Epson TM-U925 User's Manual

TM-U925

User’s Manual

400485705

Printer parts

Printer cover Control panel

POWER

ERROR

RECEIPT
OUT

JOURNAL
OUT

SLIP

RECEIPT

FEED

DIP switches are on
the bottom

Power switch

Cover open button

Control panel

POWER

ERROR

RECEIPT
OUT

JOURNAL
OUT

SLIP

RECEIPT

FEED

Interface connector

1

Drawer connector

Display connector

POWER light

ERROR light

RECEIPT OUT light

SLIP light

RECEIPT FEED button

SLIP FEED

Power connector

14 25

8

1

2

6

1

1

13

3

SLIP FEED

SLIP FEED button

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko
Epson Corporation. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the
information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the
preparation of this book, Seiko Epson Corporation assumes no responsibility for
errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the
use of the information contained herein.

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 ESC/POS are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.

NOTICE: The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.

Copyright © 1995, 1998 by Seiko Epson Corporation, Nagano, Japan.

i

EMC and Safety Standards Applied

Product Name: TM-U925

Model Name: M62UA

The following standards are applied only to the printers that are so
labeled. (EMC is tested using the EPSON power supply.)

Europe: CE Marking

Safety: EN60950

North America: EMI: FCC/ICES-003 Class A

Safety: UL 1950/CSA C22.2 No. 950

Japan: EMI: VCCI Class A

Oceania: EMC: AS/NZS 3548

WARNING

The connection of a non-shielded printer interface cable to this printer will invalidate
the EMC standards of this device.

You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by SEIKO
EPSON Corporation could void your authority to operate the equipment.

ii

CE Marking

The printer conforms to the following Directives and Norms

Directive 89/336/EEC EN 55022 Class B

EN 55024

IEC 61000-4-2
IEC 61000-4-3
IEC 61000-4-4
IEC 61000-4-5
IEC 61000-4-6
IEC 61000-4-8
IEC 61000-4-11

Directive 90/384/EEC EN45501

FCC Compliance Statement

For American Users

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.

FOR CANADIAN USERS

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

iii

GEREÄUSCHPEGEL

Gemäß der Dritten Verordnung zum Gerätesicherheitsgesetz
(Maschinenlärminformations- Verordnung-3. GSGV) ist der arbeitsplatzbezogene
Geräusch-Emissionswert kleiner als 70 dB(A) (basierend auf ISO 7779).

iv

Introduction

Features

The TM-U925 is a high-quality POS printer that can print on both slip and roll paper.
The printer has the following features:

❏ Wide slip paper capability (maximum characters per line: 88 with 7 x 9 font).

❏ Interface connector within the printer’s external dimensions.

❏ High throughput using bidirectional, minimum distance printing.

❏ Precision paper feeding at 0.176mm {1/144 inch}.

❏ Selectable receive buffer size (32 bytes or 2K bytes).

❏ Slip ejection.

®

❏ Command protocol based on the ECS/POS

❏ ASB (Automatic Status Back) function that automatically transmits changes in

printer status.

®

❏ EPSON

❏ EPSON customer display series connection.

intelligent module connection.

standard.

❏ Optional Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) reader that enables the

printer to perform reading and processing of MICR characters in addition to
printing endorsements.

Options and Accessories

❏ Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) reader (factory installed option)

❏ Direct connection customer displays, DM-D102 and DM-D203

❏ EPSON power supply unit, PS-170 (not required when the TM-U925 is

connected to an intelligent module)

❏ EPSON ribbon cassette, ERC-31 (P)

v

About This Manual

Setting Up and Using

❏ Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking the printer, setting it up, running

the self test, setting the DIP switches, and adjusting the paper near end detector.

❏ Chapter 2 contains information on using the printer, including the optional

MICR reader.

❏ Chapter 3 contains troubleshooting information, including how to clean the

optional MICR reader.

Reference

❏ Chapter 4 contains specifications.

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

Note:

Notes have important information and useful tips on the operation of your
printer.

CAUTION:

Cautions must be observed to avoid minor injury to yourself or
damage to your equipment.

WARNING:

Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid serious bodily
injury.

vi

Contents

Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer

Opening and Closing the Printer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Removing the protective material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Connecting the Printer to the Drawer Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Connecting to a Direct Connection Display Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Connecting the Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Grounding the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Installing the Ribbon Cassette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

IInstalling the Paper Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Running the self test with roll paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Running the self test with slip paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Setting the DIP Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

DIP switch functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

Changing the DIP switch settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14

Adjusting the Paper Near End Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Chapter 2 Using the Printer

Operating the Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Slip Paper Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Using the Power Switch Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Using the MICR Reader (Option) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Reading MICR characters on personal checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Chapter 3 Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

General problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Printing problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Paper handling problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Cleaning the MICR Mechanism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Hexadecimal Dump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

vii

Chapter 4 Reference Information

Printing Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Character Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Ribbon Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

MICR Specifications (Option) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

MICR use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Notes on MICR use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Paper Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Electrical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Reliability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

viii

Chapter 1

Setting Up the Printer

Opening and Closing the Printer Cover

Use these instructions whenever you need to open or close the
printer.

