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.

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 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.

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® 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 [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]:

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 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.

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

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

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

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......

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1

2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.......

.........

..........

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3-11

viii

With the color upgrade installed, the printer does not operate

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

Appendix

Printer Specifications

Printing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ix

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

....

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

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

1.

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

1-4

2.

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

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:

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.

2.

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

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.

1-8

6.

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

7.

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

1.

Make sure the power switch on the printer is turned off. It is
off when the O 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:

If the rated voltage and outlet voltage do not match,

contact your dealer for assistance. Do not plug in the

power cord.

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.

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.

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.

1-10 Setting Up the Printer

2.

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.

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.

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:

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 Pause button.

6.

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.

1.

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

2.

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.

3.

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

Connecting to the serial interface

1.

Turn off both the computer and the printer. Plug the serial
cable connector securely into the printer’s serial interface.
Tighten the screws on either side of the connector.

Setting Up the Printer 1-15

2.

Guide the interface cable through the slot on the side of the
printer so that it does not block the paper supply.

3.

Plug the other end of the cable into the computer’s serial
interface; then tighten the screws on either side of the
connector. (If there is a ground wire at the end of the cable,
attach it to the ground connector at the back of the

computer.)

4.

Use the Printer Setting mode to change the baud rate, parity
bit, data length, or ETX/ACK handshaking if necessary. See

“Changing the Printer Settings” in Chapter 2.

Setting Up Your Software

Most software lets you specify the type of printer you use so
that you can take full advantage of the printer’s features. Your
software probably provides an installation or setup section that
includes a list of printers.

1-16

Setting Up the Printer

Microsoft®Windows

TM

3.1 and all windows programs

If Windows is installed on your computer system, follow the
steps below to install the right driver for your printer. Your
printer will work correctly for all your Windows programs,
such as Word for Windows, Lotus

CorelDRAW

®

.

®

1-2-3’ for Windows, and

If Windows is not already installed on your system, run the
Windows setup program as described in the documentation
that comes with the program. Follow steps 4 through 10 below
when you reach the section about choosing a printer.

1.

In the Main window, double click the Control Panel icon.

2.

Double click the Printers icon.

3.

Choose the Add>> button.

4.

From the list of printers box, select LQ-300. If neither printer
is available, choose the first available printer from the
following list. If you plan to use color, you must choose
either

ActionPrinter 3260, LQ-150, LQ-860,

or

LQ-2550.

other printers cannot use color.

The

TM

ActionPrinter

3260
LQ-150
LQ-860
LQ-2550
LQ-570+

TM

Stylus

5.

Choose the Install button. A dialog box may instruct you to

800

LQ-870
ActionPrinter 3250
Any LQ printer
EPSON printer

insert a diskette. (If necessary, insert the diskette required.)

6.

Choose the Setup button.

7.

Select the appropriate resolution.

Setting Up the Printer

1-17

8.

If you selected the LQ-860, LQ-2550, LQ-570+, or LQ-870
printer, select Sheet Feeder - Bin 1 as the Paper Source.
This step is very important for proper page breaks in your

documents.

9.

Choose the OK button.

10. Highlight EPSON LQ-300 (or the printer you added) and
click the button labeled Set As Default Printer.

11. Click the Close button.

Using non- Windows software

From the list of printers box, choose LQ-300. If neither printer
is available, choose the first available printer from the following
list. If you plan to use color, you must choose either

ActionPrinter

printers cannot use color.

3260,

LQ-150, LQ-860,

or

LQ-2550.

The other

ActionPrinter 3260
LQ-150
LQ-860
LQ-2550
LQ-570+
Stylus 800

If your software does not list the LQ-300, you may want to
contact the software manufacturer for an update.

1-18

Setting Up the Printer

LQ-870
ActionPrinter 3250
Any LQ printer
EPSON printer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2-2
2-2
2-4

2-5

2-5
2-6

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

Using the Printer

2-1

Using the Control Panel

You can control simple printer operationssuch as line
feeding, form feeding, loading and ejecting paper, and selecting
fontswith the buttons on the control panel. The control panel

lights show the printer’s status and the current font.

Lights and buttons

Pa use

light

The orange Pause light is on when the printer stops printing.
Each time you turn on the printer, the light flashes briefly.

When the printer is out of paper, the light flashes and the
beeper sounds three times. The light also flashes when you can
tear off the last sheet of continuous paper at the edge of the
printer cover.

The Pause light goes on and the beeper sounds if an error
occurs.

Font 1

and

Font 2 lights

The green Font lights, 1 and 2, indicate the current font setting.

For more about selecting fonts, see page 2-4.

While in the micro adjust mode, the Font lights flash. See

“Adjusting the loading position” on page 2-5.

2-2

Using the Printer

Font button

Press the Font button during normal operation to cycle
through the printer fonts listed on the control panel. When you
press the button, the Font lights change to indicate your
current selection. For more about choosing a font, see page 2-4.

If you hold down the Font button while you turn on the
printer, you enter the Printer Setting mode, where you can
change many of the printer’s settings. For more about printer
settings, see page 2-22.

LF/FF button

During normal operation, you can press this button briefly to
feed paper line by line. Hold it down to load a single sheet, or
to advance continuous paper to the next top-of-form position.

You can also press LF/FF to eject a page.

If you want to make sure the printer is working correctly, you
can also use this button to run the self test. To start the self test,
hold down the LF/FF button while you turn on the printer. For
complete instructions, see page 1-10.

Pause

button

Press the Pause button to stop the printer temporarily during

printing or the self test. Press it again to resume activity.

Paper Park

Press the Font and LF/FF buttons together to feed continuous
paper backward to the paper-park position. See “Printing in
the push tractor position” on page 2-8.

Micro Adjust

While in this mode, you can adjust the loading position by
pressing the LF/FF button or the Font button. See “Adjusting
the loading position” on page 2-5.

Using

the Printer

2-3

Selecting fonts

To choose one of the seven internal fonts listed on the control
panel, press the Font button. The two font lights come on (0),
go off (•), or flash (0) to show the current selection. Press
the button repeatedly to cycle through all of the available
selections; stop when you reach the desired font.

Your selection stays in effect until you change it again or turn
off the printer. However, any font choices you make with your
software will cancel your control panel selection. The table
below shows how the Font lights appear for each selection.

O = on, • = off, = flashing

2-4

Using the Printer

Printing on Single Sheets

You can use the paper guide to print on single sheets with a
width of 182 mm (7.2 inches) to 257 mm (10.1 inches).

Note:

You can install an optional cut-sheet feeder to load up to 50 sheets

automatically. See page 2-29 for details.

Loading

Adjusting the loading position

single sheets

You load single sheets as shown in “Running the Self Test” in

Chapter 1. For normal use, turn on the printer without pressing
any other buttons. The Pause light flashes briefly, and the
printer loads the sheet automatically. When the printer receives
data, it begins to print.

Note:

Do not use the knob to ,feed paper; otherwise the loading position may
be altered from the next page.

If you want to adjust the position where printing begins on the
page, follow these steps (these instructions also work when
you use the pull or push tractor):

1.

With paper loaded, hold down the Pause button until the
printer beeps once and the Font lights begin to flash.

2.

Press the LF/FF button to feed the paper forward, or press
the Font button to feed the paper backward. (Press either
button as many times as necessary until you reach the
desired position.)

