Epson LX-1170 User manual

Control Panel Buttons and Lights
T
ear Off (Font) button**
A
dvances continuous paper
t
o the tear-off position.
Feeds continuous paper
b
ackward from the tear-off
p
osition to the top-of-form
p
osition.
*
Micro Adjust mode
W
hen you hold down the Pause button for three seconds, the
p
rinterentersthe microadjust mode. In thismode,youcan press
t
he LF/FF D and Load/Eject U buttons to adjust the top-of-form
o
r tear-off position. See Chapter 2, “Using the Printer.”
*
*Font select
In the Micro Adjust mode, you can select the font to use for
p
rinting by pressing the Tear Off button.The Tear Off lights turn
o
n, off or flash to indicate the selected font.
Pause button
Stops printing
temporarily,andresum
e
printing when pressed
again. When pressed f
o
three seconds, turns on
the Micro Adjust mode*
.
To turn off, press again.
Pause light
On when the printer is
paused.
Flashes when the print
e
is in the Micro Adjust
mode*.
Flashes when the print
head has overheated.
Paper Out light
On when no paper is
loaded in the selected
paper source or when
paper is not loaded
correctly.
Flashes when paper has
notbeenfullyejectedor
a
paper jam has occurred.
LF/FF button
Feedspaperlinebyline
when pressed and
released.
Ejects a single sheet or
advances continuous
paper to the next
top-of-form position
when held down.
Load/Eject button
Loads a single sheet of paper.
Ejects a single sheet of paper
if a sheet is loaded.
Loads continuous paper from
the standby position.
Feeds continuous paper
backwards to the standby
position.
Tear Off (Font) lights**
Flash when continuous paper is in
the tear-off position; otherwise, the
lights indicate the selected font.

User’s Guide
9-Pin Dot Matrix Printer
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.TheinformationcontainedhereinisdesignedonlyforusewiththisEPSON
printer. EPSON is not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other printers.
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 the purchaser
or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized
modifications,repairs, oralterations tothis product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to strictly
comply with SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION’s operating and maintenance instructions.
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION shall not beliable for anydamagesor 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 of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be
trademarks of their respective owners. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in those marks.
Copyright © 2001 by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, Nagano, Japan.
®

Contents 1
Contents
Control Panel Buttons and Lights
Getting to Know Your Printer
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Print Head Caution Symbol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
ENERGY STAR®Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Choosing a place for the printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Assembling the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Installing the paper-feed knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Attaching the paper supports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
Installing or replacing the ribbon cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Plugging in the printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-10
Running the Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-11
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-14
Using the parallel interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-14
Using the serial interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-16
Installing the Printer Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-18
Installing the software in Windows Me, 98, 95, 2000,
or NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-19
Installing the software in Windows 3.1 or NT 3.5x. . . . . . .1-20
For DOS programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-22

2Contents
Chapter 2 Using the Printer
Using the Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Selecting a built-in font. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
About Your Printer’s Default Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Changing default settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Printing on Continuous Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Printing with the push tractor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Removing a printed document from the push tractor. . . . 2-15
Switching back to single sheets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Printing with the pull tractor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Adjusting the top-of-form position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
Advancing the paper to the tear-off edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
Printing on Single Sheets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26
Loading single sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27
Printing on Special Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27
Adjusting the paper-thickness lever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27
Multipart forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29
Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29
Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30
Installing and Using Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
Cut-sheet feeder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
Pull tractor unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35
Roll paper holder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38
Color upgrade kit (LX-300+ only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40
Print server. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43
Chapter 3 Using the Printer Software
Using the Printer Driver with Windows Me, 98, and 95 . . . . . . 3-2
Accessing the printer driver
from Windows applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Changing the printer driver settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Using the Printer Driver with Windows 3.1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Accessing the printer driver
from Windows applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Changing the printer driver settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Contents 3
Using the Printer Driver with Windows 2000 and NT 4.0 . . . . .3-6
Accessing the printer driver
from Windows applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Changing the printer driver settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Using the Printer Driver with Windows NT 3.5x. . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Accessing the printer driver
from Windows applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Changing the printer driver settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
Printer Driver Settings Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11
About the EPSON Status Monitor 3 Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12
Setting up EPSON Status Monitor 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13
Accessing EPSON Status Monitor 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14
Using the EPSON Remote! Utility (LX-300+ only). . . . . . . . . . . .3-15
Installing EPSON Remote! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15
Accessing EPSON Remote!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting
Using the Error Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Power is not being supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
The printer does not print. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
The print is faint or uneven. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
Dots are missing in printed characters or graphics. . . . . . .4-7
Printed characters are not what you expected. . . . . . . . . . .4-7
The print position is not what you expected . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8
Paper Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8
Single sheets do not feed properly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8
Continuous paper does not feed properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-11
When you use the cut-sheet feeder, the paper
does not feed properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-11
Switching between the cut-sheet feeder
and the push tractor does not work properly . . . . . . . . .4-12
Using the pull tractor with the push tractor,
continuous paper does not feed properly . . . . . . . . . . . .4-12

