Epson LQ-2550 User Manual

Download

User’s Manual.

_____--.---

EPSON”

Y465ss127mo

EPSON

LQ-2550

User’s Manual

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

FOR AMERICAN USERS

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

Reorient the receiving antenna

Relocate the printer with respect to the receiver

Plug the printer into a different outlet so that the printer and receiver are on different branch

circuits.

If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for

additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal

Communications Commission helpful:

This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Stock No.

004~00&00450-7.

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

Seiko Epson Corporation and its affiliates (“Epson”) specifically disclaims all liability for problems and all damages which may result from the combination or use of Epson printers with software, hardware product options, such as interface boards, or other items not supplied by Epson or otherwise designated by Epson to be compatible with Epson printers. Epson further specifically disclaims all liability for problems and all damages which may result from the unauthorized alteration or modification of Epson printers, whether or not such alteration or modification is accomplished by software, hardware or other means.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, Seiko Epson Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any

liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Epson America, Inc. shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the use of

any options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original Epson Products or Epson Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.

“Television Interference Handbook.”

WARNING

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Nagano, Japan

Introduction

Features Options About This Guide Where to Get Help

Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer

Choosing a Place for the Printer Assembling the Printer Testing the Printer

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

Setting Up Your Application Software

Paper Handling

Using Single Sheets

Using Continuous Paper

Switching between Continuous and Single Sheets

Printing on Special Paper

Using the Printer

Operating the Control Panel

SelecType Settings Page Length Skip Over Perforation Setting the Loading Position Short Tear-Off Selecting Typestyles Choosing an International Character Set Choosing a Character Table

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

........

1-1

l-2 l-6

l-7 1-15 l-22 1-27

2-1

2-2

2-5 2-16 2-22

3-1

3-2

3-8 3-26 3-28 3-30 3-31 3-33 3-39 3-40

Using Software and Graphics

Using the LQ-2550 with Application Programs Computer-Printer Communication Enhancing Your Printing Graphics User-Defined Characters

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

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

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

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

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

........

4-1 4-2 4-5

4-7 4-12 4-23

Maintenance and Transportation

Cleaning the Printer

Replacing the Ribbon Transporting the Printer.

Troubleshooting

Problems and Solutions Data Dump Mode

Using Printer Options

The Cut Sheet Feeder The Pull Tractor

Interface Boards The Multi-Font Module

Command Summary

Commands in Numerical Order Commands Arranged by Topic.

Appendix A

Printer Specifications Double-Bin Cut Sheet Feeder Specifications.

Interface Specifications Initialization Default Settings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

..........

5-1 5-2 5-3 5-7

6-1 6-2 6-6

7-1

7-2 7-21 7-33 7-45

8-1

8-5

8-8

A-l A-2 A-6

A-9 A-13 A-14

Appendix B

Proportional Width Table Character Tables

Glossary

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index-l

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

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

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

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

B-1 B-2 B-6

GL-1

Introduction

The LQ-2550 is the latest in the Epson@ line of advanced 24-pin impact

dot matrix printers, combining high performance and reliability with a

wide range of features.

Features

In addition to the high-quality printing and ease of operation you have come to expect from Epson printers, the LQ-2550 offers the following:

An improved control panel design that allows direct selection of all of the printer’s main features, such as character font and pitch as well as normal or condensed printing.

An advanced paper handling system that allows you to easily switch between single sheets and continuous paper by pressing the appropriate panel buttons. The LQ-2550 automatically detects the thickness of the paper you load, so optimum printing results can be easily achieved with various types of paper. You can use single sheets without removing the continuous paper, or you can use continuous paper even while the optional Cut Sheet Feeder is installed.

A tear-off feature that saves paper. After you tear off the latest sheet printed on continuous paper, the printer feeds the paper back to the loading position so that you can use all of the next sheet.

Multi-part forms that consist of up to six parts (5 copies plus the

original) can be printed. You can also print on labels and envelopes.

A micro-adjustment feature that allows you to feed the paper forward or backward in 1/180th of an inch increments to finely

adjust the top of form, loading, and short tear-off positions.

The following seven built-in Letter Quality fonts are provided for

producing high-quality documents:

Roman, Sans Serif, Courier, Prestige, Script, OCR-A, OCR-B

Introduction

Two additional Letter Quality fonts are available with the optional Multi-Font Module: ORATOR and ORATOR-S

Draft mode with fast printing of up to 333 characters per second in 10 cpi (characters per inch), and 400 characters per second in

12 cpi.

Color printing in seven colors with a color ribbon (included). With suitable graphics software, you can mix colors within a line

or even print screen dumps in color.

Compatibility with the Epson ESC/P commands used by the LQ-1500, LQ-800, LQ-1000, LQ-2500, LQ-850, LQ-1050 and LQ500 printers.

Options

A variety of printer options is available for use with your LQ-2550 printer. For detailed information on the installation and use of these options, see Chapter 7.

Double-Bin Cut Sheet Feeder (#7343)

The cut sheet feeder gives you easier and more efficient handling of single sheet paper or envelopes. Up to 150 sheets of standard bond paper in each of the two bins can be automatically fed into the printer without reloading.

Pull Tractor Unit (#7314)

This option improves the performance of continuous paper handling. It is especially useful with continuous multi-part forms.

Ribbon Cartridges (#7762, #7763, #7764)

There are two types of ribbon cartridges in addition to the standard black ribbon cartridge (#7762). Included with your printer are the standard black ribbon cartridge (#7762) and the color ribbon cartridge (#7763). The film ribbon cartridge (#7764) provides you with even higher-quality printing.

Multi-Font Module (#7407)

This adds two Letter Quality fonts ORATOR and ORATOR-S.

Introduction

LQ Printer Software (DCB-LQ2)

This package features a driver and high-resolution fonts for use with Microsoft@ Windows Presentation Manager version 2.0 and Windows/386 Presentation Manager. It lets you use your Epson LQ printer to print pages created under the Microsoft Windows operating environment.

Optional Interface Boards A

number of optional interface boards can be used to supplement the LQ-2550’s built-in parallel and serial interfaces. Guidelines for choosing the right interface and instructions on installing the boards are given in Chapter 7.

About This Guide

This

user’s guide provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions for

setting up and operating the LQ-2550 printer.

Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up, testing, and connecting the printer, so be sure to read and follow the instructions in this chapter first.

Chapters 2 and 3 include important information on paper handling and general printer operation. This information is necessary for the day-to-day operation of your printer.

Chapter 4 contains information designed to help you get the most from your printer. This section includes advice on the use of software, commands, graphics, and user-defined characters. Also, see Chapter 8 for a summary of printer commands.

If the printer does not operate properly or the printed results are not

what you expect, see Chapter 6 for a list of recommended solutions.

Other chapters

and appendixes

contain information on general maintenance, use of the printer options, and specifications. You will also find a glossary of printer terms and an index.

At the back of this guide is a Quick Reference card with the information you are likely to need most often.

Introduction

Conventions used in this guide

WARNlNG:

must be followed carefully to avoid damage to

your printer and computer.

Cautions:

should be followed carefully to ensure

that

your printer

operates correctly.

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

Where to Get Help

Customer support and service for Epson products are provided by a network of authorized Epson Dealers and Customer Care Centers throughout the United States. Epson America provides product information and support to its dealers and Customer Care Centers.

Therefore, we ask that you contact the business where you purchased your Epson product to request assistance.If the people

there do not have the answer to your question, they can obtain it through our dealer support program.

Epson is confident that this policy will provide you with the

assistance you need. Call the Epson Consumer Information Center at

l-800-922-8911

the following:

The location of the nearest Epson dealer

The location of the nearest Customer Care Center

Information on Epson User Groups.

To locate or purchase accessories or supplies, contact your nearest Epson dealer or call

l-800-873-7766.

Introduction

for

Chapter 1

Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer

Removing the protective materials

Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Assembling the Printer

Installing the platen knob Installing the ribbon cartridge Attaching the paper guide

Testing the Printer

Connecting to a power supply Running the self test

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

The parallel interface The serial interface

Setting Up Your Application Software

Choosing from a menu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1-2

1-2 1-6

1-7 1-7 1-9

1-12 1-15

1-15 1-16

1-22

l-22

1-24

1-27 1-28

Setting Up the Printer

1-1

Unpacking the Printer

As you unpack the printer, check that you have all parts shown below and that none have been damaged during transportation.

Cabfe cover

Color

ribbon

cartridge

Paper guide

Ribbon cartridge

Platen knob

Cross-head screw driver

Power cable

Optional connector lock nuts

Removing the protective materials

The printer is protected during shipping by two screws, a print head protector, and white foam packing material. These protective items must be removed before you turn on the printer by following the steps below. After removing these items, store them with the other packaging material in case you ever need to transport your printer.

