Star Micronics NX-2460C, NX-2460 User Manual
USERS MANUAL
LC-240C
LC-240
NX-2460C
NX-2460
DOT MATRIX PRINTER
HBA 80825632
Federal Communications Commission
Radio Frequency Interference Statement
The 120V version equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This 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, which can be determined by turning 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 receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Unauthorized modifications of this product by the user will void his authority to operate the equipment unless
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance.
For compliance with the Federal Noise Interference Standard, this equipment requires a shielded cable.
The 220V version equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursu-
ant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
For compliance with the Federal Noise Interference Standard, this equipment requires a shielded cable.
The above statement applies only to printers marketed in the U.S.A.
Statement of The Canadian Department of Communications 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 présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectiques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils
numériques de la classe B prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des
Communications du Canada.
The above statement applies only to printers marketed in Canada.
VDE Statement
This device carries the VDE RFI protection mark to certify that it meets the radio interference requirements of the
Postal Ordinance No. 243/1991. The additional marking “Vfg. 243/P” expresses in short form that this is a peripheral
device (not operable alone) which only individually meets the Class B RFI requirements in accordance with the DIN
VDE 0878 part 3/11.89 and the Postal Ordinance 243/1991.
If this device is operated in conjunction with other devices within a set-up, in order to take advantage of a “General
(Operating) Authorization” in accordance with the Postal Ordinance 243/1991, the complete set-up must comply
with the Class B limits in accordance with the DIN VDE 0878 part 3/11.89, as well as satisfy the preconditions in
accordance with §2 and the prerequisites in accordance with §3 of the Postal Ordinance 243/1991.
As a rule, this is only fulfilled when the device is operated in a set-up which has been type-tested and provided with a
VDE RFI protection mark with the additional marking “Vfg 243”.
Machine Noise Information Ordinance 3. GSGV, January 18, 1991: The sound pressure level at the operator position
is equal or less than 70 dB(A) according to ISO 7779.
Trademark acknowledgments
LC-240C, LC-240, NX-2460C, NX-2460, LC24-30, NX-2450, PT-10Y, SPC-8K: Star Micronics Co. Ltd.
LQ850, LQ860, LQ1050, LQ1060: Seiko Epson Corporation
IBM PC, IBM Proprinter X24E, IBM Proprinter XL24E, IBM Proprinter X24,
IBM Proprinter XL24: International Business Machines Corporation.
TrueType: Apple Computer Inc.
MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows, Windows 3.1: 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 1994 Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
About this manual
This manual describes how to set up, use, and care for the Star LC-240C and
NX-2460C color printers, and the LC-240 and NX-2460 monochrome printers.
All of the operations contained in this manual apply to all of these models,
except where specifically noted otherwise.
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 printer
Chapter 2 Installing and starting up, and using User Setup Utility
Chapter 3 How to set up for printing with Microsoft Windows 3.1,
how to prepare for printing, how to print a document, how
to install TrueType fonts, how to select fonts from within
an application
Chapter 4 How to use the control panel
Chapter 5 Selecting the best type of paper, adjusting for paper
thickness, manual sheet feeding, clearing paper jams
Chapter 6 How to set up for printing with MS-DOS, how to select
fonts from within an application
Chapter 7 How to pause printing, paper feed operations, form feeding
Appendix A How to deal with printing problems
Appendix B Specifications
Appendix C Interface information
Appendix D Character sets
Appendix E Printer control codes
Appendix F Glossary
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 print head protector (color printer only) … 4
About ribbon cartridges … 5
Installing the ribbon cartridge … 5
Installing the paper support … 7
Connecting to your computer … 7
Connecting to a power outlet … 9
Loading paper … 9
Connecting to your computer … 11
Detaching the automatic sheet feeder … 12
Re-installing the automatic sheet feeder … 14
Chapter 2: User Setup Utility … 15
Installing the User Setup Utility … 15
Starting up the User Setup Utility … 17
Changing User Setup Utility parameter settings ... 18
To select a window ... 18
To select a parameter box ... 18
About parameter boxes ... 18
To change a parameter setting ... 19
Using the General window … 19
