Epson Stylus Color 900 Manual

Safety Instructions . . . . .3
Setting Up Your Printer . . . . .7
System Requirements . . . . . 7
Printer Parts and Control Panel Functions . . . . 10
Attaching the Paper Support . . . . 12
Plugging in the Printer . . . . 12
Installing the Ink Cartridges . . . . 13
Connecting the Printer to Your PC . . . . 19
Installing the Printer Software in Your PC . . . . 20
Connecting the Printer to Your Macintosh . . . . 24
Installing the Printer Software in Your Macintosh . . . . 25
Selecting Your Printer in the Chooser . . . . 29
Loading Paper . . . . 32
Printing Your First Page Using Windows . . . . 33
Printing Your First Page Using a Macintosh . . . . 35
Loading Special Paper . . . .38
Replacing Ink Cartridges . . . .41
Maintenance . . . .47
Checking the Print Head Nozzles . . . . 47
Cleaning the Print Head . . . . 50
Aligning the Print Head . . . . 53
Troubleshooting . . . .54
Error Indicators . . . . 54
Typical Problems and Solutions . . . . 56
Cancelling Printing . . . . 58
Where to Get Help . . . . 60
Options and Consumable Products . . . .66
4009813
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Where to Find Information
This Setup & Daily Use guide
Read this manual first to set up and begin using your printer. This
manual includes the following information.
❏Setup Contains information on setting up your printer
and installing the printer software.
❏Daily Use Provides information on daily operation. Also
contains troubleshooting tips and customer
support contact information if you need
assistance.
USB User's Guide
❏Read this guide if using a USB cable to connect your printer
to a computer.
DOS User's Guide
❏Read this guide if you are using DOS.
Online Guides included on the CD-ROM
The guides on this CD-ROM will help you learn more about your
printer and color printing. To view these guides, you must have
a Web browser installed on your computer.For more information
on using this CD-ROM, see the included CD-ROM Booklet.
❏Reference Guide Provides further information about printer
software settings, printing on special paper,
maintenance, and problem solving.
❏Color Guide Includes sample images, explanations and
troubleshooting information that will help
answer your questions about color printing.
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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. 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 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, or alterations to this product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to strictly
comply with SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION's operating and maintenance instructions.
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION 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 CORPORATION.
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from
electromagnetic interference that occurs from the use of any interface cables other than
EPSON Approved Products by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
EPSON is a registered trademark and EPSON ESC/P 2 and EPSON Stylus are trademarks of
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft 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 © 1999 by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, Nagano, Japan.
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3
Safety Instructions
Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these instructions before using your printer. Also be
sure to follow all warnings and instructions marked on the
printer.
❏Do not block or cover the openings in the printer’s cabinet.
❏Do not insert objects through the slots. Take care not to spill
liquid on the printer.
❏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.
❏Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or
automatic timers.
❏Keep the entire computer system awayfrom potential sources
of electromagnetic interference, such as loudspeakers or the
base units of cordless telephones.
❏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 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.
❏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:
The power cord or plug is damaged; liquid has entered the
printer; the printer has been dropped or the cabinet damaged;
the printer does not operate normally or exhibits a distinct
change in performance.
❏If you 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
When using the printer
❏Do not put your hand inside the printer or touch the ink
cartridges during printing.
❏Do not move the print head by hand; otherwise you may
damage the printer.
❏Always turn the printer off using the Ppower button. When
this button is pressed, the Ppower light flashes briefly then
goes off. Do not unplug the printer or turn off the power to
the outlet until the Ppower light stops flashing.
❏Before transporting the printer, make sure the print head is in
the home (far right) position and the ink cartridges are in
place.
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When handling the ink cartridges
❏Keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children. Do not allow
children to drink or otherwise handle the 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.
❏Do not shake an ink cartridge; this can cause leakage.
❏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.
❏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.
❏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 dismantle the ink cartridges or try to refill them. This
could damage the print head.
