Epson LQ-300 User Guide

Edge guides

Power switch

Paper supports

Paper guide

Paper-release

lever

Knob

Control panel

Printer cover

Print head

Sprocket units

Center support

Roman

Sans Serif

Courier

Prestige

Script

Draft

Draft Condensed

Tractor unit

Lights

12

Micro Adjust

Paper Park

Paper-thickness lever

Buttons

PauseLF/FFFont

3sec

Light

®

EPSON

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation.
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.

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

Seiko Epson Corporation 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.

EPSON and EPSON ESC/P are registered trademarks and EPSON Stylus and EPSON
ESC/P 2 are trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.

ActionPrinter is a trademark and EPSON Connection is a service mark of Epson
America, Inc.

CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe Information Service.

CorelDRAW is a registered trademark of Corel Systems Corporation.

IBM Proprinter is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

Lotus and 1-2-3 are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation.

Microsoft is a registered trademark and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

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

Copyright © 1994 by Seiko Epson Corporation, Nagano, Japan.

User’s Guide

FCC Compliance Statement

For United States Users

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

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

❏

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

❏

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the

❏

receiver is connected

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

❏

WARNING

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

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

For Canadian Users

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans le règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

ii

Where to Get Help for

United States Users

Epson America provides local customer support and service
through a nationwide network of authorized EPSON dealers and
Service Centers.

Epson also provides the following support services through the
EPSON Connection

❏ Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized EPSON

Reseller or Service Center

❏ Technical assistance with the installation, configuration, and

operation of EPSON products

❏ Sales of the ESC/P
❏ Epson technical information library fax service
❏ Product literature with technical specifications on our current

and new products

❏ Sales of ribbons, supplies, parts, documentation, and

accessories for your EPSON product

❏ Customer Relations

CompuServe® on-line support

The fastest way to access helpful tips, specifications, drivers,
application notes, and bulletins is through the Epson America
Forum on CompuServe.

If you are not currently a member of CompuServe, you are eligible
for a free introductory membership as an owner of an EPSON
product. This membership entitles you to:

❏ An introductory $15 credit on CompuServe
❏ Your own user ID and password
❏ A complimentary subscription to CompuServe Magazine,

CompuServe’s monthly publication

To take advantage of this offer, call [phone] in the United States
and Canada and ask for representative #529. In other countries,
call [phone] or your local CompuServe access number.

If you are already a CompuServe member, simply type GO EPSON
at the menu prompt to reach the Epson America Forum.

SM

at [phone]:

®

Reference Manual

iii

For United Kingdom Users

Epson product guarantee

Under the law, goods sold must comply with their description
and must be of merchantable quality and fit for their purpose or
correspond with any sample.

This guarantee does not affect the seller’s legal obligation or the
rights of the consumer in the “consumer transactions” under any
Statute, including Sections 12 to 15 of the Sales of Goods Act, 1979.

All EPSON Products, other than OEM products, are fully
guaranteed against faulty operation or performance for a period
of ONE YEAR from date of purchase by the user of the product.

All claims under this guarantee MUST be supported by evidence
of purchase, normally the bill of sale invoice, and it is the
responsibility of the claimant to furnish such proof. Epson (UK)
Limited does not issue or operate any form of guarantee
registration card.

Claims are made by the user returning the product to the supplier
from whom it was purchased or, if this is impractical, to any
Epson supplier who also handles the same product. In the event
of any difficulty, users are requested to contact the Service
Co-ordinator Manager at Epson (UK) Limited.

Epson (UK) Limited, or Epson Appointed Distributors, will at
their discretion repair or replace part or all of the product to
provide, in their judgement, a satisfactory performance of the
product consistent with its age and apparent usage.

This guarantee covers the cost of both the parts and labour
required to correct any malfunction of the equipment, but
specifically excludes: wear and tear, consumables, physical
damage due to incorrect use or misuse and damage or faulty
operation due to unauthorized and inexpert repair.

iv

The guarantee is restricted to the performance of the product
alone, and Epson (UK) Limited does not accept responsibility
for any consequential loss or damage, nor claimed or implied
performance, when the product is used in any combination with
other equipment or program software.

Product guarantee may be invalidated as a result of excessive or
inappropriate use, use in an adverse environment or in conditions
outside the specifications or if the product has been subjected to
unapproved modifications.