4Contents
With the color upgrade kit installed, the printer
does not operate properly (LX-300+ only) . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Appendix A
Cleaning the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Transporting the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
Printer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
Electronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6
Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8
Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8
Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8
Printable area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-14
Paper alignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-17
Standards and approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-17
Command Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-18
EPSON ESC/P control codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-18
IBM 2380 Plus (for LX-300+)/ IBM 2381 Plus
(for LX-1170) emulation control codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-19
Contacting Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-20
Index
Printer Parts

Getting to Know Your Printer 1
Getting to Know Your Printer
Your EPSON®LX-300+/LX-1170 9-pin dot matrix printer
provides high-quality printing and superior performance in a
compact design. Its features include:
❏A variety of paper paths to suit your printing needs.
❏The ability to handle a wide range of paper types, including
continuous paper, multipart forms (with one original and up
to four copies), labels, single sheets, and envelopes.
❏High-speed printing of up to 300 cps (characters per second)
at 10 cpi (characters per inch).
Your printer comes packaged with the printer driver and other
software, including the EPSON Status Monitor 3 utility for
Microsoft®Windows®Me, 98, 95, 2000, or NT 4.0. The EPSON
Status Monitor 3 utility lets you check the status of your printer
quickly and easily.
Note:
The illustrations in this manual are from LX-300+. LX-1170 is wider
than LX-300+. However, the explanations are the same.

2 Getting to Know Your Printer
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
This guide uses the following conventions:
w
Warnings
must be followed to avoid bodily injury.
c
Cautions
must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Notes
contain important information and useful tips on the operation
of your printer.
Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these safety instructions before using the printer. In
addition, follow all warnings and instructions marked on the
printer itself.
❏Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a
radiator or heat source.
❏Place the printer on a flat surface. The printer will not operate
properly if it is tilted or placed at an angle.
❏Do not block or cover the slots and openings in the printer’s
cabinet, and do not insert objects through the slots.
❏Use only the type of power source indicated on the printer’s
label.

Getting to Know Your Printer 3
❏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 use a damaged or frayed power cord.
❏If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the
total ampere rating of all devices plugged into the extension
cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make
sure that the total ampere of all devices plugged into the wall
outlet does not exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating.
❏Unplugtheprinterbeforecleaningit,andalwayscleanitwith
a piece of damp cloth only.
❏Do not spill liquid onto the printer.
❏Except as specifically explained in this guide, do not attempt
to service the printer yourself.
❏Unplug the printer andrefer servicing to qualified personnel
under the following conditions:
❏Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions.
❏Printer parts marked with this symbol may be hot.
Turn off the printer and let it cool for a few minutes
before you touch any printer part marked with this
symbol.
i. If the power cord or plug is damaged.
ii. If liquid has entered the printer.
iii.If the printer has been dropped or the cabinet damaged.
iv.If the printer does not operate normally or exhibits a
distinct change in performance.
K

4 Getting to Know Your Printer
❏If you plan to use the printer in Germany, observe the
following:
To provide adequate short-circuit protection and
over-current protection for this printer, the building
installation must be protected by a 10- or 16-amp circuit
breaker.
Print Head Caution Symbol
This symbol is placed on the print head to indicate
that the print head may be hot. Never touch the
print headjust after the printer has been used. Let
the print head cool for a few minutes before
touching it.
ENERGY STAR
®
Compliance
As an ENERGY STAR®partner, EPSON has
determined that this product meets the ENERGY
STAR®guidelines for energy efficiency.
The International ENERGYSTAR®OfficeEquipmentProgramis
a voluntary partnership with the computer and office equipment
industryto promotethe introductionofenergy-efficientpersonal
computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers, and
scanners in an effort to reduce air pollution caused by power
generation.
K

1
Setting Up the Printer 1-1
Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Choosing a place for the printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Assembling the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Installing the paper-feed knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Attaching the paper supports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
Installing or replacing the ribbon cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Plugging in the printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-10
Running the Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-11
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-14
Using the parallel interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-14
Using the serial interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-16
Installing the Printer Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-18
Installing the software in Windows Me, 98, 95, 2000,
or NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-19
Installing the software in Windows 3.1 or NT 3.5x. . . . . . .1-20
For DOS programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-22

1-2 Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
Besides the items shown in the illustration below, the printer box
shouldincludeanEPSONprintersoftwareCD-ROMandaNotice
Sheet. Check that everything has been included in the package.
Note:
Depending on your printer model, the power cord may be permanently
attached to the printer. Also, the shape of the power cord plug varies
depending on the country of purchase; be sure the plug you have is the
right one for your location.
c
Caution:
There are several models of the printer designed for different
voltages, and it is not possible to adjust the printer for use with
another voltage. If the label on the back of the printer does not
show the correct voltage for your country, contact your dealer.
ribbon cartridge
printer
power cord
paper supports
paper-feed knob