Open the printer by pushing the cover-open button and then lifting
the printer cover.

Close the printer by pressing on the indentation on the right side of
the printer cover until it audibly clicks into place.

OPEN

CLOSE

1

OPEN

2

Setting Up the Printer 1-1

Unpacking

The illustration below shows the items included for the standard
specification printer.

Ribbon

Printer

Hexagonal lock screws

See the note on page 1-3 for information about the hexagonal lock screws.

See the power switch cover section in Chapter 2 for information about the cover.

See the slip paper handling section in Chapter 2 for information about the label.

Caution label

Paper roll

Power switch

cover

Removing the protective material

The printer is protected during shipping by a piece of protective
material that must be removed before you turn on the printer.

Pull out the protective material and remove it from the printer as
shown below.

1-2 Setting Up the Printer

Store the protective material with the other packing materials and
use it when transporting your printer.

Connecting the Printer to Your Computer

Follow the procedures below only when you use the printer as a
single unit (not connected to an intelligent module). When you use
the printer with the intelligent module, see the IM-403/405 User's
Guide for details.

You need an appropriate interface cable to connect your computer
to the printer's built-in interface.

1. Make sure that both the printer and computer are turned off;
then attach the cable connector securely into the printer's
interface connector.

2. Tighten the screws on both sides of the cable connector.

Note:

Your printer comes with inch-type hexagonal lock screws
installed. To use an interface cable that requires millimeter-type
screws, replace the inch-type screws with the enclosed
millimeter-type screws using a hex screwdriver (5 mm). To
distinguish the two types of screws, see the figure below. The
inch-type screw is on the left.

Setting Up the Printer 1-3

3. Attach the other end of the cable into the computer.

4. Plug the power supply's power cord into an electrical outlet.

Connecting the Printer to the Drawer Connector

Follow the procedures below to connect a drawer to the printer
only when you use the printer as a single unit (not connected to an
intelligent module). When you use the printer with the intelligent
module, see the IM-403/405 User's Guide for details.

You need an appropriate drawer kick-out cable to connect your
drawer to the printer. See Chapter 4 for more information about the
drawer interface.

1. Make sure that the printer is turned off.

2. Plug the cable connector into the printer's drawer kick-out
connector until it clicks.

CAUTION:

Be sure not to connect this cable to the display module
connector, which is on the other side of the interface
connector.
Do not connect a telephone line to the drawer kick-out
connector.

1-4 Setting Up the Printer

Note:

To remove the cable connector, squeeze the connector's clip and pull
it out.

Connecting to a Direct Connection Display Module

If you are using the printer as a single unit (not connected to an
intelligent module) and you plan to connect a direct connection
display module, follow the steps below. When you use the printer
with the intelligent module, see the IM-403/405 User's Guide for
details.

1. Make sure that the printer is turned off.

2. Plug the cable connector (provided with the direct connection
display module) securely into the printer's display module
connector until it clicks.

CAUTION:

Do not connect this cable to the drawer kick out connector,
which is on the other side of the interface connector.
Also do not connect a telephone line to the display module
connector.

Setting Up the Printer 1-5

Note:

To remove the cable, squeeze the connector and pull it out.

Connecting the Power Supply

When the printer is used as a single unit, not connected to an
intelligent module, use the optional EPSON PS-170 power supply
for your printer.

When the printer is connected to an intelligent module, the power
is supplied by the intelligent module. See the IM-403/405 User's
Guide for details.

CAUTION:

Make sure that you use the EPSON PS-170 power supply.
When connecting or disconnecting the power supply from
the printer, make sure that the power supply is not plugged
into an electrical outlet.

1. Make sure that the printer’s power switch is turned off, and the
power supply’s power cord is unplugged from the electrical
outlet.

2. Check the label on the power supply to make sure that the
voltage required by the power supply matches that of your
electrical outlet.

CAUTION:

If the power supply's rated voltage and your outlet's
voltage do not match, contact your dealer for
assistance. Do not plug in the power cord.

1-6 Setting Up the Printer

3. Plug in the power supply's cable as shown below. Notice that
the flat side of the plug faces down.

Note:

To remove the DC cable connector, make sure that the power
supply's power cord is unplugged; then grasp the connector at the
arrow and pull it straight out.

Grounding the Printer

When you use the printer as a single unit (not connected to an
intelligent module), you need an appropriate ground wire to
ground your printer.

1. Make sure that the printer is turned off.

2. Connect the ground wire to the printer using the FG screw on
the bottom of the printer, as shown.

Setting Up the Printer 1-7

Installing the Ribbon Cassette

Use Epson ERC-31 (P) ribbon cassette for your printer.

