Brother MP-21C User manual

SERVICE MANUAL
MODEL: MP-21C / 21CDX

© Copyright Brother 1999
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in
writing from the publisher.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Trademarks:
The brother logo is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER I FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
1. SYSTEM REQUIREMENT---------------------------------------------------I-1
2. FEATURES ----------------------------------------------------------------------I-1
3. CONFIGURATION-------------------------------------------------------------I-3
3.1 Mechanics------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-3
3.2 Electronics -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-4
4. SPECIFICATIONS-------------------------------------------------------------I-5
4.1 Printing----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-5
4.2 Functions-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-5
4.3 Electrical and Mechanical ----------------------------------------------------------------I-6
4.4 Environment ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-6
4.5 Dimensions and Weight ------------------------------------------------------------------I-6
4.6 Recommended Paper --------------------------------------------------------------------I-6
4.7 Paper Specifications ----------------------------------------------------------------------I-7
4.8 Printable Area ------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-8
4.9 Control Panel (LED and Buttons) ---------------------------------------------------- I-10
4.10 How To Clean the Print Head - Purge -------------------------------------------- I-14
4.11 Replacing The Ink Cartridges ------------------------------------------------------- I-15
4.12 Recovery Function - Purge----------------------------------------------------------- I-16
5. SAFETY INFORMATION -------------------------------------------------- I-19
5.1 Ink Safety ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I-19
6. CONSUMABLES AND SERVICE ACCESSORIES ---------------- I-19
6.1 Brother Special Paper ------------------------------------------------------------------ I-19
6.2 Ink Cartridges ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- I-19
6.3 ACSF and Parallel I/F Cable ---------------------------------------------------------- I-20
CHAPTER II THEORY OF OPERATION
1. GENERAL----------------------------------------------------------------------- II-1
1.1 Normal Interlace Processing (360dpi) ----------------------------------------------- II-1
1.2 Super Fine Interlace Processing (720dpi) ------------------------------------------II-2
2. ELECTRONICS---------------------------------------------------------------- II-3
2.1 General Block Diagram (MP-21C/MP-21CDX) ------------------------------------II-3
2.2 Electric Cofiguration ---------------------------------------------------------------------- II-4
2.3 Main PCB ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- II-5
2.4 Head PCB ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------II-9
2.5 Carriage PCB ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ II-9
2.6 Carriage Sensor PCB -------------------------------------------------------------------- II-9
2.7 Power Supply ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- II-10

3. MECHANICS -----------------------------------------------------------------II-11
3.1 Overview of Printing Mechanism ---------------------------------------------------- II-11
3.2 Print Head -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- II-12
3.3 Ink Cartridge ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- II-14
3.4 Head Maintenance Mechanism ----------------------------------------------------- II-15
3.5 Sensors ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- II-16
3.6 Carriage Drive Mechanism ----------------------------------------------------------- II-20
3.7 Paper Feed Mechanism --------------------------------------------------------------- II-21
CHAPTER III DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY
1. PRECAUTIONS -------------------------------------------------------------- III-1
1.1 Safe Precautions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ III-1
1.2 Attention ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- III-1
2. TIGHTENING TORQUE LIST--------------------------------------------- III-2
3. DISASSEMBLY ORDER FLOW ----------------------------------------- III-3
4. DISASSEMBLING AND REASSEMBLING PROCEDURE ------- III-4
4.1 Ink Cartridge, ACSF --------------------------------------------------------------------- III-4
4.2 Top Cover, Paper Guide, Front Cover, Release Plate, Rear Cover --------- III-5
4.3 Head PCB ASSY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ III-8
4.4 Ink Head Base Unit, Print Head------------------------------------------------------- III-9
4.5 Bottom Cover ----------------------------------------------------------------------------III-12
4.6 Main PCB, Power Supply PCB ASSY ---------------------------------------------III-14
4.7 Paper Feed Motor ASSY -------------------------------------------------------------III-16
4.8 Purge Unit ASSY -----------------------------------------------------------------------III-18
4.9 Paper Feed Frame ASSY ------------------------------------------------------------III-22
4.10 ACSF ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------III-34
5. LUBRICATION---------------------------------------------------------------III-38
6. CLEANING THE PRINTER ----------------------------------------------III-43
6.1 Cleaning The Platen Cover -----------------------------------------------------------III-43
6.2 Cleaning The Edge Of The Head Cap ---------------------------------------------III-43
6.3 Cleaning The Pick-up Roller On The ACSF --------------------------------------III-44
7. PACKING ---------------------------------------------------------------------III-45
PR99052

