Epson Stylus R280 Product Information Guide

Printer Parts

Epson Stylus Photo R280
Paper support
Left edge guide
Right edge guide
Sheet feeder
Front cover
CD/DVD tray Adapter
Front tray extensions
Cartridge cover
USB port
Printer cover
Front tray

Accessories

Ink Cartridges

Cartridge Part number
Black 78
Cyan 78
Magenta 78
Yellow 78
Light Cyan 78
Light Magenta 78
High-Capacity Black 77
High-Capacity Cyan 77
High-Capacity Magenta 77
High-Capacity Yellow 77
High-Capacity Light Cyan 77
High-Capacity Light Magenta 77
Power button
Print head
Ink button
Paper/Cancel button
Note:
Try the High Capacity 77 cartridges available at
http://www.epson.com/highcapacity (U.S. sales) or http://www.epson.ca (Canadian sales).
You may use any combination of cartridge sizes. If you’ve installed a high-capacity black cartridge (77), for example, you can still use a regular capacity magenta cartridge (78).
You can purchase genuine Epson ink and paper from Epson Supplies Central
SM
at www.epson.com/ink3 (U.S. sales) or
www.epson.ca (Canadian sales). You can also purchase supplies from an Epson authorized reseller. To find the nearest one, call 800-GO-EPSON (800-463-7766).
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Epson Stylus Photo R280

Epson Media

Paper name* Size Part number Sheet count
Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper Glossy Borderless 4 × 6 inches S041934
Borderless 5 × 7 inches S041945 20
Borderless 8 × 10 inches S041946 20
Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) S041935
Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper Luster Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) S041405 50
Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy Borderless 4 × 6 inches S041808
Borderless 5 × 7 inches S041464 20
Borderless 8 × 10 inches S041465 20
Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) S041286
Epson Premium Photo Paper Semi-gloss Borderless 4 × 6 inches S041982 40
Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) S041331 20
Epson Photo Paper Glossy Borderless 4 × 6 inches S041809
Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) S041141
Epson Bright White Paper Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) S041586 500
Epson Premium Presentation Paper Matte Borderless 8 × 10 inches S041467 50
Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) S041257
Epson Premium Presentation Paper Matte
Double-sided
Epson Presentation Paper Matte Letter (8.5 x 11 inches) S041062 100
Epson Photo Quality Self-Adhesive Sheets A4 (8.3 × 11.7 inches) S041106 10
Epson Iron-On Cool Peel Transfer Paper Letter (8.5 x 11 inches) S041153 10
Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) S041568 50
Legal (8.5 x 14 inches) S041067 100
S042181 S042174
S042182 S042175
S041727
S042183 S041667
S042038
S041649 S041271
S042180
50 60 100
20 25 50
40 100
20 25 50
50 100
20 50 100
50 100
* Availability of paper types varies by location.
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Epson Stylus Photo R280

Printer Specifications

Printing

Epson MicroPiezo® head with DX5™ variable droplets

Mechanical

Paper feed Friction
Paper path Sheet feeder, top entry
Sheet feeder capacity 120 sheets of 20 lb (75 g/m
Dimensions
Storage Width: 17.7 inches (450 mm)
Depth: 11.1 inches (282 mm) Height: 7.4 inches (187 mm)
Printing Width: 17.7 inches (450 mm)
Depth: 22.5 inches (571 mm) Height: 11.3 inches (288 mm)
Weight 11.9 lb (5.4 kg) without ink cartridges

Ink Cartridges

Colors Black, cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan
light magenta
Cartridge life Within 6 months after opening package,
at 77 °F (25 °C)
Dimensions (W × D × H) 0.5 × 2.9 × 2.2 inches
(12.7 × 73.5 × 55.3 mm)
Storage temperature –4 to 104 °F (–20 to 40 °C)
1 month at 104 °F (40 °C)
Freezing temperature* 3.2 °F (–16 °C)
* Ink thaws and is usable after approximately 3 hours at
77 °F (25 °C).
2
) paper