The guarantee does not cover visits to the user’s premises or the
repair or commissioning of the product on site.

Use of options

Epson (UK) Limited shall not be liable against any damages or
problems arising from the use of any options or consumable
products other than those designated as Original EPSON Products
or EPSON Approved Products by Epson (UK) Limited.

Safety information

Warning:

This appliance must be earthed. Refer to rating plate for voltage and check
that the appliance voltage corresponds to the supply voltage.

Important:

The wires in the mains lead fitted to this appliance are coloured in
accordance with the following code:

Green and yellow—Earth
Blue—Neutral
Brown—Live

As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may
not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the
terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:

❏ The green and yellow wire must be connected to the terminal

in the plug which is marked with the letter E or with the earth
symbol (

❏ The blue wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug

marked with the letter N or coloured black.

) or coloured green or green and yellow.

G

v

❏ The brown wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug

marked with the letter L or coloured white.

If damage occurs to the plug, replace the cord set or consult a
qualified electrician.

Replace fuses only with a fuse of the correct size and rating.

vi

Contents

Introduction

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1

ENERGY STAR Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2

Finding Your Way Around . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-3

Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-4

Chapter 1

Unpacking the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Assembling the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Installing the knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Attaching the paper supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Installing the ribbon cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Plugging in the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Running the Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

Connecting to the parallel interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14

Connecting to the serial interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

Setting Up Your Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Using Microsoft

Using non-Windows software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18

Chapter 2

Using the Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Lights and buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Selecting fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Printing on Single Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Loading single sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Getting the results you expect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Setting Up the Printer

®

Windows® 3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

Using the Printer

vii

Printing on Continuous Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Printing in the push tractor position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Printing in the pull tractor position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Printing on Special Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Adjusting the paper-thickness lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Multi-part forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19

Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20

Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21

Using the Printer Setting Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22

Printer setting descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23

Changing the printer settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25

Installing and Using Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29

Single-bin Cut-Sheet Feeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29

Pull Tractor Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33

Color Upgrade Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35

Chapter 3

Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Power is not being supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

The printer does not print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

The print is faint or uneven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Dots are missing in printed characters or graphics . . . . . . . 3-5

Printed characters are not what you expected . . . . . . . . . 3-5

The print position is not what you expected . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Paper Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Single sheets do not feed properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Continuous paper does not feed properly . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

When you use the cut-sheet feeder, the paper does not feed

properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Switching between the cut-sheet feeder and the push tractor

does not work properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Using the pull tractor with the push tractor, continuous paper

does not feed properly

Troubleshooting

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

viii

With the color upgrade installed, the printer does not operate

properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Appendix

Printer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6

Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7

Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7

Safety approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8

Interface Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8

Parallel interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8

Serial interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8

Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-10

Sending printer commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-10

Using the command summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-10

General operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-11

Paper feeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-11

Page format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-11

Print position motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-12

Font selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-13

Font enhancement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-14

Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-15

Character handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-16

Bit image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-18

Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-19

Color printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-19

Character Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-20

Index

ix

Declaration of Conformity

According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014

Manufacturer: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
Address: 3-5, Owa 3-chome, Suwa-shi,

Nagano-ken 392 Japan

Representative: EPSON EUROPE B.V.
Address: Prof. J. H. Bavincklaan 5 1183 AT Amstelveen

The Netherlands

Declares that the Product:

Product Name: Dot Matrix Printer
Type Name: LQ-300
Model: P852A

Conforms to the following Directive(s) and Norm(s):

Directive 89/336/EEC:

EN 55022 Class B
EN 50082-1
IEC 801-2
IEC 801-3
IEC 801-4

x

Directive 73/23/EEC:

EN 60950

June 1995

M. Hamamoto
President of EPSON EUROPE B.V.

CE Marking applies to 230V version only.

Introduction

Features

Your EPSON® 24-pin dot matrix printer offers these
outstanding features:

High-speed printing. Print up to 200 characters per

❏

second (cps) in 10-cpi draft mode.

Quiet operation. You’ll notice the benefit of quiet printing

❏

in your work environment.

Simple control panel. Three buttons and three lights give

❏

you fingertip-access to most printer functions.

Two built-in interfaces: parallel and EIA-232D serial.

❏

Detachable tractor unit that can be used as either a pull

❏

tractor or a push tractor. Print on single sheets without
removing the continuous paper supply.

