4 0 0 0
User’s Manual
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the 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 reception, which 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 receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the 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.
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded printer interface cable to this printer will invalidate the FCC
Certification of this device and may cause interference levels that exceed the limits established
by the FCC for this equipment. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do not
leave cables connected to unused interfaces.
Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the
use of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original Epson
Products or Epson Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of Epson America, Inc. No patent liability is
assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. While every precaution
has been taken in the preparation of this book, Epson America, Inc. assumes no responsibility
for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of
the information contained herein.
ActionPrinter is a trademark of Epson America, Inc.
Epson and Epson ESC/P are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
SmartPark is a trademark of Epson America, Inc.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Copyright © 1989 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California
ii
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.
2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not
use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.
4. Do not use this product near water.
5. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table.
The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.
6. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the
product and to protect it from overheating, these openings must
not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be
blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other
similar surface. This product should never be placed near or over
a radiator or heat register. This product should not be placed in a
built in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.
7. This product should be operated from the type of power source
indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of
power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
8. This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a
plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a
grounding type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the
grounding type plug.
9. Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.
iii
10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the
total of the ampere ratings on the products plugged into the ex-
tension cord do not exceed the extension cord ampere rating.
Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into the
wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet
slots, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out
parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never
spill liquid of any kind on the product.
12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Manual, do not
attempt to service this product yourself. Opening or removing
those covers that are marked “Do Not Remove” may expose you
to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing in
those compartments to service personnel.
13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
A. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
B. If liquid has been spilled into the product.
C. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
D. If the product does not operate normally when the operating
instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that
are covered by the operating instructions, since improper
adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the product to normal operation.
E. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged.
F. If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance,
indicating a need for service.
iv
5-1
Chapter 5 Using the Printer Options
The Cut Sheet Feeder
5-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5-17
5-28
5-34
The Pull Tractor
The Multi-Font Module
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Interface Boards
6-1
Chapter 6 Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6-2
6-4
6-10
Cleaning the Printer
Replacing the Ribbon
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting the Printer.
7-1
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7-2
7-4
Problems and Solutions
Power Supply .......................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .
. . . . . 7-5
Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7-14
. . . . .
Paper Handling..
. . . . . 7-24
Options.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8-1
Chapter 8 Technical Specifications
. . . . . 8-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Specifications.
Interface Specifications
Option Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
8-13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 8-15
Initialization
9-1
Chapter 9 Command Summary
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9-2
9-5
9-8
Using the Command Summary.
Commands in Numerical Order
Commands Arranged by Topic.
A-1
Appendix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A-2
A-6
Proportional Width Table.
Character Table
Glossary
Index
vi
Introduction
The Epson® ActionPrinter™
4000 is an advanced 24-pin dot matrix
printer combining compact design and high performance with a
wide range of features.
Features
In addition to the high-quality printing and ease of operation you
have come to expect from Epson printers, the ActionPrinter 4000
offers the following features:
Easy paper handling, featuring automatic single-sheet loading.
Compatibility with the Epson ESC/P® commands used by the
LQ-510, LQ-500, LQ-800, LQ-850, LQ-950, LQ-1000, LQ-1050,
LQ-1500, LQ-2500, and LQ-2550.
Fast draft mode printing of up to 180 characters per second.
An improved control panel design that allows direct selection of
character fonts, as well as a choice of normal or condensed
printing.
The SmartPark™ paper handling system that lets you use single
sheets of paper without removing the continuous paper,
eliminates paper waste with short tear-off, and allows easy and
accurate paper alignment.
Two built-in Letter Quality fonts (Roman and Sans Serif) for
producing high-quality documents.
A 360 x 360 dot per inch graphics mode.
A micro-adjustment feature that allows you to feed the paper
forward or backward to finely adjust the loading and short tear-
off positions.
Introduction 1
Introduction
l
Fourteen international character sets, a legal symbol set, an italic
character table, and the Epson Extended Graphics character
table.
l
The ability to handle a wide range of paper types, including
envelopes and labels.
Options
A variety of printer options is available for use with your printer.
For detailed information on installing and using these options, see
Chapter 5.
l
Single-bin Cut Sheet Feeder (C806121)
The cut sheet feeder makes it possible to handle single-sheet
paper more easily and more efficiently. Up to 150 sheets of
standard bond paper can be automatically fed into the printer
without reloading.
2
Introduction
Introduction
Pull Tractor Unit (C800061)
This option improves the performance of continuous paper
handling. It is especially useful with continuous multi-part
forms.
Multi-Font Module (#7407)
The optional Multi-Font module adds to the number of fonts
available in the Letter Quality mode.
Film Ribbon Cartridge (#7768)
The optional film ribbon cartridge provides you with even
higher quality printing than the standard fabric ribbon.
Introduction 3
Introduction
l
Interface Boards
Optional interface boards are available to supplement the
printer’s built-in parallel interface. Guidelines for choosing the
right interface and instructions on installing the boards are given
in Chapter 5.
About This Manual
This user’s manual provides fully illustrated, step-by-step
instructions on setting up and operating your Epson printer.
Finding your way around
l
Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up,
testing, and connecting the printer. Be sure to read and follow
these instructions first. Inside the back flap of this manual are
illustrations of the printer in which all of the major parts are
identified.
l
Chapters 2 and 3 cover paper handling and general printer
operation. This important information is necessary for the day-
to-day operation of your printer.
4
Introduction
Introduction
Chapter 4 shows you how to get the most from your printer. It
includes advice on the use of software commands, graphics, and
creating your own user-defined characters. See Chapter 9 for a
useful summary of printer commands.
If the printer does not operate properly or the printed results are
not what you expect, see Chapter 7 for troubleshooting
instructions.
Other chapters and the appendix contain information on printer
options, general maintenance, and specifications. You will also
find a glossary of printer terms.
At the back of this manual is a handy Quick Reference card that
contains the information you are most likely to need.
Conventions used in this manual
WARNINGS must be followed carefully to avoid damage
to your printer and computer.
CAUTIONS should be followed carefully to ensure that
your printer operates correctly.
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the
operation of your printer.
Application Notes
Also included in the box with your printer is a booklet called
Application Notes. It contains information on using specific software
applications with your printer. Be sure to look at the booklet after
you set up your printer.
Introduction 5
Where to Get Help
Customer service for Epson products is provided by a network of
authorized Epson Customer Care Centers throughout the United
States.
Call the Epson Consumer Information Center at 1-800-922-8911 for
the following:
l
l
l
Customer Care Center referrals
Technical support referrals
Information on Epson User Groups.
To locate or purchase accessories or supplies, contact your nearest
Epson dealer or call 1-800-873-7766.
Introduction
6
Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1-2
1-2
Unpacking the Printer.
Checking the Parts.
1-4
Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assembling the Printer.
1-6
1-6
1-7
1-10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Platen Knob
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Ribbon Cartridge.
Attaching the Paper Guide.
1-13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Testing the Printer.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Plugging in the Printer
Running the Self Test
Checking the Operation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1-14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
The Parallel Interface
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1-22
1-25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Up Your Application Software
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Choosing From a Menu
1-1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
Checking the Parts
When you unpack the printer, make sure that you have all the parts
shown below and that none have been damaged.
Printer
Platen knob
Ribbon cartridge
1-2
Setting Up the Printer
After removing the parts, save the packaging materials in case you
ever need to transport your printer.
Note: Be sure to lift the printer cover and remove the pieces of
white packing material.
Setting Up the Printer
1-3
Choosing a Place for the Printer
There are several important things to consider when selecting a
place to set up your printer. Keep the following in mind:
Place the printer on a flat, hard, stable surface. A soft surface,
such as a padded counter or carpeted area, will block the
ventilation slots and may cause overheating.
Place the printer close enough to the computer for the printer
cable to reach.
Leave adequate room around the printer to allow for easy
printer operation and maintenance, and for unrestricted flow of
air around the printer.
Use a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
I
WARNING: Avoid locations that are subject to direct
sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, or dust.
I
I
Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or automatic
timers. Accidental interruption of power can wipe out
information in both your computer’s memory and in your
printer’s memory.
Avoid using outlets that share a circuit with large motors or
electrical appliances; this could cause fluctuations in line
voltage.
Keep the entire computer system away from potential sources of
electromagnetic interference such as loudspeakers or the base
units of cordless telephones.
1-4
Setting Up the Printer
Choosing a Place for the Printer
The illustration below shows a good printer location.
Note: Before using a printer stand, read these requirements and
suggestions.
l
The stand should be able to support at least twice the weight of
the printer (approximately 26 pounds, or 12 kilograms).
l
Never use a stand that supports the printer at an angle of
more than 15 degrees from horizontal.
l
l
With a cut sheet feeder, your printer must be kept level.
If your paper supply is positioned below the printer stand,
make sure there is enough clearance to keep the paper from
catching on the underside of the stand. Also, make sure the
distance between the stand supports is wide enough for the
paper you are using.
l
Position your printer’s cables so that they do not interfere with
paper feeding. If possible, secure the cables to the printer stand.
Setting Up the Printer
1-5
Assembling the Printer
After you’ve decided on the best place to set up your printer, the
next step is to install the platen knob.
Installing the Platen Knob
The platen knob is used to feed the paper manually in the event of a
paper jam or other paper feeding problem. The platen knob is packed
in an indentation in the printer’s white foam packing material.
1. Remove the printer cover.
2. Insert the knob into the hole on the printer’s side and rotate it
slowly until it slips onto the shaft.
1-6
Setting Up the Printer
Assembling the Printer
3. Push firmly on the platen knob until it fits against the printer case.
CAUTION: Do not use the platen knob to adjust the
position of the paper. This interferes with the automatic
paper loading system and may cause a paper jam.
.
0
Installing the Ribbon Cartridge
Your printer’s ribbon cartridge is designed for easy installation and
removal. Before installing the ribbon cartridge, make sure the
printer is turned off.
Install the ribbon cartridge as follows.
1. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-7
Assembling the Printer
CAUTION: Never move the print head while the printer is
turned on because this can damage the printer. Also, if
you have been using the printer, the print head may be
hot; let it cool for a few minutes before touching it.
0
2. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow.
This removes slack in the ribbon and makes it easier to install.
3. Open the paper tension unit cover.
Setting Up the Printer
1-8
Assembling the Printer
4. Hold the ribbon cartridge by its handle and push it firmly down
into position, making sure the plastic hooks fit into the slots.
Note: Press lightly on both ends of the cartridge to make sure
the plastic hooks are properly seated.
5. Use a pointed object, such as a ball point pen, to guide the
ribbon between the print head and ribbon guide while you turn
the ribbon-tightening knob to help feed the ribbon into place.
1-9
Setting Up the Printer
Assembling the Printer
6. Slide the print head from side to side to make sure it moves
smoothly. Also check that the ribbon is not twisted or creased.
7. Close the paper tension unit cover.
Attaching the Paper Guide
When you use single sheets, the paper guide helps to feed the paper
smoothly and efficiently into the printer. Attach the paper guide
using the following procedure.
1-10
Setting Up the Printer
Assembling the Printer
1. Place the paper guide on the printer as shown below.
2. Raise the paper guide until it locks into place.
Note: To lower the paper guide, lift up slightly to release it
from its locked position; then gently lower it down onto the
printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-11
Assembling the Printer
3. Attach the printer cover by fitting the hooks on the cover into
the notches at the front of the printer and tilting the cover back
into place.
1-12
Setting Up the Printer
Testing the Printer
Now that your printer is fully assembled, you can use its built-in
self test function to see that the printer is working correctly before
you connect it to a computer. You should perform this test to make
sure that your printer was not damaged during shipping and that
the ribbon is correctly installed.
Before running the self test, you need to connect the printer to an
electrical outlet and load a sheet of paper.
Plugging in the Printer
1. Make sure that the printer is turned off.
1-13
Setting Up the Printer
Testing the Printer
2. Plug the power cable into a properly grounded electrical outlet.
Running the Self Test
The self test can be run in the draft or Letter Quality mode,
depending on which button you hold down as you turn on the
printer. Although the self test can be run with continuous paper, use
single-sheet paper now because single-sheet loading is easier.
1. Make sure the printer is turned off.
2. Push the paper release lever back to the single-sheet position.
1-14
Setting Up the Printer
Testing the Printer
3. While holding down the LINE FEED button (draft mode) or FORM
FEED button (Letter Quality mode), turn on the printer. The
printer beeps several times and POWER and PAPER OUT lights
come on.
Setting Up the Printer
1-15
Testing the Printer
4.
Move the left edge guide so that it locks in place next to the
guide mark.
5. Adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper.
Next, slide a sheet of paper down between the edge guides until
it meets resistance.
1-16
Setting Up the Printer
Testing the Printer
WARNING: Never run the self test using paper that is
narrower than A4 size (8.27 inches or 210 mm) or letter
size (8.5 inches or 216 mm) to prevent the print head from
printing directly onto the platen.
6. Press the LOAD/EJECT button to load the paper.
7. Press the ON LINE button to start the self test. A list of DIP switch
settings is printed first, followed by a series of characters. The
self test continues until the paper runs out or until you press the
ON LINE button.
Setting Up the Printer
1-17
Testing the Printer
8. If the test results are satisfactory and you wish to stop the test,
press the ON LINE button. If the test results are not satisfactory,
see Checking the Operation later in this chapter for possible
causes and solutions.
Note: To resume the test, press the ON LINE button once more.
9. If the paper is still loaded, press the LOAD/EJECT button or LINE
FEED button to eject it. Then turn off the printer.
WARNING: After turning the power off, always wait at
least five seconds before turning it back on. Turning the
power on and off rapidly can damage the printer.
1-18
Setting Up the Printer
Testing the Printer
Here is part of a typical self test printed in draft mode.
Draft mode
Page length
11"
SW1-1 1-2 1-3
Country
USA
on on on
12"
off
off On
on on
on
France
Germany
U.K.
Tear off mod
Invalid
Valid
on off Off
off on on
Denmark
Sweden
Italy
Spain
Font
1"Skip
off
off on
Invalid
off off on
off off off
SW1-4 1-5
off Off
Valid
Auto LF
Invalid
Valid
Receive buff
1kbytes
8kbytes
Graphics pri
Roman
Sans serif
Slot
Draft
on off
off on
on
condensed
Invalid
o f f
, --
f,-.
Note: When using the optional cut sheet feeder, the first page of
the self test printout is slightly different. For details, see the Cut
Sheet Feeder section in Chapter 5.
Setting Up the Printer
1-19
Testing the Printer
Here is part of a typical self test printed in Letter Quality mode.
Letter Quality mode
SW1-1 1-2 1-3
Page length
Country
USA
on on on
11"
12”
France
Germany
U.K.
Denmark
Sweden
Italy
off
on on
on off on
on off off
off on on
off on off
off off on
off off off
SW1-4 1-5
Tear off mode
Invalid
Valid
1"Skip
Invalid
Spain
Font
Valid
Auto LF
Invalid
Valid
Receive buff.
1kbytes
8kbytes
Roman
Sans serif
Slot
Draft
Condensed
off off
off
on
off on
on on
SW1-6
S a n s S e r i f 1 0
. Al.
1-20
Setting Up the Printer
Testing the Printer
Checking the Operation
If the self test does not print properly, check the control panel and
the print head area. If paper is jammed, turn off the printer. Then
remove the paper using the platen knob and load a new sheet. See
that all packing material and shipping restraints have been removed
from inside the printer. (You can also see Chapter 7 for further
information.)
Solution
Problem
The printer does not
print.
The ribbon may not be installed properly.
Turn off the printer, reinstall the ribbon
cartridge, and then tighten the ribbon by
turning the ribbon-tightening knob. Make
sure the ribbon passes between the print
head and ribbon guide. See page 1-9.
The printer sounds like
it is printing, but
nothing is printed.
The ribbon may be worn. Replace the
ribbon cartridge. See page 6-4.
Turn off the printer and repeat the self
test. Make sure you hold down the FORM
FEED or LINE FEED button the entire time
you are turning on the printer.
The test did not print
when you pressed the
ON LINE button.
Turn off the printer and disconnect the
cable from the host computer. Try the self
test again.
If the printer still does not print the self
test correctly, contact the store where you
purchased your printer or call the Epson
toll-free number (1-800-922-8911).
Setting Up the Printer
1-21
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
If the self test printed correctly, you are now ready to connect the
printer to your computer.
If your computer has a parallel interface and you have a suitable
shielded cable, you should be able to connect your printer
immediately. The steps below describe how to connect the parallel
interface cable.
If your computer requires another type of interface, you need to
install an optional interface board. See the Interface Boards section
in Chapter 5.
If you are not sure which type of interface cable is required, see your
computer manual.
The Parallel Interface
Connect the parallel interface cable as described below:
1. Make sure that both your printer and computer are turned off.
1-22
Setting Up the Printer
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
2. Plug the cable connector securely into the printer.
3. Squeeze the wire clips together until they lock in place on either
side of the connector.
Setting Up the Printer
1-23
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
4. If your cable has a ground wire, connect it to the ground screw
beneath the interface connector.
Plug the other end of the cable into the computer. If there is a
ground wire at the computer end of the cable, attach it to the
ground connector at the back of the computer.
5.
1-24
Setting Up the Printer
Setting Up Your Application Software
Now that you have set up and tested the ActionPrinter 4000, you
should make sure that it works with your application programs.
Most application programs let you specify the type of printer you
are using so that the program can take full advantage of the
printer’s features. Many of these programs provide an installation or
setup menu that presents a list of printers to choose from.
If your application program has a printer selection menu, use the
instructions below.
Choosing From a Menu
Because the family of Epson printers shares a great many
commands, you can use an application program even if it does not
list the ActionPrinter 4000 on its printer selection menu. If the
ActionPrinter 4000 is not listed, choose one of the following printers.
They are listed in order of preference.
LQ-510
LQ-850 (LQ-950, LQ-1050)
LQ-500
LQ-800 (LQ-1000)
SQ-2500
LQ-2500
LQ-2550
LQ-1500
If none of these printers is listed, select the first one available on the
following list:
LX
RX
MX
Epson printer
Standard printer
Draft printer
LQ
EX
FX
To use all of the features of the ActionPrinter 4000, however, it is
best to use a program with the 4000 or one of the LQ printers on its
menu. If your program does not list the 4000 or one of the LQ
printers, contact the software manufacturer to see if an update is
available.
Setting Up the Printer
1-25
Chapter 2
Paper Handling
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Using Single Sheets
2-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Paper
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Reloading During Printing.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Using Continuous Paper
. . . . . . . . . 2-6
Positioning Your Continuous Paper Supply.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Loading Continuous Paper
. . . . . . 2-13
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Switching to Single Sheets
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Switching Back to Continuous Paper.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Printing on Special Paper.
The Paper Thickness Lever
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
2-23
2-24
2-26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-part Forms
Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Envelopes
Paper Handling 2-1
Using Single Sheets
Your printer can accommodate single sheets with a width of 7.2
inches or 182 mm to 10 inches or 254 mm.
If you do most of your printing on single sheets, you may find it
more convenient to install the optional cut sheet feeder. This option
automatically inserts a new sheet and can hold up to 150 pages. For
more details, see Chapter 5.
Loading Paper
1. Push the paper release lever back to the single-sheet position.
2-2
Paper Handling
Using Single Sheets
2. Turn on the printer. (The green POWER light should come on.)
Note: Do not insert paper in the printer before turning on the printer.
3. Move the left edge guide so that it locks in place next to the
guide mark. (You may want to change this position later,
depending on the margin settings of your application program.)
Paper Handling 2-3
Using Single Sheets
4.
Adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper.
Then slide the paper down between the edge guides until it
meets resistance.
5.
Press the LOAD/EJECT button once to load the paper
automatically.
2-4
Paper Handling
Using Single Sheets
CAUTION: Never advance the paper using the platen
knob while the printer is turned on. If the platen turns
it more firmly. Then press the LOAD/EJECT button again.
6. Press the ON LINE button to set the printer on line. When the ON
LINE light is lit, the printer can accept data from your computer.
You are now ready to begin printing.
Reloading During Printing
When you print a document of more than one page using single-
sheet paper, the printer stops printing when it reaches the bottom of
the page. When this happens, the ON LINE light either goes off
automatically or remains on, depending on your application
program software. If the ON LINE light remains on, the first thing
you should do is press the ON LINE button to take the printer off line.
Once the ON LINE light is off, remove the sheet that has just been
printed (if necessary, press the LOAD/EJECT button to eject the page)
and load a new sheet. Press the ON LINE button to start printing the
next page and follow any additional prompts from your software.
Paper Handling 2-5
Using Continuous Paper
The push tractor built into your printer is remarkably easy to load
and operate. Its low-profile design takes up little space and can
handle paper up to 10 inches or 254 mm wide.
Positioning Your Continuous Paper Supply
An important consideration for achieving smooth and trouble-free
paper feeding is the position of your paper supply.
Three ways of positioning your printer and continuous paper
supply are shown below.
Be sure to align the paper supply with the paper loaded in the
tractor so that the paper feeds smoothly into the printer.
Paper Handling
2-6
Using Continuous Paper
Loading Continuous Paper
1. Be sure that the printer is turned off, then remove the paper
guide. Set the paper release lever to the continuous paper
position. This position is marked by the icon shown in the
illustration below.
2. Release the sprocket units by pulling the sprocket lock levers
forward as shown below.
Paper Handling 2-7
Using Continuous Paper
Slide the left sprocket unit until it is one-half inch from the
farthest left position and press the lever back to lock it in place.
3.
Slide the right sprocket unit so that it roughly matches the width
of your paper, but do not lock it.
4.
Paper Handling
2-8
Using Continuous Paper
5.
Move the paper support midway between the two sprocket
units.
6. Open both sprocket covers.
CAUTION: Make sure that your paper has a clean, straight
edge before inserting it into the printer.
.
0
Paper Handling 2-9
Using Continuous Paper
7. Fit the first three holes in the paper over the pins of both
sprockets.
8. Close the sprocket covers.
2-10
Paper Handling
Using Continuous Paper
Slide the right sprocket unit to a position where the paper is
straight and has no wrinkles. Then lock it in place.
9.
10. Reattach the paper guide as shown below. Then slide the edge
guides apart to the sides of the paper guide as shown.
2-11
Paper Handling
Using Continuous Paper
11. Turn on the printer. It will beep because there is no paper in the
printer. Then press the LOAD/EJECT button to feed paper to the
loading position.
12. Press the ON LINE button to set the printer on line so that it can
accept data.
The printer remembers the loading position and advances each page
to the same position. If you need to adjust the loading position, use
the micro-adjustment feature. See the section on setting the loading
position in Chapter 3.
CAUTION: Never adjust the loading position using the
platen knob and never turn the platen knob while the
printer is turned on.
.
0
2-12
Paper Handling
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
Even with continuous paper loaded in the printer, the SmartPark
feature allows you to easily switch to single-sheet printing without
removing the continuous paper from the tractor.
Switching to Single Sheets
To switch from continuous paper to single sheets, follow the steps
below.
LINE button to set the
1. If the printer is on line, press the ON
printer off line.
2. Tear off any outgoing sheets. If the paper has advanced past the
print head, you need to press the FORM FEED button to advance
your document to a point where it can be easily removed.
2-13
Paper Handling
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
CAUTION: Make sure you tear off your printed document
before pressing the LOAD/EJECT button. Reverse-feeding
0
several pages at a time may result in a paper jam. This is
especially true for narrow paper (less than 6 inches or
152.4 mm wide).
3. Press the LOAD/EJECT button to feed the continuous paper
backward out of the printer and into the standby position. The
paper is still attached to the tractor but no longer in the paper
path.
CAUTION: Pressing the LOAD/EJECT button once may not
.
feed the paper far back enough to reach the standby
0
position. If the PAPER OUT light does not come on, you
need to press the LOAD/EJECT button again. With normal-
width continuous paper, you can press the LOAD/EJECT
button up to three times. If, however, you are using
narrow paper (between 4 and 6 inches or 101.6 and 152.4
mm) you should only press the LOAD/EJECT button once.
Also, do not use this button to eject labels.
WARNING: Never feed labels backward through the
printer. Labels can easily come off
2-14
Paper Handling
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
4. Push the paper release lever back to the single-sheet position.
This position is marked by the icon shown in the illustration
below.
5. Stand the paper guide upright and adjust the edge guides to
roughly match the width of your paper.
2-15
Paper Handling
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
Insert a sheet of paper between the edge guides until the bottom
meets resistance. Slide the edge guides to exactly match the
width of your paper.
