Control Panel Buttons and Lights
T
A
t
b
p
p
*
W
p
t
o
*
p
o
e
o
.
e
a
Tear Off (Font) lights**
Flash when continuous paper is in
the tear-off position; otherwise, the
lights indicate the selected font.
ear Off (Font) button**
dvances continuous paper
o the tear-off position.
Feeds continuous paper
ackward from the tear-off
osition to the top-of-form
osition.
Micro Adjust mode
hen you hold down the Pause button for three seconds, the
rinter enters the micro adjust mode. In this mode, you can press
he LF/FFD and Load/EjectU buttons to adjust the top-of-form
r tear-off position. See Chapter 2, “Using the Printer.”
*Font select
In the Micro Adjust mode, you can select the font to use for
rinting by pressing the Tear Off button. The Tear Off lights turn
n, off or flash to indicate the selected font.
LF/FF button
Feeds paper line by line
when pressed and
released.
Ejects a single sheet or
advances continuous
paper to the next
top-of-form position
when held down.
Load/Eject button
Loads a single sheet of paper.
Ejects a single sheet of paper
if a sheet is loaded.
Loads continuous paper from
the standby position.
Feeds continuous paper
backwards to the standby
position.
Paper Out light
On when no paper is
loaded in the selected
paper source or when
paper is not loaded
correctly.
Flashes when paper has
not been fully ejected or
paper jam has occurred.
Pause button
Stops printing
temporarily, and resum
printing when pressed
again. When pressed f
three seconds, turns on
the Micro Adjust mode*
To turn off, press again.
Pause light
On when the printer is
paused.
Flashes when the print
is in the Micro Adjust
mode*.
Flashes when the print
head has overheated.
9-Pin Dot Matrix Printer
®
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, mec h an ic al, pho t ocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without th e pr ior written permiss ion of SEIKO EPSON
CORPORATION. The information contained herein is designed only for use with this EPSON
printer. EPSON is not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other printers.
Neither SEIKO EPSON CO RPORATION nor its affiliates sh all be liable to the purchaser of
this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by the purchaser
or third parti e s as a result of: ac cident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unau t horized
modificati ons, re pairs , or alte rati ons to th is prod uct, o r (excl uding t he U.S.) f ailur e to stri ctly
comply with SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION’s operating and maintenance instructions.
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION shall not be liable for 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 of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM is a registered tradema rk of International Business Ma ch in e s 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 © 2001 by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, Nagano, Japan.
User’s Guide
Contents
Control Panel Buttons and Lights
Getting to Know Your Printer
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Print Head Caution Symbol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
ENERGY STAR
Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Choosing a place for the printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Assembling the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Installing the paper-feed knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Attaching the paper supports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
Installing or replacing the ribbon cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Plugging in the printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-10
Running the Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-11
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-14
Using the parallel interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-14
Using the serial interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-16
Installing the Printer Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-18
Installing the software in Windows Me, 98, 95, 2000,
or NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-19
Installing the software in Windows 3.1 or NT 3.5x. . . . . . .1-20
For DOS programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-22
®
Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Contents 1
Chapter 2 Using the Printer
Using the Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Selecting a built-in font. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
About Your Printer’s Default Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Changing default settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Printing on Continuous Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Printing with the push tractor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Removing a printed document from the push tractor. . . . 2-15
Switching back to single sheets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Printing with the pull tractor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Adjusting the top-of-form position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
Advancing the paper to the tear-off edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
Printing on Single Sheets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26
Loading single sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27
Printing on Special Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27
Adjusting the paper-thickness lever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27
Multipart forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29
Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29
Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30
Installing and Using Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
Cut-sheet feeder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
Pull tractor unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35
Roll paper holder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38
Color upgrade kit (LX-300+ only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40
Print server. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43
Chapter 3 Using the Printer Software
Using the Printer Driver with Windows Me, 98, and 95 . . . . . . 3-2
Accessing the printer driver
from Windows applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Changing the printer driver settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Using the Printer Driver with Windows 3.1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Accessing the printer driver
from Windows applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Changing the printer driver settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
2 Contents
Using the Printer Driver with Windows 2000 and NT 4.0 . . . . .3-6
Accessing the printer driver
from Windows applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Changing the printer driver settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Using the Printer Driver with Windows NT 3.5x. . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Accessing the printer driver
from Windows applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Changing the printer driver settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
Printer Driver Settings Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11
About the EPSON Status Monitor 3 Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12
Setting up EPSON Status Monitor 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13
Accessing EPSON Status Monitor 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14
Using the EPSON Remote! Utility (LX-300+ only). . . . . . . . . . . .3-15
Installing EPSON Remote! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15
Accessing EPSON Remote!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting
Using the Error Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Power is not being supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
The printer does not print. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
The print is faint or uneven. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
Dots are missing in printed characters or graphics. . . . . . .4-7
Printed characters are not what you expected. . . . . . . . . . .4-7
The print position is not what you expected . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8
Paper Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8
Single sheets do not feed properly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8
Continuous paper does not feed properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-11
When you use the cut-sheet feeder, the paper
does not feed properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-11
Switching between the cut-sheet feeder
and the push tractor does not work properly . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Using the pull tractor with the push tractor,
continuous paper does not feed properly . . . . . . . . . . . .4-12
Contents 3
With the color upgrade kit installed, the printer
does not operate properly (LX-300+ only) . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Appendix A
Cleaning the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Transporting the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
Printer Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
Electronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6
Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8
Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8
Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8
Printable area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-14
Paper alignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-17
Standards and approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-17
Command Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-18
EPSON ESC/P control codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-18
IBM 2380 Plus (for LX-300+)/ IBM 2381 Plus
(for LX-1170) emulation control codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-19
Contacting Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-20
Index
Printer Parts
4 Contents
Getting to Know Your Pri nter
Your EPSON® LX-300+/LX-1170 9-pin dot matrix printer
provides high-quality printing and superior performance in a
compact design. Its features include:
❏ A variety of paper paths to suit your printing needs.
❏ The ability to handle a wide range of paper types, including
continuous paper, multipar t forms (with one ori ginal and up
to four copies), labels, single sheets, and envelopes.
❏ High-speed printing of up to 300 cps (c harac ters per second)
at 10 cpi (characters per inch).
Your printer comes packaged with the printer driver and other
software, including the EPSON Status Monitor 3 utility for
Microsoft
Status Monitor 3 utility lets you check the status of your printer
quickly and easily.
Note:
The illustrations in this manual are from LX-300+. LX-1170 is wider
than LX-300+. However, the explanations are the same.
®
Windows® Me, 98, 95, 2000, or NT 4.0. The EPSON
Getting to Know Your Printer 1
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
This guide uses the following conventions:
Warnings
w
c
Notes
contain important information and useful tips on the operation
of your printer.
must be followed to avoid bodily injury.
Cautions
must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these safety instructions before using the printer . In
addition, follow all warnings and instructions marked on the
printer itself .
❏ Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a
radiator or heat source.
❏ Place the printer on a flat surf ace. The printer will not opera te
properly if it is tilted or placed at an angle.
❏ Do not block or cover the slots and openings in the printer’s
cabinet, and do not insert objects through the slots.
❏ Use only the type of power source indicated on the p ri nter ’s
label.
2 Getting to Know Your Printer
❏ Connect all equipment to properl y gr ound ed po wer out lets.
Avoid using outlets on the same circui t as photocopiers or air
control system s that regularly switch on and off.
❏ Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord.
❏ If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the
total ampere rating of all devices plug ged into the extensi on
cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make
sure that the total ampere of all devices plugged into the wall
outlet does not exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating.
❏ Unplug the printer before clea ning it, and always clean it with
a piece of damp cloth only.
❏ Do not spill liquid onto the printer.
❏ Except as specifically explained in t his guide, do not at tempt
to service the printer yourself.
❏ Unplug the printer and refer servicing t o qualified per sonnel
under the following conditions:
i. If the power cord or plug is damaged.
ii. If liquid has entered the printer.
iii.If the printer has bee n dropped or the cabinet damaged.
iv.If the printer does not operate normally or exhibits a
distinct change in performance.
❏ Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions.
❏ Printer parts marked with this symbol may be hot.
K
Turn off the printer and let it c ool for a few minu tes
before you touch any printer part marked with this
symbol.
Getting to Know Your Printer 3
❏ If you plan to use the printer in Germany, observe the
following:
To provide adequate short-circuit protection and
over-current protection for this printer, the building
installation must be protected by a 10- or 16-amp circuit
breaker.
Print Head Caution Symbol
This symbol is placed on the print head to indicate
that the print head may be hot. Never touch the
K
E
NERGY STAR® Compliance
print head just after the prin ter has been used. Let
the print head cool for a few minutes before
touching it.
As an ENERGY STAR® partner, EPSON has
determined that this product meets the
®
STAR
guidelines for energy efficiency.
ENERGY
The International
a voluntary partnership with the computer and office equipment
industry to promote the introduction of e nergy-efficient pers onal
computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers, and
scanners in an effort to reduce air pollution caused by power
generation.
4 Getting to Know Your Printer
ENERGY STAR
®
Office Equipment Program is
Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Choosing a place for the printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Assembling the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Installing the paper-feed knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Attaching the paper supports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
Installing or replacing the ribbon cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Plugging in the printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-10
Running the Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-11
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-14
Using the parallel interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-14
Using the serial interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-16
Installing the Printer Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-18
Installing the software in Windows Me, 98, 95, 2000,
or NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-19
Installing the software in Windows 3.1 or NT 3.5x. . . . . . .1-20
For DOS programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-22
1
Setting Up the Printer 1-1
Unpacking the Pr inter
Besides the items shown in the illustration below, the printer box
should include an EPSON printer software CD-ROM and a Notice
Sheet. Check that everything has been included in the package.
printer
paper supports
paper-feed knob
power cord
Note:
Depending on your printer model, the power cord may be permanently
attached to the printer. Also, the shape of the power cord plug varies
depending on the country of purchase; be sure the plug you have is the
right one for your location.
