Star Micronics LC-8021 User Manual
USER’S MANUAL
LC-8021
DOT MATRIX PRINTER
PBA10HK 80825130
Trademark acknowledgments
IS-NP192, LC-8021, LC-8211, LC24-30, LC24-300, NX-2450, NX-2480, SPC-8K : Star Micronics Co. Ltd.
LQ-850, LQ-860, LQ-1050, LQ-1060 : Seiko Epson Corporation
IBM PC, IBM Proprinter X24E, IBM Proprinter XL24E, IBM Proprinter X24, IBM Proprinter XL24 :
International Business Machines Corporation.
MS-DOS : Microsoft Corporation
Notice
• All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this manual in any form whatsoever, without STAR’s express
permission, is strictly forbidden.
• The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
• All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this manual at the time of printing. However, should any errors be found, STAR would greatly appreciate being informed of them.
• The above notwithstanding, STAR can assume no responsibility for any errors in this manual.
Copyright 1997 Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
About this manual
This manual describes how to set up, use, and care for the Star LC-8021 printer.
The following is a list of what you can expect to find in each chapter.
Chapter 1 Choosing a place for your printer, unpacking and setup,
ribbon cassette installation, loading paper, connecting to
your computer
Chapter 2 How to use the control panel
Chapter 3 How to use the printer’s Electronic DIP Switch (EDS)
Mode to set up the printer to match the needs of your
system and software
Chapter 4 How to set up for printing with MS-DOS
Chapter 5 Selecting the best type of paper, manual sheet feeding,
print area
Chapter 6 Optional accessories that are available for your printer
Appendix A Troubleshooting
Appendix B Specifications
Appendix C Interface pin outs
Appendix D Character sets
Appendix E Printer control codes
Appendix F Glossary
Appendix G Control panel operation guide
Contents
Chapter 1: Printer Setup ... 1
Choosing a place for the printer ... 1
Unpacking the printer ... 2
General guide ... 3
Opening the front cover ... 4
Removing the front cover ... 4
Removing the protective materials ... 5
Installing the ribbon cartridge ... 6
Removing the ribbon cartridge ... 8
Connecting to a power outlet and turning power on and off ... 9
Loading paper ... 10
Connecting to your computer ... 11
Chapter 2: Control Panel Operations ... 15
Switching between on-line and off-line ... 15
Selecting a font ... 16
Line feed ... 16
Form feed ... 16
Paper eject ... 16
Micro feed ... 16
Changing the auto load position ... 17
Clearing the printer’s buffer ... 18
Initializing the printer ... 18
Entering the Multi-part Mode ... 18
Chapter 3: Using the EDS Mode ... 19
About EDS Mode settings ... 19
Entering the EDS Mode ... 19
Selecting a bank ... 20
Selecting a switch ... 21
Changing a switch setting ... 21
Printing the current switch settings ... 21
Exiting the EDS Mode ... 21
EDS-1 Settings ... 22
EDS-2 Settings ... 31
Chapter 4: Using the Printer with MS-DOS ... 34
Setting up for printing with MS-DOS ... 34
Chapter 5: Paper Handling ... 35
Selecting paper types ... 35
Feeding a passbook into the printer ... 36
Feeding cut-sheet paper into the printer ... 37
Print area ... 38
Chapter 6: Optional Accessories ... 39
Serial Interface Unit (IS-NP192) ... 39
Serial-to-Parallel Interface Converter (SPC-8K) ... 40
Appendix A: Troubleshooting ... 41
Short test ... 41
Long test ... 41
Hexadecimal dump ... 42
Adjusting the dot alignment ... 42
Troubleshooting guide ... 44
Checking system software settings in MS-DOS ... 49
Appendix B: Specifications ... 50
Appendix C: Interface Pin Outs ... 52
Appendix D: Character Sets ... 53
Appendix E: Printer Control Codes ... 65
Appendix F: Glossary ... 74
Appendix G: Control Panel Operation Guide ... 75
1
Chapter 1: Printer Setup
This chapter contains important information on setting up your printer. Be sure
to read this chapter carefully before using the printer for the first time.
Choosing a place for the printer
Before actually unpacking the printer, you should take a few minutes to think
about where you plan to use it. Remember the following points when doing this.