CHAPTER IV TROUBLESHOOTING
1. INTRODUCTION-------------------------------------------------------------IV-1
1.1 Initial Check -------------------------------------------------------------------------------IV-1
1.2 Basic Procedure -------------------------------------------------------------------------IV-2
2. TROUBLESHOOTING -----------------------------------------------------IV-3
2.1 Troubleshooting Procedure ------------------------------------------------------IV-3
3. INSPECTION MODE ----------------------------------------------------- IV-10
3.1 Extended Functions ------------------------------------------------------------------- IV-10
3.2 Hidden Functions ---------------------------------------------------------------------- IV-11
3.3 Error Codes ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV-13
APPENDIX A
Appendix A1 Head PCB Circuit Diagram ------------------------------------------------A-1
Appendix A2 Main PCB Circuit Diagram (1/3) ------------------------------------------A-2
Appendix A3 Main PCB Circuit Diagram (2/3) ------------------------------------------A-3
Appendix A4 Main PCB Circuit Diagram (3/3) ------------------------------------------A-4
Appendix A5 Cartridge Sensor Circuit Diagram ----------------------------------------A-5
APPENDIX B
Appendix B Head Cleaning -----------------------------------------------------------------B-1
PR99065

Chapter I
FEATURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS

CONTENTS
1. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS------------------------------------------------I-1
2. FEATURES----------------------------------------------------------------------I-1
3. CONFIGURATION ------------------------------------------------------------I-3
3.1 Mechanics------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-3
3.2 Electronics -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-4
4. SPECIFICATIONS ------------------------------------------------------------I-5
4.1 Printing----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-5
4.2 Functions-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-5
4.3 Electrical and Mechanical ----------------------------------------------------------------I-6
4.4 Environment ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-6
4.5 Dimensions and Weight ------------------------------------------------------------------I-6
4.6 Recommended Paper --------------------------------------------------------------------I-6
4.7 Paper Specifications ----------------------------------------------------------------------I-7
4.8 Printable Area ------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-8
4.9 Control Panel (LED and Buttons) ---------------------------------------------------- I-10
4.9.1 Power LED --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I-10
4.9.2 Alarm LED ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- I-10
4.9.3 Ink LEDs (BC LED and MY LED) ----------------------------------------------- I-11
4.9.4 (On/Off) / Retry Button --------------------------------------------------------- I-11
4.9.5 Clean Button ------------------------------------------------------------------------- I-11
4.9.6 Printer Status ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I-12
4.9.7 Control Panel ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I-12
4.9.8 LEDs ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I-13
4.9.9 Printer Status ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I-14
4.10 How to clean the Print Head - Purge ---------------------------------------------- I-14
4.11 Replacing the Ink Cartridges -------------------------------------------------------- I-15
4.12 Recovery Function - Purge ---------------------------------------------------------- I-16
4.12.1 Definition of Terms --------------------------------------------------------------- I-16
4.12.2 Automatic Purge ------------------------------------------------------------------ I-17
4.12.3 Manual Purge ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I-17
4.12.4 Automatic Purge Frequency ---------------------------------------------------- I-17
4.12.5 Purge Sequence ------------------------------------------------------------------ I-18
5. SAFETY INFORMATION ------------------------------------------------- I-19
5.1 Ink Safety ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I-19
6. CONSUMABLES AND SERVICE ACCESSORIES --------------- I-19
6.1 Brother Special Paper ------------------------------------------------------------------ I-19
6.2 Ink Cartridges ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- I-19
6.3 ACSF and Parallel I/F Cable ---------------------------------------------------------- I-20
PR99052