Caution:
c
1-2 Setting Up the Printer
There are several models of the printer designed for different
voltages, and it is not possible to adjust the printer for use with
another voltage. If the label on the back of the printer does not
show the correct voltage for your country, contact your dealer.
ribbon cartridge
You must remove all protective materials packed around and
inside your printer before you set it up and turn on the power.
Follow the directions on the Notice Sheet (packed with the
printer) to remove these ma terials.
Save all packing and pro tective materials in case you need to ship
the printer in the future. It sh ould always be transported in its
original packing materials.
Choosing a place for the printer
Follow the guidelines below when selecting a location for your
printer.
❏ Place the printer on a flat, stable surface. The printer will not
operate properly if it is tilted or placed at an angle.
❏ Place the printer where you can easily connect it t o a network
interface cable, if necessary.
❏ Leave adequate room around the printer for easy operation
and maintenance.
1
❏ Avoid using or storing the printer in places subject to rapid
changes in temperature and humidity. Keep it away from
direct sunlight, strong light, heat sources, or excessive
moisture or dust.
❏ Avoid places subject to shocks and vibrations.
❏ Place the printer near a wall outlet where you can easily
unplug the power cord.
❏ Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or
automatic timers. An interruption in power can erase
information in the memory of your printer or computer. Also
avoid outlets on the same circuit as large motors or other
appliances that can cause voltage fluctuations.
Setting Up the Printer 1-3
❏ Keep the entire computer system away from pot ential sources
of electromagnetic interference, such as loudspeakers or the
base units of cordless telephones.
❏ Use a grounded power outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines:
❏ Use a stand that supports at least 20 kg.
❏ Never use a stand that tilts the printer. The pr inter should
always be kept level.
❏ Position your printer’s p ower cord and interface cable so they
do not interfere with paper feeding. If possible, secure the
cables to a leg of the printer stand.
Assembling the Printer
This section provides you with information on how to get you r
printer up and running.
See “Printer Parts” on the l ast p age of this manual for the names
of the individual printer parts.
Installing the paper-feed knob
The first step in assembling the printer is instal ling the paper-feed
knob.
Follow these steps to install the paper-feed knob:
1-4 Setting Up the Printer
1. Insert the kno b into the hole o n the printer’s side and rotate
it slowly until it slips onto the shaft.
2. Push firmly on the paper-feed knob until it fits against t he
printer case.
Attaching the paper supports
You should install the pa per supports be fore you begin using the
printer.
Follow these steps to attach the paper supports onto the printer:
1
1. Pull the paper guide backward. Raise it up, and then push it
firmly until it fits in place.
Setting Up the Printer 1-5
2. Hold one of the paper supports and push the tips into the
notches on the edge guide.
3. Repeat step 2 for the other paper support.
Installing or replacing the ribbon cartridge
Before installing the ribbon cartridge, make sure that the printer
is not plugged into an electrical outlet.
Follow these steps to install or replace the ribbon cartridge:
1-6 Setting Up the Printer
1. Open the printer cover to t he upright position, the n pull it up
to remove it.
Warning:
w
2. For LX-1170 users, remove the paper tension unit by
squeezing the tension unit’s lock tabs gently and pull the
tension unit away from the printer.
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
3. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
Setting Up the Printer 1-7
4. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob i n the direction of the arrow
to remove any slack from the ribbon so it is easier to install.
5. Insert the ribbon cartridge into the printer as shown; then
press both sides of the cartridge firmly to fit the plastic hooks
into the printe r slots.
1-8 Setting Up the Printer
6. 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.
7. Slide the print head fro m side to side to ma ke sure it moves
smoothly.
1
8. For LX-1170 users, reinstall the paper tension unit.
9. Reinstal l and close the printer cover.
When printing becomes faint, you need to replace the ribbon
cartridge. To remove the old ribbon cartridge, first move the pri nt
head to the center of the printer. Then remove the cartridge by
lifting the both ends and taking it out of the printer.
Setting Up the Printer 1-9
Plugging in the printer
Follow these steps to plug in the printer:
1. Make sure the power switch on the printer is turned off. It is
N
off when the
2. Check the label on the back of the printer to make sure the
voltage required by the printer matches that of your electri cal
outlet.
side of the switch is pressed down.
Caution:
c
3. If the power cord is not attached to the printer, connect it to
the AC inlet on the printer.
4. Plug the power cord into a properly grounded electrical
outlet.
1-10 Setting Up the Printer
If the rated voltage on the printer and your outlet voltage do
not match, contact your dealer for assistan ce. Do not plug in
the power cord.
Running the Self Test
Use the built-in self test function to check that the printer is
working properly. You can run the test with either continuous
paper or single sheets. The procedure below describes the test
using single sheets, which is the easier way.
Follow these steps to run the self test:
1. Make sure the printer is turned off. Also make sure that the
paper-release lever is pushed back to the single-she et position
and the paper guide is in the upright position, as shown
below.
1
c
Caution:
For LX-300+: You should use paper at least 210mm wide to
run the self test; otherwise, the print head prints directly on
the platen.
For LX-1170: You should use pa per at least 376 mm wide to
run the self test; otherwise, the print head prints directly on
the platen.
Setting Up the Printer 1-11
2. While holding down the LF/FF button, turn on the printer.
3. Slide the left edge guide until it locks in place at the guide
mark. Next, adjust the right edge guide to match t he width of
your paper.
1-12 Setting Up the Printer
4. Slide a sheet of paper down firmly between the edge guides
until it meets resistance. The printer loads the sheet
automatically and begins printing the self test.
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.
1
Here is a part of a typical self-test printout:
Note:
If the self test did not print satisfactorily, see Chapter 4,
“Troubleshooting.” If it prints correctly, proceed to the next section.
Setting Up the Printer 1-13
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
Your printer includes both an IEEE-1284-compatible parallel
interface and an EIA- 232D serial interface. Before you begi n, 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.
Note:
You can connect a cable to both interfaces; the printer switches
automatically to the appropriate interface when it receives data.
Using the parallel interface
You need a shielded, twisted-pair cable no longer than 2 meters
to use the parallel interface.
Follow these steps to connect the printer to the computer using
the parallel interface:
1. Turn off both the computer and the printer.
1-14 Setting Up the Printer
2. Plug the parallel cable connector securely into the printer’s
parallel interface port. Squeeze the wire clips together until
they lock in place on both sides of the connector.
Note:
If there is a ground wire at the end of the cable, attach it to the grou nd
connector located to the right of the parallel interface port.
1
3. Plug the other end of the cable into the computer’s parallel
interface port. (If ther e is a ground wire at the end of the cable,
attach it to the ground connector a t the back of the computer.)
Setting Up the Printer 1-15
Using the serial interface
You need a serial cable that has a DB-25 male connector on the
printer side to use the serial interface.
Follow these steps to connect the printer to the computer using
the serial interface:
1. Turn off both the computer and the printer.
2. Plug the serial cable connector securely into the printer’s
serial interface port. Tighten the screws on both sides of the
connector.
1-16 Setting Up the Printer
Note:
If there is a ground wire at the end of the cable, attach it to the grou nd
connector located to the right of the serial interface port.
3. Plug the other end of the cable into the computer’s serial
interface port and the n tighten the screws on both s ides of the
connector. (If there is a ground wire at the end of the cable,
attach it to the ground connector a t the back of the computer.)
4. Use the Default Setting mode to change the baud rate or parity
bit, if necessary. See “About Your Print er’s Defaul t S etting s”
on page 2-3.
1
Setting Up the Printer 1-17
Installing the Printer Software
After you connect the printer to your computer, you need to
install the software included on the EPSON printer software
CD-ROM shipped with your printer.
Your printer software includes:
❏ Printer driv er
The printer driver is the softwa re that runs, or “d rives,” your
printer. With it, you can make printer settings such as print
quality, resolution, and paper size.
❏ EPSON Status Monitor 3 util ity (Windows Me, 98, 95, 2000 or
NT 4.0)
The EPSON Status Monitor 3 utility notifies you of printer
errors and displays printer st atus informati on.
❏ EPSON Remote! (a DOS -based printer setup ut ility) (LX-300+
only)
The EPSON Remote! utility allows you to easily change the
printer’s default settings from the computer screen. See
“Using the EPSON Remote! Utility (L X-300+ only)” on page
3-15.
To install the printer software, see “Installing the software in
Windows Me, 98, 95, 2000, or NT 4.0” on page 1-19 or “Installing
the software in Windows 3.1 or NT 3.5x” o n page 1-20. If you are
using DOS, see “For DOS programs” on page 1-22.
Note:
Printer software for Windows 3.1 and NT 3.5x is only provided for
LX-300+. If you need to use LX-1170 on those operating systems,
contact your dealer.
1-18 Setting Up the Printer
Installing the software in Windows Me, 98, 95,
2000, or NT 4.0
Follow these steps to install the printer software in Windows Me,
98, 95, 2000, or NT 4.0:
Note:
❏ Installing the printer software for Windows 2000 or NT 4.0 may
require administrator privileges. If you have problems, ask your
administrator for more information.
❏ If you wish to make a floppy disk version of the printer software on
your CD-ROM, insert the CD-ROM and run the START.EXE
program. In the dialog box that appears, click the Driver disk
creation utility button and follow the on-screen instructions.
❏ If you are using the flo ppy disk version of the EPSON software, make
a backup copy of the EPSON printer software disk or disks before
you begin installation.
1. Make sure that the printer and computer are switched off.
2. Switch the PC on. Windows start s automatically. Then swi tch
the printe r on.
