Epson P920B User Manual

®

9-Pin Dot Matrix Printer

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of SEIKO EPSON
CORPORATION. The information contained herein is designed only for use with this
EPSON printer. EPSON is not responsible for any use of this information as applied to
other printers.

Neither SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of
this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by the
purchaser or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or
unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product, or (excluding the U.S.)
failure to strictly comply with SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION’s operating and
maintenance instructions.

SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION shall not be liable for any damages or problems arising
from the use of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as
Original EPSON Products or EPSON Approved Products by SEIKO EPSON
CORPORATION.

EPSON and EPSON ESC/P are registered trademarks of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be
trademarks of their respective owners. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in those marks.

Copyright © 1998 by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, Nagano, Japan.

User’s Guide

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.

q Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
q Increase the separation between the

equipment and receiver

q Connect the equipment into an outlet on a

circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected

q Consult the dealer or an experienced

radio/TV technician for help.

WARNING

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

Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the manufacturer could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.

For Canadian Users

This Class B digital apparatus meets all
requirements of the Canadian Interference­Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte
toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel
brouilleur du Canada.

Declaration of Conformity

According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014

Manufacturer: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
Address: 3-5, Owa 3-chome, Suwa-shi,

Nagano-ken 392 Japan
Representative: EPSON EUROPE B.V.
Address: Prof. J. H. Bavincklaan 5 1183

AT Amstelveen

The Netherlands
Declares that the Product:

Product Name: Dot Matrix Printer
Type Name: FX-2180
Model: P920B

Conforms to the following Directive(s) and
Norm(s):

Directive 73/23/EEC:

EN 60950

Directive 89/336/EEC:

EN 55022 Class B

EN 61000-3-2

EN 61000-3-3

EN 50082-1

IEC 801-2

IEC 801-3

IEC 801-4

February 1998
Y. Ishii
President of EPSON EUROPE B.V.

ii

Printer Parts

paper guide cover

printer cover

front paper guide

(closed)

paper thickness
lever

shield plate

edge guides

paper guide

paper
separator

paper release
lever

knob

control panel

ribbon cartridge

parallel interface

front paper guide
(open)

paper tension
unit

tractor

front edge guides

Control Panel Buttons and Lights

Font button

Selects the font.
See Chapter 5.

Font lights

Indicate which
font is selected.

Tear Off/Bin button

Advances continuous paper to the

•

tear-off position.
Feeds continuous paper backward from

•

the tear-off position to the top-of-form
position.
Selects a cut-sheet feeder bin when the

•

cut-sheet feeder is installed.
Enters the card mode to print on

•

postcards and envelopes. See Chapter 3.

Tear Off/Bin lights

when continuous paper is in the

•

f f

tear-off position.

when bin 1 of the optional cut-sheet

•

o n

feeder is selected.

when bin 2 of the optional cut-sheet

•

n o

feeder is selected.

when the printer is in the card mode.

•

n n

n = On
f = Flashing
o = Off

Pitch button

Selects the font
size. See Chapter 5.

Pitch lights

Indicate what font
size is selected.

Pause button
Stops printing
temporarily, and
resumes printing when
pressed again.

Pause light

• On when the printer

is paused.

• Flashes when the

printer is in the micro
adjust mode.

LF/FF button

• Feeds paper line by

line.

• Ejects a single sheet

or advances
continuous paper
to the next
top-of-form position
when held down.

Paper Out light

• On when no paper is

loaded in the selected
paper source or paper
is not loaded correctly.

• Flashes when paper

has not been fully
ejected or a paper
jam has occurred.

Operate button

Turns the printer on
and off. The printer
is off when the top
of this button is
even with the
button protectors.

Load/Eject button

• Loads a single sheet of

paper.

•

Ejects a single sheet of
paper if a sheet is
loaded.

•

Loads continuous paper
from the standby
position.

•

Feeds continuous paper
backward to the
standby position.

Micro Adjust

When holding down the Pause button for three
seconds, the printer enters the micro adjust mode.
Using the micro adjust feature, you can press the
and

U buttons to adjust the top-of-form or tear-off

position. See Chapter 2.

D

Contents

Getting to Know Your Printer

Easy-to-Use Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2

Available Paper Paths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-3

Printing on continuous paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-4

Printing on single sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-8

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-10

Ribbon Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-10

Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-11

Print Head Caution Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-12

ENERGY STAR Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-13

For United Kingdom Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-13

Use of options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-13

Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-14

How To Use Your Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-15

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-15

Chapter 1

Unpacking the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Positioning the continuous paper supply . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Installing or Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Attaching the Paper Guide and Paper Separator . . . . . . . . 1-11

Plugging In the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14

Installing the Printer Driver on Your PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

For Windows 95 or NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

For Windows 3.1 or NT 3.5x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19

For DOS programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

Setting Up the Printer

iii

Chapter 2 Printing on Continuous Paper

Setting the Paper Release Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Setting the Paper Thickness Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Loading Multi-Part Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Turning on the double-strike mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Loading Continuous Paper With Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Removing continuous paper with labels . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Using the Front Push Tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Installing the tractor in the front push position . . . . . . . 2-9

Loading paper onto the front push tractor . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Removing the printed document from the front

push tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Removing the front push tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Using the Rear Push Tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Loading paper onto the rear push tractor . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Removing the printed document from the rear

push tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21

Using the Tractor in the Pull Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22

Installing the tractor in the pull position . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23

Loading paper onto the pull tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24

Removing paper from the pull tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30

Using two tractors in a push and pull combination . . . . . 2-30

Removing the pull tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33

Switching Between Printing on Continuous Paper

and Printing on Single Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35

Switching to printing on single sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35

Switching to printing on continuous paper . . . . . . . . . . 2-36

Adjusting the Top-of-Form Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37

Advancing the Paper to the Tear-Off Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40

Using the Tear Off/Bin button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40

Advancing paper to the tear-off position automatically . . 2-41

Adjusting the tear-off position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-41

iv

Chapter 3 Printing on Single Sheets

Using Single Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Available paper types and paper slots . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Loading single-sheet multi-part forms . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Loading envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Loading postcards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Loading Single Sheets in the Top Paper Slot . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Loading Single Sheets in the Front Paper Slot . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Chapter 4 Using the Printer Software

About Your Printer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Using the Printer Driver With Windows 95 . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Accessing the printer driver from Windows applications . 4-3

Accessing the printer driver from the Start menu . . . . . . 4-5

Printer driver settings overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Using the Printer Driver With Windows 3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Accessing the printer driver from Windows applications . 4-8

Accessing the printer driver from the Control Panel . . . . 4-10

Printer driver settings overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Using the Printer Driver With Windows NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . 4-12

Accessing the printer driver from Windows applications . 4-12

Accessing the printer driver from the Start menu . . . . . . 4-14

Printer driver settings overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14

Using the Printer Driver With Windows NT 3.5x . . . . . . . . 4-17

Accessing the printer driver from Windows applications . 4-17

Accessing the printer driver from the Control Panel . . . . 4-19

Printer driver settings overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19

Using the EPSON Remote! Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21

v

Chapter 5 Changing Printer Settings From the Printer’s Control Panel

Selecting a Built-In Font and Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

About Your Printer’s Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Changing default settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

Chapter 6 Using EPSON Status Monitor 2

About the EPSON Status Monitor 2 Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Installing EPSON Status Monitor 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Accessing EPSON Status Monitor 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Checking Printer Status Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Using the EPSON Status Monitor 2 window . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Using the Printer Status window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

Making Monitoring Preference Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10

Turning on background monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11

Using the background monitoring icon . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Chapter 7 Troubleshooting

Using the Error Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Power supply problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

Single-sheet paper loading or feeding problems . . . . . . . 7-6

Continuous paper loading or feeding problems . . . . . . . 7-8

Wrong top-of-form position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

Wrong tear-off position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10

Printing or printout quality problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11

Clearing Paper Jams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16

Aligning Vertical Lines in Your Printout . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17

Printing a Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18

Printing a Hex Dump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19

vi

Appendix A Enhancing Your Printer With Options

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Paper handling options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Optional interface cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3

Using the Optional Cut-Sheet Feeders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

Installing the high-capacity or double-bin

cut-sheet feeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

Loading paper in the high-capacity cut-sheet feeder . . . . A-6

Selecting the paper source (bin 1 or bin 2) . . . . . . . . . . A-10

Switching between continuous paper and

single-sheet paper in the cut-sheet feeder . . . . . . . . . A-11

Using the Roll Paper Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-12

Assembling the roll paper holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-12

Installing the roll paper holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-13

Loading roll paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-14

Removing roll paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-16

Installing an Interface Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-17

Using the C82305] or C82306] serial interface card . . . . A-18

Appendix B Cleaning and Transporting the Printer

Cleaning the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

Transporting the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

vii

Appendix C Specifications

Printer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4

Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5

Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5

Paper alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7

Printable area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8

Safety approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10

CE marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10

Command Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-11

EPSON ESC/P control codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-11

IBM 2381 Plus emulation control codes . . . . . . . . . . . . C-15

Character Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-16

International character sets for the Italic table . . . . . . . . C-25

Appendix D Customer Support Information

Contacting Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2

For North American Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2

For United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland Users . . . . D-4

Enquiry Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-4

Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-4

Faxon EPSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5

EPtec - Bulletin Board Service for latest drivers and

utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5

World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5

For Australian Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-6

EPSON FAXBACK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-6

EPSON Bulletin Board System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-6

Internet URL http://www.epson.com.au . . . . . . . . . . . D-6

Your dealer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-6

EPSON Helpdesk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-7

For Singapore Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-7

viii

For Hong Kong Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-7

Internet home page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-8

Electronic bulletin board system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-8

Technical support hotline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-8

For Philippines Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-8

Glossary

Index

ix

Getting to Know Your Printer

Your EPSON® FX-2180 9-pin dot matrix printer provides

high-quality printing and great performance in a compact

design. Features include:

q a variety of paper paths to suit your printing needs

q the ability to handle a wide range of paper types, including

continuous paper, multi-part forms with one original plus
up to six copies, labels, single sheets, envelopes, and
postcards

q high-speed printing of up to 500 characters per second at 10

characters per inch

Your printer also comes with printer driver software, the

EPSON Status Monitor 2 utility for Microsoft

that lets you check the status of your printer quickly and easily,

and other software. In addition, several options are available to

help suit your individual needs.

