Epson 1170 User manual

LQ-870/1170
U s e r’ s M a n
u a I
4000377
rn* “A

EPSON®
LQ-870/1170
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 Seiko Epson Corporation. No
patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained
herein. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the
information contained herein.
Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser
of this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs or expenses incurred by
purchaser or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product
or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product.
Seiko Epson Corporation and its affiliates shall not be liable against any damages
arising from the use of any options other than those designated as Original Epson
Products or Epson Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.
Epson and Epson ESC/P are registered trademarks, and ESC/P 2 is a trademark, of
Seiko Epson Corporation.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes
only and may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Copyright © 1991 by Epson America, Inc., Torrance, California.
All rights reserved.
User’s Manual

For United States 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 or
television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and 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 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 equipment interface cable to this equipment will
invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which
exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the
user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device. If this
equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused
interfaces.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
For Canadian Users
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques d&passant les limites
applicables aux appareils numeriques de Classe B prescrites dans le reglement sur le
brouillage radioelectrique edict6 par le Ministere des Communications du Canada.
ii

Tips for printing on single sheets
There are a few things you should know about printing on single sheets
as opposed to continuous paper. When you print on single sheets, you
may notice that your printer prints the first page of your file correctly
but then prints too low on the next page, or that it prints the last few
lines from one page onto the next.
These differences in print position are easy to adjust; you can simply
change some of the settings in your application program as described
below to get the right results.
1. When you install an application program, it normally asks you what
printer you are using. Make sure you choose the correct printer. See
Chapter 1 for the right printer to choose.
2. Many programs include an option to set the maximum lines per page.
If your program has a lines-per-page setting and you are using
standard 83 x 11-inch paper, set the lines per page to 61.
Note: To find the right lines-per-page setting for paper that is not St x
11, create a test document using your application program. Set your
top and bottom margins to 0 and then create a file of numbered lines
from 1 to 66. When you print your file, notice the last number printed
on the first page. This is your maximum lines-per-page setting.
3. If your program doesn’t have a lines-per-page setting, try decreasing
the top margin or increasing the bottom margin, or both, until you
get the results you want.
4. You can also try adjusting the form length setting. For a standard
8 x 11-inch page, try setting the form length at 10 inches.
5. Some programs also let you indicate whether you are using single
sheets or continuous paper. Make sure you choose single sheets.
iii

Where to Get Help for United States Users
Epson America provides local customer support and service
through a nationwide network of authorized Epson dealers and
Service Centers.
Epson also provides the following support services through the
Epson Consumer Resource Center at [phone]:
P Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized Epson Reseller or
Service Center
P Technical assistance with the installation, configuration, and
operation of Epson products
LI Information on application software drivers
P Sales of the Epson ESC/P Reference Manual, which has
comprehensive information on all commands, including
ESC/P 2
P Epson technical information library fax service
P Product literature with technical specifications on our current
and new products
P Sales of ribbons, supplies, parts, documentation, and accessories
for your Epson product
P Customer Relations.
iv

Contents
Introduction
1
Features
........................................................................................
1
Options ........................................................................................
2
Finding Your
Way
Around..
......................................................
3
Warnings, Cautions,
and Notes
................................................
3
Printer Parts.................................................................................
4
Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer 1-1
Unpacking the
Printer.. .......................................................... 1-2
Choosing
a Place
for the Printer........................................... 1-4
Assembling
the
Printer.. ......................................................... 1-6
Testing
the Printer.................................................................. 1-10
Connecting the Printer
to
Your Computer.......................... 1-14
Configuring
Your Software for the Printer.. ....................... 1-15
Chapter 2 Paper Handling 2-1
Selecting
a Paper Feeding
Method ....................................... 2-2
Using Single
Sheets ................................................................. 2-3
Using Continuous Paper
.......................................................... 2-7
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets......
............ 2-21
Printing
on Special Paper..
....................................................... 2-24
Chapter 3 Using the Printer 3-1
Control Panel..
............................................................................ 3-2
DIP
Switches .............................................................................. 3-6
Micro Feed.................................................................................. 3-13
Tear Off...................................................................................... 3-16
Typestyles ................................................................................. 3-19
Data Dump Mode..
.................................................................. 3-23
Contents v