Electrical

Rated Voltage 100-120 V
Input voltage range* AC 90 to 132 V AC 198 to 264 V
Rated frequency range 50 to 60 Hz
Input frequency range 49.5 to 60.5 Hz
Rated current 0.6 A
Power consumption
* Check the label on the back of the printer for its voltage.
ISO/IEC10561 Letter Pattern
Sleep mode Approx. 1.0 W Approx. 1.2 W
Power off mode
Model
(Max. 0.9 A)
Approx. 12 W
Approx. 0.2 W Approx. 0.3 W
220-240 V Model
0.3 A (Max. 0.5 A)

Environmental

Temperature
Operation 50 to 95 °F (10 to 35 °C)
Storage –4 to 104 °F (–20 to 40 °C)
1 month at 104 °F (40 °C)
Humidity (without condensation)
Operation 20 to 80% RH
Storage 5 to 85% RH

Safety Approvals

Safety standards UL 60950-1
CAN/CSA-22.2 No. 60950-1
EMC FCC part 15 Subpart B class B
CAN/CSA-CEI/IEC CISPR 22 Class B

USB Interface

USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (Device Class for computers)
Note:
We recommend that you use genuine Epson cartridges and do not refill them. The use of other products may affect your print quality and could result in printer damage.
For best printing results, use up a cartridge within six months of opening the package.
Cartridge yields vary considerably based on images printed, print settings, paper type, frequency of use, and temperature. For print quality, a small amount of ink remains in the cartridge after the “replace cartridge” indicator comes on.
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Epson Stylus Photo R280
Paper
Single sheets
Size A4 (8.3 × 11.7 inches)
A6 (4.1 × 5.8 inches)
Letter (8.5 × 11 inches)
Legal (8.5 × 14 inches)
Half-letter (5.5 × 8.5 inches)
4 × 6 inches
5 × 7 inches
3.5 × 5 inches
8 × 10 inches
16:9 (4 × 7.11 inches)
User Defined up to 8.5 × 44 inches
Paper type Plain bond paper or special paper distributed
Thickness 0.003 to 0.004 inch (0.08 to 0.11 mm)
Weight (for plain bond paper)
Envelopes
Size No. 10 (4.1 × 9.5 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 and use paper only under these conditions:
Temperature: 59 to 77 °F (15 to 25 °C) Humidity: 40 to 60% RH
by Epson
17 lb (64 g/m²) to 24 lb (90 g/m²)
DL (4.3 × 8.7 inches)
C6 (4.5 × 6.4 inches)
Printable area
Normal Borderless*
Envelopes
A The minimum top margin is 0.12 inches (3.0 mm).
B-L The minimum left margin is 0.12 inches (3.0 mm).
B-R The minimum right margin is 0.12 inches (3.0 mm).
C The minimum bottom margin is 0.12 inches (3.0 mm).
D-L The minimum left margin is 0.20 inches (5.0 mm).
D-R The minimum right margin is 0.20 inches (5.0 mm).
E The minimum bottom margin is 0.78 inches (20.0 mm).
* When you print with the borderless feature, print quality may
decline in the expanded area. Before printing large jobs using the borderless setting, print a single sheet to confirm printout quality.
Note:
Always load paper into the sheet feeder with the short edge first. Load envelopes with the flap edge left and the flap side down.

CDs or DVDs

12-cm CD/DVD 8-cm CD/DVD
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If you print in the following areas of the disc, the disc or CD/DVD tray may get stained with ink:
Inner hub area 18 to 42 mm
Outer periphery area 117 to 120 mm for a 12-cm CD/DVD
77 to 80 mm for a 8-cm CD/DVD
Epson Stylus Photo R280