3.

To complete the adjustment, press the Pause button or send
data from your computer.

Using the Printer

2-5

Getting the results you expect

When you print on single sheets, you may notice that the
printer prints the first page of your file correctly, but then

prints too low on the next page, or that it prints the last few
lines from one page onto the next. This happens because single
sheet handling differs slightly from continuous paper handling.

It’s easy to adjust the printer so that you get the right results.
Simply change the settings in your software program as
described below.

1.

When you install a software program, it normally asks you
what printer you are using. Make sure you choose the

correct printer. See Chapter 1 for instructions.

2.

Many programs have an option that you can use to set the
maximum lines per page. If you are using standard
8 1/2 x 11-inch paper, set the lines per page to 61.

Note:

To find the right lines-per-page setting for paper other than
8 1/2 x 11, create a test document using your software program.
Set your top and bottom margins to 0 and then create a file of
numbered lines from 1 to 66. When you print your file, notice the
last number printed on the first page. This is your maximum

lines-per-page setting.

2-6

3.

If your program does not have a lines-per-page setting, try

decreasing the top margin or increasing the bottom margin,

or both, until you get the results you want.

4.

You can also try adjusting the form length setting. For a

standard 8 1/2 x 11-inch page, try setting the form length to
10 inches.

5.

Some programs let you indicate whether you are using
single sheets or continuous paper. Make sure you choose
single sheets.

Using the Printer

Printing on Continuous Paper

Your printer can handle continuous paper with a width of

101 mm (4.0 inches) to 254 mm (10.0 inches). Depending on
where you position the tractor, you can use it as a pull tractor
or a push tractor. These guidelines can help you decide where
to position the tractor:

Do you want to switch between printing on single sheets
and continuous paper without removing the paper supply?
Will you tear off continuous paper sheet-by-sheet? If yes,
use the tractor in the push tractor position. (The printer
comes with the tractor installed in this position.) See the
following section.

Are you printing on labels? If yes, use the tractor as a pull

tractor. See page 2-13 for instructions.

If your documents require a more precise print position,
use the optional pull tractor (C80030*) in addition to the

built-in tractor in the push tractor position. For details, see

page 2-33.

Using the Printer

2-7

Printing in the push tractor position

When using the push tractor, it is a good idea to set the
auto tear off feature in the Printer Setting mode to On. See
“Changing the printer settings” on page 2-25. Here’s how to

load continuous paper using the push tractor:

1.

Make sure the printer is turned off. Remove the paper guide
and place the paper-release lever in the continuous paper
position.

2-8

2.

Release the sprocket units by pulling the sprocket locks
forward.

Using the

Printer

3.

Slide the left sprocket unit using the scale on the printer as a
guide. The printer prints to the right of the position marked 0.
Push the sprocket lock lever back to lock it in place. Then
slide the right sprocket unit to match the width of your
paper, but do not lock it. Move the paper support so it is
midway between the sprocket units.

Using the Printer

2-9

4.

Make sure your paper has a clean, straight leading edge.
Open the sprocket covers. Fit the first holes of the paper
over the sprocket pins and then close the sprocket covers.
Slide the right sprocket unit to remove any slack in the
paper and lock it in place. Now the paper is in the
paper-park position.

Note

Do not use the knob to feed paper; Otherwise the top-of-form

position may be altered from the next page.

Make sure your paper supply is positioned within 1 meter

(3 feet) of the printer.

2-10

Using the Printer

7.

Make sure the printer cover is closed. Then turn on the

printer. When the printer receives data, it begins printing
automatically.

8.

When you finish printing (the printer receives no data for
three seconds) the printer feeds the perforation of the
continuous paper to the edge of the printer cover so that
you can tear off the last sheet. The Pause light flashes.

Note:

Set the auto tear off feature in the Printer Setting mode to on.
Otherwise, the printer does not feed the perforation to the edge of
the printcr cover.

If the perforation and the edge of the printer cover do not match,
adjust the paper position by following the steps in “Adjusting the
loading position,” while the

Pause light

is flashing.

When you send more data, the paper automatically feeds back
to the loading position. If you want to change the position
where printing begins on the page, follow the steps on page 2-5
to adjust the loading position.

Switching back to single sheets

To switch to single sheets, press the Font and LF/FF buttons at
the same time; the printer feeds the paper backward into the
paper-park position. Then follow the steps in “Loading single
sheets” on page 2-5.

Caution:

Always tear off paper before back-feeding; back-feeding too

many sheets can cause a paper jam.

2-12

Using the Printer

Printing in the pull tractor position

To load continuous paper using the pull tractor, you must
move the tractor to the pull tractor position, as described in
steps 1 through 3 below. If your tractor is already installed in

this position, make sure the printer is off and skip to step 5.

Caution:

When using the pull tractor, set the auto tear Off feature in the
Printer Setting mode to off; otherwise the paper may jam.

1.

Turn the printer off; then remove the paper guide. Pull the
paper-release lever forward to the continuous paper
position as shown in the illustration on page 2-8.

2.

Squeeze the tractor’s lock tabs gently and pull the tractor
away from the printer. Remove the printer cover.

Using the Printer

2-13

3.

Lift the tractor forward to the mounting slot at the top of the
printer and tilt it into place as shown below. Then push the
tractor onto the posts until the notches snap into place.

4.

Release the sprocket units by pulling the sprocket locks
forward.

2-14

Using the Printer

5.

Insert the paper into the paper slot as shown below and
pull it up. Position the paper using the scale on the printer
as a guide. The printer prints to the right of the position
marked 0.

Note:

Make sure your paper supply is positioned within 1 meter

(3 feet) of the printer.

6.

Slide the left sprocket unit so that its sprockets match the
position of the holes in the paper and lock the unit in place.
Then slide the right sprocket unit to match the width of
your paper, but do not lock it. Move the paper support
midway between the two sprocket units.

Using the Printer

2-15

7.

Make sure your paper has a clean, straight leading edge.
Open the sprocket covers. Fit the first holes of the paper
over the sprocket pins and then close the sprocket covers.
Slide the right sprocket unit to remove any slack in the
paper and lock it in place.

8.

To separate the incoming paper from the printed paper,

attach the paper guide. Hold it horizontally and fit its

notches over the printer’s mounting posts. Then slide the
paper guide toward the back of the printer until you feel
it click.

9.

Slide the left edge guide to the center until it stops at the

diamond-shaped guide mark; slide the right edge guide to
the opposite guide mark.

10. Attach the printer cover and adjust the paper position with
the knob. Turn the knob until the perforation between
pages is just above the print head.

11. Make sure the printer cover is closed. Then turn on the
printer. When the printer receives data, it begins printing
automatically.

2-16

Using the Printer

If you want to change the position where printing begins
on the page, press LF/FF to advance the page to the next
top-of-form position, and then follow the steps on page 2-5 to
adjust the loading position.

To eject the paper, tear off the paper entering the printer; then
press the LF/FF button to feed the paper forward.

Printing on Special Paper

In addition to printing on single sheets and continuous forms,
your printer can also print on a wide variety of paper types,
including multi-part forms, labels, and envelopes.

Before printing on special paper, you need to change the
paper-thickness setting.

Caution:

When printing on multi-part forms, thicker-than-normal paper,
labels, or envelopes, make sure your software program settings
keep the printing entirely within the printable area. Printing
past the edge of these papers can damage the print head.

