Oki MICROLINE 591Elite User manual

User Guide
People to People Technology
MICROLINE
590/591Elite
IBM-/EPSON

i
Note To Customers
Everyefforthasbeenmadetoensurethattheinformationinthisdocumentiscomplete,
accurate and up-to-date. Mention of software packages manufactured by other
companies does not necessarily constitute endorsement by Oki. We do not assume
responsibility for errors beyond our control, nor can Oki guarantee that changes in the
softwareandequipmentmadebyothermanufacturersandreferredtointhisbookwill
not affect the applicability of information in this book.
© Copyright 1994 by Oki.
Oki is a registered trademark of Oki Electric Industry Co. Ltd.
Microline is a registered trademark of Oki Electric Industry Co. Ltd.
Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corp.
IBM,IBM PC, PC XT andPC AT are registered trademarksof International Business
Machines Corp.
SWISS®is a trademark of Bitstream, Inc.

ii
Introduction
Oki ML590/91 Elite printers are now equipped with the latest Epson printer control
language called ESC/P2. While supporting ESC/P commands as its subset, ESC/P2
also provides:
– Fonts which can be defined by point size and pitch in one command.
– Fontscalingbetween8and64points(Courier,RomanandSwisstypefaces).
– Enhanced raster graphics mode.
YourMicroline590/591EliteincorporatesINTELLIGENTHEADTECHNOLOGY,
Oki’s proprietary method for improving paper handling and print quality. It
automatically senses the thickness of the loaded paper and adjusts the head gap prior
toprinting.Thereforewithawkwardmedialikeenvelopes,multipartformsetc.,itcan
compensate for changes in the thickness of paper. Auto head gap technology means
superior print quality, especially on multi-part forms. It is simple to use as no manual
adjustment is necessary when changing paper types.
Other features of the ML590/591 Elite include:
– Zero tear for better forms management.
– Elimination of the bail arm, for a clearer and more versatile paper path.
– Seven resident fonts (including draft).
– Optional colour ribbon kit.
– Optional bottom push tractor unit, with stand and metal tear bar.
– Optional roll paper stand (ML590 Elite only).
– Single and dual bin cut sheet feeder assemblies.
– Eight resident bar code fonts.
– Fast Letter Quality printing at 120 cps and Draft at 360 cps (at 12 CPI).

iii
Contents
Selecting Drivers ....................................................................................... vi
Chapter 1: Setup ....................................................................................... 1–1
Preliminaries .......................................................................................... 1–2
Connecting to Your Computer............................................................... 1–3
Installing the Ribbon Cartridge.............................................................. 1–4
Installing the Paper Guide...................................................................... 1–5
Self Adjust Function .............................................................................. 1–6
Loading Rear Feed Continuous–Form Paper......................................... 1–7
Loading Single Sheet Paper ................................................................... 1–9
Printable Area ........................................................................................ 1–10
Setting the Top Of Form (TOF)............................................................. 1–10
Paper Park .............................................................................................. 1–11
Printing on Continuous–Form Paper with the CSF Installed................. 1–12
Clearing Paper Jams............................................................................... 1–13
Running a Self Test................................................................................ 1–14
Optional Accessories ............................................................................. 1–15
Chapter 2: Operation................................................................................ 2–1
Using the Control Panel ......................................................................... 2–1
Basic Controls........................................................................................ 2–1
Switch Combinations ............................................................................. 2–2
Button Functions in Menu Select Mode .................................................2–3
Print Characteristics ............................................................................... 2–4
Using the Menu Select Mode................................................................. 2–7
Entering the Menu Select Mode ............................................................ 2–7
Menu Selections ..................................................................................... 2–9
Explanation of Menu Terms .................................................................. 2–14
Cleaning ................................................................................................. 2–19
Problem Solving..................................................................................... 2–20
Printer Specifications ............................................................................. 2–21

iv
Chapter 3: Control Code Reference................................................... 3–1
Print Quality ........................................................................................... 3–1
Select Typeface...................................................................................... 3–2
Italics...................................................................................................... 3–3
Outline and Shadow............................................................................... 3–3
Character Pitch ....................................................................................... 3–3
Pitch ....................................................................................................... 3–4
Proportional Spacing.............................................................................. 3–4
Double Width ......................................................................................... 3–5
Compressed Printing.............................................................................. 3–5
Double Height........................................................................................ 3–6
Colour Printing....................................................................................... 3–8
Underlining ............................................................................................ 3–8
Overscore ............................................................................................... 3–9
Sub-/Superscript..................................................................................... 3–9
Bar Code Selection ................................................................................ 3–10
Combined Commands............................................................................ 3–11
Select Font ............................................................................................. 3–13
National Characters................................................................................ 3–16
All Character Set.................................................................................... 3–21
Code Page .............................................................................................. 3–22
Set Left and Right Margins.................................................................... 3–24
Justification............................................................................................ 3–25
Horizontal Tabs...................................................................................... 3–26
Vertical Tabs.......................................................................................... 3–27
Horizontal Dot Position ......................................................................... 3–30
Space Backwards ................................................................................... 3–30
Line Feed ............................................................................................... 3–32
Line Spacing .......................................................................................... 3–34
Form Feed/Form Length........................................................................ 3–35
Top of Form ........................................................................................... 3–36
Carriage Return...................................................................................... 3–37
Backspace .............................................................................................. 3–37
Reset....................................................................................................... 3–37
Clear Buffer ........................................................................................... 3–38

