Epson P910A User Manual

®
EPSON
24-Pin Dot Matrix Printer
LQ-2170
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by purchaser or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized
modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product.
Seiko Epson Corporation and its affiliates shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the use of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original EPSON Products or EPSON Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.
EPSON and EPSON ESC/P are registered trademarks and EPSON ESC /P2 is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
General Notice:
trademarks of their respective companies.
Copyright © 1995 by Seiko Epson Corporation, Nagano, Japan.
Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only
and may be
User’s Guide

Printer Update

Please update the information in your User’s Guide with the information given below.
On page 1-15, replace the original text with the new information below.
Setting Up Your Software
Refer to the following sections for printer driver installation instructions.
for Microsoft windows use/s
If Microsoft Windows is installed on your computer, follow the steps below to install the correct driver for your printer.
If you are using Windows 3.1, follow these steps:
1.
Make sure Windows is window is open.
2.
Insert the floppy disk containing the driver into your floppy disk drive.
Click
File;
3.
Type
4.
5.
Select your printer’s name in the Printer Model window and click
Click
6.
Copyright © 1996 by Seiko Epson Corporation, Nogano, Japan
then click
A: SETUP
(or
Continue.
OK.
running and the Program Manager
Run.
B: SETUP); then click OK.
The printer driver installs automatically.
4005786 M01-00
On page 1-15, add the information below.
Installing the driver for Windows 95 users
Follow these steps to install the printer driver using the Windows 95 plug-and play capabilities:
Note:
To install the
capabilities, your computer’s parallel port must be an IEEE-2284
(ECP or EPP compatible) bidirectional parallel port. See
computer documentation for
1.
Make sure plain paper is loaded in the printer and the printer is connected to the computer’s parallel port. (The paper is used to perform a test print in step 11.)
2.
Turn off your printer and computer, if necessary.
3.
Turn on the printer first; then turn on the computer. Your computer begins loading Windows 95.
4.
If you defined a password, enter it at the prompt. You see the New Hardware Found screen.
driver
using the Windows 95 plug-and play
more
information.
your
Note:
If you do not see the New Hardware Found screen, please follow the procedure under “Installing the driver while running Windows 95,” the next section.
5. Make sure your printer model name is displayed on the screen.
hardware manufacturer
other buttons.
Note: The next time you turn driver, Windows 95 may display the New Hardware Found screen again. In this case, click the radio button; then click
Then
click the
Driver from disk provided by
button. Do not select any of the
on
your computer after installing the
Do not install a driver
OK.
This screen does not appear again.
2
6.
Click
OK. You see the Install
7.
Insert the Windows printer driver disk in a disk drive.
8.
If you inserted the disk in drive A, click change the drive letter in the Copy manufacturer’s files from box and click
9.
At the next screen you can type a unique name for the printer in the Printer name box. We recommend that you keep the model name as shown. The program will copy the files to your hard disk and add an icon to the Printers
folder using the printer name you assign. To use the printer as the default printer for Windows 95
applications, select
OK.
Yes. (No
From Disk screen.
OK.
Otherwise,
is the default setting.)
10. Click the
11.
In the next screen, select
12. Click the
13.
Choose printed correctly. If it did not print correctly, choose and follow the directions on the screen.
To
access
settings,” page 5 of this supplement.
Next
button.
YES to
Finish
button.
Yes
in the test page confirmation dialog if the page
the driver, see “Checking the printer driver
print a test page.
N
O
3
Installing the driver while running Windows 95
If you are using Windows 95, follow the steps below.
1.
In the Desktop window, double-click the icon.
2.
Double-click the
3.
Double-click the
4.
Click the
Next
Printers
folder.
Add Printer
button.
icon.
My Computer
Select the
5. Then click the
Click the
6.
7.
Insert the floppy disk containing the driver into your computer’s floppy disk drive.
Type
8. Select your printer’s name in the dialog box, then click the
9.
Next
10.
Select the port you want to use with this printer.
11. Click the
12.
Select the printer the default printer. Otherwise, select the
button.
13. Click the
14.
Click the
15. Click
16.
In the dialog box that appears, choose
printed satisfactorily. If it didn’t print satisfactorily,
choose screen.
Local printer
Next
Have Disk
A: WIN 95
button.
Next
button.
Yes
radio button if you want to make your
Next
button.
Yes
radio button to print a test page.
(or
or
Network printer
button.
button.
radio button.
B: WIN 95); then click OK.
Finish.
Yes
if the test page
N
O
and follow the directions that appear on your
N
O
radio
4
On page 1-16, add the information below. If you are using Windows 3.1, refer to the information in your User’s Guide.
Checking the printer driver settings
If you are using Windows 95, follow these steps to select the appropriate settings.
1.
In the Desktop window, click the
2.
Select
Settings; then
3. Right-click on your printer icon.
click
Printers.
4. Choose Properties.
5.
Select the paper size you have loaded in the printer from the Paper size list on the Paper menu. If you don’t see your paper size, scroll through the list, and select the correct size. The diagram on the screen changes according to the
paper size you select.
6.
Select Portrait or Landscape orientation. The diagram on the screen changes according to the orientation you select.
7.
Select the paper source.
Start
button.
8.
Select the resolution on the Graphics menu.
9.
Make any other settings you wish, and click are finished.
OK
when you
5
On pages 1-18 through 1-20, replace the original information with the new information below.
DOS printer utilities
Your printer driver disk includes the EPSON Remote! and
EPSON Calibration utilities. You can use EPSON Remote! to change the printer’s default settings from your computer instead of the control panel. EPSON Calibration is used to properly align your printout.
Installing EPSON printer
To install the utilities, follow these steps:
1.
Insert the floppy disk containing the printer utilities into
your computer’s disk drive.
2.
From the DOS prompt, type press
Enter.
In the screen that appears, select your printer’s name in the
3. Printer Model window and press as the default directory.
4.
Press
Enter.
directory on drive C.
utilities
A: SETUP
All the necessary files are copied to the EPUTIL
Using EPSON printer utilities
To use your EPSON utilities, follow these steps:
1.
From the DOS prompt, change the current directory to the C
drive.
2.
To use the EPSON Remote!
Enter, CALIBRAT,
or to use the EPSON Calibration utility, type
and press
utility,
Enter.
(or
B: SETUP); then
Enter. C: EPUTIL
type
PRNSET,
and press
appears
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to use either utility.
6
On pages 2-11, and 2-12, replace the original illustrations as follows:
1.
Please replace the illustration on page 2-11 of your User’s
Guide
with the illustration below.
2.
Please replace the illustration on the upper portion of page 2-12 of your
User’s Guide
with the illustration below.
7
On page 5-3, add the information below.
When replacing the ribbon cartridge or ribbon pack, you can use the cartridge and pack listed below, in addition to the products listed in your User's
Guide.
Ribbon cartridge Ribbon pack
S015086 S010033
Printed in Japan 96.02-16