1
3. Insert the CD-ROM containing the printer software into the
CD-ROM drive. The AutoPlay function of the CD-ROM drive
automatically starts t he installation program on the CD -ROM.
If the installation program does not start automatically, click
on Start and then on Run. In the Run dialog box, enter the
drive letter of your CD-ROM drive in the command line (e.g.
E:\), followed by the command START.EXE (e.g.
E:\START.EXE) and click on the OK button.
Note:
If your CD-ROM drive has a drive letter other than E, substitute
the appropriate letter.
Setting Up the Printer 1-19
The installation program starts. The subsequent pr ocedure is
menu-driven, i.e., you can select the relevant options from a
list simply by clicking wi th the mou se . The remai nder of t he
installation is automatic and you do not need to enter any
more information.
4. Select the desired options and follow the on-screen
instructions.
5. After the printer software has been successfully installed,
click on the button identified by a door icon to exit the
installation program.
Note:
❏ If the New Hardware Found screen or any other wizard appears
when you turn on your computer, click Cancel and follow the steps
above.
❏ Installation time varies depending on your computer.
When you install the pr inter driver on Windows Me, 98, 95, 2000
or NT 4.0, the EPSON Status Monitor 3 utility will also be
installed.
For information on launching and using the software, see
Chapter 3, “Using the Printer Software.”
Installing the software in Windows 3.1 or NT 3.5x
Follow these steps to install the printer software in Wind ows 3.1
or NT 3.5x.
Note:
❏ Printer software for Windows 3.1 and NT 3.5x is only provided for
LX-300+. If you need to use LX-1170 on those operating systems,
contact your dealer.
1-20 Setting Up the Printer
❏ Installing the printer software on Windows NT 3.5x may require
administrator privileges. If you have problems, ask your
administrator for more information.
1. Make sure Windows 3.1 is running and the Program
Manager window is open.
2. Insert the EPSON printer software CD-ROM shipped with
your printer in the CD-ROM
Note:
If your system does not have a CD-ROM drive, you can make a
floppy disk version from which to install the printer software.
3. From the File menu, choose Run. The Run dialog box
appears. In the Com mand Line bo x, type
OK.
drive.
E:\START and click
1
Note:
If your CD-ROM drive has a drive letter other than E , substitute
the appropriate letter
The installation program starts. The subsequent pr ocedure is
menu-driven, i.e., you can select the relevant options from a
list simply by clicking with t he mouse. The r emaind er of the
installation is automatic and you do not need to enter any
more information.
4. Select the desired options and follow the on-screen
instructions.
.
Setting Up the Printer 1-21
5. After the printer software has been successfully installed,
click on the button identified by a door icon to exit the
installation program.
The installation p rogram automatically selects the LX-30 0+ as the
default printer for Window s applications.
For information on launching and using the software, see
Chapter 3, “Using the Printer Software.”
For DOS programs
To control the printer fr om DOS applicati on programs, you ne ed
to select the printer you are using or another available printer
from the printer list of your application.
Choose the EPSON LX-300+/LX-1170 printer at the appropriate
step in the setup or installation procedure of your DOS
applicatio n program. If t he list in your application does not
include the LX-300+/LX-1170 printer, choose the first available
printer from this list.
For LX-300+
If you plan to use color, you must choose either LX-300+, LX-300,
JX-80, or EX-800. The other printers cannot use color.
LX-300
LX-810/850
LX-80/86
FX-850
FX-86e/800
JX-80
EX-800
Any FX printer
EPSON printer
Draft printer
1-22 Setting Up the Printer
For LX-1170
FX-1180
FX-1170
FX-1050
FX-1000
FX-105
Note:
If your application does not list a suitable alternative, contact the
software manufacturer to see if an update is available.
FX-100+
FX-100
Any FX printer
EPSON printer
Draft printer
1
Setting Up the Printer 1-23
Chapter 2
Using the Printer
Using the Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Selecting a built-in font . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
About Your Printer’s Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Changing default settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
Printing on Continuous Paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
Printing with the push tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
Removing a printed document from the push tractor . . . . 2-15
Switching back to single sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16
Printing with the pull tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16
Adjusting the top-of-form position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-21
Advancing the paper to the tear-off edge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-23
Printing on Single Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-26
Loading single sheets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-27
Printing on Special Paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-27
Adjusting the paper-thickness lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-27
Multipart forms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-29
Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-29
Envelopes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-30
Installing and Using Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-31
Cut-sheet feeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-31
Pull tractor unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-35
Roll paper holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-38
Color upgrade kit (LX-300+ only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-40
Print server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-43
2
Using the Printer 2-1
Using the Control Panel
You can control simple print er oper ations—such a s line feed ing,
form feeding, loading and ejecting paper, and selecting fonts—
with the buttons on the control panel. The control panel lights
show the printer’s status. For information on the bu ttons and the
lights on the control panel, see “Control Panel Buttons and
Lights” on the first page of this manual.
Selecting a built-in font
Follow these steps to select a built-in font using the buttons on the
printer’s control panel:
1. Make sure that the printer is not printing. If it is, wait until
printing is complete.
2. Hold down the Pause button for three seconds to enter the
Micro Adjust mode. The Pause light begins to flash. The three
Tear Off (Font) lights show the current font selection.
3. Press the Tear Off (Font) button repeatedly to cy cle thr ough
all of the available selections; then stop when you reach the
desired font with a pattern shown o n the control panel. Your
selection stays in effect until you change it again.
Note:
❏ Settings you make in your application programs usually
override settings you make from the printer’s control panel. For
best results, use your application to select a font and pitch.
❏ Barcode fonts cannot be selected via the control panel.
2-2 Using the Printer
About Your Prin ter’s Default Settings
The default settings control many printer functions. While you
can often set these functions through your software or printer
driver, you may sometimes need to chang e a default setting from
the printer’s control panel using the Default Setting mode.
The following table lists the defaul t settin gs and the opt ions you
can select in the Default Setti ng mode. The settings ar e explained
in detail after the table. For instructions on changing the default
settings, see “Changing default settings” on page 2-9.
Settings Options
2
Page length for tractor* Length in inches: 3, 3.5, 4, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 8.5,
Skip over perforation On, Off
Auto tear off On, Off
Auto line feed On, Off
Print direction Bi-D, Uni-D
Software EPSON ESC/P, IBM 2380 Plus (for
0 slash 0,
High speed draft On, Off
I/F mode Auto, Parallel, Serial
Auto I/F wait time 10 seconds, 30 seconds
Baud rate 19200, 9600, 4800, 2400, 1200, 600, 300
Parity None, Odd, Even, Ignore
Data length 8 bit, 7 bit
* The options available vary depending on the country of purchase.
** These settings take effect only when IBM 2380 Plus (for LX-300+)/IBM 2381
Plus (for LX-1170) emulation is selected.
11, 70/6, 12, 14, 17
LX-300+)/IBM 2381 Plus (for LX-1170)
0
BPS
Using the Printer 2-3
Settings Options
Parallel I/F bidirectional
mode
Packet mode Auto, Off
Character table* Italic, PC 437, PC 850, PC 437 Greek,
International character set
for Italic table
Auto CR (IBM 2380 Plus for
LX-300+, IBM 2381 Plus for
LX-1170)**
Manual feed wait time 1 second, 1.5 seconds,
Buzzer On , O ff
Roll paper On, Off
On, Off
PC 853, PC 855, PC 852, PC 857,
PC 866, PC 869, MAZOWIA, Code MJK,
ISO 8859-7, ISO Latin 1T, Bulgaria,
PC 774, Estonia, ISO 8859-2,
PC 866 LAT, PC 866 UKR, PC APTEC,
PC 708, PC 720, PC AR864, PC 860,
PC 863, PC 865, PC 861, BRASCII,
Abicomp, Roman 8, ISO Latin 1, PC 858,
ISO 8859-1 5, PC 771
Italic U.S.A., Italic Franc e,
Italic Germany, Italic U.K.,
Italic Denmark1, Italic Sweden,
Italic Italy, Italic Spain1
On, Off
2 seconds, 3 seconds, Others
IBM character table** Table 2, Table 1
* The options available vary depending on the country of purchase.
** These settings take effect only when IBM 2380 Plus (for LX-300+)/IBM 2381
Plus (for LX-1170) emulation is selected.
2-4 Using the Printer
Page length for tractor
This setting allows you to set the page length (in inches) for
continuous paper.
Skip over perforation
This feature is availabl e only when conti nuous pap er is sel ected.
When you select On, the printer provides a one-inch (25.4 mm)
margin between the last line printed on one page and the fir st line
printed on the next page. Because the program margin settin gs in
most applications override margin settings made from the control
panel, you should use this set ting onl y if you ca nnot set your top
and bottom margins using your application.
Auto tear off
When auto tear off is on and you are using continuous paper wi th
the push tractor, the printer automatically advances the paper
perforation to the tear-o ff posi ti on, wher e yo u can easily tear off
the printed pages. When the printer receives the next pri nt job, it
automatically moves the unused paper back to the top-of-form
position and starts printing, so you can use all of the next page.
When auto tear off is off, you need to move the perfor ation to the
tear-off position by pressing the contro l panel button. See “Using
the Tear Off button” on page 2-24 for more information.
Auto line feed
2
When auto line feed is on, the printer accompanies each carriage
return (CR) code received with a line feed code, and the print
position moves to the next line. If the printer adds an extra line
after every carriage return, select Off.
Using the Printer 2-5
Print directio n
0
You can select bidirectional printing (Bi-D) or unidirectional
printing (Uni-D). Printing is normally bidirectional for faster
printing; however, unidirectional printing all ows for precise
vertical printing alignment , which is useful for print ing graphics.
Software
When you select EPSON ESC/P, the printer operates in the
EPSON EPSON ESC/P mode. When you select IBM 2380 Plus
(for LX-300+)/IBM 2381 Plus (for LX -1170), the printer emulates
an IBM printer.
