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

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used
properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause
interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in
Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection
against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
interference to radio and television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:

•

Reorient 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

3

l-l

1-2
1-3
l-7
1-9
1-14
l-28
l-32

2-l

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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......................................... 3-21

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

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

User-defined Characters

Chapter 5 Using Printer Options

The Cut Sheet Feeder
The Pull Tractor
Interface Boards

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......................... 3-35

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3-36
3-38

4-l

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

8-l

8-2
8-10
8-15
8-18

9-l

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

l

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

l

characters per second in 10 cpi (10 characters per inch).
Compatibility with the EPSON ESC/P commands used by

l

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

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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

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

Setting Up the Printer

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

1-32
1-32

l-l

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.

l

Place the printer on a flat, stable surface.

l

Place the printer close enough to the computer for its cable
to reach.

l

Leave adequate room around the printer to allow easy
printer operation and maintenance.

l

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

Running the self test

The self test can be run in either draft mode or Letter Quality

mode, depending on which button you hold down as you turn
on the printer.

Note: For the purposes of setting up and testing your printer,
most types of paper can be used. When choosing your paper
supply, however, you should always test it before regular
use. See the section in Chapter 2 on choosing paper.

CAUTION: Run the self test using paper that is at
least as wide as 217 mm (8.27 inches) if you have an
SQ-850, or 364 mm (14 inches) if you have an SQ-2550.

Before running the self test, make sure that the power cable is
connected to a properly grounded electrical outlet and the
printer is turned off.

1.

While holding down the LINE FEED button (draft mode) or
the FORM FEED button (Letter Quality mode), turn on the
printer. The printer beeps three times and the POWER and

PAPER OUT

lights

come on.

Setting Up the Printer

1-19

Testing the Printer

Press the PAPER SELECT button on the control panel until the

2.

message on the LCD shows Friction.

3.

Move the left edge guide until it rests against the guide
mark.

1-20

Setting Up the Printer

Testing the Printer

4.

Adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your
paper. Next, slide a sheet down between the edge guides
until it meets resistance.

5.

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

Setting Up the Printer

1-21

Testing the Printer

6.

Press the ON LINE button to start the self test.

7.

A list of your printer’s current settings are printed first,
followed by a series of characters. The self test continues
until the paper runs out or you press the ON LINE button. If
the self test results are satisfactory and you wish to stop the

test, press the ON LINE button. (To resume the self test, press
the ON LINE button once more.)

Note: To clear a paper jam, first set the printer off line and
use the FORM FEED or LINE FEED button. If it is necessary to
use the platen knob to clear the jam, be sure to turn the

printer off first.

1-22

Setting Up the Printer

Testing the Printer

8.

If paper is still loaded, press the LOAD/EJECT button to eject
it. Then reset the printer by pressing both the ON LINE and

LOAD/EJECT buttons.

Setting Up the Printer l-23

Testing the Printer

Parts of typical draft and Letter Quality self tests are shown

below.

Draft mode

FONT

PITCH

LINE SPACING

PAGE TRACTER
PAGE CSF BN1
PAGE CSF BN2
1” SKIP
AUTO TEAR OFF

LEFT MARGIN

1-24

Setting Up the Printer

Letter Quality mode

FONT

PITCH

LINE SPACING
PAGE TRACTER
PAGE CSF BN1
PAGE CSF BN2

1” SKIP

AUTO TEAR OFF
LEFT MARGIN

Testing the Printer

Setting Up the Printer

1-25

Testing the Printer

Checking the operation

If the self test does not print properly, check the points below.
The points that need to be checked are the print head area and

the control panel operation.
printer. Then remove the paper using the platen knob, and
load a new sheet.

If paper is jammed, turn off the

Problem

The printer does
not print or stops
printing.

The INK END light is

on.

The "COVER OPEN"

message is displayed
on the control panel.

The test did not print
when you pressed the

ON LINE

button.

Solution

The ink cartridge may be empty or the
cartridge may not be installed. Install a
new ink cartridge. Refer to 6-6.

The printer cover is open. Close the
printer cover and resume printing.

Turn off the printer and repeat the
previous section. Make sure you hold
down longer on the FORM FEED or LINE

FEED button while you turn on the

printer.
The interface cable may be connected to

your printer. Make sure to disconnect
the interface cable.

The print head does
not move.

l-26

Setting Up the Printer

The protective materials may not be
removed. Remove all the protective
materials from the printer. Refer to l-4.

