Epson Stylus Photo 925 User manual

EPSON STYLUSPHOTO925
Color Inkjet Printer
SEOT02006
®
SERVICE MANUAL

Notice:
TAll rights reserved. No part of this manual 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.
TThe contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
TAll effort have been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this manual. However, should any errors be detected, SEIKO EPSON would greatly
appreciate being informed of them.
TThe above not withstanding SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION can assume no responsibility for any errors in this manual or the consequences thereof.
EPSON is a registered trademark of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purpose only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in those marks.
Copyright © 2002 SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
Imaging & Information Product Division
TPCS Quality Assurance Department

PRECAUTIONS
Precautionary notations throughout the text are categorized relative to 1)Personal injury and 2) damage to equipment.
DANGER Signals a precaution which, if ignored, could result in serious or fatal personal injury. Great caution should be exercised in
performing procedures preceded by DANGER Headings.
WARNING Signals a precaution which, if ignored, could result in damage to equipment.
The precautionary measures itemized below should always be observed when performing repair/maintenance procedures.
DANGER
1. ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PRODUCT FROM THE POWER SOURCE AND PERIPHERAL DEVICES PERFORMING ANY
MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR PROCEDURES.
2. NO WORK SHOULD BE PERFORMED ON THE UNIT BY PERSONS UNFAMILIAR WITH BASIC SAFETY MEASURES AS DICTATED
FOR ALL ELECTRONICS TECHNICIANS IN THEIR LINE OF WORK.
3. WHEN PERFORMING TESTING AS DICTATED WITHIN THIS MANUAL, DO NOT CONNECT THE UNIT TO A POWER SOURCE UNTIL
INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. WHEN THE POWER SUPPLY CABLE MUST BE CONNECTED, USE EXTREME CAUTION IN WORKING ON
POWER SUPPLY AND OTHER ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.
WARNING
1. REPAIRS ON EPSON PRODUCT SHOULD BE PERFORMED ONLY BY AN EPSON CERTIFIED REPAIR TECHNICIAN.
2. MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE SOURCE VOLTAGES IS THE SAME AS THE RATED VOLTAGE, LISTED ON THE SERIAL NUMBER/
RATING PLATE. IF THE EPSON PRODUCT HAS A PRIMARY AC RATING DIFFERENT FROM AVAILABLE POWER SOURCE, DO NOT
CONNECT IT TO THE POWER SOURCE.
3. ALWAYS VERIFY THAT THE EPSON PRODUCT HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM THE POWER SOURCE BEFORE REMOVING OR
REPLACING PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS AND/OR INDIVIDUAL CHIPS.
4. IN ORDER TO PROTECT SENSITIVE MICROPROCESSORS AND CIRCUITRY, USE STATIC DISCHARGE EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS
ANTI-STATIC WRIST STRAPS, WHEN ACCESSING INTERNAL COMPONENTS.
5. REPLACE MALFUNCTIONING COMPONENTS ONLY WITH THOSE COMPONENTS BY THE MANUFACTURE; INTRODUCTION OF
SECOND-SOURCE ICs OR OTHER NON-APPROVED COMPONENTS MAY DAMAGE THE PRODUCT AND VOID ANY APPLICABLE
EPSON WARRANTY.

