Epson TM-290-II User manual

SLIP PRINTER
Operator’s Manual
4001252
K01-00

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, mechanical, photocopying, record-
ing, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation. No
patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, Seiko Epson
Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability
assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
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 patties 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 against 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 and ESC/POS™ are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
NOTICE :
The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 1992 by Seiko Epson Corporation, Nagano, Japan
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FCC-CLASS A
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protec-
tion against harmful interference when the equipment is operated
in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense.
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded printer interface cable to this
printer will invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may
cause interference levels which exceed the limits established by
the FCC for this equipment. If this equipment has more than one
interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused
interfaces.
FOR CANADIAN USERS
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for
radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the
radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectri-
ques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques
de Classe A prescrites dans le règlement sur le brouillage
radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des Communications du
Canada.
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INTRODUCTION
The TM-290 II is a terminal slip printer which uses a 7-pin shuttle dot
printing method, and provides the different modes, Standard and Page *
based on ESC/POS™.
The main features are as follows:
• Programmable page length
• Programmable print starting position
• Multiple character sizes (standard, double-width, double-height, and
quadruple characters)
• Character directions: 4
• International character set selection
• Forward and backward paper feeding
• Programmable paper feeding
• Paper eject function
• TOF and BOF detection
• Data reception during printing (improved throughput and less waiting time
for the host computer)
• 512 byte buffer memory
• Compact, space efficient design
• Drawer kick out function
l In Page Mode, the print data is buffered within a specified printable area
in the memory. After all the data has been buffered in the specified printable
area, it is all printed at one time.
Be sure to read the instructions in this manual carefully before using your
new EPSON printer.

About this manual
I. SETTING UP
Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking the printer, choosing the
place for the printer, and names and functions of parts.
Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 contain information on connecting and setting
up the printer.
Chapter 4 contains information on testing the printer.
*
*
*
II. REFERENCE
* Chapter 5 contains information on using the printer.
* Chapter 6 contains information on software control including printer
command descriptions.
APPENDIX
Appendixes contain information on general specifications, character code
tables and a list of commands.
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CONTENTS
1. SETTING UP
Chapter 1 Unpacking the Printer
1-1 Checking the Contents of the Box .......................................
1-2 Choosing a Place for the Printer .......................................
1-3 Names and Functions of Parts .............................................
Chapter 2 Before Setting Up
2-1 Connecting the Power Supply to the Printer ........................
2-2 Connecting the Host Computer to the Printer ........................
Chapter 3 Installing the Parts
3-1 Installing the Ribbon Cassette ..........................................
3-2 Inserting Paper ..................................................................
3-3 DIP Switches ..................................................................
Chapter 4 The Self Test
4-1 Checking Operation with the Self Test ..............................
II. REFERENCE
Chapter 5 Cautions while Using the Printer
5-1 Switches and Commands ...................................................
5-2 Printable Area ..................................................................
5-3 Errors..............................................................................
Chapter 6 Software Control
6-1 Printer Control ..................................................................
6-2 Command Descriptions ......................................................
6-3 Commands ........................................................................
6-4 Page Mode........................................................................
APPENDIX
APPENDIX A General Specifications ..........................................
APPENDIX B Connectors .........................................................
APPENDIX C Interfaces .........................................................
APPENDIX D Miscellaneous Notes .............................................
APPENDIX E Character Code Tables .......................................
APPENDIX F Command Summary ..............................................
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I. SETTING UP

Chapter 1 Unpacking the Printer
1 - 1
Checking the Contents of the Box
n Checking the parts
Remove the printer and other parts from the box.
• Transport damper • Printer
• Operator’s Manual • Ribbon cassette
Make sure no parts are missing or damaged.
If you find any damaged or missing parts, please contact your dealer
for assistance.
n Maintenance
Keep the packing case and the transport damper in case you ever need
to transport or store your printer.
n Optional Parts
Power supply unit : PS-111, PS-130
-2-

1-2Choosing a Place for the Printer
n Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight or excessive heat
(near heaters).
n Avoid using or storing the printer in places subject to excessive
temperatures or moisture.
n Do not use or store the printer in a dusty or dirty location.
n When setting up the printer, choose a stable, horizontal location.
Intense vibration or shock may damage the printer.
n Ensure the printer has enough space to be used easily.
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1-3Names and Functions of Parts
4 Part names
(1) Upper case
(2) Printer cover
(3) Operation panel
(4) Document table
(5) RESET switch
(6) Interface connector
(7) Drawer- kick connector
(8) Power connector
(9) DIP switches

