Temperature 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F)
Humidity 30 to 60% RH
❏ 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 paper path from the rear slot 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.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Safety Instructions 5
1
When operating the printer
❏ Adjust only those controls that are covered in the user
documentation. Improper adjustment of other controls may
result in damage requiring extensive repair by a qualified
technician.
❏ Whenever you turn off the printer, wait at least five seconds
before turning it back on; otherwise, you may damage the
printer.
❏ 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.
❏ 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.
❏ Do not reconnect the power cord to an electrical outlet that
has the wrong voltage for your printer.
❏ 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.
❏ You need to move the print head by hand to replace 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.
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.
6 Safety Instructions
ENERGY STAR
®
Compliance
1
As an
ENERGY STAR
has determined that this product meets
the
ENERGY STAR
energy efficiency.
The International ENERGY STAR® Office Equipment program is
a 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.
For United Kingdom users
Use of options
Epson (UK) Limited shall not be liable against any damages or
problems arising from the use of any options or consumable
products other than those designated as Original EPSON
Products or EPSON Approved Products by Epson (UK) Limited.
®
Partner, EPSON
®
guidelines for
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Safety information
Warning:
This appliance must be earthed. Refer to the rating plate for
w
voltage and check that the appliance voltage corresponds to the
supply voltage.
1
1
1
Safety Instructions 7
Important:
The wires in the mains lead fitted to this appliance are coloured in
accordance to the following code:
Green and yellow — Earth
Blue — Neutral
Brown — Live
If you have to fit a plug:
As the colours of the mains lead of this appliance may not match
coloured markings used to identify the terminals in a plug, please
proceed as follows:
The green and yellow wire must be connected to the terminal in
the plug which is marked with the letter E or the Earth symbol
(G).
The blue wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug
marked with the letter N.
The brown wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug
marked with the letter L.
If damage occurs to the plug, replace the cord set or consult a
qualified electrician.
8 Safety Instructions
Chapter 2
Paper Handling
Selecting a Paper Source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Printing on continuous paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Printing on single sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Setting the Paper Release Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Adjusting the Paper-Thickness Lever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Loading Continuous Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Positioning the continuous paper supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Loading continuous paper with the tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Using the Tear-off Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Loading Single Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Available paper types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Using the paper guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Loading paper in the paper guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Loading Special Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Multipart forms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Envelopes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Switching Between Printing on Continuous Paper and Single Sheets
60
Switching to printing on single sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Switching to printing on continuous paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Using the Micro Adjust Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Adjusting the tear-off position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Adjusting the top-of-form position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Paper Handling 9
2
2
2
2
Selecting a Paper Source
Your printer provides a variety of paper sources for printing on
single sheets and continuous paper. Paper can be fed into the
printer from the top, front, bottom, or rear. Select the paper source
that best suits your current printing needs.
Printing on continuous paper
You can choose from three tractor positions (front push, rear
push, and pull) and three paper entry slots (front, rear, and
bottom) for continuous paper printing. This section helps you
determine which paper paths and tractor positions are best for
your continuous paper printing needs. See “Loading continuous
paper with the tractor” on page 17 for tractor installation and
paper loading instructions.
Using the push tractor positions
If you often need to tear off sheets of continuous paper (for
example, if you are printing purchase orders or sales slips), it is
best to use the tractor in the front or rear push position. This
allows you to use the printer’s tear-off edge to easily tear off sheets
of continuous paper at the perforation. Also, when continuous
paper is loaded on a push tractor, you can print on single sheets
of paper from the paper guide without removing the continuous
paper from the tractor.
10 Paper Handling
There are two push tractor positions: front and rear. The tractor
is installed in the rear push position when the printer is shipped.
See the table below for details about the push positions and the
corresponding paper paths.
2
Tractor
position
front push
rear push
Description
Load paper from the front slot.
If you print on thick paper such as multipart forms, use
the front paper slot because this paper path is almost
straight. This reduces the chances of paper jams.
Load paper from the rear slot.
Caution:
Do not load continuous paper with
c
labels from the rear slot. Labels require
a straight paper path; otherwise the
labels may come off their backing sheets
inside the printer and cause a paper
jam.