®

Windows® 95

Getting to Know Your Printer 1

Easy-to-Use Features

This section highlights some easy-to-use features that you’ll
find helpful.

q Use the tear-off feature to save paper.

If you load paper on the front or rear push tractor, you can
use the tear-off feature to advance your continuous paper
to the printer’s tear-off edge when you finish printing. Then
you can easily tear off the printed sheets and save the paper
normally lost between documents. For more information,
see Chapter 2.

q Use the paper release lever to change the paper path

without removing the paper.

Using the paper release lever, you can easily switch to printing
on single sheets without removing the continuous paper
loaded on the front or rear push tractor. You can also easily
switch to printing on continuous paper on a different
tractor. For more information, see Chapter 2.

2 Getting to Know Your Printer

q Use the micro adjust feature to adjust the top-of-form and

tear-off positions. See the Glossary for explanations of the
top-of-form and tear-off positions.

The micro adjust feature allows you to move the paper forward
or backward in 1/216-inch increments so that you can
make precise adjustments to the top-of-form and tear-off
positions. For more information, see Chapter 2.

Available Paper Paths

Your printer provides a variety of paper paths for printing on

continuous and single-sheet paper. As described below, paper

can be fed into the printer from the top, front, bottom, or rear.

You select the paper path that best suits your current printing

needs.

paper release
lever

Getting to Know Your Printer 3

Printing on continuous paper

You can choose from three tractor positions (front push, rear
push, and pull) and three paper entry slots (front, rear, and
bottom) for continuous paper printing. This section helps you
determine which paper paths and tractor positions are best for
your continuous paper printing needs. See the appropriate
sections in Chapter 2 for tractor installation and paper loading
instructions.

Using a push tractor

If you often need to tear off sheets of continuous paper (for
example, if you are printing purchase orders or sales slips), it is
best to use a push tractor. This allows you to use the printer’s
tear-off edge to easily tear off printed sheets of continuous
paper at the perforation. Also, when continuous paper is
loaded on a push tractor, you can load single sheets of paper
from the paper guide without removing the continuous paper.

There are two push tractor positions: front and rear. The
tractors are installed in the front push and rear push positions
when the printer is shipped. See the table below for details
about the push positions and the corresponding paper-feeding
paths.

Note:

o Always load multi-part forms with seven parts (one original plus six

copies) from the front or bottom slot onto the pull tractor.

o The tractor in the rear push position cannot be removed.

4

Getting to Know Your Printer

Tractor position Description

front push

rear push

Using a pull tractor

To use this tractor, load paper in the front slot. If you
print on thick paper such as multi-part forms or
continuous paper with labels, load the paper in the
front paper slot because the paper path from this
slot is almost straight. This reduces the chance of
paper jams.

To use this tractor, load paper in the rear slot. When
you print on multi-part forms that are bound on only
one side by point glueing, load them in the rear
paper slot; the front push tractor cannot feed this
type of form.

Note:

Because thick multi-part forms require a straight
paper path, load them in the front slot.

Caution:

Do not load continuous paper with labels in the rear
slot. If you load continuous paper with labels in the
rear slot, the labels may come off their backing
sheet inside the printer and cause a paper jam.

If you often print on thick or heavy continuous paper, such as

multi-part forms or continuous paper with labels, use a tractor

in the pull position. The pull tractor provides the best paper

jam prevention, and allows you to load continuous paper from

the front, rear, or bottom of the printer. However, you cannot

use the tear-off feature with the pull tractor.

Note:

If you plan to use a pull tractor, you can remove the tractor from the

front push position and install it in the pull position, or you can

purchase the optional pull tractor (C80032]) and install it in the pull

position. See Chapter 2 for instructions.

Getting to Know Your Printer 5

As shown in the table below, three paper entry slots are
available for use with the pull tractor: front, bottom, and rear.

Paper slot Description

If you print on thick paper such as multi-part forms
or continuous paper with labels, load it using the
front paper slot because the paper path from this
slot is almost straight. This reduces the chance of
paper jams.

front

Because the bottom paper slot has the straightest
paper path, it is ideal for printing on thick paper,
such as multi-part forms or continuous paper with
labels.

Note:

bottom

rear

When loading paper in the bottom slot, be sure to
use a printer stand with an opening large enough
so that the paper can feed through it without
obstruction.

You can also load continuous paper onto the pull
tractor using the rear slot. When you print on
multi-part forms that are bound on only one side by
point glueing, load it in the rear slot; the printer
cannot feed this type of form from the front or
bottom slot.

Note:

Because thick multi-part forms require a straight
paper path, load them in the front slot.

Caution:

Do not load continuous paper with labels in the rear
slot. If you load continuous paper with labels in the
rear slot, the labels may come off their backing
sheet inside the printer and cause a paper jam.

6 Getting to Know Your Printer

Using the push and pull tractors in combination

To improve continuous paper feeding and reduce paper jams,

you can use two tractors at the same time. This is especially

helpful for printing on continuous pre-printed forms,

multi-part forms, or labels, and for printing high quality

graphics. When using two tractors in combination, you can

load paper in the front paper slot onto the front push tractor

and the pull tractor, or load paper in the rear paper slot onto

the rear push tractor and the pull tractor.

Combination Description

To use the rear push tractor with the pull tractor, you
need to remove the standard tractor that comes in
the front push position and install it in the pull
position.

Note:

rear push

and pull

Because thick multi-part forms require a straight
paper path, load them in the front slot.

Caution:

Do not load continuous paper with labels onto
the rear push tractor even when it is used in
combination with the pull tractor. If you load
continuous paper with labels onto the rear
push/pull tractor, the labels may come off their
backing sheet inside the printer and cause a
paper jam.

To use the front push tractor with the pull tractor,
you need to purchase the optional pull tractor
(C80032]) and install it in the pull position.

front push

and pull

Note:

For more information on using two tractors in a push and pull

combination, see page 2-30.

Getting to Know Your Printer 7

Printing on single sheets

As shown below, your printer has two paper entry slots for
printing on single sheets: top and front. When continuous
paper is loaded on the front or rear push tractor, you can load
single sheets in the top or front slot without removing the
continuous paper.

This section helps you determine which paper slot best suits
your single-sheet printing needs. See Chapter 3 for paper
loading instructions.

Loading paper in the top slot

You can load ordinary single sheets, single-sheet multi-part
forms, envelopes, or postcards in the top slot.

Note:

Load envelopes only in the top slot.

8 Getting to Know Your Printer

Loading paper in the front slot

You can load ordinary single sheets, single-sheet multi-part

forms, or postcards in the front slot.

Note:

Always use the front paper slot to load single-sheet multi-part forms

that are bound by line glueing only at the side.

Getting to Know Your Printer 9

Options

Your printer comes with everything necessary to print on
continuous paper and single sheets using a variety of paper
paths. By adding options, such as a cut-sheet feeder, pull
tractor unit, or roll paper holder, you can further expand your
printer’s versatility. Optional interface cards are also available
to supplement your printer’s built-in parallel interface. For
more information on options for your printer, see Appendix A,
“Enhancing Your Printer With Options.”

Ribbon Cartridges

Your printer uses the following ribbon cartridge:

EPSON black Ribbon cartridge S015086

When printing becomes faint, you need to replace the ribbon
cartridge. Genuine EPSON ribbon cartridges are designed and
manufactured to work properly with your EPSON printer.
They ensure proper operation and long life of the print head
and other printer parts.

To replace a used ribbon cartridge, follow the instructions
under “Installing or Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge” on
page 1-6.

10 Getting to Know Your Printer

Important Safety Instructions

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

Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the printer.

q Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a

radiator or heat source.

q Place the printer on a flat surface. The printer will not

operate properly if it is tilted or at an angle.

q Do not block or cover the openings in the printer’s cabinet.