0 slash
The zero character has a slash ( ) when this feature is turned on.
It has no slash (0) when this feature is turned off. The slash all ows
you to easily distinguish between the uppercase letter O and a
zero.
High speed draft
When you choose On, the printer prints up to 300 cps (characters
per second) at 10 cpi (characters per inch). When you choose Off,
the printer prints up to 225 cps at 10 cpi.
I/F (interface) mode
The printer c omes with a built-in parallel inte rface and serial
interface.
If your printer is connected to on ly one computer, select Parallel
or Serial for the interface mode, dependi ng o n the i nter f ace y ou
use. If your printer is connected to two computers, select Auto
(automatic) to allow the printer to automatic ally switch between
interfaces depending on which one is receiving data.
2-6 Using the Printer
Auto I/F (interface) wait time
This setting takes effect only when I/F (interface) mode is set to
Auto. Thi s setting dete rmines how long the printer wai ts when it
no longer receives data from an interface before it checks whether
a print job is being sent through the other interface. You can
specify 10 seconds or 30 seconds for the auto interface wait
time.
Baud rate
Use this option to set the data transfer rate (baud) for the serial
interface. The baud rate is measured in bits per second (bps). See
your computer manual and software documentation for the
proper setting.
Parity
When this option is set to None, parity check ing is disabled . The
parity bit, if used, provides a basic form of error detection. See
your computer manual and software documentation for the
proper setting.
Data length
2
Set the data length of the serial i nterface to 7 bit or 8 bit. See your
computer manual and software documentation for the proper
setting.
Parallel I/F bidirectional mode
The parallel interface bidirectional transfer mode is used when
this feature is turned on. If bidirectional transfer mode is
unnecessary, turn this off.
Packet mode
Select Auto to use the IEEE-1284.4 packet t ransfer mode. If packet
transfer mode is unnecessary, or if yo u ca nnot connect , t urn this
off.
Using the Printer 2-7
Character table
You can select from among 38 standard character tables,
depending on the count ry of purchase. See “Cha racter tables:” on
page A-7 for more information on the tables.
International character set for Italic table
You can select among se ve ral i nter nat ion al character sets for t he
Italic character table. Each character set contains eigh t characters
that vary depending on the country or language, so you can
customize the Italic table to suit your printing needs.
Auto CR (carriage return)
This setting is available only in the IBM 2380 Plus (for
LX-300+)/IBM 2381 Plus (for LX-1170) emulation mode. When
auto carriage return is on, each li ne feed (LF) code or ESC J code
is accompanied by a carriage return code. This moves the print
position to the beginning of the next line.
Manual feed wait time
This sets the amount of wait time between the time paper is
inserted into the paper guid e and when it is fed. If the paper feeds
before you can adjust its position to your satisfaction, you can
increase the wait time.
Buzzer (beeper)
The printer beeps when an error occurs. (See “Using the Error
Indicators” on page 4-2 for more information on printer errors.)
If you do not want the pri nter to beep when an error occurs, tur n
this setting off.
2-8 Using the Printer
IBM character table
This setting is availabl e only in IBM 2380 Plus (for L X-300+)/ IBM
2381 Plus (for LX-1170) emulation mod e. When you select table 1,
hex codes 80H to 90H of the character tables are used for the
control codes. When you select table 2, hex codes 80H to 90H are
used for characters.
Changing default settings
Follow these steps to ent er th e D efaul t Setting mode and change
the printer’s default settings:
Note:
❏ To print the language selection instructions and the Default Setting
mode instructions, you need five or six sheets of A4 size single-sheet
paper, or five or six pages of continuous paper that is at least 279
mm long and 210 mm wide.
❏ If you use single sheets without an optional cut-sheet feeder, you
need to feed a new sheet of paper each time the printer ejects a printed
sheet.
2
1. Make sure paper is loaded and the printer is turned off.
Caution:
c
2. While holding down the Tear Off (Font) button, turn on the
printer. The printer enters the Default Setting mode and prints
the language selection instructions (one page).
3. Follow the instructions to select the language you want for
the instruction pages.
4. Load the next sheet of paper, if necessary. The pri nter prints
the current settings list (one page).
Whenever you turn off the printer, wait at least five seconds
before turning it back on; otherwise, you may damage the
printer.
Using the Printer 2-9
5. Press down the Tear Off (Font) button. The printer prints the
Default Setting mode instructions (three or four pages) in the
language you selected. The printed instructions list the
default settings you can change, d escribe how to change them,
and show you how the control panel lights help you make
settings.
6. Follow these instructions t o change the default sett ings using
the buttons on the printer’s control panel.
Note:
The arrows on the instruction sheets indicate the printer’s current
settings.
7. When you finish making settin gs, turn off the printe r and exit
the Default Setting mode. Any settings yo u have made remain
in effect until you change them again.
Note:
Turn off the printer when it has finished printing.
Printing on Continuous Pa per
Your printer can handle continuous paper with the tractor.
Depending on where you posi tion t he trac tor, y ou can use it as a
pull tractor or a push tractor. The following guidelines can help
you decide where to position the tractor:
❏ Do you want to switch between printing on sing le sheets and
continuous paper without removing the paper supply? Will
you tear off continuous paper sheet-by- sheet? Use the tractor
in the push tractor position. (The printer comes with the
tractor installed in this position.) See the following section.
2-10 Using the Printer
❏ Are you printing on labels, multipart forms, or other
documents that require a precise print position? Use the
tractor as a pull tractor. See “Printing with the pull tractor”
on page 2-16 for instructions.
For specifications on the type of continuous paper you can use,
see “Paper” on page A-8.
Printing with the push tractor
When using the push tractor , it i s a good idea to set the Aut o tear
off feature in the Default Setting mode to On. See “About Your
Printer’s Default Settings” on page 2-3.
Follow these steps to load continuous paper using the push
tractor:
1. Make sure the printer is turned off. Remove the printer cover
and the paper guide and place the paper-release lever in the
continuous paper position.
2
Using the Printer 2-11
2. Release the sprocket units by pulling the sprocket locks
forward.
3. Slide the left sprocket unit using the sca le on t he pr int er 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.
2-12 Using the Printer
4. Make sure your paper has a clean, straight leading edge. O pen
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 a ny slack in the pa per and l ock
it in place. Now the paper is in the paper-park position.
Caution:
c
Use the paper-feed knob on the right side of the printer only
to clear paper jams and only when the printer is turned off.
Otherwise, you may damage the printer or cause it to lose
the top-of-form position.
2
Using the Printer 2-13
5. To separate the incoming paper from the pri nted paper, attach
the paper guide by holdi ng it horizontally and fitting its
notches over the printer’s mounting posts as shown below.
Then slide the paper guid e toward the front of the printer until
you feel it click.
6. Turn on the printer.
7. Make sure the printer cover is closed. Press the LF/FF button
to feed the paper to the loading position. When the printer
receives data, it begins printing automatically.
8. After you finish printing, follo w th e steps in the next section
to tear off your prin ted document. If th e first printed line on
your page appears too high or low, you can change its position
by using the Micro Adjust feature. See “Adjusting the
top-of-form position” on pa ge 2-21.
Caution:
c
When you send more data, the pap er automatically feeds back to
the loading position.
2-14 Using the Printer
Never use the paper-feed knob to adjust the top-of-form position;
this may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form
position.
Removing a printed document from the push tractor
Follow these steps to remove the printed document:
1. Press the Tear Off (Font) button. Make sure the Tear Off
(Font) lights are flas hing. (This indicates that your paper is at
the current tear-off position.)
2. Open the paper guide cover, then tear off the printed
document using the tear-off edge of the paper tension unit.
Note:
If your paper’s perforation is not properly aligned with the tear-off
edge, you can adjust the tear-off position using the Micro Adjust
feature. See “Adjusting the tear-off position” on page 2-24.
2
Caution:
c
3. Close the paper guide cover.
Never use the paper-feed knob to adjust the tear-off position;
this may damage the printer or cause it to lose the tear-off
position.
Using the Printer 2-15
When you resume printing, the printer automatically feeds
the paper back to the top-of-form position and starts printing.
To feed continuous paper to the st andby po sition where y ou can
remove the paper, press the Load/Eject button. Then open the
sprocket covers of the tractor and remove the paper.
Caution:
c
Always tear off your printed document before you press the
Load/Eject button. Reverse feeding several pages at a time may
cause a paper jam.
Switching back to single sheets
To switch to single sheets, press the Load/Eject button; the printer
feeds the paper backwards into the standby position. Then, follo w
the steps in “Loading single sheets” on page 2-27.
Caution:
c
Always tear off your printed document before you press the
Load/Eject button. Reverse feeding several pages at a time may
cause a paper jam.
Printing with the pull tractor
To load continuous paper using the pul l tractor, you must move
the tractor to the pull tractor position, as described in steps 1
through 3 in this procedure. If your tract or is alread y installed in
this position, make sure the printer is turned off and skip to step 4.
2-16 Using the Printer
Caution:
c
1. Turn the printer off; then remove the printer cover and the
❏ Use the paper-feed knob on the right side of the printer only
to clear paper jams and only when the printer is off.
Otherwise, you may damage the printer or cause it to lose
the top-of-form position.
❏ When using the pull tractor, set the Auto tear off feature in
the Default Setting mode to Off; otherwise, the paper may
jam.
paper guide. Next, remove the paper tension unit by
squeezing the tension unit’s lock t abs gent ly and pul lin g t he
tension unit away from the printer. Finally, pull the
paper-release lever f orward to the continuous paper p osition.
2
Using the Printer 2-17
2. Squeeze the tractor’s lock t abs gently on both sid es, and then
rotate the tractor up to pull it away from the printer.