1-2

Setting

Up the Printer

Open the printer cover and raise it to an upright position; then lift it

up and off.

Open the paper guide cover as shown in the illustration. Then raise

the cover slightly and lift the cover away from the printer at a slight upward angle.

Setting Up the Printer

1-3

3. Remove the print head protector and white foam packing material.

Slide the print head all the way to the middle

1-4

Setting Up the Printer

5. Using the enclosed cross-head screwdriver, remove the two red transport screws as shown below.

Align the pins of the paper guide cover with the slots on the printer and attach the cover. Next, attach the printer cover.

Setting

Up the Printer

1-5

Choosing a Place for the Printer

There are several important things to consider when selecting a location for your printer. The illustration below shows a good printer location.

Be sure to keep the following tips in mind:

Place the printer on a flat, stable surface.

Place the printer close enough to the computer for its cable to reach.

Leave adequate room around the printer to allow easy printer operation and maintenance.

1-6

Setting Up the Printer

Use a grounded outlet - one that has three holes to match the power plug on the printer. Don’t use an adapter plug.

Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight, excessive heat,

moisture, or dust.

Avoid using electrical outlets that are controlled by wall switches or

automatic timers. Accidental disruption of power can wipe out information in your computer’s and printer’s memory.

Avoid using outlets on the same circuit with large motors or other appliances that might disturb the power supply.

Keep the entire computer system away from potential sources of interference, such as loudspeakers or the base units of cordless telephones.

Assembling the Printer

After you have decided on a location for your printer, it is necessary to install the platen knob, the ribbon cartridge, and the paper guide. Installation instructions for these three components are given below.

Installing the platen knob

After you have decided on a location for your printer, the first step in setting it up is to install the platen knob.

You will find the platen knob packed in an indentation in the white foam packing material.

Setting Up the

Printer

1-7

1. Insert the platen knob into the hole on the printer’s side and rotate it until it slips onto the shaft.

Press firmly on the knob until it fits against the printer case.

Caution:

interferes with the automatic paper loading system and may cause a paper

loaded, use the micro-adjustment feature described in the section on

setting the loading position in Chapter 3.

1-8

Using the platen knob to adjust the position of the paper

jam.

If you need to adjust the position of the paper after it is

Setting Up the Printer

Installing the ribbon cartridge

Your printer’s ribbon cartridges are designed for easy installation and removal. The color ribbon cartridge, standard black ribbon cartridge, and optional film ribbon cartridge are all installed in the same way. (A color ribbon cartridge and standard black ribbon cartridge are included with your printer.) Install any of these ribbon cartridges as follows:

Open the printer cover and raise it to an upright position; then lift it up and off.

Open the paper guide cover as shown in the illustration. Then raise the rear of the cover slightly and lift the cover away from the printer at a slight upward angle.

Setting

Up the Printer

1-9

Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.

Turn the ribbon-tightening knob on the ribbon cartridge in the

direction of the arrow.

1-10

Setting Up the Printer

Hold the ribbon cartridge while gently squeezing the two ridged plastic tabs together; then lower it until it snaps into place. The side hooks in the printer should fit into the slots on each side of the ribbon cartridge.

Turn the ribbon tightening knob again to make sure the ribbon moves freely.

Setting Up

the

Printer

1-11

Slide the print head from side to side to make sure smoothly. (Do not try to slide the print head by grasping the ribbon cartridge.)

that

it moves

Attaching the paper guide

When you use single sheets, the paper guide functions to feed the paper

smoothly and efficiently into the printer. Attach the paper guide using the following procedure.

Setting Up the Printer

1. Insert the paper guide pegs into slots on the printer.

Lean the paper guide back until it slips into place.

Setting Up the Printer

1-13

Align the pins of the paper guide cover with the slots

and attach the cover.

Close the paper guide cover.

the printer

1-14

Setting Up the Printer

5. Attach the printer cover.

Testing the Printer

At this point, you

can

use the built-in self test function to see that the printer is working correctly even though it is not yet connected to a computer.

Be sure to perform this test to make sure that your printer was not

damaged during shipping and to ensure that the ribbon is correctly installed.

Before running the self test, you need to connect your printer to a power supply and load a sheet of paper.

Connecting to a power supply

Before plugging in your printer, be sure that:

The platen knob is installed.

The ribbon cartridge is installed.

The paper guide is attached.

The paper guide cover is attached.

The printer cover is attached.

The power switch on the left side of the printer is turned off.

Setting Up the Printer

1-15

To plug in your printer, simply connect the power cable to the AC inlet

on the printer’s rear panel. Then plug the power cable into a properly

grounded electrical outlet.

Running the self test

The self test can be run in draft mode or Letter Quality mode, depending on which button you hold down as you turn on the printer. With the color ribbon cartridge installed, the self test prints in seven colors (black, magenta, cyan, violet, yellow, red, and green).

Before running the self test, be sure that:

The power cable is connected to a properly grounded electrical

outlet. The printer is turned off.

Note: Run the self test using paper that is at least as wide as standard letter-size paper (8% inches).

1-16

Setting Up

the Printer

While holding down the

FEED

button (Letter Quality mode), turn on the printer. The printer

beeps three times and the

Press the

PAPER SELECT

LINE FEED

POWER

button (draft mode) or the

and

PAPER OUT

button until the

lights come on.

o PAPER OUT

FRICTION

light comes on.

FORM

Setting Up the Printer

1-17

Move the left edge guide until it rests against the guide mark.

Adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper.

Next, slide a sheet down between the edge guides until it meets

resistance.

Run the self test using paper wider than A4 size (8.27 inches).

1-18

Setting Up the Printer

Press the

Press

LOAD/EJECT

the

ON LINE

button once to automatically load the paper.

button to start

the self

test.

Setting Up the Printer

1-19

Note: To clear a paper jam, it is recommended

off line and to use the platen knob to clear the jam, be sure to turn the printer off first.

7. A list of your printer’s settings is printed first, followed by a series of characters. The self test continues until the paper runs out or you press the

If press the

If paper is still loaded, press the turn off

use

the

FORM FEED

ON LINE

the

self test results are satisfactory and you wish to stop the test,

ON LINE

the

button.

printer.

LINE FEED

LOAD/EJECT

that

you set the printer

button. If it is necessary

button to eject it.

Then

1-20

WARNING: After you turn off the printer, always wait at least five seconds before you turn it back on. Rapidly switching the printer on and off can damage the printer.

Setting Up the Printer

Part of a typical self test in Letter Quality mode with a black ribbon installed is shown in the following sample printout.

Self test in Letter Quality mode

Current setting FONT PITCH CONDENSED

Roman

lOCPI

Off

FORM LNG

Tractor

CSF

bin1

,CSF bin2

1 "SKIP

AUTO TEAR OFF

LEFT MARGIN RIGHT MARGIN

TABLE

COUNTRY

k--

-a/O1234567

,k/O12345678

-./0123456789

66LINE

132LINE

Off

136

Italic

USA

Bi-d

Courier

10123456785:;

jO123456789

<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWX:

:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXY:

Note: When a black ribbon is installed, some lines of the self test

are printed in double-strike mode. Also, when the optional cut

sheet feeder is installed, the self test printout is slightly different. For details, see the section on the cut sheet feeder in Chapter 7.

Setting Up the Printer 1-21

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

Your LQ-2550 has two separate interface connections: a parallel interface and an RS-232C compatible serial interface. If you are not sure which one is required by your computer, check your computer manual for this

information. If you have a suitable shielded cable, you should be able to connect to

most computers immediately.

The parallel interface

Connect the parallel interface cable as described below. Before connecting the parallel interface cable, be sure that:

The printer is turned off.

The computer is turned off.

Plug the connector of the cable securely into the printer.

WARNING: Do not plug more than one interface cable

into the printer at one time. This may damage the printer.

1-22 Setting Up the Printer

Squeeze the wire clips together until they lock in place on both sides of the connector. (If you do not lock these clips into place, printed

results may be incorrect.)

If your cable has a ground wire, attach it to the ground connector beneath the interface connector.

Setting Up the Printer

1-23

Plug the other end of the cable into the computer. (If there is

ground wire at the computer end of the cable, attach it to the ground

connector of the computer.)

Attach the cable cover.

Note: The cable cover should always be attached when you use the printer.

The serial interface

Connect the serial interface cable as described in the following steps. Before connecting the serial interface cable, be sure that:

The printer is turned off.

The computer is turned off.

1-24

Setting Up the Printer

Plug the connector of the cable securely into the printer.