Checking the Printer’s Lights

To diagnose problems, check the printer’s lights:
Lights Explanation
Green power light flashes
Red paper out light is on and green
power light
flashes
Red paper out light and green power light flash
Red ink light flashes and green power light is on
Red ink light and green
power light
are on
Green power light is off; red
paper out and ink lights flash
Red paper out and red
ink light flash alternately and green power light is off
The printer is receiving a print job, replacing an ink cartridge, charging ink, or cleaning the print head.
If you’re printing on paper, your paper ran out. Load more paper and press the paper button to resume printing.
If you’re printing on a CD or DVD, the CD/DVD tray is not inserted. Insert the tray, then press the
paper button.
If you’re printing on paper, it 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.
If you’re printing on a CD or DVD, the CD/DVD tray has not ejected. Pull out the tray and press the
paper button.
One of the cartridges is nearly expended. Check the message that appears on your screen to determine which cartridge is nearly expended or follow the instructions in the next section to check the ink supply. Make sure you have a replacement cartridge.
One of the cartridges is nearly expended or not installed. Make sure you have a replacement cartridge, then follow the instructions in the next section 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, as described in the next section.
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 it off, wait a few seconds, and then turn it on again. If the lights are still flashing, contact Epson.

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, you need to replace the
cartridge(s).
You’ll also see a message on your screen when you print telling you which cartridge is low or expended.
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.
Caution:
You cannot print when an ink cartridge is expended, even if other cartridges are not expended. Leave the expended cartridge(s) installed until you have obtained a replacement, or the ink remaining in the print head nozzle may dry out.
A window may appear on your computer screen if you try to print when ink is low. On a Windows computer that is connected to the Internet, you may see a screen asking if you want to receive ink offers and other updates from Epson. Click
Accept or Decline to continue.
Note:
To disable checking for ink offers or updates from Epson, see the instructions in your on-screen User’s Guide.

Checking the Ink Supply

Note:
Epson cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-genuine ink. If you install non-genuine ink cartridges, the ink cartridge status will not be displayed.
If any of the ink cartridges installed in the printer is broken, incompatible, or improperly installed, the ink cartridge status will not be accurately displayed.
When you use your printer as a shared printer on a network, the client operating systems may not be able to communicate directly with the printer and some functions will not be available for the client.
To check your ink supply, do one of the following:
Windows: Double-click the printer icon on your
taskbar.
Macintosh OS X: Open the
Applications folder and select
EPSON Printer Utility2. Select SP R280 Series in the
printer list, click
OK, and select EPSON StatusMonitor.
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Epson Stylus Photo R280

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.
Caution:
Leave the expended cartridge installed until you have obtained a replacement, or the ink remaining in the print head nozzles may dry out.
Note:
We recommend that you use genuine Epson cartridges and do not refill them. The use of other products may affect your print quality and could result in printer damage.
Do not open ink cartridge packages until you are ready to install the ink. Cartridges are vacuum packed to maintain reliability.
1. Make sure the CD/DVD tray is not inserted in the printer, and make sure the front tray is in the paper (lower) position.
2. Make sure the printer is turned on. (The green power light should be on, but not flashing.) Then open the printer cover.
3. Press and release the ink button.
If you are replacing a low or expended cartridge, the
print head moves to the ink cartridge check position, and the cartridge that needs to be replaced stops under the mark. The green power light begins to flash.
Caution:
Do not move the print head by hand; this may damage your printer. Always press and release the ink button to move it.
Be careful not to touch the white flat cable inside the printer.
4. Press the ink button again.
If more than one cartridge is low or expended, the next
cartridge moves under the mark. Repeat this step.
If all the low or expended cartridges have been
identified, the print head moves to the ink cartridge replacement position.
Note:
If an ink cartridge is low, you may continue to use it until it is expended.
5. Open the cartridge cover.
If you are replacing a cartridge before it is low or
expended, the print head moves directly to the ink cartridge replacement position. Skip to step 6.
Note:
Don’t hold down the ink button for more than 3 seconds, or the printer will start to clean the print head.
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6. Remove the new cartridge from its package.
Caution:
Be careful not to break the hooks on the front of the ink cartridge when you remove it from the package.
Always install an ink cartridge immediately after removing the old cartridge. If the cartridge is not installed promptly, the print head may dry out and be unable to print.
Do not touch the green IC chip on the side of the cartridge. This can damage the ink cartridge.
Epson Stylus Photo R280
7. Remove the yellow tape from the bottom of the ink cartridge.
Caution:
You must remove the yellow tape from the cartridge before you install it; otherwise, print quality may decline or you may not be able to print.
If you have installed an ink cartridge without removing the yellow tape, take the cartridge out of the printer, remove the yellow tape, and then reinstall it.
Do not remove the transparent seal from the bottom of the cartridge; otherwise, the cartridge may become unusable.
Do not remove or tear the label on the cartridge; otherwise, ink will leak.
9. Lower the new ink cartridge into the holder. Push down gently until the cartridge clicks into place.
10. If you need to replace other ink cartridges, repeat steps 6 through 9 before continuing with step 11.
11. Close the cartridge cover.
8. Squeeze the back tab of the used cartridge as you lift it straight up and out of the printer and dispose of it properly. Don’t take the cartridge apart or try to refill it.
Warning:
If ink gets on your hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and water. If ink gets in your eyes, flush them immediately with water. If discomfort or vision problems continue after a thorough flushing, see a doctor immediately.
12. 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 one and a half minutes. When it’s finished, the green power light stops flashing and stays on, and the red ink light goes out.
Caution:
Never turn off the printer while the green flashing, unless the print head hasn’t moved or the printer hasn’t made noise for more than 5 minutes.
Do not insert the CD/DVD tray until ink charging is complete.
Note:
If the red ink light flashes after the print head moves to its home (far right) position, the ink cartridge may not be installed properly. Press the ink button two or more times (until the print head moves to the ink cartridge replacement position), open the cartridge cover, and press down the ink cartridge until it clicks into place.
power light is
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Epson Stylus Photo R280

