Epson SQ-2550, SQ-850 User Manual

EPSON
SQ-850
SQ-2550
24-NOZZLE INK JET PRINTER
USER’S GUIDE
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS
Reorient the receiving antenna
Relocate the printer with respect to the receiver
Move the printer away from the receiver
Plug the printer into a different outlet so that the printer and receiver are on different branch circuits.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:
“Television Interference Handbook”
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Stock No. 004-000-00450-7.
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 that exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused interfaces.
EPSON
SQ-850/2550
User’s Guide
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, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation. use of the information contained herein.
No patent liability is assumed with respect to the
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, Seiko Epson Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use
of the information contained herein. Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be liable against any damages or
problems arising from the use of any options other than those designated as Original Epson Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.
EPSON and EPSON ESC/P are trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
IBM and IBM PC are trademarks of International
Business Machines Corporation. Copyright ©1988 by Seiko Epson Corporation
Nagano, Japan

Contents

About This Guide
Introduction
Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer
Ink Jet Precautions Unpacking the Printer Choosing a Place for the Printer Assembling the Printer Testing the Printer Connecting the Printer to Your Computer Setting Up Your Application Software
Chapter 2 Paper Handling
Choosing Paper Using Single Sheets Using Continuous Paper
Switching between Continuous and Single Sheets Printing on Special Paper
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1-2 1-3 l-7 1-9 1-14 l-28 l-32
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2-2 2-3 2-8 2-16 2-23
Contents iii
Chapter 3 Using the Printer
3-l
Operating the Control Panel SelecType Settings Page Length
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Skip Over Perforation
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Adjusting the Loading Position
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3-2 3-10
3-19
Short Tear-Off ........................................................................ 3-23
Selecting Typestyles Selecting an International Character Set Choosing a Character Table Data Dump Mode
Chapter 4 Software and Graphics
Enhancing Your Printing
Graphics
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User-defined Characters
Chapter 5 Using Printer Options
The Cut Sheet Feeder The Pull Tractor Interface Boards
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4-2
4-9 4-21
5-1
5-2 5-21
5-31
Chapter 6 Maintenance 6-l
Cleaning the Printer Cleaning the Print Head
Replacing the Ink Cartridge
Transporting the Printer
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6-2 6-4 6-6 6-9
iv Contents
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting
7-l
Problems and Solutions Power Supply
Printing
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Paper Handling
Options
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Chapter 8 Technical Specifications
Printer Specifications Interface Specifications Options Specifications
Initialization
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Chapter 9 Command Summary
Using the Command Summary Commands
in
Numerical
Order
Commands Arranged by Topic
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Appendix
Proportional Width Table Character Tables
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7-2 7-3 7-4 7-13 7-21
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8-2 8-10 8-15 8-18
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9-2 9-5 9-8
A-l
A-2 A-6
Glossary
Index
GL-1
IN-1
Contents v
About This Guide
This user’s guide provides fully-illustrated, step-by-step instructions for setting up and operating the SQ-850 and SQ-2550 printers.
Finding your way around
Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up, testing and connecting the printer, so be sure to read and follow the instructions in this chapter first.
Chapters 2 and 3 include important information on paper handling and general printer operation. This information is necessary for the day-to-day operation of your printer.
Chapter 4 contains information designed to help you get the
most from your printer. use of software commands, graphics, and user-defined characters. Also, see Chapter 9 for a summary of printer commands.
If the printer does not operate properly or the printed results are not what you expect, see Chapter 7 for a list of possible solutions.
This chapter includes advice on the
Other chapters contain information on general maintenance, use of the printer options, and specifications. You will also find a glossary of printer terms and an index.
At the back of this guide is a Quick Reference Card with the information you are most likely to need.
Note: The SQ-850 and SQ-2550 are basically the same printer
except that the SQ-2550 can accept wider paper. Therefore, the illustrations in this guide show only the SQ-2550.
About This Guide 1
Conventions used in this guide
WARNINGS must be followed carefully to avoid
damage to your printer and computer.
CAUTIONS should be followed carefully to ensure
that your printer operates correctly.
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the
operation of your printer.
2 About This Guide