v
Delete One Character............................................................................. 3–38
Automatic Line Feed.............................................................................. 3–38
Unidirectional Printing........................................................................... 3–39
Printing Speed........................................................................................ 3–39
Print Suppress Mode.............................................................................. 3–40
Paper Out Sensor.................................................................................... 3–40
Emulation Mode..................................................................................... 3–40
Insert Page.............................................................................................. 3–41
Eject Page............................................................................................... 3–41
Cut Sheet Feeder Control....................................................................... 3–41
Chapter 4: ESC/P2 Command Summary............................................... 4–1
All Character Mode................................................................................ 4–1
Set Unit .................................................................................................. 4–1
Set Page Length ..................................................................................... 4–1
Set Page Format ..................................................................................... 4–2
Relative Vertical Print Position ............................................................. 4–2
Absolute Vertical Print Position ............................................................ 4–3
Set Font By Pitch And Point.................................................................. 4–3
Set Font Of Pitch And Point .................................................................. 4–4
Set Horizontal Motion Index (HMI) ...................................................... 4–4
Set Character Table................................................................................ 4–5
Set Raster Graphics Mode ..................................................................... 4–5
Print Raster Graphics ............................................................................. 4–6
Appendix A: Control Code Tables .......................................................... A–1
Appendix B: Character Code Tables ...................................................... B–1
IBM Character Sets................................................................................ B–1
Epson Character Sets ............................................................................. B–9
Appendix C: Interfacing........................................................................... C–1
Parallel Interfacing ................................................................................. C–2
Serial Interfacing (RS-232C) ................................................................. C–5
Serial Interfacing (RS-422A)................................................................. C–7
Menu Selections for Serial Interfacing .................................................. C–10
Local Tests ............................................................................................. C–11
Communication Procedures ................................................................... C–12

vi
Selecting Drivers
Printerdriversareusuallywrittenforaparticularmodelofprinterandidentifiedbythe
name of that printer. Although most packages offer several selections, they cannot
havedriversforeveryprinter.Therefore, youmay havetochooseadriverthatwas not
specifically written for the ML590/591 Elite but is compatible or nearly so. Installing
adriver is normally a simpleprocess of making a selectionfrom a menu. Look forone
ofthe following printers on your software’sprinterdriver selection. As you go further
down each list, you will have access to fewer ML590/591 Elite features.
The ML590/591 Elite is the successor to the ML390/391 but with added features. It is
thereforepossibletousetheML390/391printerdriverinplaceoftheML590/591Elite
driver.
IBM EPSON
EMULATION EMULATION
Oki ML590/591 Oki ML590/591
ML390/391 ML390/391
IBM PPR (XL24E) Epson (LQ-850, LQ-1050, LQ-870 and
LQ-1170)
IBM AGM

vii
IMPORTANT
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
GREEN AND YELLOW EARTH
BLUE NEUTRAL
BROWN LIVE
Asthecoloursofthewiresinthemainsleadofthisapparatusmaynotcorrespondwith
the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug—PROCEED AS
FOLLOWS:
The wire coloured GREEN AND YELLOW must be connected to the terminal in the
plug marked with the letter E or by the safety earth symbol or coloured GREEN or
GREEN AND YELLOW. The wire coloured BROWN must be connected to the
terminal marked with the letter L or coloured RED. The wire coloured BLUE must be
connected to the terminal marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK or BLUE.
Ensure that the mains socket outlet is situated near your printer, for easy access.
WARNING: THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
Ensure that your equipment is connected correctly. If you are in any doubt consult a
qualified electrician.

