Epson EPL-8000 User 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 the 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 numélique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans le réglement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique édicté parle Ministére des Communications du Canada.

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 not 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 U.S.) failure to strictly comply with Seiko Epson Corporation’s
operation and maintenance instructions
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
Epson and Epson ESC/P are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
IBM and IBM PC are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.
HP LaserJet, HP LaserJet+, HP LaserJet 500, HP LaserJet series II, HP LaserJet IIP,
HP LaserJet series III, HP LaserJet IIIP and HP LaserJet IIISi are trademarks, and
Hewlett-Packard and PCL are registered trademarks of Hewlett-Packard
Company.
LocalTalk is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corporation.
PostScript is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
ITC Zapf Dingbats is a U.S. registered trademark of International Typeface
Corporation.
Bitstream is a registered trademark of Bitstream Inc.
Speedo, Fontware and FaceLift are trademarks of Bitstream Inc.
CG Times is a product of AGFA Compugraphic, a Division of Agfa Corporation
Univers is a U.S. registered trademark of Linotype AG and its subsidiaries.
Copyright© 1991 by Seiko Epson Corporation
Nagano, Japan
ii

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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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.
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 the printer where the cord will be walked on.
iii

lIf 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.
l Except as specifically explained in this user’s guide, 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.
•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.
iv

Safety Information
Laser Safety
This printer is certified as a Class 1 laser product under the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Radiation
Performance Standard according to the Radiation Control for
Health and Safety Act of 1968. This means that the printer does
not produce hazardous laser radiation.
Since radiation emitted by the laser is completely confined within
protective housings and external covers, the laser beam cannot
escape from the machine during any phase of user operation.
CDRH Regulations
The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) of the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration implemented regulations for
laser products on August 2, 1976. Compliance is mandatory for
products marketed in the United States. The label shown below
indicates compliance with the CDRH regulations and must be
attached to laser products marketed in the United States.
0955-7321-01
This laser product conforms to the applicable
requirement of 21 CFR Chapter 1. subchapter J.
SEIKO EPSON CORP.
Hirooka,Office
80 Hirooka. Shiojiri-shi, Nagano-ken,JAPAN
MANUFACTURED:
WARNING: Use of controls, adjustments or performance
of procedures other than those specified in this guide
may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
V

Your printer is a Class 1 laser product as defined in IEC 825
specifications. The label shown below is attached in countries
where required.
Internal Laser Radiation
Max. Radiation Power _................ 5.7x10-4 (W)
Wave Length....................................... 780
nm
This is a Class IIIb Laser Diode Assay that has an invisible
laser beam. The print head unit is NOT A FIELD SERVICE ITEM.
Therefore, the print head unit should not be opened under any
circumstance.
Ozone Emission
During printer operation, a small amount of ozone is released.
This amount is not large enough to affect human beings
adversely.
However, it is best to make sure the room where you a using
the printer has adequate circulation, especially when you are
printing a high volume of materials or using the printer
continuously over a long period of time.
vi

Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1 Setting Up
Finding a Place for the Printer.. ............................................ 1-2
Unpacking................................................................................ 1-5
Assembling .............................................................................. 1-8
Turning On the Printer.......................................................... 1-21
Chapter 2 Testing and Connecting Your Printer
The Control Panel........................................................... 2-2
Testing the Printer ..................................................................... 2-6
Enhancing Print Quality ............................................................. 2-11
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer ............................ 2-16
Selecting the Printer Mode .........................................2-23
Sharing the Printer ...........................................2-25
Switching the Printer Mode ........................................... 2-26
Chapter 3 SelecType
SelecType Overview .................................................... 3-2
Using SelecType.. .................................................................... 3-6
Level 1 Options.. ..................................................................... 3-13
Level 2 Options.. ..................................................................... 3-22
Chapter 4 Paper Handling
Choosing Paper ....................................................................... 4-2
Choosing a Paper Size.. .......................................................... 4-5
Paper Feeding and Paper Delivery ....................................... 4-6
Loading Paper Manually.. ...................................................... 4-8
Using the Optional Lower Paper Cassette........................... 4-11
Using the Optional Output Tray.. ........................................ 4-15
Contents
vii