6.
Press the LOAD/EJECT button to automatically feed the single-
sheet paper to the loading position. Then, press the ON LINE
button to set the printer on line.
7.
2-16
Paper Handling
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
Switching Back to Continuous Paper
It is also easy to switch back to printing with continuous paper.
Before switching to continuous paper, make sure that the single
sheet is ejected and the printer is off line.
Slide the edge guides apart so they do not interfere with
continuous paper feeding.
1.
Lower the paper guide onto the printer.
2.
2-17
Paper Handling
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
3. Pull the paper release lever forward to the continuous paper
position.
4. Press the LOAD/EJECT button to feed the continuous paper to the
loading position.
2-18
Paper Handling
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
5. Press the ON LINE button to set the printer on line so that it can
accept data.
Paper Handling
2-19
Printing on Special Paper
In addition to printing on single sheets and continuous paper, your
printer can also print on a wide variety of paper types, including
multi-part forms, labels, and envelopes.
Before printing on special types of paper, you need to change the
paper thickness setting.
WARNING: When printing on multi-part forms, labels, or
envelopes, make sure that your application program
settings keep the printing entirely within the printable
area.
For multi-part forms and labels you should not print any
closer than one-half inch from either side of the paper.
For information on the printable area for envelopes, see
page 2-26.
The Paper Thickness Lever
To accommodate various thicknesses of paper, your printer is
equipped with a paper thickness lever that can be set to seven
positions. These positions are identified by a scale on the printer
next to the lever.
2-20
Paper Handling
Printing on Special Paper
To change the paper thickness setting, follow these steps.
1. Make sure that the printer is turned off. Then remove the printer
cover.
WARNING: If the printer has just been in use, the print
head may be hot. Allow it to cool before touching it.
2. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
Paper Handling
2-21
Printing on Special Paper
3. Select the paper thickness you want according to the table
below. For normal use, the lever should always be set to
position 2 on the scale.
Lever Position
Paper Type
2
2
3
Paper (single sheets or continuous)
Thin paper
24 lb paper
Multi-part forms
2-sheet
3
4
3-sheet
4
Labels
Envelopes
Air mail
4 or 5
6
6
7
Plain
Bond (20 lb)
Bond (24 lb)
Note: Lever position 1 is used only when the printed characters
are too light. Setting the lever to position 1 when you are using
thin paper may damage the print head.
l
If the lever is set to position 4 or higher, the printing speed may
be reduced slightly.
Paper Handling
2-22
Printing on Special Paper
4. Reattach the printer cover as shown below.
To help you check the position of the paper thickness lever, the
orange MULTI-PART light on the control panel comes on if the
lever is set to position 4 or higher.
WARNING: Always return the lever to position 2 when
you go back to printing on ordinary paper. Continuous
printing with the lever set at a position higher than 2 can
shorten the life of the print head. Printing past the edge of
envelopes, multi-part forms, labels, or thicker-than-
normal paper can damage the print head.
Multi-part Forms
With the built-in tractor unit, your printer can print on continuous
multi-part forms. You can use multi-part forms that have up to three
parts including the original. Make sure you set the paper thickness
lever to the proper position; see the table on page 2-22.
2-23
Paper Handling
Printing on Special Paper
Except for the paper thickness lever setting, you load multi-part
paper the same way as continuous paper. For details, see the section
on loading continuous paper in this chapter. Also see the sections on
setting the loading position and page length in Chapter 3.
CAUTION: Multi-part forms should not be used with the
single-sheet feeding system or the optional cut sheet
feeder.
0
Labels
If you need to print labels, always use labels mounted on a
continuous backing sheet with sprocket holes for use with a tractor.
Do not try to print labels as single sheets because labels on a shiny
backing sheet almost always slip a little.
2-24
Paper Handling
Printing on Special Paper
You load labels the same way that you load continuous paper
except that the paper thickness lever must be adjusted for printing
labels. See the section on loading continuous paper earlier in this
chapter. For the correct paper thickness setting, see the table on
page 2-22.
WARNING: Never feed labels backward through the
printer. Labels can easily peel off the backing and jam the
printer. Therefore, never use the LOAD/EJECT button to
eject labels. Also, never use the short tear-off function with
labels. (Be sure to set DIP switch 2-2 to OFF.) If a label
does become stuck in the printer, call the Epson Consumer
Information Center at 1-800-922-8911 for assistance.
Since labels are especially sensitive to temperature and
humidity, always use them under normal operating
conditions. Don’t leave labels loaded in the printer
between jobs; they curl around the platen and may jam
when you resume printing.
Paper Handling
2-25
Printing on Special Paper
Envelopes
You can feed envelopes individually using the single-sheet loading
feature. Before loading envelopes, adjust the position of the paper
thickness lever according to the table on page 2-22. For details on
paper handling, see Using Single Sheets on page 2-2.
When manually feeding an envelope, you may have to push it down
slightly while pressing the LOAD/EJECT button to get it to feed
properly.
CAUTION: The printable area for envelopes is shown on
the next page. The print head must not go past the left or
right edge of the envelope or other thick paper. Make sure
that your application program page setup keeps the
printing entirely within this printable area.
l
0
2-26
Paper Handling
Printing on Special Paper
8.5 mm
(0.33”) or more
22 mm
(0.87”) or more
is only available at normal
temperature (41°F to 95°F or 5°C to 35°C).
To make sure that the printing fits within the printable area, always
print a test sample using a normal sheet of paper before printing on
envelopes.
Paper Handling
2-27
Chapter 3
Using the Printer
3-2
Operating the Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the DIP Switches.
3-6
3-6
3-7
3-9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a DIP Switch Setting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The DIP Switch Tables
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The DIP Switch Functions
3-10
Page Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Skip Over Perforation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Adjusting the Loading Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-12
3-12
3-13
The Loading Position
Using Micro-adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using Short Tear-off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting the Tear-off Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-14
3-15
Selecting Typestyles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Condensed Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-17
3-18
3-19
Selecting an International Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Choosing a Character Table. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Data Dump Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-22
3-24
Using the Printer
3-1
Operating the Control Panel
The indicator lights give you the current status of the printer. The
buttons and paper handling functions let you control many of the
printer settings.
Lights
higher. When this light is
blinking, the micro-adjustment
function can be used.
READY-
PAPER OUT-
SelecType
_ _ _ _ _
POWER (green)
On when the POWER switch is
on and power is supplied.
DRAFT
ROMAN
SANS SERIF
SLOT
(green)
On when the printer is ready to
accept input data. Flickers
during printing.
LINE
FEED
FONT
LOA
OUT (red)
EJECT
CONDENSED
On when the printer is out of
paper or when continuous
paper is in the standby position.
1
ON LINE (green)
On when the printer is on line
and ready to accept data.
3-2
Using the Printer
Operating the Control Panel
Buttons
-ON LINE
This button controls the printer’s
on line and off line status. Press
this button to put the printer on
line or to take it off line. When the
printer is on line, the ON LINE light
is on and the printer can receive
and print data from the computer.
POWER
I
READY
PAPER OUT
FORM FEED
When the printer is off line, press
this button to eject a single sheet
of paper or to advance continuous
paper to the top of the next page.
SANS SERIF
CONDENSED
LINE FEED
When the printer is off line, press
this button to advance the paper
one line, or hold it down to
advance the paper continuously.
LOA
EJECT
L
LOAD/EJECT
This button is used to feed paper
to the loading position or to eject
paper that is already loaded.
Paper is ejected forward if the
paper release lever is set to the
single-sheet position and
backward (out of the paper path)
if the release lever is set to the
continuous paper position.
Using the Printer
3-3
Operating the Control Panel
SelecType
FONT
I
This button is used to select LQ
ROMAN, LQ SANS SERIF, DRAFT
mode, or a cartridge font (if
installed). The two orange
indicator lights show the selected
font. See Selecting Typestyles
later in this chapter.
READY
PAPER OUT
ON LINE
-CONDENSED
This button is used to turn the
condensed mode on and off. The
orange indicator light is on when
the printer is in the condensed
mode. In the condensed mode, all
characters are printed at
LOA
EJECT
CONDENSED
approximately 60 percent of their
normal width.
3-4
Using the Printer
Operating the Control Panel
Other control panel features
The control panel of your printer also gives you access to several
special functions.
Both a draft and Letter Quality self test function
are built into the printer. The self test printout
lets you check the current DIP switch settings
and operating status of the printer. You can start
the printer’s self test by holding down the LINE
FEED button or the FORM FEED button while
turning on the printer. See the section on the self
test in Chapter 1 for more information.
Self test:
Micro-adjustment: By pressing the FORM FEED button immediately
after loading paper or when using short tear-off,
you can make fine adjustments to the loading
and short tear-off positions. These positions can
only be adjusted while the MULTI-PART light is
blinking. See the sections on adjusting the
loading position and using the short tear-off
function later in this chapter.
By holding down both the LINE FEED and FORM
FEED buttons while you switch on the printer,
you turn on the data dump mode. This feature
allows advanced users to locate the source of
communications problems between the
computer and printer. See the section on using
the data dump mode on page 3-24 for more
information.
Data dump:
Using the Printer
3-5
Setting the DIP Switches
Your printer has two sets of DIP (Dual Inline Package) switches
located under a small cover above the control panel. By changing
the settings of these switches, you can control various printer
features, such as the character set and page length. The new settings
become effective when the printer is turned on, reset, or initialized.
DIP switch settings are shown in the DIP switch tables starting on
page 3-7. Descriptions of all the DIP switch functions begin on
page 3-9.
Changing a DIP Switch Setting
To change a DIP switch setting, first turn off the printer. Then open
the DIP switch cover and use a pointed object, such as a pen, to
change the DIP switch settings. A DIP switch is on when it is up,
and off when it is down.
The new DIP switch settings take effect when the printer is turned on.
Using the Printer
3-6
Setting the DIP Switches
The DIP Switch Tables
The tables below show the settings for each DIP switch. The shaded
areas show the default or factory settings.
DIP switch 1
ON
Page
SW Description
OFF
I
1-1
1-2
1-3
international character set
See table
1
DIP switch 2
SW Description
I
ON
OFF
I
I
12 inches
On
2-3 l-inch skip over perforation
2-4 Auto line feed
I
On
I
On
buffer capacity
8KB
Bidirect.
2-6 Graphics print direction
2-7 Character spacing
I
See table 3
3-8
2-8
I
I
I
l
Required for use of user-defined (download) characters.
Using the Printer
3-7
Setting the DIP Switches
Table 1 International character sets
Country
SW1-1 SW1-2 SW1-3
ON
ON
ON
OFF
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
France
Germany
UK
ON
OFF
ON
Denmark
Sweden
Italy
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
OFF
OFF
Spain
Table 2 Font selection
Table 3 Character spacing
cpi: characters per inch.
3-8
Using the Printer
Setting the DIP Switches
The DIP Switch Functions
Auto line feed
When auto line feed is on (DIP switch 2-4 on), each carriage return
code (CR) is automatically followed by a line feed code (LF).
Input buffer capacity
The input buffer stores data from your computer. If you want to free
your computer for other tasks while the printer prints, change the
setting of switch 2-5 to 8 KB (on). Before using user-defined
characters, however, be sure to set the input buffer to 1 KB (off).
Printing direction
With unidirectional printing, the print head prints in one direction
only. This allows for precise vertical alignment, making it ideal for
printing graphics such as lines and boxes. When DIP switch 2-6 is
off, the printer prints unidirectionally; when it is on, the printer
prints bidirectionally. Either setting can be overridden by a software
command (ESC U). To achieve precise vertical alignment without
the slower printing speed caused by unidirectional printing, see
your authorized service dealer for adjustment of your bidirectional
print settings.
Tear-off mode
When DIP switch 2-2 is on, the short tear-off mode is on. This
feature automatically advances continuous paper to the tear-off
position, and then reverse-feeds the paper to the loading position.
See the section on using short tear-off later in this chapter.
CAUTION: Do not use the short tear-off mode with labels.
Using the Printer
3-9
Page Length
When the setting of DIP switch 2-1 is off, the page length is set to
11 inches, or 27.94 cm. When it is on, the page length is 12 inches, or
30.48 cm. Be sure to set the page length to match the paper you are
using.
Other page lengths can be set using the commands ESC C and
ESC C 0. See the Command Summary in Chapter 9 for details.
DIP SW2-1
OFF
11-inch page length
ON
12-inch page length
3-10
Using the Printer
Skip Over Perforation
By changing the setting of DIP switch 2-3, you can set skip over
perforation to on or off. If this feature is on when using continuous
paper, a one-inch margin is provided between the last printable line
on one page and the first printable line on the next page. This
feature is very convenient if your application program does not
provide for top and bottom margins.
If you adjust your loading position correctly, you can get half of the
margin at the bottom of one page and half at the top of the next
page, as shown in the following illustration.
DIP switch 2-3 ON (Skip over perforation ON)
23456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]'
l
;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^-
3456789:
<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^-'
456789: ;
<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^-'z
56789:;
l
;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^-'a1
6789 :
Using the Printer
3-11
Adjusting the Loading Position
The Loading Position
The loading position is the position of the paper when it has been
automatically loaded by the printer.
This position is important because it determines where the printing
begins on the page. If the printing is too high or too low on the page,
change the loading position using the micro-adjustment feature
described in the next section.
CAUTION: Never use the platen knob to feed paper except
in case of a paper jam or other paper feeding problem. (If
you need to use the platen knob, make sure the power is
off.) If you need to adjust the loading position, always use
the micro-adjustment feature.
l
0
Until the loading position is reset, the printer remembers this
position even if it is turned off, and uses it as a reference point for
feeding paper.
The micro-adjustment feature moves the paper in 1/180-inch
increments to make fine adjustments to the loading position. Once
you have used micro-adjustment to change the loading position of
continuous paper, the printer remembers that position even after it
is turned off.
However, when you use micro-adjustment to change the loading
position of single-sheet paper, the printer does not remember this
position after the power is turned off. When the power is turned
back on, the loading position returns to its factory setting.
3-12
Using the Printer
Adjusting the Loading Position
Using Micro-adjustment
1. Make sure that the printer is turned on and that either a single
sheet or continuous paper is ready to be loaded.
2. Press the LOAD/EJECT button to feed paper to the loading
position. Then press the ON LINE button; the MULTI-PART light
begins to blink.
MULTI -
PART
Note: You can use the FORM FEED and LINE FEED buttons for
micro-adjustment only while the MULTI-PART light is blinking.
3. Press the FORM FEED button to feed the paper forward or the
LINE FEED button to feed the paper backward.
Note: When the paper reaches the factory-set loading
position, the printer beeps and micro-adjustment feeding
pauses for a moment before continuing. You can use this
factory setting as a reference point when adjusting the
printer’s loading position. When the paper reaches either the
minimum or maximum top margin, the printer beeps and the
paper stops moving.
Using the Printer
3-13
Using Short Tear-Off
When you are finished printing, the short tear-off feature
automatically feeds the perforation of the continuous paper to the
tear-off edge of the printer cover so that you can tear off the last
sheet. When you resume printing, the paper feeds backward to the
loading position. This feature lets you save the paper normally lost
between documents.
To use this feature, set DIP switch 2-2 to on. Then load continuous
paper in the normal way.
You can leave the short tear-off feature turned on (DIP switch 2-2
on) even when you are using single sheets. When you move the
paper release lever to the single-sheet position, the short tear-off
feature is disabled.
WARNING: Never use short tear-off with labels.
Otherwise, labels may come off their backing and jam the
printer.
When you have finished printing, and if the perforation is at the top
of form position, the printer automatically feeds the perforation of
the continuous paper to the tear-off edge of the printer cover. You
can then tear off the page using the tear-off edge as shown on the
next page.
3-14
Using the Printer
Using Short Tear-Off
If the page perforation is not properly aligned with the tear-off edge,
you can adjust the tear-off position using micro-adjustment, as
described below.
Note: Short tear-off is not performed unless printing of a page is
completed and the paper has advanced to the top of the next
page. If the paper has not advanced to the top of the next page,
press the ON LINE button to put the printer off line and press the
FORM FEED button to advance the paper. Then put the printer back
on line and paper will feed to the tear-off position.
When you resume printing after tearing off the sheet, the paper
automatically feeds backward to the loading position before
printing begins.
Adjusting the Tear-off Position
If the paper’s perforation does not meet the tear-off edge, you can
adjust the tear-off position using the micro-adjustment feature.
Using the Printer
3-15
Using Short Tear-Of
1. Make sure the printer feeds the paper to the tear-off position
after printing the document.
2. The MULTI-PART light should begin blinking, indicating that you
can now use the micro-adjustment feature to make fine
adjustments to the tear-off position.
3. To make fine adjustments to the tear-off position, press the
FORM FEED button to feed the paper forward or the LINE FEED
button to feed it backward.
You can now tear off your document from the perforation and
resume printing. The printer remembers this new tear-off position
even after the printer is turned off and on again.
3-16
Using the Printer
Selecting Typestyles
You can produce a wide range of typestyles by selecting different
character fonts, widths, and other enhancements from the SelecType
control panel or by using software commands. This section
describes only the features controlled by SelecType. To use software
commands, see the Command Summary in Chapter 9.
You can use the SelecType section of the control panel to choose
fonts and condensed printing. Orange lights indicate which features
you have chosen.
DRAFT
ROMAN
SANS SERIF
FONT
Note: The settings you select using the SelecType panel remain
valid until the printer is turned off or until it receives other
instructions from software. However, some application programs
are designed to control all typestyle functions. These programs
cancel all previous typestyle settings by sending certain software
commands before printing. Because these commands override
SelecType settings, you should use the program’s print options
instead of SelecType to select your typestyles. If SelecType does
not work with a particular application, check your software
manual for instructions on selecting typestyles.
3-17
Using the Printer
Selecting Typestyles
Character Fonts
Your printer has three built-in fonts:
ROMAN
.
.
SANS SERIF
The DRAFT mode uses fewer dots per character for high-speed
printing, which makes it ideal for rough drafts and editing work.
ROMAN and SANS SERIF are Letter Quality (LQ) fonts. Letter Quality
takes a little longer to print, but produces nicely formed characters
suitable for most documentation requirements.
Other fonts are available on optional font cartridges. See Multi-Font
Module in Chapter 5.
3-18
Using the Printer
Selecting Typestyles
Condensed Mode
You can use the condensed mode to change the size of printed
characters. In the condensed mode, characters are approximately
60 percent of the width of normal characters. Hence, condensed
printing is very useful for spreadsheets and other applications
where you need to print the maximum amount of information on a
page. You can combine the condensed mode with 10 and 12 cpi
printing, but not proportional and 15 cpi.
To select the condensed mode, simply press the CONDENSED button
so that the orange indicator light comes on. To turn off the
condensed mode, press the button again.
The following printout compares normal 10 and 12 cpi with
condensed 10 and 12 cpi. The condensed 10 cpi is 17 cpi, and the
condensed 12 cpi is 20 cpi.
This is 10 CPI printing.
This is condensed 10 CPI printing,
This is 12 CPI printing.
This is condensed 12 CPI printing,
Using the Printer
3-19
Selecting an International Character Set
International character sets provide you with the characters and
symbols used in other languages. You can select one of eight
international character sets by changing the DIP switch settings.
Whenever the printer is turned on, reset, or initialized, the character
set selected by the DIP switches becomes the default character set.
To select an international character set, set DIP switches 1-1, 1-2, and
1-3 according to the table below.
This table also shows the characters that differ in each international
character set.
ASCII code hex
DIP SW
Country
23 24 40 5B 5C 5D 5E 60 7B 7C 7D 7E 1-1 1-2 1-3
#
$
$
$
@
[
\
]
^
'
{
|
}
~
ON ON ON
ON ON OFF
ON OFF ON
0 U.S.A.
1 France
2
Germany
#
§
3 U.K.
4 Denmark
5 Sweden
6 Italy
$
@
[
\
]
^
'
{
|
}
~
ii
ON OFF OFF
OFF ON ON
#
$
@
ii OFF ON OFF
OFF OFF ON
OFF OFF OFF
\
6
7 Spain
$
@
CAUTION: To change the setting of a DIP switch, first turn
off the printer, change the DIP switch setting, and then
turn the printer back on.
l
0
3-20
Using the Printer
Selecting an International Character Set
In addition to the eight character sets shown above, the seven
international character sets that follow can be selected with a
software command: ESC R. For more information, see the
Command Summary in Chapter 9.
ASCII code hex
Country
23 24 40 5B 5C 5D 5E 60 7B 7C 7D 7E
8
9
Japan
Norway
10 Denmark II
11 Spain II
12 Latin America
13 Korea
#
#
$
$
ii
6
64 Legal
Using the Printer
3-21
Choosing a Character Table
DIP switch 1-7 selects either the italic character table or the Epson
Extended Graphics character table. The Epson Extended Graphics
character table contains international accented characters, Greek
characters, mathematic symbols, and character graphics for printing
lines, corners, and shaded areas.
If you have an IBM® or IBM-compatible computer, select the Epson
Extended Graphics table when you wish to print character graphics
as they are displayed on the screen. Even if you select Epson
Character Graphics, you can still print ordinary text and italics. For
italics, see the description of the ESC 4 command in the Command
Summary, Chapter 9.
Note: In most cases, Epson Extended Graphics is the preferred
selection.
Sample printouts of the italic characters and the Epson Extended
Graphics characters are shown below.
Italics
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFG
HIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_'abcdefghijklmno
pqrstuvwxyz{:}~
Epson Extended Graphics
3-22
Using the Printer
Choosing a Character Table
To select a character table, set DIP switch 1-7 according to the table
below.
CAUTION: To change the setting of a DIP switch, first turn
off the printer, change the DIP switch, and then turn the
printer back on.
0
Tables showing which characters are printed in each of the character
tables are listed in the Appendix.
Using the Printer
3-23
Using the Data Dump Mode
The data dump mode is a special feature that makes it easy for
experienced users to identify the cause of communication problems
between the printer and application programs. The data dump
mode gives a printout of the codes reaching the printer.
To use the data dump mode, follow these steps:
1. Make sure that the printer is loaded with either single-sheet or
continuous paper.
3-24
Using the Printer
Using the Data Dump Mode
2. If the printer is on, switch it off, then hold down the FORM FEED
and LINE FEED buttons at the same time you turn on the printer.
3. Run any program that causes the printer to print (either an
application program or one in any programming language).
Your printer prints out all the codes sent to the printer, as shown
below. (In order to print the last line, you will have to take the
printer off line.)
1B 4 0 1B 5 2 0 0 1B 7 4 0 1
2 0 2 0 5 4 6 8 6 9 7 3 2 0 6 ’
6 D 7 0 6 C 6 5 2 0 6 F 6 6
7 5 6 D 7 0 2 0 7 0 7 2 6 9
6 9 7 3 2 0 6 6 6 5 6 1 7 4
0 A 2 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 6 9
1B 5 0 1B 7 0 0 0
6 E 2 0 6 5 7 8 6 1
. @ . R . . t . . 6 . . P . p .
T h i s i s a n e x a
6 1 7 4 6 1 2 0 6 4
m p l e o f
a
d a t a
d
7 4 2 E 2 0 5 4 6 8
u m p p r i n t o u t . T h
i s f e a t u r e m a k e s
5
5
2 0 6 D 6 1 6 B 6 5 7 3
6 1 7 3 7 9 2 0 6 6 6 F
it
e a s y
On the left side of the printout all the codes are printed in
hexadecimal format. On the right side of the printout all
printable characters are printed, and others, such as control
codes, are represented by dots.
Using the Printer
3-25
Using the Data Dump Mode
4. To turn off the data dump mode after you have taken the printer
off line, turn off the printer.
By comparing the characters printed in the text field on the right
side of the data dump printout (see step 3) with the printout of hex
codes, you can check which codes are being sent to the printer.
To interpret the data dump printout, examine the first three hex
codes on the second line of the printout sample (20 20 54). Each hex
code 20 represents a space; hex code 54 represents the letter T.
Check the second line of the text field on the right side of the
printout and you will find the letter T preceded by two spaces.
The chart below interprets the first eight codes.
Function
Hex codes
1B 40
Command
ESC
Initialize printer
Select USA character set
Select Epson Extended Graphics set
1B 52 00
1B 74 01
ESC R 0
ESC t1
3-26
Using the Printer
Chapter 4
Software and Graphics
4-2
4-2
4-3
4-4
4-6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enhancing Your Printing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Spacing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Size
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Effects and Emphasis.