Testing the Printer

Problem

The print head moves,

but nothing is printed.

The print is faint
or uneven.

Dots are missing in
the printed characters
or graphics.

ABCD

The printout has a
blurred appearance.

ABCD

Solution

The printer may not have been charged
with ink. Turn off the printer, and then
turn the printer on again while holding
down both the ON LINE and LINE FEED
buttons to start the ink charging cycle.

Refer to l-16.

The print head nozzles may be clogged.
Press the ON LINE button to set the
printer off line.

LINE and LINE FEED buttons to start the

print head cleaning cycle.

Your may not be using the correct type

of paper for your printer. Make sure the

surface of the paper is not too rough or

too smooth. Although most types of

business correspondence quality paper

works well with the SQ, you should
always test the paper you want to use

before buying it in large quantities.

Then press both the ON

You may not be printing on the correct
side of your paper. Test both sides of
your paper to determine which gives
you the best print quality.

If the printer still does not print the self test correctly, contact

your EPSON dealer.

Setting Up the Printer

l-27

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

Your SQ-850 or SQ-2550 has two separate interface connections:

a parallel interface and an RS-232C compatible serial interface.
If you are not sure which one is required by your computer,
check your computer manual for this information.

If you have a suitable shielded cable, you should be able to
connect to most computers immediately. If you have one of the
few computers that requires a different type of interface, you
should be able to use one of the optional interfaces described in
Chapter 5.

The parallel interface is the printer’s default setting. If you
need to use the built-in serial interface, be sure to change the
SelecType setting followed steps in Chapter 3.

The parallel interface

Connect the parallel interface cable as described below. Before

connecting the parallel interface cable, make sure that both the
printer and your computer are turned off.

Plug the connector of the cable securely into the printer.

1.

1-28

WARNING: Do not plug more than one interface

cable into the printer at one time. This may damage
the printer.

Setting Up the Printer

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

Squeeze the wire clips together until they lock in place on

2.
both sides of the connector.

into place, the printed results may be incorrect.1

If your cable has a ground wire, attach it to the ground

3.
connector beneath the interface connector.

(If you do not lock these clips

Plug the other end of the cable into the computer. If there is

4.
a ground wire at the computer end of the cable, attach it to

the ground connector of the computer.

Setting Up the Printer

1-29

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

The serial interface

Connect the serial interface cable as described in this section.

Before connecting the serial
the printer and your computer are turned off.

Plug the connector of the cable securely into the printer-

1.

interface

cable,

make sure that both

Use a screwdriver to secure the cable by tightening the

2.
screw

1-30

on each side of the connector.

Setting Up the Printer

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

Note: If the screws that come with the cable do not fit into
the connector screw locks on the interface, you need to
replace these screw locks with the optional ones provided
with the printer.

3.

If your cable has a ground wire, attach it to the ground
connector beneath the interface connector.

4.

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

the ground connector of the computer.

Setting Up the Printer

1-31

Setting Up Your Application Software

Now that you have set up and tested your printer you should
make sure that it works with the application programs you
want to use. Most application programs let you specify the
type of printer you are using so that the program can take full
advantage of the printer’s features. Many of these programs
provide an installation or setup section that presents a list of
printers to choose from.

Choosing from a menu

Because the family of EPSON printers shares a great many
commands, you can use an application program even if it does
not list the SQ-850 or SQ-2550 on its printer selection menu. If

the SQ-850 or SQ-2550 is not listed, select the first printer from

the following list. The printers are listed in order of preference:

l-32

SQ-2550
LQ-1050

SQ-850

LQ-850
LQ-2550
SQ-2500

LQ-1000
LQ-2500+
LQ-1500

Setting Up the Printer

LQ-800

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

If none of these printers is listed, select the first one available
on the following list:

LQ

EX
FX
LX
RX
MX
EPSON printer
Standard printer
Draft printer

To use all the features of the SQ-850 or SQ-2550, however, it is
best to use a program with the SQ-850 or SQ-2550 on its menu.

If your program does not list your printer, contact the software
manufacturer to see if an update is available. For more

information on using software, see Chapter 4.

Setting Up the Printer

1-33

Chapter 2

Paper Handling

Choosing Paper
Using Single Sheets

Loading a sheet
Reloading during printing

Using Continuous Paper

Positioning your continuous paper
Loading continuous paper

Switching between Continuous and Single Sheets

Switching to single sheets
Switching back to continuous paper

Printing on Special Paper

The paper thickness lever

Labels
Envelopes

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

....................................................................... 2-2

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

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

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

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

supply

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

........

