Epson FX-80 User manual

FX PRINTER
OPERATION MANUAL
EPSON
P83~I-l
YoU0991050

FX PRINTER
OPERATION MANUAL
. EPSON

Trademark Acknowledgments
TRS-80 is atrademark of Radio Shack, adivision of Tandy Corporation.
Centronics
is atrademark of Centronics Data Computer Corporation.
Atari
is atrademark of Atari Inc., aWarner Communications Company.
Apple
is atrademark of Apple Computer Inc.
Microsoft BASIC
is atrademark of Microsoft.
NOTICE:
*All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this manual in any form
whatsoever without EPSON's express written permission is forbidden.
*The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
*All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this manual.
However, should any errors be detected,
EPSON would greatly appreciate being
informed
of them.
*The above notwithstanding, EPSON can assume no responsibility for any errors
in
this manual or their consequences.
©Copyright 1983 by EPSON CORPORATION
Nagano, Japan
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION v
Chapter 1SET-UP
1.1 Unpacking Steps 1-1
1.2 CountingtheParts 1-1
1.3 Removal of Protective Paper. 1-2
1.4 Operation Site Selection 1-3
1.5 Cartridge Ribbon Setting 1-4
1.6 Dismounting and Remounting the Tractor Unit 1-7
1.7 Paper Loading 1-9
Chapter 2OPERATION
2.1 PrinterCable Connection 2-1
2.2 Switches and Indicators 2-2
2.3 Buzzer ,2-4
2.4 Paper-End Detector 2-4
2.5 Self-Test.
2-5
2.6 Printer Initialization 2-6
2.7 Setting DIPSwitches 2-7
Chapter 3CONTROL CODES
3.1 Definitions of Some Terms Often Used 3-1
3.2 Control Codes in the Text Mode 3-6
Download Character Codes 3-74
3.3 Control Codes in the Bit Image Mode 3-96
Chapter 4MAINTENANCE
4.1 Preventive Maintenance 4-1
4.2 Parts Replacement 4-1
APPENDIXES
A. Specifications
B. Parallel Interface
C. Control Circuit Diagram
D. Mixed Use ofPrinting Modes
E. CharacterCode Tables
F. CharacterFonts
G. Control Codes Summary

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WARNING
High voltage exists inside this unit and
the case should be opened only by a
service person!
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INTRODUCTION
EPSON now offers adot matrix printer which sets anew standard ofexcellence for
hard copy
technology-the FX-80 and FX-lOO.
It provides the same indisputable high quality output and reliability as the MX
Series printers and so many new features with the best cost-performance ratio in
the industry.
Unlike conventional printers, the
FX-80/FX-I00 is not limited to the program-
selectable ASCII and International character sets.
Any character
or symbol that can be defined in a 11 x9 matrix, can be created and
added as part of the printer's character set.
New characters can be created easily
by program.
The RAM stores up to 256 characters, extending the printer's versatility to meet
almost any printing application. Atrue "Universal" printer.
The FX-80/FX-100 prints at 160 characters
per second (CPS) to minimize the time
you wait for your printout.
For aquiet office environment, ahalf-speed mode (80
CPS) can be selected by software.
The FX-80/FX-100 provides anumber of additional features.
For example, any of
nine bit image modes are program-selectable.
And all nine can be used in the same
print line in any combination. The modes include: Quadruple Density,
CRT
Graphics I, Plotter Graphics, and CRT Graphics II and two 9-dot Bit Image
modes. The FX-80/FX-100 can print in any character
styles-Emphasized,
Condensed, Proportional, Elite, Alternate, and others-including all styles
available with the MX Series.
Like the MX Series, the FX-80/FX-100 prints on pin-feed paper, cut sheet,
or roll
paper (FX-80 only).
An original and up to two copies at atime can be printed.
When you consider all
of the new features of the FX-80/FX-100, it is clear that the
FX-80/FX-I00 is the ideal printer for awide variety of home and office printing
needs.
The name to always remember in digital printers is EPSON. Anything else is
second best.
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Chapter1SET-UP

1.1 Unpacking Steps
C1. Open the carton.
2. Grasp the FX printer by its underside and lift straight out with packing material
attached.
3. Place the printer on aflat surface.
4. Carefully remove packing material.
5. Remove the vinyl cover.
1.2 Counting the Parts
Check the box for evidence of shipping damage or mishandling. If such evidence is
present, contact the store where you purchased the printer as soon as possible.
The FX-801FX100 and standard accessories are as shown below.
Separator
Operation manual
*The manual paperfeed knob is
not attached to the printer when it is
shipped.
Fitthe manual paper feed knob by pushing it straightin, with firm but
steady pressure.
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Contents of Carton (FX-80)
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1-1