Choose a firm, level surface where the printer will not be exposed to
✓
vibration.
The power outlet you plan to connect to for power should be nearby and
✓
unobstructed.
Make sure that the printer is close enough to your computer for you to
✓
connect the two with your printer cable.
Allow six inches (15 centimeters) of free space on either side and in the
✓
back of the printer.
Make sure that the printer is not exposed to direct sunlight.
✓
Make sure that the printer is well away from heaters.
✓
Make sure that the surrounding area is clean, dry, and free of dust.
✓
Make sure that the printer is connected to a reliable power outlet. It should
✓
not be on the same electric circuit as copiers, refrigerators, or other
appliances that cause power spikes.
Use a power outlet that matches the power rating noted on the label affixed
✓
to the bottom of your printer.
Make sure that the room where you are using the printer is not too humid.
✓
2 Printer Setup
Unpacking the printer
Check to make sure that the carton contains each of the items shown in the
following illustration.
Printer
Ribbon cartridge
If anything is missing, contact the store where you bought the printer and ask
them to supply the missing part. Note that it is a good idea to keep the original
box and all the packing materials just in case you need to pack the printer up
again and send it somewhere at a later date.
Important!
There are several versions of this printer designed for different voltages. It is
not possible to change the voltage of a printer. If the voltage shown on the label
on the bottom of your printer does not match the voltage for your ar ea, contact
your dealer immediately.
User's manualPower code
General guide
The following illustrations show the major components of the your printer.
General guide 3
Front cover
Power switch
Document
table
extension
Parallel interface
connector
Serial interface
connector
Platen knob
Control panel
Document table
Power terminal
4 Printer Setup
Opening the front cover
Pull on the left and right corners of the front cover to and swing it down
❏
until it is fully open.
Front cover
Removing the front cover
Once the front cover is fully open, carefully lift it straight up to remove it.
❏
To replace the front cover, lower the slots on the left and right of the cover
onto the tabs provided on the printer case.
Removing the protective materials
Packing material in the printer protects its components during shipping.
❏
Before using the printer for the first time, be sure to remove the packing
material, which is located inside the front cover as shown in the illustration.
Cardboard
Removing the protective materials 5
6 Printer Setup
Installing the ribbon cartridge
Make sure that the printer is unplugged from its power outlet.
❏
Open the front cover of the printer.
❏
Note:
You will probably find later steps to perform if you remove the cover.
❏
By hand, move the print head to the left as far as it will go, where there is a
cutout to allow easy installation and removal of the ribbon cartridge.
Carriage
Important!
Never try to move the print head while the printer is plugged into a power
outlet. Doing so can damage the printer. If you have just used the printer, let
the print head cool for a few minutes before you touch it.
Remove the ribbon cartridge from its package and check to make sure its
❏
ribbon guide is correctly in place. If it isn’t, thread the ribbon through the
guide.
Ribbon guide holder
❏
Pull down on the ribbon guide to create considerable slack in the ribbon.
❏
Insert the two round tabs on either side of the ribbon cartridge into the two
slots inside the printer and slide the cartridge into place as you rotate the
knob on the right side of the cartridge to take up some of the slack in the
ribbon.
❏
Press on the top of the cartridge until it snaps securely into place.
Installing the ribbon cartridge 7
Note:
Note:
A ribbed ribbon advance shaft must enter into the hole on the back, right side
of the ribbon cartridge. You seem to have trouble getting the ribbon cartridge
to seat properly, try turning the knob of the ribbon cartridge slightly so the ribs
on the shaft align properly with the hole.
Once the ribbon cartridge is securely in place, use your thumb and
❏
forefinger to grasp the sides of the ribbon guide handle and attach the guide
to the carriage below the print head. The two metal rods below the print
head must fit into the holes provided in the ribbon guide. You will feel the
ribbon guide snap securely into place when it is installed correctly.
Angle the ribbon guide downwards so it slips under the print head, and then
straighten the guide to slip it onto rods below the print head.
Rotate the knob on the ribbon cartridge to take up any slack in the ribbon.
❏
8 Printer Setup
Close the front cover of the printer.
❏
Ribbon guide
Important!
Printing that is poor quality or too light is almost always due to a ribbon that is
simply worn out or “used up.” If you experience problems with print quality,
check the condition of the ribbon. If the black part looks gray and well-worn,
replace the ribbon with a new one.