CAUTION:

Never turn the ribbon cassette's feed knob in the opposite
direction of the arrow marked on the cassette.

1. Turn on the printer and open the printer cover.

2. Turn the ribbon cassette's knob two or three times in the
direction of the arrow to take up any slack in the ribbon.

Tab

3. Insert the ribbon cassette in the printer and rotate the cassette's
knob two or three more times as shown below. This is
necessary to place the ribbon in the correct position.

1-8 Setting Up the Printer

Make sure that the ribbon is installed in front of the print head
without wrinkles or creases. If it is hard to see, open the print
head cover as described in Chapter 3.

If the ribbon is not installed correctly, remove the cassette as
described below and repeat steps 2 and 3 above.

Note:

To remove the ribbon cassette, grasp the ribbon cassette's tab and
pull it out of the printer. See the illustration in step 2 above for the
location of the tab.

IInstalling the Paper Roll

Use a paper roll that matches the printer's specifications. See
Chapter 4 for paper specifications.

1. Make sure that the edge of the paper is straight, as shown on
the left side of the illustration.

2. Turn on the printer and open the printer cover.

Setting Up the Printer 1-9

3. Insert a paper roll, as shown below.

Correct

Wrong

4. Insert the tip of the paper into the paper inlet and push it in
until it is automatically detected and fed into the printer.

5. Tear off the paper on the cutter. If the paper was not fed far
enough, press the RECEIPT FEED button to feed additional
paper.

1-10 Setting Up the Printer

Note:

To remove the paper roll, hold down the paper release lever (marked
PRESS) and pull out the paper roll in the direction shown in the
illustration.

Paper release lever

Self Test

The self test lets you know if your printer is operating properly.
You can run the self test with either roll paper or slip paper.

Running the self test with roll paper

1. Make sure the printer is turned off and the printer cover is
closed properly.

2. While holding down the RECEIPT FEED button, turn on the
printer to begin the self test. The self test prints the printer
settings and then pauses. (The RECEIPT OUT light blinks.)

3. Press the RECEIPT FEED button to continue printing. The
printer prints a pattern using the built-in character set.

4. The self test automatically ends after printing the following:

*** completed ***

Setting Up the Printer 1-11

The printer is ready to receive data as soon as it completes the self
test.

Note:

If you want to pause the self test manually, press the RECEIPT
FEED button. Then press the RECEIPT FEED button to continue

the self test.

Running the self test with slip paper

Note:

Be sure to install the paper roll to prevent slip paper jams.

1. Make sure the printer is turned off and the printer cover is
closed properly.

2. While holding down the SLIP FEED button, turn on the printer
to begin the self test. (The SLIP light blinks.)

3. Feed a sheet of slip paper into the printer. The printer loads the
paper automatically, prints the printer settings, and then ejects
the paper. (The SLIP light blinks.)

4. Remove the paper from the printer and feed another sheet of
slip paper into the printer to print characters from the character
table. Continue to feed slip paper into the printer until the self
test prints the following:

***completed***

The printer is ready to receive data as soon as it completes the self
test.

Note:

If you want to pause the self test manually, press the SLIP FEED
button. Press the SLIP FEED button to continue the self test.

1-12 Setting Up the Printer

Setting the DIP Switches

DIP switch functions

Your printer has two sets of DIP switches. The functions of the
switches are shown in the tables below.

Set 1

SW Function ON OFF

1-1 Data word length 7 bits 8 bits OFF

1-2 Parity Enabled Disabled OFF

1-3 Parity selection Even Odd OFF

1-4

Transmission speed selection (See the table below)

1-5 OFF

Customer display

1-6

connection*

1-7 Data receive error Ignored Prints ? OFF

1-8 Handshaking XON/XOFF DTR/DSR OFF

* Effective when a direct connection display module is connected to the printer's

display module connector.

Connected Not connected OFF

Factory
settings

OFF

Transmission Speed

Transmission Speed (BPS) 1-4 1-5

1200 ON ON

2400 OFF ON

4800 ON OFF

9600 OFF OFF

Setting Up the Printer 1-13

Set 2

SW Function ON OFF

2-1 Auto line feed Always enabled Always disabled OFF

2-2 Receive buffer 32 bytes 2048 bytes OFF

Font selection

2-3

(default)

Carriage speed

2-4

(default for paper
roll printing)

Handshaking (BUSY

2-5

condition)

2-6 Internal use Fixed - ON

2-7 I/F pin 6 reset signal Enabled Disabled OFF

2-8 I/F pin 25 reset signal Enabled Disabled OFF

Notes:

1. When pin 6 of the interface connector is used for the reset signal, the printer is

reset at MARK on the RS-232C level.

2. When pin 25 of the interface connector is used for the reset signal, the printer

is reset at SPACE on the RS-232C level or at HIGH on the TTL level.

3. DIP switches excluding switch 2-1 (Auto line feed) and switches 2-7 and 2-8

(interface reset signal) are effective only while the printer power is turned on.
If the DIP switch setting is changed after the printer power is turned on, the
change is not effective.