About This Manual
This manual describes basic functions, theory of electrical and mechanical operations, maintenance and repair procedures of the printer. The instructions and procedures included
herein are intended for the experienced repair technicians, and attention should be given to the precautions on the preceding page.
Manual Configuration
This manual consists of six chapters and Appendix.
CHAPTER 1.PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS
Provides a general overview and specifications of the product.
CHAPTER 2.OPERATING PRINCIPLES
Describes the theory of electrical and mechanical operations of
the product.
CHAPTER 3.TROUBLESHOOTING
Describes the step-by-step procedures for the troubleshooting.
CHAPTER 4.DISASSEMBLY / ASSEMBLY
Describes the step-by-step procedures for disassembling and
assembling the product.
CHAPTER 5.ADJUSTMENT
Provides Epson-approved methods for adjustment.
CHAPTER 6.MAINTENANCE
Provides preventive maintenance procedures and the lists of
Epson-approved lubricants and adhesives required for servicing
the product.
APPENDIX Provides the following additional information for reference:
• Connector pin assignments
• Electric circuit boards components layout
• Electrical circuit boards schematics
• Exploded diagram & Parts List
Symbols Used in this Manual
Various symbols are used throughout this manual either to provide additional
information on a specific topic or to warn of possible danger present during a
procedure or an action. Be aware of all symbols when they are used, and
always read NOTE, CAUTION, or WARNING messages.
Indicates an operating or maintenance procedure, practice or
condition that is necessary to keep the product’s quality.
Indicates an operating or maintenance procedure, practice, or
condition that, if not strictly observed, could result in damage to,
or destruction of, equipment.
May indicate an operating or maintenance procedure, practice or
condition that is necessary to accomplish a task efficiently. It may
also provide additional information that is related to a specific
subject, or comment on the results achieved through a previous
action.
Indicates an operating or maintenance procedure, practice or
condition that, if not strictly observed, could result in injury or loss
of life.

Revision Status
Revision Date of Issue Description
A June 21, 2002 First release

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
FEATURES .................................................................................................. 12
SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................ 13
Physical Specification.............................................................................. 13
Printing Specifications............................................................................. 13
Paper Feeding......................................................................................... 13
General Specifications for Cutter Mechanism......................................... 13
Input Data Buffer..................................................................................... 13
Electric Specification............................................................................... 14
Environmental Condition ......................................................................... 14
Reliability................................................................................................. 15
Safety Approvals..................................................................................... 15
Acoustic Noise......................................................................................... 15
Built-in Card Slots......................................................................................... 16
Card Slot Standards................................................................................ 16
Supported Memory Card......................................................................... 16
Supported Voltage................................................................................... 16
Multiple Slots Operation .......................................................................... 16
Priority..................................................................................................... 16
Exclusive Access Control against External Storage
Device Connecting Port........................................................................... 16
External Storage Device Connecting Port.................................................... 17
Compatibility............................................................................................ 17
Specifications for Devices Available........................................................ 17
Current Supply ........................................................................................ 17
Standalone Printing Function ....................................................................... 18
File System.............................................................................................. 18
Media Format.......................................................................................... 18
File Format.............................................................................................. 18
Valid Image Sizes.................................................................................... 18
Maximum Number of Photo Data Files ................................................... 18
Thumbnail Image Data............................................................................ 18
File Sorting .............................................................................................. 18
File Sort Rule 18
Date Data Capture Rule 19
Date Range 19
Control Panel................................................................................................ 20
Switches.................................................................................................. 20

Icons........................................................................................................ 20
LEDs........................................................................................................ 21
Error/Warning Display (LCD)................................................................... 21
Error 21
Warning 22
Warning Display at Initial Ink Charge 22
Button Functions ..................................................................................... 22
Power Button 22
Roll Paper Button 23
Maintenance Button 23
Print Button 23
Cancel Button 23
Up/Down Arrow Buttons 23
Select Button 23
Back Button 23
Custom Buttons 1 and 2 24
Initial Setting Values..................................................................................... 24
PAPER ......................................................................................................... 25
Paper Handling........................................................................................ 25
Paper Specification ................................................................................. 25
Cut Sheet 25
Envelope 25
Printing Area ........................................................................................... 26
Cut Sheet 26
Envelopes 26
Operating Principles
Overview....................................................................................................... 28
Printer Mechanism .................................................................................. 28
Print Head ............................................................................................... 29
Printing Process 30
Printing Method 31
Carriage Mechanism............................................................................... 31
Carriage Motor (CR Motor) 31
Carriage Home Position Detection 32