Introduction

The SQ-850 and SQ-2550 are the latest in EPSON’s advanced line of 24-nozzle ink jet printers, combining high performance and reliability with a wide range of exciting features.
Features
In addition to the high-quality printing and ease of operation you have come to expect from EPSON printers, the SQ-850 and SQ-2550 offer the following:
An improved control panel design that allows you direct selection of all of the printer’s main features, such as character font and pitch as well as a choice of normal or condensed printing.
An advanced paper handling system that allows you to easily switch between single sheets and continuous paper by pressing the appropriate panel buttons. You can use single sheets without removing the continuous paper, or you can use continuous paper even while the optional Cut Sheet Feeder is installed.
A short tear-off feature that saves paper. After you tear off the latest sheet printed on continuous paper, the printer feeds the paper back to the loading position so that you can use all of the next sheet.
The ability to print on labels and envelopes.
A micro-adjustment feature that allows you to feed the paper forward or backward in 1/180th of an inch increments to finely adjust the top of form, loading, and short tear-off positions.
Introduction 3
The following nine built-in Letter Quality fonts are provided
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for producing high-quality documents:
Roman, Sans Serif, Courier, Prestige, Script, OCR-A, OCR-B, Orator, Orator-S
Draft mode with fast, whisper-quiet printing of up to 500
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characters per second in 10 cpi (10 characters per inch). Compatibility with the EPSON ESC/P commands used by
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the LQ-1500, LQ-800, LQ-1000, LQ-2500, LQ-2500+, LQ-850,
LQ-1050, LQ-500, LQ-2550, and SQ-2500 printers.
Options
A variety of printer options is available for use with your SQ-850 or SQ-2550 printer.
For detailed information on the
installation and use of these options, see Chapter 5.
Single-bin and Double-bin Cut Sheet Feeders (C806081/C806091/C806101/C806111)
These cut sheet feeders give you easier and more efficient handling of single sheet paper or envelopes. Up to 150 sheets of standard bond paper can be stored in a bin and fed
automatically into the printer without reloading.
4 Introduction
Pull Tractor Unit (C800032/C800042)
The pull tractor option improves the performance of continuous paper handling. It is especially useful when printing graphics, labels, or continuous preprinted forms.
Optional Interface Boards
A number of optional interface boards can be used to supplement the printer’s built-in parallel and serial interfaces. Guidelines for choosing the right interface and instructions on installing the boards are given in Chapter 5.
Introduction 5
Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Ink Jet Precautions Unpacking the Printer
Checking the parts Removing the protective materials
Choosing a Place for the Printer
Assembling the Printer
Attaching the paper guide Installing the ink cartridge
Testing the Printer
Connecting to a power supply
Charging the ink cartridge Running the self test Checking the operation
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
The parallel interface The serial interface
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1-2 1-3 1-4
1-7 1-9
1-9
1-14 1-14 1-16 1-19
1-26 1-28
1-28
Setting Up Your Application Software
Choosing from a menu
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Setting Up the Printer
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1-32 1-32
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Ink Jet Precautions

Because the SQ-850 and SQ-2550 are the ink jet printers, certain precautions are necessary to ensure their safe and efficient operation. Even if you are familiar with other types of printers, be sure to read through this list of precautions.
Make sure that the ink does not come in contact with your skin or eyes. If it does get on your skin, wash it off with soap and water. plenty of water and contact a physician.
Do not dismantle the ink cartridges; they cannot be refilled. Keep the cartridges out of the reach of children. Do not use an ink cartridge beyond its rated life expectancy.
Ink cartridges are good up to the date printed on the cartridge.
See that the print head is capped before the printer is turned off. To cap the head, simply push the ON LINE button to set the printer off line. The head caps automatically when it enters the off line state. Then turn off the printer.
Never remove the ink cartridge when the printer is on line or when it is printing.
If it gets in your eyes, flush them with
Do not turn the printer on and off when the ink cartridge is not installed.
Do not put your hand inside the printer when it is printing. Before you transport the printer, make sure that the head is
capped and that the ink cartridge is removed. If ink accidentally gets on the platen (the black roller), wipe
it off with a clean rag or with tissue paper.
l-2 Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer

