Epson PowerLite 900 User manual

77
EPSON Ink Jet Papers
Use EPSON’s paper and inks to get the same photo quality results that have earned your printer all of
its awards! EPSON’s papers are specially coated to work with EPSON’s quick drying inks. You’ll notice
that when prints come out of your printer, you can immediately handle them. There is no drying time,
no smearing or smudging, and your image is clean and smooth. Here are just a few of EPSON’s papers:
360 dpi Ink Jet Paper
Bright white coated paper for quick printing at lower resolutions with brilliant
results. Perfect for letters, charts, clip art, and color drafts.
Photo Quality Glossy Film
Durable, bright white film sheets with the highest-gloss finish. Perfect for
printing professional quality, high-resolution photographs of all your digital
images.
Photo Paper and Panoramic Photo Paper
Photo lab quality, heavier weight glossy paper available in a variety
of sizes. Perfect for color photo keepsakes of snapshots, framed art,
banners, and panoramics.
Iron-On Cool Peel Transfer Paper
Transfer your designs and photographs onto t-shirts or other cloth items. Perfect
for ironing onto team t-shirts, canvas bags, crafts, and gifts.
See the inside back cover for a list of EPSON papers and ordering information.
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Contents
WELCOME! 1
About Your Software 1
About Your Documentation 2
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips 3
Windows System Requirements 4
Macintosh System Requirements 5
ENERGY STAR Compliance 6
Year 2000 Ready 6
Printer Parts 6
Important Safety Instructions 7
Ink Cartridge Safety Instructions 8
VIEWING YOUR ELECTRONIC PRINTER MANUAL 9
Opening Your Electronic Manual 9
Navigating an Electronic Manual 11
PRINTING FROM START TO FINISH 12
Printing with Windows 13
Printing with a Macintosh 17
Using Custom Project Types 20
Using the Advanced Dialog Box 23
Using Special Papers 26
EPSON Photo Paper 26
Envelopes 28
Selecting the Correct Media Type 29
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USING YOUR PRINTER WITH DOS 30
Selecting a Printer Driver 30
Control Panel Default Settings 31
Changing the Default Settings 34
Maintaining the Printer 36
Aligning the Print Head with the DOS Utility 36
Aligning the Print Head Using the Control Panel Buttons 37
CONFIGURING FOR A NETWORK 38
Windows 95 and Windows 98 Users 38
Setting Up the Host System 38
Setting Up Client Systems 39
Windows NT 4.0 Users 40
Setting Up Your Printer as a Shared Printer 40
Accessing the Printer Through a Network 41
Macintosh Users 43
Selecting the Printer in the Chooser 43
USING PRINTER SOFTWARE DISKETTES 44
Ordering Printer Software Diskettes 44
Installing Printer Software from Diskettes 45
Installing Windows 95, 98, and NT 4.0 Software 45
Installing Windows 3.1 Software 46
Installing Macintosh Software 47
MAINTAINING YOUR PRINTER 48
Cleaning the Print Head 48
Using the Head Cleaning Utility 49
Using the Control Panel 50
Examining the Nozzle Check Pattern 51
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Replacing an Ink Cartridge 51
Removing and Installing Ink Cartridges 52
Replacing an Outdated Ink Cartridge 54
Aligning the Print Head 56
Cleaning the Printer 57
Transporting the Printer 58
PROBLEM SOLVING 59
Diagnosing Printer Problems 59
Checking the Control Panel Lights 59
Running a Printer Check 61
Problems and Solutions 62
Problems Setting Up the Printer or Installing Its Software 62
Problems Getting Good Print Quality 64
Uninstalling Printer Software 67
Where To Get Help 69
INDEX 71
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Welcome!
Your EPSON Stylus®COLOR 900 Professional Series printer is the ideal output
device for business graphics, digital photographs, and more. You can print anything
from reports and resumes to photos and greeting cards with fabulous results.
