Epson LQ-2070 User manual

EPSON
®
24-Pin Dot Matrix Printer
LQ-2070
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 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 and EPSON ESC /P 2 is a trademark
of Seiko Epson Corporation.
EPSON ConnectionSM
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 companies.
Copyright © 1995 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 Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numerique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Reglement sur le
materiel brouilleur 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: LQ-2070
Model:
P911A
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
April 1996
M. Hamamoto
President of EPSON EUROPE B.V.
iii

Energy Star Compliance
As an Energy Star Partner, EPSON has determined that this product
meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.
The EPA estimates that if all desktop computers, printers, and other
peripheral devices met Energy Star standards, energy cost savings would
exceed $1 billion annually and carbon dioxide emissions would be
reduced by 20 million tons.
All of EPSON’s ink jet printers conform to Energy Star standards.
Note:
The Energy Star emblem does not represent EPA endorsement of any product or
service.
Energy-saving Tips
Here are a few tips you can use to be even more energy-wise:
If your monitor isn’t Energy Star compliant, turn it off when you’re
not using it.
Turn off your computer, printer, and monitor each day when you are
done using them.
Use the print preview option in your software to catch errors before
you print a document.
If you have an electronic mail system available to you, send E-mail
rather than memos. Not only is this faster, but you’ll save paper and
storage space too.

Where to Get Help
If you purchased your printer in the United States or Canada, EPSON
provides customer support and service through a network of Authorized
EPSON Customer Care Centers. EPSON also provides the following
services when you dial [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, printed manuals, and
accessories for your EPSON products from EPSON Accessories at (800)
873-7766 (U.S. sales only). In Canada, call (800) BUY-EPSON for sales
locations.
If you purchased your printer outside the United States or Canada,
contact your EPSON dealer or the marketing location nearest you for
customer support and service.
If you need help with any software program you are using, see that
program’s documentation for technical support information.
Electronic Support Services
If you have a modem, the fastest way to access helpful tips, specifications,
drivers, application notes, and bulletins for EPSON products is through
the online services below.
V

World Wide Web
If you are connected to the Internet and have a Web Browser, you can
access EPSON’s World Wide Web site at http://www.epson.com.
EPSON’s home page links users to What’s New, EPSON Products,
EPSON ConnectionsM, Corporate Info, and EPSON Contacts. Link to the
EPSON Connection for the latest drivers and FAQs (Frequently Asked
Questions) and the EPSON Chat area. To get in touch with EPSON
around the world, EPSON Contacts includes Contact Information for
local EPSON subsidiaries.
EPSON Bulletin Board Service
You can call the EPSON Bulletin Board Service (BBS) at [phone].
No membership is required. Make sure your communications software is
set to 8 data bits with 1 stop bit, no parity bit, and a modem speed up to
28.8 Kbps. See the documentation that came with your communications
software for more information.
CompuServe@ online support
CompuServe members can call the EPSON America Forum on
CompuServe. If you are already a CompuServe member, simply type
GO EPSON at the menu prompt to reach the forum.
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 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.
vi

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.
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 leadfitted 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
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.
vii

Important Safety Instructions
Before using your printer, read the following safety instructions to use the
printer safely:
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; or 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.
viii

Contents
Introduction
Options ..................................2
HowtoUseThisManual ........................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
..........................
1-11
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
.............. 1-14
Installing the Printer Driver
......................
1-15
For Microsoft Windows Users
.................. 1-15
For DOS program users
...................... 1-21
DOS printer utilities
........................ 1-21
ix

Chapter 2
Paper Handling
Setting the paper release lever
.....................
2-2
Using Single Sheets
...........................
2-4
Loading single sheets with the paper guide
..........
2-4
Loading single sheets from the front
..............
2-7
Using Continuous Paper
........................
2-9
Loading paper with the rear push tractor
...........
2-9
Loading paper with the optional tractor unit
......... 2-13
Loading paper with the push/pull tractor combination
... 2-27
Removing paper from the tractor
................ 2-30
Switching Between Continuous Paper and Single Sheets
.....
2-30
Switching to single sheets
....................
2-31
Switching to continuous paper
.................
2-32
Printing on Special Paper
.......................
2-32
Adjusting the paper thickness lever
.............. 2-33
Multipart forms
..........................
2-34
Labels
................................
2-35
Envelopes
.............................
2-36
Postcards
..............................
2-36
Roll paper
.............................
2-36
Chapter 3
Using the Printer
Control Panel
..............................
3-2
Lights ..............................
3-2
Buttons
...............................
3-4
Other control panel features
...................
3-6
Using the Default Setting Mode
....................
3-7
Selecting an instruction sheet language
............
3-7
Changing the default settings
.................. 3-7
Printer functions
..........................
3-9
Using Quiet Mode
...........................
3-13
Using Micro Adjust
...........................
3-13
Using the Tear-Off Function
...................... 3-15
Using auto tear-off mode
.....................
3-16
Using the Tear Off/Bin button
................. 3-17
Using Bid Adjustment
.........................
3-18
Printing Barcodes
............................
3-18
x

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
Installing the double bin cut-sheet feeder ...........
4-6
Switching between continuous paper and the cut-sheet feeder 4-7
Selecting single-sheets, postcards, or envelopes
........
4-8
Pull Tractor
................................
4-9
Roll Paper Holder
............................
4-9
Interface Cards
..............................
4-12
Installing an interface card
....................
4-12
The C82305* and C82306* serial interface cards .......
4-14
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
...................
6-5
Dots are missing in printed characters or graphics ......
6-5
Printed characters are not what you expect
..........
6-6
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
..................................
6-9
The paper does not feed properly with the cut-sheet feeder .
6-9
Continuous paper does not feed properly when using
the tractors in a push/pull position
..............
6-11
xi

