Digital Equipment LA310 User manual

LA310 MultiPrinter
Service Guide
digital equipment corporation
maynard, massachusetts
Order Number: ER-LA310-SG.001

October 1992
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should be
construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital Equipment
Corporationassumesnoresponsibilityforanyerrorsthatmayappearinthisdocument.
Digital Equipment Corporation 1992.
All Rights Reserved.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:
DEC DIBOL RSX
DEC/CMS EduSystem UNIBUS
DEC/EDI IAS VAX
DECnet MASSBUS VAXcluster
DECSYSTEM-20 PDP VT
DECUS PDT
DECwriter RSTS
IBM is a registered trademark, and IBM Proprinter is a trademark of International
Business Machines Corporation.
Epson, FX-850, FX-1050 and ESC/P are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corpo-
ration.
Printed in Italy.

FCC NOTICE
Thisequipmentgeneratesandusesradiofrequencyenergyandifnotinstalledandused
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, wich are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However,
thereisnoguaranteethatinterferencewillnotoccurinaparticularinstallation.Ifthis
equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, wich can be
determinedbyturningtheequipmentoffandon,theuserisencouragedtotrytocorrect
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
technicianforadditionalsuggestions.TheusermayfindthebookletHowtoIdentifyand
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.

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
TO THE CANADIAN DEPARTMENT
OF COMMUNICATIONS
Radio Act Registration SOR/88-475
Thisdigital apparatus does notexceed the Class Blimits for radio noiseemissions from
digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits radio-életriques dépassant les
limites applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans le règlement
surlebrouillageradio-életriqueédictéparleministéredescommunicationsduCanada.

LA 310 - Service Manual
CONTENTS
1 Overview 1-1
1.1 Identification 1-2
1.2 Recommended Tools 1-4
2 Installation 2-1
2.1 Preparation 2-1
2.1.1 Precautions and Suggestions 2-1
2.1.2 Unpackaging and Preliminary Operations 2-1
2.2 Installation 2-2
2.3 Paper Loading 2-5
2.3.1 Paper 2-5
2.3.2 Printable Area 2-7
2.3.2 Paper Handling Devices 2-8
3 Set-up 3-1
3.1 Set-up Mode Switches and Indicators 3-2
3.1.1 Entering Set-up Mode 3-3
3.1.2 Printing the Printer's Current Configuration 3-4
3.1.3 Changing the Printer's Configuration 3-5
3.1.4 Saving New Values and Exiting Set-up Mode 3-8
3.1.5 Recalling the Factory Defaults 3-8
3.1.6 Optional Emulation Selection Set-up 3-8
3.1.7 Error Conditions in Set-up Mode 3-9
4 Tests & Diagnostics 4-1
4.1 T & D Summary 4-1
4.2 Power up Diagnostic 4-2
4.3 Alignment Tests 4-2
4.3.1 "H" Pattern Self Test 4-2
4.3.2 Print Head Pattern Test 4-3
4.3.3 PLU/PLD Test 4-3
4.3.4 Carriage Motion Test 4-4
4.3.5 Paper Sensor Adjustment 4-4
i

4.4 Service Tests 4-5
4.4.1 Printing Self Test 4-5
4.4.2 LA310 MultiPrinter Service Test 4-5
4.4.3 Serial Port Loopback Self Test 4-7
4.4.4 Parallel Port Loopback Self Test 4-8
5 Troubleshooting 5-1
5.1 General Rules 5-1
5.2 Fault Isolation 5-2
5.3 Fault Correction 5-3
5.3.1 Power-Related Problems 5-3
5.3.2 Operation-Related Problems 5-6
5.3.3 Print-Related Problems 5-8
5.3.4 Ribbon or Carriage-Related Problems 5-10
6 Remove Replace 6-1
6.1 General 6-1
6.2 Printhead Replacement 6-4
6.2.1 Printhead-Platen Distance Adjustment 6-5
6.3 Cover Replacement 6-6
6.4 Internal Console Replacement 6-7
6.5 Mechanical Assembly Replacement 6-8
6.6 Printhead Cable Replacement 6-9
6.7 Main Board Replacement 6-10
6.8 Power Supply Replacement 6-11
6.9 Power Supply Fuse Replacement 6-12
7 Cleaning 7-1
7.1 Introduction 7-1
7.2 Cleaning 7-1
7.3 Cleaning Platen 7-1
A Appendix A-1
A.1 Printer Specifications A-1
A.2 Paper Specifications A-5
B Appendix B-1
B.1 Spares and Part Number B-1
ii