The printer comes with these features:
■Resolutions up to 1440 by 720 dpi, even on plain paper
■Smallest ink droplets available (3 picoliters) for finest detail and smoothest
gradations
■EPSON’s unique variable micro droplet technology for superior image quality
■Four-color printing for photo quality color and sharp black text on plain paper or
a variety of special media
■Great results on any paper size, including letter, legal, envelope, card, and
panoramic paper
■High durability
About Your Software
The printer software CD-ROM includes all the software you need for printing:
■Your printer driver runs your printer and lets you control how your documents
look. You can’t use your printer without it.
■The EPSON Guided Printing Exercise gives you a quick lesson in printing and
Polaroid®PhotoMAX™Pro includes a variety of easy photo editing options.
■Your electronic EPSON Stylus COLOR 900 Manual gives you complete
information about your printer.
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If you haven’t yet installed your printer software from your CD-ROM, see the Start
Here card for instructions.
If you need to rerun the installation program, insert the CD-ROM and do the
following:
■Windows®95, Windows 98, or Windows NT®: Click Start, select Run, and
type D:\EPSON (where Dis your CD-ROM drive letter). Then click OK.
■Windows 3.1: In the Program Manager, select Run. Then type D:\EPSON (where
Dis your CD-ROM drive letter) and click OK.
■Macintosh®: Double-click the EPSON Printer Driver Installer icon.
About Your Documentation
To set up your printer and install its software, see the Start Here card. This book
contains instructions on:
■viewing your electronic manuals
■printing with Windows or Macintosh
■using your printer with DOS
■configuring your printer for use on a network
■installing printer software from diskettes, if necessary
■maintaining the printer
■troubleshooting basic problems
For more details about printing with, maintaining, or troubleshooting your printer,
see your electronic EPSON Stylus COLOR 900 Manual. For instructions on viewing
it, see page 9.
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Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips
Please follow these guidelines:
Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your
equipment.
Notes contain important information about your printer.
Tips contain additional hints for better printing.
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Windows System Requirements
To use your printer and its software with a PC, your system should have:
■An IBM®compatible PC with at least a 386/25 (for Windows 3.1x),
486/25 MHz (for Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0), or 486/66 MHz (for
Windows 98) processor
■DOS, Microsoft®Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT 4.0
■At least 16MB of RAM (32MB for Windows 95 or 98 or 64MB for
Windows NT 4.0 recommended)
■At least 50MB of free hard disk space (100MB recommended)
■VGA, Super VGA, or better display adapter and monitor
■Double-speed (2x) CD-ROM drive (quad [4x] or faster recommended) for
installing the printer software
■For parallel connection, a high-speed, bidirectional, IEEE-1284 compliant
parallel cable (6 to 10 feet long); the cable must have a D-SUB, 25-pin, male
connector for your computer and a 36-pin, Centronics®compatible connector for
the printer.
For USB connection to a computer running Windows 98 with a Windows 98
compliant USB port, a shielded USB “AB” interface cable, from Series A
(computer) to Series B (printer), up to 6.5 ft. (2.0 meters) long.
Using an improperly shielded USB cable—especially a cable
more than 6.5 ft. (2.0 meters) long—may cause the printer to
malfunction.
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Macintosh System Requirements
To use your printer and its software with a Macintosh, your system should have:
■One of the following Macintosh models:
LC475, LC575, LC630
Quadra series
Centris series
PowerBook®series (190, 520, 540, 550, or later)
PowerBook Duo 280, 2300c/100
Performa®475, 575, 588, 630, 5210 or later
Power Macintosh®series
iMac™series (for USB connection only)
■For serial connection: System 7.5.1 or later (7.6 or later recommended)
For USB connection: iMac with System 8.1 or later
■At least 16MB of available RAM (32MB recommended)
■At least 50MB of free hard disk space (100MB recommended)
■RGB display or better
■Double-speed (2x) CD-ROM drive (quad [4x] or faster recommended) for
installing the printer software
■For serial connection, an ImageWriter®II serial cable or equivalent (8-pin mini
DIN male/male, Belkin brand recommended; EPSON part number: F2V024-06)
For USB connection to an iMac computer, a shielded USB “AB” interface cable,
from Series A (computer) to Series B (printer), up to 6.5 ft. (2.0 meters) long.
