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

[phone] (U.S. sales only). In Canada, call (800) BUY-EPSON for
sales locations.

SM

at [phone]:

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 [phone] in the United States
and Canada and ask for representative #529. In other countries, call
[phone] or your local CompuServe access number.

If you are already a CompuServe member, simply type GO EPSON at the
menu prompt to reach the Epson America Forum.

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

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

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

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

1 Setting Up the Printer

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

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

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

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

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

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

Microsoft Windows and all Windows programs
Checking the printer driver settings
Using non-Windows software
Printer utilities

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

...........

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

..........

.......

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

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

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

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

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

..................... 3-7

............. 3-7

.............. 3-7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Using Printer Options

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

..........

..........

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

........ 4-7

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

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

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

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

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

........

....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

......

..........

...........

...........

.........

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.........

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

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

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

3.

Remove the plastic separator from the middle of the ribbon

cartridge and discard the separator.

4.

Hold the cartridge with the ribbon-tightening knob facing you.
Place the bottom edge of the cartridge into the printer so that
the notch on each end of the cartridge fits over the small peg
on each side of the printer.

5. Lay the cartridge flat and press gently until it clicks into place on
both ends.

1-6

Setting Up the Printer

6.

Lift the ribbon guide and insert it firmly over the metal pins

behind the print head. Press down on the guide until it clicks

into place. Make sure the ribbon is not twisted or creased and
that it is in place behind the print head. Turn the
ribbon-tightening knob to remove any slack in the ribbon.

7.

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

Setting Up the Printer

1-7

8.

Replace the printer cover by first inserting the front tabs into the
slots near the front of the printer; then lower it into place.

9.

Attach the paper guide by sliding the slots on the bottom of the
paper guide over the pegs behind the paper tension unit.

1-8

Setting Up the Printer

10. Insert the paper separator into the paper guide.

11. Lift the paper path guide and rest it against the paper guide.

Note:

Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer stops printing
when the cover is open.

Setting Up the Printer

1-9

Plugging in the Printer

1.

Make sure the printer is turned off.

2.

Check the label on the back of the printer to make sure the
voltage 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.

3.

If the power cord is not attached to the printer, connect the

appropriate end to the AC inlet on the printer’s rear panel.

4.

Plug the power cord into a properly grounded electrical outlet.

Running the Self Test

You can run a self test on the printer in letter quality or draft
mode, with either continuous paper or single sheets. You can load
the paper from the rear, front, top, or bottom. The following steps
describe how to run the test on single-sheet paper, loaded from
the top. See Chapter 2 for more information on paper handling.

1-10

Setting Up the Printer

The printer prints the self test in the currently selected font.

1.

Make sure the printer is turned off and the paper path guide is
open.

2.

Move the paper release lever to the single-sheet position.

3.

For the letter quality test, hold down the
while you turn on the printer. For draft printing, hold down
the

LF/FF

button while you turn on the printer.

Load/Eject

button

Setting Up the Printer

1-11

4.

Move the left edge guide until it locks in place next to the arrow
guide mark. Then adjust the right edge guide to match the
width of your paper.

Caution:

Run the self test using paper at least 360 mm (14 inches) wide;
otherwise, the print head prints directly on the platen.

1-12

5.

Lift the paper path guide and rest it against the paper guide.

Setting Up the Printer

6.

Insert a sheet of paper between the edge guides until it meets
resistance. Make sure you adjust the edge guides to match the
width of your paper. After a few seconds, the printer feeds the
paper to the loading position and begins printing the self test.

Note:

Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer stops printing
when the cover is open.

7.

To stop the self test temporarily, press the

Pause

button.

8.

To end the self test, press the
printer. Here is part of a typical self test:

Pause

button, then turn off the

Setting Up the Printer

1-13

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

If the self test printed correctly, you are ready to connect your
printer to the computer. Use a 36-pin cable to connect your

computer to your printer’s built-in parallel interface. Follow these

steps:

1.

Make sure both the printer and computer are turned off; then
plug the cable connector securely into the printer’s parallel
interface connector. Squeeze the wire clips together until they
lock in place on either side of the connector.

2.

1-14

Note:

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

beneath

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

the

interface connector.

Setting Up Your Software

Most software lets you specify the type of printer you use so that
you can take full advantage of the printer’s features. Your

software probably provides an installation or setup

section that

presents a list of printers.

Microsoft Windows and all Windows programs

If Microsoft® Windows
follow the steps below to install the correct driver for your printer.
Your printer will work correctly for all your Windows programs,
such as Word for Windows, Lotus
CorelDRAW!

®

If Windows is not already installed on your system, run the
Windows setup program as described in the documentation that
comes with the program. Then follow the steps below to install the
correct printer driver.

1.

Make sure Windows is running and that the Main window is
open.

Insert the EPSON driver disk into your computer’s diskette drive

2.

slot.

TM

is installed on your computer

®

1-2-3” for Windows, and

system,

From the File menu choose

3.

Type

4.

A:\ DRIVER\SETUP,

Run.

and choose

drive A is the diskette drive.)

Select

5.

LQ-2170

as the Printer Model and click

printer driver installs automatically.

6.

Click

OK.

OK.

(This assumes that

Continue.

Setting Up the

Printer

The

1-15

Checking the printer driver settings

Before you start printing, you should make sure that the driver
settings match your document requirements. While many
Windows applications override the printer settings made with the
driver, some do not. Because of this, you must choose the correct
settings to get the results you expect.

Be sure to check the following:

Resolution

Paper size

Orientation

Paper source

Follow these steps to select the appropriate settings:

1.

In the Main window, double-click the

2.

Double-click the
highlighted.

Click the

3.

Select the paper size you have loaded in the printer from the

4.

Paper Size list. If you don’t see your paper size in the list, use
the arrows on the right to scroll through the list. The diagram
on the screen changes according to the paper size you select.

Setup

The printing resolution in dots per
inch (dpi).

The size of the paper loaded in the
printer.

The direction of printing on the page
(portrait or landscape).

Tractor, manual feed, or sheet feeder.

Control Panel

Printers

button in the Print Setup menu.

icon. Make sure your printer is

icon.