WARNING: Do not plug more than one interface cable into the printer at one time. This may damage the printer.

2. Using a screwdriver, secure the connector by tightening the screw on each side of the connector.

Note: If the screws that come with the cable do not fit into the connector lock nuts on the interface, you need to replace these lock nuts with the optional lock nuts provided with the printer.

Setting Up the Printer

1-25

If your cable has a ground wire, attach it to the ground connector beneath the interface connector.

Plug the other end of the cable into the computer. (If there is a ground wire at the computer end of the cable, attach it to

the

connector of the computer.)

ground

1-26

Setting Up the Printer

5. Attach the cable cover.

Note:

The cable cover should always be attached when you use the

printer.

Setting Up Your Application Software

Now that you have set up and tested the LQ-2550, you should make sure that it works with the application programs you want to use. Most application programs let you specify the type of printer you are using so that the program can take full advantage of the printer’s features. Many of these programs provide an installation or setup section that presents a list of printers to choose from.

Setting Up the Printer

1-27

Choosing from a menu

Because the family of Epson printers shares many commands, you can

use an application program even if it does not list the LQ-2550 on its

printer selection menu. If the LQ-2550 is not listed, select the first printer

available on the following list: LQ-2500

LQ-1050 (LQ-850) LQ-1000 (LQ-800) LQ-500 LQ-1500

If none of these printers is listed, select the first one available on the following list:

RX MX Epson printer Standard printer Draft printer

If you are printing in color, it is recommended that you choose LQ-2550

or LQ-2500.

To use all the features of the LQ-2550, however, it is best to use a program with the LQ-2550 on its menu. If your program does not list

this printer, contact the software manufacturer to see if an update is available. For further information on using software, see Chapter 4.

1-28

Setting Up the Printer

Chapter 2

Paper Handling

Using Single Sheets

Loading a sheet Reloading during printing

Using Continuous Paper

Positioning your continuous paper supply Loading continuous paper When you have finished printing

Reversing the paper to the standby position

Switching between Continuous and Single Sheets

Switching to single sheets Switching back to continuous paper

Printing on Special Paper

Multi-part forms Labels

Envelopes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2-2 2-2 2-5

2-5 2-5

2-6 2-13 2-14

2-16 2-16 2-19

2-22

2-22 2-23

.....2-26

Paper Handling

2-1

Using Single Sheets

Your printer can accommodate single sheets from

7.2

to 14.3 inches

wide.

Loading a sheet

Before loading a single sheet, be sure that:

The printer cover is attached.

The paper guide is attached, and the paper guide cover is attached and closed.

Be sure that

button to set the printer off line.

the

printer is off line. If it is

POWER

READY

PAPER OUT

ON LINE

not,

ON LINE

press the

ON LINE

2-2

Press

the PAPER SELECT

button until the

FRICTION

light comes on.

Paper Handling

Slide the left edge guide until it rests against the guide mark. Next,

3. adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper.

Slide a

sheet

of paper down between the edge guides until it meets

resistance. At this time, the

Paper Handling

PAPER OUT

light goes off.

2-3

Press the

Note: If the platen turns without loading the paper, completely remove

LOAD/EJECT

the

paper and re-insert it more firmly; then press the

button again.

button once to automatically load the paper.

Press the

2-4

ON LINE

WARNING:

except in the case of a paper jam or other paper feed problem. Using the platen knob while the printer is on may damage the printer, and it produces an error message

(ERFi.OR 12

turn the printer off, take out the paper (using the platen knob if necessary), and turn the printer back on.

Press

LOAD/EJECT

the position of the paper after it is loaded, use adjustment feature described in the section on setting the loading position in Chapter

button to set the printer on line.

Never advance the paper using the platen knob

) on the display. To clear this error you must

to load the paper. If you need to adjust

the

micro-

Paper Handling

Reloading during printing

When you print a document more than one page long using single sheet paper, the printer stops printing when it reaches the bottom of the paper. When this happens, either the

may remain on, depending on your application software. If light remains on, the first thing you should do is press the to take

the

printer off line.

ON LINE

light goes off automatically or it

the ON LINE

ON LINE

button

Once the

(if necessary, press the

new sheet.

follow any additional prompts from your software.

ON LINE

Press the

light is off, remove the sheet that has just been printed

FORM FEED ON LINE

button to eject the page) and load a

button to start printing the next page and

Using Continuous Paper

The tractor built into the LQ-2550 is remarkably easy to load and

operate. Its low-profile design takes up little space and

widths from 4 to

inches.

Positioning your continuous paper supply

An important consideration for achieving smooth and accurate paper feeding is the position of your continuous paper supply.

Three ways to position your printer and continuous paper are shown below.

can

handle paper

Paper Handling

2-5

Be sure to align your paper supply with the paper loaded in the tractor so that the paper feeds smoothly into the printer.

Loading continuous paper

Before loading continuous paper, be sure that:

The printer is turned on.

The printer cover is attached.

The paper guide is removed.

The paper guide cover is attached and fully open from the rear, as shown in the illustration.

The cable cover is attached.

2-6

Paper Handling

Be sure that the printer is off line. If it is not, press button to set the printer off line. Then press the until

the TRACTOR

Release the sprocket lock levers and slide the left sprocket unit all the

way to the left and lock it in place. Next, slide the right sprocket unit to roughly

match the

light comes on.

width of your paper but do not lock it.

the ON LINE

PAPER SELECT

button

Paper Handling

2-7

Slide the paper support to a point midway between the sprocket

3. units.

Open the sprocket covers.

2-8

Paper Handling

Fit the first four holes in the continuous paper over the pins of the

sprocket units.

6. Close the sprocket covers.

Paper Handling

2-9

7. Slide the right sprocket unit to a position where the paper is straight

and has no wrinkles, and then lock it into place.

Note: Make sure the first sheet of paper has a clean, straight edge so

that the paper can feed smoothly into the printer.

8. Reattach the paper guide. Then slide the edge guides together so that they meet at about the middle of the paper’s width.

2-10

Paper Handling

Pull the paper guide in the direction of the arrow in the illustration.

10.

Push down the paper guide.

Note: The paper guide prevents outgoing continuous paper from being

pulled back into the printer.

Paper Handling

2-11

11. Close

12.

Press the

position.

the

paper guide cover.

LOAD/EJECT

button to feed the paper to

the

Note:

If you press

already loaded,

2-12

the LOAD/EJECT

the

paper is reversed to the standby

button when continuous paper is

position.

Paper Handling

13.

Press the ON

The printer remembers this loading position and advances each page to

the same position. Never adjust the loading position using the platen knob. If you need to adjust the loading position, use the microadjustment feature. See the section on setting the loading position in Chapter

Note:

and skip over perforation settings, and readjust the settings if necessary. See the sections on page length and skip over perforation in Chapter 3.

Before you begin printing, be sure to check the page length

Also, if you are using preprinted or multi-part forms or labels, or if

you wish to obtain the highest quality graphics, it is recommended

that you use the optional pull tractor. See the pull tractor section in Chapter 7.

LINE

button to set the printer on line.

When you have finished printing

When you are ready to tear off the continuous paper printout, you can either use the automatic short tear-off function or use the following steps. (For more information on the short tear-off function, see Chapter

3.)

1. After printing is completed, set the printer off line.

Paper Handling

2-13

Press the off at the perforation.

Note:

paper guide use

the

FORM FEED

If the perforation of

the

first time, press

platen knob to feed the paper.

button to feed

the

paper is not fed past

the FORM FEED

the

paper forward. Then tear it

Reversing the paper to the standby position

the

edge

the

button again. Do not

After you have tom off the last page of printed paper, if you wish to reverse-feed follow the steps below.

When continuous paper is in the standby position, the holes at the first sheet stay fitted over the pins of the sprocket unit. When the paper is in this position, you instructions in this chapter), reload continuous paper.

2-14

the

paper remaining in the printer to the standby position,

the

can

switch to single sheet paper (see the

the

continuous paper, or remove the

Paper Handling

top of

Before reversing the paper, be sure

The printer is turned on.

The

TRACTOR

Check

to see that

light on the control panel is on.

the printer is off line. If it is not, press the

that:

ON LINE

button to set the printer off line.

Press the

LOAD/EJECT

button once. This feeds

the

loaded paper backward to its standby position. If the paper does not reach this position,

LOAD/EJECT

the

printer briefly displays

Cannot Back Out.

Press the

button as many times as necessary to back out the paper

to its standby position. (Do not use the platen knob to back out the paper. )

Paper Handling

2-15

Switching between Continuous and Single Sheets

Even with continuous paper loaded in the printer, you can easily switch to single sheet printing without removing the continuous paper from the tractor.

