NEC SuperScript 870 User Guide

SUPERSCRIPT™ 870

Online
User’s Guide

3

April 1998

1

Proprietary Notice and Liability
Disclaimer

The information disclosed in this document,
including all designs and related materials, is the
valuable property of NEC Technologies and/or its
licensors, as appropriate, reserve all patent,
copyright and other proprietary rights to this
document, including all design, manufacturing,
reproduction, use and sales rights thereto, except
to the extent said rights are expressly granted to
others.

The NEC Technologies product(s) discussed in
this document are warranted in accordance with
the terms of the Limited Warranty Statement
accompanying each product. However, actual
performance of each such product is dependent
upon factors such as system configuration,
customer data and operator control. Since
implementation by customers of each product
may vary, the suitability of specific product
configurations and applications must be
determined by the customer and is not warranted
by NEC Technologies.

To allow for design and specification
improvements, the information in this document
is subject to change at any time without notice.
Reproduction of this document or portions thereof
without prior approval of NEC Technologies is
prohibited.

Microsoft, Windows, Windows 3.1x, Windows 95,
Windows 98, PowerPoint, and MS-DOS are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Adobe PrintGear®, the Adobe PrintGear® logo,
and Memory Booster Technology, are trademarks
of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

All other product, service, brand, or trade names
used in this publication are the trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective
companies or organizations. NEC disclaims any
responsibility for specifying which marks are
owned by which companies or organizations.

HP, PCL, and LaserJet are trademarks of Hewlett­Packard Company.

Copyright 1998
NEC Technologies, Inc.
1250 N. Arlington Heights Rd.
Itasca, IL 60143
All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 1998
NEC Corporation
7-1 Shiba 5-Chome, Minato-Ku
Tokyo 108-01, Japan

© NEC Technologies, Inc., 1998.

2

All Rights Reserved.

Table of Contents

870

Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Selecting a Location for the Printer............................................................................................................................ 11

Printer Dimensions (Front View) ............................................................................................................................... 11

Printer Dimensions ....................................................................................................................................................... 12

Printer Parts .................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Imaging Modules..............................................................................................................................................................................13

Major Parts – Top Cover Open .......................................................................................................................................................14

Printer Operating Environment.................................................................................................................................. 14

Printer Operating Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 14

System Requirements ................................................................................................................................................... 15

Minimum Requirements.............................................................................................................................................. 15

Unpacking the Printer .................................................................................................................................................. 16

Installing the Multi-purpose tray............................................................................................................................... 18

Loading Paper in the Multi-purpose Tray ................................................................................................................ 19

Turning ON the Printer ................................................................................................................................................ 20

Testing the Printer ......................................................................................................................................................... 21

Switching OFF the Printer ........................................................................................................................................... 21

Connecting the Interface Cable .................................................................................................................................. 22

Installing the Face-up Output Tray ............................................................................................................................ 22

Printer Safety.................................................................................................................................................................. 23

Ordering Supplies and Accessories ........................................................................................................................... 24

3

Table of Contents

Chapter 2 Using the Operator Panel

Using the Operator Panel............................................................................................................................................. 26

LED Operation ............................................................................................................................................................... 26

Operator Panel Button .................................................................................................................................................. 31

Default Settings ............................................................................................................................................................. 32

Chapter 3 Installing the Software

SuperScript 870 Software

for Windows............................................................................................................................................................. 34

SuperScript 870 Printer Software and Accessories ................................................................................................. 34

Installing and Uninstalling SuperScript 870 Software .......................................................................................... 34

Installation for DOS Software Only ...............................................................................................................................................35

Installation for Windows 95 and Windows 98 .............................................................................................................................35

Installation for Windows 3.1x.........................................................................................................................................................36

Installation for Windows NT ..........................................................................................................................................................36

Uninstalling SuperScript 870 Software for Windows 95 and Windows 98 ..............................................................................37

Uninstalling the SuperScript 870 Software for Windows 3.1x ...................................................................................................38

Uninstalling the SuperScript 870 Software for Windows NT ....................................................................................................38

SuperScript 870 Windows Printer Driver ................................................................................................................. 38