2-3
2-3
2-7

2-8

2-8

2-9

2-16
2-16
2-21

2-23
2-23
2-25
2-28

Paper Handling 2-l

Choosing paper

Because the SQ-850 and SQ-2550 are ink jet printers, paper
absorbency is especially important. With paper that is too
absorbent, the ink can spread slightly, causing characters to
blur. However, with paper that is not absorbent enough, the
ink may take too long to dry and can be smeared easily.

The finish and thickness of the paper is also important. Avoid
paper that has a rough finish or a slick, coated finish. Also
avoid paper that is too thick or too thin. See the paper
specifications section in Chapter 8 for more information.

Most correspondence quality paper works in the SQ-850 or
SQ-2550 without problems. It is, however, a good practice to
test the paper in your printer before buying in large quantities.
Also, you should test envelopes, preprinted forms, and labels.

To test a supply of paper, take a single sheet from the package
and load it in the printer. Perform the self test described in the
last chapter and check the results. (You can also run this test
with continuous paper.) You should also test both sides of the
paper to determine which gives you the best quality printing.

If the ink does not bleed or smear, the paper should be suitable
for use with your printer.

2-2 Paper Handling

Using Single Sheets

Your printer can handle a wide range of paper size up to a
maximum width of 257 mm (10.1 inches) on the SQ-850 and 364
mm (14.3 inches) on the SQ-2550.

Loading a sheet

To load a single sheet of paper, follow these steps.

1. Turn on the printer.
on and the printer beeps three times.

The POWER and PAPER OUT lights come

Paper Handling 2-3

Using Single Sheets

2.

Press the PAPER SELECT button until the LCD panel shows

3.

Move the left edge guide until it rests against the guide

mark.

2-4 Paper Handling

Using single sheets

4.

Adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your
paper.

5.

Slide a sheet of paper down between the edge guides until it
meets resistance.

Paper Handling 2-5

Using Single Sheets

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

6.

Note: If the platen turns without loading the paper, remove
the paper and re-insert it more firmly; then press the

LOAD/EJECT button again.

2-6 Paper Handling

7.

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

WARNING: Never use the platen knob for paper
feeding except in case of a paper jam or other paper
feeding problem. Use of the platen knob may affect
the loading and short tear-off positions. If you need
to adjust the position of the paper after it is loaded,
use the micro-adjustment feature described in the
section on adjusting the loading position in Chapter 3.

Using Single Sheets

Reloading during printing

When you print a document more than one page long using

single sheet paper, the printer stops printing when it reaches

the bottom of the paper.
light goes off automatically or it may remain on, depending on
your application software.

first thing you should do is press the ON LINE button to take the

printer off line.

Once the ON LINE light is off, remove the sheet that has just been

printed (if necessary, press the FORM FEED button to eject the

page) and load a new sheet. Press the ON LINE button to start

printing the next page and follow any additional prompts from

your software.

When this happens, either the ON LINE

If the ON LINE light remains on, the

Paper Handling 2-7

Using Continuous Paper

The tractor built into the SQ-850 and SQ-2550 is remarkably
easy to load and operate.
space and can handle a wide variety of paper widths (up to
maximum of 279 mm (11.0 inches) on the SQ-850, and 406 mm
(16.0 inches) on the SQ-2550.

Positioning your continuous paper supply

An important consideration for achieving smooth and accurate
paper feeding is the position of your continuous paper supply.

Three ways of positioning your printer and continuous paper
supply are shown below.

Its low-profile design takes up little

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

2-8 Paper Handling

Using Continuous Paper

Loading continuous paper

Before loading continuous paper, make sure that the printer is
turned off.

1.

Remove the paper guide by tilting it up and lifting it off of
the printer.

I

2.

Turn on the printer, and press the PAPER SELECT button to
changes the display to Tractor .

Paper Handling 2-9

Using Continuous Paper

Release the left and right sprocket lock levers by pushing

3.

them back.

Slide the left sprocket unit until it stops at the ring and lock
it in place. Next, slide the right sprocket unit to roughly

match the width of your paper, but do not lock it.

2-10 Paper Handling

Using Continuous Paper

Slide the paper support to a point midway between the

5.

sprocket units.

6.

Open the sprocket covers.

Paper Handling 2-11

Using Continuous Paper

7.