1 – 1
Choose a sturdy table, desk or printer stand to place your printer on when you remove
it from the carton box. Remove the styrofoam sides – be sure to save all packing
materials in case you need to ship the printer again – and check the box for these
contents:
●Oki Microline 590/591 Elite printer
●Paper guide
●AC mains cable
●Platen knob (fitted)
●Ribbon cartridge
●Printer handbook
Note: If any of these items is missing or damaged, see your dealer for a
replacement.
Interface cable and paper are sold separately.
If paper guide is not found in the accessories pack, it may already
be installed in the printer.
Setup 1
SEL
SEL
MENU SHIFT
LF
MICROFEED
DOWN
FF/LOAD
MICROFEED
DOWN
TEAR PARK TOP
TOF
TOF
PRINT QUALITY
CHARACTER PITCH
AC Mains cable
Platen knob
Printer
Paper guide
Ribbon
☞

1 – 2
Preliminaries
Open the access cover and remove the shipping retainer. (Save the shipping retainer
with the packaging materials, in case you need to ship the printer).
The platen knob should already be installed, however, if this is not the case , or it has
been removed for any reason, the flat side of the shaft should be lined up with the flat
side of the knob (see diagram).
POWER
SEL
MENU SHIFT
LF
MICROFEED
DOWN
FF/LOAD
MICROFEED
DOWN
TEAR PARK
QUIET
TOF
SEL
PRINT
SET
ITEM
GROUP
ALARM
PRINT QUALITY
CHARACTER PITCH
TOF
Shipping retainer
Platen knob

1 – 3
Connecting to Your Computer
Before you can use your printer, you need to attach it to your computer using an
interface cable.
Notes: Interface cables are not supplied with the printer.
Do not connect serial and parallel cables at the same time.
1. Make sure both your computer and your printer are switched OFF.
2. Attach the AC mains cable to the socket in the rear of the printer, and plug it into
an earthed power source.
Note:Donotuseanunearthedadapterwithyourprinter.Theprintermust
be connected to an earthed power supply.
3. Plug the printer end of your interface cable into the connector at the rear of the
printer.
4. Connecttheotherendofyourinterfacecabletotheprinterportonyourcomputer.
Interface cable
AC mains cable
☞
☞

1 – 4
Installing the Ribbon Cartridge
IMPORTANT
Youhavejustboughtthebestprinter,sobesuretousetheonlyribbonsrecommended
for it. Original Oki ribbons are the only ones recommended. Ask for them by name.
Please remember that if you buy any other ribbon your warranty may be invalidated.
Purchasinginferior ribbons really does not make sense. They do not last aslong.They
are prone to shredding, which can cause damage to your printhead. That is why any
short term savings on cheaper ribbons are quickly lost.
Sodo not waste your time and money. Insist on Oki consumables foryourOkiprinter.
You can order them from your printer supplier.
1. Unpack the ribbon cartridge.
2. Open the printer access cover.
3. Centre the printhead.
Note:Theprintheadcangetveryhotduringextendedperiodsofprinting—
be sure to let it cool off before you touch it.
4. Place the ribbon into the printer, push down so that the cartridge snaps into
position.
5. Turn the blue take-up knob clockwise to take up any ribbon slack.
POWER
SEL
MENU SHIFT
LF
MICROFEED
DOWN
FF/LOAD
MICROFEED
DOWN
TEAR PARK
QUIET
TOF
SEL
PRINT
SET
ITEM
GROUP
ALARM
PRINT QUALITY
CHARACTER PITCH
TOF
Centre the print head
☞

1 – 5
Installing the Paper Guide
Paper guide
Paper guide
Locate lugs into
grooves in paper
guide, and lift
SEL
SEL
MENU SHIFT
LF
MICROFEED
DOWN
FF/LOAD
MICROFEED
DOWN
TEAR PARK TOP
TOF
TOF
PRINT QUALITY
CHARACTER PITCH

1 – 6
Self Adjust Function
The self adjust function maintains the correct head gap setting and improved print
quality.
When the printer is powered up without paper, the printer starts the self adjust cycle
automatically after initialisation.
Usethis function regularly when rear orbottompaperfeedis used, and approximately
every one box or 2000 sheets.
Note: The printer ribbon must be installed before the self adjust function
is performed.
• Switch on the printer, the Power/ALARM lamp comes on and the printhead
assembly moves to its home position.
• The Print Quality/Character Pitch lamp comes on.
• The Self Adjust cycle starts.
Note: Before replacing your printers ribbon deselect the printer, this will
centre the printhead (approximately two seconds) and maximise the head
gap (position 9). Once this has been done the old ribbon can be removed
and the new ribbon installed.
☞
☞

1 – 7
Loading Rear Feed Continuous-Form Paper
When printing on rear feed continuous form paper use the built-in tractor.
1. Lift the rear paper guide into the upright position.
2. Move the centre paper supports, on the tractor unit, to the middle of the paper.
3. Move the left hand tractor to the required position. (Pull the lever forwards to
unlock the tractor and slide to adjust. Push the lever back to lock.)
Paper support
Paper guide removed
for clarity
Tractor unit
Paper lever