Platen Gap Adjustment Mechanism & Parallelism Adjustment Mechanism 32
Paper Feeding Mechanism ..................................................................... 33
Paper Feed Motor (PF Motor) 33
PF Motor Drive Transmission Path 33
Cutter Mechanism................................................................................... 34
Cutter Motor 34
Paper Loading Mechanism...................................................................... 35
Ink System Mechanism........................................................................... 38
Pump Unit & Wiper mechanism 38
Capping Mechanism 39
Cap Unit 39
Electrical Circuit Operating Principles .......................................................... 40
C408 PSB/PSE board ............................................................................. 40
C475 MAIN Board................................................................................... 42
Main Elements 43
Motor Driver Circuit 44
ASF/Pump Motor Drive Circuit 47
Cutter Motor Drive Circuit 47
Sensor Circuit 48
Troubleshooting
Overview....................................................................................................... 51
Troubleshooting with LED Error Indications and EPSON Status Monitor 3 Messages 52
Unit Level Troubleshooting........................................................................... 58
Disassembly and Assembly
Overview....................................................................................................... 74
Precautions ............................................................................................. 74
Tools........................................................................................................ 76
Work Completion Check.......................................................................... 77
Disassembly ................................................................................................. 78
Housing removal ..................................................................................... 79
Panel Unit removal.................................................................................. 81
Housing Lower Covers removal.............................................................. 82
Housing Lower Cover Left Rear and Front removal 82

Housing Lower Cover Right Rear and Front removal 83
Print Head removal.................................................................................. 85
CR Unit removal...................................................................................... 87
CR Encoder Board removal .................................................................... 90
LD Roller removal.................................................................................... 91
PE Sensor removal ................................................................................. 94
ASF Unit removal .................................................................................... 95
Waste Drain Ink Pad Unit removal.......................................................... 98
CR Motor removal ................................................................................... 99
ASF Motor removal ............................................................................... 100
Cutter Unit removal ............................................................................... 100
Circuit Board Unit removal .................................................................... 102
Ink System Unit removal ....................................................................... 105
PF Motor removal.................................................................................. 108
Paper Eject Roller removal.................................................................... 110
PF Roller removal.................................................................................. 112
PF Scale installation 115
Adjustment
Outline........................................................................................................ 119
Conditions for Adjustments ................................................................... 119
Adjustment.................................................................................................. 120
Parallel adjustor..................................................................................... 120
Adjustment Program................................................................................... 122
Outline................................................................................................... 122
Starting up the adjustment program...................................................... 122
EEPROM initialization ........................................................................... 123
Head ID................................................................................................. 124
CR Motor drive dispersion..................................................................... 125
Bi-D adjustment..................................................................................... 126
USB ID Input ......................................................................................... 128
First Dot Position Adjustment................................................................ 129
Cut Position Adjustment........................................................................ 129
Memory card drive confirmation............................................................ 130
Head cleaning ....................................................................................... 131
Initial ink charge .................................................................................... 131
Refurbishment for DOA......................................................................... 132
Protection counter................................................................................. 133

The number of the cutting operation ..................................................... 133
EEPROM backup data .......................................................................... 134
A4 normal paper printing....................................................................... 135
EEPROM data....................................................................................... 136
Maintenance
Overview..................................................................................................... 138
ROM Replacement................................................................................ 138
Cleaning................................................................................................ 138
Service Maintenance............................................................................. 139
Appendix
Connector Summary................................................................................... 147
Major Component Unit .......................................................................... 147
ASP List...................................................................................................... 148
Exploded Diagrams.................................................................................... 151
Electrical Circuits........................................................................................ 163

CHAPTER
PRODUCTDESCRIPTION

EPSON Stylus Photo 925 Revision A
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION FEATURES 12
1.1 FEATURES
The major features of EPSON color inkjet printer EPSON Stylus PHOTO 925 are:
VHigh quality and high speed standalone print
(max. 1440 x 720 dpi in standalone printing)
VThree built-in card slots for Compact Flash, Smart Media and Memory Stick
VSupports Compact Flash, Smart Media, Memory Stick and Microdrive
VAlso available with SD and Multi Media Card by using external USB card reader
VCompatible with PRINT Image Matching 2.5, Exif 2.2
VConnected with a printer unit via USB hub
VHigh-quality color print (max. 2880 x 720 dpi in PC printing)
VHigh-speed print
VExclusively used for USB I/F
VCompact/space-saving
VExclusively used for Windows/Macintosh
VMulti-size supported ASF
VBorderless print
VRoll paper supported with build-in paper cutter
VLow acoustic noise
VSupports external storage devices via internal USB root hub for Standalone
printings
VPreview monitor (optional)
Figure 1-1. External View

