Epson ActionPrinter 4000 User manual

E-PSON”,~~~RP~
4000
User’s Manual

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN 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 communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful 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 measures:
.
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
.Increase the separation between the equipment and the 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 printer interface cable to this printer will invalidate the FCC
Certification of this device and may cause interference levels that exceed the limits established
by the FCC for this equipment. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do not
leave cables connected to unused interfaces.
Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the
use of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original Epson
Products or Epson Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.
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, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of Epson America, Inc. No patent liability is
assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. While every precaution
has been taken in the preparation of this book, Epson America, Inc. assumes no responsibility
for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of
the information contained herein.
ActionPrinter is a trademark of Epson America, Inc.
Epson and Epson ESC/P are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
SmartPark is a trademark of Epson America, Inc.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Copyright © 1989 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California
ii

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.
iii

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 ex-
tension cord do 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.
iv

Contents
Introduction
1
Features
.....................................................
1
Options.. ...................................................
2
About This Manual ...........................................
4
Application Notes ............................................
5
Where to Get Help. ...........................................
6
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 ............................................
1-13
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer .......................
1-22
Setting Up Your Application Software. ..........................
1-25
Chapter 2 Paper Handling
2-1
Using Single Sheets
...........................................
2-2
Using Continuous Paper ......................................
2-6
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets ................
2-13
Printing on Special Paper ......................................
2-20
Chapter 3 Using the Printer
3-1
Operating the Control Panel ...................................
3-2
Setting the DIP Switches. ......................................
3-6
Page Length .................................................
3-10
Skip Over Perforation .........................................
3-11
Adjusting the Loading Position. ................................
3-12
Using Short Tear-Off. .........................................
3-14
Selecting Typestyles
..........................................
3-17
Selecting an International Character Set
.........................
3-20
Choosing a Character Table
.................................... 3-22
Using the Data Dump Mode ...................................
3-24
Chapter 4 Software and Graphics
4-1
Enhancing Your Printing ......................................
4-2
Graphics ....................................................
4-9
User-defined Characters. ......................................
4-20
V

Chapter 5 Using the Printer Options
5-1
The Cut Sheet Feeder
..........................................
5-2
The Pull Tractor ..............................................
5-17
The Multi-Font Module .......................................
5-28
The Interface Boards
..........................................
5-34
Chapter 6 Maintenance
6-1
Cleaning the Printer ..........................................
6-2
Replacing the Ribbon .........................................
6-4
Transporting the Printer. ......................................
6-10
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting
7-1
Problems and Solutions .......................................
7-2
Power Supply .......................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 7-4
Printing ...............................................
. . . . . 7-5
Paper Handling.. ......................................
. . . . .
7-14
Options.. .............................................
. . . . . 7-24
Chapter 8 Technical Specifications
Printer Specifications. ...................................
Interface Specifications ..................................
Option Specifications ...................................
Initialization ...........................................
8-1
. . . . . 8-2
. . . . . 8-9
. . . . . 8-13
. . . . . 8-15
Chapter 9 Command Summary
9-1
Using the Command Summary. ................................
9-2
Commands in Numerical Order ................................
9-5
Commands Arranged by Topic. ................................
9-8
Appendix
A-1
Proportional Width Table. ..................................... A-2
Character Table
.............................................. A-6
Glossary
Index
vi

Introduction
The Epson
®
ActionPrinter™
4000 is an advanced 24-pin dot matrix
printer combining compact design and high performance with a
wide range of features.
Features
In addition to the high-quality printing and ease of operation you
have come to expect from Epson printers, the ActionPrinter 4000
offers the following features:
Easy paper handling, featuring automatic single-sheet loading.
Compatibility with the Epson ESC/P®commands used by the
LQ-510, LQ-500, LQ-800, LQ-850, LQ-950, LQ-1000, LQ-1050,
LQ-1500, LQ-2500, and LQ-2550.
Fast draft mode printing of up to 180 characters per second.
An improved control panel design that allows direct selection of
character fonts, as well as a choice of normal or condensed
printing.
The SmartPark™ paper handling system that lets you use single
sheets of paper without removing the continuous paper,
eliminates paper waste with short tear-off, and allows easy and
accurate paper alignment.
Two built-in Letter Quality fonts (Roman and Sans Serif) for
producing high-quality documents.
A 360 x 360 dot per inch graphics mode.
A micro-adjustment feature that allows you to feed the paper
forward or backward to finely adjust the loading and short tear-
off positions.
Introduction 1

Introduction
l Fourteen international character sets, a legal symbol set, an italic
character table, and the Epson Extended Graphics character
table.
l The ability to handle a wide range of paper types, including
envelopes and labels.
Options
A variety of printer options is available for use with your printer.
For detailed information on installing and using these options, see
Chapter 5.
lSingle-bin Cut Sheet Feeder (C806121)
The cut sheet feeder makes it possible to handle single-sheet
paper more easily and more efficiently. Up to 150 sheets of
standard bond paper can be automatically fed into the printer
without reloading.
2
Introduction

Introduction
Pull Tractor Unit (C800061)
This option improves the performance of continuous paper
handling. It is especially useful with continuous multi-part
forms.
Multi-Font Module (#7407)
The optional Multi-Font module adds to the number of fonts
available in the Letter Quality mode.
Film Ribbon Cartridge (#7768)
The optional film ribbon cartridge provides you with even
higher quality printing than the standard fabric ribbon.
Introduction 3