Chapter 5 Maintenance and Transportation
Replacing Consumable Parts ................................................. 5-2
Cleaning the Printer ............................................................... 5-14
Transporting Your Printer ..................................................... 5-22
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
Status and Error Messages.. ................................................... 6-2
Troubleshooting Directory.. ................................................... 6-9
Paper Jam Problems ................................................................ 6-11
Power Supply .......................................................................... 6-21
Test Prints................................................................................ 6-22
Printing Problems ................................................................... 6-23
Problems with Graphics......................................................... 6-27
SelecType Problems................................................................ 6-29
Paper Handling ....................................................................... 6-31
Decline in Print Quality ........................................................ 6-34
Options .................................................................................... 6-38
Data Dump Mode................................................................... 6-41
Chapter 7 Options
Identity Cards.......................................................................... 7-2
Font Cartridges.. ...................................................................... 7-6
The Lower Paper Cassette Unit ............................................ 7-13
The Face-Up Output Tray..................................................... 7-16
Optional Interface Cards.. ...................................................... 7-18
Memory Options .................................................................... 7-22
Viii Contents

Appendix A Technical Specifications
Printer Specifications ............................................................. A-2
Interface Specifications.. ........................................................ A-8
Initialization.. .......................................................................... A-15
Option Specifications ............................................................ A-16
Shared Printer Language ....................................................... A-18
Appendix B HP Emulation Mode
Introduction ............................................................................ B-2
SelecType Options................................................................. B-9
Available Fonts and Symbol Sets ........................................ B-12
Default Settings ..................................................................... B-30
HP Emulation Command Summary .................................... B-32
Appendix C LQ and FX Emulation Mode
Introduction ............................................................................ C-2
SelecType Options................................................................. C-4
Available Fonts and Symbol Sets ........................................ C-12
Default Settings ..................................................................... C-15
LQ and FX Emulation Command Summary ...................... C-16
Glossary
GL-1
Index
--IN-1
Contents ix

Introduction
The EPL-8000 is the latest in Epson’s advanced line of laser
printers, combining high performance and reliability with a wide
range of features. The printer combines a semiconductor laser with
the electrophotographic technology used in office copiers to give
you high-quality printing that is both fast and quiet.
The imaging system used by the printer is driven by a powerful
processor that allows the printer to compose an entire page in
internal memory before printing. The printer can manipulate the
page it holds in memory to provide you with many features not
found on other types of printers, including the ability to mix text
and graphics, create pre-defined forms, and print with a range of
fonts normally associated with typeset material.
Features
In addition to the high-quality printing and ease of operation you
expect from an Epson printer, these features make using your new
printer even easier:
High-quality, 300 dots-per-inch (dpi) printing at a speed of up
to ten pages per minute. You’ll appreciate the crisp,
professional print quality produced by the EPL-8000 and its
leading edge processing speed.
HP LaserJet III emulation for easy access to the great variety
of application software written for Hewlett-Packard@ LaserJet
printers.
Resident outline fonts to enable you to print character fonts in
a wide range of sizes. (These fonts provide the same character
widths used in Adobe PostScript™.)
Epson’s new Resolution Improvement Technology (RITech) to
enhance your graphical output and make jagged edges more
smooth.
A standard paper cassette that holds up to 250 sheets of paper.
Add the optional lower paper cassette for continuous printing
of up to 500 pages.
Introduction 1

introduction
Two Epson ESC/P® emulation modes for the compatibility with
the range of applications written for Epson 9-pin and 24-pin
printers.
1 megabyte (MB) of standard random access memory (RAM)
built-in, expandable up to 7.5MB for graphics printing and for
using three interfaces at the same time when you add an
optional interface.
Two built-in interfaces: Centronics® parallel and RS-232C or
RS-422 serial. You can also install an optional interface and use
it as a third channel for data input.
Three independent interface channels (parallel, serial, and
optional). You can connect up to three computers to your
printer and share it by using the autosense feature, which
automatically switches the printer to the channel receiving data,
or by dividing the RAM to produce a separate area for each
channel.
An intelligent emulation switching feature allows the printer to
switch automatically between PostScript emulation and another
mode based on the data received. Also, a shared printer
language feature using printer commands.
Two paper delivery methods: standard face-down delivery and
face-up delivery (with the optional face-up tray) for printing
on media requiring a straight-through paper path and for
immediate viewing of printed output.
Manual feeding directly selectable from the control panel. It is
possible to feed and print on envelopes using the manual feed
tray.
A large selection of international symbol sets to print with the
letters, characters, and symbols of various languages.
Two IC card slots for adding optional identity and font cards,
including a PostScript emulation card.
A combined photoconductive, developing, and toner unit in a
single disposable imaging cartridge for easy maintenance.
2 Introduction

Introduction
Options
Many printer options are available for your printer. For detailed
information on the installation and use of these options, see
Chapter 7. The last figure in option part numbers, represented by
an asterisk (*), varies by country. Contact your local dealer for the
part number in your country.
The lower paper cassette unit (C81228*)
This optional lower paper cassette unit (model L) fits directly
beneath the printer and houses the adjustable paper cassette. You
can load up to 250 sheets of A4, letter, legal, or executive-sized
paper into this cassette, bringing your total capacity to 500 sheets.
Optional paper cassette (C81223*)
Optional paper cassettes are available for different sizes of paper.
Contact your dealer for information on these cassettes.
Introduction 3