4. If DIP switch 2-7 or 2-8 is on while the printer power is turned on, the printer

may be reset, depending on the signal state. DIP switches should not be
operated while the printer power is turned on.

9 x 9 7 x 9 OFF

Low High OFF

Receive buffer-full

Off-line or
receive buffer-full

Factory
settings

OFF

Changing the DIP switch settings

If you need to change settings, follow the steps below to make your
changes:

1-14 Setting Up the Printer

CAUTION:

Turn off the printer while removing the DIP switch cover to
prevent an electric short, which can damage the printer.

1. Make sure the printer is turned off.

2. Remove the screw from the DIP switch cover. Then take off the
DIP switch cover, as shown in the illustration below.

DSW DSW2

DSW1 DSW2

3. Set the switches using a pointed tool, such as tweezers or a
small screwdriver.

Setting Up the Printer 1-15

4. Replace the DIP switch cover by inserting it upward and
sliding it to the left as shown below. Then secure it with the
screw.

DSW DSW2

1

2

5. The new settings take effect when you turn on the printer.

Adjusting the Paper Near End Detector

The paper near end detector detects when the paper is almost gone
by measuring the diameter of the paper roll. Software programs
can use the ESC c 4 command to stop printing when the paper is
almost gone.

If you want to change the amount of paper remaining when the
printer stops printing, follow the steps below to adjust the paper
near end detector.

Note:

The printer also has a paper end-sensor that stops the printer at the
very end of a roll. This sensor cannot be turned off by software.

1. Open the printer cover and remove the paper roll.

1-16 Setting Up the Printer

2. Determine the point on the paper roll at which you want the
paper roll end detection to be triggered. Then measure the
distance A shown in the illustration.

distance A

Note:

There may be some difference between the measured distance A and
the actual sensing position.

3. Find the corresponding adjustment position number from the
table below.

Distance A Adjustment position number

10 mm (0.39 inch) #1

8 mm (0.32 inch) #2

6 mm (0.24 inch) #3

4 mm (0.16 inch) #4

2 mm (0.08 inch) #5

Setting Up the Printer 1-17

4. Locate the adjusting screw and the positioning plate shown in
the illustration below.

#5
#4

#3
#2
#1

Secure

Loosen

5. Loosen the adjusting screw with a coin or a screwdriver.Move
the positioning plate to the appropriate position and then
tighten the adjusting screw, as shown below. Position 1 leaves
the least paper on the roll, and position 5 leaves the most

6. Be sure that the detecting lever moves freely after you finish the
adjustment.

7. Re-install the paper roll, as described earlier in this chapter.

1-18 Setting Up the Printer

Chapter 2

Using the Printer

Operating the Control Panel

You can control the basic paper feeding operations of the printer
with the buttons on the control panel. The indicator lights help you
monitor the printer’s status.

POWER

ERROR

RECEIPT
OUT

JOURNAL
OUT

SLIP

RECEIPT

FEED

SLIP FEED

Buttons

These buttons can be disabled by the ESC c 5 command, but they
work whenever the printer cover is open, even if they have been
disabled by the ESC c 5 command.

RECEIPT FEED

Press the RECEIPT FEED button once to advance receipt paper one
line. You can also hold down RECEIPT FEED to feed receipt paper
continuously.

Using the Printer 2-1

SLIP FEED

You cannot load slip paper using this button. Slip paper can be
loaded only by selecting slip paper with a command and then
inserting the paper. When the printer is in the slip paper mode (the
SLIP light is on or blinking) and slip paper is inserted, you can press
the SLIP FEED button once to advance slip paper one line or hold
down SLIP FEED to feed slip paper continuously.

Indicator lights

The control panel lights provide information on printer conditions.

POWER (green)

The POWER light is on when the printer power is on.

ERROR (red)

The ERROR light is on or blinking when the printer is not ready to
print.

The ERROR light is on (not blinking) under the following
conditions:

❏

When the printer is first turned on or reset through the
interface. The light goes off as soon as the printer is initialized.

❏

When the printer cover is open.

❏

When the printer is at or near the end of a roll of paper.

The ERROR light blinks under the following conditions:

❏ When the print head is overheated. If this happens, the printer

waits until the print head cools and then resumes printing.

❏

When an error occurs.

For more information on error conditions, see Chapter 4,
“Troubleshooting.”

2-2 Using the Printer

RECEIPT OUT (red)

The RECEIPT OUT light is on (not blinking) when the paper roll is
not installed or is at or near the end. The RECEIPT OUT light blinks
after the self test prints the printer settings on the roll paper.

SLIP (green)

The SLIP light is on or blinking while the printer is in slip paper
mode.

The SLIP light blinks while the printer is waiting for slip paper to be
inserted or removed.

Slip Paper Handling

Use only slip paper that matches the printer’s specifications. See
Paper Specifications in Chapter 4.