Do not insert objects through the slots.

q Use only the type of power source indicated on the

printer’s label.

q 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.

q Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord.

q If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure

the total ampere rating of all devices plugged into the
extension cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating.
Also, make sure the total of all devices plugged into the
wall outlet does not exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating.

q Unplug the printer before cleaning, and clean it with a

damp cloth only.

q Do not spill liquid on the printer.

q Except as specifically explained in this guide, do not

attempt to service the printer yourself.

Getting to Know Your Printer 11

q 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; or 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.

q Printer parts marked with this symbol may be hot.

K

q If you plan to use the printer in Germany, observe the

following:

To provide adequate short-circuit protection and over-current
protection for this printer, the building installation must be
protected by a 16 Amp circuit breaker.

Note for German-speaking users:

Bei Anschluß des Druckers an die Stromversorgung muß
sichergestellt werden, daß die Gebäudeinstallation mit einem 16
A-Überstromschalter abgesichert ist.

Turn off the printer and let it cool for a few minutes
before you touch any printer part marked with this
symbol.

Print Head Caution Symbol

The symbol on the print head indicates that this
part may be hot. Never touch the print head just

K

12

Getting to Know Your Printer

after the printer has been used. Let the print head
cool for a few minutes before touching it.

NERGY STAR Compliance

E

As an ENERGY STAR Partner, EPSON has
determined that this product meets the

S

TAR guidelines for energy efficiency.

E

NERGY

The International

is a voluntary partnership with the computer and office

equipment industry to promote the introduction of

energy-efficient personal computers, monitors, printers, fax

machines, and copiers in an effort to reduce air pollution

caused by power generation.

E

NERGY STAR Office Equipment program

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.

Getting to Know Your Printer 13

Safety information

Warning: This appliance must be earthed. Refer to rating plate
for voltage and check that the appliance voltage corresponds to

w

the supply voltage.

Important: The wires in the mains lead fitted to this appliance
are coloured in accordance with the following code:

Green and yellow — Earth
Blue — Neutral
Brown — Live

If you have to fit a plug:

As the colours of the mains lead of this appliance may not
match coloured markings used to identify the terminals in a
plug, please 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 the Earth symbol (

The blue wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug
marked with the letter N.

G

).

The brown wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug
marked with the letter L.

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.

14

Getting to Know Your Printer

How To Use Your Manuals

This User’s Guide provides detailed information on setting up

and using your printer. The Quick Reference Guide that also

comes with the printer summarizes basic information on how

to use the printer.

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

This guide uses the following conventions:

Warnings must be followed to avoid bodily injury.

w

Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.

c

Notes contain important information and useful tips on the operation

of your printer.

Getting to Know Your Printer

15

16 Getting to Know Your Printer

Chapter 1

Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Positioning the continuous paper supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Installing or Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Attaching the Paper Guide and Paper Separator . . . . . . . . 1-11

Plugging In the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14

Installing the Printer Driver on Your PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

For Windows 95 or NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

For Windows 3.1 or NT 3.5x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19

For DOS programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

1

Setting Up the Printer 1-1

Unpacking the Printer

Besides this guide, your printer box should include EPSON
printer software disks, a Notice Sheet, and the following items:

paper guide

printer

paper separator

power cord

new

screwdriver

ribbon cartridge

Note:

Depending on your printer model, the power cord may be permanently
attached to the printer. Also, the shape of the power cord plug varies
depending on the country in which you bought your printer; be sure the
plug you have is the right one for your location.

1-2 Setting Up the Printer

Caution:

c

You must remove all protective materials packed around and

inside your printer before you set it up and turn on the power.

Follow the directions on the Notice Sheet (packed with the

printer) to remove these materials. A screwdriver has been

provided for removing the transportation screw.

Save all packing and protective materials, including the

transportation screw and the protective locking clips on the

paper tension unit, in case you need to ship the printer in

the future. It should always be transported in its original

packaging or equivalent materials.

There are several models of the printer designed for different
voltages, and it is not possible to adjust the printer for use with
another voltage. If the label on the back of the printer does not
show the correct voltage for your country, contact your dealer.

1

Setting Up the Printer

1-3

Choosing a Place for the Printer

Follow the guidelines below when selecting a location for your
printer.

T Place the printer on a flat, stable surface. The printer will

not operate properly if it is tilted or at an angle.

T Place the printer where you can easily connect it to a

network interface cable, if necessary.

T Leave adequate room around the printer for easy operation

and maintenance.

T Avoid using or storing the printer in places subject to rapid

changes in temperature and humidity. Also keep it away
from direct sunlight, strong light, heat sources, or excessive
moisture or dust.

T Avoid places subject to shocks and vibrations.

T Place the printer near a wall outlet where you can easily

unplug the power cord.

Note for French-speaking users:

Placez l’imprimante près d’une prise de contact où la fiche peut
être débranchée facilement.

T Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or

automatic timers. An interruption in power can erase
information in the memory of your printer or computer.
Also avoid outlets on the same circuit as large motors or
other appliances that can cause voltage fluctuations.

T Keep the entire computer system away from potential

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

1-4

Setting Up the Printer

T Use a grounded power outlet; do not use an adapter plug.

T Make sure the paper path is clear and unobstructed before

you print on continuous paper. (See the next section.)

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

T Use a stand that supports at least 26 kg (57.8 lb).

T Never use a stand that tilts the printer. The printer should

always be kept level.

T 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.

Positioning the continuous paper supply

Before using continuous paper, make sure you line up your

paper supply with the tractor feeder so the paper feeds

smoothly into the printer, as shown below.

1

g2-8aaa

Setting Up the Printer 1-5

Installing or Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge

This section describes how to install or replace the ribbon
cartridge. The installation and replacement procedures are the
same except that you need to remove the used ribbon cartridge
before replacing it with a new one.

EPSON recommends the use of genuine EPSON ribbon
cartridges (S015086). Products not manufactured by EPSON
may cause damage to your printer not covered by EPSON’s
warranties.

Warning:

You will need to move the print head by hand to install or replace

w

the ribbon cartridge. If you have just used the printer, the print
head may be hot; let it cool for a few minutes before touching it.

1. Make sure the printer is turned off. The printer is off when

the surface of the Operate button is even with the button
protectors as shown.

g1-10a

Caution:

c

2. If the printer is connected to an electrical outlet, unplug it from
the outlet.

1-6 Setting Up the Printer

Moving the print head while the printer is on may damage
the printer.

3. Lift the printer cover by its back edge and then pull it
straight up and off.

t

i

4. Make sure that the print head is not hot; if it is, let it cool for
a few minutes before touching it. Then slide the print head
to the ribbon installation position (the indented portion of
the paper tension unit) by hand.

Note:

When you use the pull tractor, you can replace the ribbon cartridge
even though the print head is not positioned in the ribbon
installation position.

1

Setting Up the Printer 1-7

5. If a used cartridge is installed, grasp the cartridge and pull it
slightly forward and up; the ribbon guide snaps away from
the metal pins behind the print head. Properly dispose of
the used ribbon cartridge.

ribbon guide

6. Remove the new ribbon cartridge from the package. Remove
the separator from the middle of the ribbon cartridge and
discard the separator. Then turn the ribbon-tightening knob
in the direction of the arrow to remove any slack in the
ribbon.

new02

ribbon-tightening knob

1-8 Setting Up the Printer

separator

1-4

7. Hold the cartridge with the ribbon-tightening knob up. Fit
the two front notches of the ribbon cartridge over the small
pegs on each side of the printer as shown below. Then lay
the cartridge flat.

8. Make sure that the two rear notches of the cartridge fit over
the small pegs on each side of the printer. Then gently
press down the cartridge until both ends click into place.

1

Setting Up the Printer 1-9

9. Lift the ribbon guide of the ribbon cartridge (i ) and insert it
firmly over the metal pins behind the print head (t ). Make
sure the ribbon is not twisted or creased and that it is in
place behind the print head. Press down the guide until it
clicks into place.

ribbon guide

ribbon-tightening
knob

10. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the
arrow to remove any slack in the ribbon as shown above.
Then slide the print head from side to side to make sure
it moves smoothly.

1-6SU

1-7

1-10 Setting Up the Printer

11. Replace the printer cover by first inserting the front tabs into
the slots on the printer and then lowering the cover until it
clicks into place.

i

t

Attaching the Paper Guide and Paper Separator

To install the paper guide and paper separator, follow these
steps:

1. Turn over the paper guide and insert the paper separator’s
tabs into the slots on the paper guide.

1

paper separator

paper guide

Setting Up the Printer 1-11

2. Make sure the paper guide cover is open as shown below.
Attach the paper guide by sliding the slots on the bottom of
the paper guide over the pegs behind the paper tension
unit.

paper tension
unit

paper guide cover

3. Close the paper guide cover.

1-9

1-11

1-12 Setting Up the Printer

Plugging In the Printer

1. Make sure the printer is turned off. The printer is off when

the surface of the Operate button is even with the button
protectors as shown below.

2. Check the label on the back of the printer to make sure its
voltage matches that of your electrical outlet. Also make
sure the plug on your printer’s power cord matches your
electrical outlet.

Caution:

c

It is not possible to change the printer’s voltage. If the rated
voltage and your outlet voltage do not match, contact your
dealer for assistance. Do not plug in the power cord.