For multi-part forms and labels, you should not print any
closer than 13 mm (0.5 inch) from either edge of the paper.
For information on the printable area of envelopes, see the
Appendix.

Adjusting the paper-thickness lever

The paper-thickness lever lets you specify the correct setting

for your printing material. It is factory-set for standard office
paper. Here’s how to change the setting for special papers:

Using the Printer

2-17

1.

Turn the printer off and open the cover. The paper-thickness
lever is on the left side of the printer. The numbers next to
the lever indicate the thickness setting. For normal use, the
lever should always be set to position 0.

2.

Use the table below to select the appropriate paper thickness.

2-18

Paper type

(Reserved)

Standard paper (single sheets or continuous)
Multi-part forms

2-sheet

3-sheet

4-sheet

Envelopes 20 lb

24 lb

(Reserved)

3.

Close the cover. When you finish printing, move the

Lever position

-1

I

0

1

2
3

4
5
6

paper-thickness lever back to position 0.

Note:

When you choose lever positions 2-6, the print speed is reduced.

Using the Printer

Multi-part forms

You can use the built-in tractor to print on carbonless
multi-part forms of up to four parts (one original plus three
copies). Before you print on the forms, set the paper-thickness
lever as described in the previous section. These tips will help
you get good results:

Load multi-part forms with the tractor only, not in the
cut-sheet feeder or paper guide. For instructions, see

“Printing on Continuous Paper” on page 2-7.
Use only multi-part forms that are free of wrinkles and

waves. Never load multi-part forms joined by metal
staples, tape, or continuous gluing.

If you need to adjust the loading position, use your

software program or change the loading position as
described on page 2-5.

When you use multi-part forms, raise the paper guide as

shown.

Note:

If you print on multi-part form without raising the paper guide,

the paper may jam.

Using the Printer

2-19

labels

You must use the tractor as a pull tractor to print on labels.
Keep these tips in mind:

Choose labels mounted on a continuous backing sheet with
sprocket holes made for use with a tractor. Do not print
labels as single sheets, because the shiny backing sheet
almost always slips a little.

You load labels the same way you load continuous paper,
except that the paper-thickness lever should be set to 1. See
page 2-13 for loading instructions.

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

Make sure the printing stays entirely within the printable
area. (See the Appendix for specifications.)

Do not leave labels loaded in the printer between jobs; they
curl around the platen and may jam when you resume
printing.

2-20

To remove the labels from the printer, tear off the fresh
supply at the rear of the printer; then press LF/FF to

advance the remaining labels out of the printer.

Caution:

Never feed labels backward through the printer; they can easily
peel off the backing and jam the printer. If a label does become
stuck in the printer, contact your dealer.

Using the

Printer

Envelopes

You can feed envelopes individually using the paper guide.

Before loading an envelope, set the paper-thickness lever
to position 4 or 5. See page 2-18.

To load an envelope, follow the steps used to load single
sheets in “Running the Self Test” on page 1-10. Insert the
wide edge of the envelope into the printer first,
printable-side down. When you insert the envelope
between the paper guides, push it firmly and hold it until it
feeds into the printer.

Use envelopes only under normal temperature and
humidity conditions.

Make sure the printing stays entirely within the printable
area. The print head must not go past the left or right edge
of the envelope or other thick paper. (See the Appendix for

specifications.) It’s a good idea to print a test sample using

a normal single sheet of paper before you print on the

envelopes.

Using

the Printer

2-21

Using the Printer Setting Mode

Your printer has internal settings that control simple functions

such as the page length and character set. These settings take

effect each time you turn on the printer, so they are also called

default settings.
For most users, the factory settings are best, but you can change

these settings if necessary. The table below lists all the settings

you can change.

I

Character table* PC437, PC850, PC860, PC863, PC865,

Page length 11, 12, 8.5, 70/6 inches
Skip-over-perforation
Auto tear off
Graphic print direction
Software
AGM
Auto line feed On, Off
Interface

State reply

Function Options

PC861, BRASCII, Abicomp

On, Off
On, Off
Unidirectional, Bidirectional
ESC/P 2, IBM X24E
On, Off

Auto (10 sec. wait), Auto (30 sec. wait),
Parallel, Serial

Bit rate

Parity bit
Data length
EXT/ACK

* In certain areas, the following character tables are available:

PC437. PC850, PC864, PC437 Greek, PC852, PC853, PC855, PC857,
PC866, PC869, IS0 Latin IT, IS0 8859-7, Code MJK, MAZOWIA, Bulgaria

300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600,

19200 bps
None, Odd, Even
7 bit, 8 bit
Disable, Enable
On, Off

Note:

Because software settings always override the printer's default

settings, use your software program to control the printer, if possible.

See your software documentation for more information.

2-22

Using the Printer

Printer setting descriptions

This section describes all the settings available in the Printer
Setting mode.

Character table

Character tables contain the characters and symbols used in
different languages. Your printer includes a wide variety of
character tables. See the Appendix for specific characters.

Page length

This option is available only when you use continuous paper
with the tractor. You can set the page length to 8 1/2, 11, 12, or

70/6 (the length of A4 paper) inches.

Skip-over-perforation

When you turn on this feature, the printer skips over the

perforations of continuous paper, providing a 1-inch margin

between the last line printed on one page and the first line

printed on the next. Because most software programs set their
own top and bottom margins, you should use this feature only
if your program does not provide them. This feature does not
affect single-sheet paper.

Auto tear off

When you use continuous paper with the push tractor, this
feature advances the paper perforation to the tear-off position
where you can easily tear off the printed pages. When the
printer receives data, it automatically reverses the paper to the
top-of-form position and starts printing, so you can use all of
the next sheet. When you use the tractor to print on labels, set
this feature to Off.

Using the Printer

2-23

Graphic print direction

You can choose unidirectional or bidirectional as the print
direction for graphics. The printer usually prints text
bidirectionally for fast printing and prints graphics
unidirectionally for precise vertical alignment of print dots.
To print graphics faster, select bidirectional printing.

Software

You can select the kind of printer commands used by your

printer.

When you select ESC/P 2TM, the printer emulates an EPSON

ESC / P 2 printer. When you select IBM X24E, the printer
operates as an IBM Proprinter

TM

X24E. If possible, choose an
EPSON ESC/ P 2 printer in your software programs. This will
allow you to use the most advanced font and graphics handling
available. (Emulation means that the printer can understand
and respond to commands as if it were an X24E.)

AGM (Alternate Graphics Mode)

When A.GM is set to On, the printer can use high-resolution
24-pin graphics commands. The default setting is off. When
you select IBM X24E, this setting is available.

Auto line feed

When the auto line feed feature is on, each carriage return (CR)

code is accompanied by a line feed (LF) code. If your printed
text is unexpectedly double-spaced, set this feature to Off. If
text lines print on top of each other, set it to On.

2-24

Using the Printer

Interface

When this feature is set to Auto, the printer determines which
interface is receiving data and switches to that interface until

the end of the print job (when no data is received from the
selected interface for the amount of time specified). You can
specify either 10 seconds or 30 seconds.

Set this option to Parallel only if you want the printer to ignore
data from the serial interface or to Serial only if you want the
printer to ignore data from the parallel interface.