Checking the parts

As you unpack the printer, check that you have all of the parts shown below and that none have been damaged during transportation.
power cable
platen knob
cross-head screwdriver
CAUTION: Different versions of the printer are designed for different electrical standards. The power supply type is shown on the label on the back of the printer. If it does not show the correct voltage for your country, contact your EPSON dealer. It is not possible to adjust the printer for use on another voltage.
optional screw locks
Setting Up the Printer
l-3

Removing the protective materials

The printer is protected during shipping by screws, locking tabs, a notice sheet, and a white packing material. These protective items must be removed before you turn on the printer. After removing these items, store them with the other packaging material in case you ever need to transport your printer.
1.
Insert the platen knob into the hole on the printer’s side and rotate it until it slips onto the shaft.
2.
Press firmly on the knob until it fits against the printer case.
l-4 Setting Up the Printer
CAUTION: Using the platen knob to adjust the position of the paper interferes with the automatic paper loading system and may cause a paper jam. Before using the platen knob, always turn off the power.
If you need to adjust the position of the paper after it is loaded, use the micro-adjustment feature described in the section on setting the loading position in Chapter 3.
3. Remove the printer cover.
4. Remove the white packing material, and remove the notice sheet by using the platen knob. Then push the paper bail
toward the platen.
Setting Up the Printer
l-5
5. Using the enclosed cross-head screwdriver, remove the transport screws and locking brackets as shown below. (SQ-850 only has two screws and single locking bracket.)
CAUTION: Never leave the transport screw in the printer because of it can damage the print head.
6. Reattach the printer cover.
Setting Up the Printer
l-6

Choosing a Place for the Printer

There are several important things to consider when selecting a location for your printer. mind.
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Place the printer on a flat, stable surface.
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Place the printer close enough to the computer for its cable to reach.
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Leave adequate room around the printer to allow easy printer operation and maintenance.
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Use a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
WARNING:
l Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight,
excessive heat, moisture or dust.
l Avoid using electrical outlets that are controlled by
wall switches or automatic timers. Accidental disruption of power can wipe out information in your computer’s and printer’s memory.
l Avoid using outlets on the same circuit with large
motors or other appliances that might disturb the power supply.
l Keep the entire computer system away from
potential sources of interference such as loudspeakers or the base units of cordless telephones.
Make sure to keep the following in
Setting Up the Printer l-7
The illustrations below show several good printer and computer arrangements.
Note: If you plan to use a printer stand, read through the list of requirements and suggestions below to ensure that you
have the right stand for your printer.
l The stand should be able to support at least twice the
weight of your printer (24.0kg for the SQ-850 or 28.8kg for
the SQ-2550).
l Never use a stand that supports the printer at an angle.
The printer should always be kept level.
l If your paper supply is positioned below the printer stand,
make sure that there is enough clearance to keep the paper from catching on the underside of the stand. Also, check to see that the distance between the stand supports is wide enough to accommodate the width of your paper.
l Position your printer’s power and interface cables so that
they do not interfere with paper feeding. If possible, secure the cables to the printer stand supports.
l-8 Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer

After you have decided on a suitable location for your printer, it is necessary to install the paper guide, and the ink cartridge.
Before assembling the printer, make sure that all protective materials have been removed. Installation instructions for these
components are given below.

Attaching the paper guide

To install the paper guide, follow these steps:
Fit the pins of the paper guide into the slots in the printer as
1. shown below.
Setting Up the Printer
l-9
2. Make sure that the guide is in its upright position. If not, raise the guide slightly until it locks into position.