1

G1-10

3. If the power cord is not attached to the printer, plug the
appropriate end into the AC inlet on the back of the printer.

4. Plug the power cord into a properly grounded electrical outlet.

Setting Up the Printer 1-13

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

To connect your computer to your printer’s built-in parallel
interface, you need a shielded, twisted-pair parallel cable with
a D-SUB, 25-pin, male connector for your computer and a
36-pin Centronics

If your computer requires a different type of printer interface,
you should be able to use one of the optional interfaces
described on page A-3.

Follow the steps below to connect the printer to your computer
using the built-in parallel interface.

1. Make sure both the printer and computer are turned off. The
printer is off when the surface of the
with the button protectors.

2. Plug the cable connector securely into the printer’s interface
connector, and squeeze the wire clips together until they
lock in place on both sides of the connector.

®

compatible connector for the printer.

Operate

button is even

1-16

1-14 Setting Up the Printer

3. If your cable has a ground wire, connect it to the printer’s
ground connector as shown below.

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

After you connect the printer to your computer, install the
printer driver software as described in the next section.

Installing the Printer Driver on Your PC

1

g1-12-2

After you connect the printer to your computer, you need to
install the printer driver on your computer. The printer driver
is software that allows your computer to control the printer.
You need to install the printer driver so your Windows
software applications can take full advantage of the printer’s
capabilities. The printer driver is included in the EPSON
printer software disks that come with your printer.

If you are using DOS, see “For DOS programs” on page 1-20.

Note:

Before you install the printer software, it is best to make backup copies of
the EPSON printer software disks.

Setting Up the Printer 1-15

For Windows 95 or NT 4.0

Follow the steps below to install the printer driver for
Windows 95 or NT 4.0. To use the plug-and-play feature to
install the printer driver for Windows 95, see page 1-17.

Note:

Installing the printer driver for Windows NT 4.0 may require network
administration privileges. Ask your network administrator for more
information.

1. Make sure Windows 95 or NT 4.0 is running and the printer is
off.

2. Insert Disk 1 of your printer driver software in a disk drive.
Double-click the
the drive in which you inserted the disk.

My Computer

3. Double-click the Setup icon, then make sure your printer
icon is selected in the EPSON Printer Driver Setup dialog
box shown below. Click OK and follow the on-screen
instructions.

icon, and then double-click

SUN95

After you install the printer driver for Windows 95, you can
install the EPSON Status Monitor 2 utility program. See
Chapter 6 for information on installing and using the Status
Monitor.

1-16 Setting Up the Printer

Using Windows 95 plug-and-play

If you are using Windows 95 and you want to install the driver
using plug-and-play, follow the steps below.

Note:

You can install the printer driver using plug-and-play only if your
computer has an IEEE-1284 compatible, bidirectional parallel port. See
your computer documentation for more information.

1. Make sure the printer is connected to your computer as
described on page 1-14.

2. Turn off your printer and computer, if necessary.

Caution:

c

3. First turn on your printer and then turn on the computer.
Your computer starts loading Windows 95.

4. If you use a password, enter it at the prompt. The New
Hardware Found screen appears and displays your printer’s
model name.

Whenever you turn off the printer, wait at least five seconds
before turning it back on; otherwise you may damage the
printer.

1

Note:

If you do not see the New Hardware Found screen or if a problem
occurs, click
95 or NT 4.0” on page 1-16.

5. Click the

manufacturer

Note:

Windows 95 may display the New Hardware Found screen again the
next time you turn on your computer. If this happens, select the

not install a driver

will not appear again.

Cancel and follow the instructions under “For Windows

Driver from disk provided by hardware

radio button.

radio button and then click OK. This screen

Setting Up the Printer

Do

1-17

6. Click OK. You see the Install From Disk screen.

7. Insert Disk 1 of your printer driver software in a disk drive.

8. Type

9. You can type a unique name for the printer in the Printer name

10. Click the

A:\Win95 in the Copy manufacturer’s files from box. (If

you inserted the disk in a drive other than drive A, substitute
the appropriate letter.) Then click
Wizard dialog box appears.

box. However, we recommend that you keep the default
printer model name as shown.

If this is your only printer or you want to use this printer as the
default printer for Windows 95 applications, select
the default setting.)

OK. The Add Printer

Yes. (No is

Finish button. The program copies the files to your

hard disk and adds an icon to the Printers folder using the
printer model name or the name you selected.

After you install the printer driver for Windows 95, you can
install the EPSON Status Monitor 2 utility program. See
Chapter 6 for information on installing and using the Status
Monitor.

1-18 Setting Up the Printer

For Windows 3.1 or NT 3.5x

Follow the steps below to install the printer driver for
Windows 3.1 or NT 3.5x.

Note:

Installing the printer driver for NT 3.5x may require network
administration privileges. Ask your network administrator for more
information.

1. Make sure Windows 3.1 or NT 3.5x is running and the Program
Manager window is open.

2. Insert Disk 1 of your printer driver software in a disk drive.

3. Choose Run from the File menu. The following dialog box
appears:

1

4. Type A:\SETUP. (If you inserted the disk in a drive other than
drive A, substitute the appropriate letter.) Then click OK.
The EPSON Printer Driver Setup dialog box appears.

5. Make sure your printer is selected and click OK. Follow the
on-screen instructions.

Setting Up the Printer 1-19

SUN31

For DOS programs

To control the printer from DOS application programs, you
need to select the printer you are using or another available
printer from the printer list of your application.

Choose the EPSON FX-2180 printer at the appropriate step
in the setup or installation procedure of your DOS application
program. If the list in your application does not include the
FX-2180 printer, choose the first available printer from this list:

FX-2170
FX-880/FX-1180
FX-870/1170
FX-850/1050
FX-800/1000
EX-800/1000
FX-85/105
FX-80+/100+
FX-80/100

If none of these printers is listed, choose the first one available
from the following:

FX
LX
RX
MX
EPSON printer
Standard printer
Draft printer
ASCII printer

Note:

If your application does not list a suitable alternative, contact the
software manufacturer to see if an update is available.

1-20

Setting Up the Printer

Chapter 2

Printing on Continuous Paper

Setting the Paper Release Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Setting the Paper Thickness Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Loading Multi-Part Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Turning on the double-strike mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Loading Continuous Paper With Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Removing continuous paper with labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Using the Front Push Tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Installing the tractor in the front push position . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Loading paper onto the front push tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Removing the printed document from the front push tractor . . . 2-14

Removing the front push tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Using the Rear Push Tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Loading paper onto the rear push tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Removing the printed document from the rear push tractor . . . 2-21

Using the Tractor in the Pull Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22

Installing the tractor in the pull position . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23

Loading paper onto the pull tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24

Removing paper from the pull tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30

Using two tractors in a push and pull combination . . . . . . . 2-30

Removing the pull tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33

2

Switching Between Printing on Continuous Paper

and Printing on Single Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35

Switching to printing on single sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35

Switching to printing on continuous paper . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36

Adjusting the Top-of-Form Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37

Advancing the Paper to the Tear-Off Edge . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40

Using the Tear Off/Bin button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40

Advancing paper to the tear-off position automatically . . . . . 2-41

Adjusting the tear-off position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-41

Printing on Continuous Paper 2-1

Setting the Paper Release Lever

You can load paper in the printer from various paper sources,
such as the front push tractor or the paper guide. You set the
paper release lever to indicate the paper source you want to
use. The table below describes each paper release lever position.

Note:

To decide which paper source and paper path best suits your printing
needs, see “Available Paper Paths” on page 3.

paper release
lever

2-1n

Paper release
lever position

Description

Single-sheet position

For loading single-sheet paper from the top or front slot.
For information on loading single sheets, see Chapter 3.

Rear push tractor position

For loading continuous paper from the tractor installed
in the rear push position. Also set the lever to this
position when using the rear push and pull tractors in
combination.

Front push tractor position

For loading continuous paper from the tractor installed
in the front push position. Also set the lever to this
position when using the front push and pull tractors in
combination.

2-2 Printing on Continuous Paper

Paper release
lever position

Description

Pull tractor position

For loading continuous paper from the tractor installed
on top of the printer in the pull position. When the
tractor is in the pull position, you can load paper in the
front, rear, or bottom slot.

Note:

You can load two different types of continuous paper onto the front and
rear push tractors, and easily switch between them using the paper
release lever. Before moving the paper release lever, always press the

Load/Eject

button to feed the paper in the paper path backward to the

standby position.

Setting the Paper Thickness Lever

Setting the paper thickness lever allows the printer to
accommodate various thicknesses of paper. The paper thickness
lever is located under the printer cover. You can select one of
eight positions identified by the scale next to the lever.

2

paper thickness
lever

-

1

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Printing on Continuous Paper 2-3

Use the following table to set the paper thickness lever to
match the thickness of your paper.

Paper type* Lever position

Ordinary (single sheets or continuous paper) 0
Thin paper -1 or 0
Carbonless multi-part forms with:

2 parts (original + 1 copy)
3 parts (original + 2 copies)
4 parts (original + 3 copies)
5 parts (original + 4 copies)
6 parts (original + 5 copies)
7 parts (original + 6 copies)**

Continuous paper with labels 2
Envelopes 4 or 5
Postcards 3

* See Appendix C for complete paper specifications.
**Always load multi-part forms with seven parts (one original plus six copies)

from the front or bottom slot onto the pull tractor.