Paper Loading Guidelines

You can load up to 120 sheets of plain paper and up to 20 sheets of photo paper. You can load the following number of sheets of Epson special media:
Paper name Loading capacity
Epson Premium Bright White Paper 120 sheets
Epson Presentation Paper Matte 80 sheets
Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper Glossy
Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy
Epson Premium Photo Paper Semi-gloss
Epson Photo Paper Glossy
Epson Premium Presentation Paper Matte
Epson Premium Presentation Paper Matte
Double-sided
Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper Luster
Epson Iron-on Cool Peel Transfer Paper
Epson Photo Quality Self Adhesive Sheets
Follow these guidelines when loading paper:
Leave enough space in front of the printer for the paper to
be fully ejected.
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.
20 sheets
1 sheet

Selecting the Paper Type Setting

To obtain optimal image quality, it is important to select the correct paper Type or Media Type setting. This setting tells your printer what kind of paper or CD/DVD you’re using and adjusts the ink coverage accordingly.
The table below lists the settings you should choose for your paper.
For this paper/media Select this setting
Plain paper
Epson Bright White Paper
Epson Ultra Premium Photo
Paper Glossy
Epson Premium Photo Paper
Glossy
Epson Photo Paper Glossy Photo Paper Glossy
Epson Presentation Paper Matte Presentation Paper Matte
Epson Premium Photo Paper
Semi-gloss
Epson Ultra Premium Photo
Paper Luster
Epson Premium Presentation
Paper Matte
Epson Premium Presentation
Paper Matte Double-sided
Epson Photo Quality Self-
adhesive Sheets
Epson Iron-on Cool Peel Transfer
Paper
Ink jet-printable CDs and DVDs CD/DVD
Envelopes Envelope
Plain Paper/Bright White Paper
Ultra Premium Photo Paper Glossy
Premium Photo Paper Glossy
Premium Photo Paper Semi-gloss
Ultra Premium Photo Paper Luster
Premium Presentation Paper Matte
CD/DVD Premium Surface
If you experience paper feeding problems, try loading fewer
sheets.
If you’re using special paper, follow the instructions that
came with it.
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Epson Stylus Photo R280

Printing on CDs and DVDs

You can use the CD/DVD tray to print customized text, graphics, and photos directly on any ink jet-printable CD or DVD. The Epson Print CD software makes it easy to import your own photos, add text, and modify your designs with a variety of special effects. You can print on both regular 12-cm and 8-cm CDs and DVDs.
Caution:
Use only ink jet-printable CDs and DVDs for printing. Thermal­printable and regular CDs and DVDs should not be used with this printer.