3. Move the tractor forward to the mounting slot at the top of
the printer and tilt it into place as shown below. When you
push the tractor onto the posts, you should feel the notches
snap into place.
2-18 Using the Printer
4. Release the sprocket units by pulling the sprocket locks
forward.
5. Insert the paper into the bottom paper slot or into the rear
paper slot as shown below, and pull it up. Positi on the paper
using the scale on the printer as a guide. The printer prints to
the right of the position marked 0.
2
Using the Printer 2-19
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 matc h the width of your
paper, but do not lock it. Move the paper support midway
between the two sprocket units.
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 then
lock it in place.
Note:
Remove any remaining slack by gently pulling the paper from the
rear or bottom.
2-20 Using the Printer
8. To separate the incoming paper fr om the printed paper, attach
the paper guide. Hold it ho ri zont ally and fit it s not ches ov er
the printer’s mounting posts. Then slide the paper guide
toward the back of the printer until you feel it click.
9. Attach the printer cover and adjust the paper position with
the paper-feed knob. Turn the knob until the perforation
between pages is just above the print head. Then turn on the
printer.
10. Make sure the printer cover is closed, but with the paper g uide
cover open. When the printer receives data, it begin s printing
automatically.
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 see “Adjusting the top-of -form position” in the
next section 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.
Adjusting the top-of-form position
The top-of-form position is the position on the page where the
printer starts printing. If your printing appears too high or low
on the page, you can use the micro adjust feature to adjust the
top-of-form position. Follow these steps:
2
Caution:
c
Note:
❏ Your top-of-form position setting remains in ef fect until you change
Never use the paper-feed knob to adjust the top-of-form position;
this may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form
position.
it, even if you turn off the printer.
Using the Printer 2-21
❏ The top margin setting made in some application software overrides
the top-of-form position setting you make with the Micro Adjust
feature. If necessary, adjust the top-of-form position in your
software.
1. Make sure the printer is tur ned on.
2. If necessary, load paper as described in this chapter.
3. Remove th e printer cover.
4. Hold down the Pause button for about three seconds. The
Pause light starts flashing and the printer enters the Micro
Adjust mode.
D
5. Press the LF/FF
on the page, or press the Load/Eject
button to move the top-of-form posi tion up
U
button to move the
top-of-form position down on the page.
plastic ribbon cover
Note:
❏ The printer has a minimum and a maximum top-of-form
position. If you try to adjust it beyond these limits, the printer
beeps and stops moving the paper.
2-22 Using the Printer
❏ When the paper reaches the default top-of-form position, the
printer also beeps and stops moving the paper briefly. You can
use the default position as a reference point when adjusting the
top-of-form position.
To adjust the top-of-form position for continuous paper
loaded on the pull tractor, see the following example:
First mark a point 2.5 mm abov e the paper’s perfora tion; then
position the paper so that the mark is even with the top edge
of the plastic ribbon co ver. Thi s gi ves you an 8. 5 mm margin
on the next page, meaning the printer starts pri nting 8.5 mm
below the perforation. If you ma rk a point 5.5 mm above the
perforation, you get a 5.5 mm margin on the next page.
6. After you set the top-of-form position, press the Pause button
to exit the Micro Adjust mode.
2
Advancing the paper to the tear-off edge
If you use the push tractor, you can use the tear-off feature to
advance your continuous paper to the printer’s tear-off edge
when you finish printing. You can then easily tear off the printed
document. When you resume printing, the printer automatical ly
feeds the paper back to the top-of-form posi tion so that you can
save the paper normally lost between documents.
Using the Printer 2-23
As described below, you can use the tear-off feature in two ways:
manually, by pressing the printer’s Tear Off button, or
automatically, by turning on the auto tear-off mode.
Caution:
c
Never use the tear-off feature (as described below) to feed
continuous paper with labels backwards; they may come off their
backing sheet and jam the printer.
Using the Tear Off button
After the printer finishes printing yo ur document, check that the
Tear Off (Font) lights are not flashing. Then press the Tear Off
(Font) button. The printer advances the paper to the tear-off edge.
Note:
If the Tear Off (Font) lights are flashing, the paper is in the tear-off
position. If you press the Tear Off (Font) button again, the printer feeds
your paper to the next top-of-form position.
Advancing the paper to the tear-off position automatically
To automatically adv ance your printed d ocuments to the tear-off
position, you need to turn on the auto tear-off mode and select
the appropriate page length for continuous paper in the Default
Setting mode. For instructions, see “Changing default settings”
on page 2-9.
When auto tear-off is on, the printer automatically advances the
paper to the tear-off position whenever it receives a full page of
data or a form feed command followed by no more data.
Adjusting the tear-off position
If your paper’s perforation is not aligned with the tear-off edge,
you can use the Micro Adjust feature to move the perforation to
the tear-off position.
2-24 Using the Printer
Follow thes e steps to adjust th e tear-off posi tion:
Caution:
c
Note:
Your tear-off position setting remains in effect until you ch ange it, even
if you turn off the printer.
1. Make sure the Tear Off (Font) lights are flashing (the paper
2. Open the paper guide cover.
3. Hold dow n the Pause button for about three seconds. The
4. Press the LF/FF
Never use the paper-feed knob to adjust the tear-off position; this
may damage the printer or cause it to lose the tear-off position.
is at the current tear-off position). You may need to press the
Tear Off (Font) button to advance the paper to the tear-off
position.
Pause light begins to flash and the printer enters the Micro
Adjust mode.
D
button to feed the paper backwards, or
U
press the Load/Eject
until the paper perforation is aligned with the tear-off edge.
button to feed the paper forwards,
2
tear-off edge
Using the Printer 2-25
Note:
The printer has a minimum and a maximum tear-off position. If you
try to adjust the tear-off position beyond these limits, the printer
beeps and stops moving the paper.
5. After you set the tear-off position, press the Pause button to
exit the Micro Adjust mode.
6. Tear off the printed pages.
When you resume printing, the printer automatically feeds the
paper back to the top-of-form position and begins printing.
Printing on Single Sheets
You can load single-sheet paper one sheet at a time using the
paper guid e of the printer. For specifications on the type of
single-sheet paper you can use, see “Paper” on page A-8.
Before printing on single-sheet multipart forms, envelopes, or
other special paper, be sure to set the paper thickness lever to the
appropriate position. See “Printing on Special Paper” on page
2-27 for details.
Note:
❏ To load a stack of single-sheet paper, use the optional cut-sheet
feeder. See “Installing and Using Options” on page 2-31.
❏ You can use the paper guide to load single-sheet carbonless
multipart forms that are fastened at the top by line gluing.
❏ Insert multipart forms in the paper guide, bound edge first and
printable side down.
2-26 Using the Printer
Loading single sheets
You load single sheets as shown in “Running the Self Test” on
page 1-11. For normal use, turn on the printer without pressing
any other buttons. When the printer receives data, it begins to
print.
Caution:
c
Use the paper-feed knob on the right side of the printer only to
clear paper jams and only when the printer is off. Otherwise, you
may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form
position.
Printing on Special Paper
Your printer can also print on a wide variety of paper types,
including multipart forms, labels, and envelopes.
For multipart forms and labe ls, you should not print any closer
than 13 mm from either side of the p aper. For information on the
printable area of envelopes, see “Printable area” on page A-14.
2
Caution:
c
When printing on multipart forms, thicker-than-normal paper,
labels, or envelopes, make sure your application software settin gs
keep the printing entirely within the printable area. Printing past
the edge of these papers can damage the print head.
Adjusting the paper-thickness lever
Before printing on special paper, you need to change the paper
thickness setting.
Using the Printer 2-27
Follow these steps to adjust the paper thickness setting:
1. Turn the printer off and open the printer cover. The
paper-thick ness lever is on the left side of the printer. The
numbers next to the lever indicate the thickness setting.
2. Use the table below to select t he appropria te paper thic kness.
Paper type Lever
Standard paper (single sheets or continuous) 0
Multipart forms 2-sheet
Labels 1
Envelopes 2 to 4
3. Close the printer cover.
2-28 Using the Printer
3-sheet
4-sheet
5-sheet
position
0
1
2
3
Multipart forms
You can use continuous or single-sheet carbonless multipart
forms of up to five parts (one original plus four copies). Be fore
you print on the forms, set the paper thickness lever as described
in the previous section. The following ti ps will help you get good
results:
❏ Use only continuous multipart forms that are joined by spot
gluing or side-crimping. Never load continuous multipart
forms joined by metal staples, tape, or continuous gluing.
❏ Use only single-sheet multipa rt forms that are line-glued only
at the top. Insert the forms glued edge first into the printer.
❏ Use only multipart forms that are free of wrinkles and waves.
❏ If you need to adjust the loading position, use your
application software or change the loading position as
described on “Adjusting the t op -of-form position” on page
2-21.
❏ When you use side-crimped continuous mult ipart forms, the
copies may not align with the original. If this happens, raise
the paper guide.
2
Labels
You must use the tracto r as a pull tr actor and load pa per from the
bottom paper slot to print on labels. Befo re you print on labels,
set the paper thickness lever as described in “Adjusting the
paper-thickness lever” on page 2-27. Keep the following 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 slightly.
Using the Printer 2-29
❏ Load labels the same way as you would load ordinary
continuous paper. See “Printing wit h the pull tractor” on page
2-16 for loading instructions.
❏ Because labels are especially sensitive to temperature and
humidity, use them only under normal operating conditi ons.
Make sure the printing stays entirely within the printable
area. (See “Printer Specifications” on page A-4 for
specifications.)
❏ Do not leave labels loaded in the printer between jobs; they
curl around the platen and may jam when you resume
printing.
❏ To remove the labels from the printer, tear off the fresh supply
at the bottom of the printer; then press LF/FF to advance the
remaining labels out of the printer.
