Epson LX-810 User Guide

Y46399114002

EPSON

LX-810

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, Seiko Epson Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs or expenses incurred by purchaser or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product.

Seiko Epson Corporation and its affiliates shall not be liable against any damages arising from the use of any options 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, SmartPark is a trademark of Epson America, Inc.

General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies.

User’s Guide

For United States Users

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

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

WARNING

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

For Canadian Users

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de Classe B prescrites dans le reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le Ministere des Communications du Canada.

Tips for printing on single sheets

There are a few things you should know about printing on single sheets as opposed to continuous paper. When you print on single sheets, you may notice that your printer prints the first page of your file correctly but then prints too low on the next page, or that it prints the last few lines from one page onto the next.

These differences in print position are easy to adjust; you can simply change some of the settings in your application program as described below to get the right results.

When you install an application program, it normally asks you what printer you are using. Make sure you choose the correct printer. See Chapter 1 for the right printer to choose.

Many programs include an option to set the maximum lines per page. If your program has a lines-per-page setting and you are using standard 8½ X 11-inch paper, set the lines per page to

61.

Note: To find the right lines-per-page setting for paper that is not 8½ X 11, create a test document using your application program. Set your top and bottom margins to 0 and then create a file of numbered lines from 1 to 66. When you print your file, notice the last number printed on the first page. This is your maximum lines-per-page setting.

3. If your program doesn’t have a lines-per-page setting, try decreasing the top margin or increasing the bottom margin, or both, until you get the results you want.

You can also try adjusting the form length setting. For a standard 8½ X 11-inch page, try setting the form length at 10 inches.

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

iii

Where to Get Help for United States Users

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

Epson also provides the following support services through the Epson Consumer Resource Center at (800) 922-8911:

Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized Epson Reseller or

Service Center

Technical assistance with the installation, configuration, and

operation of Epson products Epson technical information library fax service Product literature with technical specifications on our current

and new products Sales of ribbons, supplies, parts, documentation, and accessories

for your Epson product Customer Relations.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.

2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for

cleaning.

4. Do not use this product near water.

Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.

Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, these openings

must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.

This product should be operated from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power

company.

This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a

plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into

a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you

are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your

electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the

purpose of the grounding-type plug.

Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.

10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that

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

11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or

short out parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Manual, do not

attempt to service this product yourself. Opening or removing those covers that are marked “Do Not Remove” may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing in those compartments to service personnel.

13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to

qualified service personnel under the following conditions: A. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.

B. If liquid has been spilled into the product. C. If the product has been exposed to rain or water. D. If the product does not operate normally when the

operating instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions, since improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal operation.

E. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been

damaged.

F. If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance,

indicating a need for service.

Introduction

Features Options Finding Warnings,

Name

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

Your

Cautions,

the Parts..

Way

Around..

and

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

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

Notes

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

Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking Choosing

a Assembling Testing

the Connecting Setting

the Printer

Place

the Printer..

Printer..................................................................

the Printer

Your Application

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

for

the Printer..

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

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

to Your Computer..

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

Software ................................

Chapter 2 Paper Handling

Using Using

Single Sheets Continuous

Adjusting

the

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

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

Position

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

Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . .

Printing

Special

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

l-l

1-2 1-3 1-5

1-10

1-13 1-14

2-l

2-2

2-4 2-7

2-8

2-10

Chapter 3 Using the Printer

Operating Setting

the DIP Switches Selecting Selecting Choosing

the Control Panel

Typestyles ...............................................................

International

Character

Table ..................................................

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

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

Character

Set..............................

Chapter 4 Using the Printer Options

Cut-Sheet

Tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pull

Paper

Roll Interface Boards

Feeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

3-1

3-2

3-5 3-9

3-11 3-12

4-1

4-2 4-9

4-14

4-17

vii

Chapter 5 Maintenance

5-1

Cleaning the Printer Replacing the Transporting

Ribbon.............................................................

the Printer

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

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

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting

Problems and Solutions

Power Supply Printing

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

Paper Handling Options

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

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

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

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

Chapter 7 Technical Specification

Printer

Specifications.. Interface Specifications Initialization

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

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

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

Chapter 8 Command Summary

Using the Command Summary Commands Arranged by Topic

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

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

Appendix

Character

Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5-2 5-3 5-4

6-1

6-2

6-3 6-4 6-8 6-10

7-1 7-2

7-7 7-10

8-1

8-2 8-3 __

A-1 ~

A-2

Glossary

Index

Viii

GL-1

IN-1

Introduction

Your new Epson 9-pin dot matrix printer combines a compact design and high performance with a wide range of features.