1-16

Select Portrait or Landscape orientation. The diagram on the

5.

screen changes according to the orientation you select.

6.

Select the resolution you desire.

7.

Select the paper source.

Setting Up the Printer

8.

Click

Options

You can control intensity by clicking the arrow to darker or
lighter; you can control dithering by choosing None, Coarse,
or Fine.

to open the option menu.

Using non- Windows software

Most DOS software programs include drivers for EPSON ESC/P 2

printers. Also, DOS programs require you to select from a list of

printers to install the printer driver. If your printer is not included
in the list, contact your software manufacturer to see if there is an
update.

If your printer driver is not available, select the first printer driver
available in the list below.

LQ-870/1170
LQ-850+/ 1050+
LQ-85011050
LQ-510/550/1010
LQ-200
LQ-500
LQ-860+ / 1060+
LQ-2550
LQ-2500
LQ-800/1000
LQ-1500

See the program’s documentation for instructions on selecting the
driver.

Setting Up the Printer

1-17

Printer utilities

The following DOS utilities are included with the printer:

Epson Remote! utility allows you to change the printer’s
default settings from your computer.

Epson Calibration utility lets you adjust the printing
alignment from your computer. Use this utility when the
lines in your printout do not appear to be aligned properly.

Installing Epson Remote!

Follow these steps to install Epson Remote! on your hard disk
drive:

1.

Insert the diskette containing the EPSON Remote! utility into
your computer’s diskette drive.

2.

In DOS, access the drive where you have loaded the diskette.

3.

Change the directory to UTILITY (that is, type
diskette is in drive A).

4.

Type

INSTALL

(space)

[drive name]

(space)

A: \ UTILITY if

[directory name]

the

For example, type

INSTALL C: EPREMOTE,

and press

Enter.

Note:

Do not type a backslash (\) between the parameters. Use the space bar.

The installation is completed automatically.

1-18

Setting Up the Printer

Using Epson Remote!

To make changes to the default settings with Epson Remote!,

follow these steps:

Change to the directory you specified, for example:

1.

C:\EPREMOTE\.

2.

Type

PANEL (C:\EPREMOTE\PANEL),

You’ll see the printer settings that can be changed while the
printer is on, for example, the bin selection and print direction.

3.

Change the desired settings.

4.

Press

F1

to save the settings. (The settings are then sent to the

printer.)

5.

Press

F2

to leave the menu.

6.

Type

PRNSET (C:\EPREMOTE\PRNSET),

You’ll see the printer’s default settings, which are described in

“Changing the Default Settings” in Chapter 3.

7.

Change the desired settings.

and press

and press

Enter.

Enter.

8.

Press

F1

to save your settings and

F2

to leave the menu.

Setting Up the Printer

1-19

Using Epson Calibration

To run the CALIBRAT.EXE utility program, follow these steps:

1.

Insert the diskette containing the calibration utility into your
computer’s diskette drive.

2. In DOS, access the drive where you have loaded the diskette.

3.

Change the current directory to UTILITY (that is, type

A:\UTILITY if

4.

Type

CALIBRAT,

5.

Follow the instructions on the screen to calibrate your printer.

Note:

You can also copy the program from the diskette to your hard disk. Then
change the current directory (or set the path to the directory), type

CALIBRAT,

the diskette is in drive A).

and press

and press

Enter.

Enter.

1-20

Setting Up the Printer

Chapter 2

Paper Handling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

........

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

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

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

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

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

......

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

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

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

Paper Handling 2-1

Selecting the Paper Feeding Method

The printer can accommodate almost any type of paper with front,
rear, and bottom paper slots plus a tractor that can be mounted in

two different positions-front and top.

This chapter explains the various methods of paper handling and
includes recommendations on the feeding methods best suited to
your specific needs.

Setting the paper release lever

First you need to set the paper release lever for the type of paper
and feeding method you want to use. The paper release lever has
four positions, with icons indicating the type of paper and paper
path for each position.

2-2

Paper

Handling

Single-sheet position-for all single sheets (including
envelopes and postcards). whether loaded from
front, top, the optional cut-sheet feeders, or the roll
paper holder.

Front push and front push/pull tractor position-for
continuous paper when the tractor unit is installed
in the front.

Rear push and rear push/pull tractor position-for
continuous paper when the tractor unit is installed
in the rear.

Pull tractor position-for continuous paper when
the tractor unit is installed on the top. In this case,
you can load paper from the front, rear, or bottom.

Using Single Sheets

You can print on single sheets of paper from 101 to 420 mm (4.0 to

16.5 inches) wide. You can load single sheets from either the top or
front of the printer.

Loading sing/e sheets from the top

1.

Move the paper release lever to the single-sheet position. Make sure
the paper guide is installed and the paper path guide is open.

Paper Handling 2-3

2.

Turn on the printer. Slide the left edge guide until it stops next to
the arrow on the paper guide. Then adjust the right edge
guide to match the width of your paper.

3.

Lift the paper path guide and rest it against the paper guide.

2-4 Paper Handling

4.

Insert the paper firmly between the edge guides until it meets
resistance. After a few seconds, the printer advances the paper
to the loading position. You are now ready to print.

Note:
Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer stops printing
when the cover is open.

Caution:

Do not use the knob on the right side of the printer except to clear
paper jams when the printer is off. Otherwise, you may damage
the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-firm position.

If the platen turns but the printer doesn’t load the paper,
completely remove the paper and re-insert it more firmly.

To eject the paper, press the

Load/Eject

button.

Paper Handling 2-5

Loading single sheets from the front

Move the paper release lever to the single-sheet position and

1.
open the front cover. Make sure the paper path guide rests

against the paper guide.

Turn on the printer.

2.
Position the left edge guide as shown below. (Printing starts at

3.
the arrow mark.) See the Appendix for more information on
the left margin position.

2-6 Paper Handling

4.

While aligning the paper’s left and right edges with the edge
guides, insert the paper firmly until it meets resistance. After a
few seconds, the printer loads the paper to the loading
position. You are now ready to print.

Note:

Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer stops printing

when the cover is open.

Caution:

Do not use the knob on the right side of the printer except to clear
paper jams when the printer is off. Otherwise, you may damage
the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

If the platen turns but the printer doesn’t load the paper,
completely remove the paper and re-insert it more firmly.