Switching to single sheets

When you are finished printing on continuous paper, you can reversefeed the paper to a standby position so you can switch to printing with single sheet paper.

Before you start, be sure that:

The printer is off line.

The paper guide cover is open as shown in the illustration.

You tear off any printed sheets or extra blank sheets. (Make sure the paper is not advanced past its loading position.)

2-16

Paper Handling

Press the continuous paper is fed backward automatically to a standby position.

Raise

PAPER SELECT

the

paper guide until it locks into place.

button until the

FRICTION

light comes on. The

Paper Handling

2-17

3. Close the paper guide cover.

4. Slide the left edge guide until it rests adjust the right edge guide to match

against the guide mark. Next, the width of your paper.

2-18

Paper Handling

Slide a sheet of paper down between the edge guides until it meets

5. resistance.

Press the

Press

LOAD/EJECT

the ON LINE

button to set the printer on line.

button once to automatically load

Switching back to continuous paper

It is

also easy

Paper Handling

to switch back to printing with continuous paper.

the

paper.

2-19

Before switching back, be sure that:

The printer is off line.

The paper guide cover is open as

Press

the PAPER SELECT

button until the

shown

in the illustration.

TRACTOR

light comes on. If a single sheet is loaded, it is ejected automatically and the continuous paper is fed to the loading position.

2-20

Paper Handling

Slide the edge guides together so that they meet at about the middle

2. of the paper’s width.

Lower the paper guide onto the back of the printer.

Paper Handling

2-21

Close the paper guide cover.

Press the

ON LINE

button to set the printer on line.

Printing on Special Paper

In addition to using single sheets and continuous paper, your printer can also print on a wide variety of paper types, including multi-part forms, labels, and envelopes. Your printer can sense the paper thickness and width automatically. You need not adjust the paper thickness manually.

Note:

If you are printing preprinted or multi-part forms or labels, it is recommended that you use the optional pull tractor to print. See the pull tractor section in Chapter 7.

Also,

when

sure that your application program settings keep the printing entirely within the printable area. That is, you should not print any closer than one-half inch from either side of the paper for multi-

part forms and labels. For information on the printable area for

envelopes, see page 2-27.

you print on multi-part forms, labels, or envelopes, be

Multi-part forms

With the built-in tractor unit, your printer can print on continuous multi-part forms. You can use multi-part forms that have up to six parts including the original.

2-22

Paper Handling

Multi-part paper is loaded the same way as continuous paper. For details, see the section on loading continuous paper in this chapter. Before loading the multi-part forms, press the the

TRACTOR

light comes on.

PAPER SELECT

button until

WARNING:

FRICTION

Labels

If you need to print labels, choose the type of label that is mounted on a continuous backing not use single sheet labels on a shiny backing sheet because they almost

always slip a little if fed by friction alone. You load labels the same way that you load continuous paper. See the

section on loading continuous paper in this chapter.

WARNING:

Labels can easily come off the backing and

Also,

label does become stuck in the printer mechanism, see your authorized Epson dealer for assistance.

Since labels are especially sensitive to temperature and humidity, always use them under normal operating conditions.

Do not load or print on multi-part forms if the

light or

sheet

never use the

CSF

light is on.

with sprocket holes for use with the tractor. Do

Never feed labels backward through the printer.

jam

the printer.

LOAD/EJECT

button to eject labels. If a

Paper Handling

2-23

To eject the labels from the printer, follow these steps:

1. Raise the paper guide cover as shown in the illustration.

Remove the paper guide.

2-24

Paper Handling

3. Tear off the sheet of labels at the perforation behind the push tractor.

Press the ON

FORM FEED LOAD/EJECT

LINE

button to set the printer off line. Then press the

button to eject the labels. (Remember not to use the

button to eject labels.)

Paper Handling

2-25

Envelopes

You can print on a variety of envelopes - including air mail, plain, or bond envelopes - using chapter. Chapter 7 describes using envelopes with

When loading an envelope, you may have to press down on it slightly. Then press

the LOAD/EJECT

the

single sheet loading feature described in this

the

cut

sheet

feeder.

button to load the envelope.

If it is necessary to eject the printed envelope, press the set the printer off line. Then press the

2-26

LOAD/EJECT

ON LINE

button.

Paper Handling

button to

WARNING: When you print on envelopes, be sure that your application program settings keep the printing entirely within the printable area shown below.

8.5 mm (0.33”) or more

22 mm

3mm

(0.22”) or more

Note:

the

printed results are faint, use the

button to adjust the distance between the print head and

(0.87”) or more

PLATEN GAP ADJUST

the

platen.

Paper Handling

Chapter 3

Using the Printer

Operating the Control Panel

The display

The lights................................................

The buttons..............................................

Other control panel features

SelecType Settings

Using SelecType Selecting a main menu mode LOAD MACRO CHANGE MACRO

CHANGE DEFAULTS PRINT OUT SETTINGS

CLEAR ALL MACROS

Page Length...............................................

Skip Over Perforation Setting the Loading Position

Adjusting the loading position

Short Tear-Off Selecting Typestyles

Fonts

Pitch.................................................................................................................... 3-37

Condensed mode

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3-2 3-2 3-3

3-4

3-8

3-8 3-10 3-12 3-13

3-15

3-18 3-23

3-24

3-26

3-28 3-30

3-30 3-31 3-33

3-34

3-38 Choosing Choosing a Character Table

Using the Printer

International Character Set

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

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

3-39

3-40

3-1

Operating the Control Panel

The LQ-2550 control panel is made up of three elements: indicator lights, and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The buttons let you control all of

the

main printer settings and paper handling functions, and the indicator lights and display let you monitor the current status of the printer.

The display

POWER

READY

0 PAPER

OUT

LINE

If any of the following states occur, the display shows the corresponding message.

The printer is out of paper. The printer cover is open.

the

buttons,

3-2

The print head

has

become hot. When the print head cools, printing resumes and this message clears.

Paper is jammed. Turn the printer off and

remove paper. If no paper is jammed, the printer requires service.

Paper is crooked. Turn the printer off and

remove paper. Turn the printer back on, and reload paper using the

Paper was advanced using

Turn the printer off and remove paper.

LOAD/EJECT

the

button.

platen knob.

Turn

the printer back on and reload paper using the

LOAD/EJECT

button.

Using the Printer

The lights

POWER

READY

PAPER

OUT

LINE

POWER

READY

PAPER OUT ON LINE

TRACTOR

(green):

(red):

(green):

ON LINE FORM FEED LINE FEE0 LOAOIEJECT

On when the printer is turned on and

power is supplied. On when the printer is ready to accept

input data. This light flickers while data is received.

On when the printer is out of paper. On when the printer can receive and print

data from the computer. If this light flickers, the print head is overheating. Printing resumes when the print head cools.

On when tractor feed is selected by the

PAPER SELECT

button.

FRICTION

CSF

CONDENSED

TEAR OFF

MICRO FEED

(green):

(orange):

Using the Printer

On when friction feed is selected by the

PAPER SELECT

button.

On when cut sheet feeder mode is selected by

the PAPER SELECT

button.

On when condensed mode is selected by the

CONDENSED

button,

SelecType

setting,

or software command. On when tear-off mode is selected. On when micro-adjustment feature is

selected.

3-3

PLATEN GAP ADJUST :

(orange)

On when platen gap adjust mode is selected.

SelecType

(orange):

4 A V b (yellow):

The buttons

On when

SelecType

mode is selected.

These arrows prompt the user when SelecType mode, tear-off mode, micro-feed mode, or platen gap adjust mode is selected.

ON LINE FORM FEED LINE

FEED LOAOIEJECT

ON LINE:

FORM FEED:

3-4

This button controls the printer’s on line/ off line status. When the printer is on line, the

ON LINE

light

the left side of the control panel is on and the printer can receive and print data from the computer. In SelecType mode, this button may be used to change the SelecType settings.

When the printer is off line, this button ejects a single sheet of paper or advances continuous paper to the top of the next page. In SelecType mode, this button changes the SelecType settings.

Using the Printer

LINE FEED:

When the printer is off line, this button

feeds the paper one line, or held down, feeds the paper continuously. In SelecType mode, this button changes

the

SelecType

settings.

LOAD/EJECT:

FONT:

When the printer is off line, this button loads or ejects the paper. In SelecType mode, this button changes the SelecType

settings.

Hold down this button until the display shows the desired font. Pressing the FONT button displays fonts in

the

following

order:

Draft, Roman, Sans Serif, Courier, Prestige, Script, OCR-B, OCR-R,

ORATOR, ORATOR-S

Orator and Orator-S are only available with the optional Multi-Font Module. See the section on fonts in this chapter for more information.