Features

In addition to the high-quality printing and ease of operation you have come to expect from Epson printers, your printer offers the following:

Easy paper handling, featuring automatic single-sheet loading. Fast draft printing of up to 240 characters per second at 12 cpi. Two built-in Near Letter Quality fonts (Roman and Sans Serif)

for producing high-quality documents, A convenient control panel design that allows direct selection

of fonts, as well as a choice of normal or condensed printing. The SmartPark

single sheets of paper without removing continuous paper, eliminates paper waste with short tear-off, and allows easy and accurate paper alinment.

paper handling system that lets you use

Compatibility with the Epson ESC/P® commands used by the

Lx-800.

A micro-adjustment feature that allows you to feed the paper

forward or backward to finely adjust the paper loading and short tear-off positions.

Thirteen international character sets, an italic character table,

and the five PC character tables.

Introduction 1

Introduction

Options

You may choose a cut-sheet feeder, a pull tractor unit, or a roll

paper holder to enhance use of your printer. For detailed information on these options, see Chapter 4.

Single-Bin Cut-Sheet Feeder (C806121)

The cut-sheet feeder gives you easier and more efficient handling of single-sheet paper. It automatically feeds up to 150 sheets of standard bond paper into the printer.

Pull Tractor Unit (C800061)

The pull tractor unit improves continuous paper handling. It is

especially useful with continuous multi-part forms.

Roll Paper Holder (#8310)

The optional roll paper holder allows you to use the many different types of 21.6 cm or 8½-inch roll paper sold for telexes and similar machines.

Interface Boards

Optional interface boards are available to supplement the

printer’s built-in parallel interface. Guidelines for choosing the

right interface are given in Chapter 4.

Finding Your Way Around

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

l Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up,

testing, and connecting the printer. Be sure to read this chapter first.

l Chapters 2 and 3 include important information on paper

handling and the day-to-day operation of your printer.

Introduction

Chapter 6 contains troubleshooting information. If the printer

does not operate properly or the printed results are not what

you expect, see Chapter 6 for a list of problems and solutions. Other chapters contain information on general maintenance,

specifications, and printer commands. There is also a glossary of printer terms and an index.

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

WARNINGS must be followed carefully to avoid bodily

injury.

CAUTIONS must be observed to avoid damage to your

equipment.

Notes contain important information and useful tips on the

operation of your printer.

Introduction 3

Introduction

Names of the Parts

paper tension unit cover

ribbon cartridge

AC inlet

Note: In some locations, the power cord is attached to the

printer.

Introduction

Chapter 1

Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Choosing

Assembling

Installing Installing Attaching

Testing

Plugging

Running the

Connecting

The

Setting

Choosing

Place

the Printer.. the the

the paper

Printer..................................................................

the

the PrintertoYour Computer..

parallel

Your

fromamenu..

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

for the

platen ribbon cartridge

the

printer..

self test..

interface.. ........................................................

Application

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

knob.. guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

Software ................................

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

1-2 1-3 1-5

1-5

1-6

1-9

1-10 1-10 1-10

1-13 1-13

1-14

Setting Up the Printer

l-l

Unpacking the Printer

When you unpack the printer, make sure that you have all the parts shown below and that none has been damaged.

printer

ribbon cartridge

platen knob

paper guide

power cable

Note: In some locations, the power cord is attached to the

printer.

After removing the parts, save the packaging materials in case you ever need to transport your printer.

CAUTION: There are several different versions of the

printer designed for different electrical standards. It is not

possible to adjust the printer for use at another voltage. The power supply type is shown on the label on the back of the printer. If it does not show the correct voltage for your country, contact your dealer.

1-2

Setting Up the Printer

Choosing a Place for the Printer

When selecting a place to set up your printer, be sure to keep the

following in mind:

Place the printer on a flat, stable surface. Place the printer close enough to the computer for the printer

cable to reach.

l Leave adequate room around the printer to allow for easy

operation and maintenance.

