Epson STILUS Pro User Manual

COLOR INK JET PRINTER

Reference 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, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation.
No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein.
Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information
contained herein.

Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this
product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by purchaser or
third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized
modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product, 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 against any damages or problems arising from
the use of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as
Original EPSON Products or EPSON Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.

EPSON, EPSON Stylus, and EPSON ESC/P are registered trademarks and EPSON
ESC/P 2 is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

EPSON Connection is a service mark of Epson America, Inc.

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.

The Energy Star emblem does not represent EPA endorsement of any product or service.

Copyright © 1995 by Epson America, Inc. 10/95

Printed on recycled paper with at least 10% post-consumer content

Printer Parts

output tray

interface
card cover

serial
interface

printer cover

knob

control panel

paper tray

parallel interface

ink cartridge
clamps

paper
thickness lever

Control Panel

Operate button

FCC Compliance Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures.

❑ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
❑ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
❑ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the

receiver is connected.

❑ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans le règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

For United States Users

WARNING

For Canadian Users

ii

Contents

Introduction

Energy Star Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Energy-saving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

How to Use This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Where to Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Electronic Support Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Chapter 1 Paper Handling

Choosing Paper and Other Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Loading Plain Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Loading Oversized Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Using Special Papers and Other Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Loading Special Papers and Transparencies . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Loading Envelopes and Heavy Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Chapter 2 Controlling the Printer

Using the Printer’s Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Using the Default Setting Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

iii

Chapter 3 Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Cleaning the Print Heads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Replacing an Ink Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Cleaning the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Transporting the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Error Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Print Quality Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Problems with Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16

Paper Handling Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20

Appendix A Using Optional Interfaces

AppleTalk and EtherTalk Networks for Macintosh . . . . . . . A-2

Connecting the Printer to the Network . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3

Turning On the Printer’s Network Interface Mode . . . . . A-4

Interface Boards for the PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5

Using the C823051 or C823061 Serial Interface Board . . . . A-5

Installing an Optional Interface Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6

Appendix B Technical Specifications

Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

Ink Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6

Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-7

Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-7

Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8

Safety Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8

Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8

Interface Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9

Parallel Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9

Serial Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-12

Optional Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-12

Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-12

Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13

iv

Appendix C Commands and Character Tables

Command List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Character Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3

International Character Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10

Characters Available with ESC (^ Command . . . . . . . . C-11

Glossary

Index

v

Introduction

This manual contains general operating and maintenance
instructions for your EPSON
well as troubleshooting guidelines and technical specifications.
For instructions on setting up your printer and using the
Microsoft
see the appropriate Setup and Software Guide.

Note:

Be sure to check the ReadMe icon in the Windows EPSON group or
on your Macintosh hard disk for the latest information about your
printer and software.

Your printer supports a wide variety of settings that give you
the flexibility to improve print quality or speed up printing.
Using the printer driver software (described in the Setup and
Software Guide), you can control settings such as document
type, printing mode, and halftoning to produce just the right
effects in your printed documents.

To make your job easy, both the Windows and Macintosh
printer drivers include an option that analyzes the elements on
a page to be printed and automatically adjusts the driver
settings so your printed results are appropriate for the image
type. See the Setup and Software Guide for complete instructions
on using the driver.

®

Windows® or Apple® Macintosh® printer driver,

®

Stylus® Pro or Pro XL printer, as

Energy Star Compliance

As an Energy Star Partner, EPSON has determined

that the Stylus Pro and Pro XL printers meet the
Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency. (All of EPSON’s
ink jet printers conform to Energy Star standards.)

Introduction 1

The EPA estimates that if all desktop computers, printers, and
other peripheral devices met Energy Star standards, energy
cost savings would exceed $1 billion annually and carbon
dioxide emissions would be reduced by 20 million tons.

Energy-saving Tips

Here are a few tips you can use to be even more energy-wise:

❑ If your monitor isn’t Energy Star compliant, turn it off

when you’re not using it.

❑ Turn off your computer, printer, and monitor each day

when you are done using them.

❑ Use the print preview option in your software so you can

catch errors before you print.

❑ If you have an electronic mail system available to you, send

E-mail rather than memos. Not only is this faster, but you’ll
save paper and storage space too.

How to Use This Manual

After you have set up the printer as described in the Setup and
Software Guide, refer to this manual for the following

information:

Chapter 1, “Paper Handling,” explains how to select the right
paper for your print job and load paper and other media in
your printer.

Chapter 2, “Controlling the Printer,” provides instructions for
managing the printer’s operation through its control panel. It
also describes how to access the printer’s Default setting mode.