Print head
Metal rods
Knob
Slot
Slot
Removing the ribbon cartridge
Use the following procedure to remove the ribbon cartridge from the printer
when you want to replace it with a new one.
❏
Make sure that the printer is unplugged from its power outlet.
❏
Open the front cover of the printer.
Note:
You will probably find later steps to perform if you remove the cover.
By hand, move the print head to the left as far as it will go, where there is a
❏
cutout to allow easy installation and removal of the ribbon cartridge.
Important!
Never try to move the print head while the printer is plugged into a power
outlet. Doing so can damage the printer. If you have just used the printer, let
the print head cool for a few minutes before you touch it.
❏
❏
Connecting to a power outlet and turning power on and off 9
Pull on the ribbon guide below the print head to detach it.
Pull on the top of the ribbon cartridge and then carefully lift up the
cartridge to remove it from the printer.
Use the procedure under “Removing the protective materials” on page 5 to
❏
install a new cartridge.
Connecting to a power outlet and turning power on and off
Make sure the power switch on the front of the printer is in the OFF
❏
position (O).
ON
OFF
10 Printer Setup
Securely attach the power cord to the power terminal on the back of the
❏
printer.
Plug the other end of the power cord into a grounded wall outlet.
❏
Caution!
If the voltage marked on the bottom of your printer does not match the voltage
from the outlet you are using, do not plug in the power cord. Contact your
dealer for assistance.
Use the printer’s power switch to turn power on (|) to turn power on and
❏
OFF (O).
Note:
W e recommend that you unplug the printer from the power outlet whene ver you
do not plan to use it for long periods. Because of the this, you should locate the
printer so that the power outlet it is plugged into is nearby and easy to access.
Loading paper
This section tells you how to load cut-sheet paper. Note that you can also use
passbook. For details on using passbook, see “Paper Handling” on page 35 of
this manual.
❏
Check that the control panel’s POWER indicator is flashing, which shows
that there is no paper in the printer.
❏
When printing on 4-ply or 5-ply paper, the Multi-Part Mode should be
used. Check to make sure that the control panel’s MULTI-PART indicator
is lit. If it isn’t, press the control panel’s MULTI-PART button.
❏ Insert the paper into the printer as far as it will go, sliding its left side
Important!
If the paper is not inserted straight into the printer, it will be considered a
loading error and the paper will be ejected. Be sure to insert the paper
correctly.
Inserting the paper with its left side more than 7 mm to the right of the left
guide will be considered an error and the paper will be ejected.
against the printer’s left guide.
Paper
Connecting to your computer 11
Document table extension
Document table
The paper will automatically be fed into the printer.
If your are using letterhead, make sure the paper is facing up, with the top
towards the printer.
❏ Start the printing operation from your software application.
❏ After the printing is complete, press EJECT to eject the paper from the
printer.
Connecting to your computer
Your printer comes equipped with two interfaces built in as standard: one
parallel interface and one serial interface.
This printer does not come with cables, so you must purchase one separately to
match the needs of you computer.
Control panel
12 Printer Setup
To connect with a parallel cable
For connection to the parallel interface, you will probably want to use a standard
parallel cable, like the one shown below.
Note:
In addition to using the parallel interface as-is to connect a parallel interface,
you can also connect an optional serial-to-parallel converter (page 40) to
convert serial data fr om the computer to par allel data. This ef fectively pr ovides
two serial interfaces for connection of separate computers.
Important!
The following instructions apply to the Centronics parallel cable that is
suitable for use with an IBM-compatible personal computer. Note that they do
not apply to all types of computers and cables. If you are unsure about what
type of cable you should use, consult your dealer.
For an IBM-compatible personal computer:
✓ Use a standard 36-pin Centronics parallel cable.
✓ The parallel cable should be no longer than six feet (two meters). Longer
Important!
Make sure that the printer is unplugged from the AC outlet and that the
computer is turned off before connecting them.
cables can result in poor transfer of information.
❏ Plug one end of the parallel cable into the parallel port of your computer.
The parallel port should be labeled “Printer,” “Parallel,” “PRN, ” “LPT1,” or
something similar.