To eject the paper, press the

Load/Eject

button.

Paper Handling

2-7

Using Continuous

Paper

The printer’s paper-handling

system

allows you to load

continuous paper through the front, rear, or bottom.

You can print on continuous paper from 101 to 406 mm (4 to 16
inches) wide.

To print on continuous paper, you need to install the tractor unit
in the front or pull position. Be sure you set the paper release lever
correctly.

Note:

The rear push tractor cannot be removed.

Selecting the tractor position and paper path

The table below lists the different way to feed continuous paper.

Always set the paper release lever to the position indicated for the
paper feed method you are using.

Tractor
position

Front push
tractor and
front push/pull

Paper release
lever position Paper paths

Rear push
tractor and
rear push/pull

Pull tractor

2-8 Paper Handling

Make sure you align your paper supply with the paper loaded in
the tractor so the paper feeds smoothly into the printer.

If you feed paper through the bottom paper slot, use a printer
stand that has a large enough opening for paper to feed from the
bottom without obstruction.

Changing tractor positions

You can use the removable tractor unit as either a front push
tractor or a pull tractor; you just change the tractor position
according to your paper feeding method.

Note:

The rear push tractor cannot be removed.

Using the front push tractor position

Before installing the tractor in the front position, you need to
remove it
lock tabs while you lift it off the printer.

1.

from

its current position (top) by pressing the tractor’s

Make sure the printer is turned off.

Paper Handling 2-9

2.

Open the front paper guide and remove it by grasping the fins
on both sides and pulling it straight out of the printer.

Note:

When loading multipart forms that are bound on only one side by
line gluing, always use the rear push tractor. This type of form
cannot be fed from the front push tractor.

3.

Push the tractor into the printer’s mounting slot as shown below.
You are now ready to load continuous paper with the front
push tractor.

To remove the tractor unit, press its lock tabs, tilt it forward, and
lift it out of the printer.

2-10 Paper Handling

Using the pull tractor position

Before installing the tractor in the top position, you need to
remove it from its current position (front) by pressing the tractor’s
lock tabs while you lift it off the printer.

1.

Make sure the printer is turned off.

2. Lift the printer cover and paper guide up and off the printer.

3. Grasp both ends of the clear plastic paper-tension unit, raise the
front of the unit, and lift it off the printer.

Note:

Check the paper thickness lever position to ensure that it wasn’t moved
during pull tractor installation. See “Adjusting the paper thickness
lever” later in this chapter-for the correct lever position.

Warning:

Never move the print head while the printer is turned on; this can
damage the printer. Also, if you just used the printer, the print

head may be hot. Let it cool for a few minutes before touching it.

Paper Handling

2-11

push the tractor into the printer’s mounting slot as shown below.

4.

TO remove the tractor unit, hold down its lock tabs, tilt it back, and

lift it off the printer.

Loading the front push

Make sure the printer is turned off.

1.
Remove the front paper guide as shown below. Make sure the

2.

tractor is in the front mounting slot and the paper release lever
is set to the front push tractor position.

2-12

Paper Handling

tractor

3.

Release the sprockets by pushing the sprocket locks backward.

4.

Position the left sprocket as shown below. (Printing starts at the
arrow mark.) See the Appendix for more information on the
left margin position.

5. Lock the sprocket in place. Then slide the right sprocket to match
the width of your paper, but do not lock it.

Paper Handling

2-13

6.

Make sure your paper has a clean, straight edge. Then open the
sprocket covers and fit the holes of the paper over the tractor
pins.

7.

Close the sprocket covers.

8.

Slide the right sprocket to remove any slack in the paper; then
lock it in place.

9.

Attach the front paper guide.

10. Slide the left and right edge guides to the center of the paper
guide.

2-14 Paper Handling

11. Turn on the printer. When the printer receives data, it
automatically loads the paper before printing.

Note:

Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer stops

printing when the cover is open.
You can also advance the paper to the loading position by

pressing the

Load/Eject

button.

Advance the paper behind the printer guide as shown below.
Make sure the paper path guide rests against the paper guide.

Caution:

Do not use the knob on the right side of the printer except to clear
paper jams when the printer is off Otherwise, you may damage

the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

Loading the rear push tractor

1.

Make sure the printer is turned off.

2.

Remove the printer cover and paper guide.

Paper Handling

2-15

3.

Make sure the paper release lever is set to the rear push tractor
position.

4.

Release the sprockets by pushing the sprocket locks forward.

2-16 Paper Handling

Slide the left sprocket to the left margin of the paper using the

5.
scale on the printer as shown below. (Printing starts at the “0”
mark. See the Appendix for more information on the left
margin position.) Then slide the right sprocket to match the
width of your paper, but do not lock it.

Make sure your paper has a clean, straight edge. Then open the

6.
sprocket covers and fit the holes of the paper over the tractor
pins.

Close the sprocket covers.

7.

Paper Handling

2-17

8.

Slide the right sprocket to remove any slack in the paper; then
lock it in place.

9.

Attach the printer cover and paper guide.

Note:

Advance the

sure

the paper path guide rests against the paper guide.

10. Slide the left and right edge guides to the center of the paper
guide.

11. Turn on the printer. When the printer receives data, it
automatically loads the paper before printing.

paper

behind the printer guide as shown below. Make

Note:

Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer stops
printing when the cover is open.

You can also advance the paper to the loading position by
pressing the

Load/Eject

Caution:
Do not use the knob on the right side of the printer except to clear

paper jams when the printer is Otherwise, you may damage
the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

2-18 Paper Handling

button.

Loading the pull tractor

1.

Make sure the printer is turned off.

2.

Remove the printer cover and paper guide.

3.

Make sure the tractor is in the pull tractor position and the paper
release lever is set to the pull tractor position.

4.

Release the sprockets by pushing the sprocket locks forward.

Paper Handling

2-19

5.

Slide the left sprocket to the left margin of the paper using the

scale at the rear of the tractor as a guide. (Printing starts at the
“0” mark. See the Appendix for more information on the left
margin position.) Then slide the right sprocket to match the

width of your paper, but do not lock it.

6.

