Genicom 3870 User manual

GEK-89386B
Model 3870
User’s Manual
GEK-89384B

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iv
FCC Compliance Statement
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and
used properly, i.e. in strict accordance with the instructions, may cause interference to
radio or television reception. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B computing device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are
designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a
residential installation.
Instructions to User
If this equipment does cause interference to radio or 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 the receiving antenna.
•Relocate the equipment with respect to the receiver.
•Move the equipment away from the receiver.
•Plug the equipment into a different outlet so that equipment and receiver are on
different branch circuits.
•Ensure that cover mounting screws, attachment connector screws, and ground
wires are tightly secured.
•Ensure that the data cable shield is properly grounded at the printer and data
source connectors. If necessary, consult your dealer service representative for
additional suggestions.
The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by
unauthorized modifications to this equipment. It is the responsibility of the user to
correct such interferences.
The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications
Commission helpful: How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems.
The above booklet is available from the US. Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.

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SICHERHEITS – ANLEITUNG
Modelle GENICOM 3870 DA
Das Gerät entspricht der Schutzklasse I und muß immer an eine 3-adrige, geerdete
Steckdose angeschlossen werden. Der Netzan-schluß befindet sich an der
Druckerrückwand. Stellen Sie sicher, daß die Netzspannung mit den Angaben auf dem
Typenschild übereinstimmt.
Einschalten des Druckers :
- Alle Abdeckungen müssen geschlossen sein
- Kaine Gegenstände auf dem Drucker ablegen oder gegen das Gerät lehnen
- Schalten Sie am Netzschalter den Drucker ein (1). Die “Power-Anzeige” leuchtet auf
und zeigt damit an, daß der Drucker eingeschaltet ist.
Abschalten:
- Um den Drucker abzuschalten, Schalten Sie am Netzschalter den Drucker aus (0).
A C H T U N G
Arbeiten und Reparaturen am geöffneten Gerät dürfen nur vom autorisierten
GENICOM – Kundendienst vorgenommen werden.
Bescheinigung des Herstellers/Importeurs
Heirmit wird bescheinigt, daß der / die
3870 DA (Gerät, Typ. Bezeichnung)
In Übereinstimmung mit Bestimmungen der
vfg 1046/1984 (Amtsblattverfügung)
funkentstört ist/ sind.
Der Deutschen Bundespost wurde das Inverkehrbringen dieses Gerätes angezeigt und
die
Berechtigung zur Überprüfung der Serie auf Einhaltung der Bestimmungen
eingeräumt.
GENICOM GmbH, Auf der Krautweide 32
65812 Bad Sodenl Taunus
Tel. [phone] Fax [phone]
Name des Herstellers / Importeurs

vi
Statement of Compliance
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
Le presént apparail numérique n’ émet pas de bruits radioéletriques dépassant les
limits applicables aux apparails numériques de la classe B prescrites dans le
Réglement aur le brouillage radioélectrique edicteé par le ministère des
Communications du Canada.
External Devices
Connecting any external device to this printer may affect its electrostatic discharge
(ESD) performance, or its radio frequency interference (RFI) performance, or both.
Trademark Acknowledgments
All trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective holders.
CENTRONICS of GENICOM Corporation. Epson of Epson America, Incorporated
DEC of Digital Equipment Corporation GENICOM of GENICOM Corporation
IBM and Proprinter of International Business Machines Corporation
Patent Information
The design of this equipment is protected by one or more of the following US. patents
and their international equivalents: 4,761, 087; 4,743, 133; 5,066, 153; 4,630, 948;
4,468, 140; 4,213, 714; 4,213, 716; 4,368, 993; 4,627, 344; D-294, 038; 4,988, 224;
4,806, 036; 4,479, 598; 4,706561; 4,162, 131; 4,333, 398; 4,568, 209; D-272, 741; D-
295, 186; 5,037, 222, 4,482, 148; 5,051, 010; 4,487, 515; 5,074, 837; 4,210, 404;
4,322, 172; 4,632,582; D-282; D-282, 173; D-315, 169

