Epson LQ-500 User manual

Where to Get Help
Customer support and service for Epson products are provided by a
network of authorized Epson dealers and service centers throughout
the United States. Epson America provides product information and
toll-free support to its dealers and service centers.
Epson is confident that this policy will provide you with the
assistance you need. For service center and technical support
referrals, please call our Consumer Information number:
1-800-922-8911.
Options and Supplies
To locate or purchase ActionPrinter™ accessories or supplies, please
call 1-800-873-7766.

Contents
Introduction
1
About This Guide
2
Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer
1-1
Unpacking the Printer................................................
1-2
Choosing a Place for the Printer ..................................
1-5
Assembling the Printer ...............................................
1-7
Testing the Printer ....................................................
1-13
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer .....................
1-19
Printer Selection Menus .............................................
1-21
Chapter 2 Paper Handling
2-1
Using Single Sheets
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2-2
Using Continuous Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2-8
Printing on Special Paper
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2-20
Chapter 3 Using the Printer
3-1
Operating the Control Panel .......................................
3-2
DIP Switches
...........................................................
3-5
Selecting Typestyles...................................................
3-11
Selecting an International Character Set ........................
3-14
Choosing a Character Table........................................
3-16
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting and Maintenance
4-1
Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4-2
Cleaning the
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4-6
Replacing
the Ribbon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4-8
Transporting
the Printer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4-11
Contents iii

Chapter 5 Technical Specifications
5-1
Printer Specifications .................................................
5-2
Interface Specifications............................................... 5-7
Initialization .............................................................
5-11
Default Settings ........................................................
5-12
Chapter 6 Command Summary
6-1
Appendix A-1
The Interface Boards
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..............................
A-2
The Multi-Font Module
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A-14
Glossary
Index
iv
Contents

Introduction
The ActionPrinter™ L-1000 is an advanced 24-pin impact dot
matrix printer combining a compact design and high performance
with a wide range of features.
Features
In addition to the high-quality printing and ease of operation you
have come to expect from Epson® printers, your printer offers the
following:
Draft mode with fast printing of up to 180 characters per second
in 12 cpi (12 characters per inch).
Two built-in Letter Quality fonts (Roman and Sans Serif) for
producing high-quality documents.
A convenient control panel design that allows for direct
selection of fonts.
Fourteen international character sets, a legal set, italics, and the
Epson Extended Graphics set.
Easy paper handling, featuring automatic single-sheet loading.
Compatibility with the Epson ESC/P® commands used by other
Epson Letter Quality printers.
Introduction 1

About This Guide
This user’s guide provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions
for setting up and operating your printer.
Finding your way around
Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up,
testing, and connecting the printer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions in this chapter first.
Chapters 2 and 3 include important information on paper
handling and general printer operation. This information is
necessary for the day-to-day operation of your printer.
Other chapters contain information on general maintenance,
specifications, and printer commands. There is also a glossary of
printer terms and an index.
At the back of this manual is a Quick Reference card.
Conventions used in this guide
WARNINGS: must be followed carefully to avoid damage
to your printer and computer.
CAUTIONS: should be followed carefully to ensure that
your printer operates correctly.
Notes: contain important information and useful tips on the
operation of your printer.
2 About This Guide

Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer ................................................
1-2
Removing the pull tractor........................................
1-3
Choosing a Place for the Printer ..................................
1-5
Assembling
the
Printer.. ............................................. 1-7
Installing the paper feed knob ..................................
1-7
Installing the ribbon cartridge...................................
1-8
Attaching the paper guide........................................
1-11
Testing the Printer
....................................................
1-13
Plugging in the printer ............................................
1-13
Loading a sheet of paper .........................................
1-14
Running the self test ...............................................
1-16
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer .....................
1-19
The parallel interface ..............................................
1-19
Printer Selection Menus .............................................
1-21
Choosing from a menu ...........................................
1-21
Setting Up the Printer
1-1

Unpacking the Printer
As you unpack the printer, check that you have all the parts shown
below and that none have been damaged during transportation.
Note: You’ll find the paper feed knob in a piece of the foam
packing. Also, in some locations, the power cable may be
attached to the printer.
1-2
Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer
After removing the parts, store the packaging materials in case you
ever need to transport your printer.
CAUTION: There are several different versions of the
printer designed for different electrical standards. The
power supply type is shown on the label on the back of
the printer. If it does not show the correct voltage for
your country, contact your dealer. It is not possible to
adjust the printer for use on another voltage.
Removing the pull tractor
By removing the pull tractor now, you will be prepared to perform
the printer’s self test later. Follow these steps to remove the pull
tractor:
1. Raise the tractor cover to the upright position. Then lift the
cover up and off.
Note: Remove the packaging material inserted between both sides
of the tractor unit and the tractor cover. Be sure to store this
material with the other packaging materials in case you ever need
to transport the printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-3

