LQ-950
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®
EPSON
LQ-850/950/1050
User’s Manual
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN 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, 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 printer interface cable to this printer will invalidate the
FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits
established by the FCC for this equipment. If this equipment has more than one interface
connector, do not leave cables connected to unused interfaces.
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 numerique
applicables aux appareils numeriques de Classe B prescrites dans le reglement sur le
brouillage radioelectriques
edict6
n’kmet
par le
pas de bruits
Minis&e
des Communications du Canada.
radioelectriques
depassant les limites
All rights reserved, No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording,
or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Epson America, Inc. 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, Epson America, Inc. assumes no
responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting
from the use of the information contained herein.
Epson America, Inc. shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the use of
any options other than those designated as Original Epson Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.
Epson and Epson ESC/P are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
IBM and IBM PC are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.
SmartPark is a trademark of Epson America, Inc.
Copyright Q 1989 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California
ii
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1.
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
2.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not
3.
use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning the outside of the unit.
4.
Do not use this product near water.
Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table.
5.
The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.
6.
Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the
product and to protect it from overheating, these openings must
not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be
blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other
similar surface. This product should never be placed near or
over a radiator or heat register. This product should not be
placed in a built in installation unless proper ventilation is
provided.
7.
This product should be operated from the type of power source
indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of
power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
8.
This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a
plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into
a grounding type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the
grounding type plug.
Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.
9.
,..
111
10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the
total of the ampere ratings on the products plugged into the
extension cord do not exceed the extension cord ampere rating.
Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into the
wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet
slots, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out
parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never
spill liquid of any kind on the product.
12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Manual, do not
attempt to service this product yourself. Opening or removing
those covers that are marked “Do Not Remove” may expose you
to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing in
those compartments to service personnel.
13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
A. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
B.
If liquid has been spilled into the product.
C.
If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
D. If the product 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 product to normal operation.
E.
If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged.
F.
If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance,
indicating a need for service.
iv
Contents
Introduction
Features
Options
About This Manual
Application Notes
Where to Get Help.
Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer.
Choosing a Place for the Printer
Assembling the Printer.
Testing the Printer
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
Setting Up Your Application Software
Chapter 2 Paper Handling
Using Single Sheets
Using Continuous Paper
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
Printing on Special Paper.
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1
1
2
4
6
6
1-1
1-2
1-8
1-10
1-18
1-30
1-34
2-1
2-2
2-6
2-16
2-25
Chapter 3 Using the Printer
Operating the Control Panel
Setting the DIP Switches.
Page Length
Skip Over Perforation.
Adjusting the Loading Position.
Using Short Tear-off
Selecting Typestyles
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3-1
3-2
3-6
3-11
3-12
3-14
3-17
3-21
V
Selecting an International Character Set
Selecting a Graphics Character Set
Choosing a Character Table.
Using the Data Dump Mode
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3-26
3-28
3-31
3-35
Chapter 4 Software and Graphics
Enhancing Your Printing
Graphics..
User-defined Characters.
Chapter 5 Using the Printer Options
The Cut Sheet Feeder
The Pull Tractor. ...................................
The Multi-Font Module
The Interface Boards
Chapter 6 Maintenance
Cleaning the Printer
Replacing the Ribbon
Transporting the Printer.
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting
Problems and Solutions
Power Supply. .....................................
Printing ...........................................
Paper Handling ....................................
Options..
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4-1
4-2
4-10
4-22
5-1
5-2
5-28
5-41
5-48
6-2
6-4
6-9
7-1
7-2
7-4
7-5
7-16
7-27
Chapter 8 Technical Specifications
Printer Specifications ...............................
Interface Specifications. .............................
Option Specifications
Initialization .......................................
vi
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8-1
8-2
8-10
8-15
8-17
Chapter 9 Command Summary
Using the Command Summary.
Commands in Numerical Order
Commands Arranged by Topic.
9-1
......................
