Epson FX-2170 - Impact Printer User manual

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.
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.
Seiko Epson Corporation and its affiliates 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 and EPSON ESC/P2 is a trademark
of Seiko Epson Corporation.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be
trademarks of their respective companies.
Copyright © 1995 by Seiko Epson Corporation, Nagano, Japan.
User’s Guide

Printer Update
Please update the information in your User’s Guide with the
information given below.
On page 1-15, replace the original text with the new
information below.
Setting Up Your Software
Refer to the following sections for printer driver installation
instructions.
For Microsoft Windows users
If Microsoft Windows is installed on your computer, follow
the steps below to install the correct driver for your printer.
If you are using Windows 3.1, follow these steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Make sure Windows is running and the Program Manager
window is open.
Insert the floppy disk containing the driver into your floppy
disk drive.
Click File; then click Run.
Type A: SETUP (or B: SETUP); then click OK.
Select your printer’s name in the Printer Model window and
click Continue. The printer driver installs automatically.
Click OK.
Copyright © 1996 by Seiko Epson Corporation,
4005786
Nagano, Japan
M01-00

On page 1-15, add the information below.
Installing the driver for Windows 95 users
Follow these steps to install the printer driver using the
Windows 95 plug-and play capabilities:
Note:
To install the driver using the Windows 95 plug-and play
capabilities, your computer’s parallel port must be an IEEE-2284
(ECP or EPP compatible) bidirectional parallel port. See your
computer documentation for more information.
1. Make sure plain paper is loaded in the printer and the
printer is connected to the computer’s parallel port. (The
paper is used to perform a test print in step 11.)
2. Turn off your printer and computer, if necessary.
3. Turn on the printer first; then turn on the computer. Your
computer begins loading Windows 95.
4. If you defined a password, enter it at the prompt. You see
the New Hardware Found screen.
Note:
If you do not see the New Hardware Found screen, please follow
the procedure under “Installing the driver while running
Windows 95,” the next section.
5. Make sure your printer model name is displayed on the
screen. Then click the Driver from disk provided by
hardware manufacturer button. Do not select any of the
other buttons.
Note:
The next time you turn on your computer after installing the
driver, Windows 95 may display the New Hardware Found
screen again. In this case, click the Do not install a driver
radio button; then click OK. This screen does not appear again.
2

6. Click OK. You see the Install From Disk screen.
7. Insert the Windows printer driver disk in a disk drive.
8. If you inserted the disk in drive A, click OK. Otherwise,
change the drive letter in the Copy manufacturer’s files
from box and click OK.
9. At the next screen you can type a unique name for the
printer in the Printer name box. We recommend that you
keep the model name as shown. The program will copy
the files to your hard disk and add an icon to the Printers
folder using the printer name you assign.
To use the printer as the default printer for Windows 95
applications, select Yes. (No is the default setting.)
10. Click the Next button.
11. In the next screen, select YES to print a test page.
12. Click the Finish button.
13. Choose Yes in the test page confirmation dialog if the page
printed correctly. If it did not print correctly, choose N O
and follow the directions on the screen.
To access the driver, see “Checking the printer driver
settings,” page 5 of this supplement.
3

Installing the driver while running Windows 95
If you are using Windows 95, follow the steps below.
1. In the Desktop window, double-click the My Computer
icon.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Double-click the Printers folder.
Double-click the Add Printer icon.
Click the Next button.
Select the Local printer or Network printer radio button.
Then click the Next button.
6.
7.
Click the Have Disk button.
Insert the floppy disk containing the driver into your
computer’s floppy disk drive.
8. Type
A: WIN 95 (or B: WIN 95); then click OK.
9.
Select your printer’s name in the dialog box, then click the
Next button.
10. Select the port you want to use with this printer.
11. Click the Next button.
12. Select the Yes radio button if you want to make your
printer the default printer. Otherwise, select the N O radio
button.
13. Click the Next button.
14. Click the Yes radio button to print a test page.
15. Click Finish.
16. In the dialog box that appears, choose Yes if the test page
printed satisfactorily. If it didn’t print satisfactorily,
choose NO and follow the directions that appear on your
screen.
4