Accessing the SuperScript 870 Windows Printer Driver ............................................................................................................39

Using the SuperScript 870 Windows

Printer Driver ...............................................................................................................................................................................38

Watermark Options ..........................................................................................................................................................................40

2-Sided Printing ................................................................................................................................................................................41

Booklet Printing ................................................................................................................................................................................45

Paper Source Tab............................................................................................................................................................ 46

Destination Tab .............................................................................................................................................................. 49

Image Control Tab ......................................................................................................................................................... 51

Imaging Mode (Advanced Option) ...............................................................................................................................................52

Halftone Features (Advanced Option) ..........................................................................................................................................53

4

Table of Contents

Darkness.............................................................................................................................................................................................54

Accessories Tab .............................................................................................................................................................. 54

Advanced Tab ................................................................................................................................................................. 55

Chapter 4 W indows Status Monitor

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 60

What is Printer Status? ................................................................................................................................................. 60

Loading the Status Monitor......................................................................................................................................... 61

Minimized Views .......................................................................................................................................................... 61

Features of Mini-Window View ................................................................................................................................. 62

Features of the Icon View in Windows 3.1 ....................................................................................................................................63

Sound Alerts ......................................................................................................................................................................................63

The Maximized Status Monitor .................................................................................................................................. 64

Accessing the Maximized Status Monitor.....................................................................................................................................64

General Tab ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 64

Change Printer Tab ...........................................................................................................................................................................66

Alerts Tab ...........................................................................................................................................................................................67

Preferences Tab..................................................................................................................................................................................69

Chapter 5 DOS Printing

The DOS Printing Utilities .......................................................................................................................................... 72

Printing from DOS Programs...................................................................................................................................... 72

Installing DOS Software Only ................................................................................................................................... 72

DOS Printer Control Panel .......................................................................................................................................... 73

Main Menu ........................................................................................................................................................................................73

Control Printing Menu.....................................................................................................................................................................74

Change Printer Settings Menu........................................................................................................................................................75

Change LaserJet IIP Emulation Settings........................................................................................................................................77

Print Sample Pages Menu ...............................................................................................................................................................78

Change Status Monitor Settings Menu..........................................................................................................................................78

5

Table of Contents

Change Printer Port Menu ..............................................................................................................................................................79

DOS Status Monitor (TSR).......................................................................................................................................... 79

Starting the Status Monitor .............................................................................................................................................................80

Using the DOS Status Monitor .......................................................................................................................................................81

Chapter 6 Using the Printer

Using the Multi-purpose Tray ..................................................................................................................................... 84

Loading Paper into the Multi-purpose Tray .................................................................................................................................84

Loading Envelopes into the

Multi-purpose Tray .................................................................................................................................................. 84

Using the Manual Feed Tray........................................................................................................................................ 85

Loading Paper and Envelopes into the Manual Feed Tray .................................................................................... 85

Loading Transparencies and

Adhesive Labels ...................................................................................................................................................... 86

Transparencies............................................................................................................................................................... 86

Adhesive Labels............................................................................................................................................................ 86

Chapter 7 Printer Options

Printer Options............................................................................................................................................................... 88

The 500-Sheet Cassette.....................................................................................................................................................................88

Loading Paper into the 500-Sheet Cassette ...................................................................................................................................89

Memory Expansion Module (SIMM) ........................................................................................................................ 90

Chapter 8 Maintaining Your Printer

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 96

The Imaging Modules .................................................................................................................................................. 96

Redistributing the Toner ..................................................................................................................................................................96

Replacing the Toner Module ...........................................................................................................................................................98

Replacing the Photoconductor Module.........................................................................................................................................99

6

Table of Contents

Cleaning the Printer .................................................................................................................................................... 100

Cleaning the Inside of the Printer ................................................................................................................................................101

Cleaning the Outside of the Printer .............................................................................................................................................103

Relocating the Printer ................................................................................................................................................. 103

Chapter 9 Troubleshooting

Updating your System ................................................................................................................................................ 106

Simple Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................................. 106

Installation Problems.................................................................................................................................................. 106

About Paper Jams ........................................................................................................................................................ 108

Maintaining Print Quality ......................................................................................................................................... 112

