Digital Equipment DEClaser 1100 Series Manual

DEClaser 1100 Printer
Operator’s Guide
Order Number EK–DCL11–OP–002
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

First Printing, January 1991
Revised, June 1991
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be
construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation.
Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in
this document.
Any software described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or
copied only in accordance with the terms of such license. No responsibility is assumed for
the use or reliability of software or equipment that is not supplied by Digital Equipment
Corporation or its affiliated companies.
Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to
restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer
Software clause at DFARS 252.227–7013.
© Digital Equipment Corporation 1991
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
The Reader’s Comments form at the end of this document requests your critical evaluation to
assist in preparing future documentation.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: DECdirect, DEClaser,
DECmailer, DECmate, DECservice, LN03, LN03 PLUS, VAX DOCUMENT, and the DIGITAL
logo.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation and ProPrinter
is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. PostScript is a registered
trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc. HP and LaserJet are registered trademarks of Hewlett-
Packard Company. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. WordPerfect
is a trademark of WordPerfect Corporation.
S1703
This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT, Version 1.2.

First Printing, January 1991
Revised, June 1991
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be
construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation.
Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in
this document.
Any software described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or
copied only in accordance with the terms of such license. No responsibility is assumed for
the use or reliability of software or equipment that is not supplied by Digital Equipment
Corporation or its affiliated companies.
Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to
restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer
Software clause at DFARS 252.227–7013.
© Digital Equipment Corporation 1991
All rights reserved. Printed in Japan.
The Reader’s Comments form at the end of this document requests your critical evaluation to
assist in preparing future documentation.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: DECdirect, DEClaser,
DECmailer, DECmate, DECservice, LN03, LN03 PLUS, VAX DOCUMENT, and the DIGITAL
logo.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation and ProPrinter
is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. PostScript is a registered
trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc. HP and LaserJet are registered trademarks of Hewlett-
Packard Company. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. WordPerfect
is a trademark of WordPerfect Corporation.
S1703
This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT, Version 1.2.

FCC NOTICE: This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy
and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio and television
reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in
Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference in a residential installation. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause 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 methods.
– Reorient the receiving antenna.
– Relocate the computer or peripheral with respect to the receiver.
– Move the computer or peripheral away from the receiver.
– Plug the computer or peripheral into a different outlet so that they are
on different branch circuits than the receiver.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/television technician for additional suggestions. The user may find
the booklet How to Identify and Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems,
prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful. This booklet
is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC
20402, Stock No. 004–000–00345–4.
To meet FCC requirements a shielded parallel cable is required to connect
the device to a personal computer or other Class B device.
4

Contents
Preface ix
Chapter 1 Printer Components
1.1 Functions of the Printer Components .................. 1–1
1.2 Required Operating Space ........................... 1–9
Chapter 2 Operating Information
2.1 Powering the Printer On ............................ 2–1
2.2 Powering the Printer Off ............................ 2–3
2.3 Opening the Paper Tray ............................. 2–4
2.4 Adding Paper ..................................... 2–6
2.4.1 Loading the Paper Tray ........................... 2–7
2.5 Changing the Page Format Size. ...................... 2–11
2.6 Printing on Envelopes .............................. 2–12
2.6.1 Loading Envelopes . .............................. 2–12
2.7 Selecting the Output Tray ........................... 2–18
2.7.1 Selecting the Top Output Tray (Facedown Print) . . . ..... 2–20
2.7.2 Selecting the Front Output Tray (Faceup Print) . . . ..... 2–22
2.8 Adjusting the Print Density.......................... 2–24
2.9 Printing Test Print A . .............................. 2–27
2.10 Printing Test Print B . .............................. 2–30
2.11 Printing the Font List .............................. 2–32
2.12 Using Control Representation Mode ................... 2–34
2.12.1 Entering Control Representation Mode . . ............. 2–35
2.13 Resetting the Printer . .............................. 2–36
2.14 Emulation and Video Modes of Operation . . ............. 2–37
iii

