Page 1
Epson Stylus C68
Printer Parts
Ink button
Paper button
Paper support
Power button
Printer cover
Ink cartridges
Output tray
and extension
USB port
Media
Paper name Size Part number
Epson Premium Bright
White Paper
Epson Ultra Premium
Glossy Photo Paper
Epson Premium Glossy
Photo Paper
Epson Premium
Semigloss Photo Paper
Epson Glossy Photo
Paper
Epson Matte Paper
Heavyweight
Epson Double-Sided
Matte Paper
Epson Phot Quality Ink
Jet Paper
Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) S041586
Borderless 4 × 6 inches S041934
Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) S041935
Borderless 4 × 6 inches S041808
S041727
Borderless 5 × 7 inches S041464
Borderless 8 × 10 inches S041465
Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) S041286
S041667
Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) S041331
Borderless 4 × 6 inches S041809
Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) S041141
S041649
S041272
S041271
Borderless 8 × 10 inches S041467
Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) S041257
Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) S041568
Letter (8.5 x 11 inches) S041062
Legal (8.5 x 14 inches) S041067
A4 (8.3 x 11.7 inches) S041061
Power cord connector
Accessories
Ink Cartridges
Cartridge Part number
Black T060120
Cyan T060220
Magenta T060320
Yellow T060420
User Replacable Parts
Part Part number
Paper support 1262104
Printer cover 1288526
Power cord 2068927
You can purchase genuine Epson ink and paper from an
authorized Epson reseller. To find the nearest reseller, please
call 800-GO-EPSON (800-463-7766). To purchase online,
visit www.epsonstore.com (U.S. sales only). In Canada, please
call (800) 463-7766 for reseller referral.
Printer Specifications
Printing
Printing method On-demand ink jet
Nozzle configuration
Black 90 nozzles
Color 87 nozzles (29 each: cyan, magenta,
yellow)
Print direction Bidirectional with logic seeking
6/05 Epson Stylus C68 - 1
Page 2
Epson Stylus C68
Mechanical
Paper path Sheet feeder, top entry, front out
Sheet feeder
capacity 120 sheets of 24 lb (90 g/m
2
) paper
Dimensions
Storage Width: 17.6 inches (447 mm)
Depth: 9.4 inches (240 mm)
Height: 7.7 inches (189 mm)
Printing Width: 17.6 inches (447 mm)
Depth: 17.1 inches (436 mm)
Height: 12.4 inches (309 mm)
Weight 8.59 lb (3.9 kg) without the ink cartridges
Interfaces
USB Interface
Standard Based on Universal Serial Bus
Specifications Revision 1.1, Universal
Serial Bus Device Class Definition for
Printing Devices Version 1.1
Bit rate 12 Mbps (Full speed device)
Data encoding NRZI
Adaptable
connector USB Series B
Recommended
cable length Under 2 meters
Environmental
Temperature
Operation 50 to 95 °F (10 to 35 °C)
Storage* –4 to 140 °F (–20 to 60 °C)
1 month at 104 °F (40 °C)
Humidity (without condensation)
Operation 20 to 80% RH
*
Storage
*Stored in shipping container
5 to 85% RH
Safety Approvals
Safety standards UL 60950, CSA C22.2 No. 60950
EMC FCC part 15 subpart B class B
EMI CSA C108.8 Class B
Ink Cartridges
Colors Cyan, magenta, yellow, black
Cartridge life 6 months at 77 °F (25 °C) after opening
the package
Temperature
Storage –4 to 104 °F (–20 to 40 °C)
1 month at 104 °F (40 °C)
Freezing* 3.2 °F (–16 °C)
* Ink thaws and is usable after approximately 3 hours at
77 °F (25 °C).
Electrical
Rated voltage 120 V
Input voltage 90 to 132 V
Rated frequency
range 50 to 60 Hz
Input frequency
range 49.5 to 60.5 Hz
Rated current 0.4 A (Max. 0.7 A)
Power consumption
Approx. 11 W (ISO 10561 Letter Pattern)
Approx. 2.0 W in standby mode
Approx. 0.3 W in power-off mode
2 - Epson Stylus C68 6/05
Caution: To ensure good results, use genuine Epson
do not refill them. Other products may cause damage to the printer
not covered by Epson’s warranty. Don’t use an ink cartridge if the
date on the package has expired.