PITCH:

Using the Printer

Hold down this button until the display shows the desired pitch. You can choose 10,

12, or 15 CPI (characters per inch) or Proportional. See the section on pitch in this chapter for more information.

3-5

CONDENSED:

Press this button to select either condensed or normal printing. The selected mode is displayed. In condensed mode, all characters are printed at approximately 60% of their normal width. This mode cannot be combined with 15 CPI (set by the

PITCH

button).

MICRO FEED:

PLATEN GAP ADJUST:

Turns on and off the micro-adjustment feature. In micro-feed mode, the

(V)

button is used to feed

backward and #he

FORM FEED

LINE FEED

the

paper slightly

(A) button is used to feed the paper slightly forward to adjust the print position, short tear-off position, or loading position. The sections on short tear-off and adjusting the loading position in this chapter have more information on this feature.

Selects or deselects the platen gap adjust mode. If the printing is too dark or too faint, you can widen or narrow the platen gap to achieve the desired printing results. When this mode is selected, the display changes to:

GhP

Press the

. . . .

ON LINE (4 ) button to widen the

..DDDDD.

gap between the platen and print head. Press the the gap. An increasing number of

LOAD/EJECT ( b) button to narrow

)

‘s

indicates a narrowing gap.

3-6

Using the Printer

SelecType:

Selects or deselects the SelecType mode. When this mode is selected, the

FEED(A), LINE FEED

( .)

buttons can be used as SelecType panel buttons. The display lets you monitor the SelecType settings. See the section on

SelecType in this chapter for details.

ON LINE

(V),and LOAD/EJECT

TEAR

OFF

(4),

FORM

TEAROFF:

PAPER SELECT:

Using the Printer

Press this button to feed the perforation of continuous paper to the tear-off edge of the printer. After tearing off the paper, press this button again to feed the paper backward to

the loading position. You can also make this

feature easier to use by setting the

OFF

option with SelecType. See the short

tear-off section in this chapter for more

information.

When the printer is off line, press this button to select the paper handling system. The selected system is shown on the display. The

paper handling system is selected in the

following order:

Tractor, Friction, CSF Bin 1, CSF Bin 2

AUTO TEAR

3-7

Other control panel features

Self test:

By holding down the draft mode) or

LINE FEED

FORM FEED

button (for Letter

button (for

Quality mode) while you turn on the printer, you can start the printer’s self test. The self test printout lets you check the current settings and operating status of the printer. See the section on testing the printer in Chapter 1 for more information.

Data dump:

By holding down both the

FORM FEED

buttons while you turn on the

LINE FEED

and

printer, you turn on the data dump mode. This feature allows advanced users to find the cause of communication problems between the computer and printer. See the section on the data dump mode in Chapter 6.

SelecType Settings

SelecType on the LQ-2550 brings a new dimension to printing. With

SelecType you can control almost every aspect of printer operation. SelecType lets you:

l Use four preset macros - stored groups of settings that you can

recall with the touch of a button

l Replace the preset macros with your own custom-designed

macros

l Change up to 17 printer settings from SelecType l Choose among the LQ-2550’s eight built-in fonts l Print the LQ-2550’s settings with the touch of a button l Monitor the LQ-2550’s settings with the LCD display l Change the LQ-2550’s default settings without DIP switches.

3-8

Using the Printer

The four preset macros cover these general applications: Letter Quality printing/word processing, draft printing/word processing, spreadsheets,

and graphics. You can also create your own macros with any of the LQ’s

settings.

MACRO #l

Preset macro #l is set for Letter Quality

printing/word processing in the Roman font.

It can be used for word processing or any

application where you want a polished

result.

print styles,

and double-width,

You can also use enhancements and

including italic, emphasized,

MACRO #2

Preset macro #2 is set for draft printing/word processing to produce highspeed, used for word processing to print rough drafts, a hurry. print styles, including

a n d

draft quality printing. It can be

or for any job you need printed in

You can also use enhancements and

d::::::l II::::::) II,.,..I! Ur::::r X. E::!: ~~~~~.~~

II,P,,II

::ii..

itall’c,

II::::::~

‘I:::..

1k11 ,.,,

emphasized,

MACRO

Using the Printer

Smith

Jones

Williams

SALES REPORT

Jan Feb Mar

784 548

714 750 655

756 152

475

852

May Jun

648

074

154

789

841 740

654 a85 887

3-9

MACRO #4

There are no switches to reset or commands to send. In fact, the

LQ-2550 has no DIP switches. You simply load the macro you want, then print. All these functions can be controlled through SelecType.

Using SelecType

To enter SelecType mode, simply press the

SelecType

button.

Selec

Type

Before you use SelecType, make sure that the LQ-2550 is not printing. The printer must complete its print job before you enter SelecType. If

you have turned the printer off line during a print job, turn the printer back on line and let the LQ-2550 finish printing before you enter SelecType mode.

3-10

Using the Printer

Note: Your application application programs are designed to control the same settings you choose with SelecType by sending certain software commands before printing. Because these commands cancel SelecType settings, you should use

setting.

the

program instead of SelecType to select the affected

may

override your Selectype settings. Some

You can exit SelecType at any time by pressing this button Note that you must exit SelecType before printing a document. If you press the those settings are temporarily used as current settings until the printer is turned off, but are cleared when the printer is turned back on.

The SelecType main menu lists the five modes that let you control printer functions and operations. The five main menu modes are:

:LrJflDMfKRO:

:CHflNGEl'MCRO:

:CHBNGEDEFAlJLTS

:PRINTOUT

SETTINGS:

SelecType

button after you set a macro but before you save it,

This mode lets you load one of the four macros to accommodate your own printing needs.

This mode lets you change the current printer

settings (such as font and form length), with

the option of saving these changes to create your own macros.

This mode lets you define

(such as interface and baud rate) that will be in

effect each time you turn on the printer.

This mode prints out the current printer

settings, the settings for the four macros, and

the default settings.

once

the

default settings

more.

:CLEflRALL t'lC1CRDS:

Using the Printer

This mode returns all of the current printer

settings, macro settings, and default settings to

the preset values.

3-11

Following the arrow icons

When you are in the SelecType main menu, an : icon precedes the names

each

the main menu modes. This icon indicates that you can change modes by pressing either the right of the mode name indicates that you can activate the mode by

or V button. The F icon to the

pressing the b button. In general, the same applies when you are in a SelecType submenu. The

icon indicates that you can choose a different option (shown on the left

side of the display, such as

icon indicates that you can activate the option to select among its

settings (shown on the right side of the display, such as

Se P i f)

by pressing the F button. Once you have activated an option,

FONT)

by pressing the ^ or V button. The

Roman and

Sans

you can choose among its settings by pressing the ^ or V button. You can select a setting by pressing the 4 button, and exit the option by

pressing the 4 button again.

Selecting a main menu mode

Select one of the five main menu modes as follows:

1. Press the

The display briefly shows:

Next, the display changes to:

3-12

SelecType

button.

Selec

Type

SLDfiDMfKRO

SelecType MODE

Using the Printer

Press the A or V button to shift through the five modes as follows.

SLOADNFICRU

The instructions to follow show you how to select settings for the various options available for each main menu mode.

Note: After you have learned how to use the SelecType feature by reading through this chapter, you can use the Quick Reference card at the back of this manual for summary information on SelecType, until

you become accustomed to using this feature.

:CHfiNGEMfKRO

SCHCINGEDEFAULTS

:PRINTOUTSETTINGS

:CLEFIRFtLLMCROS

LOAD MACRO

The LOflD macro you have created using the

MfiCRO

mode lets you load one of four preset macros or a

CHhNBE I’WICRO

mode.

In the following sample, the settings of the four preset macros were printed with the PRINT OUT SETTINGS mode.

Using the Printer

3-13

Macro t4

ROlnEXIl

lOCPI

Off

BlLINE

132LINE 132LINE

Off Off

136

Italic

USA

Bi-d

Black

FONT PITCH CONDENSED FORM LNG Tractor CSF

bin1

CSF bin2

1" SKIP

AUTO TEAR OFF

LEFT MARGIN RIGHT MARGIN CG TABLE COUNTRY

PRINT DIR. COLOR

Macro

#1 ROIWXI lOCPI

Off Off

66LINE 132LINE

132LINE

Off Off

136

Italic

USA

Bi-d

Black

Macro

Draft

lOCPI

66LINE

132LINE

Italic

Bi-d

Black

Off Off

136

USA

Macro

Draft

lOCPI

66LINE 132LINE 132LINE

Off

136

Italic

USA

Bi-d

Black

When you turn the printer on, one. of the four macros is loaded as the

default macro. When you load another macro, the new macro’s settings

become the printer’s current settings. To load a macro, perform the following steps.

