Epson Stylus Color 300 User manual

Where to Find Information
This User’s Guide
Provides you with information on using your EPSON Stylus
COLOR 300 and consumable products, from setting up to
troubleshooting.
Online Help
Provides you with detailed information and instructions on the
Windows printer software that controls your printer. Online
help will be automatically installed when you install the printer
software. See Chapter 3 for information on accessing online
help.
EPSON Answers (CD-ROM only)
Provides you with additional information on using your
printer and printing with colors. EPSON Answers will be
automatically installed if you install the CD-ROM version of
the printer software. Here’s what you’ll find in EPSON
Answers:
❑How To displays a step-by-step guide for using your
printer, information about printer maintenance, and
instructions on replacing consumable products.
❑Problem Solver helps you fix common printing problems
when you encounter them.
❑Test Print lets you print a test page to check the results of
settings you have made and provides links to other sections
of EPSON Answers based on the results.
❑Color Guide explains the ABC’s of color printing and
shows you how to get impressive results from your printer.
LHudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size cover-2
03-03-97 DR, pass 0

Color Ink Jet 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 CORP.
The information contained herein is designed only for use with this EPSON printer.
EPSON is not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other printers.
Neither SEIKO EPSON CORP. 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, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to
strictly comply with SEIKO EPSON CORP.’s operating and maintenance instructions.
SEIKO EPSON CORP. shall not be liable for 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 CORP.
Microsoft and Windows 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 © 1997 by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, Nagano, Japan.
User’s Guide
Proof Sign-off:
Ohtera _______
Nomoto _______
Grady _______
F-R01
recylogo
R
Hudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Front
03-04-97 DR, pass 0

Declaration of Conformity
According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014
Manufacturer: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
Address: 3-5, Owa 3-chome, Suwa-shi,
Nagano-ken 392 Japan
Representative: EPSON EUROPE B.V.
Address: Prof. J. H. Bavincklaan 5 1183
AT Amstelveen
The Netherlands
Declares that the Product:
Product Name: Ink Jet Printer
Type Name: EPSON Stylus COLOR 300
Model: P870C
Conforms to the following Directive(s) and Norm(s):
Directive 89/336/EEC:EN 55022 class B
EN 61000-3-2
EN 61000-3-3
EN 50082-1
IEC 801-2
IEC 801-3
IEC 801-4
Directive 73/23/EEC: EN 60950
June 1997
M. Hamamoto
President of EPSON EUROPE B.V.
LHudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Front
03-04-97 DR, pass 0
ii

Contents
Safety Information
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1
A few precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2
ENERGY STAR Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-4
For United Kingdom Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-4
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-5
Chapter 1 Getting to Know Your Printer
Printer Parts and Control Panel Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Options and Consumable Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Chapter 2 Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Attaching the Paper Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Using a printer stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Plugging in the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Installing the Ink Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Connecting the Printer to Your PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Installing the Printer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Installing the software for Windows 95 . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Installing the software for Windows 3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
R
Hudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Front
03-04-97 DR, pass 0
iii

Chapter 3 Starting to Print
Loading Plain Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Accessing the Printer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
From Windows applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
From Windows 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
From Windows 3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Getting Information Through Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
From Windows applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
From Windows 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
From Windows 3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Chapter 4 Printing on Special Paper
Setting the Paper Thickness and Adjust Levers . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Setting the paper thickness lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Setting the adjust lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Loading Special Paper and Other Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Loading Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Chapter 5 Maintenance and Transportation
Replacing the Ink Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Cleaning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Aligning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Cleaning the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Transporting the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
LHudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Front
03-04-97 DR, pass 0
iv

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
Diagnosing the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Error indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Printer operation check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Paper handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Printing quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15
Increasing the Print Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-21
Fixing Ink Cartridge Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-22
Contacting Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-24
For United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland users . . 6-24
For Australian users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-26
For Singapore users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28
For Hong Kong users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28
For Philippines users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-29
Appendix Printer Specifications
Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Printable area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
Ink Cartridge (S020138) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5
Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6
Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6
Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7
Safety Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7
Glossary
Index
R
Hudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Front
03-04-97 DR, pass 0
v

LHudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Front
03-04-97 DR, pass 0
vi

Safety Information
Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the printer.
❑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 at an angle.
❑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 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 the total ampere rating of all devices
plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the wall
outlet’s ampere rating.
❑Unplug the printer before cleaning. Clean with a damp
cloth only. Do not spill liquid on the printer.
❑Except as specifically explained in this guide do not
attempt to service the printer yourself.
Proof Sign-off:
Ohtera _______
Nomoto _______
Grady _______ R
Hudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Introduction
02-27-97 DR, pass 0
Safety Information 1

❑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; 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.
❑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 16 Amp circuit breaker.
Bei Anschluß des Druckers an die Stromversorgung muß
sichergestellt werden, daß die Gebäudeinstallation mit
einem 16 A-Überstromschalter abgesichert ist.
A few precautions
Even if you are familiar with other types of printers, be sure to
read through the following list of precautions before operating
your ink jet printer.
❑Do not put your hand inside the printer or touch the ink
cartridge during printing.
❑Do not move the print head by hand; otherwise you may
damage the printer.
❑Under normal circumstances, ink will not come out of ink
cartridges. If ink gets 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.
LHudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Introduction
02-27-97 DR, pass 0
2 Safety Information

❑Do not dismantle 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 ink
cartridge 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 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 carton. 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 power switch. The
P
power light flashes until the print head is capped, which
means it is at rest in the far right position. Do not unplug
the printer or turn off the power to the outlet until the
P
power light stops flashing. The printer caps the print
head when no data is received for several seconds.
❑Before transporting the printer, make sure the print head is
in the far right position and the ink cartridge is in place.
R
Hudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Introduction
02-27-97 DR, pass 0
Safety Information 3

ENERGY STAR Compliance
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, EPSON has
determined that this product meets the ENERGY
STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
The International 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.
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
wWarning: 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 lead fitted to this appliance
are coloured in accordance with the following code:
Green and yellow — Earth
Blue — Neutral
Brown — Live
LHudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Introduction
02-27-97 DR, pass 0
4 Safety Information

If you have to fit a plug:
As the colours of the mains lead of this appliance may not
match coloured markings used to identify the terminals in a
plug, please 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 the Earth
symbol (
G
).
The blue wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug
marked with the letter N.
The brown wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug
marked with the letter L.
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.
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
wWarnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
cCautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the operation
of your printer.
R
Hudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Introduction
02-27-97 DR, pass 0
Safety Information 5

LHudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Introduction
02-27-97 DR, pass 0
6 Safety Information

Chapter 1
Getting to Know Your Printer
Proof Sign-off:
Ohtera _______
Nomoto _______
Grady _______
Printer Parts and Control Panel Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Options and Consumable Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
1
R
Hudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Chapter 1
03-04-97 DR, pass 0
Getting to Know Your Printer 1-1

Printer Parts and Control Panel Functions
paper support
edge guides
printer cover
sheet feeder
control panel
left edge guide
lock lever
paper thickness
lever
power switch
01
adjust lever
power
light
ink cartridge clamp
paper out
light
ink out
light
cleaning
button load/eject
button
02
LHudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Chapter 1
03-04-97 DR, pass 0
1-2 Getting to Know Your Printer

