Epson LX-1170 User Manual

viiiMechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4Electronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3-14Using the Printer Software2. Click the Monitoring Preferences button. The Monitoring Preferences dialog box appears.3. The following settings are

Using the Printer Software3-153Accessing EPSON Status Monitor 3To access the EPSON Status Monitor 3 utility:❏ Double-click the printer-shaped shortcut

3-16Using the Printer SoftwareUsing the EPSON Remote! Utility (LX-300+ only)The EPSON Remote! utility allows you to easily change the printer’s defaul

Troubleshooting4-14Chapter 4TroubleshootingUsing the Error Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2Problems and

4-2TroubleshootingUsing the Error Indicators You can identify many common printer problems using the lights on the control panel. If your printer stop

Troubleshooting4-34 n = on, f = flashing••• = short series of beeps (three beeps)• • • • • = long series of beeps (five beeps)Note:The printer beeps

4-4TroubleshootingProblems and SolutionsMost problems you may encounter while operating your printer have simple solutions.You can check the operation

Troubleshooting4-54PrintingThe printer does not printThe lights come on briefly and then go off. The lights stay off even when the power is turned on

4-6TroubleshootingThe print is faint or unevenThe printer makes a strange noise, the beeper sounds five times, and the printer stops abruptly.The pape

Troubleshooting4-74Dots are missing in printed characters or graphicsPrinted characters are not what you expectedA line of dots is missing in the prin

Getting to Know Your Printer 1Getting to Know Your Printer Your EPSON® LX-300+/LX-1170 9-pin dot matrix printer provides high-quality printing a

4-8TroubleshootingThe print position is not what you expectedPaper HandlingSingle sheets do not feed properlyPrinting starts too high or too low on th

Troubleshooting4-94Continuous paper does not feed properlyPaper feeding is crooked or the paper jams.The paper was not fed correctly or is of the wron

4-10TroubleshootingPaper feeding is crooked or the paper jams.The position of your paper supply may be preventing it from feeding straight. Make sure

Troubleshooting4-114OptionsWhen you use the cut-sheet feeder, the paper does not feed properlyThe paper does not feed.The cut-sheet feeder may be inco

4-12TroubleshootingSwitching between the cut-sheet feeder and the push tractor does not work properlyUsing the pull tractor with the push tractor, con

Troubleshooting4-134With the color upgrade kit installed, the printer does not operate properly (LX-300+ only)The lights on the control panel do not g

4-14Troubleshooting

A-1AAppendix ACleaning the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2Transporting the Printer. . . . . . .

A-2Cleaning the Printer To keep your printer operating at its best, you should clean it thoroughly several times a year.Follow these steps to clean yo

A-3ATransporting the Printer If you need to transport your printer for some distance, carefully repack it using the original box and packing materials

2 Getting to Know Your PrinterNotes contain important information and useful tips on the operation of your printer.Important Safety Instructions

A-4Printer SpecificationsMechanicalPrinting method: 9-pin impact dot matrixPrinting speed: High speed draft 300 cps at 10 cpi337 cps at 12 cpiDraft 2

A-5APaper feed speed: Continuous 76 mm/second(3.6 inches/second)Intermittent 63 msec/line at 1/6-inchline spacingColor printing (optional, LX-300+ on

A-6Electronic Black ribbon(for LX-300+):Black ribbon cartridge (#8750)Black ribbon life 4 million characters(Draft 10 cpi,14 dots/character)Black rib

A-7ACharacter tables: One Italic and 12 graphical character tables:Italic table, PC 437 (US, Standard Europe), PC 850 (Multilingual), PC 860 (Portugue

A-8ElectricalNote:Check the label on the back of the printer for the voltage of your printer.EnvironmentalPaperNote:❏ Use recycled paper, envelopes, l

A-9A❏ Do not load paper that has been folded or is damaged, wrinkled, or curled.For LX-300+Single sheets (standard): paper guide and cut-sheet feeder

A-10Envelopes: paper guide entryContinuous paper (standard and multipart): rear and bottom entrySize No. 6: 165 × 92 mm (6.5 × 3.6 inches)No. 10: 241