2 Introduction

Chapter 3, “Maintenance and Troubleshooting,” contains
instructions for cleaning the print heads, replacing the ink
cartridges, and cleaning and transporting the printer. You’ll
also find troubleshooting guidelines.

Appendix A, “Optional Interfaces,” describes optional
interfaces you can install in your printer to enhance its
capabilities and explains how to install a card.

Appendix B, “Technical Specifications,” gives the
specifications for the Stylus Pro and Pro XL printers.

Appendix C, “Commands and Character Tables,” lists the
EPSON ESC/P 2



commands supported by the printer and

shows the printer’s built-in character tables.

A Glossary and an Index are provided at the end of the
manual.

Where to Get Help

If you purchased your printer in the United States or Canada
and you need technical assistance, you can call an EPSON
Color Specialist at one of the following numbers:

❑ For the EPSON Stylus Pro: [phone]
❑ For the EPSON Stylus Pro XL: [phone].

EPSON also provides customer support and service through a
network of Authorized EPSON Customer Care Centers and
provides the following services when you dial [phone]:

❑ EPSON technical information library fax service
❑ Product literature on current and new products

Introduction 3

❑ Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized EPSON

Reseller or Customer Care Center

❑ Technical information on the installation, configuration,

and operation of EPSON products

❑ Customer relations.

You can purchase ink cartridges, paper, parts, printed manuals,
and accessories for EPSON products from EPSON Accessories
at [phone] (U.S. sales only). In Canada, call
(800) BUY-EPSON for sales locations.

If you purchased your printer outside the United States or
Canada, contact your EPSON dealer or the marketing location
nearest you for customer support and service.

If you need help with any software program you are using, see
that program’s documentation for technical support information.

Electronic Support Services

If you have a modem, the fastest way to access helpful tips,
specifications, drivers, application notes, tables for DIP switch
or jumper settings, and bulletins for EPSON products is
through the online services below.

EPSON Bulletin Board Service

You can call the EPSON Bulletin Board Service (BBS) at
[phone]. No membership is required. Make sure your
communications software is set to 8 data bits with 1 stop bit,
no parity bit, and a modem speed up to 28.8 Kbps. See the
documentation that came with your communications software
for more information.

4 Introduction

CompuServe online support

CompuServe® members can call the Epson America Forum
on CompuServe. If you are already a member, simply type

GO EPSON at the prompt to reach the Epson America Forum.

If you are not currently a member of CompuServe, you are
eligible for a free introductory membership as an owner of an
EPSON product. This membership entitles you to:

❑ An introductory credit on CompuServe
❑ Your own user ID and password
❑ A complimentary subscription to CompuServe Magazine,

CompuServe’s monthly publication.

To take advantage of this offer, call [phone] in the United
States and Canada and ask for representative #529. In other
countries, call the following U.S. telephone number:
[phone], or your local CompuServe access number.

World Wide Web site

If you are connected to the Internet and have a Web browser,
you can access EPSON’s World Wide Web site at
http://www.epson.com. EPSON’s home page links users to
What’s New, EPSON Products, EPSON Connection,
Info and EPSON Contacts. Link to the EPSON Connection for
the latest drivers and FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and
the EPSON Chat area. To get in touch with EPSON around the
world, EPSON Contacts includes Contact Information for local
EPSON subsidiaries.

SM

Corporate

Introduction 5

Important Safety Instructions

Before using your printer, read the following safety
instructions to make sure you use the printer safely and
effectively.

❑ Turn off and unplug the printer before cleaning. Clean with

a damp cloth only. Do not spill liquid on the printer.

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

radiator or heat register.

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

or insert objects through the slots.

❑ Use only the type of power source indicated on the

printer’s label.

❑ Connect all equipment to properly grounded power

outlets. Avoid using outlets on the same circuit as
photocopiers or air control systems that regularly switch
on and off.

❑ Do not let the power cord become damaged or frayed.
❑ If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the

total ampere rating of the devices plugged into the
extension cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating.
Also, make sure the total of all devices plugged into the
wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.

❑ Except as specifically explained in this Reference Guide, do

not attempt to service the printer yourself.

❑ Unplug the printer and refer servicing to qualified service

personnel under the following conditions:

If the power cord or plug is damaged; if liquid has entered
the printer; if the printer has been dropped or the cabinet
damaged; if the printer does not operate normally or
exhibits a distinct change in performance. Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the operating instructions.