Buttons
Button Function
E
Load/Eject
Loads or ejects paper if pressed and released
within 2 seconds.
Resumes printing if pressed after a paper out
error.
T
Cleaning
Moves the print head to the ink cartridge
replacement position if pressed for 3 seconds
while the V
ink out light is flashing or on.
Returns the print head to its home position after
ink cartridge replacement.
Performs print head cleaning if pressed for 3
seconds when the V
ink out light is off.
Lights
The lights turn on or flash to indicate the printer status.
P VSPrinter Status
N--
Printer is on.
F--
Receiving data, replacing an ink cartridge,
charging ink, or cleaning the print head.
--
N
Paper out. Load paper in the sheet feeder; then
press the Eload/eject button to resume printing.
--
F
Paper jam. Take all the paper out of the feeder,
and reload the paper. If the light continues to
flash, turn off the printer and gently pull all the
paper out of the printer.
-F-Ink low. The ink cartridge is nearly empty. Obtain
an ink cartridge (S020138).
-N-Ink out. The ink cartridge is not installed or is
empty. Install or replace the ink cartridge
(S020138).
N= on, F= flashing, - = irrelevant
1
R
Hudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Chapter 1
03-04-97 DR, pass 0
Getting to Know Your Printer 1-3

System Requirements
To use your printer with a PC, you need Microsoft®Windows®
3.1, Windows for Workgroups, or Windows 95; and a shielded,
twisted-pair parallel cable.
The following tables show the system requirements for using
just the essential software, printer driver and utilities, and also
for using EPSON Answers, the multi-media guide to your
printer and color printing.
Essential printer software
To install and use the printer software (printer driver and
utilities) included on the CD-ROM or floppy disk packed with
your printer, the following is required:
Minimum system Recommended system
80386/25 MHz processor Pentium or higher processor
16MB RAM 32MB RAM or more
20MB hard disk space 50MB or more free hard disk space
VGA monitor VGA or better monitor
EPSON Answers
To use the EPSON Answers online guide included with your
printer software, your system should also meet the following
requirements:
❑IBM®-compatible PC with a 486, 586, or Pentium
processor
❑8MB of RAM (16MB recommended)
❑20MB of free disk space for full program installation (40MB
or more recommended)
LHudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Chapter 1
03-04-97 DR, pass 0
1-4 Getting to Know Your Printer

❑VGA, Super VGA, or better display adaptor and color
monitor
❑640 x 480 screen resolution (800 x 600 recommended)
❑Double-speed CD-ROM drive (Quad-speed or faster
recommended)
To run EPSON Answers, see your CD-ROM booklet.
Your computer dealer can help you update your system if it
does not meet these requirements.
Options and Consumable Products
Interface cables
EPSON supplies several types of interface cables. You can use
any interface cable that meets the specifications listed below.
See your computer manual for any additional requirements.
Parallel Interface Cable (shielded) C83602✽from D-SUB
25-pin (computer) to 36-pin Amphenol 57 Series (printer)
Note:
The asterisk (✽) is a substitute for the last digit of the product
number, which varies by country.
Ink cartridge
Color ink cartridge S020138
1
R
Hudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Chapter 1
03-04-97 DR, pass 0
Getting to Know Your Printer 1-5

EPSON special media
Paper specifically designed for ink jet printers will meet most
high-quality printing needs.
EPSON 360 dpi Ink Jet Paper (A4) S041025
S041059
EPSON 360 dpi Ink Jet Paper (Letter) S041060
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper (A4) S041026
S041061
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper (Letter) S041062
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper (Legal) S041067
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Card (A6) S041054
EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film (A4) S041071
EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film (Letter) S041072
EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film (A6) S041107
EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Paper (A4) S041126
EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Paper (Letter) S041124
EPSON Ink Jet Transparencies (A4) S041063
EPSON Ink Jet Transparencies (Letter) S041064
EPSON Photo Quality Self Adhesive Sheet (A4) S041106
EPSON Photo Paper (4 x 6 in.) S041134
Note:
❑The availability of special media varies by country.
❑Since the name on the special media packaging may vary in
certain markets, you may need to use the product number to
confirm the type of special media you have.
❑Ink jet printers are particularly sensitive to the condition of your
paper. Keep unused paper in its original packaging and store it in
a cool, dry place.
LHudson++ Ref. Guide
Rev.c
A5 size Chapter 1
03-04-97 DR, pass 0
1-6 Getting to Know Your Printer