1 – 8
4. Open the tractor covers and set the first two sprocket holes on the paper on the
tractor pins.
5. Adjust the right hand tractor to the width of the paper.
6. Close the tractor covers.
7. Lower the paper guide back into its horizontal position.
8. Pull the paper lever forwards (to the REAR paper symbol).
9. Press the FF/LOAD button to advance the paper to the front of the printer.
10. Set the Top Of Form, refer toSetting the TOF described in this chapter, to your
requirements and you are ready to print.
Lever
Tractor cover
Continuous
paper

1 – 9
Loading Single Sheet Paper
(No paper handling options installed)
1. If you have continuous-form paper in the printer, use the paper PARK feature to
back it out of the printer. Press the PARK button. The paper will retract from the
front of the printer.
2. Move the paper lever back to the single sheet setting (towards the back of the
printer – middle setting).
3. Raise the paper guide to its upright position.
4. Place a sheet of paper on the support and adjust the guides for the width of the
paperyouareusing.Startwiththereferencemarkfortheleftedge.Thepaperwill
then load automatically .
5. Adjust the TOF if necessary. Refer to Setting the TOF described later in this
chapter.
SEL
SEL
MENU SHIFT
LF
MICROFEED
DOWN
FF/LOAD
MICROFEED
DOWN
TEAR PARK TOP
TOF
TOF
PRINT QUALITY
CHARACTER PITCH
Paper
Paper guides
PRINT QUALITY
CHARACTER PITCH
LF FF/LOAD TEAR PARK QUIET
SEL
MENU SHIFT Micro Feed
Down Micro Feed
Up
EXIT
POWER ALARM
TOF
GROUP ITEM SET PRINT
LQ
UTILITY
COURIER
PRESTIGE
GOTHIC
BOLD
ROMAN
SWISS
10
17
12
20
15
PROP
RESET
SEL
MENU

1 – 10
Printable Area
The default top margin when using single sheets is 0.35 inch (8.89mm). However, the
topof formpositioncan beadjustedby microfeedin stepsof1¦180 inchestoaminimum
position of 0.02 inches (0.5mm) from the top edge of the paper.
The bottom margin defaults to 0.5 inches (12.7mm) with Bottom Margin Valid set in
the menu. If this menu item is set to Invalid, the bottom margin will be controlled by
the Page Length setting, and will allow printing to a minimum distance of 0.02 inches
(0.5mm) from the bottom edge of the page.
Note: Care should be exercised to ensure that the correct page length
setting is selected when the Bottom Margin Invalid option is chosen, as
overprinting on to the platen roller could occur, damaging both the
printhead and the roller.
▼
▼
0.5 inch bottom
margin default
(12.7mm)
Printable area
0.35 inch top
margin default
(8.89mm)
Additional Area
Additional Area
0.02 inch
minimum
(0.5mm)
0.02 inch
minimum
(0.5mm)
0.16
inch
(4.1mm)
▲
0.12
inch
(3.0mm)
▼▲
☞
▲
▲
▲
▲
▼
▲
▲

1 – 11
Paper Park
Switching between continuous-form paper and single sheet paper is particularly easy
with your printer. Its automatic parking feature allows you to back continuous-form
paper out of the paper path at the touch of a button, and at the touch of another button
automatically positions a single sheet. The paper park feature still works when you
have an optional CSF installed on your printer whilst using continuous-form paper.
Continuous-form to Single Sheets
1. Press the PARK button. The continuous-form paper will retract from the paper
path.
2. Move the paper lever back (to the single sheet setting).
3. Press the FF/LOAD button to advance a sheet into the printer.
Single Sheet to Continuous-form
1. If there is a sheet in the printer, press the FF button to eject it.
2. Pull the paper lever forward (to the continuous-form setting).
3. Press the FF/LOAD button to advance the continuous-form paper to the front of
the printer.

1 – 12
Setting the TOF
This establishes the position of the first print line on each page. The red line and M
character on the ribbon shield show the baseline of the current position and help place
theTOF where it isneeded. To activate TOFpress SHIFT and TOFtogether when the
SEL lamp is out.
If you are using a word processor that sets its own top margin, set the TOF for the
topmost line on the page. Otherwise we recommend positioning the top of the page in
line with the top of the plastic ribbon protector, attached to the printhead mechanism;
the first line of printing will then be about one inch from the top of the page.
1. Press the FF/LOAD button to advance the paper into the printer.
2. Press the SEL button so that the lamp goes out.
3. Continuous-formpaper/SingleSheetpaper:HolddowntheSHIFTbuttonand
use the MICRO FEED buttons corresponding to the direction you wish to move
the page. When the paper is in the correct position release both buttons.
4. Press the SEL button to re-select the printer.
Whenusing the MICRO FEED buttons paper is moved in increments of1¦180 inch
allowing accurate positioning of the TOF.