6 Introduction

Chapter 1

Paper Handling

Choosing Paper and Other Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Loading Plain Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Loading Oversized Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Using Special Papers and Other Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Loading Special Papers and Transparencies . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Loading Envelopes and Heavy Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

1

Paper Handling 1-1

This chapter describes how to choose the right paper for your
print job and how to load all kinds of paper and other media in
your printer. You can use plain paper, special coated paper,
high-quality glossy paper, transparencies, and envelopes.

Choosing Paper and Other Media

You can use most plain paper with your printer and achieve
good results. Coated papers give you better results because
they reduce the amount of ink that is absorbed. However, if the
coated paper does not absorb enough ink, the ink can smear.

To ensure the best results, EPSON provides special papers and
transparencies that are formulated for the inks used in EPSON
ink jet printers. These papers include the following:

❑ EPSON Special coated paper for 360 dpi. Use this paper

for best results when printing at 360 dpi. Five sample sheets
are included with your printer.

❑ EPSON Special coated paper for 720 dpi. Use this paper

for best results when printing at 720 dpi. Five sample sheets
are included with your printer.

❑ EPSON High-quality glossy paper. Use this paper with

720 dpi to produce camera-ready composites. When
printing on glossy paper, use only EPSON high-quality
glossy paper.

❑ EPSON Transparency film. When printing transparencies,

use only EPSON transparencies. For best results, use
transparencies within six months of opening the package.
Do not use the printer driver’s 720 dpi printing mode when
printing transparencies.

1-2 Paper Handling

To order EPSON papers and transparencies, contact your
dealer or call EPSON Accessories at [phone] (U.S. only).
In Canada, call (800) BUY-EPSON for sales locations. Use the
following part numbers when ordering:

Paper Size Part Number

Special coated
paper for 720 dpi

Special coated
paper for 360 dpi

High-quality glossy
paper

Transparency film Letter (8.5 x 11 inches) S041064

Letter (8.5 x 11 inches)
A3 (297 x 420 mm)
Legal (8.5 x 14 inches)
Super A3/B (13 x 19 inches)
B (11 x 17 inches)

Letter (8.5 x 11 inches)
A3 (297 x 420 mm)
Super A3/B (13 x 19 inches)

Letter (8.5 x 11 inches)
A3 (297 x 420 mm)
Super A3/B (13 x 19 inches)
B (11 x 17 inches)

S041062
S041068
S041067
S041069
S041070

S041060
S041065
S041066

S041072
S041073
S041074
S041075

When selecting transparency film or high-quality glossy paper,
use only EPSON transparencies or glossy paper. Any other
brands are not supported.

Paper Handling 1-3

Loading Plain Paper

The following procedure describes how to load plain bond
paper. You can load up to 100 sheets of plain paper. For
information on loading oversized paper or special types of
media, see the next sections. (For complete specifications on
paper types, see Appendix B.)

Always load paper with the printable surface down. The
printable surface is marked with an arrow on most plain paper
packaging.

1. Remove the output tray from the top of the paper tray.

rear edge guide

left edge
guide

2. Slide the left edge guide inside the paper tray to the left as
far as it will go.

3. Flip up the rear edge guide and slide it toward you as far as
it will go.

4. Fan a stack of paper; then tap it on a flat surface to even the
edges.

1-4 Paper Handling

5. Load the stack of paper, printable side down, so that its
right edge rests against the right side of the paper tray.
Slide the stack into the tray until you feel some resistance.
Then slide the left edge guide against the left edge of the
paper as shown below.

You can load up to 100 sheets of plain bond paper, but do
not load paper above the arrow mark on the left edge guide.

6. Slide the rear edge guide against the rear edge of the paper.

7. Place the output tray on top of the paper tray.

Paper Handling 1-5

8. Change the Media Type and other printer driver settings
so they are appropriate for the paper you loaded. (See your
Setup and Software Guide for instructions.)

Loading Oversized Paper

If you are loading paper that is larger than the paper tray, you
need to pull out the paper tray extension. Follow these steps:

1. Remove the output tray and remove any paper in the paper
tray.

2. The paper tray extension acts as the rear edge guide, so
make sure the built-in rear edge guide is folded down as
shown in the illustration below.

paper tray
extension

3. Gently pull the extension out using both hands—one to
hold the paper tray in position and the other to pull out the
extension.

4. Load the stack of paper in the tray and then slide in the
extension until it meets the edge of the paper stack.

1-6 Paper Handling

5. Replace the output tray and fold out its extension.

Using Special Papers and Other Media

This section explains how to use and load special coated paper,
glossy paper, transparencies, and envelopes in your printer.
When using these special types of media, keep the following in
mind:

❑ Use special coated paper and glossy papers within one year

of purchase. Use transparencies within six months.