Make sure your paper has a clean, straight edge. Open the
sprocket covers and insert paper from either the top, rear, or
bottom paper slot. Then fit the holes of the paper over the
tractor pins.

7.

Close the sprocket covers.

8.

Slide the right sprocket to remove any slack in the paper; then
lock it in place.

2-20 Paper Handling

9.

Attach the printer cover and paper guide.

Note:

Advance the

paper

behind the printer guide as shown below. Make

sure the paper path guide rests against the paper guide.

10.

Slide the left and right edge guides to the center of the paper
guide.

11. Turn on the printer. When the printer receives data, it
automatically loads the paper before printing.

Note:

Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer stops
printing when the cover is open.

You can also advance the paper to the loading position by

pressing the

Load/Eject

button.

Caution:

Do not use the knob on the right side of the printer except to clear

paper jams when the printer is off. Otherwise, you may damage

the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position,

Paper Handling 2-21

Loading the push/pull tractor

To use the push and pull tractors in combination, you must first
purchase the optional pull tractor. See Chapter 4 for more
information on printer options.

Note:

The standard rear push tractor cannot be removed.

To load paper in the tractor, follow these steps:

Make sure the tractor is in the push/pull tractor position and the

1.
paper release lever is set to either the front push or rear push
tractor position.

Load paper in the front or rear push tractor as described in the

2.
previous sections.

Push the

3.

Fit the paper to the pull tractor’s sprocket as described in the

4.
previous section.

5.

Move the paper release lever to the pull tractor position, and use
micro adjust (described in the next chapter) to remove any
slack in the paper.

6.

Move the paper release lever back to the push tractor position.

7.

Attach the paper guide and printer cover.

LF/FF

2-22 Paper Handling

button to advance the paper to the next page.

8. Slide the left and right edge guides to the center of the paper guide.

9.

Raise the paper path guide and rest it against the paper guide.

Caution:

Do not use the knob on the right side of the printer except to clear

paper jams when the printer is off. Otherwise, you may damage

the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

Note:

Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer stops
printing when the cover is open.

Advance the paper behind the printer guide as shown below.
Make sure the paper path guide rests against the paper guide.

Removing paper from the tractor

1.

To remove continuous paper, press the
the paper’s perforation to the tear-off edge of the printer cover.

Tear Off /Bin

button to feed

Note:

If the page perforation is not properly aligned with the tear-off edge,
you can adjust the tear-off position using micro adjust. See Chapter

3.

2.

Tear off the paper.

3.

Press the

backward out of the printer and into the standby position.

Load/Eject

button to feed the continuous paper

Paper Handling

2-23

Caution:

Make sure you tear off our printed document before pressing the

Load/Eject

button. Reversefeeding several pages at a time may

cause a paper jam.

Switching Between Continuous Paper and Single
Sheets

When using the push tractor in the front or rear position, you can

easily switch between continuous and single-sheet printing
without removing the paper.

Switching to

To switch from continuous paper to single sheets, follow these
steps:

1.

2. Tear off the printed pages.

single sheets

If any printed sheets remain in the printer, press the

Tear Off/Bin

position.

button to advance the paper to the tear-off

Caution:

Always tear off paper before back-feeding paper through
the printer; back-feeding too many sheets can cause a
paper jam.

Never back-feed labels. Labels can easily come off their
backing and jam the printer.

3.

Press the
paper backward to the standby position. The paper is still

attached to the push tractor but is no longer in the paper path.

4. Move the paper release lever to the single-sheet position.

Load/Eject

button. The printer feeds the continuous

5.

Adjust the edge guides to match the width of your paper.

2-24 Paper Handling

You can now load single sheets as described in “Using Single
Sheets,” earlier in this chapter.

Switching to continuous paper

To switch from single sheets back to continuous paper, follow
these steps:

1.

If a single sheet is in the paper path, press the
button to eject it.

2. Move the paper release lever to the push or pull tractor position.

The printer advances the continuous paper to the loading position
when it receives data.

Load/Eject

Printing on Special Paper

In addition to printing on single sheets and continuous paper,
your printer can print on a wide variety of other paper types, such
as envelopes, labels, postcards, roll paper, and multipart forms.
Before printing on special types of paper, you need to change the
paper thickness setting.

Caution:

When printing on labels or multipart forms, make sure
that your software settings keep the printing entirely
within the printable urea.

Always return the paper thickness lever to position 0
when you return to printing on ordinary paper.

Paper Handling

2-25

Adjusting the paper thickness lever

Set the paper thickness lever to match the thickness of your paper
according to the table below.

Paper type

Thin paper
Ordinary paper (single sheets or continuous)
Multipart forms (carbonless)

2

sheets

(original+1

3

sheets
sheets
sheets

(original+2
(original+3
(original+4

4

5
Labels, Postcards
Envelopes

copy)
copies)
copies)
copies)

Lever position

0 or 1

0

1
2
3
5

2

2 to 6

Note:

When operating your printer under low temperature conditions
(5°C or less), set the lever one position lower to improve print

quality.

When operating your printer under high temperature conditions
(35°C or more), set the lever one position higher to improve print

quality.

2-26 Paper Handling

Multipart forms

Your printer can print on both single-sheet and continuous
multipart forms. You can load single-sheet multipart forms in both
the front and top paper slots. You can load continuous multipart
forms from the front, rear, and bottom.

Note:

Use only carbonless multipart forms.

You can use multipart forms of up to five parts, including the
original. Make sure you set the paper thickness lever to the proper
position.

You load multipart forms the same way as single sheets or
continuous paper. For best results with continuous multipart
forms, you should use the tractor installed in the pull tractor
position and load paper from either the front or rear tractor. When
you load paper from the front, you must use the optional pull
tractor because the rear push tractor cannot be removed.

For details, see “Using Single Sheets” or “Loading Continuous
Paper,” earlier in this chapter. Also be sure to set the loading
position as described in “Micro Adjust” in Chapter 3.

Caution:

When printing multipart forms, make sure the printing

stays entirely within the printable area

more information

on

the printable area, see the Appendix.)

of

the

forms.

Use multipart forms only under normal operating
conditions.