vii
Code Compliance
Codes and standards the printer conforms to are listed below :
•UL Standard 1950, 3rd Edition
•C-UL C22.2 No. 220
•GS Sign (Safety), international model only)
•FCC Rules, Part 15, Subpart B
•ANSI X3.4-1977 (code set)
•ANSI X3.41-1974 (code extension)
•ANSI X3.64-1979 (additional codes)
•EIA 232C / CCITT V.24 (personality board dependent)
•IEC 950 (EN60950 / 9.88)
•ISO DP 7779-3 / 9 / 82 and ANSI 12.10-1985 (acoustics)
•EN 50082-1 European Immunity
•EN 55022 CISPR-B Radio Frequency Interference
•International units comply with CE Marking directives
Interface Connectors
CAUTION
Interface connectors may exceed class 2 or LPS limits. Appropriate interconnecting
cabling in accordance with the NEC shall be used during installation.

viii
Table of contents Page
Chapter 1. Introduction ..................................................................................................... 1-2
Chapter 2. Set It Up and Get It Running ........................................................................... 2-1
Choose a Place for the Printer that is :.......................................................................... 2-1
Select the Voltage (Models with Voltage Selector Switch) ............................................ 2-2
Select the Voltage (Models without Voltage Selector Switch) ....................................... 2-2
Power Cords.................................................................................................................. 2-3
Plug It In and Turn It On ................................................................................................ 2-4
Install the Ribbon........................................................................................................... 2-5
Removing the Ribbon.................................................................................................. 2-10
Put Paper in the Tractors ............................................................................................ 2-11
Load a Form ................................................................................................................ 2-14
Print a Test Pattern ..................................................................................................... 2-15
A Note About Print Head Gap Adjustment .................................................................. 2-17
Adjust Top-of-Form ..................................................................................................... 2-17
Attach to a Data Source .............................................................................................. 2-18
Quick Status ................................................................................................................ 2-19
Line Registration on the first form................................................................................ 2-20
Chapter 3. Control Panel .................................................................................................. 3-1
Control Panel Keys........................................................................................................ 3-1
LCD Menu Map ............................................................................................................. 3-5
Select the Emulation ..................................................................................................... 3-7
Status Sheet.................................................................................................................. 3-9
Chapter 4. Printed Menu................................................................................................... 4-1
The > Arrow Means the Option Is Enabled.................................................................... 4-1
Sometimes Values Are Entered .................................................................................... 4-2
Access the Printed Menu .............................................................................................. 4-2
Margins for Menu Listings ............................................................................................. 4-3
FORMER and FIRST .................................................................................................... 4-3
Printed Menu Map ......................................................................................................... 4-3
Exit the Printed Menu .................................................................................................. 4-12
Chapter 5. Control Panel Lockouts ................................................................................... 5-1
Lock the Printer Online.................................................................................................. 5-1
Lock the Printed Menu .................................................................................................. 5-3
Lock Various Keys......................................................................................................... 5-3
Chapter 6. Formats ........................................................................................................... 6-1
What Is A Format ? ....................................................................................................... 6-1
Why Use Formats?........................................................................................................ 6-1
The Active Format ......................................................................................................... 6-2
Stored Formats.............................................................................................................. 6-2
Print All Format Information........................................................................................... 6-2
Formats Auto-execute on Paper Path Change.............................................................. 6-3