9-2
...................... 9-5
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9-8
Appendix
Proportional Width Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glossary
Index
A-1
A-2
A-6
vii
Introduction
The Epson® LQ-850, LQ-950, and LQ-1050 are advanced 24-pin
impact dot matrix printers, combining high performance and
reliability with a wide range of features.
Features
In addition to the high-quality printing and ease of operation you
have come to expect from Epson printers, the LQ-850, LQ-950, and
LQ-1050 offer the following features:
Easy paper handling, featuring automatic single-sheet loading.
Compatibility with the Epson ESC/P commands used by
the LQ-500, LQ-510, LQ-800, LQ-1000, LQ-1500, LQ-2500, and
LQ-2550.
Fast draft printing of up to 300 characters per second at 10
characters per inch (cpi) in high-speed draft mode, and 295
characters per second at 12 cpi or 246 characters per second at
10 cpi in normal draft mode.
An improved control panel design that allows direct selection of
many of the printer’s main features including character fonts
and character spacing, as well as a choice of normal or
condensed printing.
The SmartPark™ paper handling system that lets you use single
sheets of paper without removing the continuous paper,
eliminates paper waste with short tear-off, and allows easy and
accurate paper alignment.
Two built-in Letter Quality fonts, Roman and Sans Serif, for
producing high-quality documents.
A 360 x 360 dot per inch graphics mode.
Introduction 1
l
A micro-adjustment feature that allows you to feed the paper
forward or backward in 1/180-inch increments to finely adjust
the loading and short tear-off positions.
l
An auto-load feature lets you load a single sheet of paper
automatically when not using the optional cut sheet feeder,
l The Epson Extended Graphics character table, 14 international
character sets, a legal symbol set, and an italic character table.
l
The ability to handle a wide range of paper types, including
envelopes and labels.
Options
A variety of printer options is available for use with your printer.
For detailed information on using these options, see Chapter 5.
l
Single-bin and Double-bin Cut Sheet Feeders
(#7339/#7340/#7345/#7346/#7347/#7348)
The cut sheet feeders make it possible to handle single-sheet
paper and envelopes more easily and more efficiently. Up to 150
sheets of standard bond paper can be automatically fed into the
printer without reloading.
2
Introduction
l
Pull Tractor Unit (#7311/#7312/#7313)
This option improves the performance of continuous paper
handling. It is especially useful with continuous multi-part forms.
l
Multi-Font Module (#7407)
The optional Multi-Font module adds to the number of fonts
available in the Letter Quality mode. You can use two Multi-
Font modules with your printer.
l
Film Ribbon Cartridge (#7768/#7769/#7770)
The optional film ribbon cartridge provides you with even
higher quality printing than the standard fabric ribbon.
Introduction 3
l Interface Boards
Optional interface boards are available to supplement the
printer’s built-m parallel and serial interfaces. Guidelines for
choosing the right interface and instructions on installing the
boards are given in Chapter 5.
About This Manual
This user’s manual provides fully illustrated, step-by-step
instructions on setting up and operating your Epson printer.
Finding your way around
l Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up,
testing, and connecting the printer. Be sure to read and follow
these instructions first. Inside the back flap of this manual are
illustrations of the printer in which all of the major parts are
identified.
l
Chapters 2 and 3 cover paper handling and general printer
operation. This important information is necessary for the day-
to-day operation of your printer.
4
Introduction
Chapter 4 shows you how to get the most from your printer. It
includes advice on the use of software commands and graphics,
and creating your own user-defined characters. See Chapter 9
for a useful summary of printer commands.
If the printer does not operate properly or the printed results are
not what you expect, see Chapter 7 for troubleshooting
instructions.
Other chapters and the appendix contain information on printer
options, general maintenance, and specifications. You will also
find a glossary of printer terms.
At the back of this manual is a handy Quick Reference card that
contains the information you are most likely to need.
Note:
printer except for their widths. Therefore, the illustrations in this
guide show only the LQ-1050.