Selecting Typestyles With Master Select
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
4-9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphics
The Print Head.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
4-13
4-14
4-14
4-15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Graphics Command
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Column Reservation Numbers
A Simple Graphics Program
Designing Your Own Graphics.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4-20
4-20
4-22
4-24
4-27
4-28
4-29
4-30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
User-defined Characters.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Designing Your Characters
Defining Your Characters.
Sending Information to Your Printer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printing User-defined Characters
Copying ROM Characters to RAM.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Letter Quality Characters.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mixing Print Styles
4-1
Software and Graphics
Enhancing Your Printing
You can obtain a wide variety of printing effects with your printer,
from changing the number of characters per inch to using special
effects on selected words and phrases. This section gives you a
sampling of the features you may select with your software.
For software control of these features, see the instructions for your
application programs or look up their specific commands in the
Command Summary in Chapter 9.
Character Spacing
To add greater variety to your documents, your printer has three cpi
spacings, as well as proportional spacing. Each one can be selected
with a software command.
For each of the three built-in fonts, you can choose a character
spacing of 10, 12, or 15 characters per inch, or proportional spacing.
The printout below compares the three spacings:
This is 10 cpi printing.
This is 12 cpi printing.
This is 15 cpi printing.
As shown above, 15 cpi characters are only about two-thirds the
height of 10 and 12 cpi characters. This makes 15 cpi particularly
useful when you want to separate certain material from the main
text.
In fixed cpi spacing each character is given the same amount of
space. The width of proportional characters, however, varies from
character to character. For example, a narrow letter like i takes less
space than a wide letter like W. The width of each proportional
character is given in the Appendix.
4-2
Software and Graphics
Enhancing Your Printing
The following printout compares 10 cpi spacing with proportional
spacing:
T h i s i s 1 0 c p i p r i n t i n g .
This is proportional printing.
Note: Proportional spacing is not available in the draft mode.
Character Size
In addition to the basic cpi spacings and proportional spacing, your
printer offers three other modes that can change the size of your
printing. These modes are double-wide, double-high, and
condensed.
The double-wide mode doubles the width of any size character,
while the double-high mode doubles the height of any size
character. These modes are useful for emphasizing document titles
and headings in reports, but are usually not suitable for large
amounts of text. These modes can also be combined to obtain even
more impressive printing results.
T h i s i s n o r m a l 1 0 c p i p r i n t i n g .
T h i s i s d o u b l e - w i d e ,
This is double-high,
T h i s i s d o u b l e - w i d e a n d
d o u b l e - h i g h .
Software and Graphics
4-3
Enhancing Your Printing
Both 10 and 12 cpi printing can be reduced to about 60 percent of
their normal width using the condensed mode. This mode is
particularly useful for printing wide spreadsheets because
condensed 12 cpi printing allows you to print up to 160 characters
on an 8-inch line.
The condensed mode can be selected with a software command, or
by using SelecType (See Chapter 3). Even if you turn the condensed
mode on with SelecType, you can still turn it off with a software
command.
Condensed 10 cpi gives you many characters on a line,
Condensed 12 cpi gives you even more characters on a line,
Widening or narrowing the characters also widens or narrows the
spaces between words. Because word processors usually create a left
margin by printing spaces, you may need to change the left margin
and the number of characters on a line to keep the margins correct if
you change character widths.
Special Effects and Emphasis
Your printer offers two ways of emphasizing text and also allows
you to use underlining, superscripts, subscripts, and italics. These
features can be controlled directly by software commands. Many
application programs can also produce some of these effects. See
your application program manual for details.
Emphasized and double-strike printing
Emphasized and double-strike printing can give words and phrases
added prominence. In emphasized mode, each character is printed
twice as the print head moves across the paper, with the dots in the
second pass printed slightly to the right of the first pass. This
process produces darker, more fully formed characters.
4-4
Software and Graphics
Enhancing Your Printing
In double-strike mode, the print head prints each line twice, making
the text bolder. For even greater boldness, emphasized and double-
strike can be combined. The following samples show the different
effects you can achieve using these modes alone and in combination.
This is ROMAN printing,
This is ROMAN, emphasized.
This is ROMAN, double-strike.
This is ROMAN, with both.
Italic printing
You can print italics by using the ESC 4 software command. This is
true no matter how DIP switch 1-7 is set.
This is ROMAN printing.
T h i s i s R O M A N i t a l i c s .
Underlining, strike-through, and overlining
The underline, strike-through, and overline modes are useful for
highlighting selected text. This feature can be used to score spaces,
subscripts, and superscripts without a break. You can choose from a
variety of line styles, including single, double, broken, or
continuous. See the ESC ( - command in Chapter 9 for more
information.
T h i s i s c o n t i n u o u s u n d e r l i n i n g .
Software and Graphics
4-5
Enhancing Your Printing
Superscripts and subscripts
Superscripts and subscripts can be used for printing footnote
numbers and mathematical formulas. The example below shows
underlining and subscripts combined in a mathematical formula.
..........
n
average = _(a1 + a2 +
+ an )
Outline and shadow
The outline and shadow features are useful for adding variation and
emphasis to text that you wish to stand out, such as headings. The
following samples show the outline and shadow features
individually, plus a combination of outline with shadow.
Selecting Typestyles With Master Select
Your printer has a special ESCape code called Master Select that
allows you to choose many combinations of these nine modes: 10
cpi, 12 cpi, proportional spacing, condensed, emphasized, double-
strike, double-wide, italics, and underline. For more information on
sending ESCape codes to your printer, see
Chapter 9.
The format of the Master Select code is shown below:
ASCII:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC
27
1B
!
33
21
n
n
n
4-6
Software and Graphics
Enhancing Your Printing
The variable n is a number that identifies the mode or combination
of modes. To find the value of n, use the following table to add up
either the decimal or hexadecimal numbers for the features you
want.
For example, to print a title you may want to use double-wide 12 cpi
characters printed in the double-strike mode. You would add three
numbers together to calculate the value of n.
1
12 cpi
Double-strike 16
Double-wide
32
n = 49
After calculating the value of n, you use the Master Select command
to send the value to the printer.
ASCII:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
1
49
31
ESC
27
1B
!
33
21
Software and Graphics
4-7
Enhancing Your Printing
The print quality and font must be set separately, using SelecType
or the ESC x and ESC k commands. There are two more things to
consider when using the Master Select command:
l
Master Select cancels any of the other listed features that you do
not set. For example, if you have already set a different character
width and you use Master Select to set emphasized double-
strike, the character width is reset to 10 cpi.
l
Proportional spacing overrides 10, 12, and 15 cpi.
4-8
Software and Graphics
Graphics
The dot graphics mode allows your printer to produce pictures,
graphs, charts, or almost any other pictorial image you can create.
Because many commercial software programs use graphics, you
may be able to print pictures and graphs like the ones on this page
and the next by simply giving your software a few instructions.
The quickest and easiest way to print graphics on your printer is to
use a commercial graphics program. With such programs you
usually create an image on your monitor then give a command to
send the image to the printer.
If you use commercial software that produces graphics, all you need
to know about dot graphics is how to use the software. The
application program will take care of the printer. (Some programs
call this bit image printing.) On the other hand, if you wish to do
your own programming or merely wish to understand how this
printer prints graphics, read on.
Software and Graphics
4-9
Graphics
Income Breakdown
P r o f i t
S a l a r i e s a n d
P r o d u c t i o n
D e v e l o p m e n t
The Print Head
To understand dot graphics you need to know a little about how
your printer’s print head works.
The print head has 24 pins. As the print head moves across the page,
electrical impulses cause the pins to fire. Each time a pin fires, it
strikes the inked ribbon and presses it against the paper producing a
small dot. As the print head moves along, the pins fire time after
time in different patterns forming letters, numbers, and symbols.
Because the dots overlap each other both horizontally and vertically
in Letter Quality mode, it is difficult to see the individual dots.
Instead, the letters and symbols seem to be made up of unbroken
lines.
In order for the dots to overlap vertically, the pins in the print head
are in more than one column, but the intelligence of the printer
handles the timing of pin firings so that the effect is that of 24 pins
arranged in a single vertical column.
Dot patterns
The print head is able to print graphics, as well as text because
graphic images are formed on the printer in about the same way
that pictures in newspapers and magazines are printed. If you look
4-10
Software and Graphics
Graphics
closely at a newspaper photograph, you will find that it is made up
of thousands of small dots. Your printer also forms its images with
patterns of dots, as many as 360 dots per inch, horizontally and 360
dots per inch, vertically. The images printed by this printer can,
therefore, be as finely detailed as the ones at the beginning of this
section.
Twenty-four-pin graphics
The graphics mode that takes full advantage of this printer’s print
head is 24-pin graphics. This mode has five densities, but for
simplicity this explanation deals with only one of them, triple-
density.
Triple-density prints up to 180 dots per inch, horizontally. As the
print head moves across the paper, every 1/180th of an inch it must
receive instructions about which of its 24 pins to fire. At each
position it can fire any number of pins, from none to 24. This means
that the printer must receive 24 bits of information for each column
it prints. Since the printer uses 8-bit bytes of information in
communicating with the computer, it needs three bytes of
information for each position.
Pin labels
To tell the printer which pins to fire in each column, you first divide
each of the vertical columns into three sections of eight pins each
and consider each section separately. Since there are 256 possible
combinations of the eight pins in each section, you need a
numbering system that allows you to use a single number to specify
which of the 256 possible patterns you want. This numbering
system is shown below:
128
64
32
16
8
4
2
1
Software and Graphics
4-11
Graphics
To fire any one pin, you send its number to the printer. To fire more
than one pin at the same time, add up the numbers of the pins and
send the total. Using these labels for the pins, you fire the top pin by
sending 128. To fire the bottom pin, you send 1. If you want to fire
only the top and bottom pins, you simply add 128 and 1, and send
129.
By adding the appropriate label numbers together, you can fire any
combination of pins. Below are three examples of how to calculate
the number that will fire a particular pattern of pins.
128
128
134
16
a
1
With this numbering system, any combination of the eight pins adds
up to a decimal number between 0 and 255, and no numbers are
duplicated.
Since there are 24 pins in each column, you must make a calculation
for each of the three sections in each column. As you can see, this
method of planning and printing dot graphics requires considerable
calculation. Because triple-density uses 180 columns per inch,
printing a single line of triple-density graphics only one inch long
requires 540 numbers. Fortunately, commercial graphics software is
available to do these calculations for you.
Before you can put these numbers into a graphics program,
however, you need to know the format of the graphics command.
4-12
Software and Graphics
Graphics
The Graphics Command
The graphics mode command is quite different from the other
commands used by the printer. For most of the other printer modes,
such as emphasized and double-wide, one ESC code turns the mode
on and another turns it off. For graphics, the command is more
complicated because the code that turns on a graphics mode also
specifies how many columns it will use. After the printer receives
this code, it interprets the numbers that follow as pin patterns and
prints them on the paper.
Your printer has one command that allows you to use any of the 11
graphics options. The format of the command is:
ESC * m n1 n2 data
In this command, m selects the graphics option and n1 and n2
specify the number of columns to reserve for graphics. The available
graphics options are listed below:
Pins
m
Horiz. density
dots/in.
Option
8
8
Single-density
Double-density
High-speed double-density*
Quadruple-density*
CRT I
0
1
60
120
120
240
80
8
2
8
3
8
4
CRT II
8
4
90
Single-density
Double-density
CRT III
24
24
24
24
24
31
33
38
39
40
60
120
90
I
I
Triple-density
Hex-density*
180
360
l
Adjacent dots cannot be printed in this mode.
Software and Graphics
4-13
Graphics
Column Reservation Numbers
The graphics command requires more than one number to specify
how many columns to reserve because one line can use thousands of
columns, but the printer does not use numbers larger than 255 in
decimal. Therefore the graphics mode command uses two numbers,
n1 and n2, for reserving columns.
To find n1 and n2, divide the total number of columns by 256. The
result is n2; the remainder is n1. Since the command is set up for two
numbers, you must supply two even if you need only one. When
you need fewer than 256 columns, just make n1 the number of
columns you are reserving and make n2 a zero.
For example, if you wish to send 1632 columns of graphics data, n1
should be 96 and n2 should be 6 because 1632 = 96 + (6 x 256).
The printer interprets the number of bytes specified by n1 and n2 as
graphics data, no matter what codes they are. This means that you
must be sure to supply enough bytes of graphics data or the printer
will stop and wait for more data and will seem to be locked. If, on
the other hand, you supply too much graphics data, the excess will
be interpreted and printed as regular text.
A Simple Graphics Program
This first program is just a simple example to show you how the
graphics command, column reservation numbers, and data can be
used in a BASIC program.
4-14
Software and Graphics
Graphics
Type in and run the following program. Be especially careful to
include both semicolons. The program produces the printout you
see below:
10 WIDTH "LPT1:", 255
20 LPRINT
CHR$(27)"*"CHR$(32)CHR$(40)CHR$(0);
30 FOR X=1 TO 120
40 LPRINT CHR$(170);
50 NEXT X
Line 20 selects single-density 24-pin graphics mode (mode 32) and
also reserves 40 columns for graphics. Since 24-pin graphics requires
three bytes of data for each column, line 30 begins a loop to supply
120 bytes of data. Line 40 contains the number 170, which produces
the first pin pattern shown in the section on pin labels, and line 50
ends the loop.
Designing Your Own Graphics
With what you know now, you can use the simplest application of
graphics-calculating by hand the data to print the graphic image.
While this method is the most tedious, it helps you understand dot
graphics. It is also useful for small graphic elements that are used
many times.
Software and Graphics
4-15
Graphics
The illustration below shows how you can use a grid on paper to
plan where you want dots to be printed. This grid is for a single line
of graphics 42 columns long. Since each line of 24-pin graphics is
approximately 1/8th of an inch high and since triple-density
graphics prints 180 dots per inch, horizontally, a design planned on
this grid will be about 1/8th of an inch high and less than 1/4th of
an inch wide.
The actual pattern that the printer prints on the paper is, of course,
made up of dots that overlap each other both vertically and
horizontally. The reason the planning grid uses an x for each dot is
that using an accurate representation of the dots makes calculating
the data numbers difficult because they cover each other. Therefore,
remember that each x represents the center of a dot, and the dots
actually overlap.
Write the assigned values of the pins next to your design, then total
the values for each column of dots. These totals are the values that
you send to the printer as graphics data to print the design.
4-16
Software and Graphics
Graphics
Below is the same grid divided into three sections to make the data
calculation easier. At the bottom of each section of each column is
the total of the pin numbers for that section. This gives you the total
of 126 data numbers necessary to print this small figure.
Software and Graphics
4-17
Graphics
Below is the BASIC program that prints the design shown on the
previous pages. Note that the data numbers in lines 80 through 140
are the same numbers that are at the bottom of each section in the
last illustration. The WIDTH statement in line 10 is for IBM PC
BASIC; the WIDTH statement format may be different for your
system.
10 WIDTH "L
20LPRINT
30 FOR X=1 TO 126
40 READ N
50 LPRINT CHR$(N);
60 NEXT X
70 LPRINT
80 DATA 0,0,63,0,0,127,0,0,255,0,3,255,0,15,255,0,31,255
90 DATA 0,127,255,0,255,255,1,255,255,3,255,255,7,255,255,15,
255,255
100 DATA 31,255,254,31,255,252,31,255,240,31,255,240,31,255
224,31,255,192
110 DATA 31,255,0,31,252,0,31,240,0,31,224,0,31,128,0,31,240,0
120DATA
31,0,126
130 DATA 15,128,15,7,192,7,3,240,7,1,254,7,0,255,7,0,127,135
140 DATA 0,31,199,0,7,231,0,1,247,0,0,255,0,0,127,0,0,63
In this program, line 20 assigns the graphics option (24-pin triple-
density) with code 39. Code 42 sets the number of pin columns at 42.
Lines 80 through 140 contain 126 bytes of data (42-pin columns x 3
bytes) for each pin column. Lines 30 through 60 print the design that
you see below:
A
4-18
Software and Graphics
Graphics
Notice that the dots overlap quite a bit. This design was printed
using the triple-density, 24-pin graphics option because the density
is the same (180 dots per inch) in both directions.
Adding the following lines to the preceding program causes the
pattern to print 10 times in a row as shown below:
15 FOR C=1 TO 10: RESTORE
65 NEXT C
Software and Graphics
4-19
User-defined Characters
With this printer, it is possible to define and print characters of your
own design. You can design an entirely new alphabet or typeface,
create special characters for use as mathematical or scientific
symbols, or create graphic patterns with user-defined characters to
serve as building blocks for larger designs.
Below, you can see samples of typefaces created with the user-
defined character function.
Note: To use user-defined characters, you must turn DIP switch
2-5 off.
You can make the task of defining characters easier by using a
commercial software program that assists you in creating characters
or simply supplies you with sets of characters already created. Also,
some popular software programs make use of the printer’s user-
defined character function to enhance printouts. (These characters
are called download characters in some programs.)
The standard ASCII characters are stored in the printer’s Read Only
Memory (ROM) or optional Multi-Font Module, and the user-
defined characters are stored in the printer’s Random Access
Memory (RAM).
Designing Your Characters
User-defined characters are like dot graphics because you send the
printer precise instructions on where you want each dot printed. In
fact, planning a user-defined character is like planning a small dot
graphics pattern.
4-20
Software and Graphics
User-defined Characters
Design grids
To design a character you use a grid that is 24 dots high-one dot
for each pin on the printer’s print head. The width of the character
matrix depends on the character set in use. For draft characters, the
grid is nine dots wide, for Letter Quality it is 29 dots wide, and for
proportional characters it is 37 dots wide. The dots for both Letter
Quality and proportional characters are spaced more closely
together than those for draft characters.
The illustrations below show the two design grids. The line at the
side, labeled cap, indicates the top of a standard capital letter. The
line labeled base indicates the baseline for all letters except those
with descenders (the bottom parts of such letters as j and y). The
bottom row is usually left blank because it is needed for
underlining.
Letter quality / Proportional
Draft pica
The grid on the right side can be used for either Letter Quality or
proportional characters. For Letter Quality you do not use all the
columns.
Software and Graphics
4-21
User-defined Characters
There is one restriction in designing characters. Dots in the same
row may not print in adjacent columns. This means that there must
be an empty dot position both to the left and right of each dot that
prints. This is true in draft, Letter Quality, and proportional mode.
Defining Your Characters
The first step in defining characters is to place the dots on a grid just
as you want them to print. The examples shown here, like the ones
in the graphics section, use an x to represent each dot.
In the illustration below, you see a draft grid with a simple user-
defined character planned on it.
Now you translate the dot pattern you’ve created on paper to a
numeric format so you can send the data to your printer. Every dot
has an assigned value. Each vertical column (which has a maximum
of 24 dots) is first divided into three groups of eight dots. Each
group of eight dots is represented by one byte, which consists of
eight bits. Hence, one bit represents one dot.
4-22
Software and Graphics
User-defined Characters
Data numbers
The bits within each byte have values of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128.
In the vertical column of dots, the bits are arranged so that the most
significant bit (with a value of 128) is at the top of the column and
the least significant bit (with a value of 1) is at the bottom.
The next illustration shows how to use this method to calculate the
data numbers for the character in this example. On the left side of
the figure, the data numbers are calculated for the middle column.
The value of each byte is calculated by adding the values of the rows
in which dots appear. The right side of the figure shows the whole
character with the three data numbers for each column indicated at
the bottom.
This manual uses decimal numbers because the program examples
are written in BASIC and everyone is familiar with decimals. The
data you send to your printer, however, must be in the form (binary,
decimal, hexadecimal) that you can use with your programming
language.
Software and Graphics
4-23
User-defined Characters
You have seen how to design a character by placing dots on a grid
and translating the dots to decimal equivalents. The last step in
defining a character is sending this information to your printer.
Sending Information to Your Printer
The printer loads characters in the print style (Letter Quality, draft,
or proportional) that the printer is currently using. It also records
whether italic, superscript, or subscript is turned on. This means
that if you want to print a character in italics, for example, you must
have the italic mode turned on when you define the character.
The command your printer uses to define characters is one of the
most complex in its repertoire. The format of the command is this:
ESC & 0 n1 n2 d0 d1 d2 data
The ESC & is simple enough. The 0 (which is ASCII code 0, not the
numerical zero in quotation marks) allows for future enhancements.
At this time, it is always ASCII 0.
You can define many characters with a single command. The values
n1 and n2 are the ASCII codes of the first and last characters you are
defining. If you are defining only one character, n1 and n2 are the
same. You can use any codes between decimal 32 and 127 for n1 and
n2, but it is best not to define decimal 32, which is the code for a
space. Also, you can use letters in quotation marks instead of ASCII
codes for n1 and n2.
Note: Because user-defined characters require additional
memory, you must set DIP switch 2-5 to 1 KB (off) before
downloading these characters.
4-24
Software and Graphics
User-defined Characters
An example will show how to specify n1 and n2. For instance, if you
wanted to redefine the characters A through Z, n1 would be A (or
ASCII code 65) and n2 would be Z (or ASCII code 90). So the
command ESC & 0 AZ (followed by the appropriate data) would
replace the entire alphabet of capital letters.
Following the specification of the range of characters to be defined
in this command are three data bytes, d0, d1, and d2, that specify the
width of the character and the space around it. The left space (in dot
columns) is specified by d0, and the right space is specified by d2.
The second byte, d1, specifies the number of columns of dots that
are printed to make up the character. By varying the width of the
character and the spaces around it, you can create proportional-
width characters that print at draft speed. The table below shows
the maximum values for these bytes.
d1
9
d 0 + d 1 + d 2
Mode
Draft
12
36
30
42
Letter Quality 10 cpi
Letter Quality 12 cpi
Proportional
29
23
37
The last part of the command to define your characters is the actual
data that defines the dot patterns for each character. Since it takes
three bytes to specify all the dots in one vertical column, your
printer expects d1 x 3 bytes of data to follow d2.
Software and Graphics
4-25
User-defined Characters
This example of a character definition program should make this
clear:
10 LPRINT CHR$(27)"x0"
20 LPRINT CHR$(27)"&"CHR$(0);
30 LPRINT "@@";
40 LPRINT CHR$(1)CHR$(9)CHR$(1);
50 FOR I=1 TO 27
60 READ A: LPRINT CHR$(A);
70 NEXT I
80 LPRINT "@@@@@"
90 LPRINT CHR$(27)"%"CHR$(1);
100 LPRINT "@@@@@"
110 LPRINT CHR$(27)"%"CHR$(0);
120 LPRINT "@@@@@"
130 END
140 DATA 1,0,0,2,0,0,4,0,0
150 DATA 8,0,0,23,255,240,8,0,0
160 DATA 4,0,0,2,0,0,1,0,0
In line 10, the ESC x0 command selects draft printing.
The actual character definition starts in line 20. The two @ signs in
line 30 represent n1 and n2, the range of characters being defined (in
this case, a range of 1). Line 40 contains d0, d1, and d2.
The information about the actual character design (which is
contained in the DATA statements at the end of the program) is sent
to the printer in the loop between lines 50 and 70.
Note: When defining Letter Quality or proportional characters,
put a WIDTH statement in your program to prevent carriage
return and line feed codes from interfering with your definitions.
4-26
Software and Graphics
User-defined Characters
Printing User-defined Characters
If you entered the previous program example, you defined an arrow
and placed it in the RAM location for ASCII code 64 (replacing the @
sign). You can now print out a three-line sample of your work. The
first and third lines (printed by lines 80 and 120) print the normal @
sign. The second line (printed by line 100) prints out the arrow that
you defined.
Run the program to see the printout below:
@@@@@
@@@@@
As you can see, both sets of characters (the @ from the original
characters in ROM that the printer normally uses and the alternative
character you defined) remain in the printer available for your use.
The command to switch between the two sets is used in line 90 and
110. It is:
ESC%n
If n is equal to 0, the normal ROM character set is selected (this is the
default). If n is equal to 1, the user-defined character set is selected.
If you select the user-defined character set before you have defined
any characters, the command is ignored and the ROM characters
remain in use.
You may switch between character sets at any time-even in the
middle of a line. To try this, place semicolons at the end of lines 80
and 100 in the program example.
Software and Graphics
4-27
User-defined Characters
Copying ROM Characters to RAM
After running the program, if you select the user-defined character
set and try to print other characters, the only one that will print is
your arrow. Since no other characters are in the printer’s user-
defined RAM, there is nothing else to print. Other characters sent to
the printer do not even print as spaces; it’s as if they were not sent at
all.