Compact design. This printer fits neatly into available space

❏

in your home or office.

Longer printable area. Print up to 66 lines on A4-size or

❏

62 lines on standard letter paper.

You can get custom results with the following options:

Color Upgrade Kit (C83211✽) adds visual interest to

❏

printed documents with a color ribbon cartridge.

Pull Tractor Unit (C80030✽) for printing continuous paper

❏

and multi-part forms (used with the standard tractor).

Single-bin Cut-Sheet Feeder (C80637✽) loads up to 50

❏

sheets of paper automatically.

Introduction

1

NERGY STAR Compliance

E

As an International ENERGY STAR Partner,

EPSON has determined that this product meets
the International
energy efficiency.

The International ENERGY STAR Program promotes the
voluntary development of energy-efficient computers, printers,
and other peripheral equipment.

NERGY STAR Program guidelines for

E

Finding Your Way Around

This manual provides fully illustrated, step-by-step
instructions for setting up and operating your printer.

Chapter 1 describes how to unpack, set up, test, and

❏

connect the printer to your computer. Be sure to read this
chapter first.

Chapter 2 includes information on how to get the printing

❏

results you want and how to install options.

2

Chapter 3 offers simple tips on solving printing problems.

❏

If printing results are not what you expect or the printer
does not work properly, turn here for help.

The Appendix covers the printer’s specifications and lists

❏

programming commands.

An index at the back of the manual helps you find

❏

information on specific topics quickly.

Introduction

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

Warnings

must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.

w

Cautions

c

Notes

of your printer.

equipment.

contain important information and useful tips on the operation

must be observed to avoid damage to your

Introduction

3

Important Safety Instructions

Read all of these instructions before you set up your printer.

Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the printer.

❏

Unplug the printer from the wall outlet before you clean it,

❏

and use a damp cloth for cleaning, not liquid or aerosol
cleaners.

Do not use your printer near water or spill any liquid on it.

❏

Do not place the printer on an unstable cart, stand, table, or

❏

other surface that may allow the printer to fall.

Do not block any slots or openings in the cabinet. These are

❏

provided for the ventilation necessary to ensure reliable
operation and protection from overheating. Placing the
printer on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface may
block the openings. Also, do not place the printer in a
built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.

Never place the printer near or over a radiator or heat

❏

register.

4

Use the type of power source indicated on the label. If you

❏

are not sure of the type of power available, consult your
dealer or local power company.

This printer may be equipped with a plug having a third

❏

(grounding) pin, which fits only into a grounding-type
outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert
the plug into the outlet, have an electrician replace your
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the
grounding-type plug.

Do not put your printer where the cord will be walked on.

❏

Introduction

If you use an extension cord, make sure that the total of the

❏

ampere ratings on the products plugged into the extension
cord does not exceed the extension cord’s ampere rating.
Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into
the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.

Never push objects of any kind into your printer because

❏

they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts
that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

Except as specifically explained in the user’s manual, do not

❏

attempt to repair the printer yourself. This could expose
you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all
servicing in those compartments to service personnel.

Unplug the printer from the wall outlet and have it

❏

repaired by a qualified service person under the following
conditions:

When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed

If liquid has been spilled into it

If it has been exposed to rain or water

If it does not operate normally when the operating
instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that
are covered by the operating instructions since improper
adjustment of other controls may result in damage and
will often require extensive work by a qualified technician
to restore the printer to normal operation.

If it has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged

If it exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a
need for service

Introduction

5

6

Introduction

Chapter 1

Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Assembling the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Installing the knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Attaching the paper supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Installing the ribbon cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Plugging in the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Running the Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

Connecting to the parallel interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14

Connecting to the serial interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

1

Setting Up Your Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Using Microsoft

Using non-Windows software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18

®

Windows® 3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

Setting Up the Printer

1-1

Unpacking the Printer

Your printer box should include these items.

Printer

Printout guide

Knob Paper supports

Ribbon cartridge

In some locations, the power cord is attached to the printer.

Caution:

c

1-2

There are several versions of this printer designed for different
voltages, and it is not possible to change the voltage. If the
label on the bottom of the printer does not show the correct
voltage for your country, contact your dealer.

Setting Up the Printer

Power cord

Note:

The printout guide is used with the optional cut-sheet feeder. If you
do not have the cut-sheet feeder now, store the printout guide at the
back of the printer cover in case you need it later.