Conventions used in this manual
m
0
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the
operation of your printer.
The LQ-850, LQ-950, and LQ-1050 are basically the same
WARNINGS must
to your printer and computer.
CAUTIONS
I
.
your printer operates correctly.
should be followed carefully to ensure that
be followed carefully to avoid damage
Introduction 5
Application Notes
Also included in the box with your printer is a booklet called
Application Notes. It contains information on using specific software
applications with your printer. Be sure to look at the booklet after
you set up your printer.
Where to Get Help
A network of authorized Epson dealers and service centers
throughout the United States provides customer support and
service for Epson products. Epson America provides product
information and toll-free support to its dealers and service centers.
Therefore, contact the business where you purchased your Epson
product to request assistance. If the people there do not have the
answer to your question, they can obtain it through Epson’s toll-free
dealer support program.
Epson is confident that this policy will provide you with the
assistance you need. If you need to find an Epson dealer or service
center in your area, please call our Consumer Information number
at l-800-922-8911.
6
Introduction
Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer.
Checking the Parts.
Removing the Protective Materials.
Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assembling the Printer.
Installing the Platen Knob
Installing the Ribbon Cartridge.
Attaching the Paper Guide.
Testing the Printer.
Plugging in the Printer
Running the Self Test
Checking the Operation
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
The Parallel Interface
The Serial Interface
Setting Up Your Application Software
Choosing From a Menu
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1-2
1-2
1-3
1-8
1-10
1-10
1-11
1-15
1-18
1-18
1-19
1-27
1-30
1-31
1-32
1-34
1-34
Setting Up the Printer
l-l
Unpacking the Printer
Checking the Parts
When you unpack the printer, make sure that you have all the parts
shown below and that none have been damaged.
\
Cross-head
1-2
sc~ewdtiver
Setting Up the Printer
WARNING:
Several different versions of the printer have
been designed for different electrical standards. The label
on the back of the printer shows the power supply
voltage. If the voltage shown is not the correct voltage for
your country, contact your dealer. You cannot adjust the
printer for use on another voltage.
After removing the parts, save the packing materials in case you
ever need to transport your printer.
The ribbon cartridge that comes with the LQ-850 is #7753; #7767
comes with the LQ-950 and #7754 with the LQ-1050.
Removing the Protective Materials
The printer is protected during shipping by two locking brackets,
two locking tabs, and a print head protector. These protective items
must be removed before you turn on the printer. After removing
these items, store them with the other packing material in case you
ever need to transport your printer.
Remove the printer cover unit, which includes the printer cover
1.
and the paper guide cover.
Setting Up the Printer
1-3
2.
Remove any pieces of white packing material you find inside the
printer.
3.
Use the cross-head screwdriver that came with the printer to
unscrew and remove the two transport locking brackets. Look
straight down inside the printer to find the locking brackets. The
brackets are orange and their screws are red.
1-4
Setting Up the Printer
4. Remove
Slide the print head to the middle of the printer
5.
th
Setting Up the Printer
1-5
Remove the left
6.
Attach the printer cover unit.
7.
and right locking tabs.
1-6
Setting Up the Printer
8.
Close the paper guide cover.
WARNING:
before you turn on the printer.
Be sure to remove all
protective
materials
Setting Up the Printer
l-7
Choosing a Place for the Printer
There are several important things to consider when selecting a
place to set up your printer. Keep the following in mind:
Place the printer on a flat, hard, stable surface. A soft surface,
such as a padded counter or carpeted area, will block the
ventilation slots and may cause overheating.
Place the printer close enough to the computer for the printer
cable to reach.
Leave adequate room around the printer to allow for easy
printer operation and maintenance, and for unrestricted flow of
air around the printer.
Use a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight, excessive
heat, moisture, or dust.
Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or automatic
timers. Accidental interruption of power can wipe out
information in both your computer’s memory and in your
printers memory.
Avoid using outlets that share a circuit with large motors or
electrical appliances; this could cause fluctuations in line
voltage.