Fit the first four holes in the continuous paper over the pins
of the sprocket units.

8. Close the sprocket covers.

2-12 Paper Handling

Using Continuous Paper

Note: Make sure the first sheet of paper has a clean, straight
edge so that paper can feed smoothly into the printer.

9.

Slide the right sprocket unit to a position where the paper is
straight and has no wrinkles, and then lock it into place.

10.

Reattach the paper guide laid down onto the back of the
printer. Then slide the edge guides together so that they
meet at about the middle of the paper’s width.

Paper Handling 2-13

Using Continuous Paper

11. Press the LOAD/EJECT button to feed paper to the loading

position.

Note: If you press the LOAD/EJECT button when continuous
paper is already loaded, the paper is reverse fed to the

standby position.

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

2-14 Paper Handling

Using Continuous Paper

The printer remembers this loading position and advances each
page to the same position.
using the platen knob. Use of the platen knob may affect the
loading and short tear-off positions. If you need to adjust this
position, you can use the micro-adjustment feature. See the
section on setting the loading position in Chapter 3.

Note: Before you begin printing, make sure you check the
page length and skip over perforation settings, and readjust
the settings if necessary. See the sections on page length and
skip over perforation in Chapter 3.

Never adjust the loading position

Paper Handling 2-15

Switching between Continuous and Single Sheets

Even with continuous paper loaded in the printer, you can
easily switch to single sheet printing without removing the
continuous paper from the tractor.

Switching to single sheets

To switch from continuous paper to single sheets, follow the
steps below.

1.

After printing on the continuous paper, press the ON LINE
button to set the printer off line.

2-16 Paper Handling

2. Tear off any printed sheets or extra blank sheets. If you are
not using the short tear-off feature, press the FORM FEED
button to advance your document to a point where it can be
removed.

Note: If the perforation of the page is not fed past the edge of

the paper bail the first time, press the FORM FEED button

again. Do not use the platen knob to feed the paper while
the printer is turned on.

WARNING:

l Make sure you tear off your printed document

before pressing the LOAD/EJECT button. Reverse
feeding several pages at a time may result in a paper
jam. This is especially true for narrow paper between

102 and 152 mm (between 4 and 6 inches).

l Never feed labels backward through the printer.

Labels can easily come off the backing sheet and jam
the printer.

Paper Handling 2-17

Press the PAPER SELECT button to change the display on the

3.

LCD to Friction. The continuous paper is fed backward
automatically to its standby position. The paper is still
attached to the tractor, but is no longer in the paper path.

4.

Raise the paper guide until it locks into place.

2-18 Paper Handling

5.

SIide the left edge guide until it rests against the guide
mark. Next, adjust the right edge guide to match the width
of your paper.

6.

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

meets resistance.

Paper Handling 2-19

7.

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

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

2-20 Paper Handling

Switching back to continuous paper

It is also easy to switch back to printing with continuous paper.
Before switching back to continuous paper, make sure that the

printer is off line.

1.

Press the PAPER SELECT button until the display shows
Tractor. If a single sheet is loaded, it is ejected
automatically and continuous paper is fed to the loading
position. Remove the ejected single sheet from the printer.

2.

Slide the edge guides together so that they meet at about the
middle of the paper’s width.

Note: When using continuous paper, always make sure that

the edge guides are pushed together.

Paper Handling 2-21

Lift the paper guide slightly and lower it onto the back of

3.
the printer.

4.

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

2-22 Paper Handling

Printing on Special Paper

In addition to using single sheets and continuous paper, your
printer can also print on a wide variety of paper types,
including labels and envelopes.

Note: If you are printing graphics, preprinted forms, or
labels, it is recommended that you use the optional pull
tractor to print. See the pull tractor section in Chapter 5.

Also, when you print on forms, labels, or envelopes,
be sure that your application program settings keep
the printing entirely within the printable areas. That
is, you should not print any closer that 12.7 mm

(one-half inch) from either side of the paper for labels
or envelopes. For information on the printable area
for envelopes, see page 2-29.

The paper thickness lever

Your printer has a paper thickness lever that allows you to
adjust for thicker than normal paper, such as envelopes. For
normal printing jobs, keep the lever in its raised position.
When printing labels or envelopes, set the lever to its lowered
position.

Before changing the lever position, set the printer off line and

then turn off the printer.

Paper Handling 2-23

Printing on Special Paper

1. Remove the printer cover.

2.