A-11ALabels: bottom entryRoll paper: rear entry with optional roll paper holderLabel size 23.8 × 63.5 mm (15/16 × 2.5 inches) minimum2.5 mm (0.1 inch)

A-12For LX-1170Single sheets (standard): paper guide and cut-sheet feeder entrySingle-sheet multipart forms: paper guide entryWidth Paper guide:148 to

A-13AEnvelopes: paper guide entryContinuous paper (standard and multipart): rear and bottom entrySize No. 6: 165 × 92 mm (6.5 × 3.6 inches)No. 10: 241

Getting to Know Your Printer 3❏ Except as specifically explained in this guide, do not attempt to service the printer yourself.❏ Unplug the prin

A-14Labels: bottom entryRoll paper: rear entry with optional roll paper holderLabel size 23.8 × 63.5 mm (15/16 × 2.5 inches) minimum2.5 mm (0.1 inch)

A-15APrintable areaSingle sheets and envelopes: For LX-300+A The minimum top margin is 4.2 mm (0.17 inch).B The minimum left and right margins are 3.0

A-16For LX-1170A The minimum top margin is 4.2 mm (0.17 inch).B The minimum left and right margins are 3.0 mm (0.12 inch) each.The maximum paper width

A-17AContinuous paper:For LX-300+A The minimum top and bottom margins above and below the perforation are 4.2 mm (0.17 inch) each.B The minimum left a

A-18For LX-1170A The minimum top and bottom margins above and below the perforation are 4.2 mm (0.17 inch) each.B The minimum left and right margins a

A-19ARoll paper:A The minimum top and bottom margins are 4.2 mm (0.17 inch).B The minimum left margin is 3.0 mm (0.12 inch).The minimum right margin i

A-20Paper alignmentPrinting starts at “0” on the scale. The unprintable area is to the left of the “0.”Standards and approvalsU. S. model:European mod

A-21ACommand Lists Your printer supports the EPSON ESC/P control codes and IBM 2380 Plus (for LX-300+)/ IBM 2381 Plus (for LX-1170) emulation control

A-22Bit image: ESC K, ESC L, ESC Y, ESC Z, ESC *, ESC ^Bar code:ESC (B Color printing (LX-300+ only):ESC rIBM 2380 Plus (for LX-300+)/ IBM 2381 Plus (

A-23ACharacter handling:ESC 6, ESC 7, ESC [T, ESC ^, ESC \Bit image:ESC K, ESC L, ESC Y, ESC ZBarcode:ESC [f, ESC [pDownload:ESC = (only Draft mode)Co

4 Getting to Know Your PrinterPrint Head Caution Symbol This symbol is placed on the print head to indicate that the print head may be hot. Never

A-24For users in North AmericaIf you purchased your printer in the United States or Canada, EPSON provides technical assistance 24 hours a day through

A-25A❏ Computer configuration❏ Description of the problemNote:For help using any other software on your system, see the documentation for that softwar

A-26Support Via TelephoneOur Customer and Warranty Support teams can be contacted by calling 0870 163 7766 in the UK or 0044 0870 163 7766 from the Re

A-27AInternet URL http://www.epson.com.auAccess the EPSON Australia World Wide Web pages. Worth taking your modem here for the occasional surf! The si

A-28For users in SingaporeSources of information, support, and services available from Epson Singapore are:World Wide Web (www.epson.com.sg)Informatio

A-29AUsers can access our World Wide Web home page at:http://www.epson.com.hkElectronic bulletin board systemAn electronic bulletin board system (BBS)

A-30Epson Trading Shah Alam Head OfficeFor users in IndiaContacts for information, support, and services are:World Wide Web (www.epson.co.in)Informati

A-31AEpson India Regional Offices:For users in the PhilippinesTo obtain technical support as well as other after sales services, users are welcome to

A-32

IN-1IndexNumerics0 slash, 2-6AAdjustingpaper-thickness lever, 2-28 to 2-29tear-off position, 2-25 to 2-27top-of-form position, 2-22 to 2-24Auto CR (ca

Getting to Know Your Printer 5Safety information wWarning: This appliance must be earthed. Refer to the rating plate for voltage and check that

