Epson LQ-300 Owner's Manual

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.

Action Printer 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 Core1 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.

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 present 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.

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® Reference Manual

Epson technical information library fax service Product literature withtechnical 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 (800) 848-8199 in the United States

and Canada and ask for representative #529. In other countries, call (614) 529-1611 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.

at (800) 922-8911:

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.

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 or coloured green or green and yellow.

The blue wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked with the letter N or coloured black.

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.

Contents

Introduction

Features ..................................

Energy Star Compliant .........................

Finding Your Way Around Warnings, Cautions, and Notes Important Safety Instructions

Chapter 1

Unpacking the Printer .........................

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

Assembling the Printer

Installing the knob .........................

Attaching the paper supports ...................

Installing the ribbon cartridge Plugging in the printer

Running the Self Test ..........................

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

Connecting to the parallel interface Connecting to the serial interface

Setting Up Your Software

Microsoft Windows 3.1 and all Windows programs Using non-Windows software

Setting Up the Printer

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2 3 4

1-2 1-3 1-4 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-9 1-10 1-13 1-14 1-15 1-16

1-17 1-18

Chapter 2 Using the Printer

Using the Control Panel

Lights and buttons Selecting fonts

Printing on Single Sheets

Loading single sheets Getting the results you expect

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2-2 2-2 2-4 2-5 2-5 2-6

vii

Printing on Continuous Paper

Printing in the push tractor position Printing in the pull tractor position

Printing on Special Paper

Adjusting the paper-thickness lever Multi-part forms Labels. Envelopes

Using the Printer Setting Mode

Printer setting descriptions

Changing the printer settings

Installing and Using Options

Single-bin Cut-Sheet Feeder

Pull Tractor Unit

Color Upgrade Kit

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2-7 2-8 2-13

2-17 2-17 2-19

2-20

2-21

2-22

2-23

2-25 2-29 2-29 2-33 2-35

Chapter 3

Problems and Solutions Power Supply

Power is not being supplied

Printing..

The printer does not print The print is faint or uneven Dots are missing in printed characters or graphics

Printed characters are not what you expected The print position is not what you expected

Paper Handling

Single sheets do not feed properly Continuous paper does not feed properly

Options

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

properly

Switching between the cut-sheet feeder and the push tractor

does not work properly.

Using the pull tractor with the push tractor, continuous paper

does not feed properly

Troubleshooting

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3-2 3-2 3-2 3-3

3-3 3-4 3-5

3-5

3-6

3-7 3-7 3-8 3-9

3-9

3-11

viii

With the color upgrade installed, the printer does not operate

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

Appendix

Printer Specifications

Printing

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Paper .................................

Mechanical Electrical Environmental

Safety approvals

Interface Specifications

Parallel interface Serial interface

Command Summary

Sending printer commands Using the command summary General operation Paper feeding Page format Print position motion Font selection Font enhancement Spacing Character handling Bit image Graphics Color printing

Character Tables

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A-2 A-2 A-4 A-6 A-7 A-7 A-8 A-8 A-8 A-8 A-10 A-10 A-10 A-11

A-11 A-11 A-12 A-13 A-14 A-15 A-16 A-18 A-19 A-19 A-20

Index

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 (CS0030*) 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

Energy Star Compliant

This printer complies with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program, which promotes the manufacture of energy-efficient printers, computers, and monitors.

The EPA estimates that if all desktop computers, printers, and other peripheral devices met Energy Star standards, energy

cost savings would exceed $1 billion annually and carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced by 20 million tons.

The Energy Star emblem does not represent EPA endorsement of any product or service.

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.

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.

2 Introduction

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.

Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.

Notes contain important information and useful tips on the operation.

of your printer.

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.

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.

4 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

Chapter 1

Setting Up the Printer

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

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

Assembling the Printer

Installing the knob Attaching the paper supports Installing the ribbon cartridge

Plugging in the printer Running the Self Test Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

Connecting to the parallel interface Connecting to the serial interface

Setting Up Your Software

Microsoft Windows 3.1 and all Windows programs Using non-Windows software

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1-3

1-4 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-9

1-10 1-13

1-14 1-15

1-16 1-17 1-18

Setting Up the Printer 1-1

Unpacking the Printer

Your printer box should include these items.

Printout guide

Knob

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

1-2

Setting Up the Printer

Paper supports

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 P/ace 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

Insert the knob into the hole in the printer’s right side and rotate it slowly until it slips onto the shaft.

1-4

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

Setting Up the Printer

Attaching the paper supports

Raise the paper guide.

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

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.

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

Warning:

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

Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.

Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the

3. arrow to remove any slack from the ribbon so it is easier to install.

Setting

Up the

Printer

1-7

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.

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.

1-8

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

Reinstall and close the printer cover.

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

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

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:

If the rated voltage and outlet voltage do not match,

contact your dealer for assistance. Do not plug in the

power cord.

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

Plug the power cord into a properly grounded electrical outlet.

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:

You should use paper at least

run the self test; otherwise, the print head prints directly

210 mm (8.3 inches) wide to

on the platen.

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.

1-10 Setting Up the Printer

While holding down the LF/FF button, turn on the printer. Release the button after the Pause light flashes. The beeper sounds three times, indicating the printer is out of paper.

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.

Setting Up the Printer

1-11

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:

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

To stop printing temporarily, press the Pause button.

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

Press LF/FF to eject the sheet; then turn off the printer.

Here is part of a typical self-test printout: <=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_'abcd

=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_'abcde

>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_'abcdef ?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_'abcdefg @ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\l]^_'abcdefgh

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_'abcdefghi

BCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_'abcdefghij

Notes

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

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

Your printer includes both a Centronics®-compatible parallel interface and an EIA-232D serial interface. Before you begin, place the printer upright, as shown below. (This makes it easier to connect the cable.)

Connect your computer to the desired interface as described

below. You can connect cables to both interfaces; the printer switches

automatically to the appropriate interface when it receives data.

Setting Up the Printer 1-13

Connecting to the parallel interface

You need a shielded, twisted-pair cable (not longer than 2 meters-6 feet) to use the parallel interface.

Turn off both the computer and the printer. Plug the parallel

cable connector securely into the printer’s parallel interface. Squeeze the wire clips together until they lock in place on

either side of the connector.

1-14

Guide the interface cable through the slot on the side of the printer as shown in the illustration on page 1-16 so that it

does not block the paper supply.

Note:

If there is ground wire at the end of the cable, attach it to the

ground connector to the right of the interface as shown in the

illustration on page 1-15.

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

Setting Up the Printer

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