Star Micronics 4III User Manual

Safety Notices

This printer is certified as a Class I laser product under the lJ.S.Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS) Radiation Performance Standard according to the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act
of 1968. This means that the prmter does not produce hazardous laser radiation.

Since radiatton emitted Inside the printer is completely confined within protective housings and external
covers. the laser beam cannot escape from the machine during any phase of user operation.

The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) of the U.S.Food and Drug Administration
implemented regulations for laser products on August 2. 1976. These regulations apply to laser products
marketed in the United States. The label on the printer indicates compliance with the CDRH regulations
and must be attached to laser products marketed in the United States.

Caution-use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein
may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

--

-

Federal Communications Commission

Radio Frequency Interference Statement

Thts equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital devtce, pursuant
to Part IS of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. Thts equipment generates. uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and. if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, whtch can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:

- Reorient or relocate the receivmg antenna.
* Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

l Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to wahich the receiver is

connected.

l Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

For comphance with the Federal Noise Interference Standard, this equipment requires a shielded cable.

The ohorv .~t~~en~ents up/‘/y only to prinrers murkrtrd in thr U.S.A.

Self Declaration

Radio interference regarding this equipment has been eliminated according to Vfg lOS6/1984 announced
by the DBP.

DBP has been informed of the introduction of this special equipment and has been granted the right to

examine the whole series.
It IS the user’s responsibility to see that his own assembled system is in accordance with the technical

regulations under Vfg 1046/1984.
To conform to FIXregulations it is necessary to make all connections to the printer wtth shielded cable.
The equipment may only be opened by qualified service representatives.

The uhm~ srurement applirs on!, to pinte~~ murketed ,n Gemuny.

-,

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

v

-

-

The Canadian Department of Communications

Statement of

Radio Interference Regulations

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus
set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le present appareil numerique n’emen pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables aux
appareils numeriques de la classe B prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edict6
par le Minis&e des Communications du Canada.

The above statement upplies only to printrrs marketed in Cnnudtr.

Safety Notices for Finland

Tlma Kirjoitin LUOKAN I LASERLAITE.
Laitteen kayttlminen muulla kuin t&l klyttoohjeessa mainitulla tavalla saattaa altistaa kayttajan

turvallallisuusluokan 1 ylittavllle nlkymlttomalle laserslteilylle.
DENNA SKRIVARE AR EN KLASS I LASERAPPARAT.
Om apparaten anvands pa annat satt In i denna bruksanvisning specificerats, kan anvandaren utslttas for

osynlig laserstrllning, som Bversktider grlnsen for laseklass I.

The above statement clpp1ie.s m1~ to printer.s marketed in Finlnnd.

: .--

__.

Trademark Acknowledgements
LaserPrinter 4111: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
HP LaserJet IIIz Hewlett Packard Company
Lotus l-2-3: Lotus Development Corporation
Microsoft Word, Microsoft Windows: Microsoft Corporation
PageMaker: Aldus Corporation
WordPerfect: WordPerfect, Inc.

NbTlCE

l

All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this manual in any form whatsoever without
STAR’s express permission is forbidden.

l

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

l

All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this manual at the time of press.
However, should any errors be detected, STAR would greatly appreciate being informed of them.

l

The above notwithstanding, STAR can assume no responsibility for any errors in this manual.

0 Copyright 1992 Star Micronics Co., Ltd.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. How to Use

2. Setting Up

3. Initial Operation

This Manual .........................................................................

Laser Printing ............................................................................

1.1

1.2 The Star LaserPrinter 4111 - An Introduction

the Star LaserPrinter

Unpacking .................................................................................

2.1

2.1.1 Unpacking

2.1.2 Checking the Parts

2.1.3 Unpacking

2.1.4 Optional Items..

2.15 Carrying the

2.1.6 Opening and Closing

Installing the EP-L

2.2

Loading Paper .........................................................................

2.3

2.3.1 About Paper

2.3.2 Loading Paper Into the Multi-purpose Tray

Selecting Paper Delivery

2.4 Connecting the Power Cord

2.5
Connecting the Interface

2.6 Adjusting Print Quality

2.7

......................................................................................

3.1 Front Panel

3.1.1 Powering Up

3.1.2 The Buttons

3.1.3 Light Indicators

3.1.4 Hex Dump

Self Test.. .................................................................................

3.2

3.2.1 Printing Test

3.2.2 Status Sheet

Programming from

3.3

..............................................................................

4111 ..................................................

the Printer ....................................................

........................................................

the EP-L Cartridge..