Note:

Be sure to install a paper roll in the printer even if you plan to print
only on slip paper. This will prevent paper jams. You can also
prevent paper jams by using slip paper that is flat and has no
wrinkles, creases, or folds.

1. Send appropriate control commands from the computer to
print on slip paper.

2. When the SLIP light blinks, insert the slip paper into the slip
paper inlet using the right edge of the slip paper inlet as a
guide.

Make sure you insert the slip paper into the inlet as far as it will
go (i.e., insert the slip paper up to the mark on the left side of
the printer).

The paper is automatically drawn into the printer and printing
begins.

Using the Printer 2-3

Note:

Place the caution label, which reminds you how to insert slip paper,
on the printer as shown in the illustration below, if necessary.

CAUTION:

Be sure to put the caution label exactly in the position shown.
If you put it another place, such as over the slip paper inlet,
the printer may be damaged.

2-4 Using the Printer

Using the Power Switch Cover

You can use the enclosed power switch cover to make sure that the
power switch is not accidentally pressed. If you want to use this
cover, install it as shown in the illustration below.

Using the MICR Reader (Option)

If your printer has the factory installed optional Magnetic Ink
Character Recognition (MICR) reader that enables the printer to
read and process MICR characters on personal checks, read this
section.

CAUTION:

Be sure the paper roll is installed before you use the MICR
function. Even when you are not using roll paper, this prevents
paper jams.

Reading MICR characters on personal checks

To use the MICR function with personal checks, follow the steps
below:

Using the Printer 2-5

CAUTION:

Do not insert checks with staples in them. This may cause
paper jams, MICR reading errors, and damage to the MICR
head.
Be sure that the checks are flat, without curls, folds, or
wrinkles.

1. Wait until the computer sends the FS a 0 command to the
printer, causing it to enter the MICR mode. The SLIP light
blinks.

2. Turn the check over so that it is face down with the MICR
characters on the righthand side, as shown in the illustration
below. The MICR characters must be next to the right edge of
the paper inlet.

MICR characters must be on the underside
of this edge of the check

3. Insert the check straight into the paper inlet, using the right
edge of the paper inlet as a guide.

2-6 Using the Printer

4. Insert the check as far as it will go. The printer will detect the
check and start drawing it in.

5. When the printer starts drawing it in, let go of the check
immediately. The SLIP light quits blinking but stays on.

6. When printing and MICR reading are finished, the printer
ejects the check and the SLIP light starts blinking again.

7. Remove the check by pulling it straight up; do not pull it at an
angle. The SLIP light goes off.

See Chapter 3 to find out how to clean the MICR mechanism,
and see Chapter 4 for further details on using the MICR reader.

Using the Printer 2-7

2-8 Using the Printer

Chapter 3

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

This chapter gives solutions to some of the more common printer
problems.

General problems

The lights on the control panel do not come on.

Make sure that the power supply cables are correctly plugged into
the printer, the power unit, and to the power outlet.

Make sure that power is supplied to the power outlet. If the outlet
is controlled by a switch or timer, use another outlet.

Printing problems

The ERROR light is on (not blinking) and nothing is printed.

If the RECEIPT OUT light is on, the paper roll is not installed or
is at or near the end. Install a new paper roll in the printer. See
Chapter 1 for instructions.

If the RECEIPT OUT light is off, make sure that the printer cover is
properly closed. Press the round indentation on the printer cover
until the cover audibly clicks into place. You may not be able to
close the printer cover if one or both of the OPEN <-> LOCK levers
is open. See the illustration on page 3-7 to help you close the levers.

Troubleshooting 3-1

The ERROR light is blinking and the printer does not print.

First, turn off the printer and check for a paper jam. (See the paper
jam description on page 3-3.)

If there is no paper jam and the printer has been printing for quite a
while, the print head may be overheated. If the print head is
overheated, the printer will resume printing when the head has
cooled (usually within two or three minutes).

If there is no paper jam and the print head is not overheated, turn
off the printer and turn it back on after about 10 seconds. If the
ERROR light is still flashing, contact a qualified service person.

The ERROR light is off, but nothing is printed.

Try to run the self test to check that the printer works properly. See
the self test instructions in Chapter 1 to run the self test. If the self
test does not work, contact your dealer or a qualified service
person.

If the self test works properly, check the following:

1. Check the connection at both ends of the interface cable
between the printer and the computer. Also make sure that this
cable meets the specifications for both the printer and the
computer.

2. The data transmission settings may be different between the
printer and computer. Make sure that the printer’s DIP switch
settings for data transmission are the same as the computer’s.
You can print the printer’s interface settings using the self test.

If the printer still does not print, contact your dealer or a qualified
service person.

3-2 Troubleshooting

The printer sounds like it is printing, but nothing is printed.

The ribbon cassette may not be installed properly. See the
instructions in Chapter 1.