When loading single-sheet multipart forms that are bound
at the top by line gluing, always use the top paper path.
you plan to print on forms that are joined at either the top

or side by line gluing, use the front paper path.)

Load multipart forms that are free

of

wrinkles and waves.

Paper Handling

(For

(If

2-27

Labels

When selecting labels for printing, always choose the type
mounted on a continuous backing sheet with sprocket holes for
use with a tractor. Do not try to print labels as single sheets
because the shiny backing sheet does not feed properly.

Load labels from either the front or bottom (not rear) paper slots
with the tractor in the pull tractor position.
same way that you load continuous paper, except you set the
paper thickness lever to position 2. See “Using Continuous Paper”
earlier in this chapter for details.

Caution:

Neverfeed labels backward with the

Off/Bin

buttons. Labels can easily peel off the backing and

jam the printer.

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

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

printing.

You

load them the

Load/Eject or Tear

2-28

To remove labels from the paper path after you finish

printing, first tear off the labels

slot. Then use the

LF/FF

button to advance the remaining

at

a point before the paper

labels out of the printer.

Paper Handling

Envelopes

You can load envelopes only from the top paper slot, following
the guidelines below:

Always set the paper thickness lever to position 2 to 6 to
match the thickness of the envelope.

Always feed an envelope by pushing the wide edge into
the printer until it meets resistance.

Caution:

Use envelopes only under normal operating conditions.

Printing on the edge

of

an envelope can damage the print

head. Make sure the printing stays entirely within the

printable area

of

the envelopes. See the Appendix

details.

Postcards

You can load postcards from the front and top paper slots. Load
cards only under normal operating conditions. Set the Card mode

using the Tear Off/Bin button. See the Tear Off/Bin light and

button descriptions in Chapter 3 for more information.

Note:

When the length
the top paper slot. See the Appendix

of

the card is less than 14.8 cm (5.8 inches), use

for

details.

Use postcards only under normal operating conditions.

Roll paper

Load roll paper from the top paper slot. See “Roll paper holder” in
Chapter 4 for more information.

for

Paper Handling 2-29

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

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3-2
3-2
3-4

3-6
3-7

3-7
3-7
3-9

3-13
3-15

3-16
3-17

3-17
3-18

Using the Printer

3-1

This chapter covers basic operation of your printer, including the
control panel lights and buttons, the printer’s default settings, and
other functions.

Control Panel

The indicator lights on the control panel let you monitor the
current status of the printer, and the buttons let you control many

printer settings.

Lights

Paper Out (red)

On when the printer runs out of paper or paper is jammed.

Pause (orange)

On when the printer is not ready to print data, paper is out or

jammed, or the cover is open. The

press the
when the micro adjust function is enabled or the print head is too
hot.

3-2

Using the Printer

Pause

button to pause printing. The

Pause

light is off, unless you

Pause

light flashes

Tear Off /Bin (two lights, green)

The

Tear Off/Bin

selection status is displayed by two lights:

Tear off position
Bin 1

Bin 2

Card

= Flashing, = On, = Off

* Both lights are off when continuous paper is not in the tear-off position
* You can print postcards in Card mode.

Font (three lights, green)

The font selection status is displayed by three font lights on the
control panel:

Draft
Roman
Sans Serif
Courier
Prestige
script
Others

q

= On, = Off

* Others means the font selected in the Default Setting mode

Using the Printer

3-3

Pitch (three lights, green)

The pitch selection status is displayed by three pitch lights:

10 cpi

12

cpi

15

cpi

17 cpi

20

cpi

PS (Proportional spacing)

= On, n = Off

Note:
All

of

the lights above me on when a

fatal

error occurs.

Buttons

Operate

Press this button to turn the printer on or off.

Pause

Press this button to temporarily stop printing and to resume
printing. Holding it down for at least 3 seconds when the printer
is in the standby mode enables the micro adjust function. Pressing
it again disables this function. See “Micro Adjust” later in this
chapter for details.

Load/Eject

Press this button to load single-sheet or continuous paper to the

loading position. However, the printer normally loads paper
automatically. If single-sheet paper is already in the loading
position, use this button to eject the sheet. If continuous paper is
in the loading or tear-off position, press this button to feed it
backward to the standby position.

3-4

Using the Printer

LF/FF (line feed/form feed)

Press this button briefly to feed the paper forward one line. Hold
the button down to eject a single sheet of paper or advance
continuous paper to the top of the next page. You can also use this
button to load a single sheet of paper from the cut-sheet feeder or
to feed continuous paper from the standby position to the loading
position.

Tear Off /Bin

Pressing this button moves a page to the tear-off position, and
pressing it again moves the next page to the top-of-feed position.
When cut sheets are used, pressing it selects the cut-sheet feed bin
number. Use the Card mode (Bin 1 selected) to print on postcards.

Font

Press this button to select one of the following fonts:
Draft, Roman, Sans Serif, Courier, Prestige, Script, or Other’

* “Other” means the font selected in the Default Setting mode.

Pitch

Press this button to select one of the following pitches:

10 cpi, 12 cpi, 15 cpi, 17 cpi, 20 cpi, or proportional spacing (PS).

Note:

The typestyle samples on the control panel are meant as guides only;
actual printed results may differ slightly.

Using the Printer

3-5

Other control panel features

The control panel also gives you to access to several other

functions. To activate the functions listed below, turn on the

printer while pressing one of buttons, as follows:

Load/Eject

LF/FF

Pitch

Load/Eject

Pause

and

LF/FF

Performs a letter quality self test.

See Chapter 1 for details.
Performs a draft self test. See

Chapter 1 for details.
Activates the Default Setting mode.

See “Changing the Default Settings”
in this chapter.

Prints a data dump. All the input
data are printed as hexadecimal
numbers and corresponding
characters. See “Problems and
Solutions” in Chapter 6.

Starts the Bi-d adjustment. See “Bi-d

Adjustment” in this chapter.

3-6

Using the Printer

Changing the Default Settings

The default settings control many basic functions of the printer.
While you can control many of these functions through your

software or printer driver, you may sometimes need to change a
default setting from the printer’s control panel through the Default
Setting mode.

