Epson DFX-5000+ User manual

NOTE:
Do not lift or carry this printer alone. Make sure that two people carry it, lifting from the bottom as shown here.
Do not try to remove the elastic cord from either front or rear tractors. It is not a protective material.
HINWEIS:
Heben bzw. tragen Sie den Drucker nicht allein. Der Drucker sollte von zwei Personen angehoben und getragen werden,
wie in der Abbildung gezeigt.
Bitte NICHT das Spannseil am vorderen und hinteren Traktor entfemen. Diese gehoren nicht zum Verpackungsmaterial.
ATTENTION:
Ne soulevez pas ou ne transportez pas cette imprimante tout seul. Mettez-vous a deux personnes pour la transporter ou
la soulever, comme indique ci-dessus.
Ne pas essayer d’enlever le cordon élastique des tracteurs avant ou arrière. Cen’est pas un matériau de protection.
NOTA:
Si tiene que mover o transportar esta impresora, no lo haga sólo, levántela con ayuda de otra persona, sujetándola por la
base tal como se indica en la ilustración.
No intente retirar el cable elástico de1 tractor frontal ni de1 tractor posterior. No es material de protección.
NOTA:
Non sollevate o trasportate questa stampante da soli. Siate sicuri che la stampante venga trasportata da due persone,
sollevandola dal basso, come mostrato in figura.
Non togliete gli elastici dal trattore posteriore e frontale. Non fanno parte de1 materiale di protezione.
Printed in Japan 93.12-.85

NOTICE
NOTE:
To prevent damage during shipping several pieces of protective material are packed with your printer. You must remove
these before you assemble your printer.
HINWEIS:
Zur Vermeidung von Transportsähaden wurde der Drucker durch schützende Verpackungsteile gesichert. Diese Teile
müssen vor dem Zusammenbau des Druckers entfernt werden.
ATTENTION:
Afin d'éviter tout dommage durant le transport, des matériaux de protection ont été emballés avec l'imprimante. Veillez à
bien les retirer avant de l'installer.
NOTA:
L'imballaggio della vostra stampante contiene molti elementi protettivi, per prevenire danni durante il trasporto. Non
dimenticate di toglierli prima di iniziare a utilizzare la stampante.
NOTA:
Para evitar darios durante el transporte, su impresora viene protegida por varias piezas de material protector. Debe retirar
estas piezas antes de montar su impresora.
Please also read the back of this sheet.
Lesen Sie bitte auch die Rückseite dieses Hin weisblattes.
Lire attentivement le recto de cette feuille.
Por favor lea también el dorso de esta hoja.
Leggete anche il retro di questo foglio.
Copyright 1993 by Seiko Epson Corporation, Nagano, Japan
4002420
C01-00

Printer Parts

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 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, or (excluding the US) failure to
strictly comply with Seiko Epson Corporation’s operating and maintenance instructions.
Seiko Epson Corporation shah 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.
Epson and Epson ESC/P are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Epson Connection is a service mark of Epson America, Inc.
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 1993 by Seiko Epson Corporation
Nagano, Japan
User’s Guide

FCC Compliance Statement
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 numérique n'émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans le règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.
ii

Contents
Getting Started
Features
................................
1
Options
................................
2
Pull tractor (#8309)
.......................
2
Optional interface cards
....................
3
Where United States Users Can Get Help
............
3
For United Kingdom Users
....................
4
Epson product guarantee
....................
4
Use of options
..........................
5
Safety information.
.......................
5
Important Safety Instructions
...................
6
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
..................
8
Chapter 1
Set Up and Print
Unpacking the Printer
.......................
Checking the parts
.......................
Removing the protective materials
..............
Choosing a Place for the Printer
..................
Installing the Ribbon Cartridge
..................
Plugging in the Printer
.......................
Testing the Printer
..........................
Loading paper onto the front tractor
.............
Running the self test
......................
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
............
Connecting the built-in interface
...............
Using Software Programs
.....................
Microsoft Windows 3.1
....................
What is a Printer Driver?
....................
Non-Windows Software
......................
You’re Ready to Print
........................
l-2
1-3
l-3
l-4
l-6
l-10
1-11
l-12
1-18
l-20
l-21
l-24
l-24
l-26
l-26
l-27
iii

Chapter 2
Loading and Using Paper
Using the Two-Tractor System
...................
2-2
Positioning the paper supply
..................
2-2
Loading Paper onto the Rear Tractor
...............
2-3
Adjusting the Paper Position
....................
2-10
Adjusting the top-of-form position
...............
2-11
Adjusting the printing position
................
2-13
Tearing Off the Printed Pages
....................
2-14
Tear-off mode
...........................
2-14
Using the TEAR OFF button
...................
2-16
Adjusting the tear-off position
.................
2-16
Switching Between Front and Rear Tractors
...........
2-19
Changing the Paper
.........................
2-21
Printing on Multi-part Forms and Labels
.............
2-24
Using multi-part forms
.....................
2-25
Using labels
............................
2-26
Chapter 3
Using the Printer
The Control Panel
..........................
3-2
Indicator lights
..........................
3-2
Buttons
...............................
3-3
Other control panel features.
..................
3-7
Using DIP Switches
..........................
3-7
Changing DIP-switch settings
.................
3-8
DIP-switch tables
.........................
3-10
DIP-switch functions
.......................
3-14
Printer mode
.........................
3-14
Draft printing speed
.....................
3-14
Character quality
.......................
3-15
Character table
........................
3-15
Shape of zero
.........................
3-15
Input buffer
..........................
3-16
Auto line feed
.........................
3-16
Interface type/parity
....................
3-16
Serial bit rate
.........................
3-17
Page length
..........................
3-17
iv