Print Quality Problems............................................................................................................................................... 112

Chapter10 Getting Service and Support

Service and Support .................................................................................................................................................... 118

Warranty Return Process ............................................................................................................................................ 121

SuperScript 870 Printer Limited

Warranty.................................................................................................................................................................. 122

Appendix A Selecting Print Media

Selecting Paper and Media ........................................................................................................................................ 126

Care of Printer Supplies ............................................................................................................................................. 126

Paper Properties ........................................................................................................................................................... 127

Additional Paper for Use in This Printer ....................................................................................................................................127

Paper and Print Media You Should NOT Use in This Printer ............................................................................. 128

Print Areas .......................................................................................................................................................................................128

Preprinted Forms............................................................................................................................................................................129

Heavy Print Stock ...........................................................................................................................................................................129

Envelopes.........................................................................................................................................................................................129

7

Table of Contents

Adhesive Labels ..............................................................................................................................................................................130

Transparency Film ..........................................................................................................................................................................131

Appendix B Safety Information

Ozone Emission ........................................................................................................................................................... 134

UL Standards for Ozone ..................................................................................................................................................................134

Employer Responsibilities...............................................................................................................................................................134

Recommendations for Minimizing

Ozone Exposure.........................................................................................................................................................................134

Laser Safety................................................................................................................................................................... 135

CDRH Regulations ...........................................................................................................................................................................135

FCC Statement ..................................................................................................................................................................................135

Appendix C Specifications

Technical Specifications ............................................................................................................................................. 138

Appendix D Status Monitor Icons

Status Monitor Icons ................................................................................................................................................... 141

Index

8

Setting Up the Printer

Overview

This chapter gives you the information you need
when you set up your printer, load paper, and
begin printing. It includes:

• Selecting a location for your printer

• Printer dimensions

• Location of printer parts

• Printer requirements

• Unpacking the printer

• Getting started and printing a test page

• Installing the Face-up output tray

• Printer safety

• Ordering supplies and accessories

1

9

Chapter 1: Setting Up the Printer

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the NEC
SuperScript 870 printer. The SuperScript 870 is
designed to offer the best possible combination
of print quality and performance in a personal
laser printer.

The SuperScript 870 can print 8 pages per
minute at 600 dpi resolution. The SuperScript
870 includes special printing features such as
proof sheets (N-up printing), booklet printing,
manual duplexing, and watermarks. The printer
is designed to print on a wide variety of paper
sizes and stock, including legal size, executive,
A4, envelope, transparencies, labels, and index
card. The standard 2 MB of memory can be
increased to maximize print performance. The
Multi-purpose tray and optional 500-Sheet
cassette combine to hold up to 650 sheets of
letter size paper.

The SuperScript 870 has been designed to
support all major personal computer operating

®

systems, including: DOS, Windows

®

Windows

95, Windows® 98, and Windows NT

3.1x,

®

4.0. Macintosh System 7.x and 8.x are supported
with the optional 10/100 Base-T network
interface card (NIC). The optional NIC also
allows users or workgroups on a TCP/IP, Novell
Netware, or Apple EtherTalk network to share

the printer. PCL 4.5 emulation has been provided
for DOS and Windows NT 4.0 users. For users of
Windows 3.1x, Windows 95/98, or Macintosh
System 7.x and 8.x, Adobe PrintGear has been
provided.

Your computer and the SuperScript 870 printer
communicate bidirectionally to exchange
operating status information such as “printing”,
“paper out”, or “paper jam.” Messages are
reported to you on-screen with the status monitor
utility so that you do not have to check the LED
display on the Operator panel.

10

Chapter 1: Setting Up the Printer

Selecting a Location for the Printer

Follow all space, electrical, and operating
environment requirements when selecting a
location for your printer.

Printer space requirements

Leave at least 8” of air space between the left side
of the printer and the surrounding wall and
furniture. Likewise allow 12” of space at the back
of the printer and 16” at the top.

Side View of the SuperScript 870

12-1/4" (313mm)

approx.

14-3/4" (372mm)

approx.

13-1/4" (334mm)

Printer Dimensions (Front Vie w)

The illustrations below show standard dimensions
for the NEC SuperScript 870 printer.