In many cases, you will want to redefine only a few of the characters
to suit your needs-the rest of the alphabet will work fine as it is. As
you have seen, it is possible to switch back and forth, at will,
between the normal character set and your user-defined character
set. It is, however, rather inconvenient.
Therefore, your printer has a command that allows you to copy all
of the standard characters from ROM to the user-defined character
set.
The command format is as follows, where the value of n represents
the font family:
E S C : 0 n 0
Note: This command cancels any user-defined characters you
have already created. You must send this command to the printer
before you define characters.
If you use this command at the beginning of a program, then define
your special characters and select the user-defined set, you can print
with the user-defined set as your normal character set. You never
need to switch back and forth between sets.
4-28
Software and Graphics
User-defined Characters
Letter Quality Characters
If you select Letter Quality printing with the ESC x1 command, you
can design user-defined characters using up to 29 columns of the
Letter Quality/Proportional grid. The dot columns are spaced closer
together horizontally than draft dot columns (the horizontal dot
spacing is 1/360th of an inch as opposed to 1/120th of an inch for
draft characters).
Proportional mode characters
Selecting the proportional character mode yields user-defined
characters of the highest resolution. Characters can be designed
using all 37 columns of the Letter Quality/Proportional grid.
Remember that in Letter Quality and proportional modes, as in
draft mode, you cannot place dots in adjacent columns. There must
be an empty dot position both to the left and right of each dot that
prints.
Superscripts and subscripts
You can also create superscript and subscript user-defined
characters. Just as Letter Quality characters are defined when the
Letter Quality mode is selected, superscript and subscript characters
are created when either superscript or subscript is selected.
These characters can be used as either superscripts or subscripts.
The characters are exactly the same; only their placement is
different. The difference between these characters and regular
characters is that superscript and subscript characters are smaller.
They are a maximum of 16 dots high. Their maximum width in dot
columns is shown in the table below:
Software and Graphics
4-29
User-defined Characters
Since superscript and subscript characters are smaller, when you
define them you only need two bytes of data for each vertical row of
dots. Design grids for these characters are shown in the figure
below:
Letter Quality
and Proportional
Draft pica
Mixing Print Styles
Each of the three user-defined character modes (draft, Letter
Quality, and proportional) can be used in combination with most of
your printer’s various print styles. For instance, emphasized mode
works with user-defined characters. The characters you design are
enhanced to give this printing effect.
Mixing the three types of user-defined character sets is not possible.
For example, if you select draft and define some characters, then
select proportional and define some more, the first draft character
definitions are deleted. Only one type of character definition may be
stored in RAM at any time.
4-30
Software and Graphics
User-defined Characters
If you define characters in one mode, then switch to another mode
and select the user-defined character set, the command is ignored
and nothing is printed. The user-defined character definitions,
however, remain unaffected. If you switch back to the mode in
which they were defined, you can then select and print them.
Keep in mind that user-defined characters are stored in RAM, which
is not permanent memory. When the printer power is turned off or
the printer is initialized with the INIT signal, the user-defined
characters are lost. (Some computers do this each time BASIC is
loaded.)
Software and Graphics
4-31
Chapter 5
Using the Printer Options
5-2
5-2
5-5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Cut Sheet Feeder
Installation
Paper Handling
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5-9
. . . . .
Testing the Printer in the Cut Sheet Feeder Mode
Operating the Cut Sheet Feeder
Single-sheet Insertion
Removing the Cut Sheet Feeder
5-11
5-11
5-15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5-17
5-17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Pull Tractor
Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Paper Handling
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Removing the Pull Tractor.
5-28
5-30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Multi-Font Module
Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33
Selecting a Font
5-34
5-34
5-35
5-35
5-41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Interface Boards
Choosing an Interface
Compatible Interfaces.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
#8143 New Serial Interface.
5-1
Using the Printer Options
The Cut Sheet Feeder
The optional cut sheet feeder (C806121) makes it possible to handle
single-sheet paper more easily and more efficiently. Up to 150 sheets
of standard bond paper can be fed automatically into the printer
without reloading.
Installation
1. Make sure that the printer is turned off. Then remove the paper
guide and printer cover.
2. Replace the clear plastic part of the printer cover with the clear
plastic part included with the cut sheet feeder.
5-2
Using the Printer Options
The Cut Sheet Feeder
3. Make sure that the paper release lever is pushed all the way to
the rear.
Using the Printer Options
5-3
The Cut Sheet Feeder
4. Insert the metal brackets into the cut sheet feeder. Then tilt the
cut sheet feeder slightly forward to fit the notches at the base of
the unit over the black pins inside the printer. Tilt the feeder
back until it rests on top of the printer.
5. Attach the printer cover as shown in the illustration below.
5-4
Using the Printer Options
The Cut Sheet Feeder
6. Turn on the cut sheet feeder mode by setting DIP switch 1-8 to
on.
7. Turn on the printer.
Paper Handling
1. Make sure that the cut sheet feeder mode is turned on with DIP
switch 1-8 and turn on the printer.
Using the Printer Options
5-5
The Cut Sheet Feeder
2. Pull the paper set levers all the way forward until the paper
supports retract and lock open to allow for paper loading.
3. Slide the left paper guide to where the fin on the edge guide is
slightly left of the arrow on the panel. Next, slide the right paper
guide so that it roughly matches the width of your paper.
5-6
Using the Printer Options
The Cut Sheet Feeder
4. Take a stack of paper and fan it as shown. This keeps the paper
from sticking and ensures that only one sheet feeds at a time.
Tap the side and bottom of the paper on a flat surface to even
the stack.
Note: For best results, use typewriter quality paper. If you
plan to use paper with a glossy or textured surface, test it
before using it to print documents. Do not use multi-part
forms, carbon paper, envelopes, or labels in the cut sheet
feeder.
Using the Printer Options
5-7
The Cut Sheet Feeder
5. Insert the stack of paper between the paper guides, aligning it
with the left edge of the guide. Then adjust the right paper guide
until the paper is held firmly, but not so tightly that it causes the
paper to buckle. Make sure the paper can move up and down
freely.
6. Push the paper set levers back until they click into place and
clamp the paper against the guide rollers.
Using the Printer Options
5-8
The Cut Sheet Feeder
Testing the Printer in the Cut Sheet Feeder Mode
When you perform the cut sheet feeder self test, the printer counts
the number of lines on the page. As shown on the following page,
the number of lines counted is printed out at the bottom of the first
test page. This number is the default page-length setting. This
setting, however, can be overridden by software commands.
Running the self test is the same as when the cut sheet feeder mode
is off. The steps below are for a self test in draft mode.
1. Make sure that the printer is turned off and a stack of paper is in
the bin. Check that the cut sheet feeder mode is selected and the
paper release lever is pushed to the rear.
2. While holding down the LINE FEED button, turn on the printer.
(For LQ mode, press the FORM FEED button instead of the LINE
FEED button.)
5-9
Using the Printer Options
The Cut Sheet Feeder
A part of the printout of the first sheet is shown below. The
printout of the second sheet is similar to the original self test
described in Chapter 1.
This is the first line.
This is line XX.
3. The self test continues until the paper runs out or until you press
the ON LINE button. To stop the test, press the ON LINE button.
Note: To resume the test, press the ON LINE button once more.
4. To end the self test when paper is loaded, press the LOAD/EJECT
button to eject the paper. Then turn off the printer.
Using the Printer Options
5-10
The Cut Sheet Feeder
Operating the Cut Sheet Feeder
After stacking paper in the cut sheet feeder, turn on the printer and
make sure that the ON LINE light is on. In on line status, a new sheet
of paper loads automatically whenever a printable character or line
feed command is sent to the printer.
Paper out condition
When the printer is on line and receives print data from the
computer, the first sheet loads automatically. Subsequent sheets
load automatically as necessary.
l
In the cut sheet feeder mode, the PAPER OUT light goes on while
a sheet of paper is being fed, but the printer remains on line.
l
When the specified paper bin is empty, the printer automatically
goes off line, the PAPER OUT light goes on, and the beeper
sounds. To resume printing, add more paper and press the ON
LINE button.
Note: If you turn off your printer during the time the printer
detects a paper out or paper jam condition, any data
remaining in the printer’s buffer is discarded.
Single-sheet Insertion
Your cut sheet feeder also has a single-sheet loading feature. This
feature is especially useful because it allows you to switch to a
different type or size of paper (for one sheet only) without replacing
the stack of paper in your cut sheet feeder.
Using the Printer Options
5-11
The Cut Sheet Feeder
Press the ON LINE button to set the printer off line.
1.
Align the single sheet to be fed with the mark on the left paper
guide; then slide the sheet into the printer path until you feel
resistance.
2.
Using the Printer Options
5-12
The Cut Sheet Feeder
3. Press the LOAD/EJECT button to load the sheet.
Control panel operation
To operate the cut sheet feeder manually from the control panel
when the printer is in the cut sheet feeder mode, first make sure that
the printer is off line.
When there is paper in the printer, press this
button to feed the paper one line or hold it down
to feed the paper continuously.
LINE FEED
When there is no paper in the printer, press this
button to load the paper. When there is paper in
the printer, press this button to eject the sheet.
FORM FEED
LOAD/EJECT
When there is no paper in the printer, press this
button to load the paper. When there is paper in
the printer, press this button to eject the sheet.
5-13
Using the Printer Options
The Cut Sheet Feeder
Software operation
The following commands cause the printer to eject the sheet in the
printer without loading the next sheet.
Form Feed
FF:
Ejects a sheet in the cut sheet feeder mode
ESC EM R:
Note: The ESC EM command is a software command used to
control the operation of the cut sheet feeder. For more
information about this command, see the Command Summary in
Chapter 9.
If the paper reaches the bottom of the print area when any of the
following line feed commands is used, the sheet in the printer is
automatically ejected and the next sheet is loaded.
Line Feed; advances the paper one line
LF:
Vertical Tab; advances the paper to the next
vertical tab position
VT:
Line feed; advances the paper n/180th of an inch
ESC J:
Software is not effective while the printer is off line. Make sure that
the printer is on line if you wish to control the cut sheet feeder using
software commands.
5-14
Using the Printer Options
The Cut Sheet Feeder
Removing the Cut Sheet Feeder
1. Turn off the printer and remove any paper remaining in the bin
and printer.
Remove the printer cover and tilt the cut sheet feeder back.
Release its notches from the printer’s pins, and then lift up and
remove the cut sheet feeder.
2.
Using the Printer Options
5-15
The Cut Sheet Feeder
3. Set DIP switch 1-8 to off (to turn off the cut sheet feeder mode).
4. Replace the clear plastic part of the printer cover with the clear
plastic part that was on it originally.
Removal of the cut sheet feeder is now completed. Be sure to store
the removed cut sheet feeder in its original box and packing
materials.
5-16
Using the Printer Options
The Pull Tractor
The optional pull tractor (C800061) provides optimum continuous
paper handling. The pull tractor is especially useful with continuous
multi-part forms and labels. For best results, use the pull tractor
along with the built-in push tractor as described in this section.
Installation
1. Turn off the printer and remove the printer cover and paper
guide.
2. Remove the paper tension unit cover.
Using the Printer Options
5-17
The Pull Tractor
Fit the rear notches on the tractor over the rear mounting pins in
3.
the printer. Then tilt the tractor unit toward you until the front
latches click in place over the black front mounting pins. Push
down on the front latches to be sure they are firmly seated.
4.
Pull the paper release lever to the continuous paper position and
turn on the printer.
Using the Printer Options
5-18
The Pull Tractor
Paper Handling
1. Make sure that the printer is turned on and that the paper
release lever is set forward to the continuous paper position.
2. Set the first three holes of the continuous paper onto the built-in
push tractor as described in Chapter 2.
Using the Printer Options
5-19
The Pull Tractor
3. Press the LOAD/EJECT button to load the continuous paper; then
press the FORM FEED button. This advances the paper one page
so that you can fit the paper onto the pull tractor.
Note: After you press the FORM FEED button, be careful not to
touch any of the buttons on the control panel until step 10.
CAUTION: Never use the platen knob while the printer is
turned on. To adjust the loading position, use the micro-
adjustment feature described in Chapter 3.
0
4. Open the sprocket covers of the pull tractor and pull the
sprocket lock levers toward you to release them.
5-20
Using the Printer Options
The Pull Tractor
5. Adjust the sprocket units to match the width of the paper; then
adjust the paper support so that it is halfway between the
sprocket units.
6. Fit the holes in the paper over the tractor pins on the sprocket
units and close the sprocket covers.
Using the Printer Options
5-21
The Pull Tractor
7. If the paper does not fit exactly onto the tractor pins or if the
paper buckles, press in on the gray pull tractor knob and turn it
in the desired direction until the paper fits properly.
8. See that the paper is not crooked or wrinkled and lock the
sprocket units in place.
5-22
Using the Printer Options
The Pull Tractor
Replace the clear plastic part of the printer cover with the clear
plastic part included with the pull tractor.
9.
10. Install the paper guide; then install the pull tractor cover as shown
below and press the ON LINE button to set the printer on line.
Although the pull tractor can be used in combination with the built-
in push tractor as described above, the pull tractor can also be used
by itself. Instead of setting the paper on the pins of the push tractor,
simply insert it through the same paper path as you would use with
single-sheet paper.
5-23
Using the Printer Options
The Pull Tractor
Note: Do not use the short tear-off feature with the pull tractor.
Removing the Pull Tractor
1. Make sure to tear off the printed document and remove the
tractor cover and paper guide. Then turn on the printer.
5-24
Using the Printer Options
The Pull Tractor
2. Press the ON LINE button to set the printer off line. Then, press
the LOAD/EJECT button until the continuous paper feeds
backward out of the paper path to the standby position. The
PAPER OUT light comes on when the paper is completely out of
the paper path.
3. Remove the continuous paper from the push tractor unit.
Using the Printer Options
5-25
The Pull Tractor
4. Hold the front latches between your thumb and index finger and
gently lift them up, slowly tilting the unit back. Then push the
paper release lever to the rear.
5. Replace the paper tension unit cover as shown below.
5-26
Using the Printer Options
The Pull Tractor
Remove the tractor cover from the printer cover and reassemble
the printer cover.
6.
7.
Install the paper guide and printer cover.
5-27
Using the Printer Options
The Multi-Font Module
The optional Multi-Font Module gives you an easy way to have
access to seven more fonts for your printer. After you install the
Multi-Font Module in its slot, you can use any one of the following
fonts as your default font when the printer is turned on and any of
the others optionally by sending a command to the printer.
CAUTION: Do not insert the Multi-Font Module when the
printer is turned on.
0
These are samples of the character sets of the Multi-Font Module’s
fonts:
Courier
We’ve just seen your excellent ad for
miniature zebras in a recent back issue of
Trader’s Times. What is the price schedule
for quantities over one gross?
Prestige
We’ve just seen your excellent ad for
m i n i a t u r e z e b r a s in a recent back issue of
Trader’s Times. What is the price schedule
for quantities over one gross?
5-28
Using the Printer Options
The Multi-Font Module
.
.
a
b
a
c
k
OCR-B
'abcdefghijklmnopqrstuv
We've just seen your excellent ad for
miniature zebras in a recent back issue of
Trader's Times. What is the price schedule
for quantities over one gross?
We've just seen your excellent ad for
miniature zebras in a recent back issue of
Trader's Times.
What is the price schedule
for quantities over one gross?
Using the Printer Options
5-29
The Multi-Font Module
Orator
!
--
WE'VE JUST SEEN YOUR EXCELLENT AD FOR
MINIATURE ZEBRAS IN A RECENT BACK ISSUE OF
TRADER'S TIMES. WHAT
IS THE PRICE SCHEDULE
FOR QUANTITIES OVER ONE GROSS?
Orator-S
!
miniaWtuer'evezejbursats isneena yroeucrenetxceblalceknsticshasedudeufolofer
Tforradqeura'nstiTtiimeess,oveWrhaotneis gtrhoessp?rice
Installation
1. Turn off the printer. See the font family table on page 5-33 and
dial the rotary switch to the font of your choice.
5-30
Using the Printer Options
The Multi-Font Module
2. Hold the module with the rotary switch on the top and plug it
into the slot.
Using the Printer Options
5-31
The Multi-Font Module
3. Turn the printer on; then select the slot by pressing the FONT
switch on the operating panel.
DRAFT
ROMAN
SANS SERIF
SLOT
FONT
WARNING: Always turn off the power before inserting or
removing the module; otherwise you may seriously
damage the printer or the module.
5-32
Using the Printer Options
The Multi-Font Module
Selecting a Font
This table shows the family numbers and characters per inch of the
fonts in the Multi-Font Module.
Characters per inch
Family number
Font name
Courier
Prestige
Script
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10, 12, 15
10, 12, 15
10, 12, 15
OCR-B
OCR-A
Orator
10
10
10
10
Orator-S
There are two ways to select a font from the module:
.
With the printer turned off, dial the family number of the font
with the rotary switch on the module. When the printer is
turned on, that font becomes the default font if the slot is
selected with the DIP switch setting or by pressing the button
on the control panel.
Send a software command, ESC k, to the printer to select the
family number. See the Command Summary in Chapter 9 for
details.
Proportional spacing is not effective when printing any font in this
module.
Numbers 0, 1, and 9 are not used.
Using the Printer Options
5-33
The Interface Boards
A number of optional interfaces are available in case your computer
is either not provided with a parallel interface or you wish to
increase the memory capacity of your printer’s buffer.
Choosing an Interface
Optional interfaces can be divided into three main categories which
are described briefly below.
IEEE-488 interfaces offer standardized connections, trouble-free
operation, and the ability to connect computers, printers, and
other devices on the same line so that they may share data
freely.
The buffered parallel interfaces also offer trouble-free operation
and standardized connections. They provide the printer with
more memory to free the computer for other tasks when printing
large amounts of text or graphics. You can increase the printer’s
data buffering capacity by an additional 32 KB (about 10 pages).
Serial interfaces are required if your computer is not equipped
with a parallel interface or if you need an interface that conforms
to the Current Loop standard instead of RS-232C. These
interfaces also provide some combination of the following
features: X-ON/X-OFF data communication protocol, loopback
self test modes, and data buffers that increase the printer’s data
buffering capacity by 8 KB.
Using the Printer Options
5-34
The Interface Boards
Compatible Interfaces
The following is a list of Epson interfaces that are compatible with
your printer.
Name
Interface number
#8143
New Serial Interface
Intelligent serial interface
Intelligent IEEE-488 interface
32 KB buffered parallel interface
#8148
#8165
#8172
All Epson interfaces have the Epson name printed on them. If the
board has an identification code printed on it, it is a four-digit
number beginning with 8 and should correspond to one of the
numbers listed in the table above.
Also Coax and Twinax interfaces are available from third party
vendors. These interfaces allow connectivity to mainframes and
minicomputers and emulation of IBM printers. The Coax
(EP-Connect) is available from Avatar Corporation (508) 435-6872, and
the Twinax (I-08300) is available from I-O Corporation (801) 973-6767.
Installation
1. Unplug the printer and remove the printer cover and paper guide.
WARNING: High voltages are present inside the printer
when the power is on. Do not attempt to remove the
upper case unless the printer is turned off and the power
cord is unplugged. Also, try not to touch contacts on the
circuit board of the printer because many of the
components can be destroyed by the static electricity
present in your body.
Do not change the settings of any DIP switches on the
main board.
Using the Printer Options
5-35
The Interface Boards
2.
Remove the screw securing the interface board cover and lift off
the cover.
3. Remove the screw labeled CG from the main board.
5-36
Using the Printer Options
The Interface Boards
Installing the board
There are two basic interface board designs-one with the FG wire
not attached and one with the FG wire attached. This slight
difference changes the way the boards are installed in the printer
but does not affect the operation of the interface in any way. Check
to see which type of interface board you have.
FG wire not attached
See below
FG wire attached
Skip to page 5-39
FG wire not attached
1. Use the CG screw to attach the round end of the FG (frame
ground) wire to the main board and position the other end as
shown.
Using the Printer Options
5-37
The Interface Boards
2. Carefully insert the pins on the optional interface board into the
mating connector on the main board; then secure the board with
the screws provided.
3. Attach the plug end of the FG wire onto the FG pin located on
top of the interface board.
4. Set the DIP switches on the interface board according to the
manual accompanying it.
5-38
Using the Printer Options
The Interface Boards
FG wire attached
to the printer as shown
round end of the FG
1. Carefully place the interface board next
below. Use the CG screw to connect the
(frame ground) wire to the main board.
2. Holding the interface board level, rotate it into position and
attach it to the main board. Make sure that the connector pins
are properly inserted into the mating connector.
5-39
Using the Printer Options
The Interface Boards
3. Secure the board with the screws provided.
4. For all interface boards except #8143 New Serial Interface board,
set the DIP switches on the interface board according to the
manual accompanying it. If you have the #8143, see page 5-41.
Attaching the interface board cover
1. Bend back the hinge plate on the interface board cover as shown
below.
Note: When you reattach the interface board, rebend the plate
to cover the opening. The plate is sturdy, but be careful not to
subject it to excessive bending.
5-40
Using the Printer Options
The Interface Boards
2. Reattach the board cover.
CAUTION: When an optional interface board is installed,
be sure to disconnect the printer cable from the printer’s
built-in parallel interface. Two interface cables must not be
connected at the same time.
#8143 New Serial Interface
If you are using an optional interface, it may be necessary for you to
alter the communication protocol of the printer or the computer so
that they can communicate properly. In most cases, you should use
the information in your optional interface manual or your
computer’s manual to match the computer with the interface.
If you are using the #8143 optional interface board, make sure that
you read through the section below on baud rate selection. You may
also want to see the sections on handshaking timing and error
handling for interface information specific to your printer.
5-41
Using the Printer Options
The Interface Boards
For all other data transfer conventions, such as word structure or
communications protocol, use the information in the manual
supplied with your #8143 optional interface.
Baud rate selection
You can select baud rates from 75 to 19,200 BPS (Bits Per Second).
When setting the baud rate, make sure you use the bit rate selection
table for printers with buffers (in the #8143 interface manual).
For more information on your printer’s input buffer settings, see the
section on DIP switch functions in Chapter 3 of this manual.
Handshaking timing
When the vacant area for data in the input buffer drops to 256 bytes,
the printer outputs an X-OFF code or sets the DTR flag to “1”
(MARK) indicating that it cannot receive data.
Error handling
When a parity error is detected, your printer prints an asterisk (*).
All other errors, including framing and overrun, are ignored.
5-42
Using the Printer Options
Chapter 6
Maintenance
6-2
Cleaning the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6-4
6-10
Maintenance 6-1
Cleaning the Printer
To keep your printer operating at its best, you should clean it
thoroughly several times a year. Follow the steps below:
1.
Make sure that the printer is turned off. Then remove the paper
guide or the cut sheet feeder.
2.
Using a soft brush, carefully remove all dust and dirt.
6-2
Maintenance
Cleaning the Printer
3. If the outer case or paper guide is dirty or dusty, clean it with a
soft, clean cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution. Keep
the printer cover in place to prevent water from getting inside
the printer.
WARNINGS:
l
Never use alcohols or thinners to clean the printer,
since these chemicals can damage the components as
well as the case.
l
l
Be careful not to get water on the printer mechanism
or electronic components.
Do not use a hard or abrasive brush.
Do not spray the inside of the printer with lubricants;
unsuitable oils can damage the mechanism. Call the
Epson Consumer Information Center at 1-800-922-8911
if you think lubrication is needed.
Maintenance 6-3
Replacing the Ribbon
Replace the ribbon when the printout becomes too faint. The #7753
standard ribbon cartridge or #7768 film ribbon cartridge are
recommended for your printer. Do not use ribbons designed for
nine-pin printers.
1. Make sure that the printer is turned off. Then remove the printer
cover.
6-4
Maintenance
Replacing the Ribbon
2. Open the paper tension unit cover.
3. To remove the ribbon cartridge, grip it by the black plastic tab
and lift the cartridge straight up and out of the printer.
WARNING: If the printer has just been used, the print
head may be hot. Let it cool before attempting to replace
the ribbon.
Maintenance 6-5
Replacing the Ribbon
4.
Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
5.
To remove slack in the new ribbon, turn the ribbon-tightening
knob in the direction of the arrow.