Bit rate, parity bit, data length, and ETX/ACK

These options are available only when the interface is set to
Serial. See your computer manual for the appropriate settings.

State reply

For normal operation, leave this option set to Off (default).

Changing the printer settings

If you cannot use your software program to change the
printer’s settings, you can use the Printer Setting mode. Here’s
how:

Caution:

To print the help text, use paper at least 210 mm (8.3 inches)
wide for single sheets or 240 mm (9.5 inches) for continuous
paper; otherwise the print head prints directly on the platen.

Also make sure you have enough sheets of paper because the

printer prints several pages of help text.

1.

Turn off the printer. Make sure the paper is loaded correctly.

Using the Printer

2-25

2.

Hold down the Font button while you turn on the printer.
If you are using single sheets, insert a sheet of paper. The
printer automatically loads the paper and prints out a table
of languages from which you can choose. You can print
help text in English, French, German, Italian, or Spanish
as shown in Table A below.

Table A

Font lights
1

2

on, = off, = flashing

3.

To choose a language, press the Font button repeatedly until

language

English
French
German

Italian
Spanish

the Font lights match your desired selection. For example,
to choose Spanish, press the Font button until Font 1 is on
and Font 2 is flashing.

2-26

4.

Press the LF/FF to select the language. The printer prints the
current settings in the language of your choice, and then
stops.

5.

Press the Font button now to print help text that guides you
through the operations. The printed instructions include

submenu tables that list all of the settings you can change
and show you how the control panel lights appear for each
selection. After printing is finished, go on to step 6.

Note:

If you have changed the printer settings before and do not need

the help text, you can skip this step by pressing LF/FF instead of

the Font button.

Using the Printer

6.

At this point, you are in Table B. Press the Font or LF/FF
button to move through the printer settings listed in
Table B, and notice how the control panel lights change to
indicate your position.

Table B

Font lights

1

2

light

Setting

Character table

Page length
Skip-over-perforation

Auto tear off
Graphic print direction Table F

Software

AGM
Auto line feed

Interface

Bit rate

Parity bit Table J

Data length

EXT/ACK
State

reply

Pause

Go to

submenu

Table C

Table D

Table E

Table E

Table G

Table E

Table E

Table H

Table I

Table K

Table
Table

E
E

= on, = off, = flashing

For example, if you want to change the Interface setting,
press Font or LF/FF until Font 1 is flashing, Font 2 is off,
and the Pause light is flashing. The printer beeps once each
time you press the button while in Table B.

Using the Printer

2-27

7.

When you reach the setting that you want to change, press
the Pause button once. The printer beeps twice and enters
a submenu table for that setting. For example, if you choose
Interface and then press Pause, you enter Table H.

See the appropriate table in your printed help text. Press

8.

the Font button to move through the settings in the table.
The printer beeps twice each time you press the Font
button while in a submenu table.

9.

When the control panel lights match your desired setting,
press the Pause button to make your selection. The printer

saves the new setting and returns to Table B.

10. Repeat steps 6 through 9 for each additional setting you
want to change, or skip to step 11 to exit the Printer Setting
mode.

11. When you are finished, turn the printer off. Any settings
you have made remain in effect until you change them
again.

2-28

Using the Printer

Installing and Using Options

Single-bin Cut-Sheet feeder

The optional Single-bin Cut-Sheet Feeder (C80637*) handles
up to 50 sheets of standard bond paper ( 82 g/m2 or 22 lb)
without reloading. Follow these steps to install the cut-sheet
feeder:

1.

Make sure the printer is turned off. Remove the paper guide.

2.

If the tractor is installed in the pull-tractor position, remove
it and reinstall it in the push-tractor position.

3.

Make sure the paper-release lever is in the single-sheet
position.

4.

Hold the cut-sheet feeder in both hands and press on the
latch levers. Fit the notches in the cut-sheet feeder over the
mounting posts on the printer. Releasing the latch levers
locks the cut-sheet feeder in place.

Using the Printer

2-29

Slide the left edge guide of the cut-sheet feeder so it is

2-30 Using the Printer

5.
aligned with the triangular guide mark. Next, slide the
right edge guide to roughly match the width of your paper.
Slide the paper support midway between the edge guides.

6.

Pull the paper-set levers all the way forward until the edge
guides retract and lock open to allow for paper loading.

7.

Take a stack of paper and fan it. Next, tap the side and
bottom of the paper on a flat surface to even up the stack.

Caution:

Do not use envelopes, multi-part forms, carbon paper, or

labels in the cut-sheet feeder.

Insert up to 50 sheets of paper along the left edge guide.

8.

9.

Adjust the position of the right edge guide so that it
matches your paper’s width. Make sure the position of the
guide allows the paper to move up and down freely.

10. Push the paper-set levers back to clamp the paper against
the guide rollers.

11. To reinstall the paper guide, remove the wire paper
supports from the edge guides of the paper guide. Insert
the two stacker supports packed with the cut-sheet feeder
into the notches on the edge guides.

Using the Printer

2-31

12.

Attach the paper guide to the cut-sheet feeder as shown below.

13. Open the printer cover. Place the printout guide in the
middle. Close the printer cover.

Note:

The printout guide comes packed with your printer, not with the

cut-sheet feeder. See “Unpacking the Printer” on page 1-2.

2-32

Using the Printer

14. Slide the left edge guide of the paper guide to the center

Using the Printer 2-33

until it stops at the diamond-shaped guide mark. Then
slide the right edge guide to the opposite guide mark.

You can easily switch between continuous paper and cut-sheet
feeder operation. See “Switching back to single sheets” on page
2-12 for details.

Note:

When you print several pages of continuous paper, fold the first

printed page forward at

below the printer cover. This helps the printer feed the printed
pages properly and prevents paper jams.

the perforation affer it emerges from

To remove the paper guide from the cut-sheet feeder, press both

release tabs and pull out the paper guide.

Pull Tractor Unit

An additional pull tractor (C80030*) is available as an option.

You can improve the performance of continuous paper

handling by using two tractors at the same time. This is
especially useful with continuous pre-printed forms, multi-part
forms, and labels.

1.

Make sure the paper-release lever is pulled forward to the
continuous paper position. Install the built-in tractor in the
push tractor position. Install the optional tractor in the pull
tractor position. See page 2-13.

2.

Load continuous paper on the sprocket units of the push
tractor. (See “Printing on Continuous Paper” on page 2-7.)

3.

Turn on the printer. Hold down the LF/FF button to feed
paper forward one page.

4.

Release the sprocket lock levers of the pull tractor and adjust
the sprocket units to match the width of the paper. Be sure
that the sprocket units on both the tractors are aligned so

that the paper is not crooked.

5.

Open the sprocket covers. Fit the holes of the paper over the
tractor pins of the sprocket units and adjust the sprocket
units as necessary. (See “Printing on Continuous Paper” on
page 2-7.) Close the sprocket covers.

6.

If there is slack in the paper between the push and pull
tractors, turn the knob on the right side of the pull tractor to
remove the slack.

2-34

7.

See that the paper is not crooked or wrinkled and lock the
sprocket units in place.

8.

Reinstall the printer cover and the paper guide.

Using the Printer

Color Upgrade Kit

The optional Color Upgrade Kit (C83211*) includes a color
ribbon cartridge and a motor unit. Here’s how to install the kit:

1.