1
3
4
5
6
6

Note:

R If the printed image is smeared, you may need to set the paper

thickness lever one position lower to improve print quality.

R If the printed image is faint or has many gaps, you may need to

set the paper thickness lever one position higher to improve print
quality.

2-4

Printing on Continuous Paper

Loading Multi-Part Forms

You can use carbonless multi-part forms of up to seven parts
(six copies on top of the original). Make sure you set the paper
thickness lever to the proper position based on the number of
layers in your form.

For best results with thick paper such as multi-part forms,
select a straight or almost straight paper path. It is best to load
multi-part forms using:

T the front slot and the front push tractor

T the front or bottom slot and the pull tractor

Note:

T Always load multi-part forms with seven parts (one original plus

six copies) in the front or bottom slot and onto the pull tractor.

T You may want to turn on the double-strike mode as described on

page 2-6 to make sure the printout on the bottom copies appears
correctly.

T When loading multi-part forms that are bound on only one side by

point glueing, load them on the rear push tractor or from the rear
slot using the pull tractor.

2

Except for setting the paper thickness lever, you load
multi-part forms the same way you load ordinary continuous
paper. For details, see the sections on loading continuous paper
later in this chapter.

Printing on Continuous Paper

2-5

Note:

R Be sure your multi-part forms do not exceed 0.46 mm (0.018

inch) in thickness for the printable area and up to 0.9 mm (0.035
inch) for the perforated edges.

R Use multi-part forms only under normal temperature and

humidity conditions, as follows:

Temperature 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F)
Humidity 30 to 60% RH

R Do not load paper that is damaged, curled or wrinkled.

Turning on the double-strike mode

If the printing on the bottom copies of your thick multi-part
forms is faint, turn on the double-strike mode as described
below.

Note:

T Always turn on the double-strike mode before printing on

multi-part forms with seven parts.

T The double-strike mode is available only when the paper thickness

lever is set to a position higher than 3 and the paper release lever is
set to the pull tractor position.

T When the printer is in the double-strike mode, the print speed is

reduced.

1. Load your multi-part forms on the pull tractor as described in
this chapter.

2. Make sure that the printer is turned off.

3. While holding down the
to turn on the printer. The printer enters the double-strike
mode.

Font

button press the

Operate

To exit the double-strike mode, turn off the printer; then hold
down the Font button and press the Operate button to turn
the printer back on.

2-6

Printing on Continuous Paper

button

Loading Continuous Paper With Labels

When printing on labels, use only the type of labels that are
mounted on continuous backing sheets with sprocket holes for
use with a tractor feeder. Do not try to print on single sheets
with labels because the printer may not feed labels on a shiny
backing sheet properly.

Thick paper, such as continuous paper with labels, requires a
straight or almost straight paper path. You can load labels in
the front (push tractor or pull tractor) or bottom (pull tractor)
paper slot; however, for best results, use the tractor in the pull
position and load paper in the front or bottom paper slot.

You load labels the same way you load ordinary continuous
paper, except you must set the paper thickness lever to 2 before
printing on labels. See “Loading paper onto the pull tractor”
later in this chapter for more information.

Caution:

c

T Do not load continuous paper with labels in the rear paper

slot because the paper path from the rear slot is curved;
labels may come off their backing sheet inside the printer
and cause a paper jam.

2

T Never use the tear-off feature (by pressing the Tear

Off/Bin button or turning on the auto tear-off mode as

described in “About Your Printer’s Default Settings” in
Chapter 5) to feed continuous paper with labels backward;
they may come off their backing sheet and jam the printer.

T Because labels are sensitive to temperature and humidity, use

them only under normal operating conditions, as follows:

Temperature 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F)
Humidity 30 to 60%RH

T Do not load continuous paper with labels that is damaged,

curled or wrinkled.

T Do not leave labels loaded in the printer between jobs; they

may curl around the platen and jam when you resume
printing.

Printing on Continuous Paper

2-7

Removing continuous paper with labels

To avoid peeling labels off the backing sheet and jamming the
printer, follow the steps below when you remove continuous
paper with labels from the printer.

1. After you finish printing, tear off the fresh supply of
continuous labels at the perforation nearest the paper entry
slot.

g3-19

2. Hold down the
the printer.

Caution:

Never press the Load/Eject or Tear Off/Bin button. When fed

c

backward, labels can easily come off the backing sheet and cause a
paper jam.

2-8 Printing on Continuous Paper

LF/FF

button to eject the remaining labels from

Using the Front Push Tractor

To use the front push tractor, load continuous paper in the
front slot. For more information on when to use the front push
tractor, see “Available Paper Paths” on page 3.

Note:

The tractors are installed in the front push and rear push positions when
the printer is shipped. The rear push tractor cannot be removed.

Installing the tractor in the front push position

If a tractor is installed in the front push position, skip to “Loading
paper onto the front push tractor“ on the next page.

If a tractor is installed in the pull position, you need to remove
it, and replace the paper tension unit as described on page 2-33
before using the front push tractor.

To install the tractor in the front push position, follow these
steps:

1. Make sure the printer is turned off.

2

2. Open the front paper guide by pulling the tab at the center
of the guide. Then remove the guide by grasping both sides
and pulling it straight out of the printer.

tab

Printing on Continuous Paper 2-9

3. Insert the tractor into the printer’s mounting slots and press
down both ends of the tractor to make sure that it is firmly
seated.

You are now ready to load continuous paper onto the front
push tractor as described in the next section. To remove the
tractor, see page 2-16.

Loading paper onto the front push tractor

To load paper onto the front push tractor, follow these steps:

2-17

1. Open the front paper guide by pulling the tab at the center
of the guide. Then remove the guide by grasping both sides
and pulling it straight out of the printer. Check that the
tractor is installed in the front push position.

2-10 Printing on Continuous Paper

2-20

2. Set the paper release lever to the front push tractor position.
Also set the paper thickness lever (located under the
printer cover) to the proper position for your paper’s
thickness.

3. Release the left and right sprockets by pushing the sprocket
lock levers backward.

2

2-20a

Printing on Continuous Paper 2-11

4. Slide the left sprocket to the left margin of your paper using
the arrow mark inside the printer. (Printing starts at the
arrow mark.) Then pull the lever forward to lock it in place.

Note:

See “Paper alignment” and “Printable area” in Appendix C for more
information on the left margin position.

5. Slide the right sprocket to match the width of your paper, but
do not lock it. Move the paper support midway between the
two sprockets as shown above.

2-22

6. Open both sprocket covers. Make sure your paper has a
clean, straight edge and fit the first four holes of the paper,
printable side up, over the tractor pins. Then close the
sprocket covers.

2-12 Printing on Continuous Paper

2-23

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

8. Attach the front paper guide by sliding it along the printer’s
mounting slots as shown below. Then close the front paper
guide.

9. Slide the edge guides to the middle of the top paper guide.
Make sure that the printer cover and the paper guide cover
are closed.

2

2-24

2-24a

Note:

Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer does not
print when the cover is open.

Printing on Continuous Paper 2-13

10. Make sure the printer is on. You may need to check and change
the printer driver settings as described in Chapter 4. When the
printer receives data, it automatically loads the paper and
starts printing. The printed pages are fed over the paper guide
toward the back of the printer.

11. After you finish printing, follow the steps in the next section to
tear off your printed document.

If the first printed line on your page appears too high or low,
you can fix this using the micro adjust feature as described in
“Adjusting the Top-of-Form Position” on page 2-37.

Caution:

Never use the knob to adjust the top-of-form position; this may

c

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

Removing the printed document from the front push tractor

2-35a

To remove the printed document, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the Tear/Off Bin lights are flashing. (This indicates
your paper is at the current tear-off position.) You may need to
press the
tear-off position.

2-14 Printing on Continuous Paper

Tear Off/Bin button to advance the paper to the

2. Open the paper guide cover, and tear off the printed
document using the tear-off edge of the printer.

Note:

If your paper’s perforation is not properly aligned with the tear-off
edge, you can adjust the tear-off position using the micro adjust
feature. See “Adjusting the tear-off position” on page 2-41.

Caution:

c

Never use the knob to adjust the tear-off position; this may
damage the printer or cause it to lose the tear-off position.

2

3. Close the paper guide cover.

When you resume printing, the printer automatically feeds the
paper back to the top-of-form position and starts printing.

To remove the remaining paper from the printer, press the
Load/Eject button to feed the paper backward to the standby
position. (See the Glossary for an explanation of the standby
position.) Then open the sprocket covers of the tractor and
remove the paper.

Caution:

c

Always tear off your printed document before you press the

Load/Eject button. Reverse feeding several pages at a time may

cause a paper jam.

Printing on Continuous Paper 2-15

Removing the front push tractor

To remove the tractor from the front push position, follow
these steps:

1. Remove any paper from the tractor as described in the previous
section.

2. Turn off the printer.

3. Open the front paper guide by pulling the tab at the center of
the guide. Then remove the guide by grasping both sides and
pulling it straight out of the printer.