6-6
Maintenance
Replacing the Ribbon
6. Push the new ribbon cartridge firmly into position, making sure
the plastic hooks fit into the slots, as shown below.
Note: Press lightly on both sides of the cartridge to make sure
the hooks are properly inserted.
Maintenance 6-7
Replacing the Ribbon
7. Use a pointed object, such as a ball point pen, to guide the
ribbon between the print head and ribbon guide while you turn
the ribbon-tightening knob to help feed the ribbon into place. Be
careful not to puncture the ribbon.
8. Slide the print head from side to side to make sure it moves
smoothly. Also see that the ribbon is not twisted or creased.
Maintenance
6-8
Replacing the Ribbon
9. Close the paper tension unit cover.
10. Insert the hooks on the printer cover unit into the printer, and
then tilt the printer cover back into place.
Maintenance 6-9
Transporting the Printer
Before you transport your printer some distance, carefully repack it
in the original box and packing materials according to the following
instructions.
1. Make sure the printer is turned off. Then remove any installed
options, as well as the paper guide and printer cover.
WARNING: Turn the printer off before unplugging the
power cable from the AC outlet.
2. Unplug the power cable from the electrical outlet. Coil the cable
and tie it; then disconnect the interface cable from the printer
and the computer.
3. Remove the ribbon cartridge and platen knob.
4. Replace the packing materials and put the printer in its box.
6-10
Maintenance
Chapter 7
Troubleshooting
7-2
Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply.
7-4
Printing.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paper Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7-5
7-14
7-24
Troubleshooting 7-1
Problems and Solutions
This chapter discusses problems you may encounter while
operating your printer and their likely solutions. If you are having
difficulty achieving the desired printing result, first locate the
problem in the table below and then see the appropriate page for the
solution.
Power supply
See 7-4
l
Power is not being supplied.
Printing
See 7-5
l
l
l
The printer does not print.
See 7-6
The print is faint or uneven.
Dots are missing in the printed characters
or graphics.
See 7-7
See 7-8
See 7-11
l
l
Printed characters are not what you expected.
The print position is not what you expected.
Paper handling
See 7-14
l
l
l
Single sheets do not feed properly.
See 7-17
Continuous paper does not feed properly.
Switching between single sheets and continuous
paper cannot be performed properly.
See 7-21
l
The short tear-off function does not operate
properly.
See 7-23
7-2
Troubleshooting
Problems and Solutions
Options
Using the cut sheet feeder, the paper does not
See 7-24
See 7-28
See 7-32
See 7-32
feed properly.
Using the pull tractor with the push tractor,
continuous paper does not feed properly.
Using the font module, the module’s fonts
do not print.
Using an optional interface, the printer does
not operate properly.
Troubleshooting 7-3
Power Supply
Solution
Problem
Power is not being
supplied.
The power cable may be loose or not
properly plugged into the electrical
outlet. Turn off the printer and see that
the power cable is properly plugged in to
the electrical outlet.
The POWER light does
not go on.
The power switch is off. Turn on the
switch.
Power is not being supplied to the
electrical outlet. Plug another electrical
device into the outlet to determine
whether the outlet is operating properly.
If the electrical outlet is controlled by a
switch, use an electrical outlet that is not
controlled by an outside switch.
7-4
Troubleshooting
Printing
Solution
Problem
The printer does not
print.
The software may not be installed
properly for your printer. Check the
printer settings and make the necessary
changes.
The ON LINE light is on
but nothing is printed.
The interface cable may be loose. Check
both ends of the cable between the printer
and the computer. Secure the connector
using the wire retaining clips.
You may not be using the correct interface
cable. Make sure your interface cable
meets the printer and the computer
specifications.
The printer may be off line and cannot
receive data. Press the ON LINE button.
The ON LINE light should go on. See
Chapter 3.
The ON LINE light is
off.
The paper may be set too far to the right,
so that the paper detector cannot sense it.
Move the paper a little to the left. The
PAPER OUT light should go off.
The PAPER OUT light
is on.
The printer may be out of paper. Load more
paper into the printer. See Chapter 2.
Troubleshooting 7-5
Printing
Problem
Solution
The printer does not
print (continued).
The printer sounds like
it is printing, but
nothing is printed.
The ribbon cartridge may not be installed
properly. Turn off the printer, reinstall the
ribbon cartridge, and take up any slack in
the ribbon.
The ribbon may be worn. Replace the
ribbon cartridge. See Chapter 6.
The printer makes a
strange noise, the
buzzer sounds several
times, and the printer
stops abruptly.
This indicates an error in printer
operation. Turn off the printer, check for
paper jams or other problems, then turn
the printer back on. If the printer still does
not print correctly, call the Epson
Consumer Information Center at 1-800-
922-8911 to find out where to have the
printer repaired.
The ON LINE light is
flickering but the
printer does not print,
or it stops printing
abruptly.
The print head is overheated. Wait a few
minutes; the printer resumes printing
automatically when the print head cools.
The print is faint or
uneven.
Printed characters have
parts missing at the
bottom as shown here.
The ribbon cartridge may not be installed
properly. Remove the ribbon cartridge
and reinstall it. Make sure the cartridge
hooks are inserted securely into the
printer. See Chapter 1.
A B C D
7-6
Troubleshooting
Printing
Solution
Problem
The print is faint or
uneven (continued).
The ribbon may be worn out. A worn
ribbon can damage the print head and
should be replaced. Install a new ribbon
cartridge. See Chapter 6.
The printout is faint.
The paper thickness lever may not be set
correctly for the paper you are using. Set
the paper thickness lever to match the
thickness of your paper. See Chapter 2.
Dots are missing
in the printed
characters or
graphics.
The print head is damaged. Stop printing
and call the Epson Consumer Information
Center at 1-800-922-8911 to find out
where to have the printer repaired.
A line of dots is
missing in the
printout.
ABCD
There is either too much slack in the
ribbon or the ribbon has come loose and
gotten caught on something. Stop
Dots are missing in
random positions.
printing, turn off the printer, and reinstall
the ribbon cartridge. See Chapter 6.
Troubleshooting 7-7
Printing
Problem
Solution
Printed characters
are not what you
expected.
The typestyle or
The software may not be correctly
installed for your printer. Use the
program’s setup (or install) procedure to
check the printer settings, and reset as
needed.
characters that are set
by the software cannot
be printed.
The Roman, Sans Serif,
or Draft font is selected
in your software, but
the characters are
printed in a different
font.
The wrong font is selected. If your
program accepts control codes, set the
codes to the values below to select the
built-in fonts:
Roman:
Sans Serif:
Draft:
ESC
ESC
ESC
k
k
x
0
1
0
See Chapter 3.
Italic characters are
printed instead of the
selected graphic “line”
characters.
The wrong character table is selected. If
your application program is capable of
sending control codes, specify the Epson
Extended Graphics character table using
ESCt1.
You can also select the graphics character
table by changing a DIP switch setting. To
do this, turn off the power, set DIP switch
1-7 to on, then turn on the printer. See
Chapter 3.
Troubleshooting
7-8
Printing
Solution
Problem
Printed characters
are not what you
expected
(continued).
The wrong character table is selected. If
your application program is capable of
sending control codes, specify the italic
character table using ESC t 0.
Graphic characters or
lines are being printed
instead of the selected
italic characters.
You can also select the italic character
table by changing a DIP switch setting. To
do this, turn off the power, set DIP switch
1-7 to off; then turn on the power. See
Chapter 3.
The wrong international character set is
selected. If your application program is
capable of sending control codes, specify
the desired international character set
using ESC R n. See the description of
ESC R in Chapter 9.
The wrong
international
characters are being
printed.
You can also select the international
character table by changing DIP switch
settings. To do this, turn off the power
and set DIP switches 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 to
the correct positions for the character set
you want. See Chapter 3.
Troubleshooting 7-9
Printing
Solution
Problem
Printed characters
are not what you
expected
(continued).
The condensed mode may be set. Check
to see if the CONDENSED light on the
control panel is on. If it is lit, press the
CONDENSED button to cancel the mode.
The characters printed
are smaller than
expected.
Also, if your application program is
capable of sending control codes, you
can cancel the condensed mode by
sending the DC2 code to the printer. See
Chapter 9.
The typestyle selected
by SelecType is not
printed.
The software may not be properly
installed for your printer. Use the
program’s setup (or install) procedure to
check the printer settings and reset as
needed.
Your software may be overriding your
SelecType setting. If your program allows
you to change the printing style, software
control will override the SelecType
settings. For these application programs
use the program, not SelecType, to
change typestyles.
Characters cannot be
defined using ESC &
and ESC :
User-defined character mode may not be
selected. When defining characters, make
sure that DIP switch 2-5 is set to off.
7-10
Troubleshooting
Printing
Solution
Problem
The print position is
not what you
expected.
The loading position may be incorrect.
Use micro-adjustment to adjust the
loading position. See Chapter 3. If the
problem persists, check the top margin
set by your application software and
adjust it.
Printing starts too
high or too low on the
page
Auto line feed may be on. Turn off DIP
switch 2-4.
One line of printing
has taken up two lines.
The margin setting may not be correct.
Use your application program to change
the margin.
In BASIC, enter either of the following
statements:
WIDTH LPRINT 255
“LPT1” 255
If the printer still does not print properly,
set the right margin to the maximum
setting using ESC Q. See Chapter 9.
Troubleshooting
7-11
Printing
Solution
Problem
The print position is
not what you
expected
(continued).
Check the page length set by your
application software and adjust it if
necessary.
Page length does not
match the length of the
paper.
If you are using the cut sheet feeder, the
self test function prints the number of
printable lines that can fit on a single
sheet. Use this feature to determine the
correct page length setting. See Chapter 3.
One-inch skip over perforation may be
set. Set DIP switch 2-3 to off.
Regular gaps occur in
the printout.
The loading position of the paper may be
too high or too low. Use the micro-
adjustment feature to reset the loading
position so that the perforation is
centered within the skip area.
Skip over perforation is
set, but the perforation
does not fall in the
center of the skip.
Your application program may be setting
the top and bottom margins. If this is the
case, turn off skip over perforation by
setting DIP switch 2-3 to off.
7-12
Troubleshooting
Printing
Solution
Problem
The print position is
not what you
expected
(continued).
The printer is usually set for bidirectional
printing. This can cause a slight
Vertical printed lines
do not align or gaps
appear in lines or
graphics.
misalignment of graphics characters.
When precise printing of vertical lines is
necessary, contact your service center to
have them perform the bidirectional print
alignment adjustment or select the
unidirectional print mode by sending
ESC U or ESC < to the printer. You can
also select unidirectional printing by
setting DIP switch 2-6 to off.
Unidirectional printing is slightly slower.
See Chapter 9.
Note: Use the data dump mode to check data being sent from
the computer. In the data dump mode, data is printed in
hexadecimal format and in ASCII characters. See Data Dump
Mode in Chapter 3.
If the printer still does not print, try the self test described in
Chapter 1. If the self test works properly, the printer is all right, and
the problem probably lies in the computer, the software, or the
cable. If the self test does not work, contact the store where you
purchased your printer or call the Epson toll-free number (1-800-
922-8911).
7-13
Troubleshooting
Paper Handling
The following section guides you through problems in handling
single sheets and continuous paper. If you are having problems
using the optional cut sheet feeder or pull tractor, see the section on
options later in this chapter.
Solution
Problem
Single sheets do not
feed properly.
You may be trying to feed paper using
one of the control panel buttons while the
printer is on line (ON LINE light is on).
Press the ON LINE button once to set the
printer off line; then feed the paper. After
feeding the paper, press the ON LINE
button again to set the printer on line. See
Chapter 3.
The LOAD/EJECT
button was pressed,
but the platen did not
move and paper was
not fed.
The left edge guide may be set too far to
the right so that the paper detector cannot
sense it. Move the paper a little to the left.
The PAPER OUT light should go off.
7-14
Troubleshooting
Paper Handling
Solution
Problem
Single sheets do not
feed properly
(continued).
The paper release lever may be set in the
wrong position. Push paper release lever
back to the single-sheet position. See
Chapter 2.
The LOAD/EJECT
button was pressed and
the platen rotated, but
paper was not fed.
The left and right edge guides may be too
close together, preventing the paper from
feeding smoothly. Adjust the position of
the edge guides so that the paper can
move up and down freely. See Chapter 2.
The paper may not be firmly inserted.
When feeding thicker than normal paper,
press down lightly on the paper while
pressing the LOAD/EJECT button.
When the LOAD/EJECT
button is pressed, the
paper jams.
The cut sheet feeder mode may be turned
on (DIP switch 1-8 is on). When the cut
sheet feeder is not in use, DIP switch 1-8
should be off. See Chapter 3.
The edge guides may be too far apart.
Adjust the edge guides to the width of the
paper.
The dimensions of the paper may exceed
the specified limitations. Use only paper
sizes that are within the specified range.
Multi-part forms cannot be used with this
printer’s single-sheet feeding system. See
Chapter 8.
7-15
Troubleshooting
Paper Handling
Solution
Problem
Single sheets do not
feed properly
(continued).
The paper may have been between the
edge guides before the printer was turned
on. When loading single sheets, be sure
that paper is not in the paper guide before
you turn the printer on.
When the LOAD/EJECT
button is pressed, the
paper feeds through
and then out of the
printer.
The paper guide may not be attached, or
it may not be in the correct position.
When printing on single sheets, use the
paper guide in its upright position.
The paper feed is
crooked.
The paper may be dog-eared. Use new
paper.
The paper does not
fully eject.
You may be trying to eject the paper
using the FORM FEED button. Always
press the LOAD/EJECT button to eject the
paper.
The page length setting may be wrong. If
the page length is incorrectly set by your
software, the paper may not fully eject.
Check your software settings.
7-16
Troubleshooting
Paper Handling
Solution
Problem
Continuous paper
does not feed
properly.
You may be trying to feed paper using the
control panel buttons while the printer is
on line (ON LINE light on). Press the ON
LINE button once to set the printer off line,
then try feeding paper. After feeding
paper, press the ON LINE button again to
set the printer on line. See Chapter 3.
When the LOAD/EJECT
button is pressed, the
platen does not rotate
and paper does not
feed.
The paper release lever may be pushed
back to the single-sheet position. When
using the tractor, be sure the paper
release lever is pulled forward to the
continuous paper position. See Chapter 2.
Continuous paper may have already been
in the paper path. (In this case, the paper
feeds backward to the standby position.)
Press the LOAD/EJECT button again to load
the paper.
When the LOAD/EJECT
button is pressed, the
platen rotates but
paper does not feed.
Troubleshooting
7-17
Paper Handling
Solution
Problem
Continuous paper
does not feed
properly
(continued).
The paper feed is
crooked or the paper
jams.
The paper supply may be obstructed by a
cable or some other object. Make sure that
the paper feeds smoothly into the printer.
See Chapter 2.
Your supply of continuous paper may be
too far from the printer. Position your
paper supply within 3 feet (1 meter) of the
printer. See Chapter 2.
The paper may be caught on the edge
guides. When using continuous paper,
make sure that the paper guide is lowered
to the horizontal position and that the
edge guides are positioned as far apart as
possible. See Chapter 2.
The holes on the sides of the paper may not
be aligned with each other. Reposition the
paper on the tractor pins. See Chapter 2.
The sprocket units are incorrectly
positioned for the paper width. Move the
right sprocket unit to remove any slack
across the width of the paper. See Chapter 2.
The position of your paper supply may be
preventing it from feeding straight. See
Chapter 2.
7-18
Troubleshooting
Paper Handling
Solution
Problem
Continuous paper
does not feed
properly
(continued).
The paper feed is
crooked or the paper
jams (continued) .
The sprocket lock levers may be
unlocked, or the sprocket covers may be
open. Position the sprocket units to match
the width of your paper. Then, lock them
in place by pressing the sprocket lock
levers away from you. See Chapter 2.
The paper guide may be in the upright
position. When using continuous paper,
make sure that the paper guide is in the
lowered position so that it can act as a
paper separator. See Chapter 2.
The paper thickness lever may be in the
wrong position. For printing on ordinary
paper, always set the lever to position 2.
The paper dimensions may exceed the
specified limitations. Use only paper sizes
that are within the specified range. Your
printer can print on continuous multi-part
forms consisting of 1 original and 1 or 2
copies. See Chapter 8.
Regular gaps occur in
the printout.
Skip over perforation may be interfering
with your application program settings.
Set DIP switch 2-3 to off.
Troubleshooting
7-19
Paper Handling
Solution
Problem
Continuous paper
does not feed
properly
(continued).
The loading position of the paper may be
too high or too low. Use the micro-
adjustment to reset the loading position.
Skip over perforation is
set, but the perforation
does not fall in the
center of the skip.
The loading position of
the paper shifts slightly
while printing several
pages.
The paper you are trying to feed may be
too heavy for the built-in push tractor.
When highly accurate paper feed is
necessary, such as when printing carbon
copies, use the optional pull tractor.
The short tear-off function may be
After printing stops,
the paper automatically
feeds forward.
selected. When you resume printing, the
paper feeds backward to its loading
position. If you do not need this function,
set DIP switch 2-2 to off. See Chapter 3.
The short tear-off
There may still be data in the print buffer.
The short tear-off function works only if
the data in the print buffer is completely
printed and the next print position is at
the top of the next page.
function is selected
(DIP switch 2-2 is on),
but it does not work.
Your program may not be sending a form
feed command to the printer. At the end
of your program or the page, send a form
feed (FF). If you are using BASIC, be sure
to add a semicolon (;) after the FF code to
prevent any additional codes from being
sent to the printer.
7-20
Troubleshooting
Paper Handling
Solution
Problem
Continuous paper
does not feed
properly
(continued).
You may have tried to back feed too
many pages. Before ejecting the paper,
always tear off the last printed page. See
Chapter 3.
The LOAD/EJECT
button is pressed to
eject the paper, the
paper feed stops, and
paper does not fully
eject or it jams.
You may be trying to eject labels. Labels
may jam when they are fed backward, so
always use the FORM FEED button and
feed labels forward to eject them.
Switching between
single sheets and
continuous paper
cannot be
performed properly.
Pull the paper release lever forward to the
continuous paper position, set the paper,
then press the LOAD/EJECT button.
When the LOAD/EJECT
button is pressed to
load continuous paper,
the platen does not
rotate and the paper is
not loaded.
7-21
Troubleshooting
Paper Handling
Problem
Solution
Switching between
single sheets and
continuous paper
cannot be
performed properly
(continued).
The paper release lever
is correctly set for
continuous paper, but
when the LOAD/EJECT
button is pressed, the
platen rotates
A single sheet may be in the paper guide,
causing the continuous paper to back out
and to come off the sprockets. When
using continuous paper, always make
sure to remove any single sheets
remaining in the paper guide.
backward and the
paper comes off the
sprockets.
When the LOAD/EJECT
button is pressed to
load a single sheet from
the sheet guide, the
platen rotates in
The paper release lever may not be in the
proper position. Push the lever back to
the single-sheet position.
reverse, the single sheet
does not load, and the
continuous paper
comes off the sprockets.
7-22
Troubleshooting
Paper Handling
Solution
Problem
Switching between
single sheets and
continuous paper
cannot be
performed properly
(continued).
The continuous paper may not have fed
backward far enough to reach the standby
position before you changed the position
of the paper release lever. Remove the
jammed paper and try again. Also, check
that the PAPER OUT light comes on before
changing the position of the paper release
lever to make sure that the continuous
paper is completely ejected. When there is
more than one page to feed backward to
eject, you must press the LOAD/EJECT
button at least two times.
Even with the paper
release lever set
correctly to the single-
sheet position, the
single sheet and
continuous paper feed
together and jam.
The short tear-off
function does not
operate properly.
DIP switch 2-2, short tear-off mode, may
be set to off. Set DIP switch 2-2 to on to
turn on the short tear-off mode.
One page is completely
printed, but the paper
does not feed.
One page of data may not have been sent
to the printer. Finish the page by sending
a form feed code (FF) to the printer or by
sending enough line feed codes (LF) to
advance the remainder of the page.
Printing ended in the
middle of a page.
7-23
Troubleshooting
Options
Solution
Problem
Using the cut sheet
feeder, the paper
does not feed
properly.
You may be pressing the LOAD/EJECT
button while the printer is on line.
Always put the printer off line before
feeding the paper. Paper feeds
automatically when the cut sheet feeder
receives a print command from the
computer (only while the printer is on
line).
The LOAD/EJECT
button is pressed, but
the platen does not
move and the paper
does not feed.
After a print command
is sent from the
The printer may be off line. Press the ON
LINE button to put the printer on line.
computer, the platen
does not move and the
paper does not feed.
The cut sheet feeder mode may be off. Set
DIP switch 1-8 to on. If your program
allows you to use control codes, use ESC
EM 4 to set the cut sheet feeder mode. The
printer must be ready with no paper out
condition to receive this command. Send
the command with continuous paper
loaded and with the paper select lever in
the continuous position.
7-24
Troubleshooting
Options
Solution
Problem
Using the cut sheet
feeder, the paper
does not feed
properly
(continued).
DIP switch 1-8 is set to off. DIP switch 1-8
must be set to on in order to use the cut
sheet feeder. See Chapters 3 and 5.
After a print command
is sent from the
computer, the platen
rotates, but paper does
not feed. The PAPER
OUT light is on.
The cut sheet feeder may be incorrectly
installed on the printer. Remove and
reinstall the cut sheet feeder making sure
that the mounting notches are properly
mated with the pins on the printer. See
Chapter 5.
The cut sheet feeder may be out of paper.
Load more paper in the cut sheet feeder’s
bin.
The paper release lever may not be in the
single-sheet position. Push the lever back
to the single-sheet position. See Chapter 5.
The paper set levers may be pulled
forward. After loading a stack of paper in
the cut sheet feeder, push the paper set
levers backward. See Chapter 5.
The left and right paper guides may be
too close together, preventing smooth
paper feed. Adjust the position of the
paper guides so that the paper can move
up and down freely. See Chapter 5.
7-25
Troubleshooting
Options
Solution
Problem
Using the cut sheet
feeder, the paper
does not feed
properly
(continued).
Paper may be jammed near the print
head. Remove the paper jam (temporarily
remove the cut sheet feeder if necessary).
After a print command
is sent from the
computer, the platen
rotates, but paper does
not feed. The PAPER
OUT light is on
You may have loaded too many sheets in
the cut sheet feeder’s bin. Remove the
sheets. The bin can hold a maximum of
150 sheets.
(continued).
There may be only one sheet left in the
bin. The last sheet in the bin may not feed,
so add more paper.
You may have loaded too many sheets in
the cut sheet feeder’s bin. Remove the
sheets. The bin can hold a maximum of
150 sheets.
Two or more sheets
feed at the same time.
You may have forgotten to fan the stack
of paper before loading it into the bin.
Remove the paper and fan it. Then align
the edges of the stack. See Chapter 5.
7-26
Troubleshooting
Options
Solution
Problem
Using the cut sheet
feeder, the paper
does not feed
properly
(continued).
The paper may be old or creased. Discard
it and load new, clean sheets of paper.
The paper feed is
crooked.
The left and right paper guides may be
too far apart. Adjust the paper guides to
the width of the paper.
There may be too much outgoing paper.
Never let more than 80 sheets of outgoing
paper accumulate while printing.
The weight of your paper may be too
heavy or too light for the cut sheet feeder.
Refer to the specifications in Chapter 8
and make sure that your paper is the
proper size and quality.
You tried to manually
insert a single sheet,
but instead paper was
fed from the cut sheet
feeder’s bin.
The single sheet may have been inserted
in the wrong place. Check it and try
again. See Chapter 5.
Paper may feed from the bin if you try to
insert several single sheets. To insert
several single sheets, pull the paper set
lever forward.
7-27
Troubleshooting
Options
Solution
Problem
Using the cut sheet
feeder, the paper
does not feed
properly
(continued).
The page length setting may be wrong.
Run a self test in cut sheet feeder mode.
The printer will automatically measure
the paper loaded and set the correct page
length. See Chapter 5.
One page of printing
has spread to two
pages.
You may have to change the top or
bottom margin or page length for your
application program.
Using the pull
tractor with the
push tractor,
continuous paper
does not feed
properly.
The FORM FEED or
LINE FEED button was
pressed, but the paper
does not feed at all.
Platen does not
rotate.)
The printer may be on line. Before using
the control panel buttons to feed paper,
always put the printer off line (ON LINE
light out).