Installing the ink cartridge

Your printer’s ink cartridge is completely self contained and allows for easy installation and removal. Replacement ink cartridges (S020002) are available from your EPSON dealer.
Each SQ ink cartridge contains enough ink for about 4000
double-spaced pages in draft mode or about 2000 pages in Letter Quality mode. Also keep in mind that the first ink cartridge you install may print fewer pages because some of the ink is used to fill up the ink delivery system.
Note: On one end of the cartridge is an ink indicator lever that registers whether the cartridge is full or empty; the lever is up when full and down when empty (there’s an F and E marked on the case). When replacing an empty cartridge with a new one, this lever gives you a quick way of checking the status of the ink cartridge. See the section on replacing the ink cartridge in Chapter 6 for more information.
l-10
Setting Up the Printer
WARNING: Skin and Eye Irritant
This ink contains potassium hydroxide and may cause irritation on contact with skin and eyes. Please take the following precautions:
l Avoid contact with skin and eyes. If ink gets into
eyes, flush immediately with water and contact a physician. Wash all traces of ink from your skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling the cartridge. If irritation occurs, contact a physician.
l Do not dismantle the cartridge. l Keep the cartridge out of reach of children.
Install the ink cartridge as follows:
1.
Open the ink cartridge compartment cover by pressing once on the area marked by the three grooves.
Setting Up the Printer
1-11
WARNING: Never install or remove the ink cartridge
when the power is on line. Always set the printer off
line, and be sure the print head is capped at the left of
the printer before removing or replacing the ink
cartridge.
2. Insert the end of the cartridge with the foil plug into the ink compartment as shown in the illustration below. Then
gently push the cartridge all the way into the compartment
until you hear the click of the cartridge meeting the back of
the ink compartment.
1-12
Setting Up the Printer
3. Close the ink cartridge compartment cover-
Setting Up the Printer 1-13

Testing the Printer

Now that your printer is fully assembled, you can use the built-in self test function to see that the printer is working correctly even though it is not connected to a computer.
Be sure to perform this test to make sure that your printer was not damaged during shipping and to ensure that the ink cartridge is correctly installed.
Before running the self test, you need to connect your printer to a power supply, charge the ink, and load a sheet of paper.

Connecting to a power supply

Before plugging in your printer, make sure that all packing materials are removed and the ink cartridge is installed.
1.
Check to see that the printer is turned off (the circle (0) on the switch should be visible).
1-14
Setting Up the Printer
2.
Check the printer’s label to make sure that the power rating required by the printer matches that of your electrical outlet.
WARNING: If they do not match, contact your EPSON dealer without connecting the power cable.
3.
Connect the power cable to the AC inlet on the printer’s rear
panel.
WARNING: Before turning on the printer, be absolutely sure that you have removed all of the protective materials.
Turning on the printer while the print head cannot move may seriously damage the mechanism.
Setting Up the Printer
1-15
Plug the power cable into a properly grounded electrical
4. outlet.
Note: Although the shape of the power cable provided with your printer may differ from the one shown above, the steps for connecting it are the same.

Charging the ink cartridge

Before operating your printer, you need to charge the ink delivery system with ink. You do not need to perform this step again even when after transport the printer.
Note: You do not need to charge the ink every time you replace the ink cartridge.
1-16
Setting Up the Printer
Before charging the ink, make sure that the ink cartridge is installed and the printer is turned off.
While holding down both the ON LINE and LINE FEED buttons,
1. turn on the printer.
This initiates a three-minute cleaning and set up cycle that prepares the ink system for operation. During this cycle, the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) on the control panel displays INK CHARGE and a count down of the time needed to complete the cycle.
When the set up cycle is completed, the display shows INK
2.
CHARGE 0.
Setting Up the Printer
1-17
WARNING:
l Do not turn the printer off while the message INK
CHARGE *** is displayed.
l Do not start printing before the ink charge is
completed. Printing without charging the ink delivery
system can damage the printer.
3. Turn off the printer.
WARNING: After you turn off the printer, always wait at least five seconds before turning it back on. Rapid switching of the power on and off can damage the printer.
After completing the ink charging cycle, you are ready to run the printer’s self test.
1-18
Setting Up the Printer
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