EPSON Stylus Photo 925 Revision A
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATIONS 13
1.2 SPECIFICATIONS
This section describes specifications of the printer.
1.2.1 Physical Specification
VWeight: 6.4 kg (with paper support and roll paper folder installed)
VDimension
TStorage: 492 mm (W) x 290 mm (D) x 228 mm (H)
TPrinting: 492 mm (W) x 595 mm (D) x 310 mm (H)
1.2.2 Printing Specifications
VPrinting Method
TOn demand ink jet
VNozzle Configuration
TMonochrome 48 nozzles
TColor 48 nozzles x 5
(Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Light cyan, Light magenta)
VPrinting Direction
TBi-direction with logic seeking
VPrinting Speed & Printable Columns
* This value represents the speed of normal-dot printing.
VControl Code
TESC/P Raster command
TEPSON Remote command
VCharacter Tables
T1 international character sets
PC 437(US, Standard Europe)
VTypeface
TBit map LQ font
EPSON Courier 10 CPI
1.2.3 Paper Feeding
VFeeding Method
TFriction feed with ASF
VPaper Path
TCut-sheet ASF (Top entry Front out)
VFeed Speed
T150m/sec (10.16 mm feed)
T4.5 inches/sec (Fast, continuous feed)
1.2.4 General Specifications for Cutter Mechanism
VCutting method: Fixed cutting edge + movable rotary blade
VCutting direction: Unidirectional from 80th column side to 0th column
side
VCutting time: 3 seconds or shorter
VEffective cutting length: 210 mm (A4)
VMax. paper width: 215.9 mm (Letter)
VMin. cutting length: 15mm excluding cutting at the front end or tail end
VCutting operation: Automatic cutting, or manual cutting by panel switch
1.2.5 Input Data Buffer
T32 Kbytes
Table 1-1. Character Mode
Character Quality
Level Character Pitch Printable Columns LQ speed
High quality 10 CPI (Pica) 82 238 CPS*
Table 1-2. Raster Graphics Mode
Horizontal resolution Printable area Available dot CR Speed
360 dpi 8.26 inches 2976 23.8 IPS
720 dpi 8.26 inches 5952 20 IPS
1440 dpi 8.26 inches 11904 20 IPS

EPSON Stylus Photo 925 Revision A
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATIONS 14
1.2.6 Electric Specification
<120 V version>
Rated voltage: AC 120 V
Input voltage range: AC 99 - 132 V
Rated frequency range: 50 - 60 Hz
Input frequency range: 49.5 - 60.5 Hz
Rated current: 0.45 A (max. 0.6 A)
Power consumption: Approx. 15W (ISO10561 Letter Pattern)
Approx. 7W in sleep mode
Energy Star compliant
Approx. 0.3W in powered off mode
Insulation Resistance: 10 M ohms min.
(between AC line and chassis, DC 500 V)
Dielectric strength: AC 1000 V rms. 1 minute or AC 1200 V rms. 1 second
(between AC line and chassis)
<220-240 V version>
Rated voltage: AC 220 - 240 V
Input voltage range:: AC 198 - 264 V
Rated frequency range: 50 - 60 Hz
Input frequency range: 49.5 - 60.5 Hz
Rated current: 0.25 A (max. 0.3 A)
Power consumption: Approx. 15W (ISO10561 Letter Pattern)
Approx. 7W in sleep mode
Energy Star compliant
Approx. 0.4W in powered off mode
Insulation Resistance: 10 M ohms min.(between AC line and chassis, DC 500 V)
Dielectric strength: AC 1500 V rms. 1 minute (between AC line and chassis)
1.2.7 Environmental Condition
VTemperature
TOperating: 10 ~ 35°C
(See Figure 1-2 below for conditions)
TNon-operating: -20 ~ 40°C
1 month at 40°C
TTransportation: -20 ~ 60°C
120 hours at 60°C
VHumidity
TOperating: 20 ~ 80%
(without condensation / see Figure 1-2 below for
conditions)
TNon-operating: 20 ~ 85% (without condensation)
TTransportation: 5~85% (without condensation)
VResistance to Shock
TOperating: 1G, within 1 ms
TNon-operating: 2G, within 2 ms
(with shipment container)
VResistance to Vibration
TOperating: 0.15G
TNon-operating: 0.50G (with shipment container)
Figure 1-2. Temperature/Humidity Range
35 40
10 27 30 35 40
20
Temperature (°C)
20
30
40
50
90
80
70
60
Humidity (%)