When choosing a place for the printer
❏Place the printer on a flat, stable surface that is larger than the
printer. The printer will not operate properly if it is tilted or
at an angle.
❏Avoid places subject to rapid changes in temperature and
humidity. Also keep the printer away from direct sunlight,
strong light, or heat sources.
❏Avoid places subject to shocks and vibrations.
❏Leave enough room around the printer to allow for sufficient
ventilation.
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❏Place the printer near a wall outlet where the plug can be
easily unplugged.
Note for French-speaking users:
Placez l’imprimante près d’une prise de contacte où la fiche peut être
débranchée facilement.
E
NERGY
S
TAR 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.
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.
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Setting Up Your Printer
System Requirements
For PCs
To use your printer, you need Microsoft®Windows®3.1,
Windows®95, Windows®98, Windows®NT 4.0, or DOS; and a
shielded, twisted-pair parallel cable. If you want to connect your
printer to a USB port, you need a Windows 98 pre-installed PC
equipped with a USB port; and a shielded USB cable.
Your computer should also meet the following system
requirements.
Your computer dealer can help you update your system if it does
not meet these requirements.
Minimum System Requirements Recommended System
i386/25 MHz processor for Windows 3.1
i486/25 MHz for Windows 95 and NT 4.0
i486/66 MHz for Windows 98
Pentium or higher processor
16 MB RAM 32 MB RAM or more for
Windows 3.1, 95 and 98
64 MB or more for Windows
NT 4.0
10 MB hard disk space for Windows 3.1,
95, and 98
20 MB for Windows NT 4.0
5 0 M B o r m o r e f r e e d i s k s p a c e
for Windows 3.1, 95, and 98
100 MB or more for Windows
NT 4.0
VGA monitor VGA or better monitor
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For Macintosh computers
You can use this printer with the following Apple®Macintosh®
computers. You also need a standard Apple System Peripheral-8
cable (8-pin mini-circular connector) or equivalent.
Applicable computer models (as of September 1, 1998)
Macintosh LC475, LC575, LC630
Macintosh Quadra Series
Macintosh Centris Series
Macintosh PowerBook™ Series (PowerBook 190, 520, 540, 550
or later)
Macintosh PowerBook Duo 280, 2300c/100
Macintosh Performa 475, 575, 588, 630, 5210 or later
Power Macintosh Series
iMac Series (for USB)
If you want to connect your printer to a USB port, you need
an iMac computer with a USB port, and a shielded USB cable.
Your Macintosh must also meet the following system
requirements.
Minimum System Requirements Recommended System
System 7.5.1 System 7.6 or later
5 MB of available memory
12 MB of available memory when
background printing is turned on.
14 MB or more of available
memory
23 MB of available memory when
background printing is turned on.
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Note:
❏The amount of available memory varies according to the number and
kind of applications that are open. To see how much memory is
available, choose About This Macintosh
from the Apple menu and
refer to the memory size (listed in kilobytes) under “Largest Unused
Block” (1,024K=1 MB).
❏The memory requirements above are for printing on Letter size
paper. These requirements may vary depending on the size of the
paper, the type of application you are using, and the complexity of
the document you want to print.
In addition to these system and memory requirements, you also
need 10 MB of free hard disk space to install your printer software.
To print, you need extra hard disk space amounting to about
double the size of the file you want to print.
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Printer Parts and Control Panel Functions
sheet feeder
edge guides
output tray extension
output tray
printer cover
paper support
ink cartridge clamps
adjust lever
control panel
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Buttons
Lights
Button Function
P
Power
Turns the printer on and off.
Clears the printer's memory if pressed twice while the
power is on.
E
Load/Eject
Loads or ejects paper if pressed and released within
2 seconds.
Resumes printing if pressed and released after a paper
out error.
R
Cleaning
Moves the print head to the ink cartridge replacement
position if pressed for 3 seconds while the Bblack or
Acolor 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 Bblack or Acolor ink out light is off.
Light Printer Status
P
Power
On when the printer is on.