Chapter 3 The Control Panel
3.1 Using the Keypad in Keypad Mode .................... 3–5
3.1.1 Entering Keypad Mode ........................... 3–5
3.2 Using the Keypad in Menu Mode ...................... 3–8
Chapter 4 Printer Configuration
4.1 Entering Menu Mode . .............................. 4–2
4.1.1 Keypad Functions in Menu Mode.................... 4–3
4.2 Reading the Display in Menu Mode .................... 4–4
4.2.1 Displaying Menu and Feature Selections . ............. 4–5
4.2.2 Displaying Menu Values .......................... 4–6
4.3 Printer Configuration Memory . . ...................... 4–6
4.3.1 Operating Memory . .............................. 4–7
4.3.2 ROM (Read-Only Memory) . . . ...................... 4–8
4.3.3 NVRAM (Nonvolatile Random-Access Memory) ......... 4–9
4.3.4 RAM (Random-Access Memory) ..................... 4–10
4.4 Operational Flow in Menu Mode ...................... 4–10
4.4.1 Changing and Saving Values Example Procedure . . ..... 4–12
4.5 Menu Descriptions . . . .............................. 4–14
4.5.1 FEEDER Menu . . . .............................. 4–16
4.5.2 LAYOUT Menu . . . .............................. 4–16
4.5.3 COPY Menu .................................... 4–17
4.5.4 COMMAND Menu . .............................. 4–17
4.5.5 INITIAL Menu .................................. 4–18
4.5.5.1 Macro . ...................................... 4–19
4.5.5.2 Examples Using the Macro Feature . . . ............. 4–21
4.5.5.3 Paint Mode (paint) ............................. 4–22
4.5.5.4 Paper Size (paper) ............................. 4–22
4.5.6 INTERFACE Menu .............................. 4–23
4.5.6.1 Interface Selection (i/f) .......................... 4–25
4.5.6.2 Baud Rate (baud) .............................. 4–25
4.5.6.3 RS232C Data Format (rsmode) ................... 4–25
4.5.6.4 Data Terminal Ready (dtr) . ...................... 4–25
4.5.6.5 Buffer Control (xon/xoff). . . ...................... 4–26
4.5.6.6 End of Text/Acknowledge (etx/ack) ................. 4–26
iv

Chapter 5 Print Media
5.1 Paper Specifications . . .............................. 5–2
5.1.1 Special Considerations When Printing on Paper . . . ..... 5–3
5.2 Envelope Specifications ............................. 5–4
5.2.1 Special Considerations When Printing on Envelopes ..... 5–7
5.3 Transparency Specifications .......................... 5–8
5.3.1 Special Considerations When Printing on Transparencies . 5–8
5.4 Label Specifications . . .............................. 5–9
5.4.1 Special Considerations When Printing on Labels . . . ..... 5–10
5.5 Paper Handling and Storage . . . ...................... 5–10
5.5.1 Paper Handling . . . .............................. 5–11
5.5.2 Paper Storage .................................. 5–11
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
6.1 Error Skip Procedure . .............................. 6–2
6.2 Printer Status Messages ............................ 6–3
6.3 Operator Call Messages ............................. 6–4
6.4 Software Error Messages ............................ 6–6
6.5 Service Call Messages .............................. 6–8
6.6 Common Operating Problems . . ...................... 6–8
6.7 Paper Jams ...................................... 6–12
6.7.1 Clearing Printer Paper Jams . ...................... 6–14
6.7.2 Clearing Cassette Paper Jams ...................... 6–22
Chapter 7 Maintenance
7.1 Extending EP-L Cartridge Life . ...................... 7–2
7.2 Replacing the EP-L Cartridge . . ...................... 7–3
7.3 Cleaning the Fixing Assembly . . ...................... 7–10
7.4 Cleaning the Printer . .............................. 7–13
v