Turn off the printer and remove the printer cover. If the
original ribbon cartridge is installed, remove it. Then slide
the connector cover on the printer and pull it out as shown.

2.

Install the motor unit in the right hand corner of the printer,
with the gear facing the center of the printer. Push it down

firmly to fit the metal pins into the slots.

Using the Printer 2-35

3.

Insert the motor unit plug into the connector on the printer.

4.

Slide the print head to the middle of the printer. Remove
the retaining tape from the cartridge and then slide the
movable ribbon guide on the color ribbon to the center of
the cartridge.

5.

Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow
to remove any slack in the ribbon.

2-36

Using the Printer

6.

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

7.

Turn the ribbon-tightening knob to help feed the ribbon into
place; it should not be twisted or creased.

8.

Replace the printer cover.

After you install the color ribbon cartridge, run the self test as
shown on page 1-10.

Using the Printer

2-37

If the top or bottom edge of the characters in the self test are a
different color from the rest, adjust the ribbon angle with the
color ribbon adjustment lever. See page 3-12 for details.

Note:

When your print using the color ribbon, print speed my be reduced.

To switch to the black ribbon, remove the color ribbon and then
install the black ribbon as shown on page 1-6. To remove the
color ribbon, press down on the motor unit and pull out the
cartridge as shown below. You do not have to remove the
motor unit.

2-38

Using the Printer

Chapter 3

Troubleshooting

Problems and Solutions
Power Supply

Power is not being supplied

Printing

Paper Handling

Options

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

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

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

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

With the color upgrade installed, the printer does not operate

properly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.....

........

.........

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

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

..........

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

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

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

3-11

3-11

Troubleshooting 3-1

Problems and Solutions

Most problems you may encounter while operating your

printer have simple solutions.
You can check the operation of your printer using the self test.

See “Running the Self Test” on page 1-10. If the self test works
properly, the problem probably lies in the computer, the
software, or the interface cable. If the self test does not work,
contact your dealer or qualified service person for assistance.

Note:

If you are an experienced user or a programmer, you can print a
hexadecimal dump to isolate communication problems between the
printer and computer. To print a hex dump, turn off the printer.

Next, hold down the LF/FF and FONT buttons while you turn on the

printer. Then send data from your computer. The printer prints all
the codes it

receives

in hexadecimal format.

Power Supply

Power is not being supplied

The lights on the control panel do not go on.

Check that the power cord is properly plugged into the
electrical outlet.

If the electrical outlet is controlled by an outside switch or
automatic timer, use a different outlet.

Plug another electrical device, such as a lamp, into the outlet to

determine whether the outlet is operating properly.

3-2 Troubleshooting

The lights come on briefly and then go off. The lights stay off
even when the power is turned on again.

Check that the printer’s voltage rating matches the voltage of
your electrical outlet. If the voltages do not match, unplug the
printer and contact your dealer immediately. Do not reconnect
the power cord to an electrical outlet.

Printing

The printer does not print

The

The

Pause

Pause

light is off but nothing is printed.

Check that the software is installed properly for your printer,
as described on page 1-16. Check the software’s printer settings.

Check both ends of the interface cable. Make sure the cable
meets both the printer and computer specifications.

light is flashing and the printer beeps three times.

The printer may be out of paper. Load paper in the printer.

The printer sounds like it is printing, but nothing is printed.

The ribbon cartridge may not be installed properly. See
page 1-6.

The ribbon may be worn out. Replace the ribbon cartridge.

Troubleshooting 3-3

The printer makes a strange noise, beeps once, and then abruptly

stops printing.

Turn off the printer and check for a paper jam, a ribbon jam, or
other problems. Let the print head cool. Then try to print again.
If the printer still does not print correctly, contact your dealer.

The beeper sounds once and the

Pause

light comes on.

An error has occurred. Turn off the printer and turn it on again.
If the Pa use light stays on, check for a paper jam or ribbon jam.

Turn the printer off and clear the jam.
If an error occurs when you switch between single sheets and

continuous paper, make sure the paper-release lever is in the
correct position.

If the printer still does not work correctly, turn off the printer
and contact your dealer or qualified service person.

The print is faint or uneven

Printed characters have parts missing at the bottom.

The ribbon cartridge may not be installed properly. See
page 1-6.

The printout is faint.

The ribbon may be worn out. Replace the ribbon cartridge as
described on page 1-6.

3-4 Troubleshooting

Dots are missing

A line of dots is missing in the printout.

The print head is damaged. Stop printing and contact your
dealer to have the print head replaced.

Dots are missing in random positions.

Either there is too much slack in the ribbon or the ribbon has

come loose. Reinstall the ribbon cartridge as described on
page 1-6.

in printed characters or graphics

Printed characters are not what you expected

The typestyles or characters you sent with your software did
not print.

Check that the software is correctly configured for your printer.
For instructions, see page 1-16.

The font selected on the control panel does not print.

Your software may be overriding your control panel setting.
Use the font setting in your software program.

Troubleshooting 3-5

The print position is not what you expected

Printing starts too high or too low on the page, or the bottom part
of one page is printed at the top of the next page.

See “Getting the results you expect” on page 2-6.
It is also possible to adjust the loading position using the LF/FF

button in the micro adjust mode. To use micro adjust, see

" Adjusting the loading position” on page 2-5.

Page length does not match the length of the paper.

Check the page length set by your software and adjust it if
necessary.

If you are using continuous paper, change the page length in
the Printer Setting mode. See “Changing the printer settings”
on page 2-25.

Regular gaps occur in the printout.

Skip-over-perforation may be on. Set skip-over-perforation to
Off in the Printer Setting mode. See “Changing the printer
settings” on page 2-25.

3-6 Troubleshooting

Paper Handling

Single sheets do not feed properly

Paper does not feed.

Continuous paper may be left in the printer. Remove the

continuous paper. Set the paper-release lever to the single-

sheet position. Insert a new sheet.
Move the paper a little to the left.

Paper feeding is crooked or the paper jams.

Turn off the printer and pull out the paper. Insert a new sheet
straight into the paper guide. Be sure you’re using the right
type of paper. See the paper specifications in the Appendix.
Check to see that the printer cover is closed.

Paper does not eject completely.

Use the LF/FF button to eject the page.

Make sure the printer cover is closed.
The paper may be too long. Use paper that is within the

specified range. See the paper specifications in the Appendix.

Troubleshooting 3-7

Continuous paper

The tractor does not feed the paper.

Check that the paper-release lever is pulled forward to the
continuous paper position. If not, move the lever to the correct
position.

The paper may have come off the tractor. Reattach the paper to
the tractor.

Paper feeding is crooked or the paper jams.

Make sure the paper guide is in the upright position.
The position of your paper supply may be preventing it from

feeding straight. Make sure the paper supply is not obstructed.
Make sure your paper supply is positioned within 1 meter

(3 feet) of the printer.
Make sure the printer cover is closed.
Make sure the edge guide positions are correct. Position the

edge guides at the diamond-shaped guide marks.

does not feed proper/y

Check that the holes on the sides of the paper are aligned with

each other. Also, make sure the sprocket units are locked and

their covers are closed.

Check that the paper size and thickness are within the specified

range. See the paper specifications in the Appendix.

3-8 Troubleshooting

The paper does not eject properly.

