Epson Stylus Color 980 User manual




 
!" "#   #                
 
 !" "#
$
%&
'$()
 !" "#*
 !" "#
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     !" "#
 !" "#
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   !" "#
 + + 
!" "#
,-+,!


!./000 !" "#1



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Contents
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
A Few Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
ENERGY STAR Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
For United Kingdom Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Setup Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Attaching the Paper Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Plugging in the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Connecting the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Installing the Printer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installing the Ink Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Checking the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Printing Your First Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Printer Parts and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Printer Parts and Control Panel Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Loading Special Paper, Envelopes, and Other Media
32
Loading Special Paper and Other Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Loading Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Printing with Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Printer Software Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Making Changes to Printer Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Previewing your printout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Getting Information Through Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Printing with Macintosh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

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Printer Software Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Making Changes to Printer Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Previewing your printout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Double-Sided Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Using Double-Sided Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Replacing Ink Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Replacing an Empty Ink Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Checking the Print Head Nozzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Cleaning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Aligning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Correcting USB Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Using the Error Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Typical Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Cancelling Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Where to Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Options and Consumable Products . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Options and Consumable Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Printer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Printing with DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Installing the Printer Driver for DOS Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Changing the Print Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Changing the default settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

1
Safety Instructions
Important Safety Instructions
Read all of the instructions in this section before using your
printer. Also, be sure to follow all warnings and instructions that
are marked on the printer.
❏Do not block or cover the openings in the printer’s cabinet.
Do not insert objects through the slots.
❏Do not to spill liquid on the printer.
❏Use only the type of power source that is indicated on the
printer’s label.
❏Connect all equipment to properly grounded power outlets.
Avoid using outlets that are on the same circuit as
photocopiers or air control systems that regularly switch on
and off.
❏Avoid electrical outlets that are controlled by wall switches
or automatic timers.
❏Keep theentire computer system away from 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 that
the total ampere rating of the devices that are plugged into
the extension cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating.
Also, make sure that the total ampere rating of all devices that
are 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 plan to use the printer in Germany, the building
installation must be protected by a 10 or 16 amp circuit
breaker to provide adequate short-circuit protection and
over-current protection for this printer.
Note for German-speaking users:
Bei Anschluss des Druckers an die Stromversorgung muss
sichergestellt werden, dass die Gebäudeinstallation mit einer 10 A-
oder 16 A-Sicherung abgesichert ist.
A Few Precautions
Read the information in this section before using the printer,
handling the ink cartridges, or choosing a location for the printer.
Using the printer
Observe the following 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 and
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 that the print head
is in the home (far right) position and that the ink cartridges
are in place.

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Handling the ink cartridges
Observe the following when handling the ink cartridges.
❏Keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children. Do not allow
children to drink from or otherwise handle the cartridges.
❏Be careful when you handle the used ink cartridges, as there
may be some ink around the ink supply port. If ink gets on
your skin, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. If
ink gets in your eyes, flush them immediately with water. If
discomfort or vision problems remain after a thorough
flushing, see a doctor immediately.
❏Do not shake an ink cartridge; this can cause leakage.
❏Install an 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.
Otherwise, the cartridge may become unusable.
❏Do not use an ink cartridge beyond the date printed on the
cartridge carton: otherwise, it may result in reduced print
quality. For best results, use up the ink cartridges within six
months of first installing them.
❏After bringing an ink cartridge inside from a cold storage site,
allow it to warm up at room temperature for at least three
hours before using it.
❏Store ink cartridges in a cool, dark place.
❏Do not dismantle the ink cartridges or try to refill them. This
could damage the print head.

4
Choosing a place for the printer
Observe the following when choosing a place for the printer.
❏Place the printer on a flat, stable surface that extends beyond
the printer base in all directions. The printer will not operate
properly if it is tilted or at an angle.
❏Avoid places that are subject to rapid changes in temperature
and humidity. Also, keep the printer away from direct
sunlight, strong light, and heat sources.
❏Avoid places that are subject to shocks and vibrations.
❏Leave enough room around the printer to allow for sufficient
ventilation.
❏Avoid places subject to dust.
❏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.
ENERGY STAR Compliance
As anENERGY 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, copiers, and
scanners, 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 the 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
If you have to fit a plug:
As the colours of the mains lead for this appliance may not match
the 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 that is marked with the letter Eor the earth symbol (G).
The blue wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug that
is marked with the letter N.
The brown wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug that
is marked with the letter L.