Chapter 8 Service
8.1 Digital Equipment Corporation Services . . . ............. 8–1
Appendix A DEClaser Printer Quick Reference Guide
A.1 Positioning Controls . . .............................. A–2
A.2 Margins and Spacing . .............................. A–5
A.3 Set/Reset Modes ................................... A–10
A.4 Fonts and Character Sets ........................... A–11
A.5 Control Characters . . . .............................. A–17
A.6 Miscellaneous ..................................... A–18
Appendix B Accessories and Supplies
B.1 Ordering Information . .............................. B–3
Appendix C Specifications
C.1 Operating Specifications............................. C–1
C.2 Serial Interface Specifications . . ...................... C–4
C.3 Parallel Interface Specifications . ...................... C–6
Appendix D LN03 Compatibility
D.1 General Differences . . .............................. D–1
D.2 Printable Area Compatibility . . . ...................... D–2
D.3 Protocol Compatibility .............................. D–2
Glossary
Index
vi

Figures
1–1 Components: Front/Right-Side View ................... 1–2
1–2 Components: Rear/Left-Side View ..................... 1–5
1–3 Components: Inside the Printer . ...................... 1–7
1–4 Operating Space: Top View .......................... 1–10
1–5 Operating Space: Side View .......................... 1–10
2–1 Output Tray Selections ............................. 2–18
2–2 Test Print A ...................................... 2–27
2–3 Test Print B ...................................... 2–30
2–4 Font List . . ...................................... 2–32
3–1 Control Panel ..................................... 3–2
4–1 Sample Menu ..................................... 4–1
4–2 Menu Display ..................................... 4–5
4–3 Operating Memory . . . .............................. 4–7
4–4 Operational Flow Chart ............................. 4–11
5–1 Unacceptable Labels . .............................. 5–9
6–1 Paper Jam Areas .................................. 6–13
7–1 Rocking the EP-L Cartridge .......................... 7–3
C–1 RS232C Pin Assignments............................ C–4
C–2 Serial Connections to Modem . . . ...................... C–5
C–3 Serial Connections Without Modem .................... C–6
C–4 Parallel Pin Assignment ............................ C–8
C–5 Parallel Connections . .............................. C–8
Tables
1–1 Printer Components: Front/Right-Side View ............. 1–3
1–2 Printer Components: Rear/Left-Side View . . ............. 1–6
1–3 Printer Components: Internal View .................... 1–8
2–1 Changing Page Format Size .......................... 2–11
2–2 Test Print A ...................................... 2–28
2–3 Printing Test Print A . .............................. 2–29
2–4 Printing Test Print B . .............................. 2–31
2–5 Printing the Font List .............................. 2–33
2–6 Entering Control Representation Mode ................. 2–35
2–7 Resetting the Printer . .............................. 2–36
vii