❑ Do not touch the printable surface of the paper. The

moisture and oils on your hands can reduce print quality.
Hold sheets by their edges.

❑ Be sure to load paper with the printable surface face down.

The printable side is whiter than the other, and is usually
identified on the package.

❑ When printing on high-quality glossy paper or

transparencies, remove each sheet from the output tray
immediately after it is printed. Make sure each sheet is dry
before stacking.

Paper Handling 1-7

❑ Return unused sheets to their original package as soon as

possible after you finish printing. Unfavorable storage
conditions—especially high temperature, humidity, and
direct sunlight—can damage the media.

❑ Remember to select the appropriate setting in the driver

software before you print. See your Setup and Software Guide
for instructions.

❑ You can print on sheets of labels in your printer; just follow

the instructions for loading plain paper on page 1-4. Make
sure the sheets are not curled and that no labels are peeled
away from the backing when you load them. You may need
to adjust the paper thickness lever; see page 1-11.

❑ If the paper doesn’t feed properly or jams, see

“Troubleshooting” in Chapter 3.

Loading Special Papers and Transparencies

Follow these guidelines when printing on coated paper, glossy
paper, or transparencies:

❑ Use special coated paper for 360 or 720 dpi or

transparencies only under these normal operating
conditions:

Temperature: 59° to 77° F (15° to 25° C)
Humidity: 40% to 60% RH

❑ When printing on glossy paper, remove each sheet from

the output tray as soon as it is printed and do not stack
sheets until they are completely dry.

The paper tray can hold 70 sheets of coated paper, 30 sheets of
high-quality glossy paper, or 50 transparencies.

1-8 Paper Handling

Follow these steps to load special papers and transparencies:

1. Remove the output tray from the top of the paper tray.

2. Slide the left edge guide inside the paper tray to the left as
far as it will go and slide the rear edge guide toward the
front of the printer as far as it will go.

3. Fan a stack of paper; then tap it on a flat surface to even the
edges.

4. Before you load paper, make sure the printable surface is
face down. For coated papers, the printable side is whiter
than the other side. For glossy paper and transparencies,
the printable side is face down when the cut corner is
facing the right outside corner of the paper tray, as shown
in the following illustration.

Paper Handling 1-9

Load the paper or transparencies firmly against the right side
of the paper tray. Slide the stack into the tray until you feel
some resistance. Then slide the left edge guide against the
left edge of the paper stack.

5. Slide the rear edge guide against the rear edge of the paper.

6. Change the Media Type and other printer driver settings to
match the paper or transparencies you loaded as described
in your Setup and Software Guide.

1-10 Paper Handling

Once your driver settings are correct, choose Print in the File
menu of your application program to print on the sheets you
loaded.

Loading Envelopes and Heavy Paper

This section explains how to load envelopes and heavy paper.
For detailed specifications on paper thickness and weight, see
Appendix B. When printing, follow these guidelines:

❑ Do not use envelopes that are curled, folded, or bent.
❑ Do not use envelopes that are too thin; they may curl

during printing.

❑ Do not choose 720 dpi resolution for envelope printing.
❑ If you are using a DOS application, you may be able to

select 720 dpi if your DOS program supports 720 dpi
printing. You can select from Bi-D, Uni-D, or Auto print
directions using the Default setting mode. The Uni-D
setting is recommended when printing at 720 dpi.

❑ When loading heavy paper (paper that is thick or stiff), it is

recommended that you load one sheet at a time.

Adjusting the paper thickness lever

When printing on envelopes, labels, or heavy paper, you need
to adjust the paper thickness lever to compensate for the extra
paper weight.

1. Make sure the printer is turned on. Then press the Pause

button and open the cover.

2. While holding down the Alt button, press the Font button,

and then release both buttons. The carriage moves to the
lever-adjusting position and the Data light flashes. Paper
loaded in the printer is ejected when you adjust this lever.

Paper Handling 1-11

3. Rotate the paper thickness lever clockwise as far as it will go.

4. Press the Alt button. Then press Pause.

5. Close the printer cover.

Loading the paper tray

After adjusting the paper thickness lever, follow these steps to
load the paper tray:

1. Remove the output tray and remove any paper from the
paper tray.

2. If you are printing on envelopes, pull back the paper tray
extension. Then remove the rear edge guide, turn it around,
and reinstall it as shown.

1-12 Paper Handling

3. Insert the paper or envelopes into the paper tray. It is best
to load sheets of heavy paper one at a time. If you’re
loading envelopes, insert them as shown. You can load up
to 10 envelopes.

