OKI ML393 User Guide
Note To Customers
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this
document is complete, accurate and up-to-date. Mention of
software packages manufactured by other companies does not
necessarily constitute endorsement by OKI. We do not assume
responsibility for errors beyond our control, nor can OKI guarantee
that changes in the software and equipment made by other
manufacturers and referred to in this book will not affect the
applicability of information in this book.
© Copyright 1992 by OKI.
Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corp.
IBM, IBM PC, PC XT and PC AT are registered trademarks of
International Business Machines Corp.
HELVETICA® is a registered trademark of Linotype AG and/or
its subsidiaries .
SWISS® is a trademark of Bitstream, Inc.
i
Contents
Introduction .............................................................................. v
Important Note ......................................................................... vi
Selecting Drivers ..................................................................... vi
Chapter 1: Setup ....................................................................... 1-1
Preliminaries ........................................................................ 1-1
Optional Font Cartridges.................................................... 1-2
Connecting to Your Computer .......................................... 1-3
Inserting the Ribbon Cartridge .......................................... 1-5
Adjusting the Printhead Gap ............................................. 1-7
Installing the Paper Support .............................................. 1-8
Installing the Paper Separator ........................................... 1-9
Installing the Optional Tractor .......................................... 1-10
Installing the Optional Cut-Sheet Feeder......................... 1-14
Loading Rear Feed Continuous-Form Paper................... 1-17
Loading Single Sheet Paper ............................................... 1-19
Loading Bottom Feed Paper .............................................. 1-21
Loading the Cut-sheet Feeder............................................ 1-24
Printable area using the Cut-Sheet Feeder....................... 1-26
Printing Envelopes using the Cut-Sheet Feeder ............. 1-26
Printing on Continuous-Form Paper
with the CSF Installed ..................................................... 1-27
Setting the TOF/PARK ....................................................... 1-27
Paper Park ............................................................................ 1-29
Continuous-Form to Single Sheets .............................. 1-29
Single Sheet to Continuous-Form ................................ 1-29
Clearing Paper Jams ............................................................ 1-30
Running a Self Test.............................................................. 1-31
Information on Self-Test ..................................................... 1-32
ii
Chapter 2: Operation ............................................................... 2-1
Using the Control Panel...................................................... 2-1
Basic Control ................................................................... 2-1
Print Characteristics ............................................................ 2-4
Font ................................................................................... 2-5
Print Quality.................................................................... 2-6
Using the Menu Select Mode ............................................. 2-7
Menu Selection ..................................................................... 2-9
Explanation of Menu Terms .............................................. 2-13
Cleaning ................................................................................ 2-17
Auto Fan Stop ...................................................................... 2-17
Problem Solving................................................................... 2-18
Chapter 3: IBM Control Code Reference ............................ 3-1
Character Format ................................................................. 3-1
Page Format.......................................................................... 3-10
Line Spacing ......................................................................... 3-13
Printing Features ................................................................. 3-16
Carriage Movement ............................................................ 3-21
Utility Commands ............................................................... 3-25
Chapter 4: Epson Control Code Reference ......................... 4-1
Character Format ................................................................. 4-1
Page Format.......................................................................... 4-7
Line Spacing ......................................................................... 4-11
Printing Features ................................................................. 4-14
Carriage Movement ............................................................ 4-21
Utility Commands ............................................................... 4-26
iii
Chapter 5: Graphics ................................................................. 5-1
Control Codes for Graphics in Normal IBM Mode ........ 5-5
The IBM Alternate Graphics Mode ................................... 5-8
Epson Graphics Mode......................................................... 5-10
Programming in AGM and Epson Modes ....................... 5-11
Programming 24-pin Graphics .......................................... 5-12
Writing the Program ........................................................... 5-13
8-pin Graphics ...................................................................... 5-17
Reassigning Graphics Commands .................................... 5-17
Quasi 8-bit Graphics............................................................ 5-17
Print Registration ................................................................. 5-18
Chapter 6: Downloadable Characters .................................. 6 -1
Designing Characters .......................................................... 6 -1
Dot Assignments and Programming ................................ 6 -2
Defining a Character ........................................................... 6 -4
Epson Downloadable Characters ...................................... 6 -4
IBM Downloadable Characters ......................................... 6 -8
Appendix A: Control Code Tables ....................................... A-1
IBM Control Code Tables ................................................... A-1
Epson Control Code Tables................................................ A-10
Appendix B: ASCII Character Code Tables ....................... B-1
IBM Character Code Tables ............................................... B-1
Epson Character Code Tables ............................................ B-12
Appendix C: Interfacing ......................................................... C-1
Parallel Interfacing .............................................................. C-1
RS232-C Serial Interfacing .................................................. C-3
Local Tests: Serial Interface ................................................ C-4
Menu Selections for Serial Interfacing .............................. C-6
Appendix D: Specifications ................................................... D-1
iv
Introduction
The Setup Guide will help you get your new printer set up and
running quickly. Here is how it is organised:
Setup shows you how to get the printer ready, connect it to
your computer, install the standard and optional paper
handling accessories, load different types of paper and run
a self test.