I-1
CHAPTER I FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
1. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Minimum operation environment
• IBM PC or compatible with i486DX 66 Mhz or higher
• Parallel interface port
• PCMCIA card slot supporting PCMCIA 2.1 / JEIDA 4.2 or higher
• 8 MB or more memory on PC
• 40 MB free space available on your hard disk
• Microsoft Windows 3.1x/ 95/98/NT4.0
2. FEATURES
This printer has the following features:
Small and Light InkJet Printer
This printer weights about 1kg (2.2 lbs.) and the footprint is very small.
You can take the printer with you anywhere, any time you want.
Lowest Power Consumption in the World
Power consumption is so small that it is possible to take power from a notebook PC
through the Printer Interface Card. Even if you use the AC adapter (MP-21CDX or
optional PA-21MP users only), it’s also easy to carry around.
Quietest InkJet Printer in the World
The printer is so quiet (less than 40dB A during printing), that the printer never disturbs
you while you are working.
No need for an AC adapter or Printer Cable
The printer can take power from the notebook PC through the Printer Interface Card.
Therefore you do not have to carry an AC adapter and a printer cable with you all the
time.
Brilliant 4 Color Output at 720dpi
You can get wonderful output at 720 by 720dpi resolution. When you print on Brother
special coated paper and glossy paper, you can get excellent high resolution output.
Two Color Print Mode
When you select this mode through the printer driver, you can print the color output in two
colors. You can select from Black/Cyan, Black/Magenta or Black/Yellow.

I-2
Low Running Cost
You don't have to throw the print head of your printer away every time you have emptied
an ink cartridge. When you run out of ink, you have to change only the ink cartridges.
Straight Paper Path
The printer can print on various types of paper - plain paper, coated paper, glossy paper,
transparencies and envelopes with fewer paper jams.
Auto Cut Sheet Feeder (MP-21CDX or SF-21MP users only)
When using the Feeder, you can easily load up to 30 sheets of paper.
When carried with the printer it fits on the top of the printer and the total size including the
printer is about A4 size.
AC Adapter and Parallel Interface Connector (MP-21CDX or PA-21MP users only)
When you want to print faster, use the AC Adapter. It will take half the printing time
compared to when you are using the Printer Interface Card.
When you cannot print using the PC card slot, use the Parallel Interface Connector
instead. You need to use the AC Adapter to print using the Parallel Interface Connector.

I-3
3. CONFIGURATION
3.1 Mechanics
< Overview >
Fig. 1.1
MP-21C
MP-21CDX

I-4
3.2 Electronics
The configuration diagram is as shown below.
PE sensor EEPROM
SRAM
CPU (H8S)
Print buffer
G/A (upd99250GJ)
+ IRQ
+ A/D
+ I/O + ROM + RAM
+ CR motor control
+ LF motor control
+ Encoder operation + I/F control + Memory control
DC/DC
Logic 1 (+3.3V) Logic 2 (+5V) Motor (+12V) Head (13-30V)
Purge unit
sensor
Cover sensor
Head driver
temperature
Ink cartridge
sensor
Stepping motor
driver Stepping
motor
DC motor
driver DC
motor
IEEE1284
controller
EEPROM
PCMCIA
controller PCMCIA
I/F
PC card
+5V
Head driver Head
Linear encoder
sensor
ACSF sensor
AC adapter
Clean SW
Power SW
LED (ALARM)
LED (INK)
LED (POWER)
Paper eject
sensor
+ Head control
Fig. 1.2