Choosing a Place for the Printer

When selecting a place to set up your printer, choose a
convenient location that provides the following:

A flat, stable surface

❏

Adequate room around the printer to allow easy operation

❏

and maintenance. Make sure it’s close enough to the
computer for the printer cable to reach, and be sure you
can easily unplug the power cord.

Moderate environmental conditions. Select a cool, dry area

❏

and protect your printer from direct sunlight, excessive
heat, moisture, or dust.

Appropriate power source. Make sure you use a grounded

❏

outlet; do not use an adapter plug. Avoid electrical outlets
controlled by timers or wall switches; an interruption in
power can wipe out the information in your computer or
printer memory.

Setting Up the Printer

1-3

If you place the printer on a stand, follow these guidelines:

Use a stand that supports at least 9 kg (19 lb).

❏

Never use a stand that tilts the printer. Always keep it level.

❏

Provide enough clearance below the stand and between the

❏

legs of the stand so your continuous paper flows smoothly.

Place cables so they do not interfere with paper feeding;

❏

secure them to a leg of the stand if possible.

Assembling the Printer

Follow the steps in this section to get your printer up and
running.

Installing the knob

1. Insert the knob into the hole in the printer’s right side and

rotate it slowly until it slips onto the shaft.

2. Push firmly on the knob until it fits against the printer case.

1-4

Setting Up the Printer

Attaching the paper supports

1. Raise the paper guide.

2. Hold one of the wire paper supports and push the tips into
the notches on the edge guide

3. Repeat for the other paper support. Lower the paper guide.

Setting Up the Printer

1-5

Installing the ribbon cartridge

Before installing the ribbon cartridge, make sure the printer is
turned off.

1. Open the printer cover to the upright position, then pull it up
to remove it.

Warning:

w

Never move the print head while the printer is turned on;
this can damage the printer. Also, if you have just used the
printer, let the print head cool for a few minutes before you
touch it.

1-6

Setting Up the Printer

2. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.

3. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the
arrow to remove any slack from the ribbon so it is easier to
install.

Setting Up the Printer

1-7

4. Insert the ribbon cartridge into the printer as shown; then
press both sides of the cartridge down firmly to fit the
plastic hooks into the printer slots.

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

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

7. Reinstall and close the printer cover.

1-8

Setting Up the Printer

When your printing becomes faint, you need to replace the
ribbon cartridge. To remove the old ribbon cartridge, first
move the print head to the center of the printer. Then grasp
the ribbon cartridge handle on either side and lift it out of the
printer.

Plugging in the printer

1. Make sure the power switch on the printer is turned off. It is
off when the N side of the switch is pressed down.

2. Check the label on the bottom of the printer to make sure
the voltage required by the printer matches that of your
electrical outlet.

Caution:

c

3. If the power cord is not attached to the printer, connect it to
the AC inlet on the printer.

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

If the rated voltage and your outlet voltage do not match,
contact your dealer for assistance. Do not plug in the
power cord.

Setting Up the Printer

1-9

Running the Self Test

The built-in self test function demonstrates that the printer is
working properly. You can run the test with either continuous
paper or single sheets; this section describes the easier way,
with single sheets.

Caution:

c

1. Make sure the printer is turned off and the paper-release
lever is pushed back to the single-sheet position. Raise the
paper guide upright.

You should use paper at least 210 mm (8.3 inches) wide to
run the self test; otherwise, the print head prints directly
on the platen.

1-10

Setting Up the Printer

2. While holding down the
Release the button after the
sounds three times, indicating the printer is out of paper.

3. Slide the left edge guide until it locks in place at the
triangular guide mark. Next, adjust the right edge guide to
match the width of your paper.

button, turn on the printer.

LF/FF

Pause

light flashes. The beeper

Setting Up the Printer

1-11

4. Slide a sheet of paper down firmly between the edge guides
until it meets resistance. The printer loads the sheet and
begins printing automatically.

Caution:

c

Always close the printer cover while the printer is
printing. The printer cover helps the paper feed properly.

5. To stop printing temporarily, press the

6. To end the self test, make sure the printer is not printing.
Press

Here is part of a typical self-test printout:

Note:

If the self test did not print satisfactorily, see Chapter 3. If it prints
correctly, go on to the next section.

1-12

Setting Up the Printer

to eject the sheet; then turn off the printer.

LF/FF

Pause

button.