❏ Plug the other end of the parallel cable into the socket on the back of the
printer and secure it in place with the clips.
To connect with a serial cable
For connection to the serial interface, you will probably want to use a standard
RS-232C cable, like the one shown below.
Connecting to your computer 13
Important!
• The following instructions apply to the serial cable that is suitable for use
• Make sure that the printer is unplugged from the AC outlet and that the
with an IBM-compatible personal computer. Note that they do not apply to all
types of computers and cables. If you are unsur e about what type of cable you
should use, consult your dealer.
computer is switched off before connecting them.
14 Printer Setup
❏ Attach one end of the serial cable to a serial port of your computer (COM1,
COM2), and secure the connector with the screws provided on the plug.
❏ Plug the other end of the cable into the socket on the back of the printer and
secure it in place with the screws.
Note:
The parallel interface equipped on the printer as standard can be removed and
replaced with an optional IS-NP192 Serial Interface Unit. This makes it
possible to connect two separate computers for serial data communication.
Chapter 2: Control Panel Operations
The control panel gives you push-button control over the printer’s operations. It
includes indicator lights, which tell you the current status of the printer at a
glance.
This chapter describes control panel functions that can be performed while the
printer is turned on and either on-line or off-line. The buttons perform different
functions in the EDS and Dot Adjustment Modes. Functions of control panel
buttons in these modes are described in the relevant sections covering them.
15
DATA
MULTI-
PART
DRAFT
EJECT LF ON LINE
OCR B
Switching between on-line and off-line
Press ON LINE to switch the printer between being on-line and off-line.
❏
❏ When the printer is on-line, the ON LINE indicator is lit and the printer can
receive data from the computer. You should make sure that the printer is online whenever you are trying to print.
❏ When the printer is in off-line, the ON LINE indicator goes out, which
means that the printer cannot receive any data.
❏ Note that you can also press ON LINE while a printing operation is in
progress to stop the printing.
POWER
Important!
Make sure that the on-line/off-line setting of the printer is correct before
performing a control panel operation.
16 Control Panel Operations
Selecting a font
The printer normally prints at letter quality (LQ) using the default font you
select in the EDS Mode (page 19). You can also use the following procedure to
enter the Draft Mode for faster draft printing, or the OCR B Mode for bar code
printing (page 24).
❏ Make sure the printer is off-line (ON LINE indicator is not lit).
❏ While holding down MULTI-PART, press EJECT to enter the Draft Mode
(indicated when the DRAFT indicator is lit) or LF to enter the OCR B
Mode (indicated when the OCR B indicator is lit).
Line feed
Make sure the printer is off-line (ON LINE indicator is not lit).
❏
❏ Press LF once to feed paper one line. Holding down LF continually feeds
paper, one line at a time, until you release the button.
Form feed
Make sure the printer is off-line (ON LINE indicator is not lit).
❏
❏ While holding down LF, press ON LINE to feed the paper.
Paper eject
❏
❏ Press EJECT to eject the paper.
❏ After the paper is ejected, the printer will beep and the POWER indicator
Micro feed
Use the following operation to feed the paper in very small increments. This
makes it possible to align the print head exactly where you want it.
❏ Make sure the printer is off-line (ON LINE indicator is not lit).
❏ While holding down ON LINE, press EJECT to feed the paper backward
Make sure the printer is off-line (ON LINE indicator is not lit).
will flash to indicate there is no paper in the printer.
or LF to feed the paper forward.
Changing the auto load position
Normally the printer automatically feeds paper to a standard position (1/6-inch
from the top of the paper) before printing. This is called the auto load position.
You can use the following procedure to specify a different auto load position.
❏ Make sure the printer is off-line (ON LINE indicator is not lit).
❏ While holding down ON LINE, press MULTI-PART then release the two
buttons.
❏ Insert a new sheet of paper into the printer, and it automatically feeds to the
current auto load position.
❏ Feed the paper so the print head is located where you want the new auto
load position to be.
Press LF to feed the paper forward and EJECT to feed the paper backward.
These are the same keys you use for the micro feed operation.
❏ After you have the paper at the position you want, hold down ON LINE
and press LF to make the current print head position the new auto load
position. The printer will beep twice to indicate that the new auto load
position is set.
