How it Works
OKI
Loading...
Microline 380
Table of contents
Loading...

OKI Microline 380 Technical Reference Guide

Chapter 0 Front Cover
Microline
380
Printer Handbook
%Introduction
Introduction Your ML380 is a 24-pin, dot matrix printer which will give you years of high-quality printing service. It features six resident letter quality (LQ) fonts, a direct access control panel, automatic paper feed, paper park, no-waste paper tear-off, and a quick-change cartridge ribbon.
With six resident LQ fonts, its easy to give your manuscript the polished, professional appearance of a typeset document. With all the controls in the front at your fingertips, you dont have to go poking around looking for the switch you need. With automatic paper feed, all you have to do is position the paper on the tractor pins (for continuous-form paper) or on the paper separator (single sheet feed) and then pull the bail lever forward_the printer will automatically feed the paper around the bail and into position for printing! With paper park, all you need to do to change from continuous-form paper to single sheet feed is press a button_the printer will park the continuous-form paper out of the way and be ready for you to insert single sheets. With no-waste paper tear-off, you can have the printer automatically advance continuous-form paper so that you can tear off the last printed page without losing the next blank page_the printer will then move the paper back down into position for printing the next page. This eliminates paper waste. With a cartridge ribbon, you just pop it in and out in seconds_no need to fuss with the messy job of threading ribbon through a printhead. What could be easier?
This Handbook will help you to get your ML380 printer set up and running. It also explains the printers control codes and how to use them. Heres how its organized:
Chapter 1: Setup gives you the basics: how to get your printer ready to operate, how to make the connections, and how to load paper.
Chapter 2: Features, Self Tests and Options describes your ML380's features and how to use them. It also explains how to run the self tests and how to install the pull tractor and serial interface options.
Chapter 3: Control Panel shows you how to use the front panel controls on your printer. Chapter 4: Software discusses how to use your ML380 with software. It explains how to choose the
correct printer driver, gives examples of how to set printer parameters with your software, and illustrates how to employ your software to produce graphics on your ML380.
Chapter 5: Control Codes defines the various commands you can use to control your printer, either by placing them within your software or by using them in your own computer program.
Chapter 6: Cleaning and Problem Solving explains how to clean your printer and poses a series of what if...? questions to help you with the most common problems people run into when operating a printer.
The Appendices provide you with a variety of useful information, including the ASCII character sets, a summary of the control codes, and a discussion of computer interfacing, in addition to a listing of your ML380's specifications.
To top it all off, youll find a Glossary on page 143 to help you with the jargon. In addition to this Handbook, youll also find a Customer Service Guide included with your printer. It
explains how to get help in the unlikely event that you have a problem not covered in this handbook; youll also find there a list of replacement parts, the warranty statement and your printer registration card.
Chapter 1 %What's Included
What's Included When you remove your ML380 Printer from the carton, place it on a sturdy surface such as a printer
stand, desk, or table. As you proceed to unpack the printer, it's a good idea to save the packing materials and carton in case you ever need to ship the printer.
Along with this manual, your printer carton should contain the following items:
1) Printer
2) Paper Separator
3) Platen Knob
4) Ribbon
5) Grounding Screw
Note:You must purchase a computer interface cable and paper separately. If you are missing any of these items, or if any are damaged, please notify your dealer immediately for a
replacement.
Note:Some interface cables have a separate grounding wire. If you have this type of cable, use the grounding screw to attach the grounding wire to the printer. The grounding screw is also needed if you are installing the optional serial interface adapter.
%Choosing the Interface
Choosing the Interface How you connect your ML380 to your computer depends on whether you are using a parallel or a serial
interface. The printer has a parallel interface; for serial interfacing you need a serial interface adapter, sold separately. If you already know which type you will use, skip down to the appropriate heading:"Installing the Parallel Interface Cable" on the next page or "Installing the Serial Interface Adapter" on page 36.
Generally, a parallel interface is used for a printer operated with an individual PC or computer, while a serial interface is used for networks in which more than one computer will be operated with a single printer. A serial interface is also required if the printer is to be placed more than 10 feet from the computer. The following table summarizes the difference between the two types of interface.
Parallel Interface Serial Interface
Data is transferred 8 bits (one byte) at a time, in parallel, over 8 wires.
Data transmission rate is faster. Data transmission rate is slower. On IBM PCs and compatibles, the port
connected to printer is referred to as LPT1, LPT2, or LPT3 (maximum of three ports allowed).
Cable length is limited to 10 feet (3 meters). Cable can be virtually any length. Requires Centronics 36-pin parallel interface
connector.
Data is transferred serially, 1 bit at a time over 1 wire.
On IBM PCs and compatibles, the port connected to printer is referred to as COM1, COM2, etc. (no maximum number of ports).
Requires RS-232, DB-25 serial interface connector.
%Installing the Parallel Interface Cable
Installing the Parallel Interface Cable You'll need a shielded parallel interface cable not more than 10 feet (3 meters) long, with a Centronics
36-pin male connector for attachment to your printer.
1.If you have not already done so, remove the styrofoam end pieces and the plastic wrapping from the printer.
2.Make sure the printer is unplugged and the computer is turned off.
3.Turn the printer over and place it gently on a sturdy, flat surface.
4.Locate the parallel interface connector and push the wire clips out to the side.
5.Plug your parallel interface cable into the port on the bottom of the printer.
6.Fasten the wire clips to the cable.
7.Snap the interface cable into the cable channel.
8.Turn the printer back over.
9.Connect the other end of the cable with the parallel connector on your PC.
%Setting Up
Setting Up
Note:Don't plug in the printer until it is set up and ready to operate!
1.Open the access cover and remove the shipping retainer. The printhead won't move freely until you do so.
2.Hold the paper separator at an angle of about 30ñ to the printer housing and slide the slots at either end onto the pins at the back of the printer. When properly installed, the paper separator will swing up and rest in the top well on the printer for use in single sheet feed, and will swing down and rest in the bottom well for use with continuous-form paper.
3.Insert the platen knob in the right side of the printer, aligning the flat side of the knob shaft with the flat side on the platen shaft.
4.Make sure the printer power switch is OFF. Plug the power cord into a grounded outlet.
Note:Use only a properly grounded outlet. Do not use an ungrounded outlet with an adapter to