.............................................................

Printer ......................................................

the Printer..

Cartridge ...................................................

.................................................................

.........................................................

....................................................

Cable ...............................................

...........................................................

................................................................

..................................................................

............................................................

....................................................................

Sheets .....................................................

Description ..............................................

the Control Panel .....................................

..........................

....................................

.................................

4. Quick Start with the Star LaserPrinter 4111: A Tutorial

Preliminaries.. ..........................................................................

4.1

Control Panel ...........................................................................

4.2

4.2.1 Basic operations

Connecting the Printer to

4.3

4.3.1 Selecting the

4.3.2 Activating the

...........................................................

the Computer..

Serial Interface .......................................

Parallel Interface

................................

..................................

................

..............

.2
.4

.7

.8

.8
10
10
1 1
1 1
12
16

.2 1
.21
.2 1
.24
.26
.27
.29

.3 1
.3 1
.32
.33
.37
.38
.38

.38
.39
.40

.45

.45
.46
.47
.48
.49
.5 1

1

-

..-

-

-

-

‘d

-

-

-

.-

.._

4.3.3 Saving

the Setting

........................................................

4.3.4 Returning to Factory Settings

4.4 Resolution Enhancement

4.5 Manual Feed..

4.6 Paper Size ...........

..........................................................................

......................................................................

Procedure.. ......................................

4.7 Printing in Landscape Orientation..

4.8 Changing Character

4.9 Selecting Display

Set..

.........................................................

Language

....................................................

......................................

.........................................

.S2
.S2
.53

53

.
54

.
..55
..55
..56

i L.

j -

L

_-

..-.,

5. Font

6. Interfacing

Selection ...........................................................................................

With Applications

6. I Lotus l-2-3

6.2 WordPerfect

6.3 Microsoft Word 4.0

6.4 Microsoft Windows .................................................................

7. Maintaining the

7.1 Replacing the

7.2 Storage and Handling Precautions for the EP-L cartridge

7.3 Cleaning the

7.4 Cleaning the

8. Troubleshooting

8. I Error Messages Displayed on the

8.2 Service Call

8.2. I Engine

8.2.2 Controller Service Call Messages

8.3 Operator Call Messages

8.3.1 Engine
X.3.2 Font

8.3.3 Optional
X.3.4 Change
X.3.5 Manual

8.4 Operator Information
X.4. I Host Communication problem
X.4.2 Function or Size Incompatibility
X.4.3 Font

Programs

.........................................

Release 2.. ............................................................

Version 5

............................................................

..................................................................

LaserPrinter 4111 ...........................................

Star

EP-L cartridge

Fixing Assembly

..................................................

................................................

Exterior of the Printer ........................................

........................................................................................

Screen

................................

Messages..

Service Call Messages .....................................

Problems

Cartridge Problems

Hardware..
Paper Size
Paper Feed

Cartridge

...........................................................

.................................

...........................................................

..........................................................

..............................................

.....................................................

.......................................................

......................................................

Messages ...............................................

......................................

..................................

..............................................................

.....

.S7
.6 I

.62
.64

65

.65

.69

.69

..6 9

.70
.7 I

73
.73
.74
.74

74

76
.76
.77
.77
.78
.X0

8 I

8 I

XI
.82

-

8.5 Status

8.6 Paper Jamming ........................................................................

8.7 Streaky

9. Options

..............................................................................................

9. I Paper Feeder and Cassettes

9.2 Expansion RAM Board

9.3 Font

10. Specifications

10.1 Specifications ........................................................................

10.2 Reliability

10.3 Pin Functions on Interfaces

Glossary
Index

........................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................

Messages..

Clearing paper jams

8.6.1

Prints ..........................................................................

White Streaks

8.7.1

8.7.2 Stains on Transparency Films

Cartridge .........................................................................

.....................................................................

.....................................................

...............................................................

......................................

.....................................................

...........................................................

..........................................................................................

.............................................................................

..................................................

.83
.85
.85
.9l
.9l
.93

95

.95
.96
.96

.97

.97
100
IO1

I03
107

- --

-.

-

Congratulations on purchasing a Star LaserPrinter 4111. You will be de-

lighted with both the quality of the printed images and the ease of operation.

With your computer and this printer, you can create professional-looking

documents.

This Operations Manual is one of two that explore the entire range of printing

possibilities of the Star LaserPrinter 4111. This manual is for beginners and
for those who plan to concentrate on the basics. Advanced users and those
interested in programming should refer to the Applications Manual.