Operation describes how to run your printer using the
control panel and gives you some hints on what to do if you
are having problems.
If you want more details about working with software or advanced
topics like graphics, read Chapters 3 to 6. Use it to find out more
about particular commands or to explore your MICROLINEs
advanced capabilities.
In addition to this manual, make sure you have the following
items:
❿❿
❿
❿❿
➘➘
➘
➘➘
❡❡
❡
❡❡
➆➆
➆
➆➆
1. MICROLINE printer
2. Platen knobs (2) (fitted)
3. Power cord
4. Ribbon cartridge (black for ML393, colour for ML393C)
5. Paper support
*Paper and interface cable sold separately
v
Important Note
If you are like most printer users you probably will not need to
read this entire book. Rather, you will flip from section to section
as required to learn how to make your printer do what you want
it to do. The Setup Guide contains information on loading paper
and most of the mechanical aspects of running your printer. The
Reference Guide pertains more to controlling your printers
features, such as format and print settings, and the method of
doing so.
● Chapters 3 and 4, IBM and Epson control code references, give
you the command codes and descriptions of their functions.
● Chapters 5 and 6 explain the particulars of writing commands
for generating graphics and designing your own characters.
● The Appendices provide you with code reference tables and
interfacing information, as well as other tables and technical
references you may require.
Selecting Drivers
Printer drivers are usually written for a particular model of printer
and identified by the name of that printer. Although most packages
offer several selections, they cannot have drivers for every printer.
Therefore, you may have to choose a driver that was not specifically
written for the ML393 but is compatible or nearly so. Installing a
driver is normally a simple process of making a selection from a
menu. Look for one of the following printers on your softwares
printer driver selection. As you go further down each list, you will
have access to fewer ML393 features.
vi
IBM EMULATION EPSON
EMULATTION
OKI ML393 OKI ML393
IBM XL24/IBM 4207, 4208 EPSON LQ-1000 or
LQ-800
IBM PPR XL/IBM 4202 EPSON LQ-2500 (best
IBM PPR/IBM 4201 choice for colour
printing)
IBM GRAPHICS PRINTER/IBM 5152 Epson LQ-1500
Epson LQ
Epson FX
Epson JX
Epson LX
Epson RX
Epson MX
IMPORTANT
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
GREEN AND YELLOW EARTH
BLUE NEUTRAL
BROWN LIVE
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond
with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug PROCEED
AS FOLLOWS:
The wire coloured GREEN AND YELLOW must be connected to the terminal
in the plug marked with the letter E or by the safety earth symbol or coloured
GREEN or GREEN AND YELLOW. The wire coloured BROWN must be
connected to the terminal marked with the letter L or coloured RED. The wire
coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter N or
coloured BLACK.
WARNING: THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
Ensure that your equipment is connected correctly. If you are in any doubt
consult a qualified electrician.
vii
Chapter 1
Setup
Preliminaries
Open the access cover and remove the shipping restraint. (Save the
shipping restraint with the packaging materials).
The platen knobs should already be fitted to each side of the
printer. However, if they are removed for any reason, the flat side
of the shaft should be lined up with the flat side of the knob.
Setup 1 – 1
Optional Font Cartridges
Insert cartridges with the label facing upwards; ensure that the
cartridge is firmly seated.
▲
Insert font cartridges here
Important: Ensure that the printer is turned off before inserting or removing font
cartridges.
1 – 2 Setup
Connecting to Your Computer
Before you can use your printer, you need to attach it to your
computer using an interface cable.
Note: Interface cables are not supplied with the printer.
Interface cablePower cable
Microline 393 Printer (Rear view)
1. Make sure both your computer and your printer are switched
OFF.
2. Attach the power cord to the socket in the rear of the printer,
and plug it into an earthed power source.
Note: Do not use an unearthed adapter with your printer. The printer must be
connected to an earthed power supply.
