Epson Stylus Color 900 User manual

EPSON Stylus COLOR 900
Manual
color900.book Page 1 Wednesday, January 6, 1999 12:39 PM

Copyright Notice
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 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.
EPSON, EPSON Stylus, and ESC/P are registered trademarks and ESC/P 2 is a trademark of SEIKO EPSON
CORPORATION. SoundAdvice is a service mark and PhotoEnhance and EPSON FaxAdvice are trademarks
of Epson America, Inc.
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.
The ENERGY STAR emblem does not represent EPA endorsement of any product or service.
Copyright © 1998 by Epson America, Inc. ESC9001298
12/98
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Contents
Introduction 9
Windows System Requirements 10
Macintosh System Requirements 11
How To Use Your Manuals 12
Using Links 13
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips 13
ENERGY STAR Compliance 14
Year 2000 Ready 14
Important Safety Instructions 14
Basic Printing 17
Printing from Windows 17
Printing from Windows Applications 18
Setting Default Printer Options 21
Checking Printer Status 23
Printing from a Macintosh 26
Checking Printer Status 29
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Advanced Printing 30
Using Custom Project Types 31
Customizing Print Quality and Special Effects 34
Customizing Color Settings 37
Using PhotoEnhance3 or Digital Camera Correction Mode 38
Using Custom Color Management Modes 39
Using a Color Management System 42
Using ColorSync on the Macintosh 43
Selecting Paper Size and Orientation Options 44
Selecting Paper Options in Windows 45
Selecting Paper Options on a Macintosh 50
Selecting Print Layout Options 55
Choosing Print Layout Options in Windows 55
Choosing Print Layout Options on a Macintosh 63
Using Print Preview on the Macintosh 71
Saving Custom Settings 73
Revising Custom Settings 74
Deleting Custom Settings 75
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Printing on Special Media 76
Selecting Special Media 77
Media Loading and Handling Guidelines 79
Letterhead, Preprinted Forms, and Legal-size Paper 81
Envelopes 81
EPSON Photo Paper 82
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Cards 85
EPSON Ink Jet Transparencies 85
EPSON Photo Quality Self Adhesive Sheets 85
EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film 86
EPSON Photo Stickers 87
EPSON Iron-On Cool Peel Transfer Paper 87
Managing Print Jobs 88
Managing Print Jobs in Windows 95, Windows 98, and
Windows NT 4.0 89
Using the Progress Meter 90
Displaying the Progress Meter 91
Using the Spool Manager 93
Using Status Monitor 2 94
Managing Print Jobs in Windows 3.1 109
Using the Spool Manager 109
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Managing Print Jobs on a Macintosh 112
Using Monitor3 113
Using the Macintosh Status Monitor 116
Selecting Configuration Options 118
Setting Up Background Printing Options 120
Network Printing 122
For Windows 95 and 98 Users 122
Setting Up the Host System 122
Setting Up Client Systems 124
For Windows NT 4.0 Users 125
Setting Up Your Printer as a Shared Printer 125
Accessing the Printer Through a Network 126
For Macintosh Users 128
Selecting the Printer in the Chooser 128
Optional Interfaces 129
Using PC Interface Boards 130
Using Macintosh Interface Boards 130
Installing Optional Interfaces 131
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Maintenance and Transportation 133
Cleaning the Print Head 134
Using the Head Cleaning Utility 134
Using the Control Panel 135
Examining the Nozzle Check Pattern 137
Replacing an Ink Cartridge 138
Removing and Installing Ink Cartridges 139
Replacing an Outdated Ink Cartridge 142
Aligning the Print Head 145
Using the Print Head Alignment Utility 145
Using the DOS Print Head Alignment Utility 146
Using the Control Panel Buttons 147
Cleaning the Printer 148
Transporting the Printer 149
Troubleshooting 150
Identifying Printer Parts 151
Diagnosing Problems 152
Checking the Control Panel Lights 153
Running a Printer Check 155
Confirming the Printer ID Number 156
Improving Print Quality 157
Solving Printing Problems 164
Solving Printer Software Problems 169
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Fixing Paper Problems 175
Solving Miscellaneous Printout Problems 178
Uninstalling Printer Software 182
Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT 4.0 Instructions 182
Windows 3.1 Instructions 183
Macintosh Instructions 184
Where To Get Help 185
Specifications 187
Printing 187
Paper 188
Ink Cartridges 192
Mechanical 193
Electrical 193
Environmental 194
Safety Approvals 194
Interfaces 195
Index 197
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Introduction Page 9
Introduction
Your EPSON Stylus®COLOR 900 printer is the ideal output device for
business graphics, digital photographs, newsletters, and more. With
resolutions up to 1440 by 720 dpi and EPSON’s unique variable micro
droplet technology, you get amazingly realistic photographic images, vivid
color graphics, and sharp black text—all at unprecedented speeds.
The printer software for Microsoft®Windows®and Apple®Macintosh®
provides advanced color management with adjustable levels of
brightness, contrast, sharpness, and other settings. You get even more
precise color matching with ColorSync™2.01 and two Windows color
management systems.
EPSON’s specially formulated ink cartridges and wide variety of ink jet
papers offer the most flexibility for getting the results you want. With
standard parallel, serial, and high-speed USB (Universal Serial Bus)
ports, setting up your printer is fast and easy.