IN-2LLabelsprinting, 2-30 to 2-31specifications, A-11, A-14Lights. See Control panelMManual feed wait time, 2-8Micro adjust, 2-22 to 2-24, 2-25 to 2-2

IN-3Specificationsbuilt-in font, A-6character tables, A-7command listsESC/P, A-21 to A-22IBM 2380 Plus/IBM 2381 Plus em-ulation, A-22 to A-23electrica

Printer Partsprinter covercontrol panelpaper guidepaper-release leverpaper supportspaper guide coverknobedge guidestractorribbon cartridgeparallel int

2001 JanuaryEPSON OVERSEAS MARKETING LOCATIONSEpson America, Inc.3840 Kilroy Airport WayLong Beach, CA 90806Phone: (562) 981-3840Fax: (562) 290-5220

6 Getting to Know Your Printer

1Setting Up the Printer1-1Chapter 1Setting Up the PrinterUnpacking the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-2Setting Up the PrinterUnpacking the Printer Besides the items shown in the illustration below, the printer box should include an EPSON printer soft

1Setting Up the Printer1-3You must remove all protective materials packed around and inside your printer before you set it up and turn on the power. F

Control Panel Buttons and LightsTear Off (Font) button**●Advances continuous paper to the tear-off position.●Feeds continuous paper backward from the

1-4Setting Up the Printer❏ Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or automatic timers. An interruption in power can erase information in

1Setting Up the Printer1-5Assembling the PrinterThis section provides you with information on how to get your printer up and running.See “Printer Part

1-6Setting Up the PrinterAttaching the paper supportsYou should install the paper supports before you begin using the printer.Follow these steps to at

1Setting Up the Printer1-73. Hold another paper support and push the tips into the notches of the other side on the edge guide.4. Hold another paper s

1-8Setting Up the Printer5. Repeat step 4 for the other paper support.Plugging in the printerFollow these steps to plug in the printer:1. Make sure th

1Setting Up the Printer1-9Installing or replacing the ribbon cartridgeBefore installing the ribbon cartridge, make sure that the printer is not plugge

1-10Setting Up the Printer4. Make sure that the print head is in position at 10 cm (4 inches) from the left side. If it is not, turn on the printer, a

1Setting Up the Printer1-116. Insert the ribbon cartridge into the printer as shown; then press both sides of the cartridge firmly to fit the plastic

1-12Setting Up the Printer8. For LX-1170 users, reinstall the paper tension unit.9. Reinstall and close the printer cover.When printing becomes faint,

1Setting Up the Printer1-13 cCaution:For LX-300+: You should use paper at least 210mm (8 1/4 inches) wide to run the self test; otherwise, the print h

User’s Guide9-Pin Dot Matrix PrinterAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted i

1-14Setting Up the Printer4. Slide a sheet of paper down firmly between the edge guides until it meets resistance. The printer loads the sheet automat

1Setting Up the Printer1-15Connecting the Printer to Your ComputerYour printer includes both an IEEE-1284-compatible parallel interface and an EIA-232

1-16Setting Up the Printer2. Plug the parallel cable connector securely into the printer’s parallel interface port. Squeeze the wire clips together un

1Setting Up the Printer1-17Using the serial interfaceYou need a serial cable that has a DB-25 male connector on the printer side to use the serial int

1-18Setting Up the PrinterNote:If there is a ground wire at the end of the cable, attach it to the ground connector located to the right of the serial

1Setting Up the Printer1-19Installing the Printer SoftwareAfter you connect the printer to your computer, you need to install the software included on

1-20Setting Up the PrinterInstalling the software in Windows Me, 98, 95, 2000, or NT 4.0Follow these steps to install the printer software in Windows

1Setting Up the Printer1-213. Click Install to start the printer software installation.4. Select your printer from the list, then follow the instructi

1-22Setting Up the Printer3. Choose Run from the File menu. The Run dialog box appears. In the Command Line box, type D:SETUP. (If your CD-ROM drive h

1Setting Up the Printer1-23For DOS programs To control the printer from DOS application programs, you need to select the printer you are using or anot

iiFCC Compliance Statement For United States UsersThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pur

1-24Setting Up the Printer

Using the Printer2-12Chapter 2Using the PrinterUsing the Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2Selectin

