Epson Stylus Color II Software User Guide

COLOR INK JET PRINTER

Setup and Software Guide for Windows

®

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

EPSON Connection is a service mark of Epson America, Inc.
Windows printer driver copyright Software 2000 Ltd Oxford, England. Portions copyright

Seiko Epson Corporation.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and

may be trademarks of their respective owners. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in
those marks.

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

FCC Compliance Statement

For United States Users

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

❑ 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.

WARNING

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

For Canadian Users

This 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.

ii

Contents

Introduction

Getting the Most Out of Your Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Three Resolutions to Choose From . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Special Papers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Specially Formulated Ink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Automatic Printer Driver Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

If You Are New to Color Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Where to Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Electronic Support Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Chapter 1 Installing the Printer

System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Choosing a Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

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

Removing the Protective Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Setting Up the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Attaching the Paper Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Plugging In and Turning On the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Installing the Ink Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Checking the Paper Thickness Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Loading Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Testing the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Connecting the Printer to Your PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

iii

Chapter 2 Installing and Using the Printer Driver

Installing the Windows Printer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Installing the Printer Software for Windows 3.1 . . . . . . . 2-2

Installing the Printer Software for Windows 95 . . . . . . . 2-4

Installing a Driver for DOS Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Using the Windows Printer Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Accessing the Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Using the Driver Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Changing Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Document Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Paper Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Printing Mode/Options Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Image Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19

Halftoning Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21

Chapter 3 Using the Printer Driver Utilities

Managing Print Jobs with Spool Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Calibrating the Printer with Bi-D Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Index

iv

Introduction

The EPSON® Stylus® COLOR II is an affordable, high-quality
ink jet printer that can print up to 16 million colors at a

resolution of 720 × 720 dpi to produce full-color, photo-quality

images. The printer also produces realistic grayscale images,
sharp text, and line art. The printer’s ink jet technology allows
it to operate quietly, keeping your workspace peaceful.

The Stylus COLOR II is easy to install and use. You simply set
it up and install the Microsoft
software as described in this book. The printer has built-in
parallel and serial interfaces, so you can connect it to an IBM
PC compatible computer or an Apple® Macintosh.® You can
even connect both simultaneously; the printer automatically
switches between interfaces as it receives print data.

®

Windows® printer driver

®

Note:

For instructions on using the printer with a Macintosh, see the

Setup and Software Guide for Macintosh.

This manual explains how to do the following:

❑ Set up your printer, load plain paper, connect it to your

computer, and test it. See Chapter 1 to begin.

❑ Install and use the printer driver to print your documents.

See Chapter 2 for step-by-step instructions.

❑ Manage your print jobs and calibrate the printer using the

utilities that came with the printer driver; see Chapter 3.

After you’ve installed the driver, select the ReadMe icon in the
EPSON program group in Windows for the latest information.

Refer to the Reference Guide for instructions on operating and
maintaining your printer, as well as for troubleshooting steps
and technical specifications you may need.

Introduction

1

Getting the Most Out of Your Printer

The printer supports a wide variety of settings that let you
improve print quality or speed up printing. You can customize
these settings using the printer driver to produce a variety of
image types with EPSON’s specially formulated inks and
papers.

Three Resolutions to Choose From

Resolution is a measure of the amount of detail that can be
represented. The higher the resolution, the more detailed and
realistic the image, and the longer it takes to print. For printed
images, resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi).

The printer has three resolutions, or printing modes: 720 dpi,
360 dpi, and 180 dpi. Use 720 dpi for the best possible images.
For high-quality images in less time, use 360 dpi. When speed
is important and draft quality is good enough, use 180 dpi. For
guidelines on selecting the best resolution for your print job,
see Chapter 2.

Special Papers

The type of paper you use is very important. Although you get
good results with plain bond paper, you will get better results
by using coated papers because they do not absorb as much ink.

To ensure the best possible quality, EPSON offers special
coated papers, glossy papers, and transparencies that are
formulated specifically for the inks used by the printer. You
can order these products directly from EPSON Accessories

2

at [phone] (U.S. sales only). In Canada call
(800) BUY-EPSON for sales locations. For more information

about special papers and other media, see Chapter 1 of the

Reference Guide.

Introduction

Specially Formulated Ink

EPSON’s black and color ink cartridges are specially
formulated to work with EPSON papers and the driver to
deliver the best looking images. Always use genuine EPSON
ink cartridges and do not refill them. Other products may cause
damage not covered by EPSON’s warranty.

Automatic Printer Driver Settings

The printer driver includes an automatic Document Type
option that sets the Ink, Color Matching, and Halftone printer
driver settings for you, as described in Chapter 2. When set, the
driver analyzes the elements on a page to be printed and
automatically adjusts the settings so your printed results are

appropriate for the image type.

If You Are New to Color Printing

Color printing with the EPSON Stylus COLOR II produces
amazing images, whether you print text, line drawings,
photographs, or documents containing many different image
types. However you use your color printer, keep the following
in mind:

❑ You need to leave a large amount of hard disk drive space

free to make room for your color images. A full-page color
photographic image, for example, may require 40MB or
more of disk space, depending on the resolution. To reduce
the file size, you can decrease the size and resolution of
your images using your printer driver and application
software.