This chapter gives general printer information in these sections:
◗Windows System Requirements
◗Macintosh System Requirements
◗How To Use Your Manuals
◗ENERGY STAR Compliance
◗Year 2000 Ready
◗Important Safety Instructions
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Introduction Page 10
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 MHz (for
Windows 3.1x), 486/25 MHz (for Windows 95 or Windows NT®4.0),
or 486/66 MHz (for Windows 98) processor
◗DOS, Windows 3.1x, Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT 4.0
◗At least 16MB of RAM (32MB for Windows 3.1, 95, or 98 or 64MB for
Windows NT 4.0 recommended)
◗At least 50MB of free hard disk space for storing images (100MB
recommended)
◗VGA, Super VGA, or better display adapter and monitor
◗Double-speed (2X) CD-ROM drive (quad-speed [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 feet
(2.0 meters) long.
Using an improperly
shielded USB cable—
especially a cable
more than 6.5 feet
(2.0 meters) long—
may cause the printer
to malfunction.
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Introduction Page 11
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-speed [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 feet (2.0 meters) long.
Using an improperly
shielded USB cable—
especially a cable
more than 6.5 feet
(2.0 meters) long—
may cause the printer
to malfunction.
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Introduction Page 12
How To Use Your Manuals
To set up your printer and install the printer software, see the Start Here
card. This manual contains the following information:
Basic Printing covers the basics of printing with Windows or Macintosh.
Advanced Printing tells you how to print using custom settings for print
quality, color management, and distinctive layouts.
Printing on Special Media gives guidelines for selecting the right paper or
other media for your print job and instructions for loading it in your printer.
Managing Print Jobs explains how to control print jobs and check printer
status while you’re printing.
Network Printing describes how to set up your computers so you can use
your printer on a network.
Optional Interfaces gives instructions on how to install and use EPSON
interface boards.
Maintenance and Transportation gives instructions for replacing ink
cartridges, cleaning and aligning the print head, and cleaning and
transporting the printer.
Troubleshooting provides solutions for any problems you may have with
your printer or software.
Specifications provides the technical details on your printer, ink
cartridges, and EPSON papers.
To go right to the section you need, see the Index.
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Introduction Page 13
Using Links
Green, underlined text indicates that the text is a link (cross-reference) to
other parts of this manual. Click on the text with the mouse pointer to view
the referenced information.
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips
You’ll find this information throughout your manual:
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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Introduction Page 14
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.
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.
◗Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a radiator,
heating vent, or direct sunlight.
◗Do not block or cover the openings in the printer’s case or insert
objects through the slots.
Always turn the
printer off using the
Ppower button.
Don’t switch off the
power strip, or unplug
the printer until the
Ppower light is off.
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Introduction Page 15
◗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 controlsystems
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.
◗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.
◗Do not put your hand inside the printer or touch the cartridge during
printing.
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Introduction Page 16
◗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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Basic Printing Page 17
Basic Printing
It’s easy to print all your documents with your EPSON Stylus COLOR
900. First set up your printer and install the software, following the
instructions in the
Start Here card. Read this chapter to find out about:
◗Printing from Windows
◗Printing from a Macintosh
Printing from Windows
This section tells you about:
◗Printing from Windows Applications
◗Setting Default Printer Options
◗Checking Printer Status
For instructions on
printing with DOS,
see “Using Your
Printer with DOS” in
the
Printer Basics
book.
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Basic Printing Page 18
Printing from Windows Applications
This section describes the settings you’ll need to check for all your
everyday printouts. See Advanced Printing for information about
advanced settings for special print jobs.
1Open a Windows application and select a file you want to print.
2Open 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):
Most Windows
examples show
screen captures for
Windows 95.
Differences from
Windows 3.1 or
Windows NT are
noted in the text or
with another screen
capture. Click Properties
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Basic Printing Page 19
3Make sure your EPSON Stylus COLOR 900 printer is selected, and
then click the Properties button. (If you see a Setup, Printer, or
Options button, click it instead. Then click Properties on the next
screen.)
You then see the printer settings dialog box:
In Windows 95, 98,
and NT, you can
right-click on an
option for more
information.
You can also set
printer options by
clicking Print Setup in
the File menu, then
clicking the Printer,
Setup, Properties, or
Options button.
However, in most
applications you’ll
then have to select
the Print option from
the File menu to print
using your changes.
Clicktoselect your
Media Type
Click for more
information
Use the
Quality/Speed
slider to select your
print resolution
Click to select
Automatic mode
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Basic Printing Page 20
4Click the Main tab if necessary.Then choose the Media Type you want
to print on from the following list:
◗
◗◗
◗Plain paper
◗
◗◗
◗360 dpi Ink Jet Paper
◗
◗◗
◗Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper
◗
◗◗
◗Photo Paper
◗
◗◗
◗Photo Quality Glossy Film
◗
◗◗
◗Ink Jet Transparencies
The type of paper you choose determines the print quality (resolution)
you can use. It’s very important to select the correct setting for your
paper. If you’re not sure which to choose, see Selecting Special Media.
5Choose Color or Black ink.
6Now make sure the Mode option is set to Automatic. This is the
easiest way to get good printing results for all kinds of documents, on
all types of paper.
7Set the slider to Quality or Speed. Some Media Types also have an
intermediate setting. This lets you choose from the fastest printing,
high quality printing, or an intermediate setting (if available) that
balances quality with speed for the media you’re using.
To select 1440 dpi on plain paper or any other available resolution for
your media, you need to access the Advanced dialog box; see
Customizing Print Quality and Special Effects for instructions.
8Click the Paper tab and choose your Paper Size, number of Copies,
Orientation, and Printable Area settings; see Selecting Paper Options
in Windows for instructions.
To print at the highest
resolution (1440 dpi),
you need to use plain
paper, Photo Paper,
or one of the Photo
Quality media. For the
best printing at any
resolution, always use
EPSON media.
The Quality/Speed
slider is not available
for certain media
types.
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