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