Guidelines for Printing on CDs and DVDs

Make sure the data, music, or video is burned on your CD
or DVD before you print. Otherwise, dirt or scratches on the surface may cause errors when you burn the data.
You can set the printable area for your CDs or DVDs using
Epson Print CD. Make sure the settings you choose are appropriate for the CD or DVD you are printing on; otherwise, you may stain the CD/DVD tray, CD, or DVD.
Moisture on the printable surface of your CDs or DVDs
may cause smearing.

Inserting a CD or DVD

Before you insert a CD or DVD, make sure the printer is turned on. Otherwise, the disc may not be positioned correctly. Then follow these steps:
1. Open the front cover.
2. Lift the front tray up with both hands, then pull it out of the paper position (lower notches).
Before using or touching the printed surface of your CDs or
DVDs, make sure you dry them for 24 hours.
Depending on your CD or DVD type, smearing may occur
or the printed surface may be sticky even after it has dried. If smearing or stickiness occurs, you can adjust the print density (see your online User’s Guide for instructions), or try a different brand of CD or DVD.
If you accidentally print on the CD/DVD tray, immediately
wipe off the ink.
The printable area of a CD or DVD is shown below:
12-cm CD/DVD 8-cm CD/DVD
Note:
If you print in the inner hub or outer periphery areas of the disc, the disc or CD/DVD tray may get stained with ink:
3. Set the front tray in the CD/DVD position (upper notches).
Inner hub area: 18 to 42 mm
Outer periphery area: 117 to 120 mm (12-cm CD/DVD),
77 to 80 mm (8-cm CD/DVD)
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Epson Stylus Photo R280
4. Place the CD or DVD on the CD/DVD tray with the white or printable side face-up. Make sure the disc lies flat in the tray.
Note:
Use one CD/DVD at a time.
Caution:
Before you position the CD or DVD, make sure that no dust or dirt is on the CD/DVD tray, as this may damage the disc’s data side.
Be sure to use the CD/DVD tray provided with this printer. If you use another CD/DVD tray, there may be a gap in the print position and printing may not be performed properly.
To print on a small CD or DVD (8-cm), place the small CD/DVD adapter on the tray first, then place the CD or DVD inside the adapter.
Caution:
Make sure you always use the small CD/DVD adapter when you print on 8-cm CDs or DVDs and that the CD or DVD and adapter lie flat on the tray; otherwise the printer may be damaged.
12-cm CD/DVD
8-cm CD/DVD
Do not insert the CD/DVD tray while the printer is printing; otherwise, your printer may be damaged or the surface of the CD or DVD may become dirty or scratched.
Make sure the CD/DVD tray slides under the bracket (on both sides)
Make sure the arrow marks match

Designing CDs and DVDs

You can use the Epson Print CD program (included on the Printer Software CD-ROM) to create and print a design with images, graphics, and text. See your on-screen User’s Guide for instructions.

Printing Your Design

Always use this piece with 8-cm CDs or DVDs
5. Firmly insert the CD/DVD tray along the base of the front tray until it meets resistance. Continue sliding the tray into the printer until the arrows on the CD/DVD tray and the front tray are aligned.
Caution:
Make sure both sides of the CD/DVD tray slide into the brackets on the front tray.
After you have created your design and loaded a CD or DVD, you’re ready to print.
1. Open the File menu and select
2. Windows: Make sure
EPSON Stylus Photo R280 Series
Print.
is selected.
Macintosh: Click the
Stylus Photo R280 from the printer list and click OK.
3. Select
CD/DVD or CD/DVD Premium Surface as the
Select Printer button, then select
Media Type setting.
4. Select
None as the Print Confirmation Pattern setting
(Windows) or Test Print Pattern setting (Macintosh).
5. Click
Note:
After you print, handle the CD or DVD carefully. To allow the ink to dry, wait at least 24 hours before playing the disc or inserting it in a drive. Keep printed discs away from moisture and direct sunlight.
If you select CD/DVD Premium Surface as the Media Type setting in the Printer Settings window and use a high quality CD/DVD, you can create high quality CD/DVD labels.
Caution:
Be sure to place the front tray in the paper (lower) position when you’re done printing on CDs and DVDs.
Print.
10 7/07
If you need to adjust the print position or color, see your on-screen User’s Guide.
Epson Stylus Photo R280