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Table of contents Page
Chapter 6. Formats (Continued)
Change a Format - Printed Menu .................................................................................. 6-3
Save a Format from the Control Panel .......................................................................... 6-4
Save a Format from the Host ........................................................................................ 6-4
Select a Format from the Control Panel ........................................................................ 6-4
Select a Format from the Host....................................................................................... 6-4
Select the Assigned Format from the Host.................................................................... 6-5
Power Up to the Currently Assigned Format ................................................................. 6-5
Rename a Format ......................................................................................................... 6-5
LCD Message Display................................................................................................... 6-5
Linking Emulations to Formats ...................................................................................... 6-6
Chapter 7. LCD Head Gap Menu...................................................................................... 7-1
Change Ribbon ............................................................................................................. 7-2
Pros and Cons of Auto Head Gap Adjust ...................................................................... 7-2
Semiautomatic Head Gap Adjust .................................................................................. 7-5
Chapter 8. Line Up the Job on the Page........................................................................... 8-1
Vertical Paper Movement .............................................................................................. 8-1
What is a Print Reference?............................................................................................ 8-2
Set a Top Print Reference............................................................................................. 8-2
Set the Tear Off Distance.............................................................................................. 8-3
Set a Left Print Reference ............................................................................................. 8-3
Local Margins are Tricky ............................................................................................... 8-4
Use Top Print Reference or Top Margin?...................................................................... 8-4
Use Left Print Reference or Left Margin? ...................................................................... 8-5
Load Length Adjustment ............................................................................................... 8-5
Chapter 9. Power Up and Reset ....................................................................................... 9-1
The State of the Printer on Power-up ............................................................................ 9-1
Reset the Printer - ISU .................................................................................................. 9-1
After a Software Upgrade.............................................................................................. 9-2
After an ISU................................................................................................................... 9-2
Chapter 10. Paper Handling Features and Techniques .................................................. 10-1
Adjust Paper Tension .................................................................................................. 10-2
Install the Front Tractors.............................................................................................. 10-4
Switch Between Front Feed and Bottom Feed ............................................................ 10-6
Removing the Rear Tractors ....................................................................................... 10-7
Change Paper Paths from the Control Panel .............................................................. 10-9
Change Paper Paths from the Host........................................................................... 10-10
Recover from a Remote Path Change Failure........................................................... 10-10
Auto Load on Paper Out............................................................................................ 10-11
Multipart Forms ......................................................................................................... 10-11
Manual Paper Path.................................................................................................... 10-12

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Table of contents Page
Chapter 10. Paper Handling Features and Techniques (Continued)
Manual Path Auto-loads the Next Sheet ................................................................... 10-14
Continuous Envelopes .............................................................................................. 10-15
Clean Up After Nonbonded Paper............................................................................. 10-15
Tips for Continuous Forms ........................................................................................ 10-16
Chapter 11. Maintenance and Troubleshooting .............................................................. 11-1
Clean the Printer ......................................................................................................... 11-1
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................... 11-3
Hex Dump ................................................................................................................... 11-5
Serial Interface Loopback Test.................................................................................... 11-6
Replacing the Print Head ............................................................................................ 11-6
Adjust the Flight-Time Compensation ......................................................................... 11-9
Chapter 12. Interface ...................................................................................................... 12-1
RS-232C Serial Interface ............................................................................................ 12-1
Serial Data Cable ........................................................................................................ 12-4
Serial Pin Assignments............................................................................................ 12-4
CENTRONICS Parallel Interface................................................................................. 12-5
Parallel Interface Signals............................................................................................. 12-5
Parallel Timing Diagram .............................................................................................. 12-6
Parallel Data Cable ..................................................................................................... 12-7
Buffer Options ............................................................................................................. 12-8
Appendix A. Emulation and Software Options .................................................................A-1
Emulation Options .........................................................................................................A-2
Software Options...........................................................................................................A-4
Appendix B. Hardware Configuration Menu.....................................................................B-1
Appendix C. Options and Supplies ..................................................................................C-1
Appendix D. Specifications ..............................................................................................D-1
Paper Handling..............................................................................................................D-2
Printer Emulations .........................................................................................................D-2
Print Technology ...........................................................................................................D-3
Form Control .................................................................................................................D-4
Complete Index.......................................................................................................... Index-1