LA 310 - Service Manual
C Appendix C-1
C.1 Set-up Configuration C-1
C.1.1 Set-up Directory C-1
C.1.2 General Main Menu C-2
C.1.3 Protocol Selection Main Menu C-3
C.1.4 Communications Main Menu C-4
C.1.5 DEC PPL2 Main Menu C-5
C.1.6 IBM PP III Main Menu C-6
C.1.7 Epson FX-1050 Main Menu C-7
D Appendix D-1
D.1 General Block Diagram D-1
D.2 DC/AC Power Supply D-2
D.3 BA 298 Board D-4
D.3.1 I/O Signal General Description D-4
D.3.2 CPU and EPROM-SRAM-E2PROM Memories D-4
D.3.3 "LOGO" Custom D-5
D.3.4 Needle Drive Circuit D-5
D.3.5 Paper and Carriage Motor Drive Circuit D-5
D.3.6 Console LED Drive Circuit D-5
D.3.7 Reverse Channel, CTS, RTS Signal Storing Circuit D-5
D.3.8 Console Signals, Sensors and Microswitches D-5
D.3.9 BA 298 Board Block Diagram D-6
D.3.10 BA 298 Board Component Location and Function D-8
D.4 "LOGO" Custom D-10
D.4.1 "LOGO" Custom Block Diagram D-12
D.5 Schematics D-14
D.5.1 BA 298 Logic and Memory D-14
D.5.2 BA 298 Custom and Centronics Interface D-16
D.5.3 BA 298 Console and Serial Interface D-17
D.5.4 BA 298 Needle Drivers D-18
D.5.5 BA 298 Motor Drivers D-19
D.5.6 BA 298 Power Supply D-20
D.5.7 BA 298 Board Layout D-21
D.5.8 BA298 Board Vendor Bill of Materials D-23
iii

LA 310 - Service Manual 1-1
1
OVERVIEW
TheLA310isareliable,lowcost,widecarriage,9wiredotmatrixprinter.Itisdesigned
tobe a personaldesk top printersuitable for generalbusinessapplications in asmall to
mediumcomputerenvironment.Ithasflexiblepaperhandlingandiscapableofprinting
on single sheets, continuous forms, multiple part forms, labels, and envelopes.
TheLA310 supports serialandparallel interfaces. Both arelocatedon the mainboard.
The serial interface connects with Digital compatible systems through Digital's DEC-
connect,modular6-pintypeconnector (MMJ).Theparallelinterfaceconnectsthrough
a standard 36-pin Centronics type.
The active port is initially selected via the Setup function, though the printer can be
connected to both serial and parallel ports, and switches automatically between them
whendataisreceived.Protocolcanbedeterminedautomaticallybytheactiveport,even
iftheportischanged.Protocolcanalso be switched from the front panelorbysoftware.
The LA310 Printer contains the following protocols:
- DEC-ANSI-Compliant Printing Protocol Level 2 (DEC PPL2)
- IBM Proprinter III.
- Epson FX-1050
The printer has a slot for optional cartridges for one of the following:
- Optional emulation.
- Fonts.
- Additional character sets.
The LA310 is produced in three voltage models to meet all worldwide voltage require-
ments.
The LA310 allows the user to select either HSD, NLQ1, NLQ2 or Quiet print mode. In
Quiet Mode acoustic noise is reduced to a minimum.
The LA310 also has self test diagnostics. These are initiated by pressing front panel
switches when the power is switched on.