4. Press the tractor’s lock tabs, tilt the tractor up, and lift it out of
the printer.

2-17nn

5. Replace the front paper guide by sliding it along the printer’s
mounting slots until it locks in place. Then close the front
paper guide.

2-16 Printing on Continuous Paper

2-16b

Using the Rear Push Tractor

To use the rear push tractor, load continuous paper in the rear
slot. For information on when to use the rear push tractor, see
“Available Paper Paths” on page 3.

Loading paper onto the rear push tractor

If a tractor is installed in the pull position, you need to remove
it and replace the paper tension unit as described on page 2-33
before using the rear push tractor.

Note:

T To avoid paper jams, it is best to load thick multi-part forms using

the front or bottom slot and pull or front push tractor.

T When loading multi-part forms that are bound on only one side by

point glueing, use the rear push tractor.

Caution:

c

Do not load continuous paper with labels in the rear paper slot;
the labels may come off their backing sheet inside the printer and
cause a paper jam.

2

To load paper onto the rear push tractor, follow these steps:

1. Open the paper guide cover and remove the paper guide.

Printing on Continuous Paper 2-17

2. Set the paper release lever to the rear push tractor position.
Also set the paper thickness lever (located under the
printer cover) to the proper position for your paper’s
thickness.

3. Release the left and right sprockets by pulling the sprocket
lock levers forward.

2-26

2-27

front of the printer

2-18 Printing on Continuous Paper

4. Slide the left sprocket to the left margin of the paper using the
scale on the printer. (Printing starts at the “0” mark.) Then
push the lever back to lock it in place.

front of the printer

Note:

See “Paper alignment” and “Printable area” in Appendix C for more
information on the left margin position.

5. Slide the right sprocket to match the width of your paper, but
do not lock it. Move the paper support midway between the
two sprockets as shown above.

6. Open both sprocket covers. Make sure your paper has a
clean, straight edge and fit the first four holes of the paper,
printable side down, over the tractor pins. Then close the
sprocket covers.

2-28

2

front of the printer

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

Printing on Continuous Paper 2-19

2-29

8. Attach the paper guide as described on page 1-11.

9. Slide the edge guides to the middle of the paper guide. Then
close the paper guide cover.

Note:

Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer does not
print when the cover is open.

10. Make sure the printer is on. You may need to check and
change the printer driver settings as described in Chapter 4.
When the printer receives data, it automatically loads the
paper and starts printing. The printed pages are fed over
the paper guide toward the back of the printer.

2-29a

11. After you finish printing, follow the steps in the next section to
tear off your printed document.

If the first printed line on your page appears too high or low,
you can fix this by using the micro adjust feature as described
in “Adjusting the Top-of-Form Position” on page 2-37.

Caution:

Never use the knob to adjust the top-of-form position; this may

c

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

2-20 Printing on Continuous Paper

2-35C

Removing the printed document from the rear push tractor

To remove the printed document, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the Tear Off/Bin lights are flashing. (This indicates
your paper is at the current tear-off position). You may need to
press the
tear-off position.

2. Open the paper guide cover, and tear off the printed
document using the tear-off edge of the printer.

Note:

If your paper’s perforation is not properly aligned with the tear-off
edge, you can adjust the tear-off position using the micro adjust
feature. See “Adjusting the tear-off position” on page 2-41.

Tear Off/Bin

button to advance the paper to the

2

Caution:

c

3. Close the paper guide cover.

When you resume printing, the printer automatically feeds the
paper back to the top-of-form position and starts printing.

Never use the knob to adjust the tear off position; this may
damage the printer or cause it to lose the tear-off position.

Printing on Continuous Paper 2-21

To remove the remaining paper from the printer, press the
Load/Eject button to feed the paper backward to the standby
position. (See the Glossary for an explanation of the standby
position.) Then open the sprocket covers of the tractor and
remove paper.

Caution:

Always tear off your printed document before you press the

c

Load/Eject button. Reverse feeding several pages at a time may

cause a paper jam.

Using the Tractor in the Pull Position

Using the tractor in the pull position is ideal for printing on
thick and heavy continuous paper, such as multi-part forms or
continuous paper with labels. However, you cannot use the
tear-off feature with the pull tractor.

You can also load paper onto the pull tractor from the rear slot.
However, doing so is not recommended because the paper
path from the rear slot is curved. Because thick paper requires
a straight paper path to avoid paper jams, it is best to load
paper in the front or bottom slot when using the pull tractor.

Caution:

Do not load continuous paper with labels in the rear paper slot;

c

the labels may come off their backing sheet inside the printer and
cause a paper jam.

To further reduce the chance of paper jams and improve the
performance of continuous paper, you can use two tractors in
combination. When using this printing method, you load your
paper onto both the front push tractor and the pull tractor, or
both the rear push tractor and the pull tractor. See “Using two
tractors in a push and pull combination” on page 2-30.

2-22

Printing on Continuous Paper

Installing the tractor in the pull position

To install a tractor in the pull position you must either remove
the front push tractor or purchase the optional pull tractor
(C80032@ ). To remove the front push tractor, see “Removing
the front push tractor” on page 2-16.

Note:

The tractor in the rear push position cannot be removed.

To install a tractor in the pull position, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the printer is turned off. Lift the printer cover up and
off the printer.

2. Push up the tabs on each side of the paper tension unit and
lift the unit up and off the printer. Store the paper tension
unit in a safe place.

2

2-18NN

Printing on Continuous Paper 2-23

3. Lower the tractor into the printer’s mounting slots and press
down both ends of the tractor to make sure that it is firmly
seated.

You are now ready to load continuous paper onto the pull
tractor as described in the next section. To remove the pull
tractor, see page 2-33.

Loading paper onto the pull tractor

2-19nn

When using the pull tractor, load continuous paper in the front
or bottom slot, if possible; loading paper in the rear slot may
increase the chance of a paper jam.

Caution:

T Always load multi-part forms with seven parts (one

c

2-24 Printing on Continuous Paper

original plus six copies) using the front or bottom slot and
the pull tractor. Loading this type of form in the rear slot
may cause a paper jam.

T Do not load continuous paper with labels in the rear paper

slot; the labels may come off their backing sheet inside the
printer and cause a paper jam.

To load paper onto the pull tractor, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the printer is turned off, and the printer cover is
removed. Also check that a tractor is installed in the pull
position.

2. Slide the edge guides to the middle of the paper guide.

3. Set the paper release lever to the pull tractor position. Also
set the paper thickness lever to the proper position for your
paper’s thickness.

2

4. Release the left and right sprockets by pulling the sprocket
lock levers forward.

Printing on Continuous Paper 2-25

2-32a

5. Slide the left sprocket to the left margin of the paper using the
scale on the paper guide as a guide. (Printing starts at the
arrow mark.) Then push the lever back to lock it in place.

Note:

See “Paper alignment” and “Printable area” in Appendix C for more
information on the left margin position.

6. Push back the left sprocket lever to lock it in place.

7. Slide the right sprocket to match the width of your paper, but do
not lock it. Move the paper support midway between the two
sprocket units as shown above. Then open both sprocket
covers.

2-33a

8. Make sure your paper has a clean, straight edge.

2-26 Printing on Continuous Paper

9. Insert the paper into the front, bottom, or rear paper slot as
described below until it emerges between the platen and
the ribbon guide. Then pull up the paper until the
perforation between the first and second pages is even
with the top of the printer’s ribbon.

Before you load paper in the
front slot, remove the front
paper guide. Then load
paper printable side up.

Load paper in the bottom slot
printable side up (forward).

2

2-34a

Before you load paper in the
rear slot, remove the paper
guide. Then load paper in
the rear slot printable side
down.

10. Fit four holes of the paper over the tractor pins on both
sprockets. Then close the sprocket covers.

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

Printing on Continuous Paper 2-27

12. If you use the front slot, attach the front paper guide with
the continuous paper positioned as shown below. Then
close it.

If you use the rear slot, replace the paper guide and make sure
the edge guides are together in the middle of the paper
guide.

13. Turn on the printer.

14. Remove any slack in the paper and adjust the top-of-form
position (the position where the printer will start printing) by
pressing the
(To use the micro adjust feature, see “Adjusting the
Top-of-Form Position” on page 2-37.) The printer will start
printing at the current position without advancing the paper.

LF/FF

button or using the micro adjust feature.

G3-19-AA

Caution:

c

2-28 Printing on Continuous Paper

T Never use the knob to remove slack in the paper or to

adjust the top-of-form position; this may damage the
printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

T Always remove any slack from the paper; otherwise

print quality may be reduced.

15. Attach the printer cover and close the paper guide cover.

Note:

Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer does not
print when the cover is open.

16. You may need to check and change the printer driver
settings as described in Chapter 4. Send a print job to the
printer. The printer starts printing from the current
position without advancing the paper. The printed pages
are fed over the paper guide toward the back of the printer.

17. After you finish printing, open the paper guide cover; then
tear off the printed document at the perforation nearest the
paper exit slot.