Introduction 1-1

3870 User’s Manual
1-2
Chapter 1. Introduction
This printer is a high duty cycle, serial dot matrix printer with a dual paper path and
auto print head gap adjustment.
•Among the advanced features of this printer are: automatic or semiautomatic print
head gap adjustment, remote or local selection of emulations, remote or local
selection of paper paths, automatic loading of a second paper path when the first
path is empty, and the ability to store, for subsequent recall, four user-defined sets
of parameters called formats. Other characteristics are :
•input voltage: switch-selectable 115 or 230 VAC
•power dissipation: 130 watts maximum
•hardware interfaces: menu selectable CENTRONICS parallel and RS-232
serial; and, by adapters: 10 Base T, Token
•standard emulations: menu-or host-selectable ANSI X3.64, IBMGP, IBM
Proprinter XL, DEC LA-210, Epson FX 286e, and GENICOM 3410.
•standard fonts: menu-or host-selectable Gothic, Gothic Italic, Micro Gothic,
Wide Gothic, Courier, and Courier Italic, OCR-A, OCR-B, Oversize in Draft
or Near Letter quality, each; in pitches of 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 17.1, 20.
•ANSI Oversized: rotatable, expandable to 18700 points in 10-point increments.
See Oversized Font chapter in Programmer’s Manual.
•ANSI bar codes: Twenty-four styles, rotatable and scaleable. See Bar Code
chapter in Programmer’s Manual.
NOTE: Complete specifications are in Appendix D.

Set It Up and Get It Running 2-1
Chapter 2. Set It Up and Get It Running
Packaged with the printer and this manual are a power cord, a ribbon cartridge, a
tractor assembly, and a programmer’s manual.
Choose a Place for the Printer that is :
level and solid Print head speeds are very high. If the printer table is not extremely
stable, the printer may cause the printer table to rock.
away from direct sunlight Ribbon inks dry out in the sun.
away from heaters and
heating vents
High temperatures degrade plastic and stress electrical components,
and provokes thermal throttle.
away from excessive
dust or moisture
Dust shortens print head and gear train life. Very high humidity
causes paper handling problems.
within 6.5 feet of a
grounded AC outlet
The length of the power cord.
suitable for using the
bottom paper path ...
The printer stand must have a slot through which to feed paper. A
suitable pedestal is available from an authorized dealer. See “Paper
Handling Features and Techniques”, Chapter 10. The bottom paper
path is the best choice for gummed labels, bar codes, multipart
forms, and other hard-to-feed stock.
away from conference
rooms & their door-ways
Sound emission at 10 ft can be high even with all damping plastic in
place and printer operating with top and/or front doors open or cover
panels removed. Noise is a workplace stress factor.
away from critically dust-
sensitive operations
All paper is a source for dust. Printhead wires create more of this
dust. Higher printer use with economy papers can create high enough
dust levels to aggravate asthma or contaminate sensitive processes.
Never put any printer in a “clean room”.

3870 User’s Manual
2-2
Select the Voltage (Models with Voltage Selector Switch)
CAUTION: Do not select
115V and plug the
printer into 230V !
If the printer is plugged into 230V when set to 115V and power is
applied, the power supply will be seriously damaged. On the other
hand, if 230V is selected and the printer is plugged into 115V, it will
not be damaged, but the printer won’t work.
Check the voltage
selector switch on the
back of the printer.
Printers shipped to the US. and to Canada have the switch set to
115V. Printers shipped to other countries are shipped with the switch
set to 230V. Either 115V or 230V will be visible in the windows on
the switch. Most installations in the US. use 115V.
If you need to change
voltage ...
Use a slender object such as a paper clip that has been straightened.
When setting the printer for 115 VAC, slide the switch to the left so
it shows 115V. Slide it to the right for 230V operation.
Select the Voltage (Models without Voltage Selector Switch)
If there is No Voltage
Selector……
Printers without a Voltage Selector Switch will automatically switch to
the correct voltage setting. No additional action is necessary by the
user.