7-28
Troubleshooting
Options
Solution
Problem
Using the pull
tractor with the
push tractor,
continuous paper
does not feed
properly
(continued).
Paper feed is crooked or
the paper jams.
Something may be obstructing the paper
feed, like an object on top of the paper
stack or a cable caught on the paper.
Make sure that nothing prevents the
smooth flow of paper and position the
paper so that it feeds straight in line with
the sprockets.
The supply of paper may be too far from
the printer. Position the paper supply so
that it is less than three feet or one meter
away.
The paper may be caught on the edge
guides. When using continuous paper,
make sure that the paper guide is folded
backwards over the paper and that the
edge guides are moved to each edge of
the paper guide. See Chapter 2.
The pull tractor and push tractor
sprockets are not aligned correctly. When
using both tractors, be sure that the
sprockets on both are positioned evenly.
Troubleshooting
7-29
Options
Solution
Problem
Using the pull
tractor with the
push tractor,
continuous paper
does not feed
properly
(continued).
Paper feed is crooked or
the paper jams
(continued).
The paper may be slack. Adjust the
position of the sprockets to take up any
slack along the width of the paper.
Remove slack lengthwise by pressing in
and rotating the pull tractor knob on the
right. Do not turn the platen knob.
The paper thickness lever may not be
correctly set. Set the paper thickness lever
to match the thickness of your paper.
The paper may not meet the
specifications. Check that your paper is
the proper size, weight, and thickness.
Skip over perforation may be set. Set DIP
switch 2-3 to off.
Several lines of space
occur in the printout.
Skip over perforation is
set, but the skip has
shifted from the
perforation, or the
perforation does not
fall in the center of the
skip.
The loading position of the paper may be
too high or too low. Use the micro-
adjustment feature to reset the loading
position.
Troubleshooting
7-30
Options
Problem
Solution
Using the pull
tractor with the
push tractor,
continuous paper
does not feed
properly
(continued).
When the printing
ends the paper feeds
abruptly, and as it
resumes printing, the
paper feeds backward
and comes off the pull
tractor sprockets.
The short tear-off function may be
selected. The short tear-off function
cannot be used with the pull tractor, so be
sure to set DIP switch 2-2 to off. See
Chapter 3.
When the LOAD/EJECT
button is pressed to
eject the paper, the
paper comes off the pull
tractor sprockets.
When the paper release lever is in the
continuous paper position, the paper
feeds backward to eject. When using the
pull tractor, press the FORM FEED button
to feed the paper forward to eject.
Troubleshooting
7-31
Options
Solution
Problem
Using the font
module, the
module’s fonts do
not print.
The font module may not be fully
inserted in the slot. Check it and insert the
module properly if necessary.
The font module is set,
but the fonts in the
module do not print.
The font module may be inserted the
wrong way. Align the (>) marks on the
module and the slot and insert it
properly.
The font in the module may not be
correctly selected. Select the slot by
pressing the FONT button on the control
panel.
If your program allows you to use control
codes, use ESC k command to select the
font.
Using an optional
interface, the printer
does not operate
properly.
The interface board may be loose or not
properly connected. Check that the
interface board is correctly inserted into
the connector on the main board.
The printer does not
print or the printout is
not what you expected.
7-32
Troubleshooting
Options
Solution
Problem
Using an optional
interface, the printer
does not operate
properly
(continued).
You may be trying to use an interface
with the wrong specification. Check the
specifications to make sure that you can
use the interface with this printer.
The printer does not
print or the printout is
not what you expected
(continued).
You may be trying to use a cable with the
wrong specification. Make sure that the
cable matches the specifications of the
interface.
The DIP switches or jumpers on the
interface board may be set wrong. See the
interface manual for the correct settings.
The interface settings on the computer
may be wrong. See your computer
manual for the correct settings.
The computer and interface settings may
not match. Match the settings for each
condition.
Two cables may be installed on the
printer; only one cable may be attached at
any time.
7-33
Troubleshooting
Options
If the printer still does not operate properly after checking the above
points, run a self test of the interface to make sure that there are no
on-board defects. If any abnormality is found, call the Epson
Consumer Information Center at 1-800-922-8911 for assistance.
7-34
Troubleshooting
Chapter 8
Technical Specifications
8-2
8-2
8-4
8-7
8-8
8-8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Specifications
Printing..
Paper
Mechanical
Electrical
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environment.
8-9
8-9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interface Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . .
Pin Assignments for the Parallel Interface
8-11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interface Timing.
Printing Enabled /Disabled Signals
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8-12
and Control Conditions
8-13
8-13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Option Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Single-bin Cut Sheet Feeder.
8-15
8-15
Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Specifications 8-1
Printer Specifications
Printing
24-pin impact dot matrix
Print method:
Print speed:
Characters per inch
Characters/second/line
Quality
Draft
150
180
50
10
12
10
12
LQ
60
Printing direction:
Bidirectional logic-seeking for text
printing. Unidirectional for graphics (can
also be switched to bidirectional by using
the proper software command when DIP
switch 2-6 is on).
Line spacing:
1/6 inch or programmable in increments of
1/360th of an inch
2.2 inches per set
(100 ms/line)
Paper feed speed:
(continuous feed)
Single sheet:
Continuous: 2.2 inches per set
(100 ms/line)
8-2
Technical Specifications
Printer Specifications
Printable columns:
Maximum printed characters
Character spacing
10cpi
80
137
96
10 cpi condensed
12 cpi
160
12 cpi condensed
8 KB/1KB
Input buffer:
(DIP switch selectable)
LQ Epson Courier
LQ Epson Prestige
LQ Epson Script
LQ Epson OCR-B
LQ Epson OCR-A
LQ Epson Orator
LQ Epson Orator-S
Optional fonts:
Character fonts:
Font
Available sizes
(Characters per inch)
Epson Draft
10,12,15
Epson Roman
Epson Sans Serif
I 10, 12, 15, Proportional I
10, 12, 15, Proportional
Characters:
96 standard ASCII character set (including
italic characters)
15 international character sets
Epson Extended Graphics character set
Technical Specifications 8-3
Printer Specifications
Paper
7.2 to 10.1 inches
(182 to 257 mm)
4 to 10 inches
(101 to 254 mm)
6.5 or 9.5 inches
(166 or 240 mm)
21/2xl5/16inches
Single sheet
Continuous
Envelope
Labels
Paper width:
(continuous (minimum)
(63.5 x 23.8 mm)
only)
7.2 to 14.3 inches
(182 to 364 mm)
Single sheet
Paper Length:
Printable area:
Single sheet
0.33 inches (8.5 mm) or more
0.12 inches (3 mm)
or more
0.22 inches (3 mm)
or more
Printable area
0.53 inches (13.5 mm) or more
Technical Specifications
8-4
Printer Specifications
Continuous paper
I
Printable area
l
0.35 inches (9 mm)
..
l
;
.
,
Printable area
.
0.51 inches (13 mm) or more (both sides) when the 4 to 9.5 inch
(101 mm to 242 mm) width paper is used.
0.98 inches (25 mm) or more (both sides) when the 10 inch (254 mm)
width paper is used.
Envelope
0.33 inches (8.5 mm)
or more
0.12 inches (3 mm)
or more
Note: Envelope printing is only available at normal temperature.
Load the envelope with its long side horizontal.
Technical Specifications 8-5
Printer Specifications
14 lb to 24 lb
14 lb to 22 lb
12 lb to 15 lb per sheet.
Maximum number sheets = 3
12 lb to 24 lb
Single Sheet
Continuous
Multi-part
forms
Paper weight:
Envelope
0.0025 to 0.0055 inches
(0.065 to 0.14 mm)
0.0025 to 0.01 inches
(0.065 to 0.25 mm)
0.0063 to 0.0197 inches
(0.16 to 0.52 mm)
Single Sheet
Continuous
Envelope
Paper thickness:
0.01 inches
Label
(Maximum 0.28 mm)
(with
backing)
Up to 3 sheets including the original.
Total thickness must not exceed 0.01 inches
(0.25 mm).
Copy capacity:
l
l
24 lb paper printing is only available at normal temperature.
Labels with a pressure-sensitive paper joined by line or dot
glue and with a total thickness less than or equal to 0.0118
inches (0.3 mm) can be printed out under conditions of 40°F to
95°F (5°C to 35°C) and 10% to 80% humidity.
Technical Specifications
8-6
Printer Specifications
Mechanical
Paper feeding methods: Friction
Push tractor
Cut sheet feeder (optional)
Pull tractor (optional)
Cartridge ribbon, available in black:
#7753
Ribbon:
#7768 (film)
#7753: 2,000,000 characters
(in Letter Quality characters,
at 48 dots/character)
Life expectancy
of ribbon:
#7768: 200,000 characters
(in Letter Quality characters,
at 48 dots/character)
For all components excluding print head:
3,000,000 lines
MCBF:
4000 power on hours (duty 25%)
200,000,000 strokes/wire
MTBF:
Print head life:
Dimensions and weight: (excluding knobs and paper guides)
5.51 inches (139.9 mm)
16.46 inches (418.0 mm)
13.66 inches (347.0 mm)
13 lbs (6 kg approx.)
Height:
Width:
Depth:
Weight:
Technical Specifications 8-7
Printer Specifications
Electrical
Voltage:
120 VAC ± 10%
Power consumption:
Frequency:
100 watts maximum
50 ± 0.5 Hz, 60 ± 0.5 Hz
Insulation resistance:
10 Mohms between AC power line
and chassis
Dielectric strength
(between AC line and
chassis):
Can withstand 1.25 kV rms
applied for one minute
Environment
Temperature:
Operation:
Storage:
40°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C)
-22°F to 140°F (-30°C to 60°C)
Humidity:
Shock:
Operation:
Storage:
10% to 80% (noncondensing)
5% to 85% (noncondensing)
Operation:
Storage:
Up to 1 G within 1 ms
Up to 2 G within 1 ms
Vibration:
Operation angle:
Operation:
Storage:
Up to 0.25 G at up to 55 Hz
Up to 0.50 G at up to 55 Hz
Less than 15° (without cut sheet feeder)
0° (with cut sheet feeder)
8-8
Technical Specifications
Interface Specifications
Your printer is equipped with an 8-bit parallel interface. For
specifications on optional interfaces, refer to their manuals.
Pin Assignments for the Parallel Interface
Connector pin assignments and a description of their respective
interface signals are shown in the following table.
Signal Return
Direction Description
Signal
Pin
Pin
STROBE pulse to read data. Pulse
STROBE
IN
1
19
width must be more than 0.5
microseconds at the receiving terminal.
These signals represent information of
the 1st to 8th bits of parallel data,
respectively. Each signal is at HIGH
level when data is logical 1 and LOW
when it is logical 0.
DATA 1
DATA 2
DATA 3
DATA 4
DATA 5
DATA 6
DATA 7
DATA 8
IN
IN
IN
IN
IN
IN
IN
IN
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
About an 11-microsecond pulse. LOW
indicates that data has been received
and that the printer is ready to accept
more data.
ACKNLG
28
OUT
10
A HIGH signal indicates that the printer
cannot receive data. The signal goes
HIGH in the following cases:
1) During data entry (ea. char. time)
2) During printing
BUSY
11
29
OUT
3) When off line
4) During printer-error state
A HIGH signal indicates that the printer
is out of paper.
OUT
12
30
PE
Technical Specifications 8-9
Interface Specifications
printer controller is reset to its power-up
state and the print buffer is cleared. This
level is normally HIGH; its pulse width
must be more than 50 microseconds at
the receiving terminal.
ERROR
This level becomes LOW when the
printer is:
1) in paper out state.
2) off line.
OUT
32
-
-
-
3) in error state.
GND
NC
-
-
-
Same as for Pins 19-30.
Not used.
33
34
35
-
Pulled up to 5V through 3.3 Kohm
resistance.
OUT
SLCT IN IN
The DC1/DC3 code is valid only when
this signal is HIGH. (Internal fixing can
be carried out with Jumper J10. The
level of this signal is factory-set to
, LOW.)
36
8-10
Technical Specifications
Interface Specifications
The column heading “Direction” refers to the direction of signal
flow as viewed from the printer.
“Return” denotes the twisted-pair return, to be connected at
signal ground level. For the interface wiring, be sure to use a
twisted-pair cable for each signal and to complete the connection
on the return side. These cables should be shielded and
connected to the chassis of the host computer and the printer.
All interface conditions are based on TTL level. Both the rise and
the fall times of each signal must be less than 0.2 microseconds.
Data transfer must be carried out by observing the ACKNLG or
BUSY signal. Data transfer to this printer can be carried out only
after receipt of the ACKNLG signal or when the level of the
BUSY signal is LOW.
Interface Timing
The figure below shows the timing for the parallel interface.
BUSY
ACKNLG
Technical Specifications
8-11
Interface Specifications
Printing Enabled/Disabled Signals and Control Conditions
The table below shows the relationship between printing being
enabled or disabled, the on line/off line status, and the receipt of the
data on/off control characters, DC1 or DC3.
ON LINE
(Indicator
on)
ACKNLG Printing
(Disabled/
SLCTIN DC1/DC3 ERROR BUSY
(Data
on/off
control)
enabled)
Low (J10 DC1/DC3 High
interface) (no effect)
High/Low Pulsed
Enabled
(normal
cond.)
ea. char.
on line
on line
off line
High
High
High
High
DC1
Recv’d
High/Low Pulsed
ea. char.
Enabled
DC3
Recv’d
High/Low Pulsed
ea. char.
Disabled*
Disabled
High
High/Low DC1/DC3 Low
(no effect) (no effect)
Not
generated
* While printing is disabled, character data is being received and
acknowledged so that the printer can look for another DC1
character, which would allow it to resume printing.
8-12
Technical Specifications
Option Specifications
Single-bin Cut Sheet Feeder (Optional)
Dimensions and weight: 17.5 in (W) x 17.1 in (D) x 16.7 in (H)
(444 mm (W) x 434 mm (D) x 423 mm (H))
(mounted on the printer)
approx. 2.4 lb (1.1 kg)
Single sheet: Up to 150 sheets of 22 lb
Up to 100 sheets of 17 lb
Bin capacity:
Up to 100 sheets of 24 lb
(Total thickness should not exceed
9/32 inches or 15 mm)
Single sheet: Up to 80 sheets of 22 lb
Up to 100 sheets of 17 lb
Stacker capacity:
MCBF:
Up to 55 sheets of 24 lb
100,000 cycles
Temperature
Environmental
condition:
Operation:
Storage:
40°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C)
-22°F to 140°F (-30°C to 60°C)
Humidity
Operation:
Storage:
15% to 80% (noncondensing)
5% to 85% (noncondensing)
Technical Specifications
8-13
Option Specifications
7.17 to 8.50 inches
(182 to 216 mm)
Width
Paper:
8.27 to 14.30 inches
(257 to 364 mm)
Length
0.0028 to 0.0055 inches
(0.07 to 0.14 mm)
Thickness
Weight
17 lb to 24 lb
(64 g/m2 to 90 g/m2)
Printable area
0.33 inches (8.5 mm) or more
0.12 inches (3 mm)
or more
0.12 inches (3 mm)
or more
Printable area
0.53 inches (13.5 mm) or more
l
24 lb paper printing is only available at normal temperature.
Paper feed accuracy cannot be assured within 0.9” (22 mm) from
either the top or bottom edges of the paper.
Temperature 65°F to 70°F
(18°C to 22°C)
Storage condition:
Humidity
40% to 60%
8-14
Technical Specifications
Initialization
There are two ways that the printer can be initialized (returned to
the default settings) through the hardware and one way through the
software. These are described in the following table:
Hardware initialization
Software initialization
Default Settings
l
l
The power is turned on.
The printer receives an INIT signal at th
parallel interface (pin 31 goes LOW).
l
The software sends the ESC @
(initialize the printer) command.
The table below shows the default conditions that become valid
when the printer is initialized.
Item
Reset to:
Top of form position
Left and right margins
Line spacing
Current paper position
Cancelled
16-inch line spacing
Cleared
Vertical tab position
Horizontal tab positions
VFU channel
Every eight characters
Channel 0
Font selection
Hardware: The current DIP switch setting
Software: The current SelecType setting
Condensed mode
Hardware: The current DIP switch setting
Software: The current SelecType setting
Character spacing
Justification
The current DIP switch setting
Left justification
Special printing effects
Graphic mode assignment
Cancelled (except condensed printing)
ESCK=ESC*0,ESCL=ESC*1,
ESCY=ESC*2,ESCZ=ESC*3
Technical Specifications
8-15
Initialization
Also, the data buffer is cleared when the printer is initialized by
turning on the power or by an INIT signal.
Note: The user-defined character set is not cleared when the
printer is initialized with the software command (ESC @).
Technical Specifications
8-16
Chapter 9
Command Summary
9-2
9-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Command Summary.
Control Key Chart
9-5
Commands in Numerical Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Commands Arranged by Topic.
9-8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Operation.
9-11
9-12
9-13
9-19
9-22
9-24
9-28
9-33
9-34
9-36
9-38
MSB Control.................................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Control.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Motion
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horizontal Motion.
Overall Printing Style
Print Size and Character Width.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print Enhancement
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Word Processing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Tables
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
User-defined Characters.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphics
Command Summary 9-1
Using the Command Summary
This chapter lists and describes all the commands available on your
printer.
The first part of this chapter lists all commands in numerical order
and gives the number of the page where each is fully described. If
you know which command you are looking for, consult the
numerical list.
Note: The Quick Reference card at the end of the book also
contains a list of the commands divided by topic, with page
number references that direct you to full explanations of the
commands.
The second part of this chapter lists and describes each command
separately; the commands are divided into the following subjects:
Print size and character width
Print enhancement
Word processing
Character sets
User-defined characters
Graphics
Printer operation
MSB control
Data control
Vertical motion
Horizontal motion
Overall printing style
Each command description has a format section and a comment
section. The format section gives the ASCII, decimal, and
hexadecimal values for the command. These three formats are
equivalent, and it should be easy to pick the one most suited to your
purpose. The comment section describes the effect of the command
and gives any additional information necessary for using it.
Note: Some application programs use control key sequences. See
the Control Key chart on page 9-4.
Command Summary
9-2
Using the Command Summa y
The simplest type of command consists of a single character to be
sent to the printer. For instance, to print in condensed mode, the
code format is:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
SI
15
Hexadecimal: 0F
This code can be sent from a program by sending the code 15
directly.
More complex commands consist of two or more character codes.
For example, to print in double-wide mode, the code format is the
following:
ESC
27
1B
W
87
57
n
n
n
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
In this case n can be either 1 (on) or 0 (off), to begin or end double-
wide printing. You can use either of the following commands to
turn on double-wide print from BASIC:
LPRINT CHR$(27);CHR$(87);CHR$(1)
LPRINT CHR$(27);"W";CHR$(1)
For the following commands that use only 0 or 1 for the variable,
either the decimal or hexadecimal values 1 and 0 or the ASCII
characters 1 and 0 can be used:
ESC U, ESC x, ESC p, ESC W, ESC S, ESC-, and ESC %
For example, in BASIC you can turn on proportional spacing with
either of these statements:
LPRINT CHR$(27);"p";CHR$(1)
LPRINT CHR$(27);"p";"1"
Command Summary 9-3
Using the Command Summa y
Control Key Chart
Some application programs use control key codes for decimal values
0-27. The table below gives you the proper values. The Control Key
column indicates that you press the control key at the same time
you press the key for the letter or symbol in that column. For
example, you press the control key and A at the same time to send
the value 1.
Some application programs that use this system cannot use
Control-@, and many programs use the control keys for other
purposes.
Dec.
Hex.
Hex.
Ctrl. Key
Dec.
Ctrl. Key
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
00
01
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
0E
0F
10
11
N
O
P
Q
R
S
@
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
0A
0B
0C
0D
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
1A
1B
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
9
10
11
12
13
J
K
L
M
[
9-4
Command Summary
Commands in Numerical Order
The following list shows control codes and ESC sequences with
their decimal and hexadecimal values, and the page where the
description of the command can be found.
Page
Hex. Description
ASCII
Dec.
Beeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Backspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Tab Horizontally . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Line Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Tab Vertically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
Form Feed.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Carriage Return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Select Double-wide Mode
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
07
08
09
0A
0B
0C
0D
0E
BEL
BS
HT
LF
VT
FF
CR
s o
(one line) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Select Condensed Mode . . . . . . . 9-25
Select Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Cancel Condensed Mode . . . . . . 9-26
Deselect Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Cancel Double-wide Mode
SI
15
17
18
19
20
0F
11
12
13
14
DC1
DC2
DC3
DC4
(one line) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Cancel Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Delete Character. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Select Double-wide Mode
24
127
14
CAN
DEL
ESC SO
18
7F
0E
(one line) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Select Condensed Mode . . . . . . . 9-26
Control Cut Sheet Feeder . . . . . . 9-10
Set Intercharacter Space . . . . . . . 9-33
Master Select. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Cancel MSB Control. . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
Set Absolute Print Position. . . . . 9-20
Select User-defined Set . . . . . . . . 9-37
Define User-defined Characters 9-36
Select Score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
ESC SI
ESC EM
ESC SP
ESC !
ESC #
ESC $
ESC %
ESC &
ESC ( -
15
25
32
33
35
36
37
38
40
0F
19
20
21
23
24
25
26
28
Command Summary 9-5
Commands in Numerical Order
Page
Hex.
ASCII
Dec.
Description
9-39
9-15
. . . . . . . . .
2A
2B
2D
42
43
45
Select Graphics Mode
ESC *
ESC +
ESC -
. . .
Set n/360-inch Line Spacing.
Turn Underline Mode
On/Off.
9-32
9-18
9-15
9-15
9-16
9-34
9-35
9-37
9-37
9-36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . .
. . .
. . .
47
48
50
51
52
53
54
55
58
60
2F
30
32
33
34
35
36
37
3A
3C
Select Vertical Tab Channel
Select 1/8-inch Line Spacing
Select 1/6-inch Line Spacing
Set n/180-inch Line Spacing.
ESC /
ESC 0
ESC 2
ESC 3
ESC 4
ESC 5
ESC 6
ESC 7
ESC :
. . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . .
Select Italic Mode
Cancel Italic Mode
Enable Printable Characters
Enable Upper Control Codes
. . .
. . . . . . . . . . .
Copy ROM to RAM
Select Unidirectional Mode
ESC<
9-9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(one line)
9-11
9-11
9-40
9-8
ESC=
ESC>
ESC?
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
67
68
69
70
71
72
74
75
3D
3E
3F
40
41
42
43
43
44
45
46
47
48
4A
4B
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . .
Set MSB to 0
Set MSB to 1
Reassign Graphics Mode
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Initialize Printer
ESC@
ESC A
ESCB
ESC C
ESC C0
ESC D
ESC E
ESCF
ESCG
ESCH
9-16
9-17
9-13
9-13
9-22
9-28
9-28
9-29
9-29
9-16
. . . .
Set n/60-inch Line Spacing.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . .
Set Vertical Tabs
Set Page Length in Lines.
Set Page Length in Inches.
. . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . .
Set Horizontal Tabs
Select Emphasized Mode
Cancel Emphasized Mode
Select Double-strike Mode
Cancel Double-strike Mode
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . .
Perform n/180-inch Line Feed. .
Select Single-density Graphics
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mode
Select Double-density Graphics
ESC J
ESCK
9-38
ESCL
76
77
4C
4D
9-38
9-24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mode
Select 12 CPI
ESCM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9-6
Command Summary
Commands in Numerical Order
Page
Description
Hex.
Dec.
ASCII
Set Skip Over Perforation . . . . . . 9-14
Cancel Skip Over Perforation. .. 9-14
Select 10 CPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Set Right Margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Select an International
4E
4F
50
51
78
79
80
81
82
ESC N
ESC O
ESC P
ESC Q
ESC R
52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Set.
9-35
Select Superscript Mode . . . . . . . 9-29
Select Subscript Mode . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Cancel Superscript/Subscript
53
53
54
83
83
84
ESC S0
ESC S1
ESCT
Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Turn Unidirectional Mode
55
57
59
5A
85
87
89
90
ESC U
ESC W
ESC Y
ESC Z
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On/Off
Turn Double-wide Mode
9-10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On/Off.