On page 1-16, add the information below. If you are using
Windows 3.1, refer to the information in your User’s Guide.
Checking the printer driver settings
If you are using Windows 95, follow these steps to select the
appropriate settings.
1. In the Desktop window, click the Start button.
2. Select Settings; then click Printers.
3. Right-click on your printer icon.
4. Choose Properties.
5. Select the paper size you have loaded in the printer from the
Paper size list on the Paper menu. If you don’t see your
paper size, scroll through the list, and select the correct
size. The diagram on the screen changes according to the
paper size you select.
6. Select Portrait or Landscape orientation. The diagram on the
screen changes according to the orientation you select.
7. Select the paper source.
8. Select the resolution on the Graphics menu.
9. Make any other settings you wish, and click OK when you
are finished.
5

On pages 1-18 through l-20, replace the original information
with the new information below.
DOS printer utilities
Your printer driver disk includes the EPSON Remote! and
EPSON Calibration utilities. You can use EPSON Remote! to
change the printer’s default settings from your computer
instead of the control panel. EPSON Calibration is used to
properly align your printout.
Installing EPSON printer utilities
To install the utilities, follow these steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Insert the floppy disk containing the printer utilities into
your computer’s disk drive.
From the DOS prompt, type A: SETUP (or B: SETUP); then
press Enter.
In the screen that appears, select your printer’s name in the
Printer Model window and press Enter. C: EPUTIL appears
as the default directory.
Press Enter. All the necessary files are copied to the EPUTIL
directory on drive C.
Using EPSON printer utilities
To use your EPSON utilities, follow these steps:
1. From the DOS prompt, change the current directory to the C
drive.
2. To use the EPSON Remote! utility, type PRNSET, and press
Enter, or to use the EPSON Calibration utility, type
CALIBRAT, and press Enter.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to use either utility.
6

On pages 2-11, and 2-12, replace the original illustrations as
follows:
1.
Please replace the illustration on page 2-11 of your User's
Guide with the illustration below.
2. Please replace the illustration on the upper portion of page
2-12 of your User’s Guide with the illustration below.
7

On page 5-3, add the information below.
When replacing the ribbon cartridge or ribbon pack, you can
use the cartridge and pack listed below, in addition to the
products listed in your User's Guide.
Ribbon cartridge S015086
Ribbon pack
S010033
Printed in Japan 96.02-16

Printer Parts

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 nonshielded 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 sat out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian
Department of communications.
Le présent 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

Declaration of Conformity
According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014
Manufacturer:
Address: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
3-5, Owa 3-chome, Suwa-shi,
Nagano-ken 392 Japan
Representative:
Address: EPSON EUROPE B.V.
Prof. J. H. Bavincklaan 5 1183 AT Amstelveen
The Netherlands
Declares that the Product:
Product Name: Dot Matrix printer
Type Name: FX-2170
Model:
P920A
Conforms to the following Directive(s) and Norm(s):
Directive 89/336/EEC:
EN 55022 Class B
EN 50082-1
IEC 801-2
IEC 801-3
IEC 801-4
Directive 73/23/EEC: EN 60950
Directive 90/384/EEC:
EN 45501
August 1995
M. Hamamoto
President of EPSON EUROPE B.V.
iii

Where to Get Help for
United States Users
EPSON provides customer support and service through a nationwide
network of Authorized EPSON Customer Care Centers.
EPSON also provides the following support services in the U.S. and
Canada through the EPSON Connection
SM
at [phone]:
Technical assistance with the installation, configuration, and
operation of EPSON products
Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized EPSON Reseller or
Customer Care Center
Customer Relations
EPSON technical information library fax service
Product literature on current and new products
You can purchase ribbons, supplies, parts, documentation, and
accessories for your EPSON products from EPSON Accessories at
[phone] (U.S. sales only). In Canada, call (800) BUY-EPSON for
sales locations.
iv

CompuServe
®
online support
If you have a modem, the fastest way to access helpful tips, specifications,
drivers, application notes, and bulletins is through the Epson America
Forum on CompuServe.
If you are not currently a member of CompuServe, you are eligible for a
free introductory membership as an owner of an EPSON product. This
membership entitles you to:
An introductory $15 credit on CompuServe
Your own user ID and password
A complimentary subscription to CompuServe Magazine,
CompuServe’s monthly publication.
To take advantage of this offer, call [phone] in the United States
and Canada and ask for representative #529. In other countries, call
[phone] or your local CompuServe access number.
If you are already a CompuServe member, simply type GO EPSON at the
menu prompt to reach the Epson America Forum.
For United Kingdom Users
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.
V

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
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 with the earth symbol (G)
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.
vi