Select the

LUfiD NfKRU mode from the SelecType main menu. (See

the instructions for selecting a main menu mode in the previous section.)

The display shows:

Activate the LOAD

MACRO

MfKRO

mode by pressing the F button directly

:LUfiD

beneath the display.

These two screens are alternately displayed:

LOF~DMIJCRU

#r-t+

(1-4)

LUflD,

by pressing the

FIEURT

Select the number of the macro to be loaded

or V button.

Press the b button to load the selected macro. (To abort the load

macro operation, press the 4 button.)

3-14

Using the Printer

If you have loaded a macro, the display briefly shows:

MfKRO#nLOfiDED

Next, the display changes to:

:LO~IDMFICRO

You are now back at the SelecType main menu.

To switch to one of the other main menu modes, press the button. If you wish to exit SelecType mode, press the

button.

SelecType

CHANGE MACRO

The

CHANGE

macro is currently loaded. It also gives you the option of saving the settings as any of the four

PlACRO mode lets you change the settings of whichever

rn-acres.

The settings available in

FONT

PITCH

CONDENSED FORM LENGTH*

1”

SKIP

fWTOTEfIROFF

LEFT

l”MRCiIN*

CHhNGE MCRO mode are listed below.

Roman, Sans Serif, Script,

(optional),

CPI, 12 CPI, 15 CPI*, Proportional*

* Some fonts cannot be printed in proportional spacing. In this case, the pitch is not displayed.

On,

Tractor - 24 lines to 132 lines CSF B i n 1 - 24 lines to 132 lines CSF B i n 2 - 24 lines to 132 lines

* The line spacing is in

On, On, Off

0 to 80 columns

OCR-B, OCR-FI,

Orator-S (optional)

Off

Courier,

Draft., Orator

1/6th of an inch units.

Prestige,

CPI or

Using the Printer

3-15

RICiHTMARGIN*

1 to 136 columns

*The column spacing is based on a pitch of

10 CPI.

CG TABLE COUNTRY

Italic, Graphic,

IJM,

France, Germany,

Sweden, Italy,

Norway,

Denmark2,

Download

IJK,

Denmarkl,

Spainl, Japan,

Spain2,

Latin

America, Korea, Legal

PRINT DIR.

CiiLOR

Bi-directional, Uni-directional Black,

Red, Green

Magenta, Cyan,

Uil3let,

Yellcfw,

The changes you make are temporarily made to the current macro’s

settings (until you turn off the printer), but you can save any of the four macros. Changed macros that you save remain in effect

even

after you turn off the printer.

The following example describes the procedure for changing the option, but the other options (with the exception of be changed in the same manner. (The procedure for setting

LENGTH

different if your printer’s preset settings have been changed.

Note: The

chapter:

COUNTRY,

is described later in this chapter.) The displays shown may be

following options are described in more detail later in this

FORMLENGTH, 1”

andCG TABLE.

SKIP,

f&lTOTEAROFF,

the

changes as

FONT

FORM

LENGTH)

FORM

FONT, PITCH,

can

3-16

Using the Printer

To change and save a macro, perform the steps described below.

Select the

CHhNGE MACRD mode from the

SelecType

main menu. (See the instructions for selecting a main menu mode earlier in this chapter.)

The display shows:

Activate this mode by pressing the b button directly beneath the

SCHCINGEMKRO

display.

Roman

The display changes to:

Note: The + icon preceding

FONT

:FONT

indicates that you can change to one

of the other options, such as right margin or color, by pressing the or A button to display the option.

3. To select a font, press the The display changes to:

Press the V button to shift through the available fonts. (Press the

button.

FONT

Ronat-

button to shift through the fonts in reverse order.) For the purposes of this example, display Sans

Serif

by pressing

the V button. The display changes to:

FONT

SansSerifI

5. Press the 4 button to select

The display changes to:

Sans

:FONT

Serif.

SansSerifb

Note: At this point you can again change the option at the left side of the display by pressing the A or V button. If you do this, begin again at step 3 to change the settings for the option.

Using the Printer

3-17

Press

the 4 button again to exit the font selection process. These

two screens are alternately displayed:

SCIUEMf3CRO

4fiBORT

Press the A or V button to select the number of the macro to be saved. You can

Press the b button to save the macro.

choose

a number from 1 to 4.

#n:

SfV.JEb

(If you do not wish to save your changes to a macro, press the button to abort. effect only until you turn off your printer.

If you save

When you

the

macro, the display briefly shows:

abort, the settings you select remain in

MflCRU#nSFIUED

)

Next, the display changes to:

:CHFINGEMFlCRU

You are

To switch to another main menu mode, press the A or V button. If

you wish to exit SelecType mode, press the

now

back at the SelecType main menu.

SelecType

button.

Whenever you wish to use a macro that you

saved, you can load it using the

LUAD MACRO

have

changed and

mode. Your changed

macro is saved even when you turn off the printer.

CHANGE DEFAULTS

The defaults are the settings in effect when you turn the printer on. The following is a list of possible default settings for the LQ-2550.

INTERFRCE BAUDRflTE*

*Displayed only when the serial interface setting is selected

3-18

Parallel, Serial

3G18, 68@, 12QB, 2488, 4888, 968Q,

19288 BPS

Using the Printer

PARITY *

None, Even, Odd,

Ignore

FlUTOLINEFEED

DCl/DC3

DEFfYJLT MCR#

On, Off

Disable, Enable

#l, #21

#3,

*Displayed only when the serial interface setting is selected

The LQ-2550 comes with preset default values, which can be printed out using the PRINT

GLJT

SETTINGS mode. These default values are shown

below.

INTERFACE

BAUD

RATE PARITY AUTO

L,INE

FEED

DCl/DC3

DEFAUI,T MACRO

Default,

set.t;ing

Parallel

* 9600RPS

None

Off

Disable

If your computer has a parallel interface, the preset defaults should work correctly in most cases. You may wish to change the settings, however,

to match

your usual style of printing. Here are a few

DEFAULT MACRO

additional tips on setting the defaults.

INTERFFICE:

change the interface setting to interface board, be sure that the interface setting is

If your computer has a serial interface, you need to

Serial.

(If you are using an optional

Pa r a

11 e

regardless of what type of interface it actually is. See the section on interface boards in Chapter 7 for more information.)

BFllJD RfiTE, Pf?RIT’r’:

interface. (Be sure to first set the interface setting to

Set

these only if you are using the serial

Serial . BALJD

RfiTE and PARITY do not display in SelecType unless the interface is

set to

Se r

i a 1.) Check your computer manual for

the

correct baud rate and parity settings. Your computer and printer should be set to the same baud rate and parity.

Using the Printer

3-19

f3UTO

LINE FEED:

(0 f f

) in most cases. Most applications send automatic line feeds at

This setting should remain at its default value

the end of every line. If all of the lines are printing on top of each

other, then set

DC 1

/DC3:

(Disable)

FIIJTO LINE

FEED to

On.

This setting should also be left at its default value

in most cases. See these codes in Chapter 8 for more

information.

DEFWJLT MfKRO: This setting controls which macro is loaded when

you turn on the printer.

To change and save the default settings, perform the steps listed below. The following example describes the procedure for changing the interface, baud rate, and parity for a serial interface, but all the other options can be changed in the same manner. If you are changing only one option, follow steps 1 - 4 and 13 - 17 only.

The displays shown may be different if your printer’s preset settings have been changed.

Note: Your new default settings do not take effect until you turn

the

printer off and then back on.

Select the

The display shows:

Activate this mode by pressing the b button directly beneath the

CHfINGE DEFfWLTS mode from the SelecType main menu.

SCHfiNGEDEFAULTS

display. The display changes to:

SINTERFCICE

Note: If you wish to change an option other than

Parallel b

INTERFfKE,

press

the A or V button.

3-20

Using the Printer

3. Press

the F button to indicate that you wish to change the setting.

The display changes to:

Press the A or V button to switch the display to Se The display changes

Press

the 4 button.

to:

The display changes to:

4INTERFRCE

) 4

INTERFIXE

:INTERFf%E

Parallel:

i a 1.

Serial:1

Serial,

Note: If you are changing only one option, skip to step 14 at this point. The other steps show you how to change two other options,

following the same method given for

Press

the V button to switch the display

The display changes to:

Press the F button.

The display changes to:

Press the A or V button to set baud rate is reset to 2400

BPS.

the INTERFACE

BAIJD Rf3TE.

:BFIUDRflTE

4BfOJD RF1TE

the

baud rate. In this example, the

option.