When using the pull tractor, tear off the paper entering the
printer, then press the LF/FF button to feed the paper forward.
When using the push tractor, tear off the paper at the last
printed page, then press the Font and LF/FF buttons together to
feed the paper backward.

When you switch between single sheets and continuous paper, the
beeper sounds once and the

You may have tried to change the paper-release lever position
while paper remained in the printer. Return the paper-release

lever to the previous position and eject the paper. Then change
the paper-release lever position.

Pause

light comes on.

Options

When you

use

the

cut-sheet feeder, the

paper does

not feed properly

The paper does not feed.

The cut-sheet feeder may be incorrectly installed. Reinstall it as

described on page 2-29.

Make sure the paper-release lever is pushed back to the

single-sheet position.

You may have loaded too many sheets in the cut-sheet
feeder’s bin. Make sure the bin contains no more than 50 sheets.

Troubleshooting 3-9

Paper may be jammed near the print head. Look for a
paper jam and remove it.

Make sure the edge guide positions on the paper guide are
correct. Position the edge guides at the diamond-shaped guide
marks.

There may be only one sheet left in the bin. Add more paper.

Two or more sheets feed at one time.

You may have loaded too many sheets in the cut-sheet
feeder’s bin. Make sure the bin contains no more than 50 sheets.

You may have forgotten to fan the stack of paper before
loading it into the bin. Remove the paper and fan it.

The paper feed is crooked.

The paper may be old or creased. Use only new, clean sheets
of paper.

There may be too much paper in the stacker.
Make sure the paper guides are set correctly and your paper is

the proper size and quality. See the Appendix for paper

specifications.

One page of your document has printed on two pages.

Check that the page-length setting and lines-per-page setting in

your software are correct. See “Getting the results you expect”

on page 2-6.

3-10 Troubleshooting

Switching between the cut-sheet feeder and the push

tractor

The desired paper type does not load.

does not work proper/y

The paper-release lever may not be in the proper position. Pull

the lever forward to load continuous paper or push the lever

back to load single sheets.

Using

paper

Paper feed is crooked or the paper jams.

With the color

the pull tractor

does not feed

The pull tractor and push tractor sprockets are not aligned
correctly. When using both tractors, be sure that the sprockets
on both are positioned evenly.

The paper may have too much slack. Adjust the position of the

sprockets to take up any slack along the width of the paper.
Remove slack lengthwise by rotating the knob of the pull
tractor.

The paper may be caught on the edge guides. Make sure that
the paper guide is installed over the paper and that the edge
guides are positioned correctly.

upgrade installed,

with the push

properly

tractor,

the printer does not

continuous

operate properly

The lights on the control panel do not go on.

The motor in the color upgrade kit may not be installed or may
not be installed correctly. Follow the instructions on page 2-35.

Troubleshooting 3-11

The desired color or certain characters are not printed.

Your software program may not be set up properly for color
printing. Use the program’s setup (or install) procedure to
check the printer settings and adjust as needed. If your

software program is capable of sending control codes, select

the color using the ESC r command. (See the “Command

Summary” in the Appendix.)

The top or bottom edge of the characters are a different color from
the rest.

Check the characters printed in red. If the top edge is blue,
move the color ribbon adjustment lever forward. If the bottom
edge is yellow, move the lever backward. Then print another
self test to check your adjustment. Repeat this process until the
ribbon is properly adjusted.

The ribbon cartridge may not be installed properly. See
page 2-35.

3-12 Troubleshooting

Appendix

Printer Specifications .

Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . .

Paper . . . . . . . .

Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Electrical . . . . . .

Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Safety approvals . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A-2
A-2
A-4
A-6
A-7
A-7
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

Character Tables

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

Appendix A-1

A-20

Printer Specifications

Printing

Print method:
Print speed:

Quality Characters per inch

Draft

Letter

Quality

* The paper-thickness lever position or an overheated print head may

slow down the printing speed.

Printing direction:

24-pin impact dot matrix

Characters/second/line*

10
12
10
12

200
240

67
80

Bidirectional logic-seeking for text and
unidirectional for graphics. (Bidirectional
for graphics can be selected with the Printer
Setting mode or a software command.)

Line spacing:

1/6 inch, 1/8 inch, or programmable in
increments of 1/360 inch.

Paper feed speed:

80 ms per 1/6-inch line; 3.3 inches/ second
with continuous feed.

Printable columns:

Input buffer:

80 characters at 10 cpi; 96 char. at 12 cpi;

120 char. at 15 cpi; 137 char. at 17 cpi;
160 char. at 20 cpi

8KB

Download memory:

A-2 Appendix

10 KB

Character fonts:

Font 10 cpi 12 cpi 15 cpi Proportional

Epson

Draft
Epson Roman
Epson Sons Serif
Epson Courier
Epson Prestige
Epson Script

Scalable fonts:

Font Min pt

Epson Roman
Epson Sans Serif

Epson Roman T
EPSON Sons Serif H

Character tables:

One italic and eight graphic character tables.

(15 graphic character tables are available in

certain areas.)

Character sets:

14 international character sets and one legal

character set

Color printing (optional):

Method
Ribbon color

Print ribbon shifting
Black, cyan, magenta, and yellow

Max pt Increments

8 32
8 32

8

8 32

32

2

Pt

2

Pt

2 Pt
2 Pt

I

Appendix A-3

Paper

Single sheets (CSF):

Width:

Length:

Thickness:

Weight:

Single sheets (manual
insertion):

Width:
Length:
Thickness:
Weight:

Continuous paper:

Width:

Copies:
Thickness:
Weight:

182 to 216 mm (7.2 to 8.5 inches)
210 to 364 mm (8.3 to 14.3 inches)

0.07 to 0.12 mm (0.0028 to 0.0047 inch)
64 to 91 g/m2 (18 to 24 lb)
Use 90 g/m2 (24 lb) paper only under

normal temperature and humidity
conditions.

148 to 257 mm (5.8 to 10.1 inches)

Max. 364 mm (14.3 inches)

0.065 to 0.14 mm (0.0025 to 0.0055 inch)

52.3 to 90 g/m2 (14 to 24 lb) paper under
normal conditions.

Use 90 g/m2 (24 lb) paper only under

normal temperature and humidity
conditions.

101 to 54 mm (4.0 to 10.0 inches)
Four sheets (one original plus three copies)

0.065 to 0.32 mm (0.0025 to 0.012 inch) total

52.3 to 82 g/m2 (14 to 22 lb) for one sheet
40 to 58.2 g/m2 (12 to 15 lb) per sheet in
multi-part forms

Use only two- or three-part carbonless

multi-part forms fed with the tractor.

When using side-crimped multi-part

forms, raise the paper guide to keep the
printing position accurate.

When using the push tractor, the

printing position for the last page may
not be accurate because the page has
come off the tractor.

Note:

Use recycled paper under normal conditions only. If ribbon consumption or paper

jamming increase, use a higher grade of paper.

A-4 Appendix

Labels:

Size:

Thickness:

Weight:

Envelopes:

Size:

Thickness:
Weight:

Printable area:

Single sheets and envelopes

101 to 254 mm (4.0 to 10.0 inches) width for

backing sheet

63.5 x 23.8 mm (2.50 x 0.94 inches)
minimum for a label

0.07 to 0.09 mm (0.0028 to 0.0031 inch) for
backing sheet

0.16 to 0.19 mm (0.0063 to 0.0075 inch) total

68 g/m2 (17 lb) for label only

Use only continuous type labels and use

them only with the tractor.