Introduction

3

❑ Color printing takes time because of the complex

processing required to create a color image. How much
time depends on the size and type of your image, the
resolution you use, the speed of your computer, and the
interface type. (Serial printing takes longer than parallel
printing.) However, the fantastic results make the time
spent well worth it.

❑ Your screen colors will not exactly match the printed colors

because your monitor screen and the printer use different
methods to produce the colors you see. If you scan images
using a scanner, the image goes through another
interpretive process that also affects the color.

Monitors and scanners produce colors by combining red,
green, and blue—the RGB method. Your monitor can
produce up to 16 million colors by turning on and off the
tiny red, green, and blue phosphors contained in each pixel
on the screen. Colors produced this way differ from colors
produced by your printer’s cyan, magenta, yellow, and
black ink—the CMYK method.

Your printer driver’s Document Type settings help you
closely match colors as appropriate for your image type,
resolution, and paper.

If you need extreme precision in matching colors, you can
use a color calibration system available with many software
applications. If you use a scanner, make sure your scanning
software is set to the correct setting for ink jet printers to
help you match colors. Also, your application may include
image editing capabilities that let you adjust the colors.

4

Introduction

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 [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
❑ 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.

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.

Introduction

5

Electronic Support Services

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

World Wide Web

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

SM

Corporate

EPSON subsidiaries.

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 of 28.8 Kbps or less. See the
documentation that came with your communications software
for more information.

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 menu prompt to reach the Forum.

6

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

Introduction

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.

Important Safety Instructions

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

Introduction

7

❑ 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 the 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.

8

Introduction

Chapter 1

Installing the Printer

This chapter tells you how to do the following to get your
printer up and running:

❑ Make sure your computer system meets the recommended

requirements for use with the printer

❑ Choose the best possible location for your system
❑ Unpack your printer
❑ Set up the printer for use
❑ Connect the printer to your computer.

System Requirements

To use your printer and its driver, we recommend you have:

❑ 80386/25 MHz or faster processor
❑ Microsoft Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups 3.1, or

Windows 95

❑ At least 8MB of available RAM (more for Windows 95)
❑ A minimum of 10MB of hard disk space for storing images

(40MB or more is recommended)

❑ A shielded, twisted-pair parallel cable (6 to 10 feet long) to

connect your computer to the printer’s parallel interface;
the cable must have a D-SUB, 25-pin male connector for the
computer and a 36-pin, Centronics
for the printer.

®

compatible connector

❑ VGA or higher standard monitor.

Installing the Printer

1-1

Choosing a Location

When choosing a location for the printer, use a surface that is
flat, horizontal, and stable.

Avoid locations subject to rapid changes in temperature and
humidity. Also keep the printer away from direct sunlight,
heat sources, and sources of electromagnetic interference, such
as the base units of cordless telephones.

Always leave adequate space around the printer to
accommodate its cables.

Unpacking the Printer

In addition to this guide, your printer box should include two
EPSON printer driver diskettes, a

Reference Guide

sample paper, a Notice Sheet, and these items:

paper
support

printer

, packets of

1-2

black ink
cartridge

Installing the Printer

color ink
cartridge

Removing the Protective Materials

You must remove all protective materials packed around and
inside your printer before you set it up and turn on the power.
Save all packaging and protective materials in case you need to
transport the printer in the future. It should always be
transported in its original packaging or equivalent materials.

First remove the transportation screw securing the print head
to the carriage. Flip down the output tray and lift up the
printer cover. Loosen the transportation screw by turning its
handle counterclockwise; then lift it off the carriage. Save the
screw so you can reinstall it if you transport your printer later.
(See Chapter 3 of the
transporting the printer.)

Follow the directions on the Notice Sheet (packed with the
printer) to remove the rest of the protective materials.

Reference Guide

Setting Up the Printer

The following installation procedures describe how to set up
and test the printer before you connect it to your PC. Refer to
the illustrations on the inside front cover of this manual to
identify the main components while setting up the printer.

for more information on

Installing the Printer

1-3

Attaching the Paper Support

Insert the tabs on the base of the paper support into the slots at
the back of the printer.

Plugging In and Turning On the Printer

Follow these steps to plug in and turn on the printer:

1. Make sure you have removed all protective packing
materials from inside the printer. (See page 1-3 for more
information.)

1-4

Installing the Printer

2. Make sure the printer is turned off by checking the position
of the

3. Plug the power cord into a properly grounded electrical

POWER

switch, as shown below.

outlet.

4. Turn on the printer by pressing the

Installing the Ink Cartridges

Follow the steps in this section to install your printer’s ink
cartridges.

Warning:

w

The ink cartridges are self-contained units. Under ordinary
use, ink will not leak from a cartridge. If ink gets on your
hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and water. If ink gets
into your eyes, flush them immediately with water.

Caution:

POWER

switch.

c

Do not open the ink cartridge packages until just before you
install them or they may become too dry.

Installing the Printer

1-5

1. Make sure the printer is turned on.

2. Lower the output tray at the front of the printer. Then lift up
the printer cover using the notches at both sides.

2

1

Warning:

w

3. Hold down the
print head moves slightly to the left, the ink cartridge
install position. The

c

Never insert your hand into the paper path behind the
center of the cover; you may injure your hand.

button for about five seconds until the

Alt

Pause

Caution:

Never move the print head by hand; always use the
button to move it.

light begins flashing.

Alt

1-6

Installing the Printer