9600BPSb

9600BPS:

The display changes to:

Press the 4 button.

The display changes to:

4BfiUD RFITE

:EHJD R~ITE

10. Press the V button to switch the display to The display shows:

SPhRITY

Using the Printer

2400BPS:

2400BPSb

PflRITY.

None,

3-21

11. Press the

button.

The display changes to:

12. Press the

or V button to select the parity. In this example,

4PFIRITY

None:

Even

parity is selected. The display changes to:

13. Press the

The display changes

14.

Press the 4 button again to exit this option.

button.

to:

4PFIRITY

ISPF~RITY

Even:

Even,\

The display alternates between these two menus:

IwEDEF~~uLTS

4flBORT

15.

Press the b button to save the defaults. (If you do not wish to save

SfiUEb

the setting, press the 4 button.) If you saved the defaults, the display briefly shows:

DEFflULTSSAUED

It then briefly changes to:

PLEMETURNOFF

This reminds you to turn your printer off and back on again to let the changes in default settings take effect.

Finally, it changes to:

:CHflNGEDEFiWLTS

You are now back at the SelecType main menu.

16. To switch to another main menu mode, press the A or V button. If you wish to exit SelecType mode, press the

17.

Turn your printer off and back on again to allow your new default

SelecType

button.

settings to take effect.

3-22

Using the Printer

PRINT OUT SETTINGS

The PRINT

ClllT

SETTINGS mode gives you an immediate printout of

the current printer settings, the four macro settings, and the default

settings.

This mode is an invaluable tool that lets you check the macro settings and defaults to decide if there is anything you want to change. It also lets you verify changes you make to these settings with SelecType.

To use this mode, make sure the printer is loaded with paper and is finished printing. Then follow the steps below.

Select the PRINT

OUT

SETTINGS mode from the SelecType main

menu. The display changes to:

Activate this mode by pressing the b button. The display changes to:

Press the b button to print.

:PRINTUUTSETTINGS

4fiBURT

PRINT,

If you do not wish to print, press the 4 button. (You can also press the 4 button to abort while printing is in progress.)

Caution:

Always make sure that paper is loaded before you enter the

PRINT OUT SETTINGS mode.

When printing is complete, the display changes to:

:PRINTOUTSETTINGS

You are now back at the SelecType main menu.

To switch to another main menu mode, press the A or V button. If you wish to exit SelecType mode, press the

SelecType

button.

Using the Printer

3-23

A sample printout made in the PRINT

DUT

SETTINGS mode is shown below. This printout shows the preset macros and default settings.

CUrI

Ymt

FONT PITCH CONDENSED FORM LNG Tractor CSF

bin1

CSF

bin2

SKIP AUTO TEAR OFF LEFT MARGIN RIGHT MARGIN CG TABLE COUNTRY PRINT DIR. COLOR

FONT PITCH CONDENSED FORM LNG Tractor CSF

bin1

CSF bin2

1" SKIP AUTO TEAR OFF LEFT MARGIN RIGHT MARGIN CG TABLE COUNTRY PRINT DIR. COLOR

INTERFACE BAUD RATE PARITY AUTO LINE FEED

DCl/DCB

DEFAULT MACRO

Default setting

setting

Roman

IOCPI

Off

66LINE 132LINE 132LINE

Off Off

136

Italic

USA

Bi-d

Black

Macro #1

Roman

lOCPI

Off

66LINE 132LINE 132LINE 132LINE

Off Off Off

136

Italic Italic

USA

Bi-d

Black Black

Parallel

9600BPS

None

Off

Disable

Macro

132LINE

Draft

lOCPI

Off

66LINE

Off

136

USA

Bi-d

Macro

Draft

lOCPI

66LINE 132LINE 132LINE

Off

136

Italic

USA

Bi-d

Black

Macro

Roman

lOCPI

Off

5lLINE

132LINE 132LINE

Off Off

136

Italic

USA

Bi-d

Black

CLEAR ALL MACROS

This mode allows you to return all of the current printer settings, macro settings, and default settings to the preset values. It also gives you the option of clearing only the macro settings or only the default settings.

3-24

Using the Printer

Caution:

settings

use the CLEAR

Select

This mode

that

the

CLEflR flLL MCROS mode from the SelecType main menu.

erases

any custom-designed macros and default

you have set and replaces them with the original settings.

flLL PlflCROS mode, follow the steps below.

The display changes to:

Activate this mode by pressing the b button. The display changes to:

:CLEFIRFILLMf3CROS

4FlBORT

CLEfiR.

Press the b button to clear all macros and return them to their preset values.

If you do not wish to clear all macros, press the 4 button. If you chose to clear all macros, the display briefly shows:

FILLtlfKROSCLEARED

It briefly changes to:

Then,

the

display changes to: 4

Press the b button to clear the default settings. (If you do not wish

CLEhRDEFfVJLTS

FtBORT

CLEi?R,

to clear the default settings, press the 4 button.) If you clear the defaults, the display briefly shows:

DEFAULTSCLEfiRED

It briefly changes to:

PLEASETIJRNCFF

This reminds you to turn your printer off and back on again to let your changes take effect.

Then, it changes to:

You

are

now

back at the SelecType main menu.

:CLEFIRFlLLMfXRUS

Using the Printer

3-25

To switch to another main menu mode, press the A or V button. If you wish to exit SelecType mode, press the

Turn the printer off and back on again to allow the settings to take

SelecType

button.

effect.

Page Length

The SelecType function also enables you to set the page length of paper used with the tractor feed system or the cut sheet feeder. The page length can be set in Be sure that the page length is correctly set for the type of paper feed system you are using. If you are using the cut sheet feeder, the page length is automatically set and memorized when you run the printer’s built-in self test. However, you can use this Selectype feature to override this setting.

If you are using friction feed, it is not necessary to set page length with

SelecType. However, be sure to select the correct page length with your application software. Also, if possible, select the hand-fed or single sheet mode with your software. If your software gives you the option of sending a form feed at the end of a page, select that capability as well.

To set the page length using SelecType, follow the steps below to set the

FORM LENGTH

printer’s preset settings have been changed.

1/6th

of an inch units within a range of 24 lines to 132 lines.

option. The displays shown may be different if your

Press the

SelecType

The display briefly shows:

3-26

button.

SclecTypeMODE

Using the Printer

Next, the display changes to:

2. Press the V button.

:LOFIDMFlCRU

The display changes to:

SCHANGEMACRU

3. Press the b button. The display changes to:

Press the A or V button to locate the

The display shows:

:FONT

FORM LENGTH

SFORbl LNG

Roman,

option.

Tractor,

5. Press the b button.

66LINEb

once

more. Then press

the

STractor

cut

sheet

feeder, first press the

The display changes to:

To change form length for tractor feed, press the b button.

(To change form length for

button. To set CSF bin 2, press the V button

the b button.)

If you are changing form length for

the

tractor feed, the display

changes to:

4Tractor

66LINE:

(If you are changing form length for a cut sheet feeder, the bin number and form length are displayed.)

Press the A or V button to set the desired number of lines. In this example, the page length is set to 72 lines for the tractor feed.

The display shows:

4Tractor

72LINES

8. Press the 4 button. The display

shows:

:Tractor

72LINEb

Using the Printer

3-27

9. Press the 4 button again.

SFORfl

The display changes to:

10.

Press the 4 button once more.

LNG

These two screens are alternately displayed:

Tractor,

SFlUEMACRO

4FlBORT

11.

Press the A or V button to select the number of the macro to be

#nt

SF1UEb

saved (1-4).

12.

Press the b button to save the macro. (If you do

not

wish to save

your changes to a macro, press the 4 button.) If you saved

the

macro, the display briefly shows:

MCR@#nSFIUED

The display then changes to:

CHf+NGEMi9CRO

You are now back at the SelecType main menu.

13. If you wish to exit the SelecType mode, press the

SelecType

Skip Over Perforation

button.

By adjusting the SelecType 1” perforation to

OFF.

paper, a one-inch margin is provided between

SKIP

If this feature is

option, you can set skip over

when you use continuous

the

last printed line on one

page and the initial printable line on the next page so that the printer

skips over the perforation. This feature is very convenient if your

application program does not provide top and bottom margins.

3-28

Using the Printer

If you adjust your loading position to the proper point, you can get half of the margin at the bottom of one page and half at the top of the next page as shown in the following illustration.