®
cartridges and
Paper
Single sheets
Size A4 (8.3 × 11.7 inches)
A5 (5.8 × 8.3 inches)
A6 (4.1 × 5.8 inches)
Letter (8.5 × 11 inches)
Legal (8.5 × 14 inches)
Half-letter (5.5 × 8.5 inches)
Executive (7.3 × 10.5 inches)
4 × 6inches
5 × 7inches
3.5 × 5inches
8 × 10 inches
User Defined up to 8.5 × 44 inches
Paper type Plain bond paper or special paper
distributed by Epson
Page 3
Epson Stylus C68
Thickness 0.003 to 0.004 inch (0.08 to 0.11 mm)
Weight 17 lb (64 g/m²) to 24 lb (90 g/m²)
(for plain bond paper)
Envelopes
Size No. 10 (4.1 × 9.5 inches)
DL (4.3 × 8.7 inches)
C6 (4.5 × 6.4 inches)
Paper type Plain bond paper
Weight 20 lb (75 g/m²) to 24 lb (90 g/m²)
Note: Poor quality paper may reduce the print quality and cause
paper jams or other problems. If you have print quality problems,
switch to a higher grade paper.
Do not load curled or folded paper.
Use paper only under these conditions:
Temperature: 59 to 77 °F (15 to 25 °C)
Humidity: 40 to 60% RH
Since the quality of any particular brand or type of paper may be
changed by the manufacturer at any time, Epson cannot guarantee
the quality of any non-Epson brand or type of paper. Always test a
sample of paper stock before purchasing large quantities or printing
large jobs.
Always load paper into the sheet feeder with the short edge first.
Load envelopes flap edge left with the printable side up.
Printable Area
A
B-L B-R
Normal
C
Envelope
Borderless*
Control Panel
To diagnose some problems, check the printer’s control panel
lights
Light status Explanation
Green power light
flashes
Red paper light is
on and Green power
light flashes
Red paper light
flashes and green
power light flashes
Red ink light flashes
and Green power light
is on
Red ink light is on and
green power light is
on
Red paper light and
red ink light flash and
green power light is
off
Green power light is
off; red paper and
ink lights flash
(quickly)
The printer is receiving a print job, replacing
an ink cartridge, charging ink, or cleaning
the print head.
Your paper ran out. Load more paper, then
press the paper button to resume
printing.
Paper is jammed in the printer. Press the
paper button to eject the paper. If that
doesn’t work, turn off the printer, open the
cover, and pull the paper out from the front,
including any torn pieces. Then turn on the
printer, reload paper, and press the
paper button.
One of the cartridges is low on ink. Check
the message that appears on your screen
to determine which cartridge is low or
follow the instructions on page 6. Make
sure you have a replacement cartridge.
One of the cartridges is out of ink or not
installed. Make sure you have a
replacement cartridge, then follow the
steps on page 6 to install it.
If you have just installed a new cartridge, it
may be incompatible with the printer or
incorrectly installed. Reinstall it or replace it
with the correct cartridge.
Paper may be blocking movement of the
print head. Turn off the printer, then open
the cover and remove any jammed paper or
other foreign objects. Turn the printer back
on again. If the lights are still on, contact
Epson .
The printer may have an internal error. Turn
off the printer, wait a few seconds, and turn
it on again. If the lights are still flashing,
contact Epson.
A The minimum top margin is 0.12” (3.0 mm).
B-L The minimum left margin is 0.12” (3.0 mm) for single sheets
and 0.20” (5.0 mm) for envelopes.
B-R The minimum right margin is 0.12” (3.0 mm) for single sheets
and 0.20” (5.0 mm) for envelopes.
C The minimum bottom margin is 0.12” (3.0 mm).
D The minimum bottom margin is 0.78” (20 mm) for envelopes
* When printing with the borderless feature, print quality may
decline in the expanded area. Before printing large jobs with the
borderless setting, print a single sheet to check print quality.
6/05 Epson Stylus C68 - 3
Page 4
Epson Stylus C68
Loading Paper
Load paper as follows:
1. Open the output tray and pull out its extension.
2. Squeeze the left edge guide and slide it to the left.
3. Insert the paper, printable side up, against the right edge
guide. Then slide the left edge guide against the paper (but
not too tightly).