9-27
Select High-speed Double-density
Graphics Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Select Quadruple-density
Graphics Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Set Relative Print Position . . . . . 9-21
Select Justification . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Set Vertical Tabs in Channels. .. 9-18
Select 15 CPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Select Typestyle Family. . . . . . . . 9-23
Set Left Margin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Turn Proportional Mode
92
97
98
103
107
108
112
5C
61
ESC \
ESC a
ESC b
62
67
6B
6C
70
ESC g
ESCk
ESC1
ESCp
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On/Off.
9-25
71
74
77
Select Character Style . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Select Character Table . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Turn Double-high Mode
113
116
119
ESC q
ESC t
ESC w
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On/Off.
9-28
78
Select Letter Quality or Draft . . . 9-22
ESC x
120
Command Summary 9-7
Commands Arranged by Topic
This following section lists and describes all the commands by topic.
See the Quick Reference card at the back of this book for a handy list
of commands by topic.
Printer Operation
Initialize Printer
ESC @
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC
27
1B
@
64
40
Comments:
Resets the printer mode and clears the current print line
preceding the command.
Select Printer
DC1
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
DC1
17
H e x a d e c i m a l : 1 1
Comments:
Returns the printer to the selected state if it has been deselected
by the printer deselect code (DC3). It does not select the printer if
it has been switched off line by the ON LINE button.
9-8
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Deselect Printer
DC3
Format:
DC3
19
ASCII code:
Decimal:
H e x a d e c i m a l : 1 3
Comments:
Puts the printer into the deselected state until the select printer
code @C1) is received. The printer cannot be reselected with the
ON LINE button.
Delete Character
DEL
Format:
DEL
127
ASCII code:
Decimal:
H e x a d e c i m a l : 7 F
Comments:
Removes the last text character on the print line but does not
affect control codes.
Select Unidirectional Mode (one line)
ESC <
Format:
ESC
27
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
1B
3C
Comments:
Printing is normally bidirectional. This command selects
unidirectional printing for one line only. (It is cancelled by a
carriage return.) The print head moves to the extreme left (home)
position and printing takes place from left to right. Overrides the
DIP switch setting.
Command Summary 9-9
Commands Arranged by Topic
Turn Unidirectional Mode On/Off
ESC U
Format:
ESC
27
1B
U
85
55
n
n
n
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
The following values can be used for n:
1: Turns the mode on
0: Turns the mode off
Printing is normally bidirectional. This command selects
unidirectional printing for more accurate positioning. This setting
can also be performed by SelecType.
Control Cut Sheet Feeder
ESC EM
Format:
ESC
27
EM
25
n
n
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
1B
19 n
Comments:
The following values can be used for n:
0: Turns mode off
4: Turns mode on
R: Ejects a sheet. (No paper is loaded.)
The command should not be used unless the cut sheet feeder is
installed. It is ignored if any value other than 0, 4, or R is used
for n.
The cut sheet feeder mode can also be turned on and off by
setting DIP switch 1-8.
9-10
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
MSB Control
MSB means the Most Significant Bit. MSB control (ESC =, ESC >,
and ESC #) does not work for graphics or user-defined characters.
Set MSB to 0
ESC =
Format:
ESC
27
ASCII code:
Decimal:
61
Hexadecimal:
1B
3D
Comments:
Sets the MSB of all incoming data to 0. Some computers always
send data with the MSB set to 1, which means that italics or
character graphics are always printed. ESC = can overcome this
problem.
Set MSB to 1
ESC >
Format:
ESC
27
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
1B
3E
Comments:
Sets the MSB bit of all incoming data as 1.
Cancel MSB Control
ESC #
Format:
ASCII code:
ESC
27
1B
#
35
23
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Cancels the MSB control set by ESC = or ESC >.
9-11
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Beeper
BEL
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
BEL
7
H e x a d e c i m a l : 0 7
Comments:
Sounds the printer’s beeper.
Data Control
Carriage Return
CR
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
CR
13
H e x a d e c i m a l : 0 D
Comments:
Prints the data in the print buffer and returns the print position to
the left margin. A line feed is added if the AUTO FEED XT line on
the parallel interface is held LOW.
CAN
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Cancel Line
CAN
24
H e x a d e c i m a l : 1 8
Comments:
Clears all text on the print line, but does not affect control codes.
9-12
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Vertical Motion
Form Feed
FF
Format:
FF
12
ASCII code:
Decimal:
H e x a d e c i m a l : 0 C
Comments:
Prints the data in the print buffer and advances the paper to the
top of the next form according to the current page length. When
using a cut sheet feeder, FF ejects the sheet into the stacker.
Set Page Length in Lines
ESC C
Format:
ESC
27
1B
C
67
43
n
n
n
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Sets the page length to
n
lines in the current line spacing. The
value of n must be from 1 to 127 lines. The top of form position is
reset to the current line.
Overrides the DIP switch page length setting.
Set Page Length in Inches
ESC C0
Format:
ESC
27
1B
C
67
43
0
0
00
n
n
n
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Sets the page length to n inches. The value of n must be from 1 to
22. The top of form position is reset to the current line.
Overrides the DIP switch page length setting.
9-13
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Set Skip Over Perforation
ESC N
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC
27
1B
N
78
4E
n
n
n
Comments:
The variable n is the number of lines skipped between the last line
printed on one page and the first line to print on the next page.
For example, with the standard setting for line spacing (1/6-inch),
and page length (66 lines), ESC N 6 prints 60 lines and then skips
6. This setting is cancelled by ESC O, ESC C, or ESC C 0. The
value of n must be from 1 to 127.
Overrides the DIP switch setting for l-inch skip over perforation.
Cancel Skip Over Perforation
ESC O
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
E S C
27
1B
O
79
4F
Comments:
Cancels the skip over perforation set by ESC N. Overrides the DIP
switch setting for l-inch skip over perforation.
LF
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Line Feed
LF
10
H e x a d e c i m a l : 0 A
Comments:
When this command is received, the data in the print buffer is
printed and the paper advances one line in the current line
spacing.
9-14
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Select 1/8-inch Line Spacing
ESC 0
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC
27
1B
0
48
30
Comments:
Sets the line spacing to 1/8 of an inch for subsequent line feed
commands. The 0 is the digit zero and not ASCII code 0.
ESC 2
Format:
ASCII code:
Select 1/64-inch Line Spacing
ESC
27
2
50
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
1B
32
Comments:
Sets the line spacing to 1/6 of an inch for subsequent line feed
commands. The 2 is the digit two and not ASCII code 2. This line
spacing is the default at power on.
ESC +
Format:
ASCII code:
Set n/360-inch Line Spacing
ESC
27
1B
+
43
2B
n
n
n
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Sets line spacing to n/360 of an inch for subsequent line feed
commands. The value of n must be from 0 to 255.
Command Summary
9-15
Commands Arranged by Topic
Set n/180-inch Line Spacing
ESC 3
Format:
n
ESC
27
3
ASCII code:
Decimal:
51 n
H e x a d e c i m a l : 1 B 3 3 n
Comments:
Sets the line spacing to n/180 of an inch for subsequent line feed
commands. The 3 is the digit three and not ASCII code 3. The
value of n must be from 0 to 255.
Set n/60-inch Line Spacing
ESC A
Format:
ESC
27
1B
A
65
41
n
n
n
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Sets the line spacing to n/60 of an inch for subsequent line feed
commands. The value of n must be from 0 to 85.
Perform n/180-inch Line Feed
ESC J
Format:
n
n
n
ESC
27
1B
J
74
4A
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Advances the paper n/180 of an inch. The value of n must be
from 0 to 255. This command produces an immediate line feed
but does not affect subsequent line spacing and does not produce
a carriage return.
9-16
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Tab Vertically
VT
Format:
VT
11
ASCII code:
Decimal:
H e x a d e c i m a l : 0 B
Comments:
Advances the paper to the next vertical tab position in the channel
selected by ESC /. If no channel has been selected, channel 0 is
used. If no vertical tabs have been set, the paper advances one
line.
ESC B
Format:
ASCII code:
Set Vertical Tabs
ESC
27
1B
B
66
42
n1
n1
n1
n2
n2
n2
.
.
.
0
0
.
.
.
.
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
.
.
00
Comments:
Sets up to 16 vertical tabs in the current line spacing. Tab settings
are not affected by subsequent changes in line spacing. The tab
settings are entered as n1, n2, etc.-all from 1 to 225, in ascending
order. The 0 value (null) indicates the end of the command. All
settings are stored in channel 0 (see ESC b). ESC B 0 clears the tab
settings.
Command Summary
9-17
Commands Arranged by Topic
Set Vertical Tabs in Channels
ESC b
Format:
ESC
27
b
98
c
c
n1
n1
n2
n2
.
.
.
.
.
.
0
0
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
1B
62
c
n1
n2
.
.
.
00
Comments:
Functions the same as ESC B, except that the variable c selects a
channel for the vertical tabs, which must be from 0 to 7.
Therefore, up to eight sets of vertical tabs can be set. The channels
are selected by ESC /. To clear the tabs in channel c, use ESC b c 0.
Select Vertical Tab Channel
ESC /
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC
27
1B
/
47
2F
c
c
c
Comments:
This command is used to select the vertical tab channel, with the
value of c from 0 to 7. All subsequent VT commands use the
channel selected by this command. If no channel has been
selected, channel 0 is used.
9-18
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Horizontal Motion
Set Left Margin
ESC 1
Format:
n
n
n
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC
27
1B
1
108
6C
Comments:
Sets the left margin to n columns in the current character size.
Settings made in the proportional mode are treated as 10 cpi. This
command clears previous tab settings and all previous characters
in the print line. Use lowercase 1 (as in left), not the numeral one.
The minimum space between the margins is the width of one
double-wide 10 cpi character.
Set Right Margin
ESC Q
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC
27
1B
Q
81
51
n
n
n
Comments:
Sets the right margin to n columns in the current character size.
Settings made in the proportional mode are treated as 10 cpi. This
command clears previous tab settings and all previous characters
in the print line. The minimum space between the margins is the
width of one double-wide 10 cpi character.
Command Summary
9-19
Commands Arranged by Topic
Backspace
BS
Format:
BS
8
ASCII code:
Decimal:
H e x a d e c i m a l : 0 8
Comments:
Prints out data in the print buffer, then moves the print position
one space to the left. Backspacing is possible up to, but not
beyond, the left margin setting. The BS code is ignored if ESC a2
or ESC a3 has been sent.
Set Absolute Print Position
ESC $
Format:
ESC
27
1B
$
36
24
n1
n1
n1
n2
n2
n2
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
This sequence specifies the distance from the current left margin
that subsequent characters are to be printed, using this formula:
total number of dots = n1 + (n2 x 256). Each unit equals 1/60th of
an inch. The sequence is ignored and the previous setting remains
effective if the position specified is beyond the right margin.
9-20
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Set Relative Print Position
ESC \
Format:
ESC
27
1B
\
92
5C
n1
n1
n1
n2
n2
n2
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Determines the position (relative to the current position) at which
printing of subsequent data will start. To find n1 and n2, first
calculate the displacement required in dots. If the displacement is
to the left, subtract it from 65536. Send the resulting number
using this formula: total number of dots = n1 + (256 x n2). The
command is ignored if it would move the print position outside
the current margins. A unit is 1/120th of an inch in draft, and
1/180th of an inch in Letter Quality or proportional modes.
Tab Horizontally
HT
Format:
HT
9
ASCII code:
Decimal:
H e x a d e c i m a l : 0 9
Comments:
Advances the print position to the next horizontal tab setting. The
default tabs are at 8-character intervals in the currently set pitch.
Tab positions are not affected by subsequent changes in cpi.
Command Summary
9-21
Commands Arranged by Topic
Set Horizontal Tabs
ESC D
Format:
ESC
27
D
68
44
n1
n1
n1
n2
n2
n2
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
0
0
00
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
1
B
Comments:
This command allows setting of up to 32 horizontal tabs, which
are entered as n1, n2, n3, etc., (from 1 to 255) with the number 0
character terminating the command. The tab settings must be
entered in ascending order. ESC D 0 clears all tabs. The default
settings, when power is turned on or after an ESC @ command,
are at every eight characters. The tab settings are not affected by
changes in cpi. The tab positions in proportional printing are
determined by the 10 cpi character size.
Overall Printing Style
ESC x
Select Letter Quality or Draft
Format:
n
n
n
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC
27
1B
120
78
Comments:
The following values can be used for n:
0: Selects draft mode.
1: Selects Letter Quality (LQ) mode.
Overrides the SelecType panel setting.
9-22
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Select Typestyle Family
ESC k
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC
27
1B
k
107
6B
n
n
n
Comments:
This command affects only the Letter Quality typestyle, not draft.
If n = 0, typestyle in the printer is used. To select one of the other
typestyles, use the family number of the font as shown below. For
example, to choose the Prestige font, use 3 for the value of n. The
following values can be used for n:
5: OCR-B
6: OCR-A
7: Orator
8: Orator-S
0: Roman
1: Sans Serif
2: Courier
3: Prestige
4: Script
Typestyle families 2 to 8 are available only if the appropriate font
module is installed, such as the Multi-Font Module.
Overrides the SelecType panel setting and DIP switch font
setting.
ESC !
Format:
ASCII code:
Master Select
ESC
27
1B
!
33
21
n
n
n
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Selects any valid combination of the following modes: 10 cpi, 12
cpi, proportional, condensed, emphasized, double-strike, double-
wide, italic, and underline. For details on how to set n, see the
Selecting Typestyles With Master Select section in Chapter 4.
Command Summary
9-23
Commands Arranged by Topic
Print Size and Character Width
Select 10 CPI
ESC P
Format:
ESC
27
1B
P
80
50
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Selects 10 character per inch printing. This command is normally
used to cancel 12 or 15 cpi.
Select 12 CPI
ESC M
Format:
ESC
27
1B
M
77
4D
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Selects 12 character per inch printing.
Select 15 CPI
ESC g
Format:
ASCII code:
ESC
27
1B
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
103
67
Comments:
Selects 15 character per inch printing, and cancels 10 or 12 cpi.
Cannot be combined with condensed mode.
9-24
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Turn Proportional Mode On/Off
ESC p
Format:
n
n
n
ESC
27
1B
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
1 1 2
70
Comments:
Turns proportional mode on and off.
The following values can be used for n:
1: Turns mode on.
0: Turns mode off.
The width of proportional characters varies from character to
character. Therefore, a narrow letter like i receives less space than
a wide letter like W. Proportional character widths are given in
the Appendix. This command overrides the condensed mode and
fixed cpi fonts. When proportional is cancelled, the previously
selected font is used. Graphic characters are printed in fixed cpi
only; proportional mode is only available in Roman and Sans
Serif fonts.
Select Condensed Mode
SI
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
SI
15
H e x a d e c i m a l : O F
Comments:
Prints characters at about 60 percent of their normal width. For
example, the condensed 10 cpi mode has 17 characters per inch.
Proportional characters override the condensed mode.
Condensed mode cannot be combined with 15 cpi. Condensed
can be turned on and off by SelecType, the SI command, or DIP
switch 1-6.
Command Summary
9-25
Commands Arranged by Topic
Select Condensed Mode
ESC SI
Format:
ESC
27
1B
SI
15
0F
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Duplicates the SI command and the function of the condensed
button on the control panel.
Cancel Condensed Mode
DC2
Format:
DC2
18
ASCII code:
Decimal:
H e x a d e c i m a l : 1 2
Comments:
Cancels condensed mode set by SI, ESC SI, or SelecType and
returns printing to normal.
Select Double-wide Mode (one line)
so
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
SO
14
H e x a d e c i m a l : 0 E
Comments:
Doubles the width of all characters on one line. This mode is
cancelled by LF, FF, VT, or DC4.
9-26
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Select Double-wide Mode (one line)
ESC SO
Format:
ESC
27
1B
SO
14
0E
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Duplicates the SO command.
Turn Double-wide Mode On/Off
ESC W
Format:
ASCII code:
ESC
27
1B
W
87
57
n
n
n
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Doubles the width of all characters.
The following values can be used for n:
1: Turns mode on.
0: Turns mode off.
Cancel Double-wide Mode (one line)
DC4
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
DC4
20
H e x a d e c i m a l : 1 4
Comments:
Cancels double-wide mode selected by SO or ESC SO, but not
double-wide mode selected by ESC W or ESC !.
9-27
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Turn Double-high Mode On/Off
ESC w
Format:
n
n
n
ESC
27
1B
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
119
77
Comments:
Doubles the height of all characters.
The following values can be used for n:
1: Turns mode on.
0: Turns mode off.
Cannot be used with the pull tractor.
Print Enhancement
Select Emphasized Mode
ESC E
Format:
ESC
27
1B
E
69
45
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Makes text bolder by printing each dot twice, with the second dot
printed slightly to the right of the first.
Cancel Emphasized Mode
ESC F
Format:
ESC
27
1B
F
70
46
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Cancels the emphasized mode selected by ESC E.
Command Summary
9-28
Commands Arranged by Topic
Select Double-strike Mode
ESC G
Format:
ESC
27
1B
G
71
47
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Makes text bolder by printing each line twice, with the second
printing slightly below the first.
Cancel Double-strike Mode
ESC H
Format:
ESC
27
1B
H
72
48
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Cancels the double-strike mode selected by ESC G.
Select Superscript Mode
ESC S0
Format:
ASCII code:
ESC
27
1B
S
83
53
0
0
00
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Prints characters about two-thirds of the normal character height
in the upper part of the character space.
9-29
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Select Subscript Mode
ESC S1
Format:
ESC
27
1B
S
83
53
1
1
01
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Prints characters about two-thirds of the normal character height
in the lower part of the character space.
Cancel Superscript/Subscript Mode
ESC T
Format:
ESC
27
1B
T
84
54
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Cancels either superscript or subscript.
9-30
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Select Score
ESC(-
Format:
d1 d2
d1 d2
d1 d2
ESC
27
(
40
28
-
45
2D
n1
n1
n1
n2
n2
n2
m
m
m
ASCII code:
Decimal:
H e x a d e c i m a l : 1 B
Comments:
Use decimal or hexadecimal values for all variables, not ASCII
characters.
Use the following values for the first 3 variables:
n1 must be 3.
n2 must be 0.
m must be 1.
The value of d1 determines the location of the score:
d1 = 1 for underline.
d1 = 2 for strike-through.
d1 = 3 for overscore.
The value of d2 determines whether the score line is single,
double, broken, or continuous:
d2 = 0 Cancel the score line selected by d1.
d2 = 1 Single continuous line.
d2 = 2 Double continuous line.
d2 = 5 Single broken line.
d2 = 6 Double broken line.
Command Summary
9-31
Commands Arranged by Topic
Turn Underline Mode On/Off
ESC -
Format:
n
n
n
ESC
27
1B
-
45
2D
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
This mode provides continuous underlining including spaces.
The following values can be used for n:
1: Turns mode on.
0: Turns mode off.
Areas skipped with HT or ESC $ are not underlined.
Select Character Style
ESC q
Format:
n
n
n
ESC
27
1B
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
113
71
Comments:
The following values can be used for n:
0: Selects normal.
1: Selects outline.
2: Selects shadow.
3: Selects outline with shadow.
This command is valid for all characters, with the exception of
character codes B0H to DFH, F4H, and F5H (176 to 223, 244, and
245 decimal) in the Epson Extended Graphics character table.
9-32
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Word Processing
Select Justification
ESC a
Format:
n
n
n
ESC
27
1B
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
97
61
Comments:
Sets the type of justification.
The following values can be used for n:
0: Selects left justification.
1: Selects centering.
2: Selects right justification.
3: Selects full justification.
The default setting is n = 0. Full justification (n = 3) is performed
when the buffer becomes full; HT and BS are invalid except in
n = 0 mode. For n = 3 there must be no carriage returns within a
paragraph.
Set Intercharacter Space
ESC SP (space)
Format:
ESC
27
1B
SP n
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
32
20
n
n
Comments:
Sets the amount of space added to the right of each character, in
addition to the space already allowed in the design of the
character. The number of dots is determined by n, which should
be from 0 to 127. Each unit of space is 1/120th of an inch in draft
mode and 1/180th of an inch in Letter Quality and proportional
modes.
9-33
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Character Tables
Select Character Table
ESC t
Format:
ESC
27
1B
t
116
74
n
n
n
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Selects the character table used by codes 128 to 255. Selecting
Epson Extended Graphics characters does not disable italic
printing. Italic printing can still be selected by ESC 4. The
following values can be used for n:
0: Selects italics character table.
1: Selects Epson Extended Graphics character table.
2: Selects user-defined character table and remaps user-defined
0-127 to 128-255.
Overrides the function of DIP switch 1-7. Note that the value of n
must equal 00 hex, 01 hex, or 02 hex.
Select Italic Mode
ESC
Format:
ASCII code:
4
ESC
27
1B
4
52
34
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Causes characters from the italic character table to be printed.
This command is valid even if the Epson Extended Graphics
character set has been selected by ESC t or by DIP switch 1-7, but
the character graphics are not italicized.
9-34
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Cancel Italic Mode
ESC 5
Format:
ESC
27
1B
5
53
35
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Cancels the mode selected by ESC 4.
Select an International Character Set
ESC R
Format:
ESC
27
1B
R
82
52
n
n
n
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Selects one of the international character sets.
The following values can be used for n:
8 = Japan
0=USA
9 = Norway
10 = Denmark II
11 = Spain II
12 = Latin America
13 = Korea
1 = France
2 = Germany
3 = England
4 = Denmark I
5 = Sweden
6 = Italy
64 = Legal
7 = Spain I
Overrides the DIP switch settings of the international character set.
9-35
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
User-defined Characters
See Chapter 4 for sample programs and full information on this
topic.
Define User-defined Characters
ESC &
Format:
d2
d2
d2
data
data
data
ESC
27
&
38
26
0
0
00
n1
n1
n1
n2
n2
n2
d1
d1
d1
ASCII code:
Decimal:
H e x a d e c i m a l : 1 B
Comments:
This command allows characters to be redefined in the currently
selected mode.
When defining characters, DIP switch 2-5 must be set to off.
Copy ROM to RAM
ESC :
Format:
0
0
00
n
n
n
0
0
00
ESC
27
1B
:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
58
3A
Comments:
This sequence copies the characters in ROM to RAM so that
specific characters can be redefined. The variable n represents
the font family. Fonts in font cartridges (except Orator and
Orator-S) can also be copied. Your printer cannot select fonts
2 to 6 if you do not have the multi-font cartridge.
4: Script
0: Roman
5: OCR-B
6: OCR-A
1: Sans Serif
2: Courier
3: Prestige
Command Summary
9-36
Commands Arranged by Topic
Select User-defined Set
ESC %
Format:
ESC
27
1B
%
37
25
n
n
n
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
This sequence is used to print the user-defined (download)
character set. ESC & is required to define the character set. The
following values can be used for n:
0: Selects the normal set.
1: Selects the user-defined set.
Enable Printable Characters
ESC 6
Format:
ESC
27
1B
6
54
36
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
When the Epson Extended Graphics character table is selected,
ESC 6 enables the printing of codes 128 through 159 (decimal) as
characters, not control codes. See the Appendix for characters
printed.
Enable Upper Control Codes
ESC 7
Format:
ESC
27
1B
7
55
37
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
When the Epson Extended Graphics character table is selected,
ESC 7 causes codes 128 through 159 to be treated as control codes.
This is the default.
9-37
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Graphics
See Chapter 4 for sample graphics programs. See the table under
ESC * for graphics modes.
Select Single-density Graphics Mode
ESC K
Format:
ESC
27
1B
K
75
4B
n1
n1
n1
n2
n2
n2
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Turns on 8-pin, single-density graphics mode. The total number
of columns = n1 + (n2 x 256).
ESC L
Format:
ASCII code:
Select Double-density Graphics Mode
ESC
27
1B
L
76
n1
n1
n1
n2
n2
n2
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
4C
Comments:
Turns on 8-pin, low-speed, double-density graphics mode. The
total number of columns = n1 + (n2 x 256).
ESC Y
Format:
ASCII code:
Select High-speed Double-density Graphics Mode
ESC
27
Y
89
59
n1
n1
n1
n2
n2
n2
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
1B
Comments:
Turns on 8-pin, high-speed, double-density graphics mode. The
total number of columns = n1 + (n2 x 256).
9-38
Command Summary
Commands Arranged by Topic
Select Quadruple-density Graphics Mode
ESC Z
Format:
ESC
27
1B
Z
90
5A
n1
n1
n1
n2
n2
n2
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Turns on 8-pin, quadruple-density graphics mode. The total
number of columns = n1 + (n2 x 256).