6
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.

7
Setup Guide
Attaching the Paper Support
Insert the paper support into the slots at the rear of the printer.
Plugging in the Printer
Follow the steps below to plug 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 that
the voltage required by the printer matches that of the
electrical outlet that 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.

8
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.
Connecting the Printer
If you have a PC, it is possible to connect to your printer using
either the parallel or the USB interface. A Macintosh can only be
connected via the USB interface. Depending on your geographic
location, you may need to acquire the appropriate cable. See
“Options and Consumable Products”in the Daily Use guide for
details.
Note:
In order to connect your PC via the USB interface, your computer must
be a Windows 98 or Windows 2000 pre-installed model that is equipped
with a USB port.
Using the parallel interface for PCs
To connect the printer to your PC, you need a shielded, twisted-
pair parallel cable. Follow the steps below.
1. Make sure that both the printer and the computer are turned
off.

9
2. Plug the cable connector
securely into the printer’s
interface connector, then
squeeze the wire clips
together until they lock into
place on both sides. If your
cable has a ground wire,
connect it to the ground
connector below the
interface connector.
3. Plug the other end of the cable into the computer’s parallel
interface. If there is a ground wire at the computer end of the
cable, connect it to the ground connector at the back of the
computer.
Using the USB interface for Windows and
Macintosh users
To connect the printer to a USB
port, you need a standard,
shielded USB cable. Follow the
steps below.
1. Make sure that both the
printer and the computer
are turned off.
2. Plug the appropriate end of
the cable into the USB port at the back of the printer. (The
shape of the end that fits the printer differs from that of the
end that fits the computer.)
3. Connect the other end of the cable to the computer’s USB port.

10
Installing the Printer Software
After connecting the printer to your computer, you must install
the software that is included on the “Printer Software for EPSON
Stylus COLOR 980”CD-ROM shipped with your printer.
Your printer software CD-ROM includes the following:
❏Printer driver and utilities
The printer driver runs, or “drives,”your printer; use it to
make settings such as print quality, speed, media type, and
paper size. The Nozzle Check, Head Cleaning, and Print Head
Alignment utilities help you to keep your printer in top
operating condition. EPSON Status Monitor 3 (for
Windows 98, 95, 2000, and NT 4.0) or EPSON StatusMonitor
(for Macintosh) notifies you of printer errors and displays
printer status information, such as the amount of ink
remaining. The Status Monitor also guides you through the
ink replacement process.
❏Online guides
The online Reference Guide and the Color Guide help you to
learn more about your printer and color printing.
If you are using the floppy disk version of the software, make a
backup copy of the EPSON printer software disk before youbegin
installation. If you wish to make a floppy disk version of the
printer software, you can use the driver disk creation utility that
is included on the CD-ROM.
Follow the instructions in the appropriate section belowto install
the printer software. If you are DOS user, see “Printing with DOS”
in the Daily Use guide.

11
For Windows 98, 95, 2000, and NT 4.0 users
Windows 98, 95, 2000, and NT 4.0 users must first install the
printer software, and then, if you are connecting via the USB port,
check to ensure that the USB cable is correctly installed. If you are
connecting via the parallel port, proceed to “Installing the Ink
Cartridges”on page 18 after installing the software.
Note:
❏When using Windows 2000, if you do not follow the steps below to
install the printer software, Microsoft's Universal driver may be
installed instead. To see if the Universal driver has been installed,
right click anywhere in the printer driver window and then click
About in the list that appears. If a screen containing the words
Unidrv Printer Driver is displayed, follow the steps below to
reinstall the printer driver.
❏If the Digital Signature Not Found dialog box appears during the
installation process, click Yes. If you click No, you must reinstall
the printer software as described below.
Installing the software
Follow the steps below to install the printer software.
1. Make sure that your printer is off.
2. Turn on your computer and start Windows. If the New
Hardware Found screen or any other Wizard appears, click
Cancel.

