Epson Stylus Photo EX User manual

User’s Guide
Printed on recycled paper with at least 10% post-consumer content

printer cover
edge guides
paper support extension
paper support
control panel
output tray
extensions
output tray
ink cartridge
clamp
cleaning
button
paper
out light
power
button
load/eject
button
black ink
out light
color ink
out light
thickness lever
power
light

ii
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 Raster and Micro Piezo are trademarks
of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
MicroDot, PhotoEnhance, EPSON FaxAdvice and EPSON Digital PhotoLab are trademarks and SoundAdvice is
a service mark 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. CPD-6296
3/98

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FCC Compliance Statement
For United States Users
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause interference to radio and television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures.
◗Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
◗Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
◗Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
◗Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will invalidate the FCC
Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits established by the FCC for
this equipment. It is the responsibility of the user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this
device. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused
interfaces. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
For Canadian Users
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le materiel brouilleur du
Canada.

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Contents
Introduction
Windows System Requirements 1
Macintosh System Requirements 2
How To Use Your Manuals 3
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips 4
Where To Get Help 5
ENERGY STAR Compliance 6
Energy-saving Tips 7
Important Safety Instructions 7
1Basic Printing
Printing from Windows 1-1
Setting Printer Options from Windows Applications 1-2
Setting Default Printer Options 1-4
Checking Printer Status 1-5
Printing from a Macintosh 1-7
Choosing Paper and Other Media 1-9
What To Do When the Printer Lights Flash 1-11
2Custom Printing
Using Predefined Advanced Settings 2-2
Customizing Print Quality and Special Effects 2-4
Customizing Color Settings 2-8
Using ColorSync on the Macintosh 2-10
Selecting Paper Size and Orientation Options 2-12
Selecting Paper Options in Windows 2-12
Selecting Paper Options on a Macintosh 2-17

Contents
vi
Selecting Print Layout Options 2-22
Choosing Print Layout Options in Windows 2-22
Choosing Print Layout Options on a Macintosh 2-29
Saving Custom Settings 2-35
Redefining Custom Settings 2-36
Deleting Custom Settings 2-36
3Printing on Special Media
Using Special Media 3-2
Additional Media Loading Guidelines 3-3
Envelopes 3-5
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Cards 3-6
EPSON Photo Paper (4 x 6) 3-6
Panoramic Photo Paper and Banners 3-7
Loading Panoramic or Banner Paper 3-8
Printing a Panoramic Image from Windows 3-9
Printing a Panoramic Image from a Macintosh 3-10
4Managing Print Jobs
Managing Print Jobs in Windows 95 4-1
Selecting the Speed & Progress Options 4-2
Using the Spool Manager 4-4
Using Status Monitor 2 4-5
Managing Print Jobs in Windows 3.1 4-12
Using the Spool Manager 4-12
Managing Print Jobs in Windows NT 4.0 4-14
Managing Print Jobs on a Macintosh 4-15
Using Monitor3 4-15
Using the Macintosh Status Monitor 4-18
Selecting Configuration Options 4-19

Contents
vii
5Maintenance and
Transportation
Cleaning the Print Head 5-1
Using the Head Cleaning Utility 5-2
Using the Control Panel 5-3
Examining the Nozzle Check Pattern 5-4
Replacing an Ink Cartridge 5-4
Removing an Empty Ink Cartridge 5-5
Installing the New Cartridge 5-6
Replacing an Outdated Ink Cartridge 5-7
Aligning the Print Head 5-8
Cleaning the Printer 5-9
Transporting the Printer 5-9
6Troubleshooting
Diagnosing Problems 6-1
Checking the Control Panel Lights 6-2
Running a Printer Check 6-3
Using the Printer and Option Information Utility 6-4
Uninstalling Printer Software 6-5
Improving Print Quality 6-7
Solving Common Printing Problems 6-9
Solving Printer Software Problems 6-12
Fixing Paper Problems 6-16
Solving Miscellaneous Printout Problems 6-17