2–8 Selecting Emulation or Video Mode .................... 2–37
3–1 Control Panel Functions ............................ 3–3
3–2 Entering Keypad Mode ............................. 3–5
3–3 Keypad Functions: Keypad Mode ...................... 3–5
4–1 Entering Menu Mode . .............................. 4–2
4–2 Keypad Functions: Menu Mode . ...................... 4–3
4–3 Recalling Factory Default Values from ROM ............. 4–8
4–4 Saving Values in NVRAM ........................... 4–9
4–5 Saving Values in RAM .............................. 4–10
4–6 Changing and Saving Values . . . ...................... 4–12
4–7 Menu Mode Features and Values ...................... 4–14
4–8 FEEDER Menu Features and Values ................... 4–16
4–9 LAYOUT Menu Features and Values ................... 4–16
4–10 COPY Menu Features and Values ..................... 4–17
4–11 COMMAND Menu Features and Values . . . ............. 4–17
4–12 INITIAL Menu Features and Values ................... 4–18
4–13 User Preference Character Set . . ...................... 4–19
4–14 Initialization Message .............................. 4–20
4–15 Device Identification . .............................. 4–20
4–16 Macro Feature Examples ............................ 4–21
4–17 INTERFACE Menu Features and Values................ 4–23
5–1 Cassette Feed Paper Sizes ........................... 5–2
5–2 Paper Specifications . . .............................. 5–2
5–3 Transparency Sizes . . .............................. 5–8
5–4 Transparency Specifications .......................... 5–8
6–1 Error Skip Procedure . .............................. 6–2
6–2 Printer Status Messages ............................ 6–3
6–3 Operator Call Messages ............................. 6–4
6–4 Software Error Messages ............................ 6–6
6–5 Common Operating Problems . . ...................... 6–9
8–1 Questions to Consider Before You Call .................. 8–2
B–1 DEClaser 1100 Printer Accessories and Supplies .......... B–1
B–2 Ordering Within the U.S.A. .......................... B–3
B–3 Ordering Outside the U.S.A. . . . ...................... B–3
C–1 Serial Interface Pin Assignments ...................... C–4
C–2 Parallel Interface Pin Assignments .................... C–7
viii

Preface
The DEClaser 1100 printer uses electrophotographic laser technology to
print text and graphics at speeds up to 4 pages/minute with a density of
300 x 300 dots/inch. The printer consists of an engine (print mechanism)
and a controller (formatter) that are driven from host-based software to
provide shared printer access from the Digital network. The printer is
designed as a personal desktop printer for printing up to 5,000 prints per
month.
Some of the features of the DEClaser 1100 printer include:
• Capacity for two external (optional) Digital ANSI-compliant font
cartridges, or emulation protocol cartridges
• Font downline loading capability
• Support for both serial and parallel interfaces
• Convenient user maintenance (one replaceable supply cartridge)
• Ability to print on paper, envelopes, labels, and transparencies
• Selectable faceup or facedown document delivery
• Support for an external video controller
• Easy-to-read liquid crystal display (LCD) for printer messages
The following options are available for the DEClaser 1100 printer:
• User-installable memory expansion (up to 2 MB)
• Digital ANSI-compliant font cartridges
• Emulation protocol cartridges
• User-installable PostScript upgrade capability
• Paper cassette feeder
• A4, letter-size, legal-size, and executive-size paper cassettes
• Envelope cassette
ix

Software Requirements
Some features of the DEClaser 1100 printer may or may not be available
depending on the operating software used by the host computer system
and the application software that you are using. For information about the
printer features you can use with your application program, consult your
application program documentation.
For help choosing the right software package for your application needs,
contact your Digital sales representative.
Document Structure
This guide focuses mainly on the operational aspects of the DEClaser 1100
and explains how to use and maintain the printer hardware. For printer
installation instructions, refer to the DEClaser 1100 Printer Installation
Guide in this binder.
This guide describes the printer components and their functions, such as
loading paper, changing the supply cartridge, and using the operator panel.
It also covers the proper maintenance procedures to keep your printer
operating efficiently, and basic troubleshooting techniques for correcting
common operating problems. The appendices describe accessories and
supplies, operating specifications, and programming information. A
glossary of terms completes the guide.
This guide is organized as follows:
• Chapter 1, Printer Components, describes the components and features
of the DEClaser 1100 printer.
• Chapter 2, Operating Information, covers operating procedures such as
powering the printer on, loading paper, and adjusting print density.
• Chapter 3, The Control Panel, covers the use of the printer’s control
panel. It describes operational information about the indicators, keys,
and message display.
• Chapter 4, Printer Configuration, explains how to configure the printer
so that it can communicate with your computer system. You configure
the printer by selecting features and their associated values from the
various setup menus. This chapter also describes how to save the values
in memory.
• Chapter 5, Print Media, describes the various printing media that can
be used with the DEClaser 1100 printer, including paper, envelopes,
transparencies, and labels. It also addresses the proper way to store
and handle paper.
x