Setup 1 – 3
3. Plug the printer end of your interface cable into the connector
at the rear of the printer. Your printer has two interface ports.
Loosen the metal plate with a Phillips screwdriver and slide to
uncover the proper connector for the interface cable you are
using.
Serial interface Parallel interface
Tighten screw to
fasten cable
Note: Set the serial interface option in the menu so that it matches the printer
interface of your computer
Fasten clips to
cable
4. Connect the other end of your interface cable to the printer port
on your computer.
1 – 4 Setup
Inserting the Ribbon Cartridge
IMPORTANT
You have just bought the best printer, so be sure to use the only
ribbons recommended for it. Original OKI ribbons are the only
ones recommended. Ask for them by name.
Please remember that if you buy any other ribbon your warranty
may be invalidated.
Purchasing inferior ribbons really does not make sense. They do
not last as long. They are prone to shredding, which can cause
damage to your printhead. That is why any short term savings on
cheaper ribbons are quickly lost.
So do not waste your time and money. Insist on OKI consumables
for your OKI printer.
You can order them from your printer supplier.
1. Unpack the ribbon cartridge. Remove the shipping restraint
and push the idler roller lock to the right to free the idler roller.
Takeup knob
Remove shipping restraint
Pin
ML393 Ribbon cartridge
Push to right to release
idler roller
Setup 1 – 5
2. Open the printer access cover.
3. Centre the printhead.
Note: The printhead can get very hot during extended periods of printing—be
sure to let it cool off before you touch it.
4. Place the ribbon into the printer so that the pins on the ribbon
cartridge fit into the notches in the side plates of the printer.
Push down so that the cartridge snaps into position.
Centre the printhead
5. Thread the ribbon around the posts on the printhead, making
sure that you follow the proper path (refer to the following
illustration).
Thread ribbon around posts as shown
ML393C ML393
6. Turn the take-up knob clockwise to take up any ribbon slack.
1 – 6 Setup
Adjusting the Printhead Gap
The blue head gap lever (located on the righthand side of the
printer, below the access cover) adjusts the printhead for printing
on different types of paper. The following are recommended
settings for commonly used papers. You may want to try varying
the settings to get the easiest feeding and best print quality for the
paper you are using.
Single part paper
Multiple part paper
(pressure - sensitive
paper, carbon - lined
paper)
Multiple part paper
(interleaf paper)
Labels
Envelopes
Ream weight
45-75 g/m2 (12-15 lb)
75-90g/m2 (20-24 lb)
2 part
2
35-40g/m
(9-11 lb)
38-45g/m
(10-12 lb)
3 part
4 part
2 part
2
3 part
4 part
Lever position
12345 6 789
Headgap lever
Important: The incorrect setting of the printhead gap lever can cause printhead
damage or ribbon jams. To avoid these problems set the printhead gap for the
type of stationery being used.
Setup 1 – 7
Installing the Paper Support
Paper support
Holes pop
into tabs
on the
rear cover
1 – 8 Setup
Brace holds support upright
for single sheets of paper
Installing the Paper Separator
The paper separator is fitted at the factory. These instructions are
supplied should it have had to have been removed.
Opens to prevent paper from curling back into the printer
Place the front end in first, then lower
Paper separator
the back and snap it into position
Setup 1 – 9
Installing the Optional Tractor
This option lets you feed continuous-form paper from the bottom
of the printer. Use bottom feed for labels and other speciality
papers that have problems wrapping around the platen, as well as
for normal continuous-form paper.
To feed continuous paper from the bottom of the printer you need:
● The optional pull tractor kit.
● A slotted printer stand.
Acoustic cover
Paper guide
Pull tractor
1. Remove the paper separator by tilting it forwards and lifting it
out.
Open rear coverOpen bail
Move paper lever forwards
1 – 10 Setup
2. Open the rear cover and the front access cover.
3. Pull the bail arm forwards.
4. Pull the paper lever forwards.
5. Lower the tractor on to the printer, fitting the tabs on the tractor
into the notches on the printer.
6. Pull forwards on the top of the tractor until it clicks into place
on the printer platen shaft. (To remove the tractor press the
locking buttons and tilt back.)
Clamp
Setup 1 – 11
7. Push the bail arm back.
8. Close the rear cover. Fit the front tabs of the acoustic cover into
the slots on the sides of the rear cover, then tilt into place.
Tab fits into slots
9. Fit the tabs on the paper guide into the notches on the rear
of the acoustic cover.