Caution! Do not block the ventilation fan
outlet that is located on the left side of the
printer.

Front View of the SuperScript 870

14" (354mm)

9-3/4" (247mm)

approx

5"(125mm)

14-3/4" (371mm)

approx
22-3/5" (573mm)

approx
3-1/4" (77mm)

11

Chapter 1: Setting Up the Printer

Printer Dimensions

The following illustration shows standard
dimensions for a NEC SuperScript 870 printer
with the optional 500-Sheet cassette attached. To
order this option see page 24 in this guide.

Side View of the SuperScript 870 printer with optional
500-Sheet cassette

approx.

19-3/4"(372mm)

approx

5"(125mm)

14-3/4"(371mm)

approx
22-3/5"(573mm)

approx.

18-1/4"(334mm)

approx
3-1/4"(77mm)

Printer P arts

Front View

1. Face-up output tray

2. Paper destination switch

Selects the Main or Face-up output tray

3. Main output tray

Holds as many as 80 face-down printed pages

4. Manual feed tray

Doubles as cover for the Multi-purpose tray

5. Multi-purpose tray

Holds up to 150 pieces of paper

6. Main power switch

7. Ventilation fan grill

8. Top cover release button

12

Back View (without Face-up Output Tray Attached)

9. Main output tray extension

Pull out to accommodate longer sized pages

10. Top cover

Open to access the Toner module or to clear
paper jams. When closed, the Top cover
functions as the Main output tray

11. Rear output slot

Used to print out thicker paper and envelopes

12. AC Power cord socket

13. AC Power cord

14. Parallel port

Provides connection to the computer’s parallel
interface connector

15. Operator panel

Used to monitor printer status

Chapter 1: Setting Up the Printer

Imaging Modules

Toner module

The replaceable Toner module that shipped inside
your new SuperScript 870 has a 3,000 page
capacity at 5% coverage (typical business letter).
Two replacement modules are available.
The 3,000 page module– NEC part number 20-120
The 6,000 page module–NEC part number 20-122

Photoconductor module

The Photoconductor module contains the
electrophotographic (EP) drum. This long-lasting
module has an estimated life of 20,000 pages. The
NEC part number is 20-125.

For ordering information see page 24.

13

Chapter 1: Setting Up the Printer

Major Parts – Top Cover Open

1. Fuser Unit

Uses heat and pressure to permanently adhere
the toner image to the paper before the printer
delivers the paper to the output trays.

2. Paper Transport Roller

Moves the paper through the printer.

3. Photoconductor Module Guide Channel

The Photoconductor module fits easily into
these channels.

4. Toner Module Guide Channel

Line up the channel with the pins on the Toner
module during replacement.

Printer Operating Environment

• Install the printer on a level and stable surface.

• Install the printer in an area that will have a
temperature range of 50˚F to 95˚F (10˚C to
35˚C).

• Extreme temperature changes may result in a
buildup of condensation inside the printer
causing print quality problems and paper
jams. If there are wide temperature variations
within the printer environment, allow one
hour for the printer to stabilize before using it.

• Install the printer in an area that has a relative
humidity range of 15% to 85% (without
condensation).

• Install the printer in an area that is shielded
from the direct air flow of heaters, air
conditioners, or humidifiers.

• Install the printer in an area that is shielded
from direct sunlight.

• Leave adequate space around the printer for
ventilation and easy access.

Printer Operating Requirements

Nominal line voltage and frequency—
120VAC@50/60 Hz

14

Maximum power consumption—580 watts

Chapter 1: Setting Up the Printer

System Requirements

The SuperScript 870 printer works with MS-DOS

3.3 or higher, Windows 3.1x (in Enhanced Mode),
Windows 95/98, and Windows NT 4.0.

To run the SuperScript 870 software with
Windows 3.1x, you will need an IBM-compatible
PC with at least a 386SX 16-MHz CPU. This
includes all 486-based and most 386-based PCs. To
verify if your PC can run in Enhanced Mode, type
WIN/3 at the MS-DOS prompt. If your PC cannot
run Windows in Enhanced Mode, the system will
tell you.