Skip-over-perforation
...................
3-18
Paper memory, overlapping multi-part forms,
multi-part forms with labels
............... 3-18
Skip over binding
...................... 3-18
Automatic tear off
.....................
3-18
Using Automatic Interface Selection
...............
3-19
Using the Paper Memory Feature
.................
3-19
Saving paper memory settings
................
3-20
Loading paper memory settings
...............
3-22
Chapter 4 Using the Printer Options
Using the Pull Tractor
....................... 4-2
Installing the pull tractor
.................... 4-2
Using the pull tractor with the front tractor
.........
4-5
Using the pull tractor with the rear tractor
.........
4-9
Removing the pull tractor
...................
4-12
Optional Interface Cards
......................
4-14
Installing an interface card
...................
4-15
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Error Indicators
...........................
5-2
Problems and Solutions
...................... 5-3
The printer does not print
................... 5-3
The printer stops printing
...................
5-4
The printout is spaced incorrectly.
..............
5-4
The printout is faint or uneven
................
5-5
The printout is not what you expect
............. 5-5
Paper does not feed properly
.................
5-6
Hex Dump Mode ..........................
5-7
Maintaining the Printer
.......................
5-8
Cleaning the printer
.......................
5-8
Replacing the ribbon cartridge
................
5-9
Transporting the printer
....................
5-11
V

Appendix A Technical Specifications
Printer Specifications
.........................
A-2
Printing
.............................. A-2
Paper
................................ A-3
Mechanical
............................ A-9
Electrical
..............................
A-10
Environmental
.......................... A-10
Safety approvals
.........................
A-10
Interface Specifications
........................ A-11
Parallel interface
......................... A-11
Serial interface
.......................... A-13
Optional interfaces
........................
A-14
Initialization
..............................
A-14
Top-of-form reset
......................... A-15
Appendix B Printer Commands and Character Tables
Sending Printer Commands
..................... B-2
Using the Command Summary
................... B-2
Epson ESC /P Commands Arranged by Topic
..........
B-3
IBM Emulation Mode Commands Arranged by Topic
...... B-9
Commands that duplicate Epson ESC/P commands
.... B-10
Commands that differ from Epson ESC/P commands
... B-11
Character Tables
...........................
B-14
Glossary
Index
vi

Getting Started
The Epson
®
DFX-5000+ printer is an advanced dot matrix
printer designed for business applications.
Here’s how to get started with your printer:
Read the important safety instructions in this introduction
Follow the steps in Chapter 1, “Setup and Print.” By the
end of just one chapter you’ll be ready to print on
continuous paper using the application software of your
choice. If you want to use different paper types and
tractors, read Chapter 2.
Use the rest of this user’s guide as a reference for
enhancing print quality, using printer options, and
troubleshooting printer problems.
Features
Here are some of the features that make your printer unique:
Extra-fast printing speeds. Up to 560 characters per second
in draft mode.
Two built-in push tractors (front and rear) for convenient
paper handling. This dual system lets you switch between
different types of continuous paper quickly and easily. The
printer remembers separate top-of-form positions for each
tractor.
Automatic thickness and width adjustment for various
paper types and sizes, including multi-part forms and
labels.
Getting Started 1

A paper memory feature that produces highquality
printing on your multi-part forms by using stored paper
format and thickness information to adjust the print head.
An automatic paper handling system that lets you control
all operations from the control panel. For example, you can
switch between paper loaded on the front and rear tractors
with the push of a button. Another button feeds the paper
forward so you can tear it off and then reverses it to the top
of the page so it is ready to print.
An automatic interface selection feature that allows you to
connect more than one computer at a time.
Compatibility with the Epson ESC/P® commands used by
Epson FX printers.
An IBM® Proprinter emulation mode that provides
compatibility with software written specifically for IBM
printers.
Options
The following options are available for use with your printer.
For detailed information on the installation and use of these
options, see Chapter 4.
Pull tractor (#8309)
This option improves the handling of heavy multi-part forms
and labels. It also enhances printing alignment on preprinted
forms.
2 Getting Started