%Installing the Ribbon Cartridge

Installing the Ribbon Cartridge
Your printer ribbon is a cartridge type which pops in and out. Note:When you open the bag containing the ribbon cartridge, do not remove the clear plastic shield
mounted over the ribbon.
1.Lift the access cover.
2.Make sure that the bail is positioned against the platen (bail lever back). Grasp the black plastic support plate in front of the printhead and slide the printhead to a position between the bail rollers.
Note:The printhead gets HOT during extended printing. Be sure to let it cool before you touch it!
3.Hold the ribbon cartridge with the knob facing up and the ribbon/shield facing away from you.
4.Insert the flat side of the cartridge (side closest to you) into the front of the support plate. The slots on either side of the cartridge will engage the pins on the plate.
5.Swing the ribbon cartridge down over the printhead and press until it snaps into place.
6.Turn the knob in the direction of the arrow to take up any slack in the ribbon.
To remove the ribbon cartridge, simply squeeze the tabs on either side and lift it out.
Note:Use only ribbons specifically made for MICROLINE 380, 390, or 391 printers. The use of
ribbon not designed for the MICROLINE 380/380/391 printers could damage the printhead. Please also note that while ribbon cartridges for other MICROLINE printers look similar, they will either not fit the ML380 or they will give poor print quality because the ribbon and ink don't meet the requirements of 24-pin printers.
For best results, use genuine OKIDATA ribbons, part number 52104001.

%Adjusting the Printhead Gap

Adjusting the Printhead Gap Your ML380 comes preset for single-sheet paper. If you'll be using multiple sheets, envelopes or very
thick paper, you'll need to adjust the gap between the printhead and the platen.
1.Make sure the printer is turned off.
2.Open the access cover.
3.If necessary, grasp the ribbon support plate and move the printhead away from the left end of the platen.
Note:The printhead gets HOT during extended printing. Be sure to let it cool before you touch it!
4.Pull the bail lever forward to raise the bail off the platen.
5.The printhead gap lever is located on the left side of the housing at the end of the platen. Push the lever toward the printer housing, then pull it toward you to change the setting: use settings 2, 3, or 4 for multiple sheets or forms, equivalent to the number of sheets of paper; use setting 5 for envelopes and extra-thick paper.