• Chapter 6, Troubleshooting, contains basic testing and troubleshooting
techniques that allow you to correct common operating problems such
as poor printing or paper jams.
• Chapter 7, Maintenance, explains how to care for and maintain the
printer. It describes how to replace the electrophotographic laser
(EP-L) cartridge, and how to clean the printer.
• Chapter 8, Service, explains how to obtain service if the printer needs
repair.
• Appendix A, DEClaser Printer Quick Reference Guide, lists the
DEClaser control commands and escape sequences used to program the
printer. It is intended as a reference for the experienced programmer.
• Appendix B, Accessories and Supplies, describes the accessories and
supplies available for the DEClaser 1100 printer and explains how to
order them.
• Appendix C, Specifications, lists the power, environmental, and physical
specifications of the DEClaser 1100 printer.
• Appendix D, LN03 Compatibility, highlights some of the major
differences between the DEClaser 1100 and the LN03 printers.
• The glossary contains definitions of printer-related terms.
Ordering Additional Copies of This Documentation Set
The documentation set consists of one of each of the following:
•DEClaser 1100 Printer Installation Guide
•DEClaser 1100 Printer Operator’s Guide
• Spine insert for the binder
• Three-ring binder
You can order additional copies of this documentation set from DECdirect
as described in the ordering information section at the end of this guide.
The ordering number for the documentation is EK–D1100–DK.
NOTE: You cannot order the installation or operator’s guide individually.
You can only order the documentation set.
xi

Associated Documents
Several other related manuals are available for use with the DEClaser 1100
printer. You can order these optional manuals from DECdirect as described
in the ordering information section at the end of this guide.
Those optional manuals are:
•Digital ANSI-Compliant Printing Protocol Level 3 Programming
Reference Manual (AA–PBWGA–TE) This manual is for application
programmers who create software that produces Digital ANSI-
compliant level 3 output. It describes printer protocol character
processing and printer control functions.
•Digital ANSI-Compliant Printing Protocol Level 3 Programming
Supplement (AA–PBWHB–TE) Contains device-specific information for
programmers who create applications for Digital ANSI-compliant level
3 devices. It is also for programmers who write applications with
ANSI output that requires conversion to the PostScript page description
language for printing on Digital printers.
•Digital Laser Printers Guide to Paper and Other Media
(EK–LASER–GD) This manual is for general users and contains
detailed information about buying and storing print media (paper,
envelopes, labels, and transparencies) that can be used with Digital
laser printers.
xii

Conventions Used in This Guide
The following conventions are used in this guide:
Convention Meaning
NOTE Notes provide important additional information.
CAUTION Cautions provide information to prevent damage to
equipment.
WARNING Warnings provide information to prevent personal injury.
Key A key name is shown enclosed in a box to indicate that
key on the control panel. Key names are always shown in
initial capital letters. For example:
1. Press On Lne to place the printer on line.
Dash (—) A statement preceded by a dash describes the result of a
procedural step. For example:
1. Press On Line to place the printer on line.
— The On Line indicator lights.
Check Mark (
p
) A statement marked by a check mark indicates a special
instruction related to the procedural step. For example:
1. Insert the paper into the tray until it stops.
p
The right edge of the paper should touch the paper
feed guide.
UPPERCASE Printer status messages and operator call messages are
shown in uppercase. For example:
— The display reads 00 READY.
Bold Items from the scrolling menus appear as they do on the
display (uppercase, lowercase, or initial capital letters)
with the menu item shown in bold type. For example:
1. Press Menu to enter Menu Mode.
— The menu display reads FONT/FEED LAYOUT.
xiii