Using the Font window … 22
Using the Paper window … 24
Adjusting the printer’s vertical alignment ... 26
Changing the printer port ... 27
Saving setup data as a new configuration file ... 28
Saving changed setup data in the current configuration file ... 28
Importing setup data from a configuration file ... 29
Returning to default settings ... 29
Exiting the User Setup Utility ... 30
Using the Help window … 30
Chapter 3: Using the Printer with Windows 3.1 … 31
Setting up for printing with Microsoft Windows 3.1 … 31
Getting ready to print … 33
Printing a document … 34
Installing TrueType fonts … 36
Selecting fonts in Windows applications … 36
Chapter 4: Control Panel Operations … 37
To enter the Sleep Mode … 37
To restore full power from the Sleep Mode … 37
To switch between the Ready and Not-Ready Modes … 38
To feed single-sheet paper into the printer … 38
To eject single-sheet paper from the printer … 38
To advance paper … 38
Errors … 38
Chapter 5: Paper Handling … 39
Selecting paper types … 39
Adjusting for paper thickness … 40
Automatic sheet feeding … 41
Manual sheet feeding … 41
Clearing paper jams … 41
Chapter 6: Using the Printer with MS-DOS … 43
Setting up for printing with MS-DOS … 43
Selecting fonts in MS-DOS applications … 44
Chapter 7: Other Printing Features … 45
How to pause printing … 45
Line feed … 45
Form feed … 45
Appendix A: Troubleshooting … 46
Testing the printer ... 46
Troubleshooting guide ... 49
Checking system software settings in Windows ... 55
Checking system software settings in MS-DOS ... 56
Checking the port settings in the User Setup Utility ... 56
Appendix B: Specifications … 57
Appendix C: Interface Pin Outs … 59
Appendix D: Character Sets … 60
Appendix E: Printer Control Codes … 66
Appendix F: Glossary … 72
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. In this
chapter you will learn about:
❏ Choosing a place for the printer
❏ Unpacking and setting up the printer
❏ Installing the ribbon cassette
❏ Loading paper
❏ Connecting to your computer
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 of the printer .
If you are going to use fanfold paper, make sure that there is adequate space
for paper behind 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.
If anything is missing, contact the store where you bought the printer and ask
them to supply the missing part.
A push tractor unit (PT-10Y) and a Serial-To-Parallel Interface Converter
(SPC-8K) are also available as options. Consult with your dealer for details on
these options.
Note:
It is a good idea to keep the original box and all the packing materials just in
case you later need to pack the printer up again and send it somewhere at a
later date.
Printer
Ribbon cartridges
For Monochrome model
Paper support
User’s manual
3.5” Floppy disk
For Color
printer model
General guide 3
General guide
The following illustrations show the major component parts of the your printer.
For a description of what each part does, see the Glossary on page 72 of this
manual.
Control panel
Front cover
Automatic sheet feeder
Paper support
Interface connector
Paper button
Power button
Paper tray cover
Platen
Print head
Cartridge
4 Printer Setup
Opening the front cover
❏ Hook your fingers under the two small tabs on either side of the front cover
and pull upwards to swing the front cover open.
Note:
You can completely remove the front cover from the printer. However, we
recommend that you normally leave it in place. The cover protects against
objects getting into the printer, and it cuts down on printer noise.
Removing the print head protector (color printer only)
If your printer is a color model, its print head will be enclosed in a protector that
guards against damage during shipping. Before using the printer, you must
remove the print head protector as shown in the following illustration.
About ribbon cartridges 5
About ribbon cartridges
The type of ribbon cartridge that comes with your printer depends on whether it
is a color printer or a monochrome printer. Monochrome printer models come
with a monochrome ribbon cartridge with a built-in print head shield, while
color printer models come with a color cartridge without a print head shield (this
is because the color printer has its own print head shield). In addition,
monochrome ribbon cartridges for use on a color printer model are available as
an option.
Installing the ribbon cartridge
❏ Rotate the knob on the cartridge clockwise to take up any slack in the
ribbon.
❏ Carefully push the cartridge holder by hand all the way to the left side as far
as it will go.
Important!
Never try to move the print head while the printer is plugged in. 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.
Color ribbon cartridge
(accessory)
Monochrome ribbon cartridge
(option for color printer)
Monochrome ribbon cartridge
(accessory)
Print head shield
6 Printer Setup
❏ Carefully place the cartridge onto the cartridge holder making sure that the
spindle of the holder fits into the socket on the bottom of the cartridge.