n Operation panel
Panel switches
FORWARD
Press this switch to feed the paper forward
REVERSE
Press this switch to feed the paper backward
RELEASE
Press this switch to release the paper
Panel lights
POWER (green)
On when power is turned on
RELEASE (green)
On when the paper is released condition (paper can be manually
repositioned)
Off when the paper is held by the printer
Blinks when the printer is in an error condition
PAPER OUT (red)
On when either the BOF or TOF detector detects a paper-end
(regardless of whether the detectors are enabled or not)
Off when both the BOF and TOF detectors detect a paper
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Chapter 2 Before Setting Up
2-1Connecting the Power Supply to the Printer
n Plugging in the power supply
An external power unit is required because the printer has no power supply.
Connect the printer to the power unit using a power cable matching the
specifications of the power unit and printer.
CAUTIONS:
I
• The external power unit must supply 24 VDC.
• A difference between the specifications of the power unit and the
printer may cause abnormal operation or printer malfunction.
Connect the power unit according to the following procedure.
Turn off the power unit.
Connect the power cable to the printer’s power connector.
Plug the power cable connector into the printer’s power connector
with the arrow mark facing upward.
CAUTION:
• Remove the power cable by grasping the connector at the arrow
mark and pulling straight out.
Plug the power cord into the outlet, and turn on the power.
Power cable connector
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2-02 Connecting the Host Computer to the Printer
n Connecting the interface cable
Connect the printer to a host ECR (host computer) using an interface
cable matching the specifications of the printer and the host ECR
(host computer).
Connect the interface cable according to the following procedure.
Turn off the printer and the host ECR (host computer).
Plug the interface cable connector into the interface connector of the
printer.
Tighten the screws on both sides of the connectors with a screw
driver.
When the drawer-kick connector is used, plug the drawer-kick
interface cable into the drawer-kick connector of the printer.
CAUTION:
• Remove the drawer-kick interface cable by pressing in on the
clip and pulling out.
Interface
cable
connector
Drawer-kick cable connector
-7-

Chapter 3 Installing the Parts
3-1 Installing the Ribbon Cassette
n Installing the ribbon cassette
Be sure to use a ribbon cassette that matches the printer's specifications.
Install the ribbon cassette according to the following procedure.
Turn on the power to the printer.
Check that the RELEASE light is turned on (the printer is in the released
condition).
If the RELEASE light is turned off, press the RELEASE switch.
Turn off the power.
Open the printer cover by slightly pressing the notches on the
top and pulling toward the front.
-8-

If the ribbon is slack, turn the ribbon cassette’s feed knob in
the direction of the arrow.
Insert the ribboncassette in the printer.
Reinstall the printer cover. Insert the tabs on the upper side of
the cover first, then place the bottom in place with a click.
CAUTIONS:
I
I
• Before installing the ribbon cassette, make sure the RELEASE
light is turned on.
• Make sure the ribbon is not creased or twisted.
• Turn the ribbon feed knob in the direction of the arrow.
• To remove the ribbon cassette, pull the protruding tab on the
cassette toward you.
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3-2 Inserting Paper
nn Inserting paper
Be sure to use paper that matches the printer’s specifications.
Insert paper according to the following procedure.
Before inserting the paper, open the printer cover and make sure
the ribbon cassette is installed. Install the ribbon cassette if needed
and close the cover.
Turn on the power. The POWER light goes on.
Press the RELEASE switch; the printer then releases the paper.
The RELEASE light goes on.
Insert the paper all the way into the printer until it contacts the form
stopper. The form stopper helps locate the paper in the printing position.
You can also align the printing position of the paper to the printing
position mark on the document table.
The PAPER OUT light should go off when the paper is correctly
located in the printer. If the PAPER OUT light is still on, remove
the paper and reinsert it correctly.
CAUTIONS:
• Do not use wrinkled or curled paper.
• Refer to the section on paper in APPENDIX A.
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3-3 DIP Switches
n Locating DIP switches
On the bottom of your printer are DIP switches that allow you to make
printer settings or perform a number of different functions.
• The switches are numbered SW-1 to SW-10, from left to right.
• The lists on the following page describe each switch’s function.
n Setting the DIP switches
Change DIP-switch settings according to the following procedure.
Turn the power supply off.
Change the desired switch with a small, pointed object such as a
ball-point pen. Switches are on when up and off when down.
The new setting takes effect when you turn on the printer.
CAUTIONS:
I
• A change in a DIP-switch setting takes effect only after you turn
the power off and back on again or after you press the RESET
I
switch.
• DIP-switch settings do not change while the power is on.
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n Table 1. DIP switch functions
Switch ON OFF
SW-1 Ignores data errors Prints “?” for data receive error
SW-2Data buffer 35 bytes Data buffer 512 bytes
SW-3XON/XOFF control DTR/DSR control
SW-47-bit word length 8-bit word lengh
SW-5ParityNo parity
SW-6Even parityOdd parity
SW-7Transmission speed selection
SW-8Refer to Table 2
SW-9
SW-10Unused
n Table 2. Transmission speed
Transmission speed (bps) SW-71 SW -8 SW-9
110
ON ON
150
OFF ON ON
300
ON OFF ON
600
OFF OFF ON
1200
ON ON OFF
2400
OFF ON OFF
4800
ON OFF OFF
9600
OFF OFF OFF
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Chapter 4 The Self Test
4-1Checking Operation with the Self Test
n The purpose of the self test
The self test checks whether the printer has any problems. When the
printer does not function properly, contact the dealer.
The self test checks the following.
• Control circuit functions • ROM version
• Printer mechanism • RAM check
• Print quality • DIP-switch settings
Run the self test according to the following procedure.
Check that the ribbon cassette is correctly installed in the printer.
Turn on the power to the printer. Press the RELEASE switch and
insert a sheet of paper.
Turn off the power to the printer.
While holding down the RELEASE switch, turn the power to the
printer back on and release the switch. The self test starts.
To terminate the self test, turn off the power to the printer or
press the RESET switch.
CAUTION:
• Do not perform printing without installing paper and a ribbon
cassette.
NOTE:
• The self test finishes after printing a certain number of lines.
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II. REFERENCE