Optional interface cards
A number of optional interface cards can be used to
supplement the built-in parallel and serial interfaces. Two of
the cards (Coax and Twinax) let you use your printer as a local
printer for your IBM mainframe or minicomputer. These cards
connect directly to the printer and allow it to function as a local
IBM printer without the addition of any other circuitry or
components. Guidelines for choosing the right interface and
instructions for installing an interface card are given in
Chapter 4.
Where United States Users Can Get Help
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 Connection
SM
at [phone]:
Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized Epson
Reseller or Service Center
Technical assistance with the installation, configuration,
and operation of Epson products
Sales of the ESC/P reference manual
Epson technical information library fax service
Product literature with technical specifications on our
current and new products
Sales of ribbons, supplies, parts, documentation, and
accessories for your Epson product
Customer Relations.
Getting Started 3

For United Kingdom Users
Epson product guarantee
Under the law, goods sold must comply with their description
and must be of merchantable quality and fit for their purpose
or correspond with any sample.
This guarantee does not affect the seller’s legal obligation or
the rights of the consumer in the “consumer transactions”
under any Statute, including Sections 12 to 15 of the Sales of
Goods Act, 1979.
All Epson Products, other than OEM products, are fully
guaranteed against faulty operation or performance for a period
of ONE YEAR from date of purchase by the user of the product.
All claims under this guarantee MUST be supported by
evidence of purchase, normally the bill of sale invoice, and it is
the responsibility of the claimant to furnish such proof. Epson
(UK) Limited does not issue or operate any form of guarantee
registration card.
Claims are made by the user returning the product to the
supplier from whom it was purchased or, if this is impractical,
to any Epson supplier who also handles the same product. In
the event of any difficulty, users are requested to contact the
Service Co-ordinator Manager at Epson (UK) Limited.
Epson (UK) Limited, or Epson Appointed Distributors, will at
their discretion repair or replace part or all of the product to
provide, in their judgement, a satisfactory performance of the
product consistent with its age and apparent usage.
This guarantee covers the cost of both the parts and labour
required to correct any malfunction of the equipment, but
specifically excludes: wear and tear, consumables, physical
damage due to incorrect use or misuse and damage or faulty
operation due to unauthorized and inexpert repair.
4 Getting Started

The guarantee is restricted to the performance of the product
alone, and Epson (UK) Limited does not accept responsibility
for any consequential loss or damage, nor claimed or implied
performance, when the product is used in any combination
with other equipment or program software.
Product guarantee may be invalidated as a result of excessive
or inappropriate use, use in adverse environment or in
conditions outside the specifications or if the product has been
subjected to unapproved modifications.
The guarantee does not cover visits to the user’s premises or
the repair or commissioning of the product on site.
Use of options
Epson (UK) Limited shall not be liable against any damages or
problems arising from the use of any options or consumable
products other than those designated as Original Epson
Products or Epson Approved Products by Epson (UK) Limited.
Safety information
Warning:
This appliance must be earthed. Refer to rating plate for voltage
and check that the appliance voltage corresponds to the supply
voltage.
Important:
The wires in the mains lead fitted to this appliance are coloured in
accordance with the following code:
Green and yellow -- Earth
Blue -- Neutral
Brown -- Live
Getting Started 5

As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance
may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying
the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The green and yellow wire must be connected to the
terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E or
the earth symbol or coloured green or green and
yellow.
The blue wire must be connected to the terminal in the
plug marked with the letter N or coloured black.
The brown wire must be connected to the terminal in the
plug marked with the letter L or coloured red.
If damage occurs to the plug replace the cord set or consult a
qualified electrician.
Replace fuses only with a fuse of the correct size and rating.
Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these instructions before you set up your printer.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the printer.
Unplug the printer from the wall outlet before you clean it,
and use a damp cloth for cleaning, not liquid or aerosol
cleaners.
Do not use your printer near water or spill any liquid on it.
Do not place the printer on an unstable cart, stand, table, or
other surface that may allow the printer to fall.
6 Getting Started

Do not block any slots or openings in the cabinet. These are
provided for the ventilation necessary to ensure reliable
operation and protection from overheating. Placing the
printer on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface may
block the openings. Also, do not place the printer in a
built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.
Never place the printer near or over a radiator or heat
register.
Use the type of power source indicated on the label. If you
are not sure of the type of power available, consult your
dealer or local power company.
This printer may be equipped with a plug having a third
(grounding) pin, which fits only into a grounding-type
outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert
the plug into the outlet, have an electrician replace your
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the
grounding-type plug.
Do not put your printer where the cord wiIl be walked on.
If you use an extension cord, make sure that the total of the
ampere ratings on the products plugged into the extension
cord does not exceed the extension cord’s ampere rating.
Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into
the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
Never push objects of any kind into your printer because
they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts
that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
Except as specifically explained in the user’s manual, do
not attempt to repair the printer yourself. This could
expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks.
Refer all servicing in those compartments to service
personnel.
Getting Started 7

Unplug the printer from the wall outlet and have it
repaired by a qualified service person under the following
conditions:
When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed
If liquid has been spilled into it
If it has been exposed to rain or water
If it 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 printer to normal
operation.
If it has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged
If it exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating
a need for service
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your
equipment.
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the operation
of your printer.
8 Getting Started