Printer Parts

FCC Compliance Statement
For United States Users
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures.
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused interfaces.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
the
manufacturer could void the
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.
ii
Declaration of Conformity
According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014
Manufacturer: Address:
Representative: Address:
Declares that the Product:
Product Name: Type Name: Model:
Conforms to the following Directive(s) and Norm(s):
Directive 89/336/EEC:
Directive 73/23/EEC:
Directive 90/384/EEC:
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION 3-5, Owa 3-chome, Suwa-shi, Nagano-ken 392 Japan
EPSON EUROPE B.V. Prof. J. H. Bavincklaan 5 1183 AT Amstelveen The Netherlands
Dot Matrix Printer LQ-2170 P910A
EN 55022 Class B EN 50082-1
IEC 801-2 IEC 801-3 IEC 801-4
EN 60950
EN 45501 August 1995 M. Hamamoto
President of EPSON EUROPE B.V.
iii
Where to Get Help for
United States Users
EPSON provides customer support and service through a nationwide network of Authorized EPSON Customer Care Centers.
EPSON also provides the following support services in the U.S. and Canada through the EPSON Connection
Technical assistance with the installation, configuration, and operation of EPSON products
Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized EPSON Reseller or
Customer Care Center Customer Relations EPSON technical information library fax service Product literature on current and new products You can purchase ribbons, supplies, parts, documentation, and
accessories for your EPSON products from EPSON Accessories at
(800) 873-7766 (U.S. sales only). In Canada, call (800) BUY-EPSON for sales locations.
SM
at (800) 922-8911:
iv
CompuServe® online support
If you have a modem, the fastest way to access helpful tips, specifications, drivers, application notes, and bulletins is through the Epson America Forum on CompuServe.
If you are not currently a member of CompuServe, you are eligible for a free introductory membership as an owner of an EPSON product. This membership entitles you to:
An introductory $15 credit on CompuServe Your own user ID and password A complimentary subscription to CompuServe Magazine,
CompuServe’s monthly publication.
To take advantage of this offer, call (800) 848-8199 in the United States and Canada and ask for representative #529. In other countries, call (614) 529-1611 or your local CompuServe access number.
If you are already a CompuServe member, simply type GO EPSON at the menu prompt to reach the Epson America Forum.
For United Kingdom Users
Use of options
Epson (UK) Limited shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the use of any options or consumable products other than those designated as Original Epson Products or Epson Approved Products by Epson (UK) Limited.
v
Safety information
Warning:
This appliance must be earthed. Refer to rating plate for voltage and check that the appliance voltage corresponds to the supply voltage.
Important:
The wires in the mains lead fitted to this appliance are with the following code:
Green and yellow - Earth Blue - Neutral Brown - Live
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not
correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your
plug, proceed as follows:
The green and yellow wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E or with the earth symbol (G) or coloured green or green and yellow.
The blue wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked with the letter N or coloured black.
The brown wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked with the letter L or coloured red.
coloured
in accordance
If damage occurs to the plug, replace the cord set or consult a qualified electrician.
Replace fuses only with a fuse of the correct size and rating.
vi
Important Safety Instructions
Before using your printer, read the following safety instructions to make sure you use the printer safely and effectively.
Turn off and unplug the printer before cleaning. Clean with a damp
cloth only. Do not spill liquid on the printer. Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a radiator or
heat register. Do not block or cover the openings in the printer’s cabinet. Do not
insert objects through the slots. Use only the type of power source indicated on the printer’s label. Connect all equipment to properly grounded power outlets. Avoid
using outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control
systems that regularly switch on and off. Do not let the power cord become damaged or frayed. If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the total