Introduction
The face-up output tray (C81227*)
The face-up output tray allows the printer to deliver paper face-up
for immediate viewing of your printed output. Use the face-up
output tray for printing that requires a straight-through paper
path, such as labels and overhead transparencies.
IC cards
Two identity cards are available from your dealer. The identity
cards allow your printer to use the Adobe PostScript page
description language or the Epson GL graphics language, giving
you additional printer operation modes.
4 Introduction

Introduction
Interface cards
Optional interface cards are available to supplement the printer’s
built-in parallel and serial interfaces. A complete list of available
interfaces, guidelines for choosing the right interface and other
instructions are given in Chapter 7.
Interface cable
Epson supplies several types of interface cables. You can use any
interface cable that meets the specifications listed below. See your
computer manual for any additional requirements.
Cable
C836021
C836022
Interface
Parallel
Printer side
connector
Amphenol 57
Computer side
connector
D-SUB, 25 pin
Length
2m
C836031
C836041
C836051
C836061
Serial D-sub, 25 pin
Serial
D-sub, 25 pin
D-SUB, 25 pin 2m
D-sub, 9 pin
2m
Introduction 5

Introduction
Memory chip set (C82904*, C82905*)
You can increase your printer’s current 1MB of RAM to a total of
7.5MB by installing memory chip sets and a memory expansion
board. The C82904* chip set increases the printer memory by
increments of 0.5MB, and the C82905* chip set can increase it by
2.0MB increments. You can install the 0.5MB chip sets on the
controller board or the 0K expansion board (C82206*); you can
install 2MB chip sets on the 0K expansion board only. See Chapter
7 for more information.
Memory expansion boards (C82206*)
A OK optional memory expansion board is available to supplement
your printer’s memory. You can install up to four 0.5MB chip sets
or up to three 2.0 MB chip sets on this memory expansion board.
See Chapter 7 for information on configuring optional memory.
6
Introduction

Laser Printer Precautions
This printer uses laser technology. The following list of precautions
applies whenever you open the printer cover. Even if you are
familiar with other types of printers, be sure to follow these
precautions carefully to ensure safe, efficient operation.
Be careful not to touch the fuser, which is marked by a
CAUTION HOT SURFACE label. If you have been using the
printer, the fuser can be very hot.
Avoid touching the components inside the printer unless
instructed to do so in this guide.
Protect the light-sensitive drum from exposure to light.
Avoid exposing the imaging cartridge to room light any longer
than necessary. Do not open the drum’s protective cover.
Overexposing the drum may cause abnormally dark or light
areas to appear on the printed page and reduce the service life
of the drum.
If you must expose the drum either by taking the imaging
cartridge out of the printer or by leaving the printer cover
open, cover the drum with a soft cloth or sheet of paper.
Be sure not to scratch the surface of the drum. When you
remove the imaging cartridge from the printer, always set the
cartridge on a clean, smooth surface. Also, avoid touching the
drum, since oils from your skin can permanently damage its
surface and may affect print quality.
Avoid pressing on the top of the toner cartridge. Pressing
directly on the cartridge may cause toner to spill into the
printer. If there is a spill, see Chapter 5 for cleaning
instructions.
Never force the printer’s components into place. Although the
printer is designed to be sturdy, rough handling can damage it.
Laser Printer Precautions 7

Finding Your Way Around
Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking and setting up your
printer. Be sure to read and follow these instructions first.
Chapter 2 contains information on using the control panel, testing
and connecting the printer, and sharing the printer. It also
describes how to set the printer mode and use printer selection
menus.
For detailed information on the SelecType options, see Chapter 3.
Chapter 4 contains the information on paper handling. Make sure
you read this chapter before purchasing your paper supply.
Chapter 5 gives you information on maintaining your printer.
If the printer does not operate properly or the printed results are
not what you expect, see Chapter 6 for troubleshooting tips.
Chapter 7 describes how to install the various options available for
your printer.
The appendixes contain information on technical specifications and
printer modes, including a list of available symbol sets and
character samples available for each printer mode. You will also
find a glossary of printer terms and an index.
At the back of this guide is a Quick Reference card showing all
SelecType options and submenus. The SelecType menu maps
found on this card can be used as guides whenever you enter the
SelecType mode.
On the back cover foldout are illustrations identifying the different
parts of your printer. You can look at these as you set it up.
8 Finding Your Way Around

Finding Your Way Around
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.
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 (800) 92243911:
Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized Epson Reseller
or Service Center
Technical assistance with the installation, configuration, and
operation of Epson products
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.
Finding Your Way Around 9