I-5
4. SPECIFICATIONS
4.1 Printing
Print Method Piezotronic dot matrix ink jet
Head Nozzle 32 x 4 nozzles
Print Quality Super Fine / Normal / Draft
Resolution (V x H) 720 x 720 dots/inch (Super Fine)
360 x 360 dots/inch (Normal)
180 x 360 dots/inch (Draft)
Print Speed With Printer Interface Card:
Up to 107 cps at 10 cpi in normal or super fine print mode
Up to 1.3 PPM in normal or super fine print mode
Up to 1.7 PPM in draft print mode
Up to 2.1 PPM in Blue-Black draft print mode (A4)
Up to 2.2 PPM in Blue-Black draft print mode (Ltr)
With AC Adapter:
Up to 180 cps at 10 cpi
Up to 1.3 PPM in normal print mode
Up to 2.0 PPM in draft print mode
Up to 2.4 PPM in Blue-Black draft print mode (A4)
Up to 2.5 PPM in Blue-Black draft print mode (Ltr)
Print Width 203.2 mm (8 inches)
Print Media Liquid ink in cartridges
Life Expectancy of Printer 5 years or 10,000 pages
Ink Twin cartridge system: separate from the print head
Life Expectancy of Ink Black/Cyan (LC03BC): 250 pages/cartridge
Magenta/Yellow (LC03MY): 150 pages/cartridge
(When printing A4 or letter size at 5% coverage.)
4.2 Functions
Printer Driver Windows 3.1x/ 95/98/NT4.0
Emulation Windows GDI
Interface PCMCIA interface card
Parallel interface (IEEE1284 compliant)
Control Panel 2 buttons and 4 LEDs
Diagnostics Self-diagnostics program at power on
PR99052, PR99062

I-6
4.3 Electrical and Mechanical
AC Adapter Power Source 100V model: AC 100 to 120 V, 60 Hz
200V model: AC 220 to 240 V, 50 Hz
Power Consumption Printer interface card Stand-by (Max.) 1.0 W
Printing (Max.) 4.2 W
Printing (Ave.) 2.5 W
Power save mode 0.6W
AC adapter Stand-by (Max.) 1.1 W
Printing (Max.) 4.5 W
Printing (Ave.) 3.2 W
Power save mode 0.7W
Noise Stand-by: 35 dB A or less
Printing: 40 dB A or less
4.4 Environment
Temperature Operating: 10 to 35°C (50 to 95°F)
Storage: -20 to 60°C (-4 to 140°F)
Humidity Operating: 20 to 80% (without condensation)
Storage: 5 to 95% (without condensation)
4.5 Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions (WxDxH) MP-21C: 50.8 x 300 x 106 mm (Without ACSF)
MP-21CDX: 90 x 305 x 140 mm (With ACSF)
Weight MP-21C: Approx. 1,000g (2.2 lbs)
MP-21CDX: Approx. 1,460g (3.21 lbs)
4.6 Recommended Paper
• Plain paper USA: Xerox 4200
Europe: Xerox Premier 80g/m2or equivalent
• Special paper Brother Quality Coated Paper for 360dpi printing
BP36CL (Letter), BP36CA (A4)
Brother High Quality Coated Paper for 720dpi printing
BP72CL (Letter), BP72CA (A4)
Brother Color Inkjet Glossy Paper
BPGLL (Letter), BPGLA (A4)
Transparencies Brother Transparencies BPTRL (Letter)
3M CG3410
3M CG3460 (For super fine mode)

