Epson 24-PIN DOT MATRIX PRINTER LQ-680 User manual

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K.Norum _______
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English
24-Pin Dot Matrix Printer
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. The information
contained herein is designed only for use with this EPSON printer. EPSON is not responsible for any
use of this information as applied to other printers.
Neither SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this
productorthird parties fordamages, losses,costs, or expenses incurred bythepurchaserorthird parties
as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or
alterations to this product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to strictly comply with SEIKO EPSON
CORPORATION’s operating and maintenance instructions.
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION shall not be liable for any damages or problems arising from the
useofanyoptionsoranyconsumableproductsotherthanthosedesignatedasOriginalEPSONProducts
or EPSON Approved Products by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
EPSON and EPSON ESC/P are registered trademarks of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Adobe and PostScript are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated, which may be registered in
certain jurisdictions. Acrobat Reader is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be
trademarks of their respective owners. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in those marks.
Copyright © 2000 by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, Nagano, Japan.

Where to Find Information
■Quick Start Manual (this manual)
Contains information about how to set up the printer, install the printer software and
access your online documentation. It also provides instructions for daily operation.
Keep this manual near your printer.
■Online Documentation
The CD-ROM supplied with the printer includes a set of online documentation in PDF
format containing further information and reference tips.
■Online Help
Provides you with detailed information and instructions on the Windows printer
software that controls your printer. Online help will be automatically installed when
you install the printer software.

■Contents
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Print Head Caution Symbol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ENERGY STAR Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Symbols used in the Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Setting Up the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Unpacking the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Choosing a Place for the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Positioning the Continuous Paper Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Installing or Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Attaching the Paper Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Plugging in the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Installing the Printer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Installing the Printer Software in Windows Me, 98, 95, 2000
or NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Installing the Printer Software in Windows 3.1 or NT 3.5x. . . . . . . . . . . 16
For DOS programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Printing under Windows Me/98/95/2000 and NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Printing under Windows 3.1 and NT 3.5x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Using the Online Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Installing the Adobe Acrobat Reader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Accessing the Online Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Customer Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

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4Important Safety Instructions
■Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference. Follow all warnings
and instructions marked on the printer.
■Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a radiator or heat source.
■Place the printer on a flat surface. The printer will not operate properly if it is tilted
or at an angle.
■Do not block or cover the openings in the printer’s cabinet. Do not insert objects
through the slots.
■Use only the type of power source indicated on the printer’s label.
■Connect all equipment to properly grounded power outlets. Avoid using outlets on
the same circuit as photocopiers or air control systems that regularly switch on and
off.
■Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord.
■If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the total ampere rating of
alldevicespluggedintotheextensioncorddoesnotexceedthecord’sampererating.
Also, make sure the total of all devices plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed
the wall outlet’s ampere rating.
■Unplug the printer before cleaning, and clean it with a damp cloth only.
■Do not spill liquid on the printer.
■Except as specifically explained in this guide, do not attempt to service the printer
yourself.
■Unplug the printer and refer servicing to qualified personnel under the following
conditions:
If the power cord or plug is damaged; if liquid has entered the printer; if the printer
hasbeendroppedorthecabinetdamaged; oriftheprinterdoesnotoperatenormally
or exhibits a distinct change in performance. Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions.
■Printer parts marked with this symbol may be hot. Turn off the
printer and let it cool for afew minutes beforeyou touch any printer
part marked with this symbol.
■If you plan to use the printer in Germany, observe the following:
To provide adequate short-circuit protection and over-current protection for this
printer,the building installation must be protected by a 10or16 amp circuit breaker.
K

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5
Print Head Caution Symbol
English
■Print Head Caution Symbol
The symbol on the print head indicates that this part may be hot.
Never touch the print head just after the printer has been used. Let
the print head cool for a few minutes before touching it.
■ENERGY STAR Compliance
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, EPSON has determined that
this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy
efficiency.
The International ENERGY STAR Office Equipment pro-
gram is a voluntary partnership with the computer and office
equipmentindustrytopromotetheintroductionofenergy-efficientpersonalcomputers,
monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers, and scanners in an effort to reduce air
pollution caused by power generation.
■Symbols used in the Manual
This guide uses the following conventions:
w
Warnings
must be followed to avoid bodily injury.
c
Cautions
must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Notes
contain important information and useful tips on the operation of your printer.
K