I” SUP

,________

. 23456789:

Off {Skip over perforation OFF)

23456789 :

3456789:;<=~?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~\~~

456789:

56789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\~'--'

6789:

;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\II-at

789:

;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\j'_'abC

89:

9:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]*-'abed

:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\l^_'abcde

SKIP On (Skip over perforation ON)

3456789 :

.---------------------

456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]--'

56789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]* 't

6789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\IA-'at

;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\I

;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVwXYZ[\l~m

----_-

;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\I^ 'a

;<=>?@'ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]'

;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]--

-----------------------

__-_-_------

To set skip over perforation to provide a one-inch margin using

SelecType, set the 1”

SKIP

option by following

the

steps in the

CHANGE MACRO section earlier in this chapter.

Note: Most application programs take care of top and bottom margins. Therefore, do program does not provide

not

turn on skip over perforation unless your

these

margins.

Using the Printer

3-29

Setting the Loading Position

The loading position is the position of the paper when it has been automatically loaded by the printer.

The loading position is important because it determines where the printing begins on each page. If page, change the loading position using described below.

Separate loading positions can be set for single sheets, continuous paper, and sheets loaded by the cut sheet feeder.

WARNING: Never use the platen knob for feeding except

in the case of a paper jam or other paper feed problem.

Until this loading position is reset, the printer remembers this loading position and uses it as a reference point for feeding

Using the platen knob while the printer is on results in an error message

turn off the printer, remove the paper, turn the printer back on, and reload the paper with the To adjust the loading position always use the microadjustment feature.

the

(ERKG?

printing is too high or too low on the

the

micro-adjustment feature

12 ). To clear this error, you must

LOAD/EJECT

the

paper.

button.

The micro-adjustment feature moves the paper l/180th of

time to make fine adjustments of the loading position. Once you have

used micro-adjustment to change paper, the printer remembers initialize the printer. However,

position for friction or cut sheet feeder mode.

the

loading position of continuous

that

position even after you turn off or

the

printer does not remember the loading

inch at a

Adjusting the loading position

To adjust the loading position, follow these steps:

1. Load your paper.

Press the

MICRO FEED

stands for top of form.)

3-30

MICRO FEED

light comes on and the display shows

button to select the micro-feed mode. The

TOF ADJLIST. (TOF

Using the Printer

Press

the FORM FEED

LINE FEED (V ) button to feed the paper backward.

Note: The printer beeps when the paper reaches a position that is approximately l/3 of an inch from the top edge of the paper. You can use this position as a reference point when you adjust the printer’s loading position.

Once you have adjusted your paper, press the again to turn off this feature.

(A)

button to feed

the

paper forward or the

MICRO FEED

button

Short Tear-Off

There are two ways of operating the short tear-off feature. The easier way is to set the

finished printing and if the perforation is at the top of form position, the printer automatically feeds tear-off edge of the paper guide cover so you can tear off sheet. When you resume printing, the loading position. See the CHANGE MACRO section in this chapter for instructions on setting the

The other way to operate the short tear-off feature is by using the

OFF

button on the control panel to feed the perforation of your

Using the Printer

AUTO TEAR OFF

the

option with SelecType. When you

perforation of the continuous paper to

the

fYJT0 TEAR DFF option.

have

the

last printed

paper automatically feeds back to

TEAR

3-31

continuous paper to the tear-off edge of the printer. After tearing off the paper, press the

TEAR OFF

button again to feed the paper backward to the

loading position.

WARNING: Do not use the short tear-off feature when you print labels. Be sure that the SelecType

OFF

setting is off. Otherwise, labels may come off the

AUTO TECIR

backing and jam the printer.

The short tear-off feature operated by the

TEAR OFF

button is described

below.

When you have finished printing, press the

TEAR OFF

button once to feed the perforation of your page forward to the tear-off edge of the paper guide cover.

Tear off the page using the tear-off edge.

Press the

TEAR OFF

button again to reverse-feed the paper to its

loading position.

If you need to adjust the tear-off position of the perforation to meet the tear-off edge, use the micro-adjustment feature. The same procedure can be used regardless of whether you set the tear-off position using SelecType or with the

TEAR OFF

button.

3-32

Using the Printer

First, make sure

FEED

tear-off position in

FEED

to feed it backward. After setting the position, press the button again.

button. The display shows

button

that

the

TEAR OFF

1080th

(A)

to feed the paper forward or the

of an inch increments by pressing

light is on, and then press the

TEf!R OFF f3DJUST.

Next, adjust the

LINE FEED

MICRO FEED

TEAR

OFF

MICRO

the FORM

button

(V)

Caution:

tractor feeding system.

Once you use the micro-adjustment feature to set the tear-off position,

the printer remembers that position even after it is turned off.

The short tear-off feature can only be used with the built-in

Selecting Typestyles

Your printer can produce a wide range of typestyles by using different fonts, pitches, widths, and other print variations. You can select typestyles in three different ways: by using software commands, by using

SelecType,

section describes how to select a typestyle using the

CONDENSED

Using the Printer

or by using other features available on the control panel. This

buttons

on the

FONT, PITCH,

control panel.

and

3-33

The settings you select using the control panel do not remain valid once the printer is turned off. Also, commands from your application program temporarily override these control panel

settings.

Fonts

Your printer has eight built-in fonts and, with the optional

Multi-

Font Module, two additional fonts are available. To select a font, hold down the FONT button until the display shows the desired font.

The following samples show the character set available for each font.

ROMAN

!“#$%&‘( I*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJK LMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ(\]^-‘abcdefghijklmnopqrstuv wxyz(l }‘C~~~~BBc~~P~iiffBB~~~~~~~l~~~~~~~~~~~ Lifif4~QjrT** i

We’ve just seen your excellent ad for

miniature zebras in a recent back issue of

Trader’s Times.

3-34

<<>>

Using the Printer

SANS SERIF

We’ve just seen your excellent ad for

miniature zebras in a recent back issue of

Trader’s

Times.

COURIER

We've just seen your excellent ad for

miniature zebras in a recent back issue of

Trader's Times.

PRESTIGE

!"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJK

LMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^-‘abcdefghijklmnopqrstuv

. . . . .

\ . .

We've just seen your excellent ad for

miniature zebras in a recent back issue of

Trader's Times.

SCRIPT

We’ve

. .

~IUU&U&Q

TJUI.&X’~

Using the Printer

zebluLa

Time&.

jti*

in a

been

YOU

Jtecen-t

exc&eti

back

-Caaue 04

hoa

3-35

OCR-B

We've just seen your excellent ad for

miniature zebras in a recent back issue of

Trader's Times.

OCR-A

We've

miniature zebras in a recent back issue of

Trader's Times.

ORATOR

!"#a&'()*+,-

LMNO~Q~ST~‘&(~~

~&YZEUE FUEAAAACEEEIIIA

UNNSQ&rl~$iO

WE'VE JUST SEEN YOUR EXCELLENT AD FOR

MINIATURE ZEBRAS

TRADER'S

ORATOR-S

“#§%&‘( >*+,-

LMNO?@STUWg

bpgzeue $ueaaaaCeeeillA

just

TIMES.

./Q12j456789:;<=)?tiABCDEFGHIJK

seen your

/Ql234$6789:

@,,,&I

A RECENT BACK

@,,,gt!

;

EF~~~#$~MNOPQRS~&!~

ii!

IEROOOUUYOU$EW~AIO

efg~~~~~moopsrsf~~

iii!

&ooouuyOU$EVkfaio

excellent

ad for

<=>?AABCDEFGHIJK

ISSUE

unNPQ&rl~~itl

We've just seen your excellent ad for

miniature zebras

in a recent

back issue of

Trader’s Times.

3-36

Using the Printer

Epson LQ-2550 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Table of Contents

Introduction

Features

Options

About This Guide

Where to Get Help

Unpacking the Printer

Removing the protective materials

Choosing a Place for the Printer

Assembling the Printer

Installing the platen knob

Installing the ribbon cartridge

Attaching the paper guide

Testing the Printer

Connecting to a power supply

Running the self test

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

The parallel interface

The serial interface

Setting Up Your Application Software

Choosing from a menu

Using Single Sheets

Loading a sheet

Reloading during printing

Using Continuous Paper

Positioning your continuous paper supply

Loading continuous paper

When you have finished printing

Reversing the paper to the standby position

Switching between Continuous and Single Sheets

Switching to single sheets

Switching back to continuous paper

Printing on Special Paper

Multi-part forms

Labels

Envelopes

Operating the Control Panel

The display

The lights

The buttons

Other control panel features

SelecType Settings

Using SelecType

Selecting a main menu mode

LOAD MACRO

CHANGE MACRO

CHANGE DEFAULTS

PRINT OUT SETTINGS

Page Length

Skip Over Perforation

Setting the Loading Position

Adjusting the loading position

Short Tear-Off

Selecting Typestyles

Fonts