Keep the entire computer system away from potential sources of
electromagnetic interference such as loudspeakers or the base
units of cordless telephones.
1-8
Setting Up the Printer
The illustration below shows a good printer arrangement.
Note: Before using a printer stand, read these requirements and
suggestions.
l
The stand should be able to support at least twice the weight of
the printer.
l
Never use a stand that supports the printer at an angle of
more than 15 degrees from horizontal.
l
With a cut sheet feeder, your printer must be kept level.
l If your paper supply is positioned below the printer stand,
make sure there is enough clearance to keep the paper from
catching on the underside of the stand. Also, make sure the
distance between the stand supports is wide enough for the
paper you are using.
l
Position your printer’s cables so that they do not interfere with
paper feeding. If possible, secure the cables to the printer stand.
Setting Up the Printer
1-9
Assembling the Printer
After you’ve decided on the best place to set up your printer, the
next step is to install the platen knob.
Installing the Platen Knob
You use the platen knob to feed the paper manually in the event of a
paper jam or other paper feeding problem. The platen knob is packed
in an indentation in the printer’s white foam packing material.
1.
Insert the platen knob into the hole on the printer’s side and
rotate it slowly until it slips onto the shaft.
1-10
Setting Up the Printer
2.
Push firmly on the platen knob until it fits against the printer case.
CAUTION: Do not use the platen knob to adjust the
1
.
0
Installing the Ribbon Cartridge
Your printer’s ribbon cartridges are designed for easy installation
and removal. You install the standard ribbon cartridge and the
optional film ribbon cartridge in the same way. A standard ribbon
cartridge comes with your printer.
position of the paper. This interferes with the automatic
paper loading system and may cause a paper jam.
Install the ribbon cartridge as follows:
1.
Make sure the printer is turned off.
2.
Remove the printer cover unit.
Setting Up
the Printer
1-11
3.
Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
CAUTION: Never move the print head while the printer is
I
.
0
4.
turned on because this can damage the printer. Also, if
you have been using the printer, the print head may be
hot; let it cool for a few minutes before touching it.
Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow.
This removes slack in the ribbon and makes it easier to install.
1-12
Setting Up the Printer
5.
Hold the ribbon cartridge by its black, fin-like handles with the
exposed ribbon away from you. (The LQ-850 ribbon cartridge
has only one handle.) Push the cartridge firmly into position,
making sure the plastic hooks fit into the slots inside the printer.
Note: Press lightly on both ends of the cartridge to make sure
the plastic hooks are properly seated.
Setting Up the Printer
1-13
Use a pointed object, such as a ballpoint pen, to guide the ribbon
6.
between the print head and ribbon guide while you turn the
ribbon-tightening knob to help feed the ribbon into place.
Slide the print head from side to side to make sure it moves
7.
smoothly. Also check that the ribbon is not twisted or creased.
Make sure the paper thickness lever on the left is set to
position 2. See The Paper Thickness Lever in Chapter 2 if you
are printing on special paper.
1-14
Setting Up the Printer
CAUTION:
Film ribbon cartridges must be used and
stored within the following temperature ranges:
Operation: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C)
Storage: -22°F to 104°F (-30°C to 40°C)
Storing and using a film ribbon at high temperatures
shortens the ribbon’s life expectancy, which is normally
200,000 characters (#7768 and #7769) or 300,000 characters
(#7770). If you continue to use the ribbon beyond its life
expectancy, printing suddenly becomes faint and the
ribbon may snap.
Attaching the Paper Guide
When you use single sheets, the paper guide helps to feed the paper
smoothly and efficiently into the printer. Attach the paper guide
using the following procedure.
1.
Place the paper guide on the printer as shown below. Make sure
the back edge of the guide is even with the back of the printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-15
2.
Raise the paper guide until it locks into place.
Note: To lower the paper guide, lift up slightly to release it from
its locked position; then gently lower it down onto the printer.
1-16
Setting Up the Printer
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