Contents
viii
ANetwork Printing
Network Printing in Windows 95 A-1
Network Printing in Windows 3.1 A-3
Setting Up the Print Server in Windows 3.1 A-4
Setting Up Client Systems in Windows 3.1 A-4
Network Printing in Windows NT 4.0 A-5
BTechnical
Specifications
Printing B-1
Paper B-2
Ink Cartridge B-5
Mechanical B-5
Electrical B-6
Environmental B-6
Safety Approvals B-6
Initialization B-7
Interface B-7
Glossary
Index

1
/
Introduction
Your EPSON Stylus®Photo EX printer is the ideal output
device for full-color layout proofs, digital photography, photo
editing—or any imaging project you create on your computer.
The printer comes with these features:
◗Exclusive Micro Piezo™ink jet technology for smaller,
cleaner dots
◗Super MicroDot™technology for superior image quality
◗Six-color printing for photo reproduction quality on plain
paper or a variety of special media
◗Fastest color print speeds in its class
◗Compatibility with Microsoft®Windows®and Macintosh®
◗PhotoEnhance2 (PhotoEnhance™in Windows 3.1) for
optimizing the contrast, saturation, and brightness of your
pictures at the touch of a button
◗Resolutions up to 1440 ×720 dpi
◗EPSON Digital PhotoLab™EX, which includes software
for editing and cataloging your digital photos
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 486 DX2/66 MHz
or faster processor
◗Windows 3.1x, Windows 95 or later, or Windows NT 4.0
◗At least 16MB of RAM (20MB recommended)

Introduction
2
◗At least 50MB of free hard disk space for storing images
(100MB recommended)
◗VGA, Super VGA, or better display adapter and monitor
◗Double-speed CD-ROM drive (quad-speed or faster
recommended)
◗A shielded, twisted-pair parallel printer cable (6 to 10 feet
long) to connect your computer to the printer; the cable
must have a D-SUB, 25-pin, male connector for your
computer and a 36-pin, Centronics®compatible connector
for the printer.
Macintosh System Requirements
To use your printer and its software with a Macintosh, your
system should have:
◗Any Macintosh or Power Macintosh model except early
models such as the Macintosh Classic, Macintosh +,
Macintosh 512, or PowerBook™100
◗System 7.1 or later (7.5 or later recommended)
◗At least 16MB of built-in RAM (20MB recommended)
◗At least 50MB of free hard disk space for storing images
(100MB recommended)
◗13-inch RGB or better display
◗Double-speed CD-ROM drive (quad-speed or faster
recommended)
◗Standard Apple®System Peripheral-8 cable or equivalent
(RS-422, 8-pin mini DIN male/male, Belkin F2V024
recommended)
Note:
If you don’t have a
CD-ROM drive, you can
get the printer driver
software on diskettes or
download it through your
modem. See your
Getting Started guide for
details.

Introduction
3
How To Use Your Manuals
To set up your printer, see the Getting Started guide. This User’s
Guide contains the following information:
Chapter 1 covers the basics of printing with Windows or
Macintosh.
Chapter 2 tells you how to print special projects with custom
settings for print quality, color management, and precise
layouts.
Chapter 3 gives guidelines for selecting and using the right
paper or other media for your print job and instructions for
printing panoramic images.
Chapter 4 explains how to manage print jobs and check printer
status.
Chapter 5 gives instructions for replacing ink cartridges,
cleaning and aligning the print head, and cleaning and
transporting the printer.
Chapter 6 provides solutions for any problems you may have.
Appendix A explains how to set up your computer and printer
for network printing.
Appendix Bprovides the technical details of your printer, ink
cartridges, and EPSON media.
A Glossary and an Index are included at the end of the book.

Introduction
4
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 great printing.

Introduction
5
Where To Get Help
EPSON provides technical assistance through electronic
support services and automated telephone services 24 hours a
day. The following tables list the contact information:
Electronic support services
Service Access
World Wide Web From the Internet, you can reach EPSON’s Home Page at
http://www.epson.com.
EPSON Internet FTP Site If you have Internet FTP capability, use your Web browser (or
other software for FTP downloading) to log onto ftp.epson.com
with the user name anonymous and your e-mail address as the
password.
EPSON Download Service You can call the EPSON Download Service at [phone]. Set
your communications software to 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity.
Modem speed can be up to 28.8 Kbps.
EPSON Forum on
CompuServe®
Members of CompuServe can type GO EPSON at the menu
prompt to reach the Epson America Forum. For a free
introductory CompuServe membership, call [phone] and
ask for representative #529.
Automated telephone services
Service Access
EPSON SoundAdviceSM For pre-recorded answers to commonly asked questions about
EPSON products 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call
[phone].
EPSON FaxAdvice™Access EPSON’s technical information library by calling
[phone]. You must provide a return fax number to use
this service.
EPSON Referral Service For the location of your nearest Authorized EPSON Reseller or
Customer Care Center, call [phone].