Chapter 4 Using the Printer Options 4-1
Cut-sheet Feeder..................................................................... 4-2
Additional Tractor Unit ......................................................... 4-13
Interface Card.......................................................................... 4-16
Chapter 5 Maintenance and Transportation 5-1
Cleaning the Printer ............................................................... 5-2
Replacing
the Ribbon.. ........................................................... 5-3
Transporting the Printer ........................................................ 5-4
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting 6-1
Problems and Solutions.......................................................... 6-2
Power
Supply .......................................................................... 6-3
Printing
..................................................................................... 6-4
Paper Handling
....................................................................... 6-8
Options .................................................................................... 6-10
Chapter 7 Technical Specifications 7-1
Printer Specifications.............................................................. 7-2
Interface Specifications........................................................... 7-10
Optional Specifications .......................................................... 7-14
Initialization
............................................................................. 7-16
Chapter 8 Command Summary 8-1
Using the Command Summary
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8-2
Commands Arranged by Topic
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8-3
Appendix
A-1
Character Tables
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A-2
International Character Sets
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A-6
Glossary GL-1
Index
IN-l
vi
Contents

Introduction
Your new Epson®24-pin dot matrix printer combines a compact
design and high performance with a wide range of features.
Features
These features make your Epson printer an outstanding value:
Fast printing speed. Print up to 330 characters per second in 12
cpi draft mode.
Easy paper handling. Four paper paths to suit your printing
needs: top, rear, bottom, and front loading.
Flexibility. Load single sheets from the top or front paper slots
without removing your continuous paper supply.
Epson’s ESC/P 2. The first dot matrix printer control language
to offer scalable fonts and enhanced graphics.
Compatibility. Supports the Epson ESC/P commands widely
used in application programs written for other Epson LQ
printers.
More about ESC/P 2
Epson’s enhanced printer control language, ESC/P 2, offers two
scalable fonts in sizes from 8 to 32 points. You can use this feature
if your application program supports scalable fonts. For DOS-based
word processing programs, new ESC/P 2 drivers may be available
to enable your program to use your printer’s scalable fonts. Call
[phone] to ask about special ESC/P 2 drivers.
For many graphics-based programs, such as Microsoft Windows,
ESC/P 2 works with your software to provide enhanced graphics
printing capability. In the Windows environment, you’ll be able to
print the Microsoft scalable fonts instead of the Epson fonts.
Introduction 1

Introduction
If you’re an experienced printer user, you may also want to order
the Epson ESC/P Referrence Manual for complete programming
information. Call the number above to purchase the reference
manual.
Options
For additional information on these options, see Chapter 4.
Single-Bin Cut-Sheet Feeder
(C806371 for LQ-870, C806391 for LQ-1170)
This economical cut-sheet feeder automatically feeds up to 50
sheets of paper into your printer without reloading.
High-Capacity Cut-Sheet Feeder
(C806381 for LQ-870, C806401 for LQ-1170)
This cut-sheet feeder automatically feeds up to 150 sheets of
paper or 25 plain bond envelopes without reloading. You can
create a double-bin cut-sheet feeder by connecting this cut-
sheet feeder to the single-bin model.
Additional Tractor Unit
(C800201 for LQ-870, C800211 for LQ-1170)
This option improves the performance of continuous-paper
handling. It is especially useful with continuous multi-part
forms. You can also use it to load two types of continuous
paper in the printer at the same time.
Film Ribbon Cartridge
(#7768 for LQ-870, #7770 for LQ-1170)
A film ribbon cartridge produces even higher quality printing
than the standard fabric ribbon.
Interface Card
(C823051/C823071)
Optional interface cards are available to supplement the
printer’s built-in parallel interface.
2
Introduction

Introduction
Finding Your Way Around
This manual provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions for
setting up and operating your printer.
Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up,
testing, and connecting the printer. Be sure to read this chapter
first.
Chapters 2 and 3 include important information on paper
handling and day-to-day operation of your printer.
Chapter 6 contains troubleshooting information. If the printer
does not operate properly or the printed results are not what
you expect, see Chapter 6 for a list of problems and solutions.
Other chapters contain information on installing options,
general maintenance, specifications, and printer commands.
There is also a glossary of printer terms and an index.
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
I!!!’
WARNINGSmust be followed to avoid bodily injury.
CAUTIONSmust be observed to avoid damage to your
equipment.
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the
operation of your printer.
Introduction 3