Caution:
c
Never feed labels backwards through the printer; they can easily
peel off the backing sheet and jam the printer. If a label does
become stuck in the printer, contact your dealer.
Envelopes
You can feed envelopes individually using the paper gu ide. Keep
the following tips in mind:
❏ Before loading an envelope, set the paper thickness lever to
the proper position. See “Adjusting the paper-thickness
lever” on page 2-27.
❏ To load an envelope, follow the steps in “Running the Self
Test” on page 1-11. Insert the wi de edge o f the envel ope int o
the printer first, printable-side down. When you insert the
envelope between the edge guides, push it firmly and hold it
until it feeds into the printer.
2-30 Using the Printer
❏ Use envelopes only under normal tempera ture 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 “Printer Specifications” on
page A-4 for specifications.) It’s a good idea to print a test
sample using a normal single sheet of pape r before yo u print
on envelopes.
Installing and Using Options
Cut-sheet feeder
The optional single-bin cut-sheet feeder (C806372 for
LX-300+/C806392 for LX-1170) handles up to 50 sheets of
standard bond paper (90 g/m²) without reloading.
Follow these steps to install the cut-sheet feeder:
2
1. Make sure the printer is turned off. Remove the paper guide
and open the paper guide cover.
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.
Using the Printer 2-31
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.
latch lever
2-32 Using the Printer
5. Slide the left edge guide so it is aligned with the triangle 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 leve rs all the way forwa rd until the edge
guides retract and lock open to allow for paper loading.
2
Using the Printer 2-33
7. Take a stack of pa per and fan it. Next, tap the side and bo ttom
of the paper on a flat surface to even up the stack.
Caution:
c
8. Insert up to 50 sheets of paper along the left edge guide.
9. Adjust the position of the right edge gu ide so that it mat ches
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. Remove the paper supports from the edge guides and insert
them into the holes on the back of the paper tension unit.
Insert the two stacker supports packed with the cut-sheet
feeder into the holes on the edge guides.
12. Attach the paper guide to the cut-sheet feeder as shown
below.
Do not use envelopes, multipart forms, carbon paper, or
labels in the cut-sheet feeder.
View from above
Release tab
2-34 Using the Printer
Release tab
13. Slide the left edge guide to the center until it stops at the guide
mark. Then slide the right edge guide to fit the size of paper
you will use.
Note:
❏ To remove the paper guide from the cut-sheet feeder, press both
release tabs and pull out the paper guide.
❏ Make sure the paper guide cover is open when you print.
You can easily switch between continuous paper and cut-sheet
feeder operation. See “Switching back to single sheets” on page
2-16 for details.
Note:
When you print several pages of continuous paper, fold the first printed
page forward at the perforation after the perforation emerges from below
the printer cover. This helps the printer feed the printed pages properly
and prevents paper jams.
Pull tractor unit
An additional pull tractor (C800302 for LX-300+/ C800341 for
LX-1170) is available as an option.
2
You can improve the performance of continuou s paper hand ling
by using two tractors at the same time. This is especially useful
with continuous pre-printed forms and multipart forms.
Follow these steps to install and loa d paper on a standard and an
additional pull tractor:
1. Make sure the paper-release lever is pulled forward to the
continuous-paper position. Instal l the included tract or in the
push-tractor position.
2. Remove the paper tension unit by squeezing the te nsion unit’s
lock tabs gently and pulling the tension unit away fom the
printer.
Using the Printer 2-35
3. For LX-300+ users: grasp the pull tractor with both hands.
Move the tractor forward to the mounting slot at the top of
the printer until it fits in place as shown below. You should
feel the notches snap into place.
For LX-1170 users: grasp the pull tractor with both hands. Push
down the tractor onto the mounting slot at the top of the
printer and tilt it into place as shown below. When you push
the tractor onto the posts, you should feel the notches snap
into place.
2-36 Using the Printer
4. Load continuous paper on the sprocket units of the
push-tractor. (See “Printing on Continuous Paper” on page
2-10.)
5. Turn o n the printer. Hold down the LF/FF button to feed
paper in one page.
6. Release the sprocket lock levers of the pull tracto r and adjust
the sprocket units to match the width of the paper. Be sure
that the sprocket units on both t ractors are aligned so tha t the
paper is not crooked.
7. Open the sprocket covers. Fit the holes of the pa per over the
tractor pins of the sprocket units and adjust the sprocket units
as necessary. (See “Printing on Continuous Paper” on page
2-10.) Close the sprocket covers.
8. If there is slack in the paper between the push and pull
tractors, push in and turn the paper-feed knob on the right
side of the pul l tractor to remove the slack.
2
9. See that the paper is not crooked or wrinkled and lock the
sprocket units in place.
10. Re-install the printer cover and the paper guide.
Using the Printer 2-37
Roll paper holder
The optional roll paper holder (#8310) allows you to use your
printer with 8.5-inch roll paper like that used with t elex machines.
This option is not available in all countries.
Follow these steps to install and use the roll paper holder:
1. Turn off the printer and remove the paper guide.
2. Position the roll paper holder beneath the printer as shown
below. Fit the two hole s in the base onto the two positio ning
pegs on the bottom of the prin ter.
Caution:
c
3. Push the paper-release lever to the single-sheet position.
2-38 Using the Printer
Be careful to avoid dropping the roll paper holder when
lifting the printer. Only the printer’s weight holds it in place.
4. Cut the leading edge of the roll paper straight across. Slide
the roll paper holder shaft throug h the center of the paper roll.
5. Set the shaft and paper roll onto the roll paper holder. Orient
the roll so that paper feeds from the bottom of the roll. Then
turn on the printer.
6. Bring the leading edge of the paper up over the paper path
guide for single sheets and insert it into the printer path for
single sheets until you feel resistance.
7. Install the paper guide. Sl ide the le ft edge gui de to the center
until it stops at the guide mark. Then sl ide the right edge guide
to the opposite guide mark.
2
Using the Printer 2-39
Color upgrade kit (LX-300+ only)
The optional color up grade kit (C8 32082) incl udes a colo r ri bbon
cartridge and a motor unit.
Follow these steps to install the kit:
1. Turn off the printer and remove the printer cover. Slide the
connector cover on the p rinter and pull it out as shown below.
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.
2-40 Using the Printer
3. Insert the motor unit plug into the connector on the printer.
4. Slide the print head to the middle of the p rinter; then slide the
plastic part on the color ribbon to the center of the cartridge.
5. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of t he arrow
to remove any slack in the ribbon.
2
Using the Printer 2-41
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 printe r slots.
7. Turn the ribbon-tightenin g knob to help feed the ribbon int o
place; it should not be twisted or creased.
8. Replace the paper tension unit and printer cover.
After you install the color ribbon cartridge, run the self test as
described under “Running the Self Test” on page 1-11.
2-42 Using the Printer
If the top or bottom edge of the characters in the self test are a
different color from the rest, adjust the ribbon angle. Check the
characters printed in red. If the top edge is blue, move the color
ribbon adjustment lever forwards. If the bottom edge is yellow,
move the lever backwards. Then print another self test to check
your adjustment. Repeat this process unti l the ribbon i s properly
adjusted.
Note:
When you print using the color ribbon, the print speed is reduced.
2
To switch to the black ribbon, r emove the col or ri bbon as shown
in the manual that c omes with the optional color upgrade kit; then
install the black ri bbon as described under “Install ing or replacing
the ribbon cartridge” on page 1-6.
You do not have to remove the motor unit.
Print server
You can use this printer as a network printer by installing the
EpsonNet 10/100 BASE TX Ext. Print Server (C823782) in the
printer’s parallel interface port. See the Administrator’s Manual
packaged with this o ption for instruct ions on installat ion and use.
Using the Printer 2-43
Chapter 3
Using the Printer Software
Using the Printer Driver with Windows Me, 98, and 95 . . . . . . . 3-2
Accessing the printer driver
from Windows applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Changing the printer driver settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
Using the Printer Driver with Windows 3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
Accessing the printer driver
from Windows applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
Changing the printer driver settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
Using the Printer Driver with Windows 2000 and NT 4.0 . . . . .3-6
Accessing the printer driver
from Windows applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Changing the printer driver settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Using the Printer Driver with Windows NT 3.5x. . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Accessing the printer driver
from Windows applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Changing the printer driver settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
3
Printer Driver Settings Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11
About the EPSON Status Monitor 3 Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12
Setting up EPSON Status Monitor 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13
Accessing EPSON Status Monitor 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14
Using the EPSON Remote! Utility (LX-300+ only). . . . . . . . . . . .3-15
Installing EPSON Remote! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15
Accessing EPSON Remote!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
Using the Printer Software 3-1
Using the Printer Driver with Windows Me, 98, and 95
You can access the printer driver from your Windows
applications or from the Start menu.
When you access the printer d river from a Windows application,
any settings you make a pply only to the application you are using.
When you access the printer driver from the Start menu, the
printer driver settings you make apply to all your applications.
To check and change printer driver settings, see “Changing the
printer driver settings” on page 3-4.
Note:
❏ The screen shots in the following section are from LX-300+. For
LX-1170 users, substitute LX-1170 for the model name in the screen
shots. The instructions are the same.
❏ While many Windows applications override the settings made with
the printer driver, some do not, so you must verify th at the prin ter
driver settings match your requirements.
Accessing the printer driver from Windows applications
Follow these steps to access the printer driver from a Windows
application:
Note:
❏ The steps given in this procedure provide general guidelines on
accessing the printer driver. How you access the printer driver may
differ depending on your application . See your applicat ion manual
for details.
3-2 Using the Printer Software
1. Select Print Setup or Print from the File menu of your
applicatio n software. The Print or Print Setup dialog box
appears.