Letter-size paper
4x6-inch or
5 x 7-inch paper
Note: You can load up to 120 sheets of plain paper and up to
20 sheets of most types of photo paper. (See the on-screen
User’s Guide for specific paper capacity guidelines.)
Follow these guidelines when loading paper:
❏ Don’t load paper above the arrow on the left edge guide.
Make sure the paper is under the tabs on the left and right
edge guides.
❏ Load the printable side face-up. It’s often brighter or whiter
than the other side.
❏ Always load the short edge first, even when printing in
landscape mode.
❏ Load letterhead or preprinted paper into the printer top
edge first.
❏ If you experience paper feeding problems, try loading fewer
sheets.
❏ If you’re using special paper, check the package for special
loading instructions.
4 - Epson Stylus C68 6/05
Page 5
Epson Stylus C68
Printing on Special Media
Select the correct Type or Media Type setting so your printer
knows what kind of paper you’re using and adjusts the ink
coverage accordingly.
For this paper Select this setting
Plain paper
Epson Premium Bright White Paper
Epson Ultra Premium Glossy Photo
Paper
Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper Premium Glossy Photo Paper
Epson Premium Semigloss Photo
Paper
Epson Glossy Photo Paper Glossy Photo Paper
Epson Matte Paper Heavyweight
Epson Double-Sided Matte Paper
Epson Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper
Envelopes Envelope
The following proper care will minimize color changes and
lengthen display life:
❏ Frame prints under glass or a protective plastic sleeve to
protect them from atmospheric contaminants like
humidity, smoke, and high levels of ozone.
❏ As with all photographs, keep your prints away from direct
sunlight.
❏ For proper storage, keep your prints in a photo album or
plastic photo storage box in acid-free, archival sleeves
commonly available from most camera stores.
Plain Paper/Bright White
Paper
Ultra Premium Glossy Photo
Paper
Premium Semigloss Photo
Paper
Matte Paper - Heavyweight
Running the Head Cleaning Utility
1. Make sure the printer is turned on but not printing, and the
red
ink light is off. (If the ink light is flashing or on,
you need to replace a cartridge.)
2. Windows: Right-click the printer icon on your taskbar
(in the lower right corner of your screen). Select
Cleaning
Note: If you don’t see the icon, go to your printer properties
window, click the Maintenance tab, then select Head Cleaning.
.
Macintosh OS X: Open the Applications folder and
double-click
the printer list, click
Epson Printer Utility. Select C68 Series in
OK, and select Head Cleaning.
You see a screen like the following:
3. Click
Start or Next.
Cleaning takes several seconds. The printer makes noise and
the green power light flashes.
Head
❏ Always keep unused paper in the original package.
Cleaning the Print Head
If your printouts are unexpectedly light, or dots or lines are
missing, you may need to clean the print head. This unclogs
the nozzles so they can deliver ink properly. Print head
cleaning uses ink, so clean it only if quality declines.
This section explains how to clean the print head using the
Head Cleaning utility.
You can also clean the print head by holding down the
button on the printer for three seconds. (This only works
when the red light is off.)
Note: When you don’t turn on your printer for a long time, print
quality can decline, so turn it on and print a few pages at least once a
month to maintain good print quality.
Caution: Never turn off the printer while head cleaning is in
progress. You may damage it.
4. When the green power light stops flashing, make sure
paper is loaded in the printer, then do the following:
Windows: Click
Print.
Macintosh: Click
Print Nozzle Check Pattern. Then click
Confirmation, then click Next.
The nozzle check pattern is printed.
5. If the pattern has no gaps or
white lines, click
Finish.
If the pattern has white lines
or gaps, click
Clean to clean
the print head again.
6/05 Epson Stylus C68 - 5
Page 6
Epson Stylus C68
You can also turn the printer off and wait overnight. This lets
any dried ink soften. Then try cleaning the print head again.
Replacing an Ink Cartridge
❏ When the red ink light flashes, one or more ink
cartridges are low on ink.
❏ When the red ink light stays on, one or more ink
cartridges are empty; you need to replace the cartridge(s).