The SuperScript 870 printer can also be run
directly from DOS. The printer will automatically
invoke PCL emulation mode to process DOS jobs.

A standard PC parallel printer port is required to
connect with the SuperScript 870 printer through
a high quality bidirectional IEEE 1284 parallel
cable (recommended length 6 ft).

Minimum Requirements

To use the SuperScript 870 Windows software,
you will need:

• Microsoft Windows® 95/98: A 486 or better
personal computer with at least 8MB (16 MB
for Windows 98) of RAM. (Service Pak 1 or
OSR 2 highly recommended for Windows 95.)

®

• Windows NT
personal computer with at least 16 MB of
RAM.

• Windows 3.1x: A 386 or better personal
computer with at least 4 MB (8 MB
recommended) of RAM. (Windows 3.1x must
be run in enhanced mode.)

• DOS: A 386 or better personal computer with
at least 640K of RAM running DOS 3.3 or later.

• A CD ROM drive.

4.0: A Pentium® or better

Note: Because of the SuperScript 870’s
high speed interface, it is important to use
a properly manufactured parallel cable.
Use of a poor quality parallel cable may
affect your output.

15

Chapter 1: Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer

Remove the printer from the shipping box and
place it on a stable, level surface. The printer
weighs approximately 19.5 pounds without any
options installed. Use care when removing it from
the shipping box.

Check to make sure you received all of the items
listed below. If any item is missing or damaged,
contact the store where you purchased the printer.

• NEC SuperScript 870 Printer

• Multi-purpose tray

• Face-up output tray

• Toner module (inside printer)

• Photoconductor module (inside printer)

• AC power cord

• Quick install foldout

• ServiceXpress brochure

• User’s guide

• SuperScript 870 Solutions CD
(Contains driver software and SuperScript 870

On Line User’s Guide.)

Note: It is very important to install the
driver software in order for this printer to
work properly. Follow the instructions
found in Chapter 3 of this user’s guide.

Save the Quick Install, User’s Guide and software
for future reference. Save all packing materials
(including the shipping carton) in case the printer
needs to be repacked.

16

Chapter 1: Setting Up the Printer

After you have removed the printer and
accessories from the shipping box, place the
printer on a stable surface and remove any
packing or tape from the printer and carefully
follow the steps below.

1. Press the Top cover release button and lift the
Top cover.

2. Remove the tape and packing from inside the
printer.

3. Gently lift out the Toner module.

4. Rock the Toner module gently, five or six
times, to redistribute the toner.

17

Chapter 1: Setting Up the Printer

5. Holding onto the Toner module’s handle,
lower it into the printer, making sure the green
and blue markings on the inside of the printer
line up with the markings on the Toner
module. Gently seat the module, do not use
force!

6. Carefully close the Top cover of the printer.

Installing the Multi-purpose tray

Referring to the external printer parts figure on
page 12, attach the Multi-purpose tray as shown.
(Pull out any visible packing tabs from inside the
unit first.)

1. Holding the Multi-purpose tray with both
hands use the left and right slots in the printer
as guides and gently push the tray in until it
cannot be inserted any further.

2. Attach the Multi-purpose tray cover onto the
Multi-purpose tray.

18

Loading P aper in the Multi-purpose Tray

A maximum of 150 sheets of 20 lb. paper
(common copy paper) can be loaded into the tray
at once.

1. Remove the cover from the Multi-purpose tray
and open the tray paper guides.

2. Extend and flip up the extension guides (1),
then flip up the small Paper stop (2), if you
have letter size paper loaded.

Chapter 1: Setting Up the Printer

3. Pull out the Multi-purpose tray extension (3).

4. Center a stack of paper into the Multi-purpose
tray. Using both hands, adjust the paper
guides to fit snugly against the sides of the
paper.

Note: To avoid jams, do not load
additional paper until all the paper in the
tray has fed through the printer.

19

Chapter 1: Setting Up the Printer

Load paper
below this line.

Turning ON the Printer

1. Plug the power cord into the cord socket
located on the rear panel of the printer.

Always re-adjust the paper guides when adding a
new stack of paper.

Do not overload the Multi-purpose tray!
For information on loading various media refer to

Chapter 6, “Using the Printer.”