4. Adjust the rear and left edge guides as shown above so the
media feeds straight into the paper path.

5. Change the Media Type and other printer driver settings so
they are appropriate for the media you loaded, as described
in your Setup and Software Guide.

Once you select the appropriate printer settings, choose Print in
the File menu to print on the media you loaded.

After you are finished printing on heavy paper or envelopes,
rotate the paper thickness lever by turning it counterclockwise
to its original position. Also return the rear edge guide to its
paper position, if necessary.

Paper Handling 1-13

Chapter 2

Controlling the Printer

Using the Printer’s Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Using the Default Setting Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

2

Controlling the Printer 2-1

This chapter explains how to control the printer using the
control panel. It also describes the additional printer functions
you can perform using the Default setting mode.

Using the Printer’s Control Panel

The printer’s front control panel contains lights for displaying
the printer status and buttons for controlling certain settings.

Operate
button

Since most printer settings can be controlled from your
software, you do not often need to use the control panel. This
section describes how to read the lights and the buttons on the
control panel.

2-2 Controlling the Printer

Lights

Operate On when the printer is on. Flashes when the printer

is turned on or off.

Data On when data is being received by the printer or

when data remains in printer memory.

Paper Out On when the printer runs out of paper. Rapid

flashing indicates a paper jam.

No Ink
Cartridge

Font Indicates the font selected through the control panel.

Economy On when economy printing mode is selected. In

Condensed On when condensed mode is selected. The printer

Pause On when printing is paused. This light flashes when

On when one or both ink cartridges are not installed.
The printer will not work unless both cartridges are
installed.

Because you normally choose fonts from your
software, ignore this light.

economy mode the printer uses less ink by printing
fewer dots per character, which may make black text
look gray. Use this mode only for printing rough
drafts of text from DOS applications.

prints selected fonts at 60% of their width so more
characters can fit on a page. (Software can override
this setting.)

you clean the print heads or replace ink cartridges,
or when an error occurs. Never turn off the printer
when the Pause light is flashing.

Controlling the Printer 2-3

Note:

See “Error Lights” in Chapter 3 for more information on
troubleshooting.

Buttons

Operate Turns the printer on and off.

Caution:

Always turn off the printer by pressing the Operate

c

button. Then wait until the Operate light stops flashing
before unplugging the printer.

Never turn off the printer while the Pause light is flashing.

Font Controls the fonts available on the printer. Normally

you should use your software to select fonts. See
Appendix B for samples of the seven built-in fonts.

Load/Eject
(or Black)

Pause
(or Reset)

Economy/Condensed (or Color)

2-4 Controlling the Printer

Loads or ejects a sheet of paper. The printer normally
loads and ejects paper automatically. When pressed
with Alt, cleans the black print head.

Stops printing temporarily. Press it again to resume
printing. When pressed with Alt, clears the printer’s
buffer and resets the printer settings to their factory
defaults.

Selects economy or condensed mode. In economy
mode, the printer uses less ink to produce text and
images. Condensed printing reduces the size of
characters to approximately 60% of their normal
width. It is best to use your software to select
character size, however. When pressed with Alt,
cleans the color print head.

Alt/Cleaning Used in combination with other buttons to reset the

printer, clean the print heads, or adjust the paper
thickness lever. See “Cleaning the Print Heads” in
Chapter 3 and “Loading Envelopes and Heavy
Paper” in Chapter 1 for more information.

Using special button combinations

The functions listed below are available when you hold down a
combination of buttons when turning on the printer.

Self test (Operate + Load/Eject)

Checks the paper length and performs a self test by printing
fonts and colors. Hold down the Load/Eject button and then
press the Operate button for several seconds until the printer
advances a sheet of paper. See “Testing the Printer” in
Chapter 1 of the Setup and Software Guide. To stop the self test,
press Pause and then turn off the printer.

Hex dump (Operate + Font + Load/Eject)

On a PC, prints data in hexadecimal code for troubleshooting
analysis. See the Troubleshooting section in Chapter 3.

Default setting mode (Operate + Economy/Condensed)

Enters the Default setting mode. See “Using the Default Setting
Mode” on page 2-6 for more information.

Note:

To exit the hex dump or Default setting mode, press the Pause
button and then the Operate button to turn off the printer.

Reset printer (Alt + Pause)

Clears the printer’s buffer and resets the printer settings to
their factory defaults. Hold down both buttons for about 5
seconds.

Controlling the Printer 2-5