When you print, you’ll also see a message on your screen
telling you which cartridge is low or empty.
When a cartridge is more than six months old, you may need
to replace it if printouts don’t look their best. If the quality
doesn’t improve after cleaning and aligning the print head,
you can replace the cartridge even if the red ink light is off.
Note: You cannot continue printing with one ink cartridge empty,
even if the other cartridges still contain ink. Before printing, replace
the empty cartridge.
Checking the Ink Supply
To check your ink supply, do the following:
❏ Windows: Double-click the icon on the Windows
taskbar.
Note: If you don’t see the icon, go to your printer properties
window, click the Maintenance tab, then select Status Monitor.
You see a window like this:
❏ Macintosh OS X: Double-click the
icon in the Applications folder. Select
OK. Then click Epson Status Monitor. You see a window
Epson Printer Utility
C68 Series and click
like this:
Ink Cartridge Precautions
Warn in g: Keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children, and don’t
drink the ink.
If ink gets on your hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and
water. If ink gets in your eyes, flush them immediately with water.
Caution: Don’t remove the cartridge label, or ink will leak.
Don’t remove the green IC chip from the cartridge. Installing a
cartridge without an IC chip can damage the printer. Avoid touching
the green IC chip, as this can damage the ink cartridge.
If you remove an ink cartridge temporarily, protect the ink supply port
on the bottom of the cartridge from dirt and dust. Place it in the
original packaging, if you still have it, or in a small box.
Store ink cartridges in the same environment as the printer. Stand the
cartridges upright (the label identifying the color should be on the
top).
6 - Epson Stylus C68 6/05
Note: You cannot continue printing with one ink cartridge empty,
even if the other cartridges still contain ink. Before printing, replace
the empty cartridge.
Removing and Installing Ink Cartridges
Be sure you have a new ink cartridge before you begin. Once
you start replacing a cartridge, you must complete all the steps
in one session.
1. Make sure the printer is turned on. (The green power
light should be on, but not flashing.) Then open the printer
cover.
2. Press and release the ink button.
Page 7
Epson Stylus C68
The ink cartridge holder moves to the left, and the cartridge
that needs to be replaced stops under the ink out mark.
The power light flashes.
Caution: To avoid damaging the printer, never move the print
head by hand.
Note: Don’t hold down the
3 seconds, or the printer will start to clean the print head.
ink button for more than
If no cartridge needs to be replaced, the holder moves to the
ink cartridge replacement position, shown on the next page.
Go to step 5.
3. Press the ink button again.
4. Open the cartridge cover. Squeeze the back tab of the
empty/low cartridge as you lift it out of the printer. Don’t
take the used cartridge apart or try to refill it.
Warning: If ink gets on your hands, wash them thoroughly with
soap and water. If ink gets into your eyes, flush them
immediately with water.
5. Before you remove the new cartridge from its package,
shake it four or five times. Then remove it from the
package.
❏ If more than one cartridge is empty, the next cartridge
moves under the ink out mark.
❏ If all the empty cartridges have been identified, the print
head moves right to the ink cartridge replacement
position, shown below.
Caution: Do not remove
or tear the label on the
cartridge; otherwise ink
will leak.
Do not touch the green
chip on the front of the
cartridge. This can
damage the ink cartridge.
Don’t touch
the green part
6. Lower it into the holder. Push down gently until the
cartridge is firmly seated and clicks into place.
7. If you need to replace other ink cartridges, repeat steps
5through 6 before continuing with step 8.
8. Close the cartridge cover.
6/05 Epson Stylus C68 - 7
Page 8
Epson Stylus C68
9. Close the printer cover and press the ink button. The
printer begins charging the ink delivery system.
The green power light flashes and the printer makes
noise. Charging takes about half a minute. When it’s
finished, the green power light stops flashing and stays
on, and the red light goes out.
Caution: Never turn off the printer while the green power
light is flashing, unless the printer hasn’t moved or made noise
for more than 5 minutes.
Note: If the red light stays on (not flashing), the ink cartridge
may not be installed correctly. Press the ink button again and
reinstall the ink cartridge until it clicks into place.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to print a black
vertical alignment test page. You see a window like this:
5. Look at the four sets of patterns in your printout. For each
set, if you see a pattern with no visible vertical lines, enter its
number in the corresponding box on the screen and click
Next.