Chapter 2 begins with an overview of the manual and of the Star Laser
printer. This chapter explains how to unpack your new printer and prepare

it for initial operation. Chapter 3 explains how to operate the printer’s control

panel and display screen.

Some people like to skip the preliminary explanations and begin using the
printer immediately. Chapter 4 provides the information for such a fast start.
If you begin with Chapter 4, at some later time you should read the rest of the
manual in sequence, for a more complete picture of your printer and its
operations.

Chapter 5 describes the type characteristics that will enable you to give your

printed pages that professional look.
The Star LaserPrinter 4111 emulates the operation of the HP LaserJet III.

With this capability, the Star LaserPrinter will operate with a wide range
of applications programs on the market. Chapter 6 provides the information
that will allow you to use your printer with four popular applications
programs: Lotus l-2-3, WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Win­dows.

Chapter 7 and 8 describe the maintenance and troubleshooting operations to

keep your Star LaserPrinter 4111 working in “perfect” condition.

1

1.1 LASER PRINTING

Before you begin learning about your new Star LaserPrinter 4111, you may
find it helpful to know something about laser printing itself.

A laser is actually a beam of light of just one wavelength (Laser is an acronym
for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation). Such a beam

of light, described as “highly coherent”, can be focused very sharply. Lasers,
generated by gases, liquids or semiconductors, are widely used in applica­tions ranging from surgery to the visual arts.

Laser printing is a process that uses a laser beam - in this case, generated
by a semiconductor- to activate portions of an electrically charged surface.
These activated parts represent the words, numbers, or graphics being sent
from the computer for printing. Other parts of the printer transfer this image
to paper, then clean the surface and prepare it to receive more information to
be printed.

In other words, this process is a type of laser-activated temporary engraving.
In the Star LaserPrinter 4111, two interconnected units produce the complete

printing process: the toner cartridge and the printer body.
The toner cartridge contains the drum, which is the rotating surface. In the

darkness of the toner cartridge, the drum holds a negative charge placed on
it by the primary corona wire in the printer. Shutters on the bottom of the toner
cartridge assure that no unwanted light penetrates its interior.

When text or graphics are sent by the computer to the printer, laser beam is
generated by a semiconductor laser diode. This beam is focused by special
scanning mirrors that turn the light beam into a tool that “writes” or “prints”
on the surface of the drum. The areas of the drum touched by the laser beam
lose their negative charge and contain a reverse image of the information sent
from the computer. As the drum rotates, it passes a developer unit that is also
rotating, but in the opposite direction. The surface of the developer unit is
covered with toner (“ink”) which has a negative charge. The neutralized
portions of the drum, containing the information to be printed, pick up
negatively charges toner from the developer unit.

2

-

At this point, paper fed from the paper cassette moves through the transfer
unit, from which it receives a positive charge. As the drum rotates, the
negatively charged particles of toner are attracted to the positively charged

surface of the paper.
A combination of heat and pressure fuse the image to the paper. The paper

is then ejected from the printer.
Finally, a cleaning mechanism in the toner cartridge cleans excess toner from

the drum, and a special light beam neutralizes its entire surface. Then the
entire process can begin again.

3

1.2 THE STAR LASERPRINTER 4lll- AN
INTRODUCTION

You will meet each portion of your Star LaserPrinter 4111 as you read this
manual, but a brief introduction is in order here. The following figures show
the front, rear and inside views of the printer.

@ Side Cover 83 Release Button

3 Face-down Tray
13 Paper Stop
@ Control Panel @ Paper Guide
6J’Cartridge Slot $3 Front Upper Door
@ Power Switch @ Paper Delivery Selector

4

‘& Multi-purpose Tray (MP Tray)
@ Extension Tray

Rear View

0 Parallel Interface Connector
@ Serial Interface Connector

Inside View

/A

0 Density Adjustment Lever

@ Air Vent
@ Power Receptacle

@ Transfer Roller

I -

i

i I....

1

_

@ EP-L Cartridge

+ @ Pick-up Roller

@ Fixing Assembly Cover

@ Paper Access Door
0 Separation Pad
@ Feed Roller

5

MEMO

6

The fact that you’re now reading this manual shows that you’ve got at least
as opening the carton containing your new Star LaserPrinter 4111. This

-

chapter will help you to unpack the printer, set it up, and get it running.