Set the paper thickness lever position by pulling down as
you may need.

2-24 Paper Handling

Reattach the printer cover.

3.

CAUTION: Always return the lever to its upright

position when you go back to printing on ordinary
paper.

Printing on Special Paper

Labels

If you need to print labels, choose the type that is mounted on a
continuous backing sheet with sprocket holes for use with the

tractor. Do not use single sheet labels on a shiny backing sheet

because they almost always slip a little if fed by friction alone.
You load labels the same way that you load continuous paper.

See the section on loading continuous paper in this chapter for
more information.

Paper Handling 2-25

Printing on Special Paper

WARNING: Never feed labels backward through the
printer. Labels can easily come off the backing and
jam the printer.

Also, never use the tear-off function
or the LOAD/EJECT button to eject labels. If a label does
become stuck in the printer mechanism, refer the

problem to your dealer.

To eject the labels from the printer follow these steps.

1. Remove the paper guide.

2-26 Paper Handling

Printing on Special Paper

2.

Tear off the sheet of labels at the perforation behind the
push tractor.

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

3.

Press the ON LINE button to set the printer off line. Then

press the FORM FEED button to eject the labels forward.

(Remember not to use the LOAD/EJECT button to eject labels.)

Paper Handling 2-27

Printing on Special Paper

Envelopes

You can print on a variety of envelopes -- including air mail,
plain, or bond envelopes -- using the single sheet loading
feature described in the beginning of this chapter. Chapter 5
describes using envelopes with the cut sheet feeder.

When loading an envelope, you may have to push down on it

slightly while pressing the LOAD/EJECT button.

2-28 Paper Handling

Printing on Special Paper

If it is necessary to eject the printed envelope, press the ON LINE
button to set the printer off line. Then press the LOAD/EJECT
button.

CAUTION: When printing on envelopes, be sure that
your application program settings keep the printing
entirely within the printable area as shown below.

Paper Handling 2-29

Printing on Special Paper

Note: If the printed results are faint, you can use the paper
thickness lever to adjust the distance between the print head
and the platen.

See the section on the paper thickness lever

on page 2-23.

2-30 Paper Handling

Chapter 3

Using the Printer

Operating the Control Panel

The display
The lights
Thebuttons
Other control panel features

SelecType Settings

SelecType
Using SelecType
Changing the SelecType settings

Initializing the settings
Page Length
Skip Over Perforation
Adjusting the Loading Position

The loading position
Adjusting the loading position

Short Tear-Off

What happens in short tear-off mode
Adjusting the tear-off position

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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..........

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

. . . . . . . . . . 3-18

.

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

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

.3-2

3-2
3-3
3-4
3-9

.3-10

3-10

.3-10

3-14
3-16

3-19
3-21

3-21

3-22
3-23

3-23
3-26

Selecting Typestyles

Character fonts

Character spacing
Selecting an International Character Set
Choosing a Character Table

Data Dump Mode

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

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

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

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

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

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

Using the Printer 3-1

3-28
3-28
3-33

3-35
3-36
3-38

Operating the Control Panel

The SQ-850 or SQ-2550 control panel is made up of three
elements: the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), indicator lights,
and the buttons (six flush mount buttons and four raised
buttons). The indicator lights and display let you monitor the
current status of the printer, and the buttons let you control all
of the main printer settings and paper handling functions.

The display

The display shows the current status of the printer. If any of
the following states occur, the display shows the corresponding
message.

SelecType messages and operation are described later in this
chapter.

PAPER OUT

I NK END

The printer is out of paper.
The ink supply is low or the ink

cartridge is removed.

COVER OPEN

The printer cover is open.

3-2 Using the Printer

The lights

Operating the Control Panel

POWER (green):

READY (green):

PAPER OUT (red):

INK END (red):
ON LINE (green):

TEAR OFF (orange):

On when the printer is turned on
and power is supplied.

On when the printer is ready to
accept input data. This light
flickers while data is received.

On when the paper-out sensor
detects that the printer is out of
paper.

On when the ink cartridge is low.
On when the printer can receive

and print data from the computer.
On when short tear-off mode is

selected.

Using the Printer 3-3

Operating the Control Panel

The buttons

ON LINE:

FORM FEED:

LINE FEED:

LOAD/EJECT:

3-4 Using the Printer

This button controls the printer’s on
line/off line status. When the
printer is on line, the
on and the printer can receive and
print data from the computer.