If you can’t find an aligned pattern, choose the one that’s
closest to being aligned. Click
Realignment and then Print
to print another alignment sheet and repeat this step.
6. Click
Print to print the color vertical alignment sheet. You
see a window like this:
Aligning the Print Head
If your printouts look blurry or grainy, or you see light or dark
vertical banding, you may need to align the print head.
Note: Banding may also occur if your cartridges are low on ink or you
need to clean the print head.
1. Turn on the printer.
2. Load several sheets of paper.
3. Windows: Right-click the printer icon on your taskbar
(in the lower right corner of your screen). Select
Alignment
Note: If you don’t see the icon, go to your printer properties
window, click the Maintenance tab, then select Print Head
Alignment.
.
Macintosh OS X: Open the Applications folder and
double-click the
C68 Series in the printer list, click OK, and select
Print Head Alignment.
Epson Printer Utility icon. Select
Print Head
7. Look at the four sets of patterns in your printout. For each
set, if you see a pattern with no visible vertical lines, enter its
number in the corresponding box on the screen and click
Next.
If you can’t find an aligned pattern, choose the one that’s
closest to being aligned. Click
Realignment to print
another alignment sheet and repeat this step.
8 - Epson Stylus C68 6/05
Page 9
Epson Stylus C68
8. Click
Print to print a black horizontal alignment sheet.
After it’s printed you see a window like this:
9. Look at the printout and select the pattern with no gap or
line between the rectangles. Enter the number for that
pattern in the box on the screen and click
Next.
If you can’t find an aligned pattern, choose the one that
looks the best. Then click
Realignment to print another
alignment sheet and repeat this step.
10. Click
Print to print a color horizontal alignment sheet.
After it’s printed, you see a window like this:
Cleaning the Printer
To keep your printer working at its best, you should clean it
several times a year.
1. Turn off the printer, unplug the power cord, and
disconnect the cable.
2. Remove all the paper, then use a soft brush to clean the
sheet feeder.
3. If the outer case or inside of the sheet feeder is dirty, clean it
with a soft cloth dampened with mild detergent. Keep the
printer cover closed to prevent water from getting inside.
4. If ink accidentally gets inside the printer, wipe off the rollers
shown below with a damp cloth.
Clean
here
11. In your printout, find the pattern with no gap or line
between the rectangles and enter its number in the box on
the screen.
If you can’t find an aligned pattern, choose the best pattern.
Then click
Realignment to print another alignment sheet
and repeat this step.
12. Click
Finish to close the Print Head Alignment Utility.
Warn in g: Don’t touch the gears or any other parts inside the printer.
Caution: Never use a hard or abrasive brush, or benzine, alcohol, or
paint thinner for cleaning; they can damage the printer components
and case.
Don’t get water on the printer components and don’t spray lubricants
or oils inside the printer.
Transporting the Printer
If you need to ship your printer, you must prepare it for
transportation by packing the printer in its original box or one
of a similar size.
Caution: When storing or transporting the printer, do not tilt it, stand
it up vertically, or turn it upside down. Otherwise, ink may leak from
the cartridges.
Leave the ink cartridges installed. Removing the cartridges can
dehydrate the print head and may prevent the printer from printing.
1. Turn on the printer. Wait until the print head returns to
the home position, then close the printer cover.
2. Turn off the printer and unplug its power cord.
3. Disconnect the USB cable.
6/05 Epson Stylus C68 - 9
Page 10
Epson Stylus C68
4. Remove any paper from the printer, then remove the paper
support.
5. Lower the output tray, and then open the printer cover.
Secure the ink cartridge holder with tape, as shown below,
then close the printer cover.
6. Close the output tray.
7. Repack the printer and its attachments in the original box
using the protective materials that came with them.
Note: Keep the printer level during transport and be sure to remove
the protective materials and tape from the printer before using it
again.
Related Documentation
CPD-19655 Epson Stylus C68 Start Here
CPD-19656 Epson Stylus C68 Quick Guide
CPD-19657 Epson Stylus C68 CD-ROM with electronic
User’s Guide
10 - Epson Stylus C68 6/05
Loading...