5. Replace the cover on to the Multi-purpose
tray.

20

2. Connect the power cord to a wall outlet or

®

inspected power strip (surge protector)

UL
and press the power switch ON [I].

Warning: This printer is intended to be
electrically grounded. The NEC Super­Script 870 comes with a three-wire
grounding plug—a plug that has a third
(grounding) pin. This plug will fit only a
grounded AC outlet. This is a safety
feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
into the outlet, contact a licensed
electrician to replace the outlet with a
properly grounded outlet. Do not defeat
the purpose of the grounding plug!

Turning on the printer causes all the LEDs on the
Operator panel to light up. In about 20 seconds,
only the ON LINE indicator remains lit, showing
that the printer is ready to print.

The SuperScript 870 printer automatically enters a
power-saving Energy Star compliant sleep mode
if it receives no print commands for 30 minutes.
Whenever the printer receives a print command
while in this power-saving mode, it starts to warm
up again and takes about 20 seconds before it is
ready to print. For information on how to change
this feature see page 57 in this user’s guide.

Testing the Printer

Chapter 1: Setting Up the Printer

indicates there is no existing error condition
and no data remaining to be printed.

3. Press the Operator panel button until all lights
cycle and the ON LINE light (only) starts
flashing. You may then release the button. This
will start the test page print operation.

Note: It is best to print the test page on
letter or legal sized paper.

Switching OFF the Printer

Switch OFF the printer power by pressing [O] on
the power switch located on the left side of the
printer.

Note: Do not switch OFF the power while
the printer is processing a print job. Wait
until the printer has finished the print job
and has ejected all of the prints before you
switch OFF the power.

Before connecting to a computer, perform the
following procedure to print a test page and check
that the printer is working correctly.

1. Make sure there is paper in the Multi-purpose
tray.

2. Check that both the PAPER and ERROR lights
are off, and the ON LINE light is on. This

21

Chapter 1: Setting Up the Printer

Connecting the Interface Cable

Use an IEEE 1284 compliant parallel cable (6 ft.
recommended) to connect the SuperScript 870 to a
computer.

1. Make sure the printer and the computer are

both turned OFF [O].

2. Connect one end of the interface cable to the
parallel port of the computer.

3. Connect the other end of the cable to the
parallel port connector on the back of the
printer. Secure the lock springs on the port
connection.

Installing the Face-up Output Tray

The Face-up output tray receives printed pages,
printed side up, as they are output to the rear of
the printer. For uses of this tray, see Chapter 6,
“Using the Printer.”

The maximum capacity of this tray is 50 sheets.

1. Remove the Face-up output tray from its
packaging.

2. Gently bow the Face-up output tray inwards,
toward the printer, with both hands. Align the
insertion pins of the tray with the pin holders
of the printer.

22

Chapter 1: Setting Up the Printer

Note: When printing to the Face-up
output tray, flip the Paper destination
switch on top of the printer to its back
position as shown below.

Printer Safety

Use common sense and good judgment whenever
you are operating your laser printer.

To reduce the risk of fire

• Use only the AC power cord that is supplied
with the printer, or one that is UL
(NEC will not replace this cord if you lose it.
Similar UL approved AC power cords are
available from most computer retailers.)

®

compatible.

• Never use multi-plug adapters or extension
cords to connect the printer to an AC wall
outlet (grounded surge protectors OK).

• Make sure the AC wall outlet meets the
electrical requirements of your printer (see
page 14).

• If you are not going to use the printer for long
periods of time, turn the printer off and
unplug it from the AC wall outlet. Remove all
of the paper from the paper tray and cassettes.

• Never place flammable liquids or materials
near the printer.

• Do not install the printer in a dusty or dirty
area.

• If the printer makes an unusual sound or
begins to smoke, immediately switch off the
power, unplug the printer from the AC wall
outlet, and call for service.

To reduce the risk of electrical shock

• Do not remove screws, covers, or parts from
the printer except while installing options.

• Do not attempt to disassemble the printer.
High voltage is always present inside the
printer. If you have a problem with the printer,
call for service.

• Do not touch the AC power cord when your
hands are wet.