ampere rating of the devices plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the cords ampere rating. Also, make sure the total of all devices plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
Except as specifically explained in this guide, do not attempt to
service the printer yourself.
Unplug the printer and refer servicing to qualified service personnel
under the following conditions:
If the power cord or plug is damaged; if liquid has entered the printer; if the printer has been dropped or the cabinet damaged; 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.
vii
Contents
Introduction
Options How to Use This Manual Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
Chapter
Choosing a Place for the Printer Unpacking the Printer Installing the Ribbon Cartridge Plugging in the Printer Running the Self Test Connecting the Printer to Your Computer Setting Up Your Software
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1 Setting Up the Printer
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Microsoft Windows and all Windows programs Checking the printer driver settings Using non-Windows software Printer utilities
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2 3 4
1-2 1-4 1-5 1-10 1-10 1-14 1-15 1-15 1-16 1-17 1-18
ix
Chapter
Paper Handling
2
Selecting the Paper Feeding Method
Setting the paper release lever
Using Single Sheets
Loading single sheets from the top Loading single sheets from the front
Using Continuous Paper
Selecting the tractor position and paper path Changing tractor positions
Loading the front push tractor Loading the rear push tractor Loading the pull tractor Loading the push/pull tractor Removing paper from the tractor
Switching Between Continuous Paper and Single Sheets
Switching to single sheets
Switching to continuous paper
Printing on Special Paper
Adjusting the paper thickness lever Multipart forms Labels Envelopes Postcards Roll paper
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2-2 2-2 2-3 2-3 2-6 2-8 2-8 2-9 2-12 2-15 2-19 2-22
2-23 2-24 2-24
2-25
2-25
2-26
2-27
2-28
2-29
2-29
2-29
x
Chapter
3
Using the Printer
Control Panel
Lights Buttons Other control panel features
Changing the Default Settings
Selecting an instruction sheet language Selecting items and changing settings
Default setting item functions Micro Adjust Tear-Off
Using auto tear-off mode
Using the Tear Off/Bin button Bi-d Adjustment Barcode Printing
Chapter 4
Cut-Sheet Feeders
Installing the high capacity cut-sheet feeder
Loading paper with the high capacity cut-sheet feeder
Assembling the double bin cut-sheet feeder
Switching between continuous paper and the cut-sheet
feeder
Selecting single-sheets, postcards, or envelopes Pull Tractor
Loading paper with the push tractor and the optional pull
tractor Roll Paper Holder Interface Cards
Installing an interface card The C82305] or C82306] serial interfacecard
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Using Printer Options
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3-2 3-2 3-4 3-6
3-9 3-13 3-15 3-16 3-17 3-17 3-18
4-2 4-2 4-4 4-6
4-6
4-8
4-8 4-9 4-12 4-12 4-14
xi
Chapter 5
Maintenance and Transportation
Cleaning the Printer Replacing the Ribbon
Transporting the Printer
Chapter
Power Supply
Printing
Paper Handling
Options
6 Troubleshooting
Power is not being supplied
..................................
The printer does not print The print is faint or uneven Dots are missing in printed characters or graphics Printed characters are not what you expect The print position is not what you expect
Single sheets do not feed properly Continuous paper does not feed properly
..................................
The paper does not feed properly with the cut-sheet
feeder
Continuous paper does not feed properly when
using the pull tractor with the push tractor
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5-2 5-3
5-4
6-2 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-5 6-6 6-7 6-7 6-8 6-10
6-10
6-12
xii
Appendix
Specifications, Command Summary, and
Character Tables
Printer Specifications
Printing Paper Paper alignment Printable area. Mechanical Electrical Environmental Safety approvals CE marking Interface specifications
Using Commands
Sending printer commands Using the command summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
General operation Paper feeding Page format
Print position motion Font selection Font enhancement Character handling Spacing Graphics Bit image Barcode
Character Tables
International Character Sets Graphics Character Tables
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A-2
A-2
A-4
A-7
A-8
A-9
A-10
A-11
A-11
A-12
A-12 A-17 A-17
A-17
A-18
A-18
A-18
A-19
A-20
A-21
A-23
A-24
A-27 A-27 A-28 A-29 A-32 A-32 A-32
Index
xiii