Use labels only under normal

temperature and humidity conditions.

No. 6: 166 x 92 mm (6.5 x 3.6 inches)
No. 10: 240 x 104 mm (9.5 x 4.1 inches)

0.16 to 0.52 mm (0.0063 to 0.0197 inch)

45 to 91 g/m

2

(12 to 24 lb)

Use envelopes only under normal

temperature and humidity conditions.

A The minimum top margin is 5.3 mm (0.2 inch).
B

The minimum left margin is 3.0 mm (0.12 inch).
The minimum right margin is 3.0 mm (0.12 inch).
However, the maximum printable width is 203 mm (8.0 inches).

C The minimum bottom margin is 9.0 mm (0.35 inch).

Appendix A-5

Continuous paper

A The

minimum top and bottom margins above and below the

are

9.0 mm (0.35 inch).

B The

minimum left and right margins are 13 mm (0.51 inch).

The

maximum printable width is 203 mm (8.0 inches).

Mechanical

Paper-feed methods:

Ribbon:

Type

Black ribbon cartridge (#7753)
Film ribbon cartridge (#7768)
Color ribbon cartridge (SO1 5077)

MTBF:

‘B

B’

Friction
Push tractor
Pull tractor
Push/pull tractor (with optional pull
tractor C80030*)
Cut-sheet feeder (option C80637*)

Life expectancy at 48-dot character

2 million characters

0.2 million characters
Black: 1 million characters

Cyan: 0.7 million characters
Magenta: 0.7 million characters

Yellow: 0.5 million characters

4000 power-on hours

perforation

Print head life:

A-6 Appendix

200 million strokes/wire (black)
100 million strokes/wire (color)

Dimensions and weight:
(Without tractor unit)

Electrical

120

V model:

Rated voltage
Input voltage range
Rated frequency range
Input frequency range

Rated current
Power consumption

220-240 V model:

Rated voltage
Input voltage range
Rated frequency range
Input frequency range
Rated current
Power consumption

Width:
Depth:

mm (14.4

275 mm (10.8 inches)

inches)

366

Height: 141 mm (5.6 inches)
Weight: Approx. 4.3 kg (9.5 lb)

AC 120 V
AC 103.5 to 132 V

50 to 60 Hz

49.5 to 60.5 Hz

1.4 A

Approx. 30 W (during self-test printing in
draft mode at 10 cpi)

AC 220-240 V
AC 198 to 264 V

50 to 60 Hz

49.5 to 60.5 Hz

0.7 A
Approx. 30 W (during self-test printing in

draft mode at 10 cpi)

Environmental

Temperature:

Operation:
Operation (film ribbon)
Operation (envelopes,
labels, or recycled paper):
Storage:

Humidity (without condensation):

Operation:
Operation (film ribbon):
Operation (envelopes,
labels, or recycled paper):
Storage:

5 to 35°C (41 to 95°F)

15 to 35°C (59 to 95°F)

15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F)

-20 to 55°C (-4 to 131°F)

5 to 80% RI-I

10 to 80% RI-I

20 to 60% RI-I

5 to 85% RH

Appendix A-7

Safety approvals

Safety standards:

US model
European model

UL1950 with D3, CSA22.2 No.950 with D3
EN 60950 (TÜV)
IEC 950 (SEMKO, DEMKO, NEMKO, SETI)

RFI:

US model
European model

FCC part 15 subpart B class B
Vfg 243 (VDE 0878 part 3, part 30)
EN 55022 (CISPR Pub. 22) Class B

Interface Specifications

Your printer is equipped with an EIA-232D serial interface and a
Centronics-compatible parallel interface. The printer switches
automatically to the appropriate interface when it receives data.

Parallel interface

The parallel interface has the following characteristics.

Data format:

Synchronization:

Handshaking:

S-bit
STROBE pulse

BUSY and ACKNLG signals

Signal level:
Connector:

TTL compatible

36-pin 57-30360 Amphenol connector or
equivalent

Serial interface

The serial interface has the following characteristics.

Bit rate:

Word length:

Data format
Start bit
Parity bit
Stop bit

A-8 Appendix

300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 bps
(selectable)

7 or S-bit (selectable)
1 bit
Odd, even, or none (selectable)
1 bit

Synchronization:
Handshaking:

Asynchronous
DTR protocol, XON/XOFF protocol,

ETX/ACK protocol (selectable)

Parity check
Connector:

Odd, even, or none (selectable)
EIA standard, 25-pin, D-SUB, female

connector

Serial pin assignments

The following table lists the serial connector pin assignments and

describes their respective interface signals.

Pin No.

Signal Direction Description

Protective Ground (FG)

1

Transmitted Data (TXD/SD)

2

Received Data (RXD/RD)

3

Request to Send (RTS/RS)

4

Signal Ground (SG)

7

Reverse Channel

11

Data Terminal Ready

20

(DTR/ER)

—

out

In

out

—

out
out

Printer's chassis ground

Printer has transmitted serial data
Printer has received serial data
Always positive
Return path for data control signals
Connected to Pin 20
Positive when the printer is ready to

accept data, and negative when
the printer is not ready

Appendix A-9

Command Summary

Sending printer commands

Most actions your printer performs are controlled by your software.
Software commands instruct the printer to print in a particular typeface,
feed the paper a certain amount after printing each line, start printing at a
particular place on the page, and so on. The commands your printer
recognizes are listed in this command summary.

Some software programs let you send these commands yourself. How

you format commands depends on the software you are using. Some

software programs accept only the decimal format, while others let you
type in ASCII characters. (Some programs do not let you insert printer
commands at all.) In addition, your software probably specifies certain
punctuation you must use to enter the command. The software manual
should explain the required format and punctuation.

Using the command summary

The following section lists and describes all the commands by topic. If a
command has no parameters, it is merely listed. If it has parameters, they
are explained. The parameters are indicated by lowercase italicized letters,
usually n. The examples below show how the parameters are indicated.

ESC @ is a command with no parameters.
ESC U 1 / 0 is a command that uses 1 to turn the feature on and 0 to turn

it off.
ESC K n1 n2 is a command with two parameters.

ESC D nn is a command with a variable number of parameters.
For further information about using printer commands, see the

comprehensive

ESC/P

Reference Manual published by EPSON.

A-10 Appendix

General operation

ASCII

ESC @
ESC U 1/0
ESC EM n

Paper feeding

ASCII Dec.

CR
FF
LF
ESC 0
ESC 2
ESC 3 n
ESC + n

Page format

ASCII

ESC (c nn

ESC ( C

ESCCn

nn

Dec.

64

Hex.

40
85 55
25

13
12
10

48

50

19

Hex.

0D
0C
0A
30

32
51 33
43

Dec.

2B

Hex.

40 99 28 63

40 67 28

67

43

43

Description

Initialize Printer
Turn Unidirectional Mode On/ Off

Control Paper Loading/Ejecting

n = "R" Eject a sheet

Description

Carriage Return
Form Feed
Line Feed
Select 1/8-inch Line Spacing

Select 1/6-inch Line Spacing
Set n/180-inch Line Spacing
Set n/360-inch Line Spacing

Description

Set Page Format
ESC (c 40 m1 m2 n1 n2

m= m1 + m2 x 256
m: Top margin in defined units
n = n1 + n2 x 256

n: Bottom margin in defined units
Set Page Length in Defined Unit

ESC ( C 20 n1 n2

n =

n1 + n2 x 256

n: Number of defined units

Set Page Length in Lines

n

=

Number of lines (1-127)

Appendix A-11

ASCII Dec.