Cleaning the Print Head

If your printouts are unexpectedly light or faint, or you notice light or dark bands across your printout, 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.
You can clean the print head using the ink button on the printer or using the Head Cleaning utility on your computer. You can also run a nozzle check to see if the print head needs cleaning.
Note:
Clean the print head only when print quality declines (for example, if you see lines in your printout or colors are incorrect or missing).
Before you clean the print head, check the print head nozzles first (as described in the next section) to confirm that the print head needs to be cleaned. This saves ink.
If the red ink light comes on or flashes, you cannot clean the print head. In this case, replace the appropriate ink cartridge first.
Caution:
If you don’t use your printer often it is a good idea to print a few pages at least once a month to maintain good print quality.
Before you check the print head nozzles or clean the print head, make sure the CD/DVD tray is not inserted in the printer, and make sure the front tray is in the paper (lower) position.

Checking the Print Head Nozzles

You can check the print head nozzles using your computer or the buttons on the printer.
You see a screen like the following:
4. Click
5. If there are no gaps or lines, click
Print or Next. The nozzle check pattern prints:
Print head does not need to be cleaned:
Print head needs to be cleaned:
Finish.
If there are gaps or lines, or the test patterns are faint, click
Clean. Then read the on-screen instructions and skip to
step 3 under “Running the Head Cleaning Utility” (“Using Your Computer”) to clean the nozzles.
Using Your Computer
1. Make sure the printer is turned on but not printing, and the red ink light is not on. (If the red ink light is on, you need to replace a cartridge.)
2. Make sure letter-size plain paper is loaded in the printer.
3. Windows: Right-click the printer icon on your taskbar (in the lower right corner of your screen). Select
Check
.
Macintosh OS X: Open the
EPSON Printer Utility2. Select SPR280 Series in the
printer list, click
OK, and select Nozzle Check.
Applications folder and select
Nozzle
Using the Buttons on the Printer
1. Make sure the printer is turned on but not printing, that the CD/DVD tray is not inserted in the printer, and the red
ink light is not on. (If the red ink light is on, you need
to replace a cartridge.)
2. Turn the printer off and make sure the front tray is in the paper (lower) position.
3. Make sure letter-size plain paper is loaded in the printer.
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Epson Stylus Photo R280
4. Hold down the paper button, then press the power button. Hold down both buttons until the power light begins to flash, then release the power button.
5. When the nozzle check starts to print, release the paper button. Check the printed nozzle check pattern to see if there are gaps in the lines.
Print head does not need to be cleaned:
Print head needs to be cleaned:
6. If there are no gaps or lines, the print head does not need to be cleaned.
If there are gaps or lines, or the test patterns are faint, follow the instructions in the next section to clean the nozzles.

Running the Head Cleaning Utility

You see a screen like the following:
3. Click
Start or Next.
Cleaning takes several seconds. The printer runs a head cleaning cycle and the green power light flashes.
Caution:
Never turn off the printer while head cleaning is in progress. You may damage it.
Do not insert the CD/DVD tray until cleaning has finished.
4. When the green power light stops flashing, make sure
paper is loaded in the printer, then do the following:
Windows: Click
click
Print.
Macintosh OS X: Click
Next.
Print Nozzle Check Pattern, then
Confirmation, then click
The nozzle check pattern is printed. (See “Examining the Nozzle Check Pattern” on page 13 for details.)
5. If there are no gaps or lines, click
Finish.
If there are still gaps or lines, or the test patterns are faint, click
Clean to clean the print head again.
Using Your Computer
1. Make sure the printer is turned on but not printing, that the CD/DVD tray is not inserted in the printer, and the red
ink light is off. (If the red ink light is flashing or on,
you need to replace a cartridge.)
2. Windows: Right-click the printer icon on your taskbar and select
Macintosh OS X: Open the
EPSON Printer Utility2. Select SP R280 Series in the
printer list, click
12 7/07
Head Cleaning.
Applications folder and select
OK, and select Head Cleaning.
If you don’t see any improvement after cleaning three times, turn the printer off and wait overnight. This allows any dried ink to soften. Then, try cleaning the print head again.
Epson Stylus Photo R280
Using the Buttons on the Printer
1. Make sure the printer is turned on but not printing, and the red ink light is off. (If the red ink light is flashing or on, you need to replace a cartridge.)
2. Hold down the ink button on the printer for approximately 3 seconds.
The printer runs a head cleaning cycle and the green
power light flashes. Cleaning takes several seconds.
Caution:
Never turn off the printer while head cleaning is in progress. You may damage it.
Do not insert the CD/DVD tray until cleaning has finished.
3. When the green power light stops flashing, make sure paper is loaded in the printer, then print a nozzle check to determine whether you need to clean the print head again. See “Checking the Print Head Nozzles” on page 11 for more information.
If you don’t see any improvement after cleaning three times, turn the printer off and wait overnight. This allows any dried ink to soften. Then, try cleaning the print head again.