Using an improperly shielded USB cable—especially a cable
more than 6.5 ft. (2.0 meters) long—may cause the printer to
malfunction.
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ENERGY STAR Compliance
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, EPSON has determined that
this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy
efficiency. The EPA ENERGY STAR office equipment program is a voluntary
partnership with the computer and office equipment industry to promote the
introduction of energy-efficient personal computers, monitors, printers, fax machines,
and copiers in an effort to reduce air pollution caused by power generation.
Year 2000 Ready
Your EPSON printer is Year 2000 Ready. However, be sure the other parts of your
computer system are also ready for the year 2000.
Printer Parts
ink cartridge
clamps
thickness
lever control panel
sheet feeder
left edge
guide
output tray
extensions
output tray
printer cover
paper support
right edge guide
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Important Safety Instructions
Before using your printer, read the following safety instructions to make sure you use
the printer safely and effectively:
■Turn off and unplug the printer before cleaning. Clean with a damp cloth only.
Do not spill liquid on the printer.
Always turn the printer off using the Ppower button. Don’t
switch off the power strip, or unplug the printer until the
power light is off.
■Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a radiator or heating vent
or direct sunlight.
■Do not block or cover the openings in the printer’s case or 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.
■Place the printer near a wall outlet where the plug can be easily unplugged.
Placez l’imprimante près d’une prise de contacte où la fiche peut être débranchée
facilement.
■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 cord’s ampere
rating. Also, make sure the total ampere rating of all devices plugged into the wall
outlet does not exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating.
■Except as specifically explained in this manual, do not attempt to service the
printer yourself.
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■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 case damaged; 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.
Ink Cartridge Safety Instructions
■Do not put your hand inside the printer or touch the cartridge during printing.
■Under normal circumstances, ink will not come out of the cartridge. If it does get
on your skin, wash it off with soap and water. If it gets in your eyes, flush them
immediately with water.
■Keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children.
■Do not dismantle the ink cartridges or try to refill them. This could result in
damage to the print head.
■Once you install an ink cartridge, do not open the clamp or remove the cartridge
except to replace it with a new one. The cartridge may become unusable
otherwise.
■Install the ink cartridge immediately after you remove it from its foil package.
Leaving the cartridge unpacked for a long time before use may result in reduced
print quality.
■Do not use an ink cartridge beyond the date printed on the cartridge package. For
best results, use up the ink cartridges within six months of installing them.
■Do not shake an ink cartridge; this can cause leakage.
■Always turn the printer off using the Ppower button. When you press this
button, the Ppower light flashes briefly then goes out. Do not unplug the printer
or turn off the power to the printer until the Ppower light is off.
■Before transporting the printer, make sure the print head is capped in the far right
position and the ink cartridges are in place.
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Viewing Your Electronic Printer
Manual
Here are some quick guidelines for viewing your electronic printer manual using
Adobe Acrobat®Reader.
Opening Your Electronic Manual
How you open your electronic EPSON Stylus COLOR 900 Manual depends on your
operating system and whether the manual is on your hard disk or CD-ROM drive.
If you already copied the EPSON Stylus COLOR 900 Manual to your hard disk and
installed Acrobat Reader when you installed your printer software, do the following to
view the manual:
■Windows 95, 98, and NT: Click Start, point to Programs, EPSON, and click
View EPSON Stylus COLOR 900 Manual. The manual opens in Acrobat Reader
automatically.
■Windows 3.1: Open File Manager and double-click the 900DOC.PDF file. If the
file doesn’t open, start Acrobat Reader, open the File menu, click Open and select
the 900DOC.PDF file.
■Macintosh: Locate the 900DOC.PDF icon and double-click it. The manual opens
in Acrobat Reader automatically.
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If you haven’t copied the manual to your hard disk, insert the printer software
CD-ROM in your CD-ROM drive. Then follow the instructions below for your
operating system:
■Windows 95, 98, and NT: Click Start, select Run, and type D:\EPSON (where D
is your CD-ROM drive letter). At the Main Menu, select View Electronic
Documentation, then view and copy the manual by selecting the options on the
next screen. When you view the manual, Acrobat Reader is installed
automatically, if you don’t have it.