%Loading Paper

Loading Paper Your ML380 Printer takes standard paper, weight 14 to 22 lbs., with a maximum thickness of 0.01 inches
(0.25 mm). It can be used with single sheets, forms, continuous-form paper, and envelopes. It can also be used to print labels, but the labels must be fed in from the bottom, requiring the optional pull tractor (see page 33). Bottom feed is also recommended for heavier papers such as card stock. (See Appendix E for additional information on paper specifications.)
%Loading Single Sheets
Loading Single Sheets
Note:If you have continuous-form paper in the printer and wish to switch to single sheets, use the
paper park feature described on page 27 to move the continuous-form paper out of the paper path.
1.Make sure the paper lever is toward the back, in the single sheet feed position.
2.Swing the paper separator up into the single sheet feed position and lock it in place by pressing down gently until the pins slide down into the wells on the printer.
3.Reach behind the left paper guide, grasp the paper support arm and swing it up into place.
4.Place a sheet of paper in the separator and slide the paper guides to adjust them for the sheet size you will be using. The guides should just barely touch the edges of the paper. Be sure you tuck the bottom edges of the paper under the feed tabs on the guides.
Note:The movement of the left guide is restricted. It should be positioned so that the paper covers
the groove in the left side of the platen. If it doesn't, the printer will signal paper out (SELECT light flashing) even with paper installed.
5.Pull the bail lever forward. Your ML380 will automatically load the sheet of paper into the printer, and the select light will go out.
6.Push the bail lever back. The SELECT light will automatically come back on and glow continuously to indicate that the printer is selected.
7.Set the top of form, following the instructions below.

%Setting Top of Form for Single Sheets

Setting Top of Form for Single Sheets
When setting the position on the page where you want the first line of printing to appear, use the
lower red line on the paper shield as a guideline_it shows the baseline of the current printing position.
1.Press the SELECT button to deselect the printer (SELECT light goes out).
2.To move the paper up, hold down the TOF/PARK button and press FEED. To move the paper down, hold down the TOF/PARK button and press FONT. This moves the paper in very fine increments
(1/180-inch), so you can position the location of your first line of print precisely. The amount you
can move the paper using this method is limited to avoid potential paper jams.
3.Press the TOF/PARK button to store your chosen setting permanently in ML380's memory. The setting will be retained, even when the printer is off, until you reset it.
4.Press the SELECT button to select the printer. The SELECT light will come on.

%Loading Rear Feed Paper

Loading Rear Feed Paper
The tractor feed mechanism for use with continuous-form paper is located at the rear of the printer.
If you wish to load continuous-form paper from the bottom of the printer, you will need to purchase and install the optional pull tractor: see page 33.
1.Although it's not necessary to do so, it's easier to install continuous-form paper from the rear if you first remove the paper separator.
2.Make sure the paper selection lever is forward.
3.Release the tractor lock levers by pulling up on them. Slide the tractors to position them for your paper width. The movement of the left tractor is limited, so you'll need to use the right tractor for any large adjustments in width.
4.Open the tractor covers and place the sprocket holes on either side of the paper over the tractor pins. Close the tractor covers.
5.Readjust the tractors as necessary to ensure that the left edge of the paper will cover the groove in the left side of the platen. If it doesn't, the printer will signal paper out (SELECT light flashes).
6.Press the lock levers back to lock the tractors in place.
7.If you removed the paper separator, reinstall it. Make sure the paper support arm is swung down out of the way.
8.Swing the paper separator back to the continuous-form position and slide the paper guides out as far as they'll go.
9.Press the TOF/PARK button to position the paper properly for automatic feed.
10.Pull the bail lever forward. ML380 will automatically advance the continuous-form paper into position.
Note: In the illustration above, the access cover is shown open to provide a clearer picture of the
interior. It is not necessary to open the access cover while installing rear feed paper.
11.Push the bail lever back.
12.Set the top of form, following the instructions below.