2-2Using the PrinterUsing the Control PanelYou can control simple printer operations—such as line feeding, form feeding, loading and ejecting paper, a

Using the Printer2-32About Your Printer’s Default Settings The default settings control many printer functions. While you can often set these function

2-4Using the PrinterParallel I/F bidirectional modeOn, OffPacket mode Auto, OffCharacter table* Standard model:Italic, PC 437, PC 850, PC 860, PC 863,

Using the Printer2-52Page length for tractorThis setting allows you to set the page length (in inches) for continuous paper.Skip over perforationThis

2-6Using the PrinterPrint directionYou can select bidirectional printing (Bi-D) or unidirectional printing (Uni-D). Printing is normally bidirectional

Using the Printer2-72Auto I/F (interface) wait timeThis setting takes effect only when I/F (interface) mode is set to Auto. This setting determines ho

2-8Using the PrinterCharacter tableYou can select from among 13 to 35 standard character tables, depending on the country of purchase. See “Character

Using the Printer2-92IBM character tableThis setting is available only in IBM 2380 Plus (for LX-300+)/ IBM 2381 Plus (for LX-1170) emulation mode. Whe

iiiDECLARATION of CONFORMITYAccording to 47CFR, Part 2 and 15 for Class B Personal Computers and Peripherals; and/or CPU Boards and Power Supplies use

2-10Using the Printer5. Press down the Tear Off (Font) button. The printer prints the Default Setting mode instructions (three or four pages) in the l

Using the Printer2-112❏ Are you printing on labels, multipart forms, or other documents that require a precise print position? Use the tractor as a pu

2-12Using the Printer2. Release the sprocket units by pulling the sprocket locks forward.3. Slide the left sprocket unit using the scale on the printe

Using the Printer2-1324. Make sure your paper has a clean, straight leading edge. Open the sprocket covers. Fit the first holes of the paper over the

2-14Using the Printer5. To separate the incoming paper from the printed paper, attach the paper guide by holding it horizontally and fitting its notch

Using the Printer2-152Removing a printed document from the push tractor Follow these steps to remove the printed document:1. Press the Tear Off (Font)

2-16Using the Printer3. Close the paper guide cover.When you resume printing, the printer automatically feeds the paper back to the top-of-form positi

Using the Printer2-172 cCaution:❏ Use the paper-feed knob on the right side of the printer only to clear paper jams and only when the printer is off.

2-18Using the Printer2. Squeeze the tractor’s lock tabs gently on both sides, and then rotate the tractor up to pull it away from the printer.3. Move

Using the Printer2-1924. Release the sprocket units by pulling the sprocket locks forward.5. Insert the paper into the bottom paper slot or into the r

iv

2-20Using the Printer6. Slide the left sprocket unit so that its sprockets match the position of the holes in the paper and lock the unit in place. Th

Using the Printer2-212Note:Remove any remaining slack by gently pulling the paper from the rear or bottom.8. To separate the incoming paper from the p

2-22Using the PrinterAdjusting the top-of-form position The top-of-form position is the position on the page where the printer starts printing. If you

Using the Printer2-2325. Press the LF/FF D button to move the top-of-form position up on the page, or press the Load/Eject U button to move the top-

2-24Using the PrinterFirst mark a point 2.5 mm (0.1 inch) above the paper’s perforation; then position the paper so that the mark is even with the top

Using the Printer2-252Using the Tear Off button After the printer finishes printing your document, check that the Tear Off (Font) lights are not flash

2-26Using the Printer1. Make sure the Tear Off (Font) lights are flashing (the paper is at the current tear-off position). You may need to press the T

Using the Printer2-2726. Tear off the printed pages.When you resume printing, the printer automatically feeds the paper back to the top-of-form positi

2-28Using the PrinterLoading single sheetsYou load single sheets as shown in “Running the Self Test” on page 1-12. For normal use, turn on the printer

Using the Printer2-2921. Turn the printer off and open the printer cover. The paper-thickness lever is on the left side of the printer. The numbers ne

vContentsGetting to Know Your PrinterWarnings, Cautions, and Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Important Safety Instructio

2-30Using the PrinterMultipart formsYou can use continuous or single-sheet carbonless multipart forms of up to five parts (one original plus four copi