To enter Default Setting mode, hold down the

turning on the printer. The printer prints an instruction sheet.
Follow the instructions on this sheet, and in this section, to change

settings using the Default Setting mode.

Selecting an

Follow these steps to select the language in which you want to

print the rest of the Default Setting mode instructions:

1.

Press the
language you want to select.

2.

Press the

3.

Press the

Selecting

Follow the steps below to select items and change their settings.
The available items and settings are listed on the instruction sheet
and in the table on the next page.

instruction sheet language

Pitch

Tear Off/Bin

Font

items

button until the

button to save your selection.

button to print out the instruction.

and changing settings

Pitch

Pitch

button while

lights indicate the

1.

Press the
you want to change.

2.

Press the
for that item is indicated by the
lights.

Pitch

button until the

Tear Off/Bin

Pitch

lights indicate the item

button until the setting you want to use

Tear Off/Bin

and

Pause

Using the Printer

3-7

3.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 for any additional items you want to
change. Each time you press the

Tear Off/Bin

button, the

printer saves the settings you selected.

4. When you finish changing the settings, turn off the printer.

The following table lists the items you can change and their
available settings. Default settings are bold. Each item is described
in the following section.

Item

Character table

International character set for
Italic table

Font *1

Page length for front tractor 3, 3.5, 4, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 8.5, 11, 70/6, 12,

Page length for rear tractor 3, 3.5, 4, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 8.5, 11, 70/6, 12,

High speed draft
Print direction
Software
Interface mode Auto, Parallel I/F, Option I/F

Settings

Standard model:

Italic, PC 437, PC 850. PC 860, PC 863
PC 865, PC 861, BRASCII, Abicomp,

IS0 Latin 1, Roman 8
All other models:
Italic, PC 437, PC 437 Greek, PC 850,

PC 852, PC 853. PC 855, PC 857,

PC 864, PC 866. PC 869.

IS0 Latin 1T. IS0 8859-7. MAZOWIA,
Code MJK, Bulgaria, Estonia, PC774,

IS0 Latin 2, PC 866 LAT.

Italic

U.S.A. Italic France,

Italic Germany, Italic U.K.,
Italic Denmark, Italic Sweden, Italic

Italy, Italic Spain
OCR-B, Orator, Orator-S, Script C,

Roman T, Sans Serif H

14, 17 inches

14, 17 inches

On, Off
Auto, Bi-d., Uni-d.
ESC/P2, IBM 2391 plus

3-8

Auto interface wait time
Input buffer

Using the Printer

10 sec., 30 sec.
On. Off

Item

Skip-over-perforation
Auto tear off
Auto line feed
Auto CR *2
AGM *2
0 slash
Buzzer
Roll paper

* 1 One of the fonts selected in the Default Setting mode corresponds to

Other on the control panel. The following fonts are not selected in the
Default Setting mode: Draft, Roman, Sans Serif, Courier, Prestige, and
Script.

* 2 These settings are effective when IBM2391 plus emulation is selected.

Settings

On, Off
On, Off
On. Off
On, Off
On, Off
On, Off

On, Off

On, Off

Default setting item functions

This section describes each of the default setting item functions

Character table

Your printer has 11 standard character tables as well as tables for

20 other countries. See the Appendix for character samples.

international character set for Italic table

You can change 8 characters in the Italic character table to suit

your printing needs. Since these characters are often used in other

languages, they are named after countries and are referred to as
international character sets. See the Appendix for character
samples.

Using the Printer

3-9

Font

You can select 6 fonts in Default Setting mode. The following fonts
are indicated on the control panel and can’t be selected by default
settings: Draft, Roman, Sans Serif, Courier, Prestige, and Script.

Page

length for front and rear tractor

For paper fed through the front or rear tractor, you can set the
page length to one of the following: 3, 3.5, 4, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 8.5, 11,

70/6, 12, 14, or 17 inches.

High speed draft

When you select high speed draft, the printer can print up to 440
cps (characters per second) at 10 cpi in draft mode. If you select
normal speed draft, it prints up to 330 cps at 10 cpi in draft mode.

Print direction

You can select auto print direction, unidirectional printing, or
bidirectional printing. Printing is normally bidirectional; however,
unidirectional printing allows for precise vertical printing
alignment.

Software

When you select ESC/P 2, the printer operates in the EPSON
ESC /P 2 mode. When you select IBM, the printer emulates an IBM
printer.

Interface mode

The printer has two interfaces: parallel and Type-B (optional).
You can choose parallel, optional, or automatic for the interface
mode.

3-10

Using the Printer

Auto interface wait time

The printer determines which interface is receiving data and
switches to that interface until the end of the print job (when no
data is received from the selected interface for the amount of time
specified). You can specify either 10 seconds or 30 seconds.

Input buffer

The input buffer stores data sent from your computer. The input
buffer can store up to 64KB of data, so you can free your computer
for other tasks while the printer prints. When the buffer is off, the
buffer can store no data, so the computer must wait for the printer
to print each character before sending the next.

Skip over perforation

This feature is available only when continuous paper is selected.
When you turn on this feature, the printer provides a one-inch
(25.4 mm) margin between the last line printed on one page and
the first line printed on the next page. Because most application
programs set their own top and bottom margins, you should use
this feature only if your program does not provide them.

Auto fear-off

When you use continuous paper with the front or rear push
tractor, this feature advances the paper perforation to the tear-off
position, where you can then easily tear off the printed page.
When the printer again receives data, it automatically advances
the paper to the top-of-form position and starts printing, so you
can use all of the next sheet. When auto tear-off is disabled (off),
you must perform the tear-off function manually by pressing the

Tear Off/Bin

information.

button. See “Tear Off” later in this chapter for more

Auto line feed

When auto line feed is on, the printer accompanies each carriage
return (CR) code received with a line feed (LF) code.

Using the Printer

3-11

Auto carriage return

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

code or ESC J (n/180-inch line feed) code is accompanied by a
carriage return (CR) code and the printer moves the next print
position to the left margin. When this feature is off, you must send
the CR code after the line feed code to move the print position to
the left margin. This feature is available in IBM emulation mode
only.