❏ If you have a color printer model, be sure to carefully position the ribbon
between the print head and the print head shield as shown in the illustration.
❏ Press down gently b ut firmly on the cartridge to make sure that it is securely
in place. The cartridge should move slightly (about 1/10” or 2.5mm) when
you press down on it.
❏ Rotate the knob on the cartridge again to take up any slack.
Important!
If you have a color printer model, be sure to double check that the ribbon is
properly positioned between the print head and print head shield. If it isn’ t, you
may get poor print quality or even end up damaging the ribbon.
Knob
Print head shield
Ribbon
Print head
Color ribbon cartridge
Print head shield
Ribbon
Print head
Monochrome ribbon cartridge
Installing the paper support 7
❏ Replace the front cover of the printer. Press down on the raised parts at the
back of the cover until it snaps securely shut.
Installing the paper support
❏ Insert the ends of the paper support into the slots on the printer as shown in
the following illustration.
Connecting to your computer
The computer sends data to the printer through a cable. This printer does not
come with a cable, so you must purchase one of your own. You will probably
want to use a standard parallel cable for connection, but note that you can also
use an optional Serial-To-Parallel Interface Converter (SPC-8K).
8 Printer Setup
Important!
The following instructions apply to the Centronics parallel cable that is used
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 to connect with your computer, consult with 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
cables can result in poor transfer of information.
Important!
Make sure that the printer is unplugged from the AC outlet and that the
computer is switched off before connecting them.
❏ Plug one end of the parallel cable into the parallel port of your computer.
The parallel port should be labelled “Printer,” “Parallel,” “PRN,” “LPT1,”
or something similar.
❏ Plug the other end of the parallel cable into the socket on the side of the
printer and secure it in place with the clips.
Note:
Consult with your dealer for details on how to set up your computer when
using the optional SPC-8K Serial-To-Parallel Interface Converter.
Connecting to a power outlet 9
Connecting to a power outlet
❏ Plug the power cord of the printer into a standard power outlet whose
voltage matches the power rating noted on the label af fixed to the bottom of
your printer.
Note that the printer does not have a power switch to turn power on and off.
Instead, its Sleep Mode automatically reduces power consumption whenever
you leave the printer unattended. For full details about the Sleep Mode, see
“Sleep” on page 21 of this manual.
Important!
We 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.
The following is the above important notice translated into French.
Important!
Nous vous recommandons de débrancher le cordon d’alimentation de
l’imprimante quand vous ne vous en servez pas pendant une longue période.
Grâce à ça, vous pourrez facilement localiser votre cordon par la suite et le
raccorder plus rapidement sur une prise plus facile d’accès.
Loading paper
This section tells you how to load single-sheet A4 or Letter paper into the
printer’s built-in automatic sheet feeder. Note that you can also use fanfold
paper and multi-page form paper. For details on using other types of paper, see
“Paper Handling” on page 39 of this manual.
Important!
The automatic sheet feeder is designed to easily detach from the printer when
clearing paper jams or when installing the optional push tractor feeder. If the
automatic sheet feeder accidently becomes detached, see “Re-installing the
automatic sheet feeder” on page 14 for details on how to re-install it correctly.
10 Printer Setup
❏ Pull the paper tray cover of the automatic sheet feeder forward.
❏ Slide the left-hand paper guide all the way to the left.
Paper guide
Loading paper 11
❏ Pick up the stack of paper with both hands, and fan through the paper with
your thumb. This prevents paper from sticking together when it is fed by
the automatic feeder.
Note:
The automatic sheet feeder can hold about 55 sheets of paper at one time.
❏ Make sure that all four edges of the stack are smooth and even. Tap the
edges on the top of a table or a desk to even them out.
❏ Carefully place the paper into the paper tray against the right-hand
stationary paper guide. Make sure that the left and right edges of the paper
stack are under the retaining clips inside the tray.
Paper guides
Retaining clip
12 Printer Setup
❏ Slide the left-hand paper guide to the right so that the stack of paper now
sits snugly between the two guides. The paper should be able to slide freely
into the printer, but it should not be able to move from side to side.
❏ Push the paper tray cover of the automatic sheet feeder closed.