Important Safety Instructions
Before using your printer, read the following safety instructions to make
sure you use the printer safely and effectively.
Turn off and unplug the printer before cleaning. Clean with a damp
cloth only. Do not spill liquid on the printer.
Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a radiator or
heat register.
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 let the power cord become damaged or frayed.
If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the total
ampere rating of the devices plugged into the extension cord does
not exceed the cords ampere rating. Also, make sure the total of all
devices plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
Except as specifically explained in this guide, do not attempt to
service the printer yourself.
Unplug the printer and refer servicing to qualified service personnel
under the following conditions:
If the power cord or plug is damaged; if liquid has entered the printer; if
the printer has been dropped or the cabinet damaged; if the printer
does not operate normally or exhibits a distinct change in
performance. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the
operating instructions.
vii

Contents
Introduction
Options
..................................
2
How to Use This Manual
........................ 3
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
....................
4
Chapter 1
Setting Up the printer
Choosing a Place for the Printer
.................... 1-2
Unpacking the Printer
......................... 1-4
Installing the Ribbon Cartridge
....................
1-5
Plugging in the Printer
.........................
1-10
Running the Self Test
.......................... 1-10
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
.............. 1-14
Setting Up Your Software
.......................
1-15
Microsoft Windows and all Windows programs
.......
1-15
Checking the printer driver settings.
..............
1-16
Using non-Windows software
..................
1-17
Printer utilities
........................... 1-18
ix

Chapter 2 Paper Handling
Selecting the Paper Feeding Method
................. 2-2
Setting the paper release lever
..................
2-2
Using Single Sheets
...........................2-3
Loading single sheets from the top
...............
2-3
Loading single sheets from the front
..............
2-6
Using Continuous Paper
........................
2-8
Selecting the tractor position and paper path
......... 2-8
Changing tractor positions
....................
2-9
Loading the front push tractor
..................
2-12
Loading the rear push tractor
..................
2-15
Loading the pull tractor
.....................
2-19
Loading the push/pull tractor.
.................
2-22
Removing paper from the tractor
................
2-23
Switching Between Continuous Paper and Single Sheets
..... 2-24
Switching to single sheets
....................
2-24
Switching to continuous paper
.................
2-25
Printing on Special Paper
....................... 2-25
Adjusting the paper thickness lever
..............
2-26
Multipart forms
..........................
2-27
Labels ................................
2-28
Envelopes
.............................
2-29
Postcards
.............................. 2-29
Roll paper
.............................
2-29
X

Chapter 3 Using the printer
Control Panel
...............................
3-2
Lights
................................ 3-2
Buttons
...............................
3-4
Other control panel features
...................
3-6
Changing the Default Settings
.....................
3-7
Selecting an instruction sheet language
............. 3-7
Selecting items and changing settings.
.............
3-8
Default setting item functions
..................
3-9
Micro Adjust ...............................
3-13
Tear-Off
..................................
3-15
Using auto tear-off mode
..................... 3-16
Using the Tear Off/Bin button
.................. 3-17
Bid Adjustment
.............................
3-17
Barcode Printing
.............................
3-18
Chapter 4 Using Printer Options
Cut-Sheet Feeders
............................
4-2
Installing the high capacity cut-sheet feeder
.......... 4-2
Loading paper with the high capacity cut-sheet feeder
.... 4-4
Assembling the double bin cut-sheet feeder
.......... 4-6
Switching between continuous paper and the cut-sheet
feeder
...............................
4-6
Selecting single-sheets, postcards, or envelopes
........
4-7
Pull Tractor
................................
4-8
Loading paper with the push tractor and the optional pull
tractor.. .............................
4-8
Roll Paper Holder
............................ 4-9
Interface Cards
..............................
4-12
Installing an interface card
....................
4-12
The C82305] or C82306] serial interface card
........ 4-14
xi

Chapter 5 Maintenance and Transportation
Cleaning the Printer
.......................... 5-2
Replacing the Ribbon
..........................
5-3
Transporting the Printer
........................
5-4
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
Power Supply
..............................
6-2
Power is not being supplied
...................
6-2
Printing.. ................................
6-3
The printer does not print
....................
6-3
The print is faint or uneven
...................
6-4
Dots are missing in printed characters or graphics
......
6-5
Printed characters are not what you expect
.......... 6-5
The print position is not what you expect
........... 6-6
Paper Handling
.............................
6-7
Single sheets do not feed properly
............... 6-7
Continuous paper does not feed properly
...........
6-8
Options
.................................. 6-10
The paper does not feed properly with the cut-sheet
feeder
............................... 6-10
Continuous paper does not feed properly when
using the pull tractor with the push tractor
......... 6-12
xii