Alternate Graphic Mode (AGM)

When AGM is on, the printer can use some advanced graphics

commands like those available in ESC/P 2 mode. When you select
IBM 2390/2391
is off.

mode,

this setting is available. The default setting

0 slush

The zero character has a slash (Ø) when this setting is on; it has no

slash (0) when the setting is off. This allows you to easily
distinguish between an uppercase “O” character and a zero.

Buzzer (Beep)

The printer beeps when some errors occur. See “Troubleshooting”
in Chapter 6 for more information.

Roll paper

When you turn on this mode, roll paper is not recognized as

single-sheet paper even if the paper release lever is set to the
single-sheet position. This means that the paper is not ejected and

advanced forward to the next page with the

3-12

Using the Printer

LF/FF

button.

Micro Adjust

The micro adjust feature allows you to move paper forward or
backward in l/360-inch increments. You can use this feature to
adjust the loading and tear-off positions.

This section explains how to use micro adjust. See the next section
for information on adjusting the tear-off position.

The loading position is the position of the paper after it has been
automatically loaded by the printer. If your printing appears too
high or low on the page, change the loading position with the
micro adjust feature as follows:

1.

Make sure the printer is turned on. If necessary, lift the printer
cover up so you can see the paper position.

2. Load either continuous or single-sheet paper. (Load continuous
paper by pressing the

3.

Hold down the
light starts flashing.

Pause

Load/Eject

button for three seconds. The

button.)

Pause

Using the Printer

3-13

4.

Press the
down on the page, or press the
loading position up on the page.

For continuous paper, mark a point 6.5 mm above the perforation

and position the paper as shown. This gives you an 8.5 mm

margin.

Load/Eject[ ]

button to move the loading position

LF/FF[ ] button

to move the

3-14

Note:

The printer has a minimum and maximum loading position.
you try to advance the loading position beyond these limits, the
printer beeps and the paper stops moving.

When the paper reaches the factory-set loading position, the
printer beeps and paper feeding pauses briefly. Use the factory
setting as a reference point when adjusting the loading position.

Using the Printer

If

5.

Press the
micro adjust mode.

Pause

button or send data to the printer to leave the

Note:

For both cut sheet and continuous paper, the printer remembers this new
position even after it has been turned off and back on.

Tear-Off

After you have finished printing, you can use the tear-off feature
to advance continuous paper on the push tractor to the tear-off
edge of the printer. You can then easily tear off printed sheets.
When you resume printing, the printer automatically feeds paper
back to the loading position so you can save paper that would
normally be lost between documents.

You can use the tear-off feature in two ways: by setting the default
setting to select auto tear-off mode, or by pressing the

Tear Off/Bin

If the perforation between pages is not aligned with the tear-off
edge, you can adjust the tear-off position using the micro adjust
feature as described in the previous section.

button on the control panel.

Caution:

Never use the tear-off feature to reverse-feed labels; they

may come off their backing and jam the printer.

Never reverse-feed continuous paper when using the pull

tractor; the paper could come off the pull tractor and jam
the printer.

Using the Printer

3-15

Using auto tear-Off mode

When you select the auto tear-off mode default setting, the printer
advances continuous paper to the tear-off position when you

finish printing.

The printer advances paper to the tear-off position only when the
printer receives a full page of data or a form-feed command and
no more data is received for three seconds.

Select tear-off using the Default Setting mode as described earlier

in this chapter. Also make sure the page length for continuous
paper is selected correctly in the Default Setting mode. Be sure
you turn off the printer to exit from the Default Setting mode, and
then turn it on again.

1.

Print on continuous paper loaded on the front or rear push

tractor (as described in Chapter 2). When you finish printing,
the printer advances the perforation of the final printed page
to the tear-off position.

2.

Tear off all printed pages.

3. When you resume printing, the printer automatically feeds the

paper back to the loading position and begins printing. If the
perforation does not meet the tear-off edge, you can adjust the
tear-off position using the micro adjust feature as described in
the previous section.

You can leave auto tear-off mode on even when you are using

single sheets because the mode is disabled when you move the
paper release lever to the single-sheet position.

Note:

Don’t turn on the auto tear-off mode when using the pull tractor. Set
auto tear-off mode to of in the Default Setting mode, or avoid touching

the

3-16

Tear Off/Bin

Using the Printer

button when using the pull tractor.

Using the Tear Off/Bin button

Whether or not the printer is in auto tear-off mode, you can use
the

Tear Off/Bin

tear-off position by following the steps below:

1.

Make sure printing has finished. Then press the
button until the two lights on the control panel start flashing.
The printer advances the paper to the tear-off edge.

2.

Tear off all printed pages. If the perforation is not aligned with
the tear-off edge, adjust the tear-off position using the micro
adjust feature. See “Micro Adjust,” earlier in this chapter.

3.

When you resume printing, the printer feeds the paper back
to the loading position and begins printing. (You can also
manually feed the paper back to the loading position by
pressing the

button to advance continuous paper to the

Tear Off/Bin

Tear Off/Bin

button.)

Bi-d Adjustment

When using bidirectional printing, you may notice that the lines in
your printout are not properly aligned. To correct this problem,
use the printer’s Bi-d Adjustment mode as follows:

1.

Make sure continuous paper is loaded in the printer.

2.

Hold down the
instructions for adjusting Bi-d alignment are printed, along

with the first set of alignment patterns.

3.

Follow the instructions on the printout.

4.

After completing Bid adjustment, turn off the printer.

Pause

button while you turn on the printer. The

Using the Printer

3-17

Barcode Printing

Your printer has powerful barcode printing capabilities and
includes the following resident barcode fonts: EAN-13, EAN-8,
Interleaved 2 of 5, UPC-A, UPC-E, Code 39, Code 128, and
POSTNET. See the Appendix for more information about the
Barcode Print command.

3-18

Using the Printer

Chapter 4

Using Printer Options

Cut-Sheet Feeders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Installing the high capacity cut-sheet feeder . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Loading paper with the highcapacity cut-sheet feeder . . . . . 4-4

Assembling the double bin cut-sheet feeder . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Switching between continuous paper and the cut-sheet

feeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Selecting single-sheets, postcards, or envelopes . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Pull Tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Loading paper with the push tractor and the optional pull

tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Roll Paper Holder
Interface Cards

Installing an interface card
The C82305* or C82306* serial interface card

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

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

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

..........