1-2
1.1 Identification
Table 1-1 A First Look at the Printer
Item Number Item Name
1. Rear cover (paper support) with guides
2. Paper Selection Lever
3. Platen Knob
4. Operator Control Panel
5. Prop (for holding paper support in sloping position)
6. Push tractor
7. Paper present switch on tractor
8. Power cord socket
9. Electrical data plate
10. Ruler
11. Plastic guide with red arrow head
12. Internal console
13. Metallic anti-smudge plate
14. Print head carriage
15. Print head
16. Platen
17. Bail bar and rollers
18. Parallel cable socket
19. Serial cable socket
20. Slot for optional card
21. Printhead distance lever
22. ON/OFF Switch
23. Front cover
24. Transparent cover

LA 310 - Service Manual 1-3

1-4
1.2 Recommended Tools
You are recommended to use the following tools:
Table 1-1 Recommended tools
Part Number Description
29-26106-00 50 Hz Terminal Tool Kit
29-26109-00 60 Hz Terminal Tool Kit
12-25083-01 MMJ Loopback Connector
29-27887-01 Parallel Loopback Connector
29-11762-00 Antistatic Kit

LA 310 - Service Manual 2-1
2
INSTALLATION
2.1 Preparation
2.1.1 Precautions and Suggestions
For correct functioning of the printer, the following precautions should be taken:
- Do not install the printer near to sources of heat or exposed to direct sun light.
- Leave a free area around the printer to allow sufficient ventilation for the printer
electronics.
- Do not connect the printer to power supplies used for other industrial equipment,
additionally it is essential that the printer is connected to a mains socket with a
protective ground connection.
- Functioning of the printer in a residential area may cause interference to radio-TV
equipment in the immediate vicinity. The user should try to avoid such interference
by relocating the printer and, whenever possible, connecting it to a dedicated power
socket.
- Toavoidthepossibilityof electric shock, damage tothemechanicalorelectrical parts
orvoidingtheguarantee,anyinternalmodificationtotheprintermustonlybecarried
out by qualified service technicians.
2.1.2 Unpackaging and Preliminary Operations
- In addition to the base printer, the packaging also contains Serial Interface Cable,
Power Cord, Ribbon Cartridge and the Operating Manual. The Pull Tractor device is
optional and, if ordered, is sent in separate packaging. Before unpacking, check that
the indications on the bar code labels coincide with the customers order.
- The bar code label contains the part number, revision and serial number.

2-2
2.2 Installation
Note:
YoushouldrefertotheLA310PrinterInstallationandUser'sGuidetogetmoredetailed
information for the installation of the printer and loading of paper.
1. Unpack the LA 310 and inspect the contents for missing items or damage.
Thecontentsare:theprinter,userdocumentation,ribboncartridge,powercordand
serial interface cable. Any damage or shortage should be reported.
2. Locate the LA 310 where it is to be used.
3. Remove the adhesive film from the transparent covers on the front of the printer.
4. Openthefrontcover (see Figure2-1),raiseit,andtipitbacktowards the rearofthe
printer.
5. Removethestripsofcardboardblockingtheprinterheadandthebailbar(seeFigure
2-1).
Fig. 2.1 Removing the Cardboard Strips

LA 310 - Service Manual 2-3
6. Make sure that the label on the back of the printer quotes the same voltage as that
available from the wall socket.
7. Connect the power cable first to the printer and then to the wall socket.
DO NOT SWITCH ON
8. Unwrapthe ribbon cartridge, removing theplastic strip whichblocks the ribbon. If
necessary, adjust the ribbon tension, by turning the knob on the upper side of the
cartridge in the direction indicated by the arrow.
Fig. 2.2 Preparing the Cartridge
Open the front cover,raising it and tipping it back as far as it will go. Position the
ribbon cartridge on the print head carriage and press it downwards. Make sure the
ribbon feeds correctly between theprintheadandthemetalanti-smudgeplateonthe
plastic guide.

2-4
Fig 2.3 Installing the Cartridge
9. Do not connect the data cable to the host system.
10. Runtheprinttest.TheprinttestisactivatedfromaprinterOFFcondition,onceyou
haveloaded a sheet of paper,switch the printeroff. Then,holding down the QUIET
keyonthe operatorconsole,switchtheprinteronagain.Hold theQUIETkeydown
until the mechanical reset has been completed and printing has started, then
releaseit.To interrupt theprinttest temporarily, open thecover.Closing the cover
thenpressingtheREADYkeywillcauseprintingtoresume.Thatprinttestcanalso
be initiated with the cover open, by pressing the PRINT TEST key on the internal
console, printing starts when the cover is closed. To terminate the execution of the
printing test, switch off the printer. Check the print quality ensuring that all the
characters are complete and clearly printed.
11. Connect the printer to the Computer System.