%Setting Top of Form for Rear Feed Paper

Setting Top of Form for Rear Feed Paper When setting the position on the page where you want the first line of printing to appear, use the lower
red line on the paper shield as a guideline_it shows the baseline of the current printing position.
1.Press the SELECT button to deselect the printer (SELECT light goes out).
2.To move the paper up, hold down the TOF/PARK button and press FEED. To move the paper down, hold down the TOF/PARK button and press FONT. This moves the paper in very fine increments (1/180- inch), so you can position the location of your first line of print precisely. The amount you can move the paper using this method is limited to avoid potential paper jams.
3.Press the TOF/PARK button to store your chosen setting permanently in ML380's memory. The setting will be retained, even when the printer is off, until you reset it.
4.Press the SELECT button to select the printer. The SELECT light will come on.
%Loading Rear Feed Paper w/ Optional Pull Tractor
Loading Rear Feed Paper with Optional Pull Tractor Installed The superior paper control provided by using both tractors for rear paper feed is especially good when you're printing on multi-part forms. See page 33 for instructions on how to install the optional pull tractor.
Don't use the Paper Park feature when the pull tractor is installed_the paper will disengage from the pull tractor if you do.
Be sure the Form Tear-Off feature is set to OFF (the factory default) when you are using the optional pull tractor. It doesn't work with the pull tractor installed.
Labels should only be fed into the printer from the bottom. This prevents the labels from peeling off and jamming the printer.
1.Follow steps 1 through 10 above for loading rear feed paper with the built-in tractor.
2.Open the pull tractor access cover.
3.Release the lock levers and open the tractor covers on the pull tractors.
4.Adjust the position of the pull tractors to align their pins with the holes in the paper.
5.Press the SELECT button to deselect the printer.
6.Rotate the platen knob to bring the paper up to the pull tractors.
7.Push the paper lever back to disengage the built-in tractor from the platen so that you can install the paper on the optional pull tractor.
8.Place the paper holes on the sprocket pins of the pull tractor. You may have to pull the paper up a bit to align the holes with the pins.
9.Close the pull tractor covers and make any necessary final adjustments to the position of the tractors. Push the lock levers back to lock the tractors in place.
10.Pull the paper selection lever forward to the continuous-form position to re-engage the built-in tractor.
11.Push the bail lever back to place the bail against the platen.
12.Close the access cover and press the SELECT button to select the printer.
13.Press and hold the FEED button to form feed the paper. Then adjust the top of form following the instructions below.
%Setting Top of Form for Rear Feed with Pull Tractor
Setting Top of Form for Rear Feed with Pull Tractor
1. Press the SELECT button to deselect the printer (SELECT light goes out).
2. Use the platen knob to move the paper to the position you want for top of form. The lower red line on the paper shield serves as a guideline_it shows the baseline of the current printing position.
3. Press the TOF/PARK button.
4. Press the SELECT button to reselect the printer. The SELECT light will come on.

%Loading Bottom Feed Paper

Loading Bottom Feed Paper
You must have the optional pull tractor installed in order to feed continuous-form paper into the
printer through the bottom. See page 33 for instructions on how to install the pull tractor. Bottom feed is required for printing labels. The straighter paper path also makes it more convenient for heavier papers, such as card stock, which may have trouble wrapping around the platen roller.
1.Place the printer on a stand with a slot for bottom paper feed. Put the paper in a stack underneath the slot.
2.Turn the printer OFF.
3.Make sure the paper selection lever is forward (continuous-form
position).
4.Open the access cover and pull the bail lever forward.
5.Feed the paper into the printer through the slot in the bottom of the printer.
6.Release the lock levers and open the tractor covers on the pull tractors.
7.Position the left edge of the paper no further than 1/ÿ inch from the left end of the platen.
Note: The paper must cover the groove in the left side of the platen. If it doesn't, the printer will
signal paper out (flashing the SELECT light).
8.Adjust the position of the pull tractors to align their pins with the holes in the paper.
9.Place the paper holes on the sprocket pins of the pull tractor and close the tractor covers.
10.Make any final adjustments in the positioning of the tractors and push the lock levers back to lock them in place.
11.Push the bail lever back and close the access cover.
12.Turn the printer ON and press the SELECT button to deselect it.
13.Press and hold the FEED button to form feed the paper. Adjust the top of form following the directions below.