2

new10

Printing on Continuous Paper 2-29

Removing paper from the pull tractor

1. After you finish printing, tear off the fresh supply of paper at
the perforation nearest the paper entry slot.

G05-1

2. Hold down the

Caution:

Never press the Load/Eject button when using the pull tractor;

c

feeding the paper backward may cause it to come off the pull
tractor and jam the printer.

LF/FF

button to eject the paper from the printer.

Using two tractors in a push and pull combination

To improve continuous paper feeding and reduce paper jams,
you can use two tractors at the same time. When using two
tractors in combination, you can load paper in the front paper
slot onto both the front push tractor and the pull tractor, or in
the rear paper slot onto both the rear push tractor and the pull
tractor.

2-30 Printing on Continuous Paper

To use the front push tractor with the pull tractor, you need to
purchase the optional pull tractor (C80032@). The tractor in the
rear push position cannot be removed. Install the optional pull
tractor as described in “Installing the tractor in the pull
position” on page 2-23.

To use the rear push tractor with the pull tractor, you can
remove the tractor from the front push position as described on
page 2-16, and install it in the pull position as described on
page 2-23.

Note:

The tractor in the rear push position cannot be removed.

To load paper onto two tractors, follow these steps:

1. Remove the printer cover and paper guide.

2. Make sure one tractor is in the front or rear push position and
one tractor is in the pull position. Set the paper release lever to
either the front push or rear push tractor position, depending
on which push tractor you are using. Also, set the paper
thickness lever to the proper position for your paper’s
thickness.

2

3. Load paper onto the front or rear push tractor as described
earlier in this chapter.

4. Turn on the printer. Press the
the paper to the top-of-form position. Then press the
button until the perforation between the first and second
pages is even with the top of the printer’s ribbon.

Caution:

c

Never use the knob to move the paper; this may damage the
printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

Load/Eject

Printing on Continuous Paper

button to advance

LF/FF

2-31

5. Attach the paper to the pull tractor’s sprockets as described in
“Loading paper onto the pull tractor” on page 2-24.

6. Set the paper release lever to the pull tractor position. Then
remove any slack in the paper between the push and pull
tractors using the micro adjust feature (described on page
2-37) if necessary.

7. Move the paper release lever back to the push tractor position
you set in step 2.

8. Adjust the top-of-form position (the position where the printer
will start printing) using the micro adjust feature as described
in “Adjusting the Top-of-Form Position” on page 2-37. The
printer will start printing at the current position without
advancing the paper.

Caution

c

T Never use the knob to remove slack in the paper or to

adjust the top-of-form position; this may damage the
printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

T Always remove any slack from the paper; otherwise

print quality may be reduced.

9. Attach the paper guide. Then slide the edge guides to the
middle of the paper guide.

10. Attach the printer cover and close the paper guide cover.

Note:

Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer does not
print when the cover is open.

2-32

Printing on Continuous Paper

11. You may need to check and change the printer driver
settings as described in Chapter 4. Send a print job to the
printer. The printer starts printing from the current
position without advancing the paper. The printed pages
are fed over the paper guide toward the back of the printer.

12. After you finish printing, open the paper guide cover; then tear
off the printed document at the perforation nearest the paper
exit slot.

To remove the paper from the tractors, follow the steps under
“Removing paper from the pull tractor” on page 2-30.

Removing the pull tractor

To remove the tractor from the pull position, follow these steps:

1. Remove any paper loaded on the pull tractor as described on
page 2-30.

2

2-35AC

2. Turn off the printer. Then remove the printer cover and lift the
paper guide up and off the printer.

Printing on Continuous Paper 2-33

3. Press the tractor’s lock tabs, tilt the tractor toward you, and
lift it off the printer.

4. Store the tractor in a safe place, or install it in the front push
position as described on page 2-9.

5. To replace the paper tension unit, lower it onto the printer’s
mounting pegs. Then press down both ends of the unit
until it clicks into place.

g3-17-3

6. Replace the paper guide and printer cover. Then close the paper
guide cover.

2-34 Printing on Continuous Paper

g1-9-1

Switching Between Printing on Continuous Paper and Printing on Single Sheets

You can easily switch back and forth between printing on
continuous paper with a push tractor and printing on single
sheets without having to remove or reload paper.

Switching to printing on single sheets

To switch from printing on continuous paper with the front or
rear push tractor to printing on single sheets, follow these steps.

Note:

R If continuous paper with labels is loaded in the printer, remove it

before switching to single-sheet printing. See “Removing
continuous paper with labels” on page 2-8.

R If a tractor is in the pull position, remove any continuous paper

from it before switching to single-sheet printing. See “Removing
paper from the pull tractor” on page 2-30.

1. If any printed pages of continuous paper remain in the printer,
press the
tear-off position, and then tear them off.

Tear Off/Bin

button to advance printed pages to the

2

c

Caution:

T Tear off your printed document before you press the

Load/Eject button in the next step. Reverse feeding
several pages at a time may cause a paper jam.

T Never use the knob to eject paper while the printer is

on; this may damage the printer or cause it to lose the
tear-off position.

Printing on Continuous Paper

2-35

2. Press the Load/Eject button to feed the continuous paper

backward to the standby position. The paper is still attached to
the push tractor but is no longer in the paper path.

3. Load single sheets in the top or front paper guide as described
in Chapter 3.

Switching to printing on continuous paper

To switch from printing on single sheets to printing on
continuous paper with the front or rear push tractor, follow
these steps:

1. If a single sheet remains in the printer, press the Load/Eject
button to eject it.

Caution:

c

2. Make sure that the tractor is installed in the front or rear push
position which you plan to use. To install the tractor in the
front position, see page 2-9.

Never use the knob to eject paper while the printer is on; this
may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form
position.

3. Load continuous paper onto the front or rear push tractor as
described earlier in this chapter.

The printer loads your continuous paper automatically when
you begin printing.

2-36

Printing on Continuous Paper

Adjusting the Top-of-Form Position

The top-of-form position is the position on the page where the
printer will start printing. If your printing appears too high or
low on the page, you can use the micro adjust feature to adjust
the top-of-form position as described below.

Caution:

c

Note:

R

R

1. Make sure the printer is turned on.

2. If necessary, load paper as described earlier in this chapter. If

Never use the knob to adjust the top-of-form position; this may
damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

Your top-of-form position setting remains in effect until you
change it, even if you turn off the printer.

The top margin setting made in some application software
overrides the top-of-form position setting you make with the
micro adjust feature. If necessary, adjust the top-of-form position
using your software.

you load paper onto a push tractor, press the
button to advance the paper to the current top-of-form
position.

Load/Eject

2

3. Lift the printer cover up and off the printer.

4. Hold down the
light starts flashing and the printer enters the micro adjust
mode.

Pause

button for about three seconds. The Pause

Printing on Continuous Paper

2-37

5. Press the LF/FF
on the page, or press the Load/Eject
top-of-form position down on the page.

Caution:

c

Never use the knob to adjust the top-of-form position; this
may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form
position.

D button to move the top-of-form position up

U button to move the

plastic ribbon
cover

Note:

R The printer has a minimum and a maximum top-of-form

position. If you try to adjust it beyond these limits, the
printer beeps and stops moving the paper.

R When the paper reaches the default top-of-form position,

the printer also beeps and stops moving the paper briefly.
You can use the default setting as a reference point when
adjusting the top-of-form position.

3-6anew

2-38 Printing on Continuous Paper

To adjust the top-of-form position for continuous paper
loaded on the pull tractor, see the following example:

First mark a point 6.5 mm (0.26 inch) above the paper’s
perforation; then position the paper so that the mark even
with the top edge of the plastic ribbon cover. This gives you an

8.5 mm (0.33 inch) margin on the next page, meaning the
printer starts printing 8.5 mm below the perforation. If you
mark a point 5.5 mm (0.22 inch) above the perforation, you get
a 9.5 mm (0.37 inch) margin on the next page.

(0.26 inch)

(0.33 inch)

2

new14

6. After you set the top-of-form position, press the
to exit micro adjust mode.

Pause button

Printing on Continuous Paper 2-39

Advancing the Paper to the Tear-Off Edge

If you use the front or rear push tractor, you can use the tear-off
feature to advance your continuous paper to the printer’s
tear-off edge when you finish printing. You can then easily tear
off the printed document. When you resume printing, the
printer automatically feeds the paper back to the top-of-form
position so that you can save the paper normally lost between
documents.

As described below, you can use the tear-off feature in two
ways: manually by pressing the printer’s Tear Off/Bin button,
or automatically by turning on the auto tear-off mode.

If the perforation between pages is not aligned with the tear-off
edge, you can adjust the position of the perforation using the
micro adjust feature. See “Adjusting the tear-off position” on
page 2-41 for instructions.

Caution:

Never use the tear-off feature (by pressing the Tear Off/Bin

c

button or turning on the auto tear-off mode as described below) to
feed continuous paper with labels backward; they may come off
their backing sheet and jam the printer.

Using the Tear Off/Bin button

After the printer finishes printing your document, check that
the Tear Off/Bin lights are not flashing. Then press the Tear
Off/Bin button. The printer advances the paper to the tear-off
edge.