• Do not use the printer if the AC power cord is
damaged or frayed.

23

Chapter 1: Setting Up the Printer

• Never place heavy objects on top of the
printer.

• Never place containers of liquid above or near
the printer.

• Be careful not to drop staples, paper clips, or
other small metal objects into the printer.

To reduce the risk of burns

• When replacing the Imaging modules or
clearing a jam, do not touch the Fuser unit.
The Fuser unit operates at a very high
temperature and is marked with a warning
label.

• Do not touch the rear (output) slot while the
printer is on. It is very hot.

To avoid the risk of eye injury

• The SuperScript 870 laser generates an intense
beam of light that can cause serious eye
damage. The printer, however, is designed so
the laser beam is completely contained within
the printer during all modes of customer
operation.

• To avoid accidental contact with the laser
beam, perform all printer procedures exactly
as described in this user’s guide and never
attempt to dismantle the printer or to operate
the printer with the Top cover open. Do not

attempt printer repairs on your own!

To reduce the risk of personal injury

• Be careful when lifting the printer.

• Do not install the printer so it is within the
reach of small children.

Ordering Supplies and Accessories

To order printer supplies and accessories, contact
your NEC printer dealer or call 1–800–632–2326.
You may also contact NEC through the internet at

http://www.nec.com/nectechsupport

Table 1:1 Supplies and Options

Supplies / Options

870 Toner Module
Approx. 6,000 Prints

870 Toner Module
Approx. 3,000 Prints

870 Photoconductor
Module

500-Sheet Cassette

870 Network Interface
Upgrade Kit (NIC)

Order Number

20-122

20-120

20-125

8701

8702

24

Operator P anel

2

Overview

This chapter describes the Operator panel and its
functions. It explains:

• LED operation

• Operator panel button

• Factory default settings

25

Chapter 2: Operator Panel

Using the Operator Panel

This chapter describes the NEC SuperScript
Operator panel and its functions.

The Operator panel consists of four LEDs and
the Operator panel button.

The On Line LED (green) usually

•
indicates normal operation (warming-up,
ready, or Energy Saving Mode).

The Paper LED (amber) usually indicates

•
that the printer needs paper.

The Manual Feed LED (amber) usually

•
indicates that the printer is ready for manual
feed.

•

• The Operator panel button lets you resume

The Error LED (red) indicates printer

errors such as “cover open” or “paper size
error.”

operation after correcting a problem (such as
adding more paper or closing the cover). You
can also use the button to print a Settings
page, exit Energy Saving Mode, or reset the
printer to factory defaults.

The blinking lights indicate that the printer is
initializing and performing an internal test. When
the printer is ready to accept a job, the green On
Line LED stays steadily lit. From the ready state,
pressing the Operator panel button for four
seconds and releasing it activates the initialization
(reset) and internal test. The LEDs will cycle on
until the printer is reset. Once the printer is reset
the LEDs will return to their ready state (green
LED steadily lit).

Table 2-1 provides a prioritized list of printer
problems with LED status, condition, cause, and
solution.

ERROR

MANUAL
FEED

PAPER
ON LINE

OPERATOR PANEL
BUTTON

LED Operation

When the printer is first turned on, all LEDs
light immediately and then cycle in sequence.

26

Table 2-1: Condition Indications and Solutions

LEDs

CONDITION CAUSE/SOLUTION

Chapter 2: Operator Panel

All lit steady

All lit then cycle all
LEDs

All lit then cycle all
LEDs

Printer hardware
error

Factory default
reset

Power on

A printer hardware error is detected. Possible printer errors
include malfunction of the Fuser unit, Laser unit, Scanning motor,
or Fan.
Corrective Action: First power off the printer and then turn the
power back on. If the problem continues, contact your NEC dealer
for service or call NEC technical support (see Chapter 10).

During power up, press the Operator panel button until the lights
stop cycling, then release. After that, the green light blinks until
the printer is ready to accept a job.

When you power on the printer all the LEDs light, then cycle
through beginning with the On Line LED. The lights continue to
cycle until initialization is complete. The On Line light will continue
to blink until the printer is warmed up sufficiently to print.