CAUTION: Avoid locations that are subject to direct

sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, or dust.

Use a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug. Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or

automatic timers. Accidental interruption of power can wipe out information in the memory of your computer or your printer.

Avoid outlets on the same circuit with large motors or other

appliances that might cause fluctuations in line voltage. Keep the entire computer system away from potential sources

of electromagnetic interference such as loudspeakers or the base units of cordless telephones.

Setting Up the Printer

1-3

Choosing a Place for the Printer

Note: If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines:

Use a stand that supports at least 11.6 kg (25½ lbs), which is twice the weight of the printer.

Never use a stand that tilts the printer at an angle of more than 15 degrees from horizontal. If you install a cut-sheet feeder, keep your printer absolutely level.

If you position the paper supply below the printer stand, make sure that you allow enough clearance (25 mm or 1 inch) to keep the paper from catching on the underside of the stand. Also see that the distance between the stand’s supports is at least

280

(11

inches), to accommodate any paper size you

may use.

Position your printer’s power cord and interface cable so that they do not interfere with paper feeding. If possible, secure the cables to the printer stand.

l-4

Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer

After choosing a good place for your printer, the next step is to install the platen knob.

Installing the platen knob

You use the platen knob to manually feed paper in the printer

when the printer is turned off. You will find the platen knob packed in an indentation in the white foam packaging material.

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

Push firmly on the platen knob until it fits against the printer

case.

Setting Up the Printer

l-5

Assembling the Printer

Installing the ribbon cartridge

Before installing the ribbon cartridge, make sure that the printer is not plugged into an electrical outlet.

Raise the printer cover to the upright position. Then lift the cover up and off.

Slide the print head to the middle of the printer. Then open the paper tension unit cover.

1-6

Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer

Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow. This removes slack from the ribbon, making it easier to install.

Hold the ribbon cartridge by its handle and push it firmly down into position, making sure the plastic hooks fit into the slots.

Note: Press lightly on both ends of the cartridge to make sure

the plastic hooks are properly seated.

Setting Up the Printer

l-7

Assembling the Printer

Use a pointed object, such as a ball point pen, to guide the

ribbon between the print head and ribbon guide while you turn the ribbon-tightening knob to help feed the ribbon into place.

Slide the print head from side to side to make sure that it

moves smoothly. Also check that the ribbon is not twisted or creased.

Close the paper tension unit cover.

1-8

Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer

Attaching the paper guide

Place the paper guide on the printer. Then raise it up until it locks into place.

2. Attach the printer cover.

Setting Up the Printer

1-9

Testing the Printer

Before connecting your printer to a computer, use the built-in self-test function to see that the printer is working properly.

Before running the self test, you need to connect your printer to an electrical outlet.

Plugging in the printer

1. Make sure that the printer is turned off.

Check the label on the back of the printer to make sure the power rating required by the printer matches that of your electrical outlet.

CAUTION: If the rated voltage and your outlet voltage

do not match, contact your dealer for assistance. Do not plug in the power cord.

If necessary, connect the power cord to the AC inlet on the printer’s back panel.

Plug the power cord into a properly grounded electrical outlet.

Running the self test

The self test runs in draft or Near Letter Quality (NLQ) mode, depending on which button you hold down as you turn on the printer.

Make sure that the printer is turned off and then push the paper release lever back to the single-sheet position.

While holding down the LINE FEED button (draft mode) or FORM

FEED button (NLQ mode), turn on the printer. The POWER and PAPER OUT lights come on.

1-10

Setting Up the Printer

Testing the Printer

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

your paper.

Slide a sheet of paper down firmly between the edge guides until it

meets resistance.

CAUTION: Run the self test using paper wider than A4

(210 mm or 8½ inches) or letter size (216 mm or 8½

inches), to prevent the print head from printing directly on the platen.

Setting Up the Printer

l-11

Testing the Printer

5. Press the LOAD/EJECT button to load paper.

6. Press the ON LINE button to start the self test. The test prints

list of DIP switch settings first, followed by a series of characters.

The self test continues until the paper runs out or you press the ON LINE button. When you wish to stop the test, press the ON LINE button.

Note: To resume the test, press the ON LINE button again.

