Epson ActionPrinter L-750 User manual

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.

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 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 Users 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.
PQ277

Where to Get Help
Customer support and service for Epson products are provided by a
network of authorized Epson dealers and service centers throughout
the United States. Epson America provides product information and
toll-free support to its dealers and service centers.
Epson is confident that this policy will provide you with the
assistance you need. For service center and technical support
referrals, please call our Consumer Information number:
1-800-922-8911.
Options and Supplies
To locate or purchase ActionPrinter™ accessories or supplies, please
call 1-800-873-7766.

Chapter 5 Technical Specifications
5-1
Printer Specifications .................................................
5-2
Interface Specifications ............................................... 5-7
Initialization .............................................................
5-11
Default Settings ........................................................
5-12
Chapter 6 Command Summary
6-1
Appendix A-1
The Interface Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A-2
Glossary
Index
ii
Contents

Introduction
The ActionPrinter™ L-750 is an advanced 24-pin impact dot matrix
printer combining a 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, your printer offers the
following:
Draft mode with fast printing of up to 216 characters per second
in 12 pitch (12 characters per inch).
Two built-in Letter Quality fonts (Roman and Sans Serif) for
producing high-quality documents.
A convenient control panel design that allows for direct
selection of fonts.
Fourteen international character sets, a legal set, italics, and the
Epson Extended Graphics set.
Easy paper handling, featuring automatic single-sheet loading.
Compatibility with the Epson ESC/P® commands used by other
Epson Letter Quality printers.
Introduction 1

About This Guide
This user’s guide provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions
for setting up and operating your printer.
Finding your way around
Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up,
testing, and connecting the printer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions in this chapter first.
Chapters 2 and 3 include important information on paper
handling and general printer operation. This information is
necessary for the day-to-day operation of your printer.
Other chapters contain information on general maintenance,
specifications, and printer commands. There is also a glossary of
printer terms and an index. At the back of this guide is a Quick
Reference card.
Conventions used in this guide
WARNINGS: must be followed carefully to avoid damage
to your printer and computer.
CAUTIONS: should be followed carefully to ensure that
your printer operates correctly.
Notes: contain important information and useful tips on the operation
of your printer.
2
About This Guide

Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer ................................................
1-2
Removing the protective materials .............................
1-3
Removing the pull tractor........................................
1-6
Choosing a Place for the Printer ..................................
1-7
Assembling the Printer ...............................................
1-9
Installing the paper feed knob ..................................
1-9
Installing the ribbon cartridge...................................
1-10
Attaching the paper guide........................................
1-13
Testing the Printer
....................................................
1-17
Plugging in the printer ............................................
1-17
Loading a sheet of paper .........................................
1-17
Running the self test ...............................................
1-18
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer .....................
1-20
The parallel interface ..............................................
1-20
Printer Selection Menus .............................................
1-22
Choosing from a menu ...........................................
1-22
Setting Up the Printer
1-1

Unpacking the Printer
As you unpack the printer, check that you have all the parts shown
below and that none have been damaged during transportation.
Note: You’ll find the paper feed knob in a piece of the foam packing.
After removing the parts, store the packaging materials in case you ever
need to transport your printer.
1-2 Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer
Removing the protective materials
The printer is protected during shipping by the platen protector,
two locking tabs, the carriage protector, and the print head
protector. These protective items must be removed before you turn
on the printer. After removing these items, store them with the
other packaging materials.
1. Raise the tractor cover to the upright position. Then lift the
cover up and off.
2. Pull the paper bail lever toward you; then remove the platen
protector.
Setting Up the Printer 1-3

Unpacking the Printer
3. Remove the left and right locking tabs.
4. Holding the print head in place at the left of the printer, remove
the carriage protector
as shown below.
Carriage protector
1-4
Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer
5. Push the paper bail lever back. Then slide the print head to the
middle of the printer. Hold the print head in place and remove
the print head protector.
WARNING: Be sure to remove all protective materials
before you turn on the printer.
Setting Up the Printer 1-5

Unpacking the Printer
Removing the pull tractor
By removing the pull tractor now, you will be prepared to perform
the printer’s self test later. Follow these steps to remove the pull
tractor. Make sure that the printer is turned off.
1. With the tractor cover off, pull the paper bail lever toward you.
2. Press the tabs on the pull tractor. Then tilt the tractor back and
lift it off the printer.
1-6
Setting Up the Printer

Choosing a Place for the Printer
When you select a location for your printer, keep the following in
mind:
lPlace the printer on a flat, stable surface.
lPlace the printer close enough to the computer for its cable to
reach.
lLeave adequate room around the printer to allow for easy
operation and maintenance.
lUse a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
The illustration below shows a good printer location.
Setting Up the Printer 1-7

Choosing a Place for the Printer
Note: If you plan to use a printer stand, make sure it meets the
following requirements:
l The stand must support at least 35 lb or 16 kg (twice the
weight of the printer).
lThe stand must not tilt the printer more than 15 degrees from
horizontal. With a cut sheet feeder, the stand must keep the
printer level.
lIf the paper supply is below the printer stand, make sure that
the paper cannot catch on the underside of the stand or on
the stand supports.
l Make sure that the power cord and the interface cable do not
interfere with paper feeding. If possible, secure them to a
printer stand support.
WARNING:
l Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight,
excessive heat, moisture, or dust.
l Avoid using electrical outlets that are controlled by
wall switches or automatic timers. Accidental
disruption of power can wipe out information both in
your computer’s memory and in your printer’s
memory.
lAvoid using outlets on the same circuit with large
motors or other appliances that might disturb the
power supply.
lKeep the entire computer system away from potential
sources of interference such as loudspeakers or the
base units of cordless telephones.
1-8 Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer
To assemble the printer, you need only do the following:
l Install the paper feed knob.
l Install the ribbon cartridge.
lAttach the paper guide.
Installing the paper feed knob
The first step in setting up the printer is to install the paper feed
knob. You use this knob to manually feed paper in the printer when
the printer is turned off.
You’ll find the paper feed knob packed in an indentation in the
white foam packing material.
1. Insert the knob into the hole on the printer’s side and rotate it
until it slips onto the shaft.
Setting Up the Printer
1-9

Assembling the Printer
2. Push firmly on the knob until it fits against the printer case.
Installing the ribbon cartridge
Follow these steps to install the ribbon cartridge:
1. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
CAUTION: Never move the print head while the printer is
turned on because this can damage the printer. Also, if
you have been using the printer, the print head may be
hot; let it cool for a few minutes before touching it.
1-10 Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer
2.
3.
4.
Remove the ribbon cartridge from its box and remove the plastic
wrapper.
Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow.
This removes any excess slack in the ribbon and makes it easier
to install.
Hold the ribbon cartridge by its handle and push it firmly down
into position, making sure the plastic hooks fit into the printer.
Press lightly on both sides of the cartridge to be sure the hooks
are properly inserted.
Setting Up the Printer 1-11

Assembling the Printer
5. Use a pointed object, such as the tip of a pencil, 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.
6. Slide the print head from side to side to be sure it moves
smoothly. Also check that the ribbon is not twisted or creased.
1-12
Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer
Attaching the paper guide
The paper guide functions to feed the paper smoothly and
efficiently. Follow these steps to install the paper guide:
1. Push the paper release lever back. Insert the paper guide pegs
into the slots on the printer; then lean the guide back until it
locks into place.
2. Attach the printer cover.
Setting Up the Printer 1-13