When the printer is off line, press
this button to eject a single sheet of
paper or to advance continuous
paper to the top of the next page.

When the printer is off line, press
this button to feed the paper one
line, or hold it down to feed the
paper continuously.

When the printer is off line, press
this button to load or eject the paper.

ON LINE

light is

Operating the Control Panel

FONT:

Press this button to select a
character font. The selected font is

shown on the display. Pressing this

button displays fonts in the

following order:

Draft, Roman, S Serif (Sans

Serif), Courier, Prestige,

Script, OCR-B, OCR-H, Orator

Orator-S

See the section on fonts in this
chapter for more information.

When the printer is in SelecType
mode, this button is used to change

the SelecType settings as a MENU

button.

Using the Printer 3-5

Operating the Control Panel

PITCH:

PAPER SELECT:

Press this button to select the
character spacing. You can choose
10, 12, 15, 17 or 20 cpi (characters
per inch) or I’S (Proportional). The
selected character spacing is shown
on the display. See the section on
character spacing in this chapter for
more information.

When the printer is in SelecType
mode, this button is used to change

the SelecType settings as a MENU

button.
When the printer is off line, press

this button to select the paper
handling system. The selected
system is shown on the display.
The paper handling system is
selected in the following order:

Select CSF bin 1 or CSF bin 2 only if
using the optional cut sheet feeder.

When the printer is in SelecType
mode, this button is used to change
the SelecType settings as a

SELECTION button.

3-6 Using the Printer

Operating the Control Panel

TEAR OFF:

Press this button to feed the
perforation of continuous paper to
the tear-off edge of the printer.

After tearing off the paper, press

this button again to feed the paper

backward to the loading position.

See the short tear-off section in this
chapter for more information.
When the printer is in SelecType
mode, this button is used to change
the SelecType settings as a

SELECTION button.

MICRO FEED:

The A button is used to feed the

paper slightly forward and the

button is used to feed the paper

slightly backward. This feature is

used to adjust the top of form

position, short tear-off position, or
loading position.

Using the Printer 3-7

Operating the Control Panel

SelecType:

CLEANING:

RESET:

Press both the ON LINE and FORM

FEED buttons at the same time to

enter the SelecType mode. In the
SelecType mode, the FONT, PITCH,

PAPER SELECT, and TEAR OFF buttons

can be used as SelecType panel

buttons. The display lets you

monitor the SelecType settings. See
the section on SelecType in this
chapter for details.

When the printer is off line, press
both the ON LINE and LINE FEED
buttons at the same time to perform

print head cleaning. These buttons
also used to initiate a one time ink
charging routine during printer
setup.

Press both the ON LINE and

LOAD/EJECT buttons at the same time

to initialize the printer. This
cancels printer settings to defaults.
See the section on initializing the
settings in this chapter for more
information.

3-8 Using the Printer

Other control panel features

Self test:

By holding down the
button (for draft) or

button (for Letter Quality) while

you turn on the printer, you can
start the printer’s self test. The self
test printout lets you check the
current settings and operating
status of the printer. See the section
on testing the printer in Chapter 1
for more information.

Operating the Control Panel

LINE FEED

FORM FEED

Data dump:

By holding down both the
and

FORM FEED

turn on the printer, you turn on the
data dump mode. This feature
allows advanced users to find the
cause of communication problems
between the computer and printer.
See the section on the data dump
mode in this chapter for details.

buttons while you

LINE FEED

Using the Printer 3-9

SelecType Settings

SelecType

SelecType on the SQ-850 or SQ-2550 brings a new dimension to
printing. With SelecType you can control almost every aspect
of printer operation.

SelecType lets you:

l Set up to 16 printer settings
l Choose among the printer’s ten built-in fonts
l Monitor the printer’s settings with the LCD display
l Change the printer’s default settings without DIP switches

Using SelecType

To enter SelecType mode, press both the
buttons at the same time.

ON LINE

and

FORM FEED

ON LINE

FORM FEED

Note: You can exit the SelecType by pressing these two
buttons once more.

When the printer is in SelecType mode, you can use four
buttons

(FONT, PITCH, PAPER SELECT,

and

TEAR OFF

buttons) to

change the printer settings: the MENU items are selected by the

FONT

the

or

PITCH

PAPER SELECT

button and the

or

SELECTION

TEAR OFF

button.

options are selected by

3-10 Using the Printer

The possible settings are listed below.