Select Graphics Mode
ESC *
Format:
ASCII code:
ESC
27
1B
*
42
2A
m
m
m
n1
n1
n1
n2
n2
n2
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
Turns on graphics modem. Refer to the following table for details on
the available modes. The total number of columns = n1 + (n2 x 256).
Option
Pins
m
Horiz. density
(dots/in)
Single-density
Double-density
High-speed double-density’
Quadruple-density’
CRT I
8
8
8
8
8
0
1
2
3
4
60
120
120
240
80
CRT II
8
6
90
Single-density
Double-density
CRT III
Triple-density
Hex-density*
24
24
24
24
24
32
33
38
39
40
60
120
90
180
360
l
Adjacent dots cannot be printed in this mode.
Command Summary
9-39
Commands Arranged by Topic
Reassign Graphics Mode
ESC ?
Format:
S
m
m
m
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC
27
1B
?
63
3F
s
s
Comments:
Changes from one graphics mode to another. The variable s is a
character (K, L, Y or Z).
The variable m corresponds to the mode m in the ESC * command.
Command Summary
9-40
Appendix
A-2
A-6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proportional Width Table
Character Tables
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A-l
Proportional Width Table
This table lists the widths of your printers proportional characters.
The values given are in 360ths of an inch. (For example, a value of
36 is 36/360ths of an inch.) You may need to enter these widths into
a special table for your processing program so it can calculate the
number of proportional characters that will fit on a line.
The characters with no code indicated are international characters or
graphics. See the table in Chapter 3 for the relevant codes for the
international characters. Also, see the descriptions of the ESC R and
ESC t commands in Chapter 10 for information on how to use these
characters.
The following width table shows each character, its ASCII code
(hexadecimal), and its width. If there are two numbers in the width
column, the second one is for the superscript/subscript version of
the character.
Width
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
18/12
18/12
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
Code
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
CHR
0
1
Width
30/20
18/12
30/20
30/20
30/20
36/24
36/24
18/12
24/16
24/16
30/20
30/20
18/12
30/20
18/12
30/20
Code
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
CHR
1
11
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
#
$
%
&
38
39
28
29
)
*
+
.
3A
3B
3C
3D
3E
3F
2A
2B
2C
2D
2E
2F
.
.
,
>
?
A-2
Proportional Width Table
Width
36/24
30/20
24/16
36/24
36/24
18/12
24/16
36/24
18/12
42/28
36/24
30/20
36/24
36/24
30/20
30/20
24/16
36/24
36/24
42/28
30/20
36/24
30/20
24/16
18/12
24/16
30/20
36/24
36/24
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
Width
36/24
36/24
36/24
36/24
36/24
36/24
36/24
36/24
36/24
24/16
30/20
36/24
36/24
42/28
36/24
36/24
36/24
36/24
36/24
36/24
36/24
42/28
36/24
42/28
36/24
36/24
30/20
24/16
30/20
24/16
30/20
30/20
18/12
30/20
36/24
30/20
Code
64
65
66
67
68
69
6A
6B
6C
6D
6E
6F
70
71
CHR
CHR
@
A
B
Code
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
d
e
f
C
D
i
E
F
G
48
49
4A
4B
4C
4D
4E
4F
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
5A
5B
5C
5D
5E
5F
60
61
H
l
I
m
n
o
J
K
L
P
M
q
72
73
74
75
76
77
N
r
O
S
t
U
V
W
X
R
S
78
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
79
7A
7B
7C
7D
7E
Y
z
ii
1
.
.
62
63
C
A-3
Proportional Width Table
Width
30/20
30/20
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
CHR
Code
Width
30/20
30/20
18/12
18/12
18/12
36/24
36/24
36/24
42/28
42/28
30/20
30/20
30/20
36/24
36/24
36/24
36/24
42/28
30/20
30/20
36/24
42/28
30/20
30/20
18/12
30/20
36/24
36/24
36/24
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
Code
B0
B1
:
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
B7
B8
B9
BA
BB
BC
BD
BE
BF
C0
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6
C7
C8
C9
CA
CB
CC
CD
CE
CF
D0
D1
D2
30
A-4
Proportional Width Table
-
-
Width
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
24/16
30/20
36/24
36/24
30/20
30/20
30/20
CHR
.
Code
F8
F9
FA
FB
FC
FD
FE
Width
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
Code
D3
D4
D5
D6
D7
D8
D9
DA
DB
DC
DD
DE
DF
E0
E1
a
2
0
0
. .
30
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30/20
30
E2
E3
E4
E5
E6
E7
E8
E9
EA
EB
EC
ED
EE
EF
F0
F1
30
F2
30
F3
30
F4
30
F5
30
F6
30
F7
30
A-5
Character Tables
These character tables are selected by DIP switch 1-7 or the ESC t
software command. For the Epson Extended Graphics character
table, use of the ESC 6 or ESC 7 software command lets you select
whether to print hex codes 80 to 9F as characters (ESC 6) or control
codes (ESC 7).
Italic Character Table
CODE
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
0
1
0
@
P
'
p
1
!
1
A
Q
a
q
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
"
2
B
R
b
r
s
t
"
2
B
R
b
r
#
3 C S c
4
# 3 C S c s
$
D
E
F
T
U
V
d
e
f
$
%
&
‘
4
D
T
U
V
d
e
f
t
u
v
w
x
%
5
u
v
5
E
&
,
6
G
F
7 G W g w
7
G
W
g
(
8
H
I
X
Y
Z
[
h
i
x
y
z
{
(
8
9
:
H
I
X
Y
h
i
)
*
9
)
y
z
:
J
j
*
J
Z
j
+
;
K
k
K
[
k
{
+
;
,
<
L
\
1
,
.
>
N
^
n
~
,
>
N
^
n
~
A-6
Character Tables
Epson Extended Graphics Character Table
CODE
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
0
1
P
’
a
2
3
4
5
6
2
B
R
b
r
6
,
7
G
W
g
w
7
8
9
9
I
Y
i
y
J
l
A
*
:
J
Z
j
z
.
t
B
C
D
E
F
,
;
A-7
Glossary
Note that these definitions apply specifically to printers. If a word is
italicized, see that topic for more information.
application program
A software program that helps you carry out a particular task, such
as word processing or financial planning.
ASCII
Acronym for the American Standard Code for Information
Interchange. A standardized coding system for assigning numerical
codes to letters and symbols.
auto line feed
When this feature is enabled using a DIP switch or external control
through the parallel connector, the printer will automatically feed
the paper one line after receiving a CR code.
baud rate
A measure of the speed of data transmission. Usually expressed in
bits per second or bps.
bidirectional printing
Printing in which the print head alternates printing a line left to
right then the next line right to left, and so on. Because the head
prints in both directions, the overall printing speed increases by
eliminating wasted (non-printing) movement.
binary
See number systems.
bit
A binary digit (0 or 1), which is the smallest unit of information
used by a printer or computer. See also number systems.
buffer
See input buffer and memory.
Glossary 1
byte
A unit of information consisting of eight bits.
carriage return (CR)
The control code that returns the print position to the left margin.
When issued together with a line feed, the print position moves to
the left margin of the next line. In bidirectional printing, the print
head may not physically move to the left margin.
character set
A collection of letters, numbers, and symbols that provides you with
the characters used in a particular language.
condensed
Printing in which each character is approximately 60 percent of the
width of standard characters. For example, condensed 10 characters
per inch (cpi) has 17 characters per inch. Useful for fitting wide
tables or spreadsheets onto the paper.
continuous paper
Paper which has sprocket-feed holes on both long edges, is
perforated between pages, and is supplied in a folded stack. Also
called fanfold paper.
control code
In addition to the codes for printable characters, the ASCII standard
also includes 33 other codes which are called control codes. These
control codes perform such functions as sounding the beeper and
performing a carriage return or line feed.
cut sheet feeder (CSF)
An optional, detachable device which automatically feeds single
sheets of paper into the printer.
data dump
Sometimes called hex dump. A troubleshooting feature. When the
printer is in the data dump mode, each code that it receives is
printed in hexadecimal notation.
2
Glossary
decimal
See number systems.
default
A value or setting that takes effect when the equipment is turned on,
reset, or initialized.
DIP switches
Small switches in a printer that control various printer functions and
set the default status of the printer when it is turned on or
initialized. DIP stands for Dual In-line Package.
dot graphics
A graphic design formed by patterns of dots. Also called bit image
graphics.
dot matrix
A method of printing in which each letter or symbol is formed by a
pattern (matrix) of individual dots.
double-high printing
Printing in which each character is twice as tall as normal.
double-strike printing
A way of producing bolder characters. Each character is printed
twice; the second time, the dots are printed slightly below the
original dots. Can only be used in draft mode.
double-wide printing
A print width in which each character is twice as wide as normal
characters. (The cpi is halved.)
draft mode
One of two print qualities available on your printer. Draft uses
fewer dots per character for high-speed printing. See also Letter
Quality.
emphasized printing
A way of producing darker characters. In a single pass of the print
head, characters receive twice the number of dots.
Glossary 3
Epson Extended Graphics character table
The Epson Extended Graphics character table contains international
accented characters, Greek characters, and character graphics for
printing lines, corners, and shaded areas.
ESC (escape) code
A special control code used to begin most printer commands.
ESC/P
Abbreviation for Epson Standard Code for Printers. The system of
commands lets you perform software control of your printer from
your computer. It is standard for all Epson printers and supported
by most application software for personal computers.
font
A font is a style of type designated by a family name.
form
In printer terminology, a form normally refers to a page.
form feed
Refers to both a control code and a panel button that advances the
paper to the top of the next page.
hexadecimal (hex)
See number systems.
initialize
To establish the initial default status of the printer by turning the
printer on or by sending an INIT signal or code.
input buffer
The memory in the printer in which data sent from the computer is
stored while waiting to be printed.
interface
The means of connection between the computer and printer. See
also parallel interface and serial interface.
italic
A typestyle in which the characters slant. This sentence is italicized.
4
Glossary
Letter Quality
One of two print qualities available on your printer. Letter Quality
provides better readability and appearance at a reduced print speed.
See also draft mode.
line feed
Both a control code and a panel button that advances the paper one
line space.
loading position
The position to which the paper is automatically loaded. It can be
adjusted by using the micro-adjustment feature.
memory
The printer, like a computer, has a memory. When you print a file
from a computer, the contents of the file are transferred quickly
from the computer’s memory to the printer’s memory. The printer
then prints information from its own memory at a much slower rate.
This way of printing frees the computer to do other work while the
printer is still working. The printer memory is sometimes called the
buffer memory or input buffer.
micro-adjustment
A feature that adjusts the paper loading and short tear-off positions
by the smallest possible increments.
number systems
Three number systems are commonly used with printers:
decimal is base 10 and uses the digits 0, 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, and 9.
(This is the most familiar system.)
hexadecimal (hex) is base 16 and uses the digits 0, 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
8,9, A, B, C, D, E, and F. This is frequently used by programmers.
Any decimal number between 0 and 255 can be expressed by a
two-digit hex number.
Glossary 5
binary is base 2 and uses only the digits 0 and 1. All information
in computer systems is handled in binary form represented by
electrical signals that are on or off. A binary digit is often called a
bit; any decimal number between 0 and 255 can be expressed by
an eight-bit binary number.
on line
When the printer is on line, it is able to communicate with the
computer connected to it.
paper-out sensor
A small switch behind the platen that sends a signal when it is not
in contact with paper, informing the printer and remote computer
that there is no paper loaded, and causing the PAPER OUT light to go
on.
paper tension unit
The part of the printer that fits above the platen to assure proper
paper tension in the printing area.
parallel interface
An interface that connects the computer and the printer. A parallel
interface transmits data one character or code at a time. See also
serial interface.
platen
The black roller that provides the backing for the paper during
printing.
print quality
Your printer has two types of print quality; draft and Letter Quality.
Draft is for high-speed, draft quality jobs; Letter Quality is used to
produce more polished documents.
proportional printing
Printing in which the character width varies from character to
character. For example, a capital W receives much more space than a
lowercase i. The result looks more like a typeset book than a
typewritten draft.
6
Glossary
pull tractor unit
An optional device that feeds continuous paper and multi-part
forms through the printer.
push tractor
A built-in device that feeds continuous paper through the printer.
RAM
Acronym for Random Access Memory. The portion of the printer’s
memory used as a buffer and as a place for storing user-defined
characters. All data stored in RAM is lost when the printer is turned
off.
reset
To return a printer to its defaults, either by a command, an INIT
signal, code, or by turning the printer off and on.
self test
A method of checking the operation of the printer. When the self
test is run, the printer prints out its current DIP switch settings and
the characters that are stored in its ROM (Read Only Memory).
serial interface
A serial interface transmits data one bit at a time. See also parallel
interface.
short tear-off
A feature that automatically feeds the perforation of continuous
paper to the tear-off position to be removed by the operator, and
then draws the paper back to the loading position. These positions
can be adjusted using the micro-adjustment feature. See also micro-
adjustment and loading position.
10 cpi
A character spacing of 10 characters per inch. This is often the
standard or default pitch. Also referred to as pica.
tractor
The part of the printer that moves continuous paper through the
printer by its sprockets gripping the holes in continuous paper.
Glossary 7
12 cpi
A character spacing in which each character is slightly narrower
than normal, so that there are 12 characters per inch. Also referred
to as elite.
unidirectional printing
Printing in one direction only. Allows more precise vertical
alignment than bidirectional printing. Often used for printing
graphics.
user-defined characters
Characters that are defined and stored in the printer by the user.
Also known as download characters.
Glossary
8
Index
Command descriptions are not indexed here. To locate the page
number of a specific command, see Chapter 9 or the Quick
Reference card.
A
Condensed button, 3-4
Condensed mode, 3-19, 4-6, -8
Configuring application
software, 1-25
Connecting printer, 1-22, -24
Continuous paper,
maximum width, 2-6
loading, 2-6, -12
Accented characters, 3-22, -23
Accessories, see Options
Application software, 1-25
Assembling printer, 1-6, -12
Auto line feed, 3-9
B
Control key table, 9-4
Control panel, 3-2, -5
buttons, 3-3, -5
Buffer capacity, 3-9
Buttons, 2-14, 3-3
lights, 3-2
Cut sheet feeder, 5-2, -16
capacity, 8-13
C
Character
installing, 5-24
loading paper, 5-5, -7
mode, 5-5
removing, 5-15, -16
software control, 5-14
specifications, 8-13, -14
testing, 5-9, -10
designing, 4-20, -31
downloading, 4-22, -26
fonts, 3-185, -33
graphics, 3-22, -23
printing, 4-27, -28
sets, international, 3-20, -21
size, 3-19, 4-3 -4
software control, 9-22, -40
spacing, 4-2, -3, 4-6, -8,
9-24, -25
using, 5-11, -14
D
tables, 3-22, -23
Data dump mode, 3-24, -26
Default settings, 8-15, -16
Diagnostics, printer, 1-13, -21,
3-24, -26, 7-1, -24
Cleaning printer, 6-2, -3
Column reservation numbers,
4-14
Command summary, 9-1, -40
Index
1
DIP switches,
G
function descriptions,
3-9, -11, 3-14, 3-20 -23
function tables, 3-7, -8
setting, 3-6, -9
Graphics mode, 4-9, -19
Greek characters, 3-22, -23
H
Dot graphics mode, 4-9, -19,
9-38, -40
Help, where to get, Intro-6
Double-high mode, 4-3 --4, 9-28
Double-strike mode, 4-4, -5,
4-6,-8, 9-29
I
Indicator lights, 3-2
Initialization, 8-15
Double-wide mode, 4-3, -4,
4-6, -8, 9-26, -27
Input buffer capacity, 3-9
Interface boards, 5-3 -2
compatibility, 5-35
installation, 5-35, -41
interface descriptions,
5-34, -35
Downloading user-defined
characters, 4-24 -26, 9-36
Draft font, 3-18
E
new serial interface #8143,
5-41, -42
Emphasized mode, 4-4, -5,
4-6, -8, 9-28
International character sets,
3-20, -21
Italic character table, 3-22, -23
Italic mode, 4-5, 4-6, -8
Envelopes, 2-26, -27
Epson Extended Graphics,
3-22, -23, A-7
F
L
Font button, 3-4
Labels, 2-24, -25
Lights, 3-2
Fonts, see also Multi-Font
Module
Line feed button, 3-3
Line feed mode, 3-9
Loading position, 3-12, -13
Load/eject button, 2-14, 3-3
LQ fonts, 3-18
designing, 4-20, -31
downloading, 4-22, -26
draft, 3-18
letter quality, 3-18
selecting, 3-8, 3-17
user-defined, 4-20, -31
Form-feed button, 3-18
2
Index
Paper guide
M
single-sheet paper, 1-10,
2-2, -5, 2-15
continuous paper, 2-11
Paper loading position,
3-12, -13
Paper release lever, 2-7
Paper thickness lever, 2-20, -23
Paper thickness table, 2-22
Paper out light, 3-2
Parallel interface, see also
Interface boards
connecting, 1-22, -24
specifications, 8-9, -12
Pin labels, 4-11, -12
Platen knob, 1-6, -7
Power light, 3-2
Master select, 4-6, -8
Mathematic symbols, 3-22, -23
Micro-adjustment, 3-13
Moving
printer, 6-10
print head, 1-8
Multi-Font Module, 5-28, -33
font descriptions, 5-28, -30
installation, 5-30, -32
selecting fonts, 5-33
Multi-part forms, 2-23
Multi-part light, 3-2
O
On line button, 3-3
On line light, 3-2
Printable area,
Options
continuous paper, 8-5
envelopes, 2-2, 8-5
labels, 8-4
see Cut-sheet feeder
see Interface boards
see Multi-Font Module
see Pull tractor
single-sheet paper, 8-4
Printable columns, 8-3
Printer
Outline mode, 4-6, 9-32
Overline mode, 4-5, 9-31
assembling, 1-6, -12
cleaning, 6-2, -3
P
connecting to computer,
1-22, -24
connecting to power source,
1-4
location for, 1-4, -5
software control, 9-8, -22
specifications, 8-2, -8
testing, 1-13, -21
transporting, 6-10
unpacking, 1-2, -3
Page length, 3-10
Paper
copy capacity, 8-6
length, 8-4, 8-14
loading, 2-1, -27
printable area, 8-4, -5, 8-14
thickness, 8-6, 8-14
weight, 8-6, 8-14
width, 8-4, 8-14
Index 3
Single-sheet paper
Printer cover, 1-12
minimum/maximum width,
2-2
loading, 2-2, -5, 2-13, -19
Size, character, 3-19, 4-3, -4
Skip over perforation, 3-11
Software
Printer stand, 1-5
Print head, 1-8, 4-10 -12
Printing direction, 3-9
Problems, see Troubleshooting
Proportional spacing, 4-2, -3,
4-6, -8, 9-25, A-2 -5
configuring, 1-25
controlling printer features,
9-1, -40
Pull tractor, 5-17, -27
installing, 5-17, -18
loading paper, 5-19, -23
removing, 5-24, -27
Spacing
characters per inch, 4-2, -3
proportional, 4-2, -3, 4-6, -8
Special paper, 2-20, -27
Special printing effects, 4-4, -8
Specifications, 8-1, -16
cut sheet feeder, 8-13, -14
default settings, 8-15, -16
parallel interface, 8-9, -12
printer, 8-2, -8
Strike-through mode, 4-5, 9-31
Subscript mode, 4-6, 9-29, -30
Superscript mode, 4-6, 9-29, -30
Switches, see DIP switches
Push tractor, 2-6, -18
R
Ready light, 3-2
Ribbon cartridge
installing, 1-7 -9
replacing, 6-4 -9
specifications, 8-7
Roman font, 3-18
S
Sans serif font, 3-18
SelecType options, 3-17, -19,
5-33
T
Self test, printer, 1-14, -21,
5-9, -10
Serial interface, see Interface
boards
Setting up printer, 1-1, -25
Shadow mode, 4-6, 9-32
Short tear-off, 3-14, -16
Tear-off mode, 3-9
Technical specifications, see
Specifications
Testing printer, 1-13, -21,
5-9, -10
Toll-free number, Intro-6
4
Index
Tractor
see Pull tractor
see Push tractor
Transporting printer, 6-10
Troubleshooting, 7-1, -34
optional accessories,
7-24, -34
paper handling, 7-14, -23
power supply, 7-4
printing, 7-5, -13
Typestyles, 3-17, -19, 4-6, -8,
4-20, -31, see also Fonts
U
Underline mode, 4-5, 4-6 -8,
9-31
Unpacking printer, 1-2, -3
V
Ventilation, 1-4
Index
5
4 0 0 0
Quick Reference
I
Control and ESCape Codes by Function
I
The following control codes are listed briefly for quick reference. For a more detailed
explanation, see the page reference in Chapter 9. Variables are not included in this quick
reference due to their complexity. For those codes that contain variables, such as
ESC Q n for setting the right margin, see Chapter 9.
I
I
I
Printer Operation
I
Data Control
I
Description
ASCII
Dec.
Hex.
P
g
I
I
9-12
9-12
Carriage Return
Cancel Line
CR
13
24
0D
18
CAN
Horizontal Motion
Hex.
6C
51
Description
Set Left Margin
ASCII
ESC I
Dec.
Pg
9-19
108
81
8
Q
Set Right Margin
Backspace
9-19
9-20
9-20
9-21
9-21
9-22
08
$
36
92
9
24
Set Absolute Print Position
Set Relative Print Position
Tab Horizontally
Set Horizontal Tabs
ESC
H T
\
5C
09
I
I
I
I
I
ESC
D
68
44
Overall Printing Style
ASCII
ESC x
ESC k
Dec.
120
107
33
Hex.
78
Description
Pg
Select Letter Quality or Draft
Select Typestyle Family
Master Select
9-22
9 - 2 3
9-23
6B
ESC
!
21
Print Size and Character Width
Print Enhancement
Dec.
69
Hex.
45
46
47
48
53
Description
ASCII
P g
ESC
E
Select Emphasized Mode
Cancel Emphasized Mode
Select Double-strike Mode
Cancel Double-strike Mode
Select Superscript Mode
Select Subscript Mode
Cancel Superscript/Subscript Mode
Select Score
9-28
9-28
9-29
9-29
9-29
9-30
9-30
9-31
9-32
9-32
ESC F
ESC G
ESC H
ESCS0
ESCS1
70
71
72
83
83
53
ESC
T
84
54
ESC ( -
40
28
ESC
ESC
-
45
2D
71
Turn Underline Mode On/Off
Select Character Style
q
113
Word Processing
Hex.
61
Description
Select Justification
Set Intercharacter Space
Pg
9-33
9-33
ASCII
ESC a
ESC SP
Dec.
97
32
20
Character Tables
ASCII
ESCt
ESC 4
ESC 5
Dec.
116
52
Hex.
74
Description
Pg
9-34
Select Character Tables
Select Italic Mode
Cancel Italic Mode
34
9-34
9-35
9-35
53
35
ESC
R
82 52 Select an International Character Set
User-defined Characters
ASCII
Dec.
38
Hex.
26
Description
Define User-defined Characters
Copy ROM to RAM
Pg
ESC
ESC
&
9-36
:
58
3A
9-36
Graphics
DIP switch settings
DIP Switch 1
SW
1-1
Description
International character set
ON
OFF
See page 3-8
See page 3-8
1-2
1-3
1-4
Font selection
1-6
1-7
1-8
Condensed mode on/off
Character table
Condensed
Graphics
On
Normal
Italics
Off
Cut sheet feeder mode on/oft
DIP Switch 2
I SW
Description
ON
I
OFF
I
2-4
2-5
2-6
2-7
2-8
Auto line feed
I
On
8 KS
I
Off
1 KB*
I
Input buffer capacity
Graphics print direction
Character spacing
Bidirect.
Unidirect.
See page 3-8
*
Required for use of user-defined (download) characters.
edge guides
printe
DIP s&itch
tension unit cover
paper
power switch
EPSON AMERICA, INC.
2780 Lomita Boulevard
Torrance, California 90505
4000 KEY FEATURES:
Sharp Letter Quality Printing
Fast 180-CPS Bidirectional Print Speed
High-Resolution Graphics Capability
Exclusive SelecType Control Panel
Five Resident Fonts and Optional 7 in 1
Font Cartridge
Epson Advanced Paper Handling
Short Form Tear-Off
User-Selectable 8K or 1 K Buffer
n
Epson One-Year Limited Warranty
Printed in Japan 90.02-5
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