I-7
4.7 Paper Specification
The printer can handle plain paper, transparencies and envelopes that meet the following
specifications.
Feeder Paper Size Capacity
Manual
feed Straight paper
path slot
Plain paper: A4, Letter, A5, Legal, Executive,
Envelope: DL, C5, B5, COM-10, Monarch, User defined
Coated paper: A4, Letter
Transparencies: A4, Letter
Organizer: K, L
(95.25 ~ 216 x 100 ~ 356 mm, 3.94 ~ 8.5 x 3.94 ~
14.02 inches, 60 ~ 157 g/m2, 16 ~ 42 lbs)
Sheet by sheet
Paper
feeding
guide
Plain paper: A4, Letter, A5, Legal, Executive
Transparencies: A4, Letter
Organizer: K, L
(95.25 ~ 216 x 100 ~ 356 mm, 3.94 ~ 8.5 x 3.94 ~
14.02 inches, 60 ~ 105 g/m2, 16 ~ 28 lbs)
Sheet by sheet
ACSF
(MP-21CDX only) Plain paper: A4, Letter, A5, Custom size
(100 ~ 216 x 100 ~ 356 mm, 3.94 ~ 8.5 x 3.94 ~14.02
inches, 60 ~ 105g/m2, 16 ~ 28 lbs)
* It is recommended to feed transparencies from the
straight paper path slot or the paper feeding guide.
• Approx. 20 sheets of 75 g/m2
~ 105g/m2(20 lbs ~ 28 lbs)
plain paper (A4/Letter)
• Approx. 30 sheets of 60 ~ 75
g/m2(16 ~ 20 lbs) plain
paper (A4/Letter)
• Approx. 20 sheets of Brother
coated paper (A4/Letter)
Cut Sheet Envelope
Caliper ± 0.03~± 0.08 in. (0.09 ~ 0.2mm) 0.0033 to 0.0058 in.
(0.084 to 0.14mm)
single thickness
Moisture 4% to 6% by weight 4% to 6% by weight
Smoothness 100 to 250 (Sheffield) 100 to 250 (Sheffield)
Remarks: Avoid feeding labels. If the label jammed, glue may stick on the rollers
positioned on the way of the paper transportation pass and it may cause
further problems.
DO NOT use ordinary transparencies designed for photocopiers or laser
printers. Use the recommended transparencies for the MP-21C/CDX
printers to obtain optimum print quality
If the paper will not feed from the ACSF, try the manual feed.

I-8
4.8 Printable Area
The table below shows the effective printable areas.
Plain paper (Unit = mm)
SIZE A B C D E F G H
A4 210.0
(8.2”) 297.0 (11.5”) 203.2 (8.0”) 282.5 (11.1”) 3.4 (0.13”) 3 (0.11”) 3.4 (0.13”) 11.5 (0.45”)
Letter 215.9
(8.5") 279.4 (11.0") 203.2
(8.0”) 264.9 (10.4”) 6.35 (0.25”) 3 (0.11”) 6.35 (0.25”) 11.5 (0.45”)
Legal 215.9
(8.5") 355.6 (14.0") 203.2
(8.0”) 341.1 (13.4”) 6.35 (0.25”) 3 (0.11”) 6.35 (0.25”) 11.5 (0.45”)
Executive 184.2
(7.25") 266.7 (10.5") 177.4
(7.2”) 252.2 (9.9”) 3.4 (0.13”) 3 (0.11”) 3.4 (0.13”) 11.5 (0.45”)
A5 148.5
(5.8”) 210.0 (8.2”) 141.7 (5.5”) 195.5 (7.6”) 3.4 (0.13”) 3 (0.11”) 3.4 (0.13”) 11.5 (0.45”)
Special paper * : Envelope, (Unit = mm)
SIZE A B C D E F G H
Organizer K 95.25
(3.75") 171.45 (6.75") 88.45
(3.4“) 156.95 (6.1“) 3.4 (0.13”) 3 (0.11”) 3.4 (0.13”) 11.5 (0.45”)
Organizer L 139.7
(5.5") 215.9 (8.5") 132.9
(5.2“) 201.4 (7.9“) 3.4 (0.13”) 3 (0.11”) 3.4 (0.13”) 11.5 (0.45”)
B5* 176
(6.9“) 250 (9.8“) 169.2 (6.6“) 210 (9.2“) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”)
C5* 162
(6.3“) 229 (9.0“) 155.2 (6.1“) 180 (8.4“) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”)
MONARCH* 98.43
(3.8") 190.5 (7.5") 91.63
(3.6“) 150.5 (6.9“) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”)
COM-10* 104.78
(4.1") 241.3 (9.5") 84.65
(3.3“) 201.3 (8.6“) 3.4 (0.39”) 20 (0.78”) 10.0 (0.39”) 20 (0.78”)
DL* 110
(4.3“) 220 (8.6“) 103.2 (4.0“) 180 (7.0“) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”)
USER
DEFINED* 215.9
(8.5“)
(Max.)
355.6
(14.0“)
(Max.)
203.2
(8.0“) 341.1 (13.4“) 3.4 (0.13”) 3 (0.12”) 3.4 (0.13”) 11.5 (0.45”)
A
Effective
printable area
C
B
EG
F
D
H
A
C
B
EG
F
D
H
Effective
printable area
Fig. 1.3
A: Paper width
B: Paper length
C: Width
D: Length
E: Left margin
F: Top margin
G: Right margin
H: Bottom margin