Detaching the automatic sheet feeder
The following procedure describes how to detach the automatic sheet feeder (to
clear a paper jam or to attach the optional push tractor unit) and how to reinstall
it. Be sure to follow the following instructions carefully to ensure proper
operation of the printer.
Important!
Always handle the automatic sheet feeder carefully, and put it somewhere safe
whenever it is detached from the printer.
❏ Open the front cover of the printer.
Paper tray cover
Detaching the automatic sheet feeder 13
❏ Grasp the automatic sheet feeder and pull it gently towards the front of the
printer until it stops.
❏ Lift the automatic sheet feeder straight up.
14 Printer Setup
Re-installing the automatic sheet feeder
❏ Open the front cover of the printer.
❏ Carefully lower the automatic sheet feeder into the printer , making sure that
the two round tabs on either end of it enter into the corresponding slots
inside the printer. You should have the automatic sheet feeder angled
towards the front of the printer (at about the same angle that it was when
you pulled the feeder forward while detaching it).
❏ You should have the automatic sheet feeder angled towards the front of the
printer (at about the same angle that it was when you pulled the feeder
forward while detaching it).
❏ Lower the automatic feeder all the way down. When you do, it should
naturally slip into place, with the part that holds the paper angled slightly
towards the back of the printer.
❏ Close the front cover of the printer.
15
Chapter 2: User Setup Utility
In addition to the Windows 3.1 driver, the 3.5” floppy disk drive that comes with
this printer also contains a User Setup Utility that gives you total control over a
variety of printing features and functions. In this chapter you will learn about:
❏ Installing the User Setup Utility
❏ Starting up the User Setup Utility
❏ Editing setup data
❏ Saving and loading and setup data
❏ Exiting the User Setup Utility and sending the settings to the printer
Important!
All the procedures in this chapter assume that you are using a mouse and that
you are familiar with common mouse operations like click and double-click. If
you need information on mouse operations, see your computer manual. If you
want to operate the User Setup Utility without using a mouse (using function
keys, arrow keys, and the tab key) refer to the key function explanations at the
bottom of each User Setup Utility screen.
Installing the User Setup Utility
❏ Insert the disk that contains the User Setup Utility into one of your
computer’s disk drives. This explanation assumes you are using the A:
drive, but you could use any drive. Just remember to change the “A:” drive
name specifications in the following steps to the name of the drive you are
using.
Important!
Note that you cannot use a mouse to navigate inside the User Setup Utility
installation screens. Instead, you must use the arrow, Enter, backspace, and
Delete keys as noted on the installation screens and in the following
procedures.
16
❏ Execute the command that installs the User Setup Utility:
A:\>SETUP ↵
❏ Select the language you want to use and then press Enter.
The above screen appears in the language that you selected in the previous
step.
❏ Input the drive and directory names where you want the User Setup Utility
stored. The following is the default directory name that creates a directory
names “star” on your hard disk (drive C:) to store the User Setup Utility.
C:\star
You can use the left and reight arrows, Delete and Backspace when
making changes in the box that contains the drive and directory names. if
you require assistance while this screen in shown, press F1 for help.
❏ After you specify drive and directory names, press Enter.
The User Setup Utility program is started up as soon as you press Enter, so
you can use the pull-down menus to make the setup changes you want.
Please select Language
= Help
Star LC-240(C) / NX-2460(C) Installation of User Setup Utility Version 1.0
English
Deutsch
Français
Italiano
= Enter = Scroll down
= Scroll up
F1
= Abort
ESC
Directory:
= Help
Star LC-240(C) / NX-2460(C) Installation of User Setup Utility Version 1.0
The HDD installation uses xxxKB of hard disk.
= Enter
F1
Please Select Drive and Directory for Installation
C:\star_
You may install this Printer Setup Utility onto a floppy disk if required,
please see the users manual of the help [F1] for details.
= Abort
ESC
Starting up the User Setup Utility 17
Starting up the User Setup Utility
❏ To start up the User Setup Utility , move to the directory you specified under
“Installing the User Setup Utility” on page 15. If you want to move to the
directory we named “star” in our example in the previous section, you
would input the following:
C:\>cd star ↵
❏ Next, input the command to launch the User Setup Utility:
STARSET ↵
When you start the User Setup Utility, it reads and displays the printer’s
current settings.