First, though, you should make some preparations. You may already have
decided on the printer’s new location. Whether you have or have not, run
through this checklist of requirements:

l Environmental control

L_

The printer and toner cartridge should never be exposed to strong sunshine
or other direct heat sources. It should also be located away from air
conditioning ducts, dust and fumes. Excessive moisture should be
avoided, such as humidity in excess of 80% or less than 20%. If it is
comfortable for you, then it will be comfortable for your printer.

l A large, strong table or stand

The printer weighs approx. 22Slbs (1Okg) and must be firmly supported.
Also, the printer will need more room than it takes up in the shipping
carton, because the paper tray will extend forward from the front; so plan
for a space at least 2 x 3.2 ft (0.6m’).

l A three-pronged outlet

The outlet should be no more than 8 feet (2Sm) from the printer (the length
of the power cord), preferably one shielded from power fluctuations. In
any case, no motor-driven appliance should be connected to the same
outlet, to avoid interface with the printer’s operations.

l A fresh toner cartridge (product #EP-L)
l Paper

A package of 16-201b (60- 1 3.5g/m2) photocopier paper is best tostart with;
however, the printer can use thicker paper, as well as special media, such
as envelopes and transparent sheets.

7

2.1 UNPACKING

The printer comes in two boxes. The large box contains the printer and its
accessories, and the smaller one contains the EP-L cartridge. Follow these
instructions when unpacking.

2.1.1 Unpacking the Printer

Follow the instructions below to unpack the printer.

1. Open the large box, and remove the accessories box.

-

2. Remove the printer from the box.

a

-

-

-

3. Remove the packing material from round the printer.

-.

-

4. Open the accessories box. Remove the face-up tray, power cord, Opera­tions Manual and Applications Manual.

I ­j

I -

NOTE: Save the packing boxes and materials. If you need to move the

printer (for new location or service etc.), use these materials to
protect the printer from damage.

2.7.2 Checking the Parts

Before setting up the printer, make sure that all standard items shown below
are provided and they are free from damage. If any of these items are missing
or damaged, contact your supplier.

PWW cord

Operations manual

I

2.1.3 Unpacking the EP-L Cartridge

Open the small box (see the illustration below) and remove the packing
material from the EP-L cartridge.

-

CAUTION: 1) Do not open the aluminum bag containing the cartridge until

you are ready to install it in the printer.

2) Do not lean the cartridge against anything or turn it upside
down.

10

-

-

2.1.4 Optional Items

Some of the following items may have been ordered. Unpack them. For

details, refer to “Chapter 9. Options”.

l Paper feeder
l Cassette (A4, Letter, Legal, Executive size)

e RAM board (1,2 or 4MB)

: -

-

l Font cartridge

2.1.5 Carrying the Printer

Whenever moving the printer from one place to another, always make sure
the multi-purpose tray is closed, and carry the printer firmly at the bottom
with two

-

CAUTION: Never attempt to carry the printer using the face-down slot.
NOTE: When moving the printer, remove the EP-L cartridge from the

printer. After removing the cartridge from the printer, replace it in
the aluminum bag in which it was originally packed, or cover it with
a thick cloth to protect it from direct light.

11

2.1.6 Opening and Closing the Printer

l When opening the printer’s side cover, do not stop it in the half-way. This

will open the protective shutter of the drum, and light will permanently
damage the drum.

l Do not place anything beside the printer. It may damage the multi-purpose

tray when the tray is opened.

l Do not put anything in or on the multi-purpose tray except paper, and do

not press the tray downward.

CAUTION: The parts of the printer shaded in the illustration below become

extremely hot when the printer is used. To avoid any personal

injury, do not touch these parts when the printer is open.

Although the printer’s cover is closed while printing, it will need to be
opened when replacing the EP-L cartridge when clearing paper jams. Open

or close the cover in the following way:

12

Opening the Cover

1. Hold the knob of the multi-purpose tray and pull it to open the tray.

1

-

-

-.

2. The tray opens to about 80 degrees.

13

3. Press the release button (at the right) upwards and open the cover.

cover opens to about 80 degrees (the multi-purpose tray then opens to

about 90 degrees.).

14

-

-

-

1

F

<.

;:.

. .

i

NOTE: Remove the two orange stoppers by pushing the lower part of the

stoppers upwards and removing it (as shown in the illustration
below).

Closing the Cover

1. Using both hands. lift the cover and close it gently until it latches.

1;

2. Lift the multi-purpose tray and close it until it latches on both sides.

2.2 INSTALLING THE EP-L CARTRIDGE

Important Notice

l Install the EP-L cartridge immediately after opening the aluminum bag.

Permanent damage can be caused by light to the photosensitive drum.
NEVER expose the cartridge to the strong light (more than 15000 lux) or
room lighting (1000 lux) for more than five minutes.