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6Setting Up the Printer
■Setting Up the Printer
❚Unpacking the Printer
Besides this guide, your printer box should include an EPSON printer software CD-
ROM, a Notice Sheet, and the following items:
Note:
Depending on your printer model, the power cord may be permanently attached to the
printer. Also, the shape of the power cord plug varies depending on the country of
purchase; be sure the plug you have is the right one for your location.
c
Caution:
There are several models of the printer designed for different voltages, and
it is not possible to adjust the printer for use with another voltage. If the
label on the back of the printer does not show the correct voltage for your
country, contact your dealer.
You must remove all protective materials packed around and inside your printer before
you set it up and turn on the power. Follow the directions on the Notice Sheet (packed
with the printer) to remove these materials.
Save all packing and protective materials in case you need to ship the printer in the
future. It should always be transported in its original packaging or equivalent materials.
power cord
paper guide ribbon cartridge
printer

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Setting Up the Printer
English
❚Choosing a Place for the Printer
Follow the guidelines below when selecting a location for your printer.
■Place the printer on a flat, stable surface. The printer will not operate properly if it
is tilted or at an angle.
■Leave adequate room around the printer for easy operation and maintenance.
■Avoid usingor storing the printer in places subject to rapid changes in temperature
and humidity. Keep it away from direct sunlight, strong light, heat sources, or
excessive moisture or dust.
■Avoid places subject to shocks and vibrations.
■Place the printer near a wall outlet where you can easily unplug the power cord.
■Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or automatic timers. An
interruption of power can erase information in the memory of your printer or
computer.
Also avoid outlets on the same circuit as large motors or other appliances that can
cause voltage fluctuations.
■Keep the entire computer system away from potential sources of electromagnetic
interference, such as loudspeakers or the base units of cordless telephones.
■Use a grounded power outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
■Make sure the paper path is clear and unobstructed before you print on continuous
paper.
■Position your printer’s power cord and interface cable so they do not interfere with
paper feeding.
If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines:
■Use a stand that supports at least 20 kg.
■Never use a stand that tilts the printer. The printer should always be kept level.
■If possible, secure the printer’s power cord and interface cable to a leg ofthe printer
stand so they do not interfere with paper feeding.

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8Setting Up the Printer
❚Positioning the Continuous Paper Supply
Whenyouloadcontinuouspaper,makesureyoualignyourpapersupplywiththetractor
so the paper feeds smoothly into the printer, as shown below.
❚Installing or Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge
EPSON recommends the use of genuine EPSON Ribbon Cartridges (S015016).
w
Warning:
You may touch the print head by hand to install or replace the ribbon
cartridge. If you have just used the printer, the print head may be hot; let it
cool for a few minutes before proceeding.
1. Make sure the printer is turned off.

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9
Setting Up the Printer
English
2. Open the printer cover by gently lifting up the notch on the both sides.
3. The print head should be in the replacement position indicated by an indentation
in the front metal plate, as shown below.
If it is not, close the printer cover and turn the printer on to move the print head to
the replacement position. Wait a few seconds, then turn the printer off again and
open the printer cover.
c
Caution:
Following the steps below while the printer is turned on can damage
the printer.

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10 Setting Up the Printer
4. If a used ribbon cartridge is already installed, squeeze the tabs on each side of the
cartridge,andpullthe cartridgeoutofthe printer.Properlydisposethe usedribbon
and cartridge.
5. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob on the new cartridge in the direction of the arrow
to take up any slack in the ribbon.
6. Hold the ribbon cartridge with the exposed ribbon down and the ribbon-tightening
knobfacingyou,andguidetheribbonundertheprinthead.Thensnapthecartridge
into place so that the tabs on both sides of the cartridge fit into the notches in the
cartridge holder.