1 – 12 Setup
10. Close the front cover. The acoustic cover fits over the acoustic
shield on the front cover.
Acoustic cover
Setup 1 – 13
Installing the Optional Cut-Sheet Feeder
The CSF 3001 single-bin and CSF 3002 dual-bin Cut-Sheet Feeders
(CSF) are ideal for high volume printing using single sheet paper.
Paper can be fed automatically, controlled either by the control
panel or through your computer. The dual-bin allows you to
alternate between letterhead and plain stationery.
Since the two CSF are installed in the same way, we will illustrate
the procedure with the CSF 3001, noting any differences as they
appear.
CSF 3001
Output tray
Bin racks
CSF 3002
1 – 14 Setup
Output tray
Bin racks
1. Open the printer cover.
2. Remove the rear cover: tilt the cover slightly lift it up and off the
printer.
Remove rear cover.
3. Pull the bail arm forwards.
4. Fit the hooks on the CSF over the platen shaft and gently lower
on to the printer.
CSF hooks on to platenBail lever forwards
Setup 1 – 15
5. Close the access cover.
6. Plug the CSF cable into the socket on the rear of the printer. The
arrow on the plug should point upwards.
7. Slide the output tray into the channels on the sides of the CSF.
8. Fit the wire rack into the holes in the back of the CSF paper bin.
9. Push the bail arm back.
1 – 16 Setup
Wire racks
Channels
Paper lever back
Loading Rear Feed Continuous-Form Paper
When printing on rear feed continuous form paper use the builtin tractor.
1. Open the rear cover.
2. Move the centre paper guides to the middle of the paper.
Rear cover Paper guides
3. Insert the paper through the gap below the rear cover and pull
through.
Insert paper Pull paper through
Setup 1 – 17
4. Move the left hand tractor to the required position. (Pull the
lever forwards to unlock the tractor and slide to adjust. Push
the lever back to lock.)
5. Open the tractor covers and set the first two sprocket holes on
the paper on the tractor pins.
Tractor cover
Lever
6. Adjust the right hand tractor to the width of the paper.
7. Close the tractor covers.
8. Close the rear cover.
9. Pull the paper lever forwards (to the continuous paper symbol).
10. Turn the printer ON. Press the FORM FEED button to advance
the paper to the front of the printer.
11. Set the PARK/TOF, refer to Setting the PARK/TOF described
in this chapter, to your requirements and you are ready to
print.
1 – 18 Setup
Loading Single Sheet Paper
(No paper handling options installed)
1. If you have continuous-form paper in the printer, use the paper
park feature to back it out of the printer.
With SELECT LIGHT on, press the TOF/PARK button. The
paper will retract from the front of the printer.
2. Push the paper lever back to the single sheet setting (towards
the back of the printer).
3. Raise the paper support to its upright position.
Reference mark for left
Paper
edge
Paper lever backFORM FEED button
4. Place a sheet of paper on the support and adjust the guides for
the width of the paper you are using. Start with the reference
mark for the left edge.
Setup 1 – 19
5. Press the FORM FEED button to insert the paper into the
printer.
6. Adjust the TOF if necessary. Refer to Setting the PARK/TOF
described later in this chapter.
1 – 20 Setup
Loading Bottom Feed Paper
You can feed continuous-form paper from the bottom of the
printer when you have the optional pull tractor installed.
Open acoustic
cover
Pull bail lever
forwards
Optional tractor unit Pull paper lever
forwards
Slide paper guide to middle
of paper width
Open front cover
1. Open the acoustic cover on the pull tractor.
2. Open the printer access cover.
3. Pull the bail lever forwards.
4. Pull the paper lever for wards (to the continuous paper symbol).
5. Move the centre paper guides to the middle of the of the paper.
6. Push the paper up through the slot in the bottom of the printer
and pull it up in front of the platen to the tractor.
Setup 1 – 21
7. Move the left hand tractor to the required position. (Pull the
lever forwards to unlock the tractor and slide to adjust. Push
the lever back to lock.)
8. Open the tractor covers and set the first two sprocket holes on
the paper on the tractor pins.
Tractor cover
Lever
9. Adjust the right hand tractor to the width of the paper.
10. Close the tractor covers.
11. Push the bail lever back.
12. Close the printer access cover and the tractor acoustic cover.
Important: The front cover must be closed for the printer to operate.
1 – 22 Setup
Wind paper through Close front cover first then
acoustic cover
13. Set the PARK/TOF, refer to Setting the PARK/TOF for your
requirements and you are ready to print.
Setup 1 – 23
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