To end the self test, be sure the printer is not printing. Press the LOAD/EJECT or LINE FEED button to eject the paper. Then turn off the printer.

CAUTION: After turning the power off, always wait at

least five seconds before turning it back on. Turning the power on and off rapidly can damage the printer.

Here is part of a typical self test printed in Near Letter Quality

mode.

!"#$%&`()*+,-

!"#$%&`()*+,

./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJK

-./0123456789:;<=>?8ABCDEFGHIJKL “#$%&‘()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLM #$%&`()*+,-

$%&‘()*+,-

./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMN

./0123456789

:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO %&‘()*+,- ./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP &‘()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQ

‘()*+,-

./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQR )*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRS )*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRST

*+,-

./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTU

Note: If the test did not print satisfactorily, see Chapter 6.

1-12

Setting Up the Printer

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

If the self test printed correctly, you are ready to connect your printer to the computer. Most computers have a parallel interface.

To connect such an interface, use a suitable shielded cable as

described in the next section.

The parallel interface

Connect the parallel interface cable as described below:

Make sure that both your printer and computer are turned off. Plug the cable connector securely into the printer. Then squeeze the wire clips together until they lock in place on either side of the connector.

Note: If your cable has a ground wire, connect it to the ground

connector beneath the interface connector.

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

Setting Up the Printer

1-13

Setting Up Your Application Software

Most application programs let you specify the type of printer you are using so that the program can take full advantage of the printer’s features. Many of these programs provide an installation or setup section that presents a list of printers.

Choosing from a menu

Because the family of Epson printers shares a great many commands, you can use an application program even if it does not list your printer on its printer selection menu. If your printer is not listed, choose from the following list. (The printers are listed in the order of preference.)

LX-810/850 LX-800 LX-86 LX-80 FX-850 FX-86e EX-800 FX-85 FX-80+ FX-80

If none of these printers is listed, select the first one available on the following list: LX, FX, EX, RX, MX, Epson printer, Standard printer, Draft printer.

To use all of the features of the printer, however, it is best to

choose a program with one of the LX printers on its menu. If your program does not list one of these printers, contact the software manufacturer to see if an update is available.

1-14

Setting Up the Printer

Chapter 2

Paper Handling

Using Single Sheets

Loading Printing

Using

the multiple-page

Continuous Paper Positioning your continuous Loading

Adjusting

continuous paper..

the

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

paper

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

documents..

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

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

paper

supply......................

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

Position

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

Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets..

Switching Switching

to single sheets.. backtocontinuous

Printing on Special Paper

The paper-thickness lever

Multi-part forms Labels Envelope

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

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

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

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

paper

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

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

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

2-2

2-3

2-4 2-4 2-4

2-7

.......... 2-8

2-8 2-9

2-10 2-10 2-11 2-11

2-12

Paper Handling 2-l

Using Single Sheets

Your printer can .accommodate single sheets with a width of 182 mm

(7.2

inches) to

Loading the paper

Turn off the printer; then place the paper guide in the upright

1. position. Set the paper release lever to the single-sheet position.

Turn on the printer. The POWER and PAPER OUT lights come on.

257

(10.1

inches).

Slide the left edge guide until it locks in place at the guide

mark. Next, adjust the right edge guide to match the paper

width.

2-2

Paper Handling

Using

Single

Slide the paper down between the edge guides until it meets

Sheets

resistance.

Press the LOAD/EJECT button once to load the paper.

Note: If the platen turns without loading the paper, remove the

paper and re-insert it more firmly. Then press the LOAD/EJECT button again.

CAUTION: Never advance the paper using the platen

knob while the minter is turned on.

Press the ON LINE button to set the printer on line.

To eject the paper, set the printer off line (by pressing the ON LINE button) and then press the FORM FEED button.

Printing multiple-page documents

When you print a document of more than one page using singlesheet paper, you must reload paper at the end of each page. To reload, first see that the printer is off line. (If the ON LINE light is on, press the ON LINE button once to take the printer off line.) Then load a new sheet by following steps 4, 5, and 6 above.

If your software has not been set up properly, the printer may print too low on the second page of a document or print the last few lines of one page on the next. If this happens, see Tips for printing on single sheets at the beginning of this manual for instructions on how to correct the problem.

Paper Handling 2-3

+ 99 hidden pages