SelecType Settings

FONT

PITCH

LINE SPACING
PAGE Tracror*

PAGE CSF BN1*

PAGE CSF BN2*

1’ SKIP

AUTO TEAR OFF
LEFT MARGIN

Draft, Roman, Sans Serif,

Courier, Prestige, Script,

OCR-B, OCR-H, Orator, Orator-S

10CPI, 12CPI,

15CPI*, I7CPI,

20CPI, Propo.(Proportional)*

* Some fonts cannot be printed in
15 CPI and/or proportional
spacing. In such case, the
pertinent pitch is not displayed.

1/6inch, 1/8 inch
24 to 132 LINE

24 to 132 LINE

24 to 132 LINE

* The line spacing is in 1/6th of
an inch units.

On, Off
On, Off

0 to 45 columns (SQ-850)
0 to 80 columns (SQ-2550)

RIGHT MARGIN

1 to 80 columns (SQ-850)
1 to 136 columns (SQ-2550)

* The column spacing is based on
a pitch of 10 cpi.

CG TABLE Italic, Graphic, Download

Using the Printer 3-11

SelecType Settings

COUNTRY

PRINT DIR

INTERFACE

BAUD RATE*

PARITY*

AUTO LINE FEED

DC1/DC3

USA, France, Germany, UK

Denmark 1, Sweden, Italy,
Spain 1, Japan, Norway, Denmark

2, Spain 2, Latin America,

Korea, Legal

Bi-D, Uni-D

Parallel, Serial
300BPS, 600BPS, 1200BPS,

2400BPS, 4800BPS, 9600BPS,

19200BPS

* This option is displayed only
when the INTERFACE option is
set to Serial.

None, Even, Odd, Ignore

* This option is displayed only
when the INTERFACE option is
set to Serial.

On, Off

Enable, Disable

The SQ comes with preset default values, which can be printed

out using the self test.

3-12 Using the Printer

SelecType Settings

l

INTERFACE: If your computer has a serial interface, you
need to change the interface setting to Serial. If you are
using an optional interface board, be sure that the interface

setting is Parallel, regardless of the actual type of

interface you installed. See the section on interface boards

in Chapter 5 for more information.

l

BAUD RATE, PARITY: Set these only if you are using the
serial interface. These options do not display in SelecType
unless the interface is set to Serial. Check your computer
manual for the correct baud rate and parity settings. Your
computer and printer must have the same baud rate and
parity in order to communicate properly.

l AUTO LINE FEED: This setting should remain at its default

value (Off) in most cases. Most applications send automatic
line feeds at the end of every line. If all of the lines are
printing on top of each other, then set AUTO LINE FEED to

On.

l

DC1/DC3: This setting should also be left at its default value

(Disable) in most cases. See the explanation of these codes

in Chapter 9 for more information.

Using the Printer 3-13

SelecType Settings

Changing the SelecType settings

The following example describes the procedure for changing the
CG TABLE option, but the other options can also be changed in

the same manner.

1. Press the ON LINE and FORM FEED buttons at the same time to
enter SelecType so that the display shows FONT xxx (xxx is
the current selected font).

3-14 Using the Printer

SelecType Settings

2.

Press the FONT button (or PITCH button) until the dispaly on
the LCD changes to CG TABLE Italic.

3.

Press the PAPER SELECT or TEAR OFF button several times

until the right half of display changes to Graphic.

Using the Printer 3-15

SelecType Settings

Note:

l The settings changed by SelecType do not come into effect

until the printer is initialized.

Initialize (reset) the printer

after changing any of the settings with SelecType.

l The following options are described in more detail later in

this chapter: PAGE LENGTH, 1” SKIP, AUTO TEAR OFF,
FONT, PITCH, COUNTRY, and CG TABLE.

Initializing the settings

To make your new SelecType settings effective, the printer
needs to be initialized before printing. Your printer has a
special control panel feature that allows you to initialize the
printer’s settings without having to turn off the printer. It also
allows you to conserve your ink supply, because it does not
activate the print head cleaning cycle.

After changing the SelecType settings, press both the ON LINE
and LOAD/EJECT buttons at the same time.

3-16 Using the Printer

SelecType Settings

You can also initialize the printer by using the software
command (ESC @) or by turning off the printer. See the section
on initialization in Chapter 7 for more information.