Introduction

Your new EPSON® 24-pin dot matrix printer combines a compact design and high performance with a wide range of features offering the high-quality printing and ease of operation you have come to expect from EPSON printers. Your printer provides the following:
High speed draft mode printing of up to 440 characters at 10 cpi
Easy paper handling, featuring automatic single sheet and continuous paper loading from the front paper slot
Eight barcode fonts and four scalable fonts are available, as
well as one draft and nine letter quality bit-map fonts
Multipart forms printing of one original plus up to four copies
A convenient control panel that allows direct selection of fonts
Support of advanced EPSON ESC/P 2
TM
commands and IBM
®
2390/2391 plus emulation
Large printable area; 68 lines with A4 size paper
Software utilities, including a printer driver and a remote control panel utility, that let you make printer settings quickly and easily
Introduction 1

Options

The following options are available for your printer:
Cut-sheet feeder (High capacity, C80673] ; Second bin, C80674]) automatically feeds up to 150 sheets of paper or 25 envelopes without reloading. You can create a double bin cut-sheet feeder by combining the high capacity and second bin feeders.
Pull tractor unit (C80032]), when combined with the standard tractor, improves printing accuracy, which is especially useful for printing on multipart forms.
Roll paper holder (#8310) allows you to use your printer with
8.5-inch roll paper like that used with telex machines.
Interface cards are available to supplement the printer’s built-in parallel interface.
2 Introduction

How to Use This Manual

This manual provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions for setting up and operating your printer.
Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up, testing, and connecting the printer. Be sure to read this chapter first.
Chapters 2 and 3 include important information on paper handling and day-today operation of your printer.
Chapter 4 explains how to use optional accessories with your printer.
Chapter 5 provides maintenance information, including transportation guidelines.
Chapter 6 contains troubleshooting tips. If the printer does not operate properly or the printed results are not what you expect, see this chapter for a list of problems and solutions.
The appendix lists the printer’s specifications, commands, and character tables.
At the end of the manual you’ll find an index.
introduction 3

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

This guide uses the following conventions:
Warnings
Cautions
Notes
contain important information and useful tips on the operation of
your printer.
must befollowed to avoid bodily injury.
must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
4 Introduction
Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Choosing a Place for the Printer
Unpacking the Printer Installing the Ribbon Cartridge Plugging in the Printer
Running the Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer Setting Up Your Software
Microsoft Windows and all Windows programs
Checking the printer driver settings
Using non-Windows software Printer utilities
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....................
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1-2 1-4 1-5 1-10 1-10 1-14 1-15
1-15 1-16 1-17 1-18
Setting Up the Printer
1-1

Choosing a Place for the Printer

When selecting a place to set up your printer, be sure to follow
these guidelines:
Place the printer on a flat, stable surface, close enough to the computer for the interface cable to reach it.
Leave adequate room around the printer for easy operation and maintenance.
Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, or dust.
Use a properly grounded electrical outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
Place the printer where you can easily unplug the power cord.
Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or automatic timers. Accidental disruption of power can erase information in the memory of your printer or computer.
Avoid outlets on the same circuit as large motors or other appliances that can cause voltage fluctuations.
1-2
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
If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines:
Use a stand that supports at least 26 kg (57.8 lbs).
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, the stand must keep your printer level.
If you plan to load continuous paper through the bottom of the printer, choose a stand that provides an unobstructed paper path.
Position your printer’s power cord and interface cable so they do not interfere with paper feeding. If possible, secure the cables to a leg of the printer stand.
Align the paper stack so that the paper feeds straight into the tractor’s sprocket units.
Setting Up the Printer
1-3

Unpacking the Printer

Your printer box should include an EPSON printer driver disk and the following items:
Note:
In some locations the power cord may be permanently attached to the
printer.
Keep the packing materials in case you need to transport your printer.
Caution:
There are several versions of the printer designed for different voltages, and it is not possible to adjust the printer for use at
another voltage. If the label on the back of the printer does not
show the correct voltagefor your country, contact your dealer.
1-4
Setting Up the Printer

Installing the Ribbon Cartridge

Before installing the ribbon cartridge, make sure that the power cord is not plugged into an electrical outlet.
1.
Lift the printer cover up and off.
2.
Slide the print head to the ribbon installation position (the indented portion of the paper tension unit.)
Setting Up the Printer
1-5
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