Note:
The rear slot is also not recommended when
your multipart forms have 5 or 6 parts (1
original plus 4 or 5 copies), because paper
might jam.
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Using the pull tractor position
If you often print on thick or heavy continuous paper, such as
multipart forms or continuous paper with labels, use the tractor
in the pull position. The pull tractor provides you with the best
paper jam prevention, and allows you to load continuous paper
from the front, rear, or bottom of the printer. However, you cannot
use the tear-off feature when the tractor is in the pull position.
Paper Handling 11
2
2
2
Note:
To use the tractor in the pull position, you can remove the tractor from
the rear push position and reinstall it in the pull position, or you can
purchase the optional pull tractor unit (C80020✽ for the FX-890,
C80021✽ for the FX-2190) and install it in the pull position.
If you use a push tractor with the optional tractor in the pull
position, you can create a push/pull tractor combination. This
improves the performance of continuous paper, and is
recommended for printing on continuous pre-printed forms. See
“Using two tractors in a push/pull combination” on page 44 for
more information.
You can use the front, bottom, or rear paper slot with the pull
tractor.
Paper slot Description
If you print on thick paper such as multipart forms or
continuous paper with labels, use the front paper slot
because this paper path is nearly straight. This reduces
the chances of paper jams.
front
bottom
12 Paper Handling
The bottom paper slot has the straightest paper path,
so it is the best slot to use when printing on thick paper,
such as multipart forms or continuous paper with labels.
Note:
When loading paper from the bottom slot, be
sure to use a printer stand with an opening
large enough for the paper to feed through it
without obstruction.
Paper slot Description
If the front or bottom paper slot is unavailable, you can
also load ordinary continuous paper from the rear slot.
Please note that loading paper from the rear slot results
in a curved paper path,which may affect loading
performance, so use the front or bottom slot whenever
possible.
rear
Caution:
Do not load continuous paper with
c
labels from the rear slot. The labels
may come off the backing sheets inside
the printer and cause a paper jam.
Printing on single sheets
As shown below, you can load ordinary single sheets (not
single-sheet multipart forms) and envelopes one at a time from
the rear paper entry slot of the printer, using the paper guide that
comes with the printer.
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
To load single-sheet multipart forms, you need to use the front
paper entry slot. The optional front sheet guide (C81400✽ for the
FX-890, C81401✽ for the FX-2190) and front paper guide (C81402✽
for the FX-890, C81403✽ for the FX-2190) are available for easy
operation.
Paper Handling 13
2
2
2
2
You can also load a stack of single-sheet paper using the optional
cut-sheet feeder. See “Loading Single Sheets” on page 49 for more
information. See “Cut-Sheet Feeder” on page 171 for information
on the optional cut-sheet feeder.
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.
The table below describes each paper release lever position.
Paper
release
lever
position
Description
Single-sheet position
For loading single-sheet paper from the top or front slot.
See “Loading Single Sheets” on page 49 for instructions.
14 Paper Handling
Paper
release
lever
position
Description
2
Rear push tractor position
For loading continuous paper using the tractor installed in
the rear push position. Also set the lever to this position
when using the rear push and pull tractors in combination.
Front push tractor position
For loading continuous paper using the tractor installed in
the front push position. Also set the lever to this position
when using t he front push and pull tra ctors in combination.
Pull tractor position
For loading continuous paper from the tractor installed on
top of the printer in the pull position. When the tractor is in
the pull position, you can load paper in the front, rear, or
bottom slot.
Adjusting the Paper-Thickness Lever
Before you start printing, you may need to change the
paper-thickness setting depending on the type of paper you are
using. Follow these steps:
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Paper Handling 15
2
2
2
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.
2. Use the table below to select the appropriate paper thickness.
Paper type* Lever position
Ordinary paper:
Single sheets
Continuous paper
0 or 1
0
Thin paper 0
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)
7 parts (original + 6 copies)**
Continuous paper with labels 2
Cards 2
Envelopes 5 or 6
* See the paper specifications for more information.
** Available when using a bottom pull position or front pull position.
1
3
5
6
7
7
16 Paper Handling
Note:
❏ When the temperature is 5°C (41°F) or lower, or 35°C (95°F) or
higher, set the paper-thickness lever one position lower to improve
print quality.