I-9
The table below shows the recommended printable areas.
Plain paper (Unit = mm)
SIZE A’ B’ C’ D’ E’ F’ G’ H’
A4 210.0
(8.2”) 297.0 (11.5”) 203.2 (8.0”) 265.5 (10.4”) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”) 3.4 (0.13”) 11.5 (0.45”)
Letter 215.9
(8.5") 279.4 (11.0") 203.2
(8.0”) 247.9 (9.7”) 6.35 (0.25”) 20 (0.78”) 6.35 (0.25”) 11.5 (0.45”)
Legal 215.9
(8.5") 341.1 (14.0") 203.2
(8.0”) 324.1 (12.7”) 6.35 (0.25”) 20 (0.78”) 6.35 (0.25”) 11.5 (0.45”)
Executive 184.2
(7.25") 266.7 (10.5") 177.4
(7.2”) 235.2 (9.2”) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”) 3.4 (0.13”) 11.5 (0.45”)
A5 148.5
(5.8”) 210.0 (8.2”) 141.7 (5.5”) 178.5 (7.0”) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”) 3.4 (0.13”) 11.5 (0.45”)
Special paper * : Envelope, (Unit = mm)
SIZE A B C D E F G H
Organizer K 95.25
(3.75") 171.45 (6.75") 88.45
(3.4“) 139.95 (5.4“) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”) 3.4 (0.13”) 11.5 (0.45”)
Organizer L 139.7
(5.5") 215.9 (8.5") 132.9
(5.2“) 184.4 (7.2“) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”) 3.4 (0.13”) 11.5 (0.45”)
B5* 176
(6.9“) 250 (9.8“) 169.2 (6.6“) 210 (8.2“) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”)
C5* 162
(6.3“) 229 (9.0“) 155.2 (6.1“) 180 (7.08“) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”)
MONARCH* 98.43
(3.8") 190.5 (7.5") 91.63
(3.6“) 150.5 (5.9“) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”)
COM-10* 104.78
(4.1") 241.3 (9.5") 84.65
(3.3“) 201.3 (7.9“) 3.4 (0.39”) 20 (0.78”) 3.4 (0.39”) 20 (0.78”)
DL* 110
(4.3“) 220 (8.6“) 103.2 (4.0“) 180 (7.08“) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”)
USER
DEFINED* 215.9
(8.5“)
(Max.)
355.6
(14.0“)
(Max.)
203.2
(8.0“) 324.1 (12.7“) 3.4 (0.13”) 20 (0.78”) 3.4 (0.13”) 11.5 (0.45”)
A'
Recommended
printable area
C'
B'
E' G'
F'
D'
H'
Fig. 1.4
A’: Paper width
B’: Paper length
C’: Width
D’: Length
E’: Left margin
F’: Top margin
G’: Right margin
H’: Bottom margin

