Epson Stylus PHOTO 870 User manual

Color Ink Jet Printer
Color Ink Jet Printer
Daily Use
Printed in Japan
99.11-5.9A 4011309
C01-00
Daily Use
4011309 Rev.0
cover-F
4011309 Rev.0
cover-F PMS265
4011309 Rev.0
cover-F DIC2425
4011309 Rev.0
cover-F DICF43 BK

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Where to Find Information
Setup Guide
❏This guide will help you set up and begin using your printer.
It includes information on setting up your printer and
installing the printer software.
Daily Use Guide
❏This guide provides information on daily printer operation.
It also contains troubleshooting tips and customer support
information.
Online Guides included on the CD-ROM
The guides on the CD-ROM included with your printer 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 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 help
answer your questions about color imaging
and 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. Theinformationcontained 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 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.

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Contents
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
A Few Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
ENERGY STAR Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Getting Information Through Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Printing with Macintosh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Printer Software Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Making Changes to Printer Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Previewing your printout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Replacing Ink Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Checking the Print Head Nozzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Cleaning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Aligning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

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Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Correcting USB Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Error Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Typical Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Cancelling Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Where to Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Options and Consumable Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Options and Consumable Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

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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 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 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, daßdie 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 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 the ink cartridge immediately after you remove it from
its package. If you leave a cartridge unpacked for a long time
before using it, normal printing may not be possible.
❏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.
❏Do not touch the green chip on the side of the cartridge. This
may inhibit normal operation and printing.
❏Do not dismantle the ink cartridges. This could damage the
print head.
❏After bringing an ink cartridge inside from a coldstorage 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.
❏In this ink cartridge, the IC chip retains a variety of cartridge-
related information, such as the amount of ink remaining, so
that a cartridge may be removed and reinserted freely.
However, each time the cartridge is inserted, some ink is
consumed because the printer automatically performs a
reliability check.

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❏If you remove an ink cartridge for later use, be sure to protect
the ink supply area from dirt and dust; store it in the same
environment as the printer. Note that there is a valve in the
ink supply port, making covers or plugs unnecessary, but care
is needed to prevent the ink from staining items that the
cartridge touches. Do not touch the ink cartridge ink supply
port or surrounding area.
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.
❏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.

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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 Productsby 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

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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.

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Printer Parts and Functions
Printer Parts and Control Panel Functions
sheet feeder
edge guides
output tray extension
output tray
printer cover
paper support
ink cartridge clamps
control panel
adjust lever
ink cartridge
replacement button
print head

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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
2seconds.
Resumes printing if pressed and released after a paper
out error.
R
cleaning
Performs print head cleaning if held for 3 seconds when
the
Bblack or
Acolor ink out light is off.
Ink cartridge
replacement
Charges ink to the printer when you replace the ink
cartridges (this orange button is located under the
printer cover, not in the control panel).
Light Description
P
power
On when the printer is on.
Flashes when printer is 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 the paper is jammed. Take all of the
paper out of the feeder, then 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 the black ink cartridge is nearly empty.
On when the black ink cartridge is empty. Replace the
black ink cartridge (T007) or (T010).
A
color ink
out
Flashes when the color ink cartridge is nearly empty.
On when the color ink cartridge is empty. Replace the
color ink cartridge (T008).

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Loading Special Paper, Envelopes,
and Other Media
Loading Special Paper and Other Media
You can print on a wide variety of special media, including ink
jet paper, photo quality glossy film, photo paper, transparencies,
index cards, and adhesive sheets.
When loading special media distributed by EPSON, read the
instruction sheets packed with the media first and keep the
following points in mind. For more details on using such media,
see “Paper Handling” in the online Reference Guide.
❏Make sure the printable side of the paper is facing up when
loading media into the sheet feeder. See the instruction sheets
packed with the media to determine which side is the
printable surface. Some media have cut corners to help
identify the correct loading direction, as shown in the
illustration.
❏Make sure the paper stack fits under the arrow mark located
on the inside surface of the left edge guide.
printable
side up
cut corner