Examining the Nozzle Check Pattern

Examine the nozzle check pattern you printed. Each staggered line should be solid, with no gaps, as shown.

Aligning the Print Head

If your printouts look grainy or blurry, or you see light or dark lines, you may need to align the print head.
Note:
You may also see lines in your printouts if your cartridges are low on ink or you need to clean the print head.
Before you align the print head, make sure the CD/DVD tray is not inserted in the printer, and make sure the front tray is in the paper (lower) position.
1. Turn on the printer.
2. Make sure none of the lights are indicating errors.
3. Load several sheets of plain, letter-size paper.
4. Do one of the following:
Windows: Right-click the printer icon on your
taskbar (in the lower right corner of your screen). Select
Print Head Alignment.
Macintosh: Open the
EPSON Printer Utility2. Select SP R280 Series in the
printer list, click
Alignment
.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen to print the alignment pattern. You see a window like this one:
Applications folder and select
OK, then select Print Head
If your printout looks okay, you’re done.
If you see any gaps (as shown below), clean the print head
again.
6. Look at the four sets of patterns in your printout. For each set, look at the printed squares to determine which one in each set is the most even, with no streaks or lines, and enter its number in the corresponding box on the screen.
If every square in a set contains a line or lines, select the square with the thinnest line or lines. Then click
Realignment and Print to print another alignment sheet
and repeat this step.
7. Click
Finish to close the Print Head Alignment utility.
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Epson Stylus Photo R280

Cleaning the Printer

To keep your printer working at its best, you should clean it several times a year.
Tip :
To keep your Epson product looking like new, make sure you don’t place anything on top of the cover or use it as a writing surface. If you need to clean the cover, use only a soft, nonabrasive microfiber-type cloth.
Warning:
Don’t touch the gears or any other parts inside the printer.
1. Load several sheets of letter-size paper.
2. Press the paper button to feed and eject paper.
3. Repeat step 2 if necessary.
Caution:
Do not apply grease to the metal parts under the ink cartridge
holder.
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 or
apply lubricants, oils or grease inside the printer.
Don’t use any cleaning sheets included with special paper; they
may jam inside the printer.
3. Open the printer cover. Secure the print head with tape, as shown below, then close the printer cover.
4. Remove any paper from the printer, then push down the paper support extension and close the paper support.
5. Repack the printer and its attachments in the original box using the protective materials that came with them.
Keep the printer level as you transport it.
After transporting the printer, remove the tape securing the print head. Then plug in your printer, turn it on, and test it. If you notice a decline in print quality, clean the print head; if output is grainy or blurry, align the print head.

Related Documentation

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 (far right) position, then close the printer cover.
2. Turn off the printer and unplug its power cord. Then disconnect the power cord and USB cable from the printer.
CPD-23761 Epson Stylus Photo R280 Start Here
(English/French)
CPD-23763 Epson Stylus Photo R280 Quick Guide
(English)
CPD-23764 Epson Stylus Photo R280 Guide Rapide
(French)
CPD-23765 Epson Stylus Photo R280 CD-ROM
with on-screen User’s Guide (English/ French)
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