Introduction
Printer parts
paper guide edge guides
front cover
paper tension unit
tractor
paper thickness lever
ACinlet
fl
front
rant edge guide
paw
1 Note: In some countries, the power cord is attached.
I
4
Introduction

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.
Introduction 5

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 extension cord does 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.
6 Introduction

Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the
Printer.. .......................................................... 1-2
Checking the
parts.. ............................................................. 1-2
Removing the
protective material..................................... 1-3
Choosing
a Place
for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1-4
Assembling the Printer..
......................................................... 1-6
Installing the
ribbon cartridge............................................. 1-6
Attaching the
paper guides..
.............................................. 1-9
Testing
the Printer.................................................................. 1-10
Plugging
in the printer ....................................................... 1-10
Running
the self test .......................................................... 1-11
Connecting the Printer
to
Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1-14
Configuring Your
Software
for the Printer.. ....................... 1-15
Choosing
from a menu.. ..................................................... 1-15
Setting Up the Printer
1-1

Unpacking the Printer
Checking the parts
When you unpack the printer, make sure that you have all the
parts shown below and that none has been damaged.
Paper guide Printer
Power cord
Note: In some locations, the power cord is attached to the
printer.
Store the packing materials in case you ever need to transport your
printer.
CAUTION: It is not possible to adjust voltage of the
printer for use at another voltage. If the label on the back
of the printer does not show the correct voltage for your
country, contact your dealer.
1-2 Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer
Removing the protective materials
To prevent damage during shipping, several pieces of protective
material are packed with your printer. You must remove these
before you put your printer together.
Follow the directions on the Notice Sheet inserted in your printer
when removing the protective material.
Note:
lMake sure you remove all packing and protective materials
from your printer before turning on the power.
l Save all packing and protective materials to protect your
printer should you need to transport it elsewhere in the
future.
Setting Up the Printer
1-3

Choosing a Place for the Printer
When selecting a place to set up your printer, keep the following
in mind:
lPlace the printer on a flat, stable surface.
lPlace the printer close enough to the computer for the printer
cable to reach.
lLeave adequate room around the printer to allow for easy
operation and maintenance.
CAUTION: Avoid locations that are subject to direct
sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, or dust.
,
Use a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or
automatic timers. Accidental disruption of power can wipe out
information in the memory of your computer or your printer.
Avoid outlets on the same circuit with large motors or other
appliances that might cause fluctuations in line voltage.
Keep the entire computer system away from potential causes 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
Note: If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines:
lUse a stand that supports at least twice the weight of the
printer.
17.8 kg (39.3 lbs) for the IQ-870
24.6 kg (54.2 lbs) for the LQ-1170
lNever use a stand that tilts the printer at an angle of more
than 15 degrees from horizontal. If you install a cut-sheet
feeder, keep your printer absolutely level.
lIf you position the paper supply below the printer stand,
make sure that you allow enough clearance (1.2 inches or
30 mm) between the underside of the stand and the top of
the paper supply to keep the paper from catching on the
underside of the stand. Also check that the distance between
the stand’s supports is at least 280 mm (11 inches), to
accommodate any paper size you may use.
lPosition your printer’s power cord and interface cable so that
they do not interfere with paper feeding. If possible, secure
the cables to the printer stand.
lAlign the paper stack with the tractor sprocket units, so that
the paper has a straight path into the printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-5

Assembling the Printer
After choosing a good place for your printer, you install the ribbon
cartridge and paper guide.
_
Installing the ribbon cartridge
Before installing the ribbon cartridge, make sure that the printer is
not plugged into an electrical outlet.
1. Lift the printer cover straight up and off.
_.
2. Grasp the tabs on each side of the paper-tension unit as shown
below. Press up firmly with your thumbs to lift the front of
the unit; then pull the paper-tension unit up and off of the
printer.
3.
Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
1-6
Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer
CAUTION: Never move the print head while the printer
is turned on or you might damage the printer. Also, if
you just used the printer, the print head may be hot; let
it cool for a few minutes before touching it.
4. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow
to remove any slack in the ribbon. Next, hold the ribbon
cartridge by its handle and push it firmly down into position;
then press on both ends of the cartridge to fit the plastic hooks
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.
Setting Up the Printer
1-7