EPSON Stylus Photo 925 Revision A
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATIONS 15
1.2.8 Reliability
VTotal print volume: 16000 pages (A4, Letter) or 5 years, whichever comes first
VPrint Head Life: 3000 million dots/nozzle or 5 years, whichever comes first
1.2.9 Safety Approvals
<120 V version>
Safety standards: UL1950
CSA22.2 No.950
EMI: FCC part15 subpart B class B
CSA C108.8 class B
<220-240 V version>
Safety standards: EN 60950(VDE)
EMI: EN 55022(CISPR Pub.22) class B
AS/NZS 3548 class B
1.2.10 Acoustic Noise
VLevel
Approx. 42 dB (A) (According to ISO 7779)

EPSON Stylus Photo 925 Revision A
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Built-in Card Slots 16
1.3 Built-in Card Slots
This section defines the specifications for the memory card types and card adapter
which can be used at standalone printing with this printer.
1.3.1 Card Slot Standards
VCF Type II card slot x1 (Compatible with “CF+ and CompactFlash Specification
Revision 1.4”)
VSmartMedia card slot x1 (Compatible with “SmartMedia Standard 2000”)
VMemory Stick card slot x1 (Compatible with “Memory Stick Standard version
1.3”)
1.3.2 Supported Memory Card
VCompact Flash (which support I/O mode access)
VSmart Media (Maximum capacity is 128MB)
VMemory Stick
1.3.3 Supported Voltage
V5 V
V3.3 V/5 V
V3.3 V
NOTE 1: Maximum current is 500 mA
2: SmartMedia 5 V is not supported
1.3.4 Multiple Slots Operation
VFor direct printing:
Only the image files in the valid slot are valid, and photo numbers are assigned to
the valid image files.
VFor PC connection (Windows):
Only one “removable disk” drive is displayed and only the media in the valid slot
can be accessed from the “removable disk”.
VFor PC connection (Macintosh):
Only the media in the valid slot are mounted on the desktop.
1.3.5 Priority
The order of priority is defined as follows:
1. CompactFlash
2. SmartMedia
3. Memory Stick
1.3.6 Exclusive Access Control against External Storage
Device Connecting Port
The lowest priority is given to the device that is connected to the external storage
device port.
CHECK
P O I N T
• Only one media can be accessed at a time for PC connection or for
direct printing.
• When cards have been inserted into multiple slots at the same time, a
slot to be accessed is selected according to the order of priority
• The LED beside the selected slot turns on. The LED blinks while the
media is being accessed.

EPSON Stylus Photo 925 Revision A
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION External Storage Device Connecting Port 17
1.4 External Storage Device Connecting Port
1.4.1 Compatibility
VUniversal Serial Bus Specifications Revision 1.1
VBit rate: 12 Mbps (Full Speed Device)
VData encoding: NRZI
VAdaptable connector: USB Series A
VRecommended cable length: 2 meters
1.4.2 Specifications for Devices Available
Universal Serial Bus Mass Storage Class Bulk-Only Transport Revision 1.0 and
Subclass code is 0x06 (SCSI transparent command set)
1.4.3 Current Supply
500 mA max.