2. Make sure that your printer is sel ected and then click Printer,
Setup, Properties, or Options. (You may need to click a
combination of these buttons.) The Properties window
appears, and you see the Paper, Graphics, and Device
Options menu. These menus contain the printer driver
settings.
3
3. To view a menu, click the co rresponding tab at the top of the
window. See “Changing the printer dri ver settings” below to
change the settings.
Note:
To access the printer driver from the Start menu, click Start - Settings
- Printers to open the
and click Properties.
Printer
Window. Right-click the print er icon
Using the Printer Software 3-3
Changing the printer driver settings
Your printer driver has four menus: Paper, Graphics, Device
Options, and Utility. For an overview of the available settings,
see “Printer Driver Sett ings Overview” on page 3-11. You can al so
view online help by right-clicking items in the driver and selecting
What’s this?.
When you finish making printer driver settings, click OK to apply
the settings, or click Restore Defaults to return the settings to
their default values.
Once you have checked your p rinter driver settings and made any
necessary changes, you are ready to print.
Using the Printer Driver with Windows 3.1
Printer software for Windows 3.1 is only available for LX-300+.
You can access the printer driver from your Windows
applications or from the Control Panel.
When you access the printer d river from a Windows application,
any settings you make a pply only to the application you are using.
When you access the printer driver from the Control Panel, the
printer driver settings you make apply to all your applications.
To check and change printer driver settings, see “Changing the
printer driver settings” on page 3-5.
Note:
While many Windows applications override the settings made with the
printer driver, some do not, so you must verify that the printer driver
settings match your requirements.
3-4 Using the Printer Software
Accessing the printer driver from Windows applications
Follow these steps to access the printer driver from a Windows
application:
Note:
The steps in this procedure provide general guidelines on accessing the
printer driver. How you access the printer driver may differ depending
on your application. See your application manual for details.
1. Select Print Setup or Print from the File menu of your
applicatio n software. The Print or Print Setup dialog box
appears. See “Changing the printer driver settings” on page
3-5 for detailed information about the sett ings in this dial og
box.
2. Make sure that your printer is sel ected and then click Printer,
Setup, or Options. (You may need to click a combination of
these buttons.) The Options dialog box appears. See
“Changing the printer driver settings” on page 3-5 to change
the settings.
Note:
To access the printer driver from the Control Panel, in the Main window,
double-click the Control Panel icon, then the Printer icon. Make sure
your print er is highli ghted, then click Setup.
3
Changing the printer driver settings
You can change printer driver settings in the Print (or Print
Setup) dialog box and the Options dialog box. For an overview
of the available settings, see “Printer Driver Settings Overview”
on page 3-11.
When you finish making your printer driv er settings, click OK to
apply the settings, or click Cancel to cancel your changes.
Using the Printer Software 3-5
Once you have checked your printer driv er settings and changed
them if necessary, you are ready to print.
Using the Printer Driver with Windows 2000 and NT 4.0
You can access the printer driver from your Windows
applications or from the Start menu.
When you access the printer d river from a Windows application,
any settings you make a pply only to the application you are using.
When you access the printer driver from the Start menu, the
printer driver settings you make apply to all your applications.
To check and change printer driver settings, see “Changing the
printer driver settings” on page 3-8.
Note:
❏ The screen shots in the next section are from LX-300+. For LX-1170
users, substitute LX-1170 for the model name in the screen shots.
The instructions are the same.
❏ While many Windows applications override the settings made with
the printer driver, some do not, so you must verify th at the prin ter
driver settings match your requirements.
Accessing the printer driver from Windows applications
Follow these steps to access the printer driver from a Windows
application:
3-6 Using the Printer Software
Note:
❏ The steps in this procedure provide general guidelines on accessing
the printer driver. How you access the printer driver may differ
depending on your application. See your application manual for
details.
❏ The screen shots in the following section are from the Windows
NT 4.0 operating system. They may vary i n app earance fr om what
actually appears on your screen; however, the instructions are the
same.
1. Select Print Setup or Print from the File menu of your
applicatio n software. The Print or Print Setup dialog box
appears.
2. Make sure that your printer is sel ected and then click Printer,
Setup, Properties, or Options. (You may need to click a
combination of these buttons.) The Document Properties
window appears, and you see the Page Setup and Advanced
menus. These menus contain the printer driver settings.
3
Using the Printer Software 3-7
3. To view a menu, click the corresponding tab at the top of the
window. See “Changing the printer driver settings” below to
change the settings.
Note:
To access the printer driver from the Start menu, click Start - Settings
- Printers to open the Printer Window. Right-click the printer icon and
click Document Defaults .
Changing the printer driver settings
Your printer driver has two menus from which you can change
the printer driver settings; Page Setup and Advanced. You can
also change settings on the Utility menu in the printer d river. For
an overview of the available settings, see “P rinter Driver Setti ngs
Overview” on page 3-11. You can also view online help by
right-clicking items in the driver and selecting What’s this?.
When you finish making yo ur printer d river setting s, click OK to
apply the settin gs, or click Cancel to cancel your changes.
3-8 Using the Printer Software
Once you have checked your prin ter driver settings and ch anged
them if necessary, you are ready to print.
Using the Printer Driver with Windows NT 3.5x
Printer software for Windows NT 3.5x is only provided for
LX-300+.
You can access the printer driver from your Windows
applications or from the Control Panel.
When you access the printe r driver from a Windows applicati on,
any settings you make ap ply only to the applicati on you are using.
When you access the printer driver from the Control Panel, the
printer driver settings you make can apply to all your
applications.
To check and change printer driver settings, see “Changing the
printer driver settings” on page 3-10.
Note:
While many Windows applications override the settings made with the
printer driver, some do not, so you must verify that the printer driver
settings match your requirements.
3
Accessing the printer driver from Windows applications
Follow these steps to access the printer driver from a Windows
application:
Note:
The steps in this procedure provide general guidelines on accessing the
printer driver. How you access the printer driver may differ depending
on your application. See your application manual for details.
Using the Printer Software 3-9
1. Select Print Setup or Print from the File menu of your
application software. The Print or Print Setup dialog box
appears.
2. Make sure that your printer is selected and then click Printer,
Setup, Properties, or Options. (You may need to click a
combination of these buttons.) The screen displays the
Document Properties dialog box, which contains the Form
and Orientation printer driver settings. See “Changing the
printer driver settings” on page 3-10 to change the settings.
3. Click Options (or a similar button) to view th e Advanced
Document Properties dialog box, which includes the
Graphics Resolution, Color, and Optimizations printer
driver settings. See “Changing the pr inter driver settings” on
page 3-10 to change the settings.
Note:
To access the printer driver from the Control Panel, in the Main window,
open Print Manager and make sure your printer is highlighted, then
click Printer - Properties. Then click Details - Job Default.
Changing the printer driver settings
You can change printer driver settings in the Document
Properties dialog box and the Advanced Document Properties
dialog box. For an overview of the available settings, see “Printer
Driver Settings Overview” on page 3-11. To open these dialog
boxes, see the previous sections on accessing the printer driver.
When you finish making yo ur printer d river setting s, click OK to
apply the settin gs, or click Cancel to cancel your changes.
Once you have checked your printer driv er settings and changed
them if necessary, you are ready to print.
3-10 Using the Prin ter Software
Printer Driver Settings Overview
The following tables show the Windows printer driver settings.
Note that not every setting is available in all versions of Windows.
The printer settings are shown below.
Settings Explanations
Paper size Select the size of the paper you want to use. If you do
Orientation Select Portrait or Landscape.
Paper Source Select the paper source you want to use.
Resolution/
Graphics
Resolution
Dithering You can leave this option set to Fine, which is the default
Intensity/
Intensity Control
Color (LX-300+
only)
Print quality Select a print quality option from the Print qua l ity list.
not see your paper size, use the scroll bar to scroll
through the list. If your paper size is not included in the
list, cli ck Custom or User Defined Size and enter the
paper size in the dialog box that appears.
Select the printing resolution you want. The higher the
resolution you select, the more detailed your printout will
be; however, increasing the resolution slows printing. If
you are using Windows 3.1, this option is only available
from the Control Panel.
setting, or select another dithering pattern depending on
the kind of printout you want.
Move the slider to make your printout lighter or darker.
The printer will print in color when there is a checkmark
in this check box. If you want to print in monochrome or
gray scale, remove the checkmark.
If you turn on Hi-speed, you will enter bi-directional
printing mode and printing speed will increase. Turning
Hi-speed off will return the printer to uni-directional
printing mode. Printing speed will decrease, but printing
precision will improve. Printing with the default sett ings
uses the settings stored in the printer.
3
Paper/Output Check the Paper Size, Orientation, and Paper Source
settings you made on the Page Setup menu and change
them if necessary. Select the setting and then choose
an option from the Change Setting list box.
Using the Printer Software 3-11
Settings Explanations
Halftone Click this button to set the brightness and contrast, input
the RGB gamma, or make other settings. The Halftone
Color Adjustment dialog box appears. For details, click
the Help button in this dialog box.
The monitoring settings are shown below.
Settings Explanations
EPSON Status
Monitor 3
Monitoring
Preferences
You can access the EPSON Status Monitor 3 utility
when you click this button. To monitor the printer, make
sure the Monitor the printing status check box is
selected.
Click this button to open the Monitoring Preferences
dialog box where you can make settings for the EPSON
Status Monitor 3 utility. For more information, see
“Setting up EPSON Status Monitor 3” on page 3-13.
About the EPSON Status Monitor 3 Utility
The EPSON Status Monitor 3 utili ty that comes with your print er
is available for Windows Me, 98, 95, 2000 or NT 4.0. It allows you
to monitor your printer’s status, alerts you when printer errors
occur, and provides troubleshooting instructions when needed.
The EPSON Status Monitor 3 utility is available only when:
❏ The printer is connected directly to t he host computer via the
parallel port [LPT1].