LA 310 - Service Manual 2-5
2.3 Paper Loading
2.3.1 Paper
The printer can handle a wide range of paper types. The printable area will depend on
the type of paper used. Both single sheets and continuous stationery can be used alone
or with carbon or chemical copies; max. combination: original + 4 copies (see note).
Thepaper weight of singlesheets may vary from60 to 100 g/m2.For larger dimensions,
the weight should approach the maximum value ( 80- - -> 100 g/m2).
Formultipartforms,thepaperweightwillvary,dependingonthenumberofcopiesand
their type, from 150 to 290 g/m2, for a thickness 0.36 mm.
The paper weight for continuous stationery may vary from 60 - 90 g/m2.
For multicopy continuous stationery, the paper weight will vary, depending on the
numberof copies and their type:for carbon copies,from 130 to 220 g/m2, for athickness
0.34mm; for chemical copies, from 130 to 220 g/m2, for a thickness 0.27mm.
Rememberto adjusttheposition oftheprint head distancelever according to
the number of copies and/or paper thickness you are using.
NOTE: When using multipart forms consisting of an original plus 4 copies use of the
optional pull tractor is mandatory.

2-6
Thefollowing table containsthe dimensions andweight of thepaperwhich can beused
on your printer
PAPER DIMENSIONS WEIGHT COPIES/
COMPOSITION
Single Width: 2 to 18 in 60 - 100 g/m2Original only
sheet (50 - 457.2 mm) 80 - 100 g/m2
Length: 2.5 to 21 in
(63.5 - 533 mm)
Multipart Width: 2 to 18 in 175 - 290 g/m2Original + 1 to 3
form (50 - 457.2 mm) carbon copies
Length: 2.5 to 21 in 150 - 250 g/m2Original + 1 to 3
(63.5 - 533 mm) chemical copies
Continuous Width: 3.5* to 16 in 60 - 90 g/m2Original only
stationery pin to pin
(89 - 406.4 mm)
Multicopy Width: 3.5 to 16 in 150 - 270 g/m2Original + 1 to 3
continuous pin to pin carbon copies
stationery (89 - 406.4 mm) 130 - 220 g/m2**Original + 1 to 4
copies
* This minimum width is achieved when the adjustable plastic guide between the
tractors is removed.
** TheuseoftheoptionatPullTractorisrecommendedforthispapercomposition,and
in other situations where paper feed is critical.

LA 310 - Service Manual 2-7
2.3.2 Printable Area
The maximum printable area on the page is illustrated in the followings diagrams. It
will vary according to the type of paper used.
SINGLE SHEETS DIMENSIONS CONTINUOUS
STATIONERY
457.2 mm P(Paper feed path width) 454.4 mm
420 mm M(Max. width of standard sheet) 406.4 mm
345.4 mm W(Max. print line length) 345.4 mm
18.7 - 55.9 mm L(Left margin, min. and max.) 0 - 48.1 mm
18.7 - 55.9 mm R(Right margin, min. and max.) 0 - 48.1 mm
6 mm T (Top margin - TOF) 6 mm
13 mm B(Bottom margin - BOF) 0 - 25.4 mm

2-8
2.3.3 Paper Handling Devices
Use the following devices and manual controls on your printer to load and feed paper:
- Paper guides on the rear paper support
- Paper feed knob
- Paper selection lever
- Bail bar
- Ruler
- Print head distance lever
- Internal sprocket ( Push Tractor )
- Operator console
An optional External Sprocket ( Pull Tractor ) can be ordered and installed.The
instructions for the installation and use of this optional device are supplied with the
individual option.
Paper Guides
The position of the pair of paper guides on the rear paper support must be varied
according to the type of paper.
Fig. 2.4 Paper Guides

LA 310 - Service Manual 2-9
Paper Feed Knob
WiththeprinterinPAUSEstate,usethepaperfeedknobtoadvance/retractpaperand
to remove jammed paper.
Fig. 2.5 Paper Feed Knob
Paper Selection Lever
Position this lever towards the front of the printer if you are using single sheets. Set it
towards the rear of the printer if you are using continuous stationery.
Fig. 2.7 Paper Selection Lever Position for Continuous Stationery
Fig. 2.6 Paper Selection Lever Position for Single Sheet