Set It Up and Get It Running 2-3
Power Cords
Don't use two-wire extension cords or adapters that allow connection to ungrounded
outlets.
A 6.5-foot power cord is shipped with the printer. The power cord included with
printers sold for 115V installations in the US. and Canada is ready to use.
International model printers are shipped with a power cord which can be used in a
number of European countries.
For units to be operated at 115V, use a UL Listed/ CSA Certified three-conductor cord
set, #18 AWG minimum, Type SVT or SJT. The maximum length is 15 feet. There
must be a NENIA 5-15P (parallel blade, grounding type) plug on one end and a
CEE 22/5 socket on the other end. The cord set should be rated 10A, 250V and have a
grounding plug with safety approvals appropriate for the country in which the
equipment will be installed.
For units to be operated at 230V inside US. and Canada, use a UL Listed/CSA
Certified three-conductor cord set, #18 AWG minimum, Type SVT or SJT. The
maximum length is 15 feet. There must be a NEMA 6-15P (tandem blade, grounding
type) plug on one end and a CEE 22/5 socket on the other end. The cord set should be
rated IOA, 25OV and have a grounding plug with safety approvals appropriate for the
country in which the equipment will be installed.
For units to be operated at 23OV outside the US. and Canada, use a three-conductor
cord set, EUR-H05VV-FG31,0 minimum, with a CEE 22/5 socket on one end. The
cord set should be rated 10A, 250V and have a grounding plug with safety approvals
appropriate for the country in which the equipment will be installed. The cord set
should be marked HAR.

3870 User’s Manual
2-4
Plug It In and Turn It On
Make sure the power
switch is off.
The power switch is on the back of the printer. Press the switch
down to be sure it is off. Plug the female end of the cord to the
power connector on the back of the printer under the power switch.
Plug the male end into an AC outlet.
Turn on the power
switch.
All four lights on the control panel come on for a few seconds. The
print head moves to its home position on the left, if it’s not already
there. Three lights go out. The fault light stays on.
The LCD should say
Fault : Paper Out
The liquid crystal display on the front panel shows this message until
paper is loaded.
If the printer didn’t come
on ..
Check the AC outlet with another appliance. Make sure the voltage
selector switch is set for the right voltage.
If the printer beeps ... If the printer emits a series of short beeps, something’s wrong. Note
the number of beeps and call for service.

Set It Up and Get It Running 2-5
Install the Ribbon
The printer must be powered up before a ribbon can be installed. The printhead has to
back away from the striker bar to provide clearance to slide the ribbon guide onto the
print head nozzle.
The print head automatically backs away from the striker bar any time the printer is
turned on and there is no paper in front of the print head.
If there is paper in front
of the print head -
Press the PARK/PATH key. The printer should retract the paper, and
the LCD should say Fault:Paper Out.
Remove the top door.
Unpack the ribbon and
unwrap it.
Hold the cartridge as shown. Take the shipping tape off the ribbon
guide. Squeeze the ears on the ribbon guide together and slip the
ribbon guide up off the cartridge.

3870 User’s Manual
2-6
If the ribbon is twisted,
untwist it.
Untwist it as much as possible. There is a resident half-twist in the
ribbon that may end up between the ribbon guide and one end of the
cartridge. The ribbon will still work like this. Turn the ribbon
advance knob to tighten the ribbon fabric. The ribbon will not work
if the 1/2 twist is on the ribbon guide itself.

Set It Up and Get It Running 2-7
WARNING
If the printer has been printing for a while, the print head may
be HOT !
Move the print head left
or right until it’s centered
between the middle pair
of exit rollers.
The print head must be centered between pairs of rollers in order to
install the ribbon guide onto the print head nozzle.
EXIT ROLLERS
PRINT HEAD NOZZLE

3870 User’s Manual
2-8
Wiggle the ribbon guide
onto the print head
nozzle and snap it down
flush.
The ribbon guide fits snugly between the exit rollers. Center the
ribbon guide over the print nozzle. Start with the front end of the
ribbon guide pointing slightly up and then rotate it down onto the
print head nozzle. It should snap down into place with moderate
pressure.
Find the ribbon drive
spindle..
Look down into the printer toward the left side and notice a small
shaft sticking up vertically through a shiny plate.