Introduction
6
To speak to a technical support representative, dial
[phone] (U.S.) or [phone] (Canada), 6 AM to
8PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday and 7 AM to 4 PM,
Saturday and Sunday. Toll or long distance charges may apply.
Before you call, please have the following information ready:
◗Product name
◗Product serial number
◗Computer configuration
◗Description of the problem
You can purchase ink cartridges, paper, manuals, accessories,
and parts from EPSON Accessories at [phone] (U.S.
sales only). In Canada, please call [phone] for dealer
referral.
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.
Note:
If you need help using
another manufacturers’
software with an EPSON
product, see the
documentation for that
program for technical
support information.

Introduction
7
Energy-saving Tips
Here are a few tips you can use to be even more energy-wise:
◗If your monitor isn’t ENERGY STAR compliant, turn it off
when you’re not using it.
◗Turn off your computer, printer, and monitor each day
when you are done using them.
◗Use the print preview option in your software so you can
catch errors before you print something.
◗Send e-mail rather than distributing memos. Not only is
this faster, but you’ll save paper and storage space too.
Important Safety Instructions
Before using your printer, read the following safety instructions
to make sure you use the printer safely and effectively.
◗Always use the power switch to turn the printer on or off.
Never use an external switch—such as a power strip—to
turn off the printer.
◗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 or heating vent.
◗Do not block or cover the openings in the printer’s cabinet
or insert objects through the slots.
◗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.

Introduction
8
◗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 of all devices plugged into the wall
outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
◗Except as specifically explained in this User’s Guide, 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 cabinet
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.
Even if you are familiar with other types of printers, be sure to
read through the following list of precautions before operating
your ink jet printer:
◗Do not put your hand inside the printer or touch the
cartridge during printing.
◗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.

Introduction
9
◗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 carton. For best results, use up 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 this button is pressed, the
Ppower light flashes
briefly then goes out. Do not unplug the printer or turn off
the power to the outlet 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.

1-1
1
It’s easy to print with your new EPSON Stylus Photo EX. First
set up and install the printer software, following the instructions
in your Getting Started guide. Then read this chapter to learn
about:
◗Printing from Windows
◗Printing from a Macintosh
◗Choosing paper and other media
◗What to do when the printer lights flash
Printing from Windows
To print from your Windows application, click the print icon
or choose Print from the File menu. You can then choose which
pages to print, the number of copies, and other options. The
settings that describe your print job—whether you want to use
color or black ink, for example—are part of your printer driver
software.
The following sections tell you how to set printer options from
Windows applications, how to change the default printer
settings, and how to check your printer’s status.
Basic Printing

Basic Printing
1-2
Setting Printer Options from Windows
Applications
This section describes the settings you’ll need to make for all
your everyday printouts. See Chapter 2 for information about
special settings like PhotoEnhance2 (PhotoEnhance in
Windows 3.1).
Follow these steps to check printer settings from your graphics
application or other Windows software:
1. Choose Print, Print Setup, or Page Setup from the File
menu. You see a printing dialog box.
If you choose Print, you first see a Print dialog box that
contains the settings you change most often, including the
number of copies and the pages you want printed.
2. Make sure your EPSON Stylus Photo EX printer is
selected, and then click the Printer, Setup, Properties, or
Options button. (You may have to click a sequence of these
buttons.) You see a dialog box like the following:
If you don’t see the dialog box shown above, click the Main
tab.
Note:
The settings you select
through your application
usually apply only until
you exit that application.
For more information
about printer settings,
click the Help button. In
Windows 95 and
Windows NT 4.0, you can
right-click any item on the
screen and then click
What’s This?
Click for
more
information
Main tab