Unpacking the Printer
2. Hold both ends of the tractor unit and slowly tilt the unit back
until the front notches of the unit are free.
3. Lift the tractor unit up and off.;
1-4
Setting Up the Printer

Choosing a Place for the Printer
When you select a location for your printer, keep the following in
mind:
lPlace the printer on a flat, stable surface.
l Place the printer close enough to the computer for its cable to
reach.
l Leave adequate room around the printer to allow for easy
operation and maintenance.
l Use a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
The illustration below shows a good printer location.
Setting Up the Printer 1-5

Choosing a Place for the Printer
Note: If you plan to use a printer stand, make sure it meets the
following requirements:
l The stand must support at least 30 lb or 14 kg (twice the
weight of the printer).
lThe stand must not tilt the printer more than 15 degrees from
horizontal. With a cut sheet feeder, the stand must keep the
printer level.
lIf the paper supply is below the printer stand, make sure that
the paper cannot catch on the underside of the stand or on
the stand supports.
lMake sure that the power cord and the interface cable do not
interfere with paper feeding. If possible, secure them to a
printer stand support.
WARNING:
lAvoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight,
excessive heat, moisture, or dust.
lAvoid using electrical outlets that are controlled by
wall switches or automatic timers. Accidental
disruption of power can wipe out information both in
your computer’s memory and in your printer’s
memory.
lAvoid using outlets on the same circuit with large
motors or other appliances that might disturb the
power supply.
lKeep the entire computer system away from potential
sources of interference such as loudspeakers or the
base units of cordless telephones.
1-6
Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer
To assemble the printer, you need only do the following:
lInstall the paper feed knob.
l Install the ribbon cartridge.
lAttach the paper guide.
Installing the paper feed knob
The first step in setting up the printer is to install the paper feed
knob. You use this knob to manually feed paper in the printer when
the printer is turned off.
You’ll find the paper feed knob packed in an indentation in the
white foam packing material.
1. Insert the knob into the hole on the printer’s side and rotate it
until it slips onto the six-sided shaft.
Setting Up the Printer 1-7

Assembling the Printer
2. Push firmly on the knob until it fits against the printer case.
Installing the ribbon cartridge
Follow these steps to install the ribbon cartridge.
1. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
CAUTION: Never move the print head while the printer is
turned on because this can damage the printer. Also, if
you have been using the printer, the print head may be
hot; let it cool for a few minutes before touching it.
1-8
Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer
2. Remove the ribbon cartridge from its box and remove the plastic
wrapper.
3. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow.
This removes any excess slack in the ribbon and makes it easier
to install.
4. Hold the ribbon cartridge by its handle and push it firmly down
into position, making sure the plastic hooks fit into the printer.
Press lightly on both sides of the cartridge to be sure the hooks
are properly inserted.
Setting Up the Printer
1-9

Assembling the Printer
5. Use a pointed object, such as the tip of a pencil, to guide the
ribbon between the print head and ribbon guide while you turn
the ribbon-tightening knob to help feed the-ribbon into place.
6. Slide the print head from side to side to be sure it moves
smoothly. Also check that the ribbon is not twisted or creased.
1-10 Setting Up the Printer

Assembling the Printer
Attaching the paper guide
The paper guide functions to feed the paper smoothly and
efficiently. Follow these steps to install the paper guide:
1. Place the paper guide on the printer.
2. Raise the paper guide until it locks into place.
Setting Up the Printer
1-11

Assembling the Printer
3. Attach the printer cover by fitting the legs of the cover into the
notches at the front of the printer.
4. Close the printer cover.
1-12 Setting Up the Printer

Testing the Printer
Now that your printer is fully assembled, you can use the built-in
self test function to see that the printer is working correctly even
though it is not connected to a computer. Be sure to perform this
test to check that your printer is operating properly.
Before running the self test, you need to connect your printer to an
electrical outlet and load a sheet of paper.
Plugging in the printer
Follow these steps to plug in the printer:
1. Be sure the printer is turned off.
2. Plug the power cable into a properly grounded electrical outlet.
WARNING: After turning the printer off, always wait at
least five seconds before turning it back on. Turning the
power on and off rapidly can damage the printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-13