I-10
4.9 Control Panel (LEDs and Buttons)
This printer is equipped with a minimal control panel. Settings and status indication are
available on the printer driver status monitor.
The control panel includes the following LEDs and buttons.
Power LED
Alarm LED
Ink (MY) LED Clean button
Ink (BC) LED
< LEDs > < Buttons >
(On/Off) button
Fig. 1.5
4.9.1 Power LED
The Power LED indicates the current power status of the printer.
LED Printer status
On
●The printer is turned on and ready to print.
Off
❍The printer is turned off.
Blinking
❍↔● The printer is receiving data.
Fast
Blinking
❍↔●
The printer is ready to feed paper.
(Only for manual paper feed)
4.9.2 Alarm LED
The Alarm LED indicates a printer error status.
LED Printer status
On
●Paper empty, paper jam or mis-feeding. If a
paper jam occurs.
Blinking
❍↔● The Top cover of the printer is open and
should be closed so that the printer can print.
When the Alarm LED is on or blinking and the printer has detected an error
condition, refer to Section 3.3 Error codes in Chapter 4 and clear the
problem to make the printer ready to print.
When Power LED + Alarm LED and Ink LEDs (BC LED+MY LED) Blink in Turn
The printer is making itself ready to print.
The printer is cleaning the print head.
When All the LEDs Blink at the Same Time
Service call occurred. Refer to Section 3.3.2 Service Calls in Chapter 4.

I-11
4.9.3 Ink LEDs (BC LED and MY LED)
Each Ink LED indicates when the ink is low or empty with the Alarm LED on.
LED Printer status
Blinking
❍↔● The color ink cartridge is running out of ink.You
should prepare a new ink cartridge for that
color.
On
●The color ink cartridge is empty.You should
replace it with a new one immediately for
optimum print quality.See Section 4.11
Replacing the ink cartridge in Chapter 1.
This may also indicate that one or more ink
cartridges may not be installed correctly.
4.9.4 (On/Off) / Retry Button
When you press this button and when the Power LED is on, the printer becomes ready to
operate.
When the Alarm LED is on with Power LED blinking, pressing this button will resume
printing. A paper jam or mis-feed will be cleared.
Make sure that the Power LED is on after you press this button.
4.9.5 Clean Button
When you want to clean the print head, press this button.
Note: Even if you turn the (On/Off) button off, power is not completely shut off.
In case of emergency, you must remove the Printer Interface Card from the
computer and remove the AC Adapter from the mains if connected (MP-
21CDX or PA-21MP users only) in order to shut off power completely.

I-12
4.9.6 Printer Status
The table below shows the details of the various printer status conditions.
Status Description
Not energized Power is not supplied.
Power off Power is turned off (low power consumption mode).
Online Ready to receive data.
Operator call An operator call has occurred. It can be recovered by users
Cleaning The print head is cleaning.
Service call A service call has occurred.
The printer is energized up when you:
➀Insert the Printer Interface card in the PCMCIA slot with the PC powered on.
➁Turn on the PC with the Printer Interface card inserted in the PCMCIA slot.
➂Plug in the AC adapter jack to the printer.
All the four LEDs flash once and they turned OFF, however the power is supplied to the
printer.
Any status indication that occurs when the printer is powered up with the power button
pressed is a hidden status.
The printer operates in the following 3 modes.
Mode Description
Normal mode After initialization and error detection are carried out,
the printer goes into normal print mode.
Hidden
function mode Inspection mode Initialization is not carried out on the mechanical parts; mechanical operation is controlled using
commands and switches.
* For factory use only *
PCB check
mode Mechanical operation is not performed; hardware operation is checked.
* For factory use only *
4.9.7 Control Panel
The control panel monitors the switches and sensors, as well as indicating the status on
the LEDs.
Switch status is detected after noise cancellation and switch debouncing. Data read for
two successive times detects the switch status (noise cancellation), then the current
status is defined after a further confirmation of three more switch reads.
LEDs turn off, light, or blink to indicate the printer status. Blinking includes 3 patterns: ➀
4 LEDs blink at the same time, ➁4 LEDs blink alternately, ➂3 LEDs blink successively.