27

Chapter 2: Operator Panel

Table 2-1: Condition Indications and Solutions

LEDs

CONDITION CAUSE/SOLUTION

Cycle through all
LEDs

Error (red) on
steady

Error (red) on
steady
Paper (amber)
blinks

Error (red) blinks
On Line (green)
steady

Reset

Top cover open

Paper jam This occurs when there is a paper jam.

Page too complex

When the Operator panel button is pressed for at least 4 seconds
(in all states other than during power up), it cycles through all
LEDs and then the green light blinks until the printer is ready to
accept a job.

This occurs if the Top cover is open.
Corrective Action: Check that the Top cover is completely
closed.

Corrective Action: Clear the paper jam and then open and close
the Top cover to continue printing. Entry paper jams always
reprint the jammed page. Exit paper jams will reprint if Jam
Recovery is set to On (see page 76 and 57 for more information on
Jam Recovery). You can also refer to Chapter 9, “Troubleshoot­ing,” for more information on paper jams.

This indicates errors like “page too complex.” It will be affected by
the auto-continue setting.

• If auto-continue is on, the Windows status monitor mini-window
will display a message for a specified period of time indicating
which page is too complex. The document will then continue
printing.

• If auto-continue is turned off, the Windows Status Monitor mini­window will display the status alert. To dismiss the alert and
continue printing, press the Operator panel button.

28

Table 2-1: Condition Indications and Solutions

LEDs

CONDITION CAUSE/SOLUTION

Chapter 2: Operator Panel

Error (red) blinks
Paper (amber)
blinks

Error (red) blinks
On Line (green)
steady

Error (red) blinks
On Line (green)
steady

Manual feed
(amber) blinks

Preprinting paper
size error

Postprinting paper
size error

Adobe Memory
Booster used

Waiting for
manual feed

The printer has detected that the paper size being requested is not
available in the specified source (not all paper sources support
paper size detection).
Corrective Action: Put the correct size paper in the specified
source. Printing will continue automatically.

The printer has detected that the paper size used in printing was
not the size specified in the document. The Windows Status
Monitor will reflect this condition.
Corrective Action: Reprint the document making sure the
correct size paper is loaded.

This light informs the user that Adobe Memory Booster was used
for the page currently being printed. See page 55 for more infor­mation.

This condition occurs when the printer is waiting for paper to be
fed from the Manual feed tray.
Corrective Action: Insert a piece of paper into the Manual feed
tray. Then momentarily press the Operator panel button.

• If the button is pressed without supplying paper, the printer will
pull paper from the Multi-purpose tray. This includes sending
another “Waiting for Manual Feed” status message and blinking
the amber light.

• If the button is not pressed within the manual feed timeout
period, the job aborts and the “Manual Feed Timeout” message is
returned.

29

Chapter 2: Operator Panel

Table 2-1: Condition Indications and Solutions

LEDs

CONDITION CAUSE/SOLUTION

Paper (amber)
blinks

On Line (green)
blinks

On Line (green)
blinks slowly

On Line (green)
double blinks

No paper This occurs when processing with the Multi-purpose tray or 500-

Sheet cassette is empty.
Corrective Action: Load paper into the tray.

In use The on line LED blinks while the printer is processing a job from

your computer or while finishing printer warm-up and initializa­tion. This includes waiting for the computer to send additional
data or waiting for the printer engine to move paper. Pressing the
Operator panel button causes the printer to pause printing. The
printer’s memory cache can accept and process data during warm­up time.

Energy Saving

Waiting PCL data left in the printer.

The LED blinks slowly while the printer is in Energy Saving Mode.
Energy Saving Mode starts after the printer has been ready as
long as specified by the Energy Saving Mode setting. The printer
exits Energy Saving Mode when it receives a job, or the Operator
panel button is pressed.

Corrective Action: Pressing the Operator panel button will
cause a form feed then resume to ready.

30

• “Blink” always means 0.5 seconds on, 0.5 seconds off, then repeats.

• “Slow blink” is 0.5 seconds on and 5.0 seconds off, then repeats.

• “Double-blink” means 0.25 seconds on, 0.25 seconds off, 0.25 seconds on, 1.0 second off, then repeats.