■Windows 3.1: To copy the electronic EPSON Stylus COLOR 900 Manual from
your CD-ROM to your hard disk, use the Windows File Manager. Open the
D:\MANUALS directory (where Dis your CD-ROM drive letter) and locate the
900DOC.PDF file. Copy the file to a directory on your hard disk.
If you don’t have Acrobat Reader, you must install it from the CD-ROM to view
your electronic printer manual. Open the Program Manager File menu and select
Run. Then type D:\ACROBAT\16BIT\ACRO16.EXE (where Dis your CD-ROM
drive letter).
■Macintosh: Insert the printer software CD-ROM in your CD-ROM drive. To
copy the electronic EPSON Stylus COLOR 900 Manual from your CD-ROM to
your hard disk, simply drag-and-drop the 900DOC.PDF icon to the location of
your choice.
If you don’t have Acrobat Reader, you must install it from the CD-ROM to view
your electronic printer manual. Double-click the Acrobat Reader 3.01 Installer
icon to install Acrobat Reader.
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Navigating an Electronic Manual
When you open an electronic manual, you’ll see this toolbar:
There are several ways to navigate through electronic manuals:
■click on hot topics, which are usually underlined or displayed in a different color.
To find out if a topic is hot, move your cursor over it. If the cursor turns into a
pointing hand, the topic is hot—you can jump to it by clicking once.
■if the manual has bookmarks, use the bookmark section on the left side of the
screen to move quickly to the topic of your choice. Click the show bookmarks
icon on the toolbar to see the bookmark section.
■use the arrow buttons in the toolbar or the vertical scroll bar on the right side of
the document to move through a manual. (The box to the left of the scroll bar
displays the current page number.)
If you need more information, open Acrobat Reader’s Help menu and select the
online guide.
Next Page
Last Page
Previous Page
Bookmarks and Page First Page
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Printing from Start to Finish
Here’s what you need to do to print a basic document—such as a memo, newsletter,
or photograph—from loading the paper to selecting print settings to controlling print
jobs. Follow the step-by-step instructions for your operating system in these sections:
■“Printing with Windows” below
■“Printing with a Macintosh” on page 17
For instructions on using special papers such as EPSON Photo Paper or envelopes, see
page 26.
For instructions on customizing your settings to fine-tune your printouts, see “Using
Custom Project Types” on page 20 and “Using the Advanced Dialog Box” on
page 23.
Your printer software CD-ROM includes a Guided Printing Exercise with
step-by-step printing instructions. To install the exercise, see the Start Here card. To
run the exercise, click the EPSON Guided Printing Exercise icon on your
desktop. Or click Start, select Programs, Polaroid PhotoMAX by ArcSoft, then click
EPSON Guided Printing Exercise.
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Printing with Windows
1. Make sure your printer and computer are turned on.
2. Load a stack of plain paper with the printable side up and place it against the right
edge guide. Then slide the left edge guide against the paper’s left edge, making
sure the stack is lower than the arrow on the guide. If you are using letterhead or
preprinted paper, be sure the top of the paper feeds into the printer first.
3. Open a Windows application program and select a document to print.
4. Open the File menu and click Print. You see the Print dialog box for your
application (the Print dialog box for your application may look slightly different):
5. Make sure EPSON Stylus COLOR 900 is selected.
slide paper against the
right edge guide
load paper only up
to this arrow
If you see a Properties
button, click it
If you see Setup, Printer,
or Options, click that
button instead; then click
Properties in the next
screen
Make sure your printer
is selected here
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6. If your application’s Print dialog box contains a Properties button, click
Properties and go to step 7.
If you see a Setup, Printer, or Options button, click it. Then click Properties on
the next screen.
In Windows 3.1, you won’t see a Properties button; just click Setup, Printer, or
Options until you see the window in step 7.
7. Now you see the printer settings dialog box. If necessary, click the Main tab to
display the settings shown below:
Quality/Speed
slider
Media Type
setting
Automatic
mode setting
Ink setting
Quality/Speed
slider
Media Type
setting
Automatic
mode setting
Ink setting
Windows 95, 98, or NT
Windows 3.1
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