Epson LQ-2550 User Manual

User’s Manual.

_____--.---

EPSON”

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

+ 251 hidden pages

Epson LQ-2550 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