Epson Stylus Color 980 User manual

Daily Use
Daily Use
4012511 Rev.0
cover-F BK
4012511 Rev.0
cover-F PMS301
4012511 Rev.0
cover-F
4012511 Rev.0
cover-F DICF43
DIC220
Printed in Japan
00.XX-XX 4012511-00
XXX

R4C623
Rev_C
A5 size FRONT.FM
10/18/00 Pass 0
LProof Sign-off:
Ichihara _______
N.Nomoto _______
R.Thomson _______
Where to Find Information
The following guides are included with your printer.
Setup Guide
This guide will help you to install the printer software and set up
your printer so that you can start printing.
Daily Use guide
This guide provides information about normal printer operations.
It also contains troubleshooting tips and customer support
information.
Online guides included on CD-ROM
The guides contained on the CD-ROM included with your printer
help you to learn more about your printer and color printing. To
view these guides, you must have a Web browser installed on
your computer. The included guides are as follows:
❏Reference Guide Provides detailed information about
printer software settings, printing on
special paper, maintenance, and problem
solving.
❏Color Guide Includes sample images, explanations and
troubleshooting information that will
answer your questions about color imaging
and printing.
Opening the Reference Guide or Color Guide:
Insert the printer software CD in the CD-ROM drive.
For Windows, select Online Guide in the Installer dialog box and
click . Then, click View Reference Guide or View Color
Guide to open the guide.
For Macintosh, double-click the Online Guide icon in the EPSON
window and then the EPSON STYLUS COLOR 980 icon. Then,
click View Reference Guide or View Color Guide to open the
guide.
Note:
It is possible to install the Reference Guide on your hard disk. See
“Installing in Windows” or “Installing in Macintosh” in your Setup
Guide for instructions.

R4C623
Rev_C
A5 size FRONT.FM
10/18/00 Pass 0
LProof Sign-off:
Ichihara _______
N.Nomoto _______
R.Thomson _______
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 isdesigned 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 those
designated as EPSON Approved Products by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
EPSON is a registered trademark and EPSON Stylus is a trademark 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 © 2000 by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, Nagano, Japan.

iii
R4C623
short.bk Rev_C
A5 size SHORT.TOC
10/18/00 Pass 0
R
Proof Sign-off:
Ichihara _______
N.Nomoto _______
R.Thomson _______
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
Printer Parts and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Printer Parts and Control Panel Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Loading Special Paper, Envelopes,
and Other Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Loading Special Paper and Other Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Loading Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Printing with Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Printer Software Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Making Changes to Printer Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Previewing your printout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Getting Information Through Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Printing with Macintosh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Printer Software Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Making Changes to Printer Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Previewing your printout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Double-Sided Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Using Double-Sided Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Replacing Ink Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Replacing an Empty Ink Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

iv
R4C623
short.bk Rev_C
A5 size SHORT.TOC
10/18/00 Pass 0
LProof Sign-off:
Ichihara _______
N.Nomoto _______
R.Thomson _______
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Checking the Print Head Nozzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Cleaning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Aligning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Correcting USB Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Using the Error Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Typical Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Cancelling Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Where to Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Options and Consumable Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Options and Consumable Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Printer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Printing with DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Installing the Printer Driver for DOS Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Changing the Print Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Changing the default settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

1
R4C623
short.bk Rev_C
A5 size SAFE.FM
10/18/00 Pass 0
R
Proof Sign-off:
Ichihara _______
N.Nomoto _______
R.Thomson _______
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 the entire 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.

2
R4C623
short.bk Rev_C
A5 size SAFE.FM
10/18/00 Pass 0
LProof Sign-off:
Ichihara _______
N.Nomoto _______
R.Thomson _______
❏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.

3
R4C623
short.bk Rev_C
A5 size SAFE.FM
10/18/00 Pass 0
R
Proof Sign-off:
Ichihara _______
N.Nomoto _______
R.Thomson _______
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
R4C623
short.bk Rev_C
A5 size SAFE.FM
10/18/00 Pass 0
LProof Sign-off:
Ichihara _______
N.Nomoto _______
R.Thomson _______
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 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, copiers, and
scanners, in an effort to reduce air pollution caused by power
generation.

5
R4C623
short.bk Rev_C
A5 size SAFE.FM
10/18/00 Pass 0
R
Proof Sign-off:
Ichihara _______
N.Nomoto _______
R.Thomson _______
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.