1
Setting Up the Printer 1-3
You must remove all protective materials packed around and
inside your printer before you set it up and turn on the power.
Follow the directions on the Notice Sheet (packed with the
printer) to remove these materials.
Save all packing and protective materials in case you need toship
the printer in the future. It should always be transported in its
original packing materials.
Choosing a place for the printer
Follow the guidelines below when selecting a location for your
printer.
❏Place the printer on a flat, stable surface. The printer will not
operate properly if it is tilted or placed at an angle.
❏Place the printer where you can easily connect it to a network
interface cable, if necessary.
❏Leave adequate room around the printer for easy operation
and maintenance.
❏Avoid using or storing the printer in places subject to rapid
changes in temperature and humidity. Keep it away from
direct sunlight, strong light, heat sources, or excessive
moisture or dust.
❏Avoid places subject to shocks and vibrations.
❏Place the printer near a wall outlet where you can easily
unplug the power cord.
❏Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or
automatic timers. An interruption in power can erase
information in the memory of your printer or computer. Also
avoid outlets on the same circuit as large motors or other
appliances that can cause voltage fluctuations.

1-4 Setting Up the Printer
❏Keeptheentirecomputersystemawayfrompotentialsources
of electromagnetic interference, such as loudspeakers or the
base units of cordless telephones.
❏Use a grounded power outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines:
❏Use a stand that supports at least 20 kg.
❏Never use a stand that tilts the printer. The printer should
always be kept level.
❏Positionyourprinter’spowercordandinterfacecablesothey
do not interfere with paper feeding. If possible, secure the
cables to a leg of the printer stand.
Assembling the Printer
This section provides you with information on how to get your
printer up and running.
See “Printer Parts” on the last page of this manual for the names
of the individual printer parts.
Installing the paper-feed knob
Thefirststepinassemblingtheprinterisinstallingthepaper-feed
knob.
Follow these steps to install the paper-feed knob:

1
Setting Up the Printer 1-5
1. Insert the knob into the hole on the printer’s side and rotate
it slowly until it slips onto the shaft.
2. Push firmly on the paper-feed knob until it fits against the
printer case.
Attaching the paper supports
You should installthe paper supports before you begin using the
printer.
Follow these steps to attach the paper supports onto the printer:
1. Pull the paper guide backward. Raise it up, and then push it
firmly until it fits in place.

1-6 Setting Up the Printer
2. Hold one of the paper supports and push the tips into the
notches on the edge guide.
3. Repeat step 2 for the other paper support.
Installing or replacing the ribbon cartridge
Before installing the ribbon cartridge, make sure that the printer
is not plugged into an electrical outlet.
Follow these steps to install or replace the ribbon cartridge:

1
Setting Up the Printer 1-7
1. Open the printer cover to the upright position, then pull it up
to remove it.
w
Warning:
Never move the print head while the printer is turned on;
this can damage the printer. Also, if you have just used the
printer, let the print head cool for a few minutes before you
touch it.
2. For LX-1170 users, remove the paper tension unit by
squeezing the tension unit’s lock tabs gently and pull the
tension unit away from the printer.
3. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.

1-8 Setting Up the Printer
4. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow
to remove any slack from the ribbon so it is easier to install.
5. Insert the ribbon cartridge into the printer as shown; then
press both sides of the cartridge firmly to fit the plastic hooks
into the printer slots.

1
Setting Up the Printer 1-9
6. Use a pointed object, such as a ball point pen, to guide the
ribbon between the print head and ribbon guide. Turn the
ribbon tightening knob to help feed the ribbon into place; it
should not be twisted or creased.
7. Slide the print head from side to side to make sure it moves
smoothly.
8. For LX-1170 users, reinstall the paper tension unit.
9. Reinstall and close the printer cover.
When printing becomes faint, you need to replace the ribbon
cartridge.Toremovetheoldribboncartridge,firstmovethe print
head to the center of the printer. Then remove the cartridge by
lifting the both ends and taking it out of the printer.

1-10 Setting Up the Printer
Plugging in the printer
Follow these steps to plug in the printer:
1. Make sure the power switch on the printer is turned off. It is
off when the
N side of the switch is pressed down.
2. Check the label on the back of the printer to make sure the
voltagerequired by theprinter matchesthat of your electrical
outlet.
c
Caution:
If the rated voltage on the printer and your outlet voltage do
not match, contact your dealer for assistance. Do not plug in
the power cord.
3. If the power cord is not attached to the printer, connect it to
the AC inlet on the printer.
4. Plug the power cord into a properly grounded electrical
outlet.