2
❏ When the temperature is 5°C (41°F) or lower, or 35°C (95°F) or
higher, multipart forms with 7 parts cannot be used.
Loading Continuous Paper
Follow the instructions in this section to load continuous paper in
the printer.
Positioning the continuous paper supply
Before using continuous paper, make sure you line up your paper
supply with the tractor feeder as shown below, so that the paper
feeds smoothly into the printer.
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Loading continuous paper with the tractor
The paper loading procedure depends on where you position the
tractor which feeds paper to the printer. Follow the instructions
below for your tractor position.
Paper Handling 17
2
2
2
This section provides instructions on “Using the tractor in the
front push position” on page 18, “Using the tractor in the rear
push position” on page 25, “Using the tractor in the pull position”
on page 32, and “Using two tractors in a push/pull combination”
on page 44.
Using the tractor in the front push position
This section provides instructions on “Installing the tractor in the
front push position” on page 18, “Loading paper with the front
push tractor” on page 20, and “Removing the tractor from the
front push position” on page 24.
Installing the tractor in the front push position
Before installing the tractor in the front push position, remove it
from its current position. If the tractor is in the rear push position,
remove the paper guide and then press the tractor’s lock tabs
while lifting it out. If the tractor is in the pull position, remove it
following the instructions in “Removing the tractor from the pull
position” on page 42.
Note:
The tractor is installed in the rear push position when the printer is
shipped.
1. Make sure the printer is turned off. If necessary, install the
paper guide on your printer as described in “Assembling the
Printer” in the Setup Sheet.
18 Paper Handling
2. If the optional front sheet guide is installed, remove it by
grasping the fins on both sides and pulling the guide slightly
up and away from the printer. If the optional front paper
guide is installed, open the front cover and remove it.
3. Insert the tractor into the printer’s mounting slots and press
down both ends of the tractor to make sure that it is firmly
seated.
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Paper Handling 19
2
2
2
2
2
See “Loading paper with the front push tractor” on page 20 for
instructions on loading continuous paper with the front push
tractor.
Loading paper with the front push tractor
When using the push tractor, it is a good idea to set the Auto
tear-off function in the Default Setting mode to On. See “About
Your Printer’s Default Settings” on page 116 for more
information.
Follow these steps to load paper using the front push tractor:
1. Make sure the printer is turned off.
2. Open the front cover. Make sure the tractor is installed in the
front push position.
20 Paper Handling
3. Set the paper release lever to the front push tractor position.
Also set the paper-thickness lever (located under the printer
cover) to the proper position for your paper’s thickness. See
“Adjusting the Paper-Thickness Lever” on page 15 for
instructions.
2
2
2
2
2
4. Release the left and right sprockets by pushing the blue
sprocket lock levers backward.
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Paper Handling 21
5. 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.
approx. 12 mm (0.5 inch)
10
5
0
6. Remove the front cover by pushing it straight down, as shown
below.
22 Paper Handling
7. 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
2
2
2
2
8. Close the sprocket covers.
9. Slide the right sprocket to remove any slack in the paper; then
lock it in place by pushing the sprocket lock down.
10. Attach the front cover with the continuous paper positioned
as shown below.
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Paper Handling 23
11. Make sure the paper guide is lying flat on the printer and slide
the edge guides to the middle of the paper guide.
Note:
For your safety, EPSON recommends operating the printer with the
printer cover closed. The printer will function with the printer cover
open or removed, but maximum safety and print speed are achieved
when the cover is closed.
12. Turn on the printer. When the printer receives data, it
automatically loads the paper and starts printing.
13. After you finish printing, follow the steps in “Removing
continuous paper” on page 47 to remove your printed
document.
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 in “Adjusting the top-of-form position” on page 64.
Caution:
Never use the knob to adjust the top-of-form position; this may
c
damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.
Removing the tractor from the front push position
Follow these steps to remove the tractor from the front push
position:
1. Make sure the printer is turned off.
2. Remove any paper from the tractor as described in
“Removing continuous paper” on page 47.
24 Paper Handling
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