Note:

If the Tear Off/Bin lights are flashing, the paper is in the tear off position.
If you press the
next top-of-form position.

2-40

Printing on Continuous Paper

Tear Off/Bin button, the printer feeds your paper to the

Advancing paper to the tear-off position automatically

To automatically advance your printed documents to the
tear-off position, you need to turn on the auto tear-off mode
and select the appropriate page length for continuous paper in
the default-setting mode. For instructions, see “About Your
Printer’s Default Settings” on page 5-3.

When auto tear-off is on, the printer automatically advances
the paper to the tear-off position whenever it receives a full
page of data or a form feed command followed by no more
data.

Adjusting the tear-off position

If your paper’s perforation is not aligned with the tear-off edge,
you can use the micro adjust feature to move the perforation to
the tear-off position. Follow the steps below.

Caution:

c

Never use the knob to adjust the tear-off position; this may
damage the printer or cause it to lose the tear-off position.

2

Note:

Your tear-off position setting remains in effect until you change it, even if
you turn off the printer.

1. Make sure the Tear Off/Bin lights are flashing (the paper is at
the current tear-off position). You may need to press the

Off/Bin

2. Open the paper guide cover.

3. Hold down the
light begins flashing and the printer enters the micro adjust
mode.

button to advance the paper to the tear-off position.

Pause

button for about three seconds. The Pause

Printing on Continuous Paper

Tear

2-41

4. Press the LF/FF
the Load/Eject

D button to feed the paper backward, or press

U button to feed the paper forward, until

the paper perforation is aligned with the tear-off edge.

tear-off edge

Note:

The printer has a minimum and a maximum tear-off position. If you
try to adjust the tear-off position beyond these limits, the printer
beeps and stops moving the paper.

3-6BNEW

5. After you set the tear-off position, press the
turn off micro adjust mode.

6. Tear off the printed pages.

Pause

When you resume printing, the printer automatically feeds the
paper back to the top-of-form position and begins printing.

2-42 Printing on Continuous Paper

button to

Chapter 3

Printing on Single Sheets

Using Single Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Available paper types and paper slots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Loading single-sheet multi-part forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Loading envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Loading postcards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Loading Single Sheets in the Top Paper Slot . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Loading Single Sheets in the Front Paper Slot . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

3

Printing on Single Sheets 3-1

Using Single Sheets

Available paper types and paper slots

As shown below, you can load single-sheet paper one sheet at
a time using the paper guide on top of the printer or the front
paper guide. You can print on ordinary single sheets,
single-sheet multi-part forms, postcards, and envelopes. Your
single-sheet paper may be from 101 to 420 mm (4.0 to 16.5
inches) wide.

Note:

T To load a stack of single-sheet paper, use the optional cut-sheet

feeder. See Appendix A, “Enhancing Your Printer With Options.”

T For detailed specifications on the types of single-sheet paper you

can use, see Appendix C.

top paper slot

2-9N

front paper slot

3-2 Printing on Single Sheets

2-12

The table below shows the types of paper you can load in the
top and front paper slots and the paper thickness lever settings
for each paper type. For more information on the paper
thickness lever, see page 2-3.

Paper type Available

paper slots

Ordinary single-sheet paper Top and front -1 or 0

Multi-part forms (carbonless)
2 parts (original + 1 copy)
3 parts (original + 2 copies)
4 parts (original + 3 copies)
5 parts (original + 4 copies)
6 parts (original + 5 copies)

Postcards Top and front 3

Envelopes Top 4 or 5

Top and front

Paper thickness
lever position

1
3
4
5
6

Note:

R If the printed image is smeared, you may need to set the paper

thickness lever one position lower to improve print quality.

R If the printed image is faint or has many gaps, you may need to

set the paper thickness lever one position higher to improve print
quality.

R Do not load paper that is damaged, curled or has been folded.

3

Printing on Single Sheets

3-3

Loading single-sheet multi-part forms

You can load single-sheet multi-part forms one at a time in the
top or front paper slot as described in “Loading Single Sheets
in the Top Paper Slot” or “Loading Single Sheets in the Front
Paper Slot,” later in this chapter. Also, follow these guidelines:

T Use only carbonless multi-part forms bound as shown

below.

bound only at the top
by line glueing

bound only at the side
by line glueing

T You can use the top or front paper slot to load single-sheet

multi-part forms that are bound at the top.

Insert this type of form in the top slot with the bound edge first
and the printable side down, as shown below.

printable side down

New04, 06

new03

3-4 Printing on Single Sheets

Insert this type of form in the front slot with the bound edge first
and the printable side up, as shown below.

printable side up

You can load multi-part forms bound at the side only in the

T

front slot. Insert this type of form in the front slot with the
top edge first and the printable side up, as shown below.

new05

3

NEW07

printable side up

Before printing, set the paper thickness lever (located under

T

the printer cover) to the proper position for your paper. See
the table on page 3-3.

Be sure your multi-part forms do not exceed 0.46 mm

T

(0.018 inch) in thickness.

Use multi-part forms only under normal temperature and

T

humidity conditions, as follows:

Temperature 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F)
Humidity 30 to 60% RH

Printing on Single Sheets 3-5

Loading envelopes

You can load envelopes only in the top paper slot as described
in “Loading Single Sheets in the Top Paper Slot” on page 3-8.
Also, follow these guidelines:

T Load envelopes one at a time in the top slot, with the flap

edge first and the flap side up.

flap side up,
printable side down

T Set the paper thickness lever (located under the printer

cover) to position 4 or 5.

T Before printing, turn on the card mode by pressing the

Tear Off/Bin button until both Tear Off/Bin lights are on.
After you finish printing on envelopes, press the Tear
Off/Bin button once to exit the card mode. (Bin 1 is
selected.)

new01

T Do not use envelopes that are curled or folded. Also avoid

using envelopes that are too thin; they may curl during
printing and become jammed.

T If you use No. 6 envelopes, align the left edge of the

envelope with the arrow mark on the printer.

T Use envelopes only under normal temperature and

humidity conditions, as follows:

Temperature 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F)
Humidity 30 to 60% RH

3-6 Printing on Single Sheets

Caution:

c

Because printing on the edge of an envelope may damage the print
head, make sure the printing stays entirely within the printable
area of your envelopes. See Appendix C for details on the printable
area of envelopes.

Loading postcards

You can load postcards one at a time in the top or front paper
slot as described in “Loading Single Sheets in the Top Paper
Slot” or “Loading Single Sheets in the Front Paper Slot,” later in
this chapter. Also, follow these guidelines:

T If you load postcards long edge first, always load them in

the top slot.

3

T Set the paper thickness lever (located under the printer

cover) to position 3.

T Before printing, turn on the card mode by pressing the

Tear Off/Bin button until both Tear Off/Bin lights are on.
After you finish printing on postcards, press the Tear
Off/Bin button once to exit the card mode. (Bin 1 is
selected.)

T Use postcards only under normal temperature and

humidity conditions, as follows:

Temperature 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F)
Humidity 30 to 60% RH

Printing on Single Sheets 3-7

Loading Single Sheets in the Top Paper Slot

To load paper in the top slot, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the paper guide is installed properly. If not, attach it
as described on page 1-11.

2. Open the paper guide cover. Slide the left edge guide until
it locks in place next to the arrow on the paper guide. Next
adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your
paper.

2-7n

3. Set the paper release lever to the single-sheet position. Also
set the paper thickness lever (located under the printer
cover) to the proper position for your paper’s thickness .
(See the table on page 3-3.)

3-8 Printing on Single Sheets

2-6

4. Close the paper guide cover.

3

5. Press the

6. Insert a sheet of paper printable side down between the edge
guides until it meets resistance. The printer feeds the paper
automatically and is ready to print.

Note:

Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer does not
print when the cover is open.

Operate

button to turn on the printer, if necessary.

Printing on Single Sheets 3-9

7. Check and change the printer driver settings as described in
Chapter 4. Then send a print job to the printer.

When the printer receives data, it prints the page and ejects it
back onto the paper guide. To continue printing your
document, remove the printed page and insert a new sheet of
paper. If you need to eject a sheet, press the

If the first printed line on your page appears too high or low,
you can fix this using the micro adjust feature. See “Adjusting
the Top-of-Form Position” on page 2-37.

Caution:

c

Never use the knob to adjust the top-of-form position or eject a
sheet when the printer is on; this may damage the printer or cause
it to lose the top-of-form position.

Load/Eject

Loading Single Sheets in the Front Paper Slot

To load paper in the front paper slot, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the paper guide is installed properly. If not, attach it
as described on page 1-11.

button.

2. Make sure the paper guide cover is closed.

3-10

Printing on Single Sheets

3. Open the front paper guide by pulling the tab at the center
of the guide. Slide the left edge guide as shown below.
(Printing starts at the arrow mark.) Next adjust the right
edge guide to match the width of your paper.

4. Set the paper release lever to the single-sheet position. Also set
the paper thickness lever (located under the printer cover) to
the proper position for your paper’s thickness. (See the table
on page 3-3.)

3

5. Press the

Operate

button to turn on the printer, if necessary.

Printing on Single Sheets 3-11