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❏The loading capacity for EPSON special media is explained
below.
* Take care not to print on support sheets loaded under special media.
360 dpi Ink Jet Paper and
Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper
Up to the arrow mark on the left edge
guide.
Photo Quality Ink Jet Card,
Ink Jet Note Card, and Ink
Jet Greeting Card
Up to 30 index cards.
Always place the included support
sheet* under the cards.
Photo Quality Glossy Film One sheet at a time.
Always put a support sheet* or a sheet
of plain paper under the glossy film.
If you wish to load multiple sheets and,
load a maximum of 20 sheets for A4, set
the minimum top margin of the page to
30 mm.
Ink Jet Transparencies Up to 30 transparencies.
Always put a sheet of plain paper under
the stack of transparencies.
Photo Quality Self
Adhesive Sheet
One sheet at a time.
Photo Paper Up to 20 sheets.
For 200 ×300 mm Photo Paper, you can
only load one sheet at a time. Always
put a support sheet* under the stack of
Photo Paper.
Photo Stickers 16 and
Photo Stickers 4
One sheet at a time.
Always put the included support sheets*
A and B under the stack of Photo
Stickers.
Panoramic Photo Paper
and Iron-On Cool Peel
Transfer Paper
One sheet at a time.
Matte Paper-
Heavyweight
Up to 20 sheets.
Always put a support sheet* under the
stack of Matte Paper-Heavyweight.
Premium Glossy Photo
Paper
One sheet at a time.

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About special media cleaning sheets
Cleaning sheets packaged with EPSON special media should not
be used with this printer. The cleaning function performed by
these sheets is not necessary with this type of printer, and the
sheets could jam in the printer.
Loading Envelopes
When printing on envelopes, please note the following:
❏You can load up to 10 envelopes into the sheet feeder.
Note:
The folding quality and thickness of envelopes varies widely. If the
total thickness of the stack of envelopes exceeds 10 mm, press each
envelope in the stack flat before loading.
❏Set the adjust lever to the “+” position. To do this, open the
printer cover and reposition the lever.
Note:
❏Return the adjust lever to the “0” position, which is the normal
position, after you finish printing on envelopes. Leaving the
lever in the “+” position may cause gaps to appear in images
printed on other media.
❏When the adjust lever is in the “+” position, make sure the High
Speed setting in the printer driver’s Advanced dialog box is off.
To turn this option off, you may also need to change the Print
Quality setting.

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❏Load envelopes flap edge first with the flap side down, as
shown in the illustration.
❏Do not use envelopes that are curled or folded. Make sure to
flatten the envelope flaps before loading. Also avoid using
envelopes that are too thin; they may curl during printing.
❏Select Plain Paper as the Media Type setting in the printer
driver.
Available envelopes sizes are:
No.10, DL, C6, 132 mm ×220 mm

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Printing with Windows
Printer Software Introduction
The printer software which comes with your printer includes a
printer driver and printer utilities. The printer driver lets you
choose from a wide variety of settings to get the best results from
your printer. The printer utilities help you check the printer and
keep it in top condition.
Getting more information
For information on using the printer driver, see “Making Changes
to Printer Settings” on page 15.
For information on using the printer utilities, see “Using the
Printer Utilities” in the online Reference Guide.
Note:
The specific features available in the printer software vary depending on
the version of Windows you are using.
Online help provides more information about the printer
software. See “Getting Information Through Online Help” on
page 26 for instructions on accessing help.
Accessing the printer software
You can access the printer software from most Windows
applications, or from the Windows Start menu (Windows 95, 98
and NT 4.0).
When you access the printer software from a Windows
application, the settings you make apply only to the application
you are using.

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When you access the printer software from the Start menu, the
settings you make apply to all of your Windows applications.
From Windows applications
1. From the File menu, click Print or Print Setup.
2. In the dialog box that appears, click Printer, Setup, Options,
orProperties. (Dependingonyour application,youmayneed
to click a combination of these buttons.) The printer driver
opens.
From the Windows Start menu
1. Click Start, point to Settings, then click Printers.
2. For Windows 95 and 98, select your printer, then click
Properties on the File menu. For Windows NT 4.0, select your
printer, then click Document Defaults on the File menu. The
printer driver opens.