Note:
The auto load position you set remains in effect until you turn the printer of f . If
you want to save the auto load position in memory, press EJECT instead of LF
above.
Changing the auto load position 17
❏ To clear the new auto load position and return to the one that you set
previously (using the above procedure), press ON LINE. To clear the
currently set auto load position and return to the standard position (1/6-inch
from the top of the paper), hold down ON LINE and press MULTI-PART.
18 Control Panel Operations
Clearing the printer’s buffer
When the printer receives data from a computer, it temporarily stores it in a
memory called a buffer. If you stop a printing job partway through, there is the
chance that some data will remain in the buffer. The following procedure clears
the printer’s buffer by deleting any data that might be there.
❏ Execute the necessary command in the program you are using to stop the
print job.
Important!
Be sure to stop the print job before taking the printer off line. Otherwise, the
print job will resume from where you interrupted it when you put the printer
back on-line.
❏ Use ON LINE to take the printer off line (ON LINE indicator is not lit).
❏ Hold down MULTI-PART and then ON LINE. Keep both buttons held
down until the printer beeps once, which indicates that the buf fer is cleared.
Initializing the printer
The following procedure initializes the printer to its power-on settings.
❏ Use ON LINE to take the printer off line (ON LINE indicator is not lit).
❏ Hold down MULTI-PART and then ON LINE. Keep both buttons held
down until the printer beeps once (indicating the printer buffer is cleared)
and then beeps again three times, which indicates that the printer is reset.
Entering the Multi-part Mode
When the printer is in the Multi-part Mode, the print head prints with greater
impact. It should be noted, however, that printing in the Multi-part Mode also
reduces the life of the print head. Because of this, you should use the Multi-part
Mode only for printing on four or five-ply paper. Return to the normal mode for
printing on one to three-ply paper.
Use the following procedure to enter the Multi-part Mode
❏ Use ON LINE to take the printer off line (ON LINE indicator is not lit).
❏ Press MULTI-PART button. The MULTI-PART indicator will lit to
indicate to enter multi-part mode.
Chapter 3: Using the EDS Mode
The letters “EDS” stand for “Electronic DIP Switches.” Just like the small DIP
switches that are used by many computers, printers, and other devices, the EDS
lets you configure the printer so that it matches your system and software needs.
This chapter describes how to enter the printer’s EDS Mode and provides details
about available settings and how to change them.
All switch settings, except for EDS 2C-5, are ON when the printer is shipped
from the factory.
About EDS Mode settings
The EDS Mode of this printer actually consists of two sub-modes, named EDS1 and EDS-2. EDS-1 is used for general settings (such as emulation, print pitch,
and paper length), while EDS-2 is used to specify communication parameters
for the serial interface and a number of paper handling settings.
EDS-1 settings are grouped among six “banks” (representing banks of switches)
that are identified by the letters A through F. Each bank contains a number of
“switches” numbered 1 through 6 that you can turn on and off to configure the
printer.
EDS-2 settings consist of three “banks” named A, B, and C, with each bank
containing six switches.
19
Entering the EDS Mode
Make sure that paper is loaded in the printer.
❏
❏ Turn off the printer.
❏ To enter the EDS-1 Mode, turn the printer on while holding down the
control panel’s EJECT, LF, and ON LINE buttons.
To enter the EDS-2 Mode, turn the printer on while holding down the
control panel’s MULTI-PART, EJECT, and LF buttons.
Either of the above operations causes the following message to be printed,
which indicates the printer is in the EDS Mode.
20 Using the EDS Mode
Note:
The contents of the above message are the same, regardless of whether you
enter EDS-1 or EDS-2. The asterisks indicate the current EDS Mode switch
settings for all the banks in both sub-modes.
Selecting a bank
While in the EDS Mode (EDS-1 or EDS-2), use the control panel’s MULTI-
❏
PART button to select a bank. While the DATA indicator is lit, the lit
indicator indicates the currently selected bank.
Lit Indicator Selected Bank
MULTI-PART A
MULTI-PART + EJECT B
EJECT C
EJECT + LF D
LF E
Note:
LF + ON LINE F
EDS-2 has only three banks, so pr essing the BANK b utton cycles thr ough banks
A, B, and C only. Indicators EJECT + LF, LF, and LF + ON LINE do not light
with EDS-2.
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