Using the Printer2-312❏ Load labels the same way as you would load ordinary continuous paper. See “Printing with the pull tractor” on page 2-16 for lo

2-32Using the PrinterEnvelopesYou can feed envelopes individually using the paper guide. Keep the following tips in mind:❏ Before loading an envelope,

Using the Printer2-332Installing and Using OptionsCut-sheet feederThe optional single-bin cut-sheet feeder (C80637✽ for LX-300+/C80639✽ for LX-1170) h

2-34Using the Printer4. Hold the cut-sheet feeder in both hands and press on the latch levers. Fit the notches in the cut-sheet feeder over the mounti

Using the Printer2-3525. Slide the left paper guide so it is aligned with the triangle mark. Next, slide the right paper guide to roughly match the wi

2-36Using the Printer7. Take a stack of paper and fan it. Next, tap the side and bottom of the paper on a flat surface to even up the stack. cCaution:

Using the Printer2-37213. Slide the left edge guide to the center until it stops at the guide mark. Then slide the right edge guide to fit the size of

2-38Using the Printer3. For LX-300+ users: grasp the pull tractor with both hands. Move the tractor forward to the mounting slot at the top of the pri

Using the Printer2-3924. Load continuous paper on the sprocket units of the push-tractor. (See “Printing on Continuous Paper” on page 2-10.)5. Turn on

viAbout Your Printer’s Default Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3Changing default settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2-40Using the PrinterRoll paper holderThe optional roll paper holder (#8310) allows you to use your printer with 8.5-inch roll paper like that used wi

Using the Printer2-4124. Cut the leading edge of the roll paper straight across. Slide the roll paper holder shaft through the center of the paper rol

2-42Using the PrinterColor upgrade kit (LX-300+ only)The optional color upgrade kit (C83208✽) includes a color ribbon cartridge and a motor unit.Follo

Using the Printer2-4322. Install the motor unit in the right hand corner of the printer, with the gear facing the center of the printer. Push it down

2-44Using the Printer5. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow to remove any slack in the ribbon.6. Insert the ribbon cartridge

Using the Printer2-452If the top or bottom edge of the characters in the self test are a different color from the rest, adjust the ribbon angle. Check

2-46Using the PrinterPrint serverYou can use this printer as a network printer by installing the EpsonNet 10/100 BASE TX Ext. Print Server (C82378✽) i

Using the Printer Software3-13Chapter 3Using the Printer SoftwareUsing the Printer Driver with Windows Me, 98, and 95 . . . . . . . 3-2Accessing the p

3-2Using the Printer SoftwareUsing the Printer Driver with Windows Me, 98, and 95You can access the printer driver from your Windows applications or f

Using the Printer Software3-331. Select Print Setup or Print from the File menu of your application software. The Print or Print Setup dialog box appe

viiAbout the EPSON Status Monitor 3 Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13Setting up EPSON Status Monitor 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3-4Using the Printer SoftwareChanging the printer driver settingsYour printer driver has four menus: Paper, Graphics, Device Options, and Utility. For

Using the Printer Software3-53Accessing the printer driver from Windows applicationsFollow these steps to access the printer driver from a Windows app

3-6Using the Printer SoftwareOnce you have checked your printer driver settings and changed them if necessary, you are ready to print.Using the Printe

Using the Printer Software3-73Note:❏ The steps in this procedure provide general guidelines on accessing the printer driver. How you access the printe

3-8Using the Printer Software3. To view a menu, click the corresponding tab at the top of the window. See “Changing the printer driver settings” below

Using the Printer Software3-93Once you have checked your printer driver settings and changed them if necessary, you are ready to print.Using the Print

3-10Using the Printer Software1. Select Print Setup or Print from the File menu of your application software. The Print or Print Setup dialog box appe

Using the Printer Software3-113Printer Driver Settings OverviewThe following tables show the Windows printer driver settings. Note that not every sett

3-12Using the Printer SoftwareThe monitoring settings are shown below.EPSON Status Monitor 3You can access the EPSON Status Monitor 3 utility when you

Using the Printer Software3-133About the EPSON Status Monitor 3 Utility The EPSON Status Monitor 3 utility that comes with your printer is available f