Appendix Specifications, Command Summary, and
Character Tab/es
Printer Specifications
..........................
A-2
Printing
...............................
A-2
Paper ................................
A-4
Paper alignment
..........................
A-7
Printable area
...........................
A-8
Mechanical
.............................
A-9
Electrical
..............................
A-10
Environmental
...........................
A-11
Safety approvals
..........................
A-11
CE marking
............................
A-12
Interface specifications
...................... A-12
Using Commands
............................
A-17
Sending printer
co mmands
................... A-17
Using the co
mmand summary
................. A-17
Commands Arranged by Topic
....................
A-18
General operation
.........................
A-18
Paper feeding
...........................
A-18
Page format
............................
A-19
Print position motion
.......................
A-20
Font selection
...........................
A-21
Font enhancement.
........................
A-23
Character handling
........................
A-24
Spacing.. .............................
A-27
Graphics
..............................
A-27
Bit image
..............................
A-28
Barcode
...............................
A-29
Character Tables
............................
A-32
International Character Sets
...................
A-32
Graphics Character Tables
....................
A-32
Glossary
Index
xii

Introduction
Your new EPSON
®
24-pin dot matrix printer offers high
performance with a wide range of features in a compact design.
You will find the same high-quality printing and ease of operation
you have come to expect from EPSON printers, including:
High speed draft mode printing of up to 300 characters per
second (cps) at 10 characters per inch (cpi)
Easy paper handling for both single sheets and continuous
paper
Eight barcode fonts and four scalable fonts, as well as one
draft and nine letter quality bit-map fonts
Multipart forms printing of one original plus up to three
copies
A convenient control panel that allows direct selection of fonts
Support of advanced EPSON ESC/P2™ commands and IBM@
2390/2391 Plus emulation
Large printable area; 68 lines with A4 size paper and 63 lines
with letter size paper
Software utilities, including a printer driver and a remote
control panel utility that let you change printer settings
quickly and easily.
Introduction
1

Options
The following options are available for your printer:
Cut-sheet feeder (High capacity, C80673*; Second bin,
C80674*), automatically feeds up to 150 sheets of paper or 25
envelopes (high capacity) without reloading. You can create a
double bin cut-sheet feeder by combining the high capacity
and second bin feeders. In this way you can preload up to 200
A4 or letter size sheets of paper, and you can use two different
sizes.
Pull tractor unit (C80032*), provides easy paper handling,
which is useful for printing on multipart forms. You can also
use this tractor as a front push tractor.
Roll paper holder (#8310), allows you to use your printer with
8.5-inch roll paper like that used with telex machines.
Interface cards, available to supplement the printer’s built-in
parallel interface.
2 Introduction

How to Use This Manual
This manual provides illustrated, step-by-step instructions for
setting up and operating your printer.
Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up, testing,
and connecting the printer. Be sure to read this chapter first.
Chapter 2 explains how to load and use single sheets, continuous
paper, and special paper in the printer.
Chapter 3 describes the basic operation of your printer.
Chapter 4 explains how to use optional accessories with your
printer.
Chapter 5 provides maintenance information, including
transportation guidelines.
Chapter 6 contains troubleshooting tips. If the printer does not
operate properly or the printed results are not what you expect,
see this chapter for a list of problems and solutions.
The appendix lists the printer’s specifications, commands, and
character tables.
At the end of the manual you’ll find a glossary and an index.
Introduction
3

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
This guide uses the following conventions:
Warnings must be followed 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.
4 Introduction

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 ..........................
1-11
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
.............. 1-14
Installing the Printer Driver ......................
1-15
For Microsoft Windows Users
.................... 1-15
For DOS program users .......................
1-21
DOS printer utilities .........................
1-21
Setting Up the Printer 1-1

This chapter explains how to set up the printer and install the
printer driver software.
Choosing a Place for the Printer
When selecting a place to set up your printer, be sure to follow
these guidelines:
Place the printer on a flat, stable surface, close enough to
the computer for the interface cable to reach it.
Leave adequate room around the printer for easy operation
and maintenance.
Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight, excessive
heat, moisture, or dust.
Use a properly grounded electrical outlet; do not use an
adapter plug.
Place the printer where you can easily unplug the power
cord.
Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or
automatic timers. An interruption of power can erase
information in the memory of your printer or computer.
Avoid outlets on the same circuit as large motors or other
appliances that can cause voltage fluctuations.
Keep the entire computer system away from potential
sources of electromagnetic interference, such as
loudspeakers or the base units of cordless telephones.
1-2 Setting Up the Printer

If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines:
Use a stand that supports at least 26 kg (57.8 lbs).
Never use a stand that tilts the printer at an angle of more
than 15 degrees from horizontal. If you install a cut-sheet
feeder, the stand must keep your printer level.
If you plan to load continuous paper through the bottom of
the printer, choose a stand that provides an unobstructed
paper path.
Position your printer’s power cord and interface cable so
they do not interfere with paper feeding. If possible, secure
the cables to a leg of the printer stand.
Align the paper stack so that the paper feeds straight into
the tractor’s sprocket units.
Setting Up the Printer
1-3