ESC C 0 n

ESC N n

ESC O

ESC l n

ESC Q n

67

78

79

108

81

Print position motion

Hex.

43

4E

4F

6C

51

Description

Set Page Length in Inches
n =

Number of inches (1-22)

Set Bottom Margin for Continuous
Paper
n =

Number of lines (1-127)

Cancel Top/Bottom Margin for
Continuous Paper

Set Left Margin
n =

Left margin column

Set Right Margin
n = Right margin column

ASCII

ESC $ n1

ESC \ n1

n2

n2

Dec.

36

92

ESC ( V nn 40 86

Hex.24Description

Set Absolute Horizontal Print Position

n =

n1 + n2 x 256

n: Specifies print position from left
margin in defined units

Before you define the unit, the

default is l/60-inch for this
command.

5C

Set Relative Horizontal Print Position

n =

n1 + n2 x 256

n: Moves current print position in

defined units
Before you define the unit, the

default is l/120-inch in draft and

1/180-inch in LQ for this

command.

28 56

Set Absolute Vertical Print Position
ESC( V 20 n1 n2

n = n1 + n2 x 256
n: Specifies print position from top

margin in defined units

A-12 Appendix

ASCII Dec.

ESC ( v nn

ESC D nn

HT

ESC B nn

VT
ESC J n

Font selection

Hex.

40 118 28 76

68

9
66

11
74

44

09

42

OB

4A

Description

Set Relative Vertical Print Position

ESC ( v 2 0 n1 n2
n =

n1 + n2 x 256

n: Moves current print position in

defined units
Set Horizontal Tabs

Up to 32 tabs (1-255) entered in
ascending order Terminated by 0

Tab Horizontally

Set Vertical Tabs
Up to 16 tabs (1-255); last n should
be 0

Tab Vertically

Advance n/180-inch

ASCII

ESC k n

ESC X

nn

Dec.

107 6B

88

Hex.

58

Description

Select Typeface

n = 0: Roman

4: Script

1: Sans Serif 10: Roman T

2: Courier 11: Sans Serif H

3: Prestige

Select Font by Pitch and Point

ESC X m n1 n2

m: Set pitch to 360/m cpi

m = 0: No change in pitch
m = 1: Select proportional
m = 0, 1, 18, 27, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 60,

or 72

n =

n1 + n2 x 256

n:

Set point size in 0.5 points
Total points = (n1 + n2 x 256) x 0.5
n =

0: No change in point

n = 0, 16, 21, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48,

52, 56, 60, or 64 (for Roman, and
Sans Serif)

n =

0, 21, 42 (for other typeface)
Cancel ESC X with ESC P, M, g, p,

!, or @

Appendix A-13

ASCII Dec.

ESC I’
ESC M
ESC g
ESC p l/O
ESC x n

ESC

4 52

ESC

5

ESC

E

ESC

F 70

ESC ! n

80
77

103
112
120

53
69

33

Font enhancement

Hex.

50
4D
67

70
78

34
35
45
46
21

Description

Select 10.5 Point, 10 cpi
Select 10.5 Point, 12 cpi
Select 10.5 Point, 15 cpi
Turn Proportional Mode On/Off
Select Draft or Letter Quality

n = 0: Draft

1: Letter Quality
Select Italic Font
Cancel Italic Font
Select Bold Font
Cancel Bold Font
Master Select

To find the value of n, add together
the numbers of the typestyles you

want to combine from the list below:

n = 0: 10 cpi

1: 12 cpi

16: Double-strike

32: Double-width
2: Proportional 64: Italic
4: Condensed 128: Underline
8: Bold

ASCII

SI 15
DC2
so
ESC W 1/0
DC4
ESC w 1/0
ESC G
ESC H
ESC S 0
ESC S 1 83

ESC T

A-14 Appendix

Dec.

18
14
87
20
119
71
72
83

84

Hex.

OF

12
OE
57

14
77
47
48
53
53

54

Description

Select Condensed Printing
Cancel Condensed Printing
Select Double-Width Printing (one line)
Turn Double-Width Printing On/Off

Cancel Double-Width Printing (one line)

Turn Double-Height Printing On/Off

Select Double-Strike Printing
Cancel Double-Strike Printing
Select Superscript Printing
Select Subscript Printing
Cancel Superscript/Subscript Printing

ASCII

ESC ( - nn

ESC- 1/0
ESC q n

Spacing

Dec.

40 45

45
113 71

Hex.

28 2D

2D

Description

Select Line /Score
ESC ( -301 n1 n2
n1 = 1: Underline

2: Strikethrough

3: Overscore

n2 = 0: Cancel score line selected by n

1: Single continuous line
2: Double continuous line
5: Single broken line

6: Double broken line
Turn Underline On/Off
Select Character Style

n = 0: Normal style

1: Outline
2: Shadow
3: Outline with shadow

ASCII

ESC SP n

ESC ( U nn

ESC c n1 n2 99

Dec.

32

40 85

Hex.

20

28 55

63

Description

Set Intercharacter Space
n =

Number of units of space added to
the space between characters
(1-127)
Units are 1/120 inch (draft) and

1/180 inch (LQ and proportional)

Define Unit
ESC ( U 10 n
Define positioning unit as n/3600 inch

n =

10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60

n = 10: default

Set Horizontal Motion Index (HMI)
Select Pitch in n/ 360-inch units
Total units = n1 + n2 x 256

Appendix A-15

Character handing

ASCII

ESC ( t nn

ESC t n

Dec.

40 116

116

Hex.

28 74

74

Description

Assign Character Table
ESC (t 30 d1 d2 d3
Assign character table set by d2 and

d3

to table

d1 =
d2 d3 Character Table

d1

0, 1, 2, 3, “0”, “1”, “2“, or “3”

0 0 Italic
1 0 PC 437 (USA, standard Europe)
1 16 PC 437 Greek (Greek)*

3 0 PC 850 (Multilingual)
5 0 PC 853 (Turkish)*
6 0 PC 855 (Cyrillic)”
7 0 PC 860 (Portuguese)
8 0 PC 863 (Canadian-French)
9 0 PC 865 (Norwegian)

10 0 PC 852 (East Europe)*
11 0 PC 857 (Turkish)*
13 0 PC 864 (Arabic)*
14 0 PC 866 (Russian)*

15 0 PC 869 (Greek)*
24 0 PC 861 (Icelandic)
25 0 BRASCII (Braz. Port.)
26 0 Abicomp (Braz. Port.)
27 0 MAZOWIA (Polish)*

28 0 Code MJK (CSFR)*

29 7 IS0 8859-7 (Latin/Greek)*

31 0 IS0 Latin 1T (Turkish)*

32 0 Bulgaria (Bulgarian)*

* Available only in certain areas

Select Character Table

Select character table n assigned by

ESC ( t

n = 0, 1, 2, 3, “1”, “2", or “3”

n

=

2: Remaps download characters
from O-127 to 128-255

A-16 Appendix