Flashes when receiving data, printing, replacing an ink
cartridge, charging ink, or cleaning the print head.
S
Paper out
On when the printer is out of paper. Load paper in the
sheet feeder; then press the Eload/eject button to
resume printing.
Flashes when paper is jammed. 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.
B
Black ink out
Flashes when black ink is low. The black ink cartridge is
nearly empty.
On when black ink is out. The black ink cartridge is
empty. Replace the black ink cartridge (T003✽✽✽).
A
Color ink out
Flashes when color ink is low. The color ink cartridge is
nearly empty.
On when color ink is out. The color ink cartridge is
empty. Replace the color ink cartridge (T005✽✽✽).
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Attaching the Paper Support
Insert the paper support into the slots at the rear of the printer.
Plugging in the Printer
1. Make sure that the printer is turned off. It is off when the
Ppower light is off.
2. Check the label on the back of the printer to make sure the
voltage required by the printer matches that of the electrical
outlet you will be plugging it into. Also, make sure that you
have the correct power cable for your power source.
cCaution:
It is not possible to change the printer's voltage. If the rated
voltage 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 back of the printer.
4. Plug the power cord into a properly grounded electrical
outlet.
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Installing the Ink Cartridges
Before installing the ink cartridges, note the following.
wWarning:
The ink cartridges are self-contained units. Under ordinary use,
ink will not leak from a cartridge. If ink does get on your hands,
wash them thoroughly with soap and water. If ink gets into your
eyes, flush them immediately with water.
Note:
❏Do not open the ink cartridge packages until just before you install
them, or the ink may dry up.
❏Use the ink cartridges packed with your printer the first time you
install ink cartridges; otherwise the printer may not charge ink
properly.
Install the ink cartridges as follows:
1. Lower the output tray; then open the printer cover.
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2. Turn on the printer by pressing the Ppower button.
The print head moves slightly to the left, which is the black
ink cartridge installation position. The P power light flashes
and the B black and A color ink out lights come on.
cCaution:
Do not move the print head by hand. Otherwise you may
damage the printer.
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3. Lift up the black ink cartridge clamp.
4. Open the ink cartridge packages that came with your printer.
Next, remove only the yellow tape seals from each cartridge.
cCaution:
❏Remove the yellow tape seals from the cartridges before
installing them; otherwise the cartridges may become
unusable.
❏Do not remove the blue portion of the tape seals from the
cartridges; otherwise the print head may become clogged
and cannot print.
❏Do not remove the tape seals from the bottom of the
cartridges; otherwise, ink will leak.
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5. Place the black ink cartridge gently into its holder with the
labels facing up. Do not press down on the cartridge.
Note:
Install both ink cartridges. If either of the cartridges is not installed,
the printer will not work.
6. Press the ink cartridge clamp down until it locks in place.
cCaution:
Once you install the ink cartridges, do not open their clamps
again until you replace the ink cartridges. Otherwise, the
cartridges may become unusable.
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7. Press the Rcleaning button to install the color ink cartridge.
The printer moves the print head to the color ink cartridge
installation position.
8. Lift up the ink cartridge clamp. Install the color ink cartridge
as described in steps 5 and 6, substituting “color ink
cartridge” for “black ink cartridge” where appropriate. Then
go to step 9 to complete the ink cartridge installation.
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9. Press the Rcleaning button. The printer moves the print
head and begins charging the ink delivery system.
The ink charging process may take about two minutes to
complete, during which time the Ppower light flashes and
the printer produces a variety of mechanical sounds. These
sounds are normal. When the ink delivery system has been
charged, the print head returns to its home (far right) position
and the Ppower light comes on.
cCaution:
Never turn off the printer while the P power light is flashing.
10. Close the printer cover.
Now you are ready to connect the printer to your computer. To
connect the printer to your PC, see the next section. To connect
the printer to a Macintosh, see “Connecting the Printer to Your
Macintosh” on page 24. If you plan to use a USB cable to connect
to your computer, follow the instructions in the USB User’s Guide
that came with your printer.
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