The ribbon may be worn out. Replace the ribbon cassette as
described in Chapter 1.

The printout is faint.

The ribbon may be worn out. Replace the ribbon cassette as
described in Chapter 1.

A line of dots is missing in the printout.

The print head may be damaged. Stop printing and contact your
dealer or a qualified service person.

Paper handling problems

Slip paper or personal checks are not fed properly or become jammed
frequently.

The paper roll is not installed properly. Remove and reinstall the
paper roll as described in Chapter 1.

Paper is jammed inside the printer.

To clear a paper jam, follow the steps below:

1. Turn the printer off and open the printer cover.

Troubleshooting 3-3

2. Cut the paper as shown in the illustration, using a pair of
scissors or a knife; then remove the paper roll.

cut

3. If the paper is caught in the automatic cutter blade, open the
cutter blade by rotating the gear in the direction shown in the
illustration.

3-4 Troubleshooting

4. Move the OPEN <-> LOCK lever on each side of the printer in
the direction shown in the illustration; the cutter unit then
opens automatically.

OPEN

LOCK

5. Pull the paper out gently. If the paper tears, make sure you
remove any remaining pieces.

6. If you encounter difficulty in clearing a paper jam, remove the
print head cover by loosening the screw on the right side of the
cover, as shown in the illustration below.

Troubleshooting 3-5

CAUTION:

Do not touch the print head because it can be very hot
after printing continuously for a long time.

7. Remove any paper from inside the printer.

8. If you removed the print head cover, replace the cover and
secure the screw, as shown in the illustration below.

9. Close the cutter unit and lock it by moving both OPEN <->
LOCK levers in the direction shown in the illustration.

3-6 Troubleshooting

CAUTION:

Make sure you lock the cutter unit with both OPEN <->
LOCK levers.

OPEN

LOCK

10. Install the paper roll following the steps in Chapter 1; then
close the printer cover.

Cleaning the MICR Mechanism

Foreign matter on any part of the MICR mechanism can cause
MICR reading errors.

Cleaning the MICR mechanism is simple. First, send the cleaning
command (FS c) to the printer. Then insert the special MICR
cleaning paper the same way you insert a check.

The printer feeds the paper through, cleaning the MICR head,
roller, and paper path.

Perform this cleaning once a month or after every 6,000 checks .

Use a special MICR cleaning paper such as the KIC Products
PRESAT brand check reader cleaning card or the equivalent. The
size should be 63 x 152 mm (2.48 x 5.98”). (USA only)

Troubleshooting 3-7

Hexadecimal Dump

This feature allows experienced users to see exactly what data is
coming to the printer. This can be useful in finding software
problems. When you turn on the hex dump function, the printer
prints all commands and other data in hexadecimal format along
with a guide section to help you find specific commands.

To use the hex dump feature, follow these steps:

1. After you make sure that the printer is off, open the cover.

2. Hold down the RECEIPT FEED button while you turn on the
printer.

3. Close the cover.

4. Run any software program that sends data to the printer. The
printer prints “Hexadecimal Dump” and then all the codes it
receives in a two-column format. The first column contains the
hexadecimal codes and the second column gives the ASCII
characters that correspond to the codes.

Hexadecimal Dump
1B 21 00 1B 26 02 40 40 : . ! . . & . @ @
1B 25 01 1B 63 34 00 1B : . % . . c4 . .

41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 : ABCDEFGH

❏

A period (.) is printed for each code that has no ASCII
equivalent.

❏

Control codes are printed in bold for emphasis.

❏ During the hex dump all commands except DLE EOT and

DLE ENQ are disabled.

5. Open the cover to set the printer off line so that it will print the
last line.

6. Close the cover and turn off the printer or reset it to turn off the
hex dump mode.

3-8 Troubleshooting

Chapter 4

Reference Information

Printing Specifications

Printing method: Serial impact dot matrix

Head wire
configuration:

9-pin vertical line, 0.353 mm {1/72”}
wire pitch

Head wire diameter: 0.29 mm {.01"}

Printing direction: Bidirectional, minimum distance

printing

Printing speed: See table on page 4-2.

Characters per line: See table on page 4-2.

Characters per inch: See table on page 4-2.

Print modes: See the print modes table below.

Print modes

Print
mode

Normal High Normal

Low
speed

Copy Low Copy (long) -- Possible Selected Possible

Printing
speed*1

Low Normal Possible -- Possible

Print head
energizing
time

Paper roll Slip paper

Default
status

Depends
on DIP
SW 2-4

Switching*2

Possible -- Possible

Default
status

Switching*2

Note:

*1 The printer automatically goes to low speed mode during bit image printing,

regardless of the type of selected paper.

*2 Print mode can be changed using the GS E command.

Reference Information 4-1

Character Specifications

Number of characters: Alphanumeric characters: 95

International characters: 32

Extended graphics: 128

×

8 pages

(including space pages)

Character structure: 9

×

9 3-dot spacing (in half dot units)

×

7

9 2-dot spacing (in half dot units)

Larger spacing can be set by using

ESC SP.