Using Printer Options

4-9
4-12

4-12
4-14

4-1

This chapter describes how to use optional equipment with your
printer, including cut-sheet feeders, a pull tractor, a roll paper
holder, and interface cards.

Cut-Sheet Feeders

Two cut-sheet feeders are available for use with your printer.

Printer model

LQ-2 170 C80673 *

The asterisk (*) is a substitute for the last digit, which varies by country.
Contact your local EPSON dealer for the part number in your country.

High capacity (Bin 1)

Second bin (Bin 2)

C80674*

By connecting both cut-sheet feeders, you can operate them as a
double bin cut-sheet feeder. This allows you to load two different
types of paper. See “Assembling the double bin cut-sheet feeder”
later in this chapter.

Before you install your cut-sheet feeder, assemble it by following
the instructions in the manual that comes with it.

Note:

The second bin cut-sheetfeeder can only be used in combination with the

high capacity cut-sheet feeder.

Installing the high capacity cut-sheet feeder

1.

Make sure the printer is turned off.

2. Remove the paper guide and the printer cover.

4-2

Using Printer Options

3.

If the standard tractor is installed in the pull tractor position,
remove it. If the optional pull tractor is installed, remove it. In
either case, make sure the paper tension unit is not installed.

Note:

Store the paper guide and optional pull tractor in a safe place; you
will need them if you remove the cut-sheet feeder.

4.

Move the printer head to the ribbon installation position.

5.

Hold the cut-sheet feeder in both hands and press back the latch
levers on each side. Fit the notches in the cut-sheet feeder over
the mounting posts on the printer. Release the latch levers and
lower the cut-sheet feeder until it rests on the printer.

6.

Insert the cable into the connector as shown above.

7.

Replace the printer cover.

You are now ready to load paper with your cut-sheet feeder. To
remove the cut-sheet feeder, reverse the steps above.

Using Printer Options

4-3

Loading paper with the high capacity cut-sheet feeder

Load paper using the high capacity cut-sheet feeder as follows:

Turn off the printer.

1.
Push down the center support. Slide the left paper guide so it is

2.
aliged with the arrow mark on the back side of the center
support. Next, slide the right paper guide to match the width
of your paper. Slide the paper stacker midway between the
paper guides.

4-4

Pull the paper-set levers all the way forward until the paper

3.

guides retract and lock open to allow for paper loading.

Using Printer Options

4.

Fan a stack of paper (up to 150 sheets); then tap the side and

bottom of the stack on a flat surface to even it up.

Caution:

Do not use labels in the cut-sheetfeeder.

5. Insert the paper along the left paper guide.

6.

Adjust the position of the right paper guide so that it matches
your paper’s width. Make sure the position of the guide allows

the paper to move up and down freely.

7.

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

8.

Lift up the center support and select single sheet or continuous
paper by moving the paper selection lever as shown below.

Note:

When the cut-sheetfeeder is installed, you can still load single sheets

using the top paper guide or the front paper slot.

The cut-sheet feeder loads paper when you send data to the
printer (as long as the
paper by pressing the

Pause

light is not on). You can also load

Load/Eject

button.

Using Printer Options

4-5

Assembling the double bin cut-sheet feeder

You can connect the high capacity cut-sheet feeder to the second
bin cut-sheet feeder to create a double bin cut-sheet feeder. See the
cut-sheet feeder option manuals for more information.

You cannot use the second bin feeder without the high capacity
feeder.

1.

Install the assembled double bin cut-sheet feeder on the printer.
See “Installing the high capacity cut-sheet feeder” in the
previous section.

2.

Select the bin number by pressing the
light of the currently selected bin comes on.

Tear Off/Bin

button. The

Note:

You may be able to specify the bin number using your application

programs. See your software manuals for details.

Switching between continuous paper and the

cut-sheet feeder

You can easily switch between continuous paper and cut-sheet
feeder operation without removing the continuous paper.

Switching to continuous paper

1.

If any single sheets are in the paper path, press the

button to eject them.

2.

Move the paper release lever to the push tractor position.

3.

Move the paper selection lever to the continuous paper position.

Note:

When you print several pages of continuous paper, guide the paper over

the center support and out the back of the printer, as it prints.

4-6

Using Printer Options

Load/Eject

Switching to the cut-sheet feeder

1.

If any printed continuous paper remains in the printer, press the

Tear Off/Bin

position.

Tear off the printed pages.

2.

button to advance the paper to the tear-off

Press the

3.
backward to the standby position. The paper is still attached

to the push tractor but is no longer in the paper path.

4.

Move the printer’s paper release lever to the single-sheet
position.

Move the cut-sheet feeder’s paper selection lever to the

5.
single-sheet position.

Load/Eject

button. The printer feeds the paper

Selecting single-sheets, postcards, or envelopes

You can select either single-sheet paper, postcards, or envelopes
using the lever on the first bin. You’ll see the icons next to the
lever. Move the lever to the proper position before loading your
paper.

Using Printer Options

4-7

Pull Tractor

The optional pull tractor (C80032*) provides optimum continuous
paper handling. (The asterisk (*) is a substitute for the last digit of
the product number, which varies by country.)

The pull tractor is especially useful with continuous multipart
forms. For best results, use the optional pull tractor along with

your standard tractor installed in the front push tractor position.

See Chapter 2 for instructions.

Note:

You cannot remove the rear push

paperfrom the front paper path with the pull tractor on top, you can

install the optional pull tractor in the pull tractor position.

Loading paper with the push tractor and the optional pull tractor

1.

Make sure the printer is turned off and the standard tractor is
installed in the push tractor position.

2.

Remove the paper tension unit by lifting it up and off the printer.

tractor.

When you load continuous

3.

Install the optional pull tractor in the pull tractor position as
described in “Using the pull tractor position” in Chapter 2.

Note:

The optional pull tractor cannot be installed in the rear push tractor

position.

4. Make sure that the paper release lever is in the push tractor
position.

5.

Load the paper in the push tractor as described in Chapter 2.

6.

4-8

Press the

Using Printer Options

LF/FF

button to advance the paper to the next page.