❏ Now you can use the pull-down menus described below to make the setup
changes you want.
If the printer is not connected to your computer or if the power of the printer is
switched off, the following mesage appears on the display when you start up the
User Setup Utility.
Check the connection between the computer and the printer, and check the
power. After correcting the problem, press Enter to continue.
The above message also appears when your computer and printer are connected
through and optional Serial-To-Parallel Interface Converter. In such a case,
simply press the computer’s ESC key to clear the message.
Exit
Load Save General Font Paper Adjust. Port Help
Emulation
(•) Standard
( ) IBM
Graphic
Direction
(•) Uni-direction
( ) Bi-direction
A.E.C.
(•) Enabled
( ) Disabled
Ink
color
(•) Color
( ) Monochrome
= Scroll up
= Scroll down
= Menu Select
TAB
SPACE
= Next Box
= Set Function
Current Data:
Current General Setting
RAM
usage
(•) Input Buffer
( ) Download
Sleep
(•) 15 min.
( ) 30 min.
Demo
Print
(•) Self-print short
( ) Self-print long
Default
color
(•) Black
( ) Red
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Please check the power and interface cables
and try again
= Retry
ESC = Cancel
Printer is not answering !
18 User Setup Utility
Important!
Your printer cannot read the settings if your computer and printer are
connected through an optional Serial-To-Parallel Interface Converter. In such
a case, you can still use the User Setup Utility to send settings to the printer,
but you cannot read the printer’s current settings.
Changing User Setup Utility parameter settings
Changing User Setup Utility parameter settings is quite easy, regardless of
whether you are using a mouse or the keyboard. The following are basic
operations that you can use to change parameters in the General, Font, Paper,
Adjust., and Port windows.
To select a window
❏ Highlight the name of the window you want to display by clicking on it in
the menu bar, or by using the left and right arrow keys.
To select a parameter box
❏ Select the parameter box that you want by clicking inside the box with the
mouse or by moving to the box using the keyboard’s Tab key.
Parameters are grouped inside of boxes on the screen. When you first
display a window, the current setting of the parameter in the first (upper left)
box in the window ins highlighted to indicate that it is selected. When you
select a parameter box, the parameter’s current selection is highlighted.
About parameter boxes
Note that there are two types of parameter boxes. Some have up and down
arrows on the right side, which indicates that there are more than two possible
settings for these particular parameters.
After you select such a box (by clicking inside it with the mouse or by moving
to it by pressing Tab), use the mouse to click on the up and down buttons to
scroll through the available settings. You can also use the up and down arrow
keys to scroll through available settings.
Sleep
(•) 15 min.
( ) 30 min.
*
Using the General window 19
The other type of parameter box are “toggle” type, which means that you select
one setting or the other.
Note that with both types of parameter boxes, the currently selected setting is
indicated by a ball inside the parentheses on the left of the setting.
Asterisks to the right of the parameters indicate default settins.
To change a parameter setting
❏ Select the parameter box (by clinking inside it with the mouse or by
moving to it by pressing Tab) that contains the setting you want to change.
❏ Highlight the setting you require by clicking on it with the mouse, or by
using the up and down arrows. Then select that setting by clicking the
mouse or by pressing the space bar.
A setting is selected when there is a ball inside the parentheses on the left of
the setting. Remember that if the parameter box has up and down arrows on
the right side, you may have to scroll through the settings in order to display
the one that you want before you can select it.
Using the General window
While in the User Setup Utility, select General from the menu bar.
The following describes the various settings that are available for each
parameter on this screen.
RAM
usage
(•) Input Buffer
( ) Download
*
Exit
Load Save General Font Paper Adjust. Port Help
Emulation
(•) Standard
( ) IBM
Graphic
Direction
(•) Uni-direction
( ) Bi-direction
A.E.C.
(•) Enabled
( ) Disabled
Ink
color
(•) Color
( ) Monochrome
= Scroll up
= Scroll down
= Menu Select
TAB
SPACE
= Next Box
= Set Function
Current Data:
Current General Setting
RAM
usage
(•) Input Buffer
( ) Download
Sleep
(•) 15 min.
( ) 30 min.
Demo
Print
(•) Self-print short
( ) Self-print long
Default
color
(•) Black
( ) Red
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
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