Character size: See the table below.

Characters per inch, characters per second,
characters per line, character size

Character
structure * 1

9 x 9 3 dots 12.5 233 200 30 66

7 x 9 2 dots 16.7 311 267 40 88

*1 Horizontal dots x vertical dots

*2 CPI: Characters Per Inch (number of characters per 25.4 mm)

*3 CPS: Characters Per Second (number of characters per second)

*4 CPL: Characters Per Line

Character
spacing
(half dots)

CPI * 2

CPS * 3 CPL * 4

High Low

Paper
roll

Slip
paper

Character size
(width x height)

1.6 x 3.1 mm
{.06" x .12"}

1.3 x 3.1 mm
{.05" x .12"}

4-2 Reference Information

Ribbon Specifications

Type: Exclusive cassette ribbon

Ribbon cassette
specifications:

Part number ERC-31 (P)

Color Purple

Ribbon life 7,000,000

(when one character consists of
18 dots)

MICR Specifications (Option)

The MICR mechanism is a factory-installed option.

Available fonts: E-13B, CMC7

Recognition
rating:

98% or more at 25°C (75°F)
Rating = ([total checks – number misread or
not identified]/total checks)
Check paper tested is EPSON standard check
paper. Checks must be flat, without curls,
folds, or wrinkles.

characters

×

100

Paper type: Normal check paper with thickness of 0.09 to

0.2mm {0.0035 to 0.0079”}
Size: 68 to 102mm

×

4.02

2.98 to 8.27”}

Mass: 70 to 90 Kg.

Ripple voltage: 300 mVpp or less

Current
consumption:

Mean approx. 2.3A (Approx. 1.4 sec)

×

152 to 210 mm {2.68 to

Reference Information 4-3

Reliability: MICR reader mechanism (only when the

printer is used with the MICR reader):
MCBF: 160,000 passes
Life: 240,000 passes
(One pass: from reading characters to printing
endorsements on a U.S.A. personal check (152
mm {5.98”} long)
(The MICR reader is defined to have reached
the end of its life when it cannot function
properly because of the main parts (magnetic
head, head holding roller, etc.) of wearing
out.)

MICR use

Use the following procedure to read MICR characters.

1

2 Inserts a check.

3

4 Transmits FS a 1.

5

6Transmits FF.

7

User Operation Printer Operation

Transmits FS a 0
<00>H.

(Transmits DLE ENQ 3.) (when the check waiting state is canceled)

(Transmits FS a 0
<00>H.)

Transmits endorse­ment printing data.

Removes the check
paper.

Mechanically switches to MICR mode and
waits for a personal check to be loaded. The
SLIP light blinks.

Detects the check, lights the SLIP light, and
reads MICR characters. After reading,
transmits the reading results.

(Re-reads the check and transmits the
reading result.)

Loads the check paper to the print starting
position.

Prints data and feeds paper.

After printing, ejects paper.
The SLIP light blinks until the check is removed.

The SLIP light blinks.

4-4 Reference Information

Notes on MICR use

❏

Personal checks are fed in the forward direction only.

❏

The paper roll must be loaded correctly before selecting MICR
function. Otherwise, check paper is not fed properly.

❏

The check waiting state is canceled using DLE ENQ 3.

❏ After a personal check is ejected, the SLIP light comes on and

the printer does not proceed to the next operation until the
check is removed.

❏

The check waiting time and the interval from when a check is
inserted to when the operation starts can be set using ESC f.

❏

To check the MICR function status exactly, use DLE EOT BS 1.

❏

Remove ejected personal checks by pulling them upward. Do
not pull them out in the horizontal direction.

Paper Specifications

Paper feed method: Friction feed

Paper feed pitch: Default 4.23 mm {1/6 inch}

Can be set in units of 0.353 mm {1/144
inch} by the ESC 3 and ESC J
commands.

Paper feed speed: Approx. 60.3 ms/line (4.23 mm {1/6

inch} feeding)

Approx. 86.36 mm/second {3.4
inches/second} (continuous feeding)

Paper size: Paper roll (single-ply)

Reference Information 4-5

Size: Width 69.5 mm ± 0.5 mm

{2.74" ± 0.02"}

Maximum

83 mm {3.27"}
outside
diameter:

Thickness: 0.06 to 0.09 mm {.0024 to

.0035"}

Mass: 52.3 to 64.0 g/m

2

{13.9 to
17 lbs} (JIS P8124) (45 to
55 Kg {20.41 to 24.94 lbs}/

Paper roll

1000 sheets/788 mm
1091mm {31.02"

10 mm {0.39"} or more

×

42.95"}

×

inside
diameter:

Slip paper

Paper type: Normal paper

Carbon copy paper

Pressure sensitive paper

4-6 Reference Information

Total
thickness:

0.09 to 0.36 mm {.0035 to
.0141"}

See the Copy capability and paper
thickness portion on the next page for
more information.