Introduction
l Interface Boards
Optional interface boards are available to supplement the
printer’s built-in parallel interface. Guidelines for choosing the
right interface and instructions on installing the boards are given
in Chapter 5.
About This Manual
This user’s manual provides fully illustrated, step-by-step
instructions on setting up and operating your Epson printer.
Finding your way around
l Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up,
testing, and connecting the printer. Be sure to read and follow
these instructions first. Inside the back flap of this manual are
illustrations of the printer in which all of the major parts are
identified.
l Chapters 2 and 3 cover paper handling and general printer
operation. This important information is necessary for the day-
to-day operation of your printer.
4
Introduction

Introduction
Chapter 4 shows you how to get the most from your printer. It
includes advice on the use of software commands, graphics, and
creating your own user-defined characters. See Chapter 9 for a
useful summary of printer commands.
If the printer does not operate properly or the printed results are
not what you expect, see Chapter 7 for troubleshooting
instructions.
Other chapters and the appendix contain information on printer
options, general maintenance, and specifications. You will also
find a glossary of printer terms.
At the back of this manual is a handy Quick Reference card that
contains the information you are most likely to need.
Conventions used in this manual
WARNINGS must be followed carefully to avoid damage
to your printer and computer.
01
t
CAUTIONS should be followed carefully to ensure that
0
your printer operates correctly.
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the
operation of your printer.
Application Notes
Also included in the box with your printer is a booklet called
Application Notes. It contains information on using specific software
applications with your printer. Be sure to look at the booklet after
you set up your printer.
Introduction 5

Where to Get Help
Customer service for Epson products is provided by a network of
authorized Epson Customer Care Centers throughout the United
States.
Call the Epson Consumer Information Center at 1-800-922-8911 for
the following:
lCustomer Care Center referrals
l Technical support referrals
lInformation on Epson User Groups.
To locate or purchase accessories or supplies, contact your nearest
Epson dealer or call 1-800-873-7766.
6
Introduction

Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer. ..............................
1-2
Checking the Parts. ...............................
1-2
Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1-4
Assembling the Printer. .............................
1-6
Installing the Platen Knob .........................
1-6
Installing the Ribbon Cartridge. ....................
1-7
Attaching the Paper Guide. ........................
1-10
Testing the Printer. .................................
1-13
Plugging in the Printer ............................
1-13
Running the Self Test .............................
1-14
Checking the Operation ...........................
1-21
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer .............
1-22
The Parallel Interface .............................
1-22
Setting Up Your Application Software ................
1-25
Choosing From a Menu ...........................
1-25
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 have been damaged.
Printer
Platen knob
Ribbon cartridge
1-2 Setting Up the Printer

After removing the parts, save the packaging materials in case you
ever need to transport your printer.
Note: Be sure to lift the printer cover and remove the pieces of
white packing material.
Setting Up the Printer
1-3

Choosing a Place for the Printer
There are several important things to consider when selecting a
place to set up your printer. Keep the following in mind:
Place the printer on a flat, hard, stable surface. A soft surface,
such as a padded counter or carpeted area, will block the
ventilation slots and may cause overheating.
Place the printer close enough to the computer for the printer
cable to reach.
Leave adequate room around the printer to allow for easy
printer operation and maintenance, and for unrestricted flow of
air around the printer.
Use a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
,.nr-ln
I
WARNING: Avoid locations that are subject to direct
sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, or dust.
I
I
Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or automatic
timers. Accidental interruption of power can wipe out
information in both your computer’s memory and in your
printer’s memory.
Avoid using outlets that share a circuit with large motors or
electrical appliances; this could cause fluctuations in line
voltage.
Keep the entire computer system away from potential sources 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
The illustration below shows a good printer location.
Note: Before using a printer stand, read these requirements and
suggestions.
lThe stand should be able to support at least twice the weight of
the printer (approximately 26 pounds, or 12 kilograms).
lNever use a stand that supports the printer at an angle of
more than 15 degrees from horizontal.
lWith a cut sheet feeder, your printer must be kept level.
lIf your paper supply is positioned below the printer stand,
make sure there is enough clearance to keep the paper from
catching on the underside of the stand. Also, make sure the
distance between the stand supports is wide enough for the
paper you are using.
lPosition your printer’s cables so that they do not interfere with
paper feeding. If possible, secure the cables to the printer stand.
Setting Up the Printer 1-5

Assembling the Printer
After you’ve decided on the best place to set up your printer, the
next step is to install the platen knob.
Installing the Platen Knob
The platen knob is used to feed the paper manually in the event of a
paper jam or other paper feeding problem. The platen knob is packed
in an indentation in the printer’s white foam packing material.
1. Remove the printer cover.
2. Insert the knob into the hole on the printer’s side and rotate it
slowly until it slips onto the shaft.
1-6
Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer
3. Push firmly on the platen knob until it fits against the printer case.
0
t
CAUTION: Do not use the platen knob to adjust the
.position of the paper. This interferes with the automatic
paper loading system and may cause a paper jam.
Installing the Ribbon Cartridge
Your printer’s ribbon cartridge is designed for easy installation and
removal. Before installing the ribbon cartridge, make sure the
printer is turned off.
Install the ribbon cartridge as follows.
1. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
Setting Up the Printer 1-7