Powercord
(European type only)
/----
/' Printer lid
/' / -- --Attach when performing
/' friction feed.
/' .........
(~ .........................
, --" .......
--....... -(-f--. '\
"""''''''''':!!.'nr. ~ )
-!!/"c /'
......... o"e /
,'I" " /
--- " /'
.................. /'
....... ~/
~ Cartridge ribbon
~
7£A01:--" ~".
NOTE:
EPSON dealers provide acable to connect the printer to your particular computer.
Computers that do
not use the Centronics™ standardparallel interface scheme need a
special interfacing kit.
EPSON dealers can supply kits for many popularcomputers.
1.3 Removal of P~otective Paper
The FX-80/FX-100 is provided with aprotective paper inserted between the inner
and outer paper guides to protect the paper end detector from damage due to
shocks
or vibrations during transportation. Before using the printer, be sure to
remove this paper.
If the printer is to be reshipped, remember to return the paper
to the original position.
1-2

<Repacking Steps>
rRepacking can be carried out by following the above steps in the reverse order.
(Repacking: Shipment for repair, storage, etc.)
NOTE:
It is recommended that all original packing materials be saved for reuse in case the
printer requires reshipment in the future.
1.4 Operation Site Selection
1. The FX-80/FX-lOO should be installed on aflat, firm surface with enough room
as shown below.
2. Care should be exercised in locating the printer in areas where it will not
be
exposed to direct sunlight or where the environment contains grease or dust.
3.
The FX-80/FX-lOO should not be located in the vicinity of noise generating
equipment
or heat generating equipment.
4.
Do not subject the printer to temperatures below SoC (41°F) or above 3SoC
(9S0F) during operation. Also avoid sudden changes in temperature and
extreme shock.
Interfacecable
Computer
CRT display
0: ~FIOPPYdiSkunit
LayingPrinteronFlat, Firm Surface
1-3

Printer CoverRemoval of
(FX-80)
P
rinter cover )
(FX-100
Printer cover
Ribbon Setting .kfdamaging the
15Cartridge .dto rednce the
ns ri~hon.
•more eaSIly, an .gthe cartndge
tridge ribbon before settm ~ ~ _
Toset the
car ove the cover _
er
remlu~~ _
printer cov , _
1-4

Unless otherwise specified, the procedures described below are applicable to both
the FX-80 and FX-100.
1. Take the cartridge ribbon from the box.
2. Confirm that the scale is turned toward the platen.
3. Push the cartridge ribbon down and set it on the printer mechanism. To
facilitate the cartridge ribbon setting, be sure to hold the handle at the center
of
the cartridge case (FX-80; ®in the figure below) when pushing the cartridge
ribbon down. The cartridge ribbon
of the FX-lOO has two handles (@ in the
figure below).
Cartridge ribbon
©
Head
Ribbon mask Cartridge ribbon
Slots
CartridgeRibbonSetting(1)
4. Put the ribbon between the head nose and the ribbon mask (© in the figure
above). In this case, the ribbon can be
set~a$ily by hooking it to the edge of the
head nose and turning the ribbon feeding· knob of the cartridge case
counterclockwise, while depressing the ribbon with aball-point pen.
1-5

5. Remove slack from the ribbon by turning the ribbon feeding knob
counterclockwise.
Ribbon feeding knob
CartridgeRibbon Setting(2)
NOTES:
1. Incorrect setting
of the ribbon may cause it to come off.
2. Confirm that the ribbon
is neither twisted nor creased and that the cartridge is set
properly.
Incorrect
Ribbon
Incorrect
.Ribbon mask
_-'----I
Correct
Examples of Correct and Incorrect RibbonSetting
1-6

1.6 Dismounting and Remounting the Tractor Unit
r'
\EPSON provides the Tractor Unit as an option with FX-80 and as standard with
FX-100.
To remove the tractor unit, follow the procedure listed below.
1. Open the printer cover and pull the scale out to detach it from the platen.
2. Unlock the notches
of the tractor frame from the shaft while pushing down the
tractor lock levers at both ends of the tractor unit.
Tractor lock
lever
Dismountingthe Tractor Unit
To reattach the tractor unit, hook the notches of the tractor frame onto the shaft
while pushing down the tractor lock levers
of the tractor unit.
1-7

NOTE:
The FX-IOO shipped with two protectors attached at both ends. These must be
removed before dismounting the tractor unit. Reinsert the protectors before
transporting the printer. The printer
can be used with the tractor unit even if the
protectors are not removed.
Protector
Removal of Protector
1-8
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1.7 Paper Loading
1.7.1 Pin-feed paper (with pin-feed) (FX-80 only)
The FX-80 accommodates pin-feed paper from 9.5" to 10" in width.
To load the pin-feed paper, observe the following procedure.
1. Remove the printer cover.
2. Turn the scale toward the front of the printer to detach it from the platen.
Release lever
InsertionofPin-feed Paper
Unlock the release lever.
Pull the head adjusting lever forward (in the
(E) direction) as far as it will go.
(See 1.7.6 Gap Adjustment.)
Fold the pin-feed paper
in half to prevent it from wrinkling.
Push the leading edge of the paper into the insertion slot between the paper
guides at the rear part of the printer mechanism.
Raise the two sprocket lock levers to loosen, and adjust the sprocket pin
position slightly wider than the width of the paper.
The scale inscribed;
9.5" and 10" on the frame can be used as aguide to adjust
the sprocket pin position to the paper width.
8. Lock the two sprocket levers.
1-9