Size
(W

×

L):

70 mm
mm
{2.76"

×

70 mm to 210

×

297 mm (A4 size)

×

2.76" to 8.27" ×

11.69"}

Ambient temperature and copy
capability

Copy capability is greatly influenced
by the ambient temperature, so
printing must be performed under the
conditions described in the table
below.

Relationship between ambient temperature and
number of copies

Number of copies Ambient temperature (print mode)

Original + 4 copies 20° to 40°C {68° to 104°F} (copy mode)

Original + 1 to 3 copies 5° to 40°C {41° to 104°F} (copy mode)

Copy
capability
and paper
thickness:

Backing
paper:

Copy and
original:

Carbon
paper:

Normal paper (single­ply): 0.09 to 0.2 mm {.0035
to .0079"}

Carbon copy paper
combination:
5 sheets maximum
(original + 4 copies, at 20°
to 40°C {68° to 104°F}

0.06 to 0.15 mm {.0023 to
.0059"}

0.04 to 0.07 mm {.0015 to
.0028"}

Approx. 0.035 mm
{.0014"}

Reference Information 4-7

Total
thickness:

0.30 mm {.0118"} or less
(original to original + 3
copies)

0.36 mm {.014"} or less
(original + 4 copies)

Note:

When using multi-ply paper that consists of an original and three
copies, be sure to print with a 9
characters on some of the copies may not be readable.

Notes on slip paper

❏

The slip paper must be flat, without curls or wrinkles,
especially at the top edges. Otherwise, the paper may rub
against the ribbon and become dirty.

Pressure
sensitive
paper:

Backing
paper:

Copy and
original:

Total
thickness:

×

9 font. If a 7 × 9 font is used, some

5 sheets maximum
(original + 4 copies, at 20°
to 40°C {68° to 104°F}

0.06 to 0.15 mm {.0023 to
.0059"}

0.06 to 0.075 mm {.0023 to
.003"}

0.24 mm {.0094"} or less
(original to original + 3
copies)

0.30 mm {.0118"} or less
(original + 4 copies)

❏

There must be no glue on the bottom edge of slip paper. It is
desirable for the glue to be on the top edge. Choose slip paper
carefully when the glue is on the right or left edge, since paper
feeding and insertion are affected by gluing conditions (e.g.,
glue quality, method, and length) and glue location. (See the

4-8 Reference Information

illustration below.) Be especially careful when slip paper is
wide and has the glue on the right or left edge, since it may not
feed in a straight line.

OK to use Do not use Use carefully Use carefully

Paper feed direction

Glued area

Slip paper glued area

❏

Since the slip insertion detector uses a photo detector, paper
that has holes at the detector position, or is translucent, must
not be used. (See the illustration on the next page.)

3mm (.12")

Form stopper
position

Sub-slip feed
roller position

14.6mm
(.58")

Slip insertion sensor position

2mm (.08")

Slip insertion
sensor position

Reference Information 4-9

❏

Since the slip ejection detector uses a reflective photo detector,
paper that has holes or dark portions with low reflection (less
than 40% reflection) at the detector position must not be used.
(See the illustration below.)

10mm

(.39")

Make sure there are
no holes and low reflection

Paper feed direction

Paper holes and low reflection prohibited area

❏

Be sure to perform slip printing with a paper roll loaded to

in this area of the paper

avoid paper jams.

❏

Use thinner paper (N30 or equivalent) between the top and
bottom sheets of multi-ply paper. If thick paper is used, the
copy capability is lowered

Electrical Characteristics

Supply voltage: +24 VDC ± 10%

Current consumption: Operating:

When feeding
slip paper to
the print
starting
position:

4-10 Reference Information

Mean - approx. 2.3 A,
approx. 1.4 seconds

Printing: Mean - approx. 1.8 A

(when printing
alphanumeric
characters for
maximum number
printing on paper roll)

Peak - approx. 8.0 A

Standby: Mean - approx. 0.3 A

Reference Information 4-11

Reliability

Printer mechanism
(MCBF):

Life: 7,500,000 lines

Print head life: 150 million characters

5,000,000 lines

❏

When performing autocutting and
stamping once each for every 15
lines printed.

❏

The printer is defined to have
reached the end of its life when it
cannot function properly because
of the main parts (motors,
solenoids, frames, shafts, etc.)
wearing out.)

❏

When printing an average of 2
dots/wire per character.

Environmental Conditions

Temperature: Operating: 5° to 40°C {41° to 104°F}

Storage: -10° to 50°C {14° to 122°F}

(except for ribbon)

Humidity: Operating: 30 to 80% RH (at 30°C or

more, the upper limit
condition is 30°C, 80% or
equivalent, with no
condensation)

Storage: 30 to 90% RH (with no

condensation, except for
ribbon)

4-12 Reference Information

-i

Printed in China

1999.12