Using the Printer 3-17

Page Length

The SelecType function also enables you to set the page length
of paper used with the tractor feeding system or the cut sheet
feeder. The page length can be set in 1/6th of an inch units
within a range of 24 lines to 132 lines. Be sure that the page
length is correctly set for the type of paper you are using. If
you are using the cut sheet feeder, the page length is

automatically set and memorized when you run the printer’s

built-in self test. However, you can use this SelecType feature

to override this setting.

To set the page length using SelecType, follow the steps in the
Using SelecType section earlier in this chapter.

3-18 Using the Printer

Skip Over Perforation

By adjusting the SelecType 1” SKIP option, you can set skip
over perforation to ON or OFF. If this feature is ON when you
use continuous paper, a one-inch margin is provided between
the last printed line on one page and the initial printable line on
the next page so that the printer skips over the perforation.
This feature is very convenient if your application program
does not provide top and bottom margins.

If you adjust your loading position to the proper point, you can
get half of the margin at the bottom of one page and half at the
top of the next page as shown in the following illustration.

1" SKIP Off (Skip over perforation OFF)

Using the Printer 3-19

Skip Over Perforation

1” SKIP On (Skip over perforation ON)

To set skip over perforation to provide a one-inch margin using
SelecType, turn on the 1” SKIP option by following the steps in
the Using SelecType section earlier in this chapter.

Note: Most application programs take care of top and bottom
margins. Therefore, do not turn on skip over perforation
unless your program does not provide these margins.

3-20 Using the Printer

Adjusting the Loading Position

The Loading Position

The loading position is the position of the paper when it has
been automatically loaded by the printer.

The loading position is important because it determines where

the printing begins on each page. If the printing is too high or
too low on the page, change the loading position using the
micro-adjustment feature described below.

Separate loading positions can be set for single sheets,

continuous paper, and sheets loaded by the cut sheet feeder.

WARNING: Never use the platen knob for paper
feeding except in case of a paper jam or other paper
feeding problem. Use of the platen knob while the
printer is on may affect the loading and short tear-off
positions. If you need to adjust the loading position,
always use the micro-adjustment feature.

Until this loading position is reset, the printer remembers this
loading position and uses it as a reference point for feeding the
paper.

The micro-adjustment feature moves the paper 1/180th of an
inch at a time to make fine adjustments of the loading position.
Once you have used micro-adjustment to change the loading
position of continuous paper, the printer remembers that
position even after you turn off or initialize the printer.

However, the printer does not remember the loading position
for friction or cut sheet feeder mode.

Using the Printer 3-21

Adjusting the Loading Position

Adjusting the loading position

To adjust the loading position, follow these steps:

1. Load your paper.
Press the MICRO FEED button (the A button or button).

2.
The display shows TOF ADJUST (TOF stands for top of

form).

3. Press the button A to feed the paper forward or the button
to feed the paper backward.

Note: The printer beeps when the paper reaches a position
that is approximately 8.5 mm from the top edge of the paper.
You can use this position as a reference point when adjust the

printer’s loading position.

3-22 Using the Printer

Short Tear-off

What happens in short tear-off mode

There are two ways of operating the short tear-off feature. One
way is to set the AUTO TEAR OFF option with SelecType.
When you have finished printing and if the perforation is at the
top of form position, the printer automatically feeds the
perforation of the continuous paper to the tear-off edge of the
paper bail so you can tear off the last printed sheet. When you
resume printing, the paper automatically feeds back to the
loading position.
instructions on setting the AUTO TEAR OFF option.

The other way of operating the short tear-off feature is by using

the TEAR OFF button on the control panel to feed the perforation

of your continuous paper to the tear-off edge of the printer.
After tearing off the paper, press the TEAR OFF button again to
feed the paper backward to the loading position.

WARNING: Do not use the tear-off feature when you

print labels. Make sure that the SelecType AUTO
TEAR OFF setting is off. Otherwise, labels may come
off the backing and jam the printer.

See the SelecType section in this chapter for

Using the Printer 3-23

Short Tear-Off

The short tear-off feature operated by the TEAR OFF button is
described below.

When you have finished printing, press the TEAR OFF button

1.
once to feed the perforation of your page forward to the
tear-off edge of the paper bail.

Tear off the page using the tear-off edge of the paper bail.

2.

3-24 Using the Printer

Short Tear-Off

Note: If the perforation of the paper does not meet the
tear-off edge, adjust the tear-off position of the paper with
the micro-adjustment feature described on the next page.

3.

Press the TEAR OFF button again to reverse-feed the paper to
its loading position.

Using the Printer 3-25