EPSON Stylus Photo 925 Revision A
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Standalone Printing Function 18
1.5 Standalone Printing Function
1.5.1 File System
The file system that can be used by the standalone printing function of this printer is
DCF Version 1.0 only.
1.5.2 Media Format
The memory card must be formatted with DCF Version 1.0.
(i.e. FAT12/FAT16 and single partition)
1.5.3 File Format
The file formats described below can be used with this printer:
However, the files stored in the following folders are not covered.
• Hidden or System folder
• Folder using 2-byte characters as name
• “RECYCLED” folder
• “PREVIEW” folder
• “SCENE” folder
VJPEG file (*.JPG)
Photo data file in accordance with Exif Version 2.1/2.2
VCamera specification file (*.MRK)
Definition file used in camera specification mode. “AUTPRINT.MRK” file that
has a full-pass name with up to 32 characters is valid.
VEnhanced frame file (*.EFF)
Frame data file format defined for standard use of EPSON products. Only files in
the “\MISC\FRAME\” directory are valid.
VPRINT Image Framer file (*.USD)
Layout data file format defined for PRINT Image Framer. Only files in the
“\EPUDL\” directory are valid.
NOTE: * PNG and TIFF formats are not supported.
1.5.4 Valid Image Sizes
The image sizes that are valid with this printer are in accordance with DCF Version
1.0.
Note that the image sizes that are mandatory for DCF Version 1.0 are as follows:
Horizontal: 160 <= X <= 1800 (pixels)
Vertical: 160 <= Y <= 1200 (pixels)
However, this printer handles the following size range:
Horizontal:: 160 <= X <= 4200 (pixels)
Vertical: 160 <= Y <= 4200 (pixels)
1.5.5 Maximum Number of Photo Data Files
This printer can handle up to 999 photo data files.
1.5.6 Thumbnail Image Data
Only thumbnail image data in accordance with DCF Version 1.0 (160x120 pixels in
Exif format) can be handled. This printer uses thumbnail images in index print mode.
However, you can set not to use thumbnail images in this mode.
1.5.7 File Sorting
This printer sorts all the photo data files in a memory card using the full-pass of the file
names (such as “\DCIM\100EPSON\EPSN0000.JPG”) to assign photo numbers.
1.5.7.1 File Sort Rule
Photo data files are sorted as follows:
1. The full-pass of the file names are sorted in ASCII order.
NOTE: Correct sorting of the files whose full-pass names are identical is not
ensured. (Such sorting is not allowed by DOS specifications.)

EPSON Stylus Photo 925 Revision A
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Standalone Printing Function 19
1.5.7.2 Date Data Capture Rule
Date and time are captured in the following order of priority:
1. Date and time information in accordance with the digital camera standard format
(Exif).
2. Data and time information of the file system supported in DOS (timestamp of the
file).
3. Fixed values (1 January 1970 00:00:00)
1.5.7.3 Date Range
January 1970 00:00:00 - 31 December 2069 23:59:59
If any photo data files have date and time information outside this range, the entire file
sort result will be pending.

EPSON Stylus Photo 925 Revision A
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Control Panel 20
1.6 Control Panel
1.6.1 Switches
Figure 1-3. External View of Control Panel
See 1.6.5 "Button Functions".
1.6.2 Icons
Up arrow button
Down arrow button
Maintenance button
Roll paper button
Power button
Table 1-3. Icons
Name Icon Conditions
Print Image Matching
This icon reflects the status of the
first image (a file to which the
smallest number is assigned after
sorting) in the card.
DPOF
This icon turns on when the
printing setting for the print
specification file that is defied by
DPOF is valid.
PIF This icon turns on when P.I.F. files are stored in the inserted memory
card.
Black Ink
No ink When the ink has run out.
Ink low When the ink is about to run out.
Large amount remaining When 76 to 100% of the ink
remains.
Medium (large) amount
remaining When 51 to 75% of the ink remains.
Medium (small) amount
remaining When 26 to 50% of the ink remains.
Small amount remaining When up to 25% of the ink
remains.
blinksblinks
turn on
alternately
turns on
turns on
turns on
turns on