Safety Information
The DEClaser 1100 printer complies with all United States government
safety regulations applicable to laser beam light exposure. Read the
following information to become familiar with laser safety.
Laser Safety
The DEClaser 1100 printer complies with 21 CFR Chapter 1, Subchapter
J, as a Class 1 laser product under the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS) Radiation Performance Standard according to the
Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968. The printer does not
emit hazardous light since the laser beam is totally enclosed during all
modes of customer operation and maintenance.
WARNING: Use of controls or adjustment procedures other than those
specified in this manual may result in hazardous laser light exposure.
CDRH Regulations
The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) of the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration implemented regulations for laser products on
August 2, 1976. These regulations apply to laser products manufactured
beginning August 1, 1976. Compliance is mandatory for products marketed
in the United States.
xiv

Chapter 1
Printer Components
This chapter describes the components of the DEClaser 1100 printer and
their functions. This chapter also provides information about the operating
space required to perform day-to-day printing operations.
1.1 Functions of the Printer Components
Figure 1–1, Figure 1–2, and Figure 1–3 show the printer components.
Table 1–1, Table 1–2, and Table 1–3 explain the printer components and
their functions.
Printer Components 1–1

Figure 1–1: Components: Front/Right-Side View
MLO-005960
1–2 Operator’s Guide

Table 1–1: Printer Components: Front/Right-Side View
Component Function
1. Top Output Tray Printed sheets are automatically collated and stacked
(facedown) here.
2. Paper Stop Stops the printed paper as it exits the printer. The
paper stop helps to stack the paper neatly and can be
adjusted for A4, letter-size (LTR), or legal-size (LGL)
paper.
3. Font Cartridge Slots These two slots accept the optional font and emulation
protocol cartridges available for the printer.
4. Power Switch Powers the printer on or off. Pressing ‘‘|’’ turns
power on; pressing ‘‘O’’ turns power off. To ensure
that data is not lost, always be sure the message
display reads 00 READY and the Data indicator is off,
before you power off the printer. See Section 2.1 and
Section 2.2 for additional information about powering
the printer on and off.
5. Front Cover Release Button Lifting this button unlocks the front cover so it can be
opened. The front cover is opened to perform certain
printer funtions as such replacing the EP-L1cartridge
or clearing a paper jam.
6. Output Tray Selector This selector chooses the output delivery tray. The
top position sends paper facedown to the top output
tray. The bottom position sends paper faceup to the
front output tray. Refer to Section 2.7 for additional
information about output paper tray selection.
7. Paper Tray The paper tray holds paper, transparencies, labels,
or envelopes and automatically feeds them into the
printer. It can hold approximately 50 sheets of 75
g/m2basis weight paper (20 lb.). See Section 2.4 for
more information about loading print media in the
tray.
8. Extension Tray The extension tray pulls out to support paper or
envelopes.
9. Adjustable Paper Guide The adjustable paper guide slides to the left or right to
accommodate the paper size you are using. The paper
guide minimizes paper jams by aligning the stack of
paper so that each sheet of paper enters the printer
properly. See Section 2.4 for more information about
loading paper in the tray.
1EP-L stands for electrophotographic laser.
Printer Components 1–3

Table 1–1 (Cont.): Printer Components: Front/Right-Side View
Component Function
10. Fixing Assembly Cover The fixing assembly cover can be opened to access
paper jams that occur in the fixing assembly. See
Section 6.7 for more information about clearing paper
jams.
WARNING: The rollers in the fixing assembly may be
hot. Be careful when accessing this area.
11. Front Cover The front cover opens so you can replace the EP-L
cartridge, adjust the print density, and access printer
components.
12. Control Panel The control panel consists of a message display,
indicator lights, and a keypad. The control panel
provides information on printer status and can be
used to perform certain printer functions such as
resetting the printer or configuring the printer. See
Chapter 3 for additional information about using
the control panel while printing. Chapter 4 has
information about using the control panel to configure
the printer.
13. Front Output Tray
(not shown) The front output tray is used when you want to stack documents faceup. Refer to Section 2.7.2 for
additional information about installing and selecting
the front output tray.
1–4 Operator’s Guide