12
3. Insert the printer software
CD that is shipped with your
printerintheCD-ROMdrive.
The Installer dialog box
opens. (For floppy disk users,
insert the disk in the disk
drive and double-click the
My Computer icon, the
floppy disk drive icon, and
then Setup.exe.)
4. Select Install Printer
Driver/Utility and click . Then, click OK in the dialog box
that appears to start the printer software installation
Note:
It is possible to install the Reference Guide on your hard drive from
the Installer dialog box, as shown at the right. To install the guide,
select Online Guide and then click . Then, click Install
Reference Guide and follow the on-screen instructions. When
the installation is complete, an ESC980 Guide icon appears in the
EPSON folder. Double-click the icon to open the guide.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to turn on your printer.
For Windows 98 users, the
printer port configuration
starts automatically.
For printers connected via
USB cable, the USB device
driver installation starts
automatically at this point. A
message will appear asking
you to restart your computer.
Follow this instruction.

13
6. After turning on the printer, the Setup utility opens
automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the
ink cartridges, check the print head nozzles, and clean the
print head. When a message appears informing you that the
setup is complete, click OK.
Note:
If the Setup utility does not start, proceed to “Installing the Ink
Cartridges”on page 18 to install the ink cartridge using the
printer's control panel.
7. When a message appears informing you that the installation
is complete, click OK.
Note:
If an error message appears, either the printer driver or the EPSON
USB printer device driver is not installed correctly. See
“Troubleshooting”in the Daily Use guide for details.
After the setup is complete, proceed to “Printing Your First Page”
on page 25 to print your first page.
Ensuring that the USB driver is installed correctly
After installing the software, USB users should follow the
directions below to confirm that the USB driver is installed
correctly.
Note:
The illustrations used in this section show the procedure for
Windows 98.
1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click
Printers. Make sure that the icon for your printer is displayed
in the Printers window.

14
2. Select the icon for your
printer, then click
Properties on the File
menu.
3. For Windows 98 users,
click the Details tab and
make sure that EPUSBx:
(EPSON Stylus COLOR
980) is displayed in the
Print to the following port
list box.
For Windows 2000 users,
click the Ports tab and
make sure that USBxxx,
EPSON Stylus COLOR
980 is displayed in the
Print to the following
port(s) list box.
Note:
If the correct port is not displayed, refer to the “Troubleshooting”
section of the Daily Use guide or the Online Guide.

15
For Windows 3.1 users
Follow the steps below to install the software in Windows 3.1.
1. Make sure that Windows 3.1 is running and the Program
Manager window is open.
2. Insert the printer software CD that is shipped with your
printer in the CD-ROM drive. (If you use the floppy disk
version, insert the disk in the disk drive.)
3. Click Run on the File menu.
The Run dialog box appears.
In the Command Line text
box, type D:SETUP and click
OK. The installation
program copies the printer
software files.
Note:
If the CD-ROM drive is assigned a drive letter other than “D”or if
you are using the floppy disk version of the software, substitute the
appropriate letter.
4. When the installation is complete, click OK to exit the
installation program.
The installation program automatically selects this printer as the
default printer for Windows applications.
For information on accessing and using the software, see “Using
the Printer Software for Windows”in the Daily Use guide.
For Macintosh users
Macintosh users must first install the printer software, and then
select the printer in the Chooser.

16
cCaution:
Turn off all virus protection programs before installing the
printer software.
Installing the software
Follow the steps below to install the printer software.
1. Turn on your Macintosh and insert the software CD in the
CD-ROM drive. The contents of the EPSON printer software
CD are displayed.
2. If a single Installer icon is displayed, double-click the icon. If
separate folders containing installer icons for several
languages are displayed, double-click the folder for your
preferred language, then double-click the Installer icon inside
it.
Note:
It is possible to install the Reference Guide on your hard drive from
the printer software CD-ROM. To install the guide, click Install
Reference Guide and follow the on-screen instructions. When
the installation is complete, a View Reference Guide icon
appears in the EPSON folder. Double-click the icon to open the
guide.
3. In the initial dialog box, click
Continue. The Installer
dialog box opens.
4. Make sure that the Install Location box displays the correct
drive to install to, then click Install.