%Setting Top of Form for Bottom Feed Paper

Setting Top of Form for Bottom Feed Paper
1.Press the SELECT button to deselect the printer (SELECT light goes out).
2.Use the platen knob to move the paper to the position you want for top of form. The lower red line on the paper shield serves as a guideline_it shows the baseline of the current printing position.
3.Press the TOF/PARK button.
4.Press the SELECT button to reselect the printer. The SELECT light will come on.
Chapter 2 %Using the Paper Park Feature
Using the Paper Park Feature
This feature permits you to switch back and forth between continuous-form paper and single sheets.
It parks the continuous-form paper for you so you can use single-sheet feed. The continuous-form paper will retract back off the platen and down into the printer housing without disengaging from the built-in tractor. When youre ready, you can easily bring it back into printing position by pulling the bail lever forward.
This feature cant be used with the optional pull tractor installed.
To park continuous-form paper:
1.Tear off any printed pages.
2.Make sure the printer is selected (SELECT light on). If its not, press the SELECT button.
3.Press the TOF/PARK button. The paper will retract from the paper path.
4.Push the paper selection lever back to the single sheet position. Youre now ready to load single sheets_see Loading Single Sheets on page 11.
To return continuous-form paper to the printing position:
1.Pull the paper selection lever forward to the continuous form position.
2.Pull the bail lever forward. The paper will advance to the loading position.
3.Push the bail lever back and adjust the top of form as needed. See page 18 for details on setting the top of form.
%Using the Paper Tear-Off Feature
Using the Paper Tear-Off Feature
This feature permits you to set your ML380 to automatically advance continuous-feed paper to the
tear-off position after it finishes printing the last page in your document. This lets you tear off the last printed page without wasting paper or readjusting the printer. When the printer again receives data to print, it automatically brings the paper back down to the preset top of form position for printing.
This feature can only be used with continuous-form paper fed in from the rear on the built-in push
tractor. It cant be used with the optional pull tractor installed.
To activate this feature:
1.Make sure the printer is selected (SELECT light ON). If not, press the SELECT button.
2.Press the FONT and PITCH buttons simultaneously. This will place the printer in the Menu mode. The SELECT light will go off and Menu Mode will print.
3.Press the GROUP button until the following line prints out:
Vertical ControlLine Spacing 6 LPI
4.Press the ITEM button to advance the menu selection to Form Tear-Off. The menu setting should be Off. (If its On, you already have Form Tear-Off engaged and you should press the SELECT button to exit the Menu mode.)
5.Press the SET button once. This will change the menu setting for Form Tear-Off from Off to On. You now have the paper tear-off feature engaged.
6.Press the SELECT button to exit the Menu mode.
With the paper tear-off feature engaged, when the printer receives data, the paper automatically
moves down to your selected top of form position to print. A few seconds after the printing stops, the printer will move the paper up to the tear-off position, aligning the perforation with the serrated edge on the access cover. You can then easily remove the printed page by simply tearing it off against the access cover.

%Running the Self Tests

Running the Self Tests
Your ML380 has two self tests: the Font Test which gives samples of the various fonts and sizes available and the Rolling ASCII Test which gives a continuous sample of the default print style. You can run the tests any time you want to make sure the printer is functioning properly.
Each time you run a self test, ML380 will print a header which provides information about your printer. You should have this information at hand if you ever need to call for service. For example:
%Printing the Font Test
Printing the Font Test
To print the Font Test, hold down the FEED button while turning on the printer. ML380 will print a limited sample of the print styles available. When the test is complete (prints about two pages), the printer will stop and the SELECT light will come on. If you wish to stop the printer before it has completed the Font Test printout, simply press the SELECT button; the printer will finish printing the current line and perform a line feed and carriage return.
%Printing the Rolling ASCII Test
Printing the Rolling ASCII Test
To print the Rolling ASCII Test, hold down the TOF/PARK button while turning on the printer. ML380 will print a continuous sample of the default print style and will keep printing until you press the SELECT button to stop it.

%Installing Options

Installing Options
If you wish to use bottom paper feed on your printer (necessary for printing labels), youll need to install the optional pull tractor. If you require a serial interface connection to your computer, youll need to install the optional serial interface adapter. If youll be using single-sheet feed on a regular basis, youll want to install the optional cut sheet feeder which automatically feeds sheets of standard letter-size or legal-size paper into the printer. Installation instructions for the pull tractor and serial intrface adapter are given below. For information on installing the cut sheet feeder (OKIDATA model CSF 3800), see the instruction manual provided with the cut sheet feeder.

%Installing the Optional Pull Tractor

Installing the Optional Pull Tractor
The optional pull tractor includes the tractor assembly and a special, high-top access cover. The pull
tractor is required for feeding continuous-form paper or labels from the bottom of the printer. You can also use the pull tractor together with the built-in push tractor for feeding paper in from the rear to provide more precise paper control.
Make sure the Form Tear-Off feature is turned off in the menu before installing and using this
option.
1.Turn the printer OFF.
2.Make sure the bail lever is in the forward position and the paper separator is down in the tractor feed position.
3.Remove the access cover by lifting it up and detaching it from the pins at either side. Put it aside_youll be replacing it with the access cover supplied with your pull tractor.
4.Remove the paper guide by pivoting it back until it unclips from the platen shaft. Then lift it off the printer. Store it with the access cover_the paper guide isnt used with the pull tractor.
Loading...
+ 109 hidden pages
Buy Points How it Works FAQ Contact Us Questions and Suggestions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Terms of Use