❏ Your system is configured to support bidirectional
communication.
The EPSON Status Monitor 3 util ity is installed when you i nstall
the printer driver as desc ribed in Chapter 1.
3-12 Using the Prin ter Software
Note:
If you install the driver using Add Printer in the Printers folder, or using
the “Point and Print” method, EPSON Status Monitor 3 may not
function properly. If you want to use EPSON Stat us Monitor 3, reinstall
the driver as described in Chapter 1, “Setting Up the Printer.”
Before using the EPSO N St at us Mo nit or 3 utility, be sure to read
the README file on the driver disk. This file contains the latest
information on the utility.
Setting up EPSON Status Monitor 3
Follow these steps to setup EPSON Status Monitor 3:
1. Open the Utility menu as described in “Using the Printer
Driver with Windows Me, 98, and 95” on page 3- 2 or “ Using
the Printer Driver with Windows 2000 and NT 4.0” on page
3-6.
2. Click the Monitoring Preferences button. The Monitoring
Preferences dialog box appears.
3
Using the Printer Software 3-13
3. The following settings are available:
Select Notification Displays the error item check box ON/OFF
Select Shortcut
Icon
Receive error
notification for
shared printers
Allow monitoring
of shared printers
status.
Turn on this check box to display the selected
error notification.
The selected icon is displayed in the system tray
on the taskbar on the PC screen. The setting’s
example is shown on the right window. By clicking
the shortcut icon, you can access the Monitoring
Preferences dialog box easily.
Error notification for a shared printer can be
received when this check box is selected.
When this check box is selected, a shared printer
can be monitored by other PCs.
Note:
Click the Default button to revert all items to the default settings.
Accessing EPSON Status Monitor 3
To access the EPSON Status Monitor 3 utility:
❏ Double-click the printer-shaped shortcut icon on the taskbar.
To add a shortcut icon to the taskbar, go to the Utility menu
and follow the instruction.
❏ Open the Utility menu, then click the EPSON Status
Monitor 3 icon. To find out how to open the Utility menu, See
“Using the Printer Driver with Windows Me, 98, and 95” on
page 3-2 or “Using the Printer Driv er with Windows 2000 and
NT 4.0” on page 3-6.
3-14 Using the Prin ter Software
When you access the EPSON Status Monitor 3 util ity as described
above, the following printer status window appears.
You can view printer status information in this window.
Using the EPSON Remote! Utility (LX-300+ only)
The EPSON Remote! utility allows you to easily change the
printer’s de fault settings from your computer’s DOS prompt.
3
Installing EPSON Remote!
Follow these steps to install the EPSON Remote! utility:
1. Insert the printer software CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
2. At the DOS prompt, type D:\ENGLISH\DOS\SETUP. (If you
inserted the disk into a drive other than drive “D,” substitute
“D” with the appropriate letter.) Then press Enter.
3. Select your printer’s name in the Printer Model window and
then press Enter. C:\EPUTIL appears as the default directory.
4. Press Enter again. The EPSON Remote! utility is copied to the
C:\EPUTIL directory.
Using the Printer Software 3-15
Accessing EPSON Remote!
To access the EPSON Remote! util ity, type C:\PRNSET at the DOS
prompt and press Enter. Then follow the on-screen instructions
to use this utility. You can al so access the EPSON Remot e! utilit y
by typing C:\PANEL at the DOS prompt and then pressing Enter.
The PRNSET and PANEL access methods differ slightly. The
PANEL method opens a condensed version of EPSON Remote!
that only provides the most often used settings.
3-16 Using the Prin ter Software
Chapter 4
Troubleshooting
Using the Error Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Power is not being supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
The printer does not print. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
The print is faint or uneven. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
Dots are missing in printed characters or graphics. . . . . . .4-7
Printed characters are not what you expected. . . . . . . . . . .4-7
The print position is not what you expected . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8
Paper Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8
Single sheets do not feed properly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8
Continuous paper does not feed properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-11
When you use the cut-sheet feeder, the paper
does not feed properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-11
Switching between the cut-sheet feeder
and the push tractor does not work properly . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Using the pull tractor with the push tractor,
continuous paper does not feed properly . . . . . . . . . . . .4-12
With the color upgrade kit installed, the printer
does not operate properly (LX-300+ only). . . . . . . . . . . .4-13
4
Troubleshooting 4-1
Using the Error Indicators
You can identify many common printer problems using the lights
on the control panel. If your printer stops working and one or
more control panel lights are on or fla sh ing or th e pri nte r beeps,
use the following table to diagnose and fix the problem. If you
cannot fix your problem using this table, go to the next section.
Panel light
state
n
Pause – The printer is paused.
n
Paper Out
n
Pause
Beep
pattern
• • • • • Paper from another paper source is currently in
••• No paper is loaded in the selected paper source.
••• The paper is not loaded correctly.
••• Paper is jammed in the printer.
Problem
Solution
Press the Pause button to resume printing.
the paper path.
Move the paper-release lever back to the
appropriate position and press the Load/Eject
button to clear the paper from the paper path. Then
set the lever to the position you want to use. Press
the Pause button to turn off the Pause light, if
necessary.
Load paper in the printer. Then press the Pause
button to turn off the Pause light, if necessary.
Remove your paper and reload it. See Chapter 2 for
instructions on loading paper. Then press the Pause
button to turn off the Pause light, if necessary.
Turn off the printer, open the printer cover, tear off
the paper supply and turn the paper-feed knob to
eject the remaining paper.
4-2 Troubleshooting
Panel ligh t
state
Beep
pattern
Problem
Solution
f
Paper Out
n
Pause
f
Pause – The print head is overheated.
f
All the lights on
the control panel
n
= on, f = flashing
••• = short series of beeps (three beeps)
• • • • •= long series of beeps (five beeps)
Note:
The printer beeps once if you press a control panel button when the corresponding function
is not available.
••• Continuous paper is not fed back to the standby
position.
Tear off the printed document at the perforation;
then press the Load/Eject button. The printer feeds
the paper to the standby position. Press the Pause
button to turn off the Pause light, if necessary.
••• A single sheet of paper is not fully ejected.
Press the Load/Eject button to eject the sheet. Then
press the Pause button to turn off the Pause light, if
necessary.
••• Paper is jammed in the printer.
Clear the paper jam as described in the previous
page.
Wait a few minutes; the printer resumes printing
automatically once the print head has cooled.
• • • • • An unknown printer error has occurred.
Turn off the printer and leave it off for several
minutes; then turn on the printer again. If the error
recurs, contact your dealer.
4
Troubleshooting 4-3
Problems and Solutions
Most problems you may encount er whil e opera ting your pri nter
have simple solutions.
You can check the operation of your p rinter using the self test. See
“Running the Self Test” on page 1-11. If the self test works
properly the problem probably lies in the computer, the
application software, or the interfa ce cable. If the self test does not
work, contact your dealer or a 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 Load/Eject and LF/FF 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.
The power cord may be unplugged. Check that the power cord is
properly plugged into the electrical outlet.
The outlet may not be operating. 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.
4-4 Troubleshooting
The lights come on briefl y and then go o ff. The ligh ts stay of f
even when the power is turned on again.
The voltage ratings of the printer and electrical outlet may not match.
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 reconn ect the power co rd to
an electrical outlet.
Printing
The printer does not print
The PAUSE light is off but nothing is printed.
The software may not be installed properly. Check that the software is
installed properly for your printer, as described in “Installing the
Printer Software” on page 1-18. Check the software’s printer settings.
The interface cable may not match the specifications of the printer or
computer. Check both ends of the interface cable. Make sure the cable
meets both the printer and computer specifications.
4
The Paper Out light is on 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 “Installing or
replacing the ribbon cartridge” on page 1-6.
The ribbon may be worn out. Replace the ribbon cartridge.
Troubleshooting 4-5
The printer makes a strange noise, the beeper sounds five
times, and the printer stops abruptly.
The paper or ribbon may be jammed. Turn off the printer and check
for a paper jam, a ribbon jam or other problems.
The printer may have overheated. Let the printer cool. Then try to print
again. If the printer still does not print correctly contact your dealer.
The beeper sounds five times and the PAUSE light comes on.
An error has occurred. Turn off the printer and turn it on again. If the
PAUSE light stays on, check for a paper jam or ribbon jam. If there is
no jam, contact your dealer or a qualified service person. (If an error
occurs when you switch between single sheets and continuous paper,
make sure the paper-release lever is in the correct position.)
The print is faint or uneven
Printed characters have parts missing at the bottom.
The ribbon cartridge may not be installed properly. See “Installing or
replacing the ribbon cartridge” on page 1-6.
The printout is faint.
The ribbon may be worn out. Replace the ribbon cartridge as described
under “Installing or replacing the ribbon cartridge” on page 1-6.
4-6 Troubleshooting
Dots are missing in printed characters or graphics
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 in “Installing or
replacing the ribbon cartridge” on page 1-6.
Printed characters are not what you expected
The typestyles or characters you sent with your software did
not print.
The software may not be properly configured. Check that the software
is correctly configured for your printer. For instructions, see Chapter
3, “Using the Printer Software.”
The font selected on the control panel does not print.
Your software may be overriding your control panel setting. Check the
font setting in your application software.
4
Troubleshooting 4-7
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.
Your application software settings may be incorrect. Ch eck the margin
or top-of-form position setting in your application software.
Page length does not match the length of the paper.
The page length setting in your application may be incorrect. Check
the page length set by your application software and adjust it if
necessary.
If you are using continuous paper, change the page length in the Printer
Setting mode. See
Regular gaps occur in the printout.
One-inch skip-over-perforation may be set. Set skip-over-perforation
to off in the Default Setting mode. See
on page 2-9
“Changing default settings” on page 2-9.
“Changing default settings ”
.
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.
4-8 Troubleshooting
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