-

l Do not open the drum protective shutter on the EP-L cartridge.
l Keep the cartridge away from CRTs, disk drives, diskettes, etc. Other-

wise, CRTs and disk drives can be damaged, and data on diskettes can be
destroyed by the magnet inside the cartridge.

l When handling the cartridge, do not touch the bottom of the EP-L

cartridge. Print quality will be adversely affected if the protective shutter ­is open and the drum is damaged. The drum can also be damaged if it
exposed to light.

l Always keep the EP-L cartridge with the label facing up. Do not turn it

upside down or stand it on end. The toner may become caked, and this
causes print quality to deteriorate.

l Use the cartridge before the expiry date printed on the carton. Otherwise,

print quality may deteriorate.

l Use only genuine EP-L cartridges as recommended by your supplier.

16

-

-

-

-

I -

Follow the instructions below to install the EP-L cartridge for the first time,
or replace an used one.

1. Open the multi-purpose tray and the side cover as described in “2.1.6
Opening and Closing the Printer”.

2. If you are installing the EP-L cartridge for the first time, skip to step 3. If
you are replacing the old EP-L cartridge, remove it by pulling it by the tab.

-

NOTE: If it is difficult to remove the EP-L cartridge, press the green lever

located at the right, and try again.

17

3. Open the aluminum bag containing the EP-L cartridge and remove it.

NOTE:

Save the aluminum bag, as you may need it for storing the cartridge
when you move the printer to another place in the future.

4. Holding the cartridge with both hands, rock it gently from end to end, 5
or 6 times, to distribute the toner evenly. If the toner is not distributed
evenly in the cartridge, it may adversely affect print quality.

-

18

~___

.

-.

5. Place the cartridge on a tlat surface. While holding down the cartridge
with one hand, use the other hand to pull the orange tab to remove the seal.

,-

-_-

--

-^

Make sure that the tab is pulled smoothly in a direction parallel to the flat
surface. Otherwise, the tape may break or snap, making the cartridge
unusable.

6. Holding the cartridge by the tab, align the arrow on the cartridge with the
V mark on the printer.

19

7. Slide the cartridge into the printer gently.

-

8. Make sure that the cartridge is

securely seated, then close the cover gently.

NOTE: 1) If you have purchased optional accessories, install them in

accordance with their installation manuals.

2) When replacing the cartridge, clean the fixing assembly, as
described in “7.3 Cleaning the Fixing Assembly”.

-

-

20

.

2.3 LOADING PAPER

2.3.7 About Paper

c-

L.

Print quality and printer life are greatly affected by the paper used. Paper can
be fed into the printer either from the multi-purpose tray or paper cassette (if
cassette is installed). Types and sizes of paper can be used with the multi­purpose tray are listed below.

Type

Plain paper

Transpar­ency films

Labels

Envelopes

Size

97 x 148 - 216 x 356mm

(Letter, Legal, A4, B5,

Executive)

Letter, A4

Letter, A4

97 x 148 - 216 x 356mm

Weight

60 - 105g/m’

60 - 9Og/m*

Print delivery

Face-down/up

Face-up

Face-up

Face-up

2.3.2 Loading Paper Into the Multi-purpose Tray

1. If the multi-purpose tray is not open, open it by unlatching and bringing
it forward.

2. Hold the arrow at the center of the multi-purpose tray, then pull out the
extension tray.

3. Slide the paper guide to the left.

-

4. Take a small stack of paper and align the edges by tapping it on a flat
surface.

: -

5. Align the right side of the stack of paper with the right-hand paper guide.
Slide the paper stack gently into the printer as far as it will go. Make sure
that the height of the paper stack does not exceed the mark on the paper
guide.

. .._

23

6. Slide the left-hand paper guide so that it touches the left side of the paper
stack. Make sure that the paper guide does not press too tightly or fit too
loosely against the paper stack. Otherwise, this can cause paper jams or

other problems.

2.4 SELECTING PAPER DELIVERY

The printer provides two types of paper delivery; face-up and face-down.
With face-down delivery, the paper is ejected from the printer with the
printed side facing downward. With face-up delivery, the paper is ejected
with the printed side facing upward.

Selecting Face-down Delivery

1. Open the multi-purpose tray by unlatching and bringing it forward.

. .

-

-

-

2. For face-down delivery, simply open the multi-purpose tray.

3. Adjust the paper stop located on the top of the printer to the position which
matches the paper size.

24

-

-

-

-