Epson LQ-2550 User Manual

User’s Manual._____--.---EPSON” .Y465ss127mo

Chapter 1Setting Up the PrinterUnpacking the Printer...1-2Removing the protective materials...

OCR-BWe've just seen your excellent ad forminiature zebras in a recent back issue ofTrader's Times.OCR-AWe've just seen your excellent

Draft mode uses fewer dots per character for high-speed printing,which makes it ideal for rough drafts.The other fonts are printed in Letter Quality (

The following printout compares the fixed pitch settings.This is 10 pitch printing.This is 12 pitch printing.This is 15 pitch printing.For the fixed p

To select condensed mode, press the CONDENSED button so that thegreen light comes on. To turn off condensed mode, press the buttonagain.cclrnDENSE0Con

Choosing a Character TableThe SelecType Cci TflBLE setting lets you select the Epson ExtendedGraphics character table, the italics character table, or

Sample printouts of the italic characters and the Epson ExtendedGraphics characters are shown below.Italics!"%$%&'()*i,-./0123456789:;(=

Chapter 4Using Software and GraphicsUsing the LQ-2550 with Application Programs...4-2Using printer selection menus...

Using the LQ-2550 with Application ProgramsNow that you’ve set up and tested the printer, you need to start using itwith your application programs.Mos

Using word processorsWord processors usually let you use a fixed set of printer features byplacing markers around the text to be altered. When the doc

Unlike word processors, spreadsheet programs usually don’t let youchange printer commands within a spreadsheet. Instead, one style ormode of printing

Unpacking the PrinterAs you unpack the printer, check that you have all parts shown belowand that none have been damaged during transportation.Cabfe c

When buying graphics software, always make sure the program has anoption to print on an LQ printer. Any program with an option for an LQprinter should

Escape sequencesAlthough there are more than 30 control codes available to control theoperation of your printer, many more codes are required to run t

Using the Command SummaryThe commands listed in the Command Summary in Chapter 8 consist ofvarious combinations of ASCII codes. You can use either the

For software control of these features, see the instructions for yourapplications program or look up specific commands in the CommandSummary in Chapte

Double-wide and double-highThe double-wide mode doubles the width of any size character, while thedouble-high mode doubles the height of any size char

head moves across the paper, with the second dot printed slightly to theright of the first. This process produces darker, more fully formedcharacters.

Outline and shadowThe outline and shadow features are useful for adding variation andemphasis to text that you wish to stand out, such as headings. Th

FeatureDec.10 cpi0Hex.0012 cpi101proportional202condensed4 04emphasized8 08double-strike1610double-wide32 20italics6440underline128 80For example, to

GraphicsThe dot graphics mode allows your printer to produce pictures,graphs, charts, or almost any other graphics. Because manycommercial software pr

Because the dots overlap each other both horizontally and verticallyin the Letter Quality mode, it is difficult to see individual dots.Instead, the le

1.Open the printer cover and raise it to an upright position; then lift itup and off.2.Open the paper guide cover as shown in the illustration. Then r

Twenty-four-pin graphicsThe graphics mode that takes full advantage of the printer’s print head is24-pin graphics. This mode has five densities, but f

With this numbering system, every combination of the eight pins addsup to a decimal number between 0 and 255, and no numbers areduplicated.Since there

Option Pins mHorizdtiz;;sitySingle-density8060Double-density81120High-speed double-density*82120Quadruple-density*8 3240CRT Ia480pi* Adjacent dots can

A simple graphics programThis first program is just a simple example to show you how the graphicscommand, column reservation numbers, and data can be

The actual pattern that the printer prints on the paper is made up of dotsthat overlap each other both vertically and horizontally. The reason theplan

1206432166421Cl 0 0 0 1 7 31 31 31 3, 31 31 31 26 30 15 3 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 3 15 31 31 31 31 31 31 26 26 31 7 1 0 0 0 012664321664210 0 15 127 255 255 25

l@ WIDTH "LPT1:",25520 LPRINT CHR$(27)"*"CHR$(39)MR$(~2)C~$(@);30 FOR X=1 TO 12640READN50 LPRINT CHR$(N);60 NEXT X70 LPRINT80 DATA

Individual graphics option commandsThere are four individual graphics option commands that are very muchthe same as the ESC * command, but each one wo

If you change one of the 8-pin graphics options to a 24-pin graphicsoption without changing the program that supplies the graphics data,you will print

Design gridsTo design a character you use a grid that is 24 dots high-one dot for eachpin on your printer’s print head. The width of the character mat

3. Remove the print head protector and white foam packingmaterial.4.Slide the print head all the way to the middleSetting Up the Printer1-4

The second grid can be used for either Letter Quality or proportionalcharacters. For Letter Quality you do not use all the columns.There is one restri

Now you translate the dot pattern you’ve created on paper to a numericformat so you can send the information to your printer. Every dot has anassigned

Now you’ve seen how to design a character by placing dots on a gridand translating the dots to decimal equivalents. The last step in defininga charact

the character. By varying the width of the character itself and the spacesaround it, you can create proportional-width characters that print atdraft s

The actual character definition starts in line 20. The two at signs (@) inline 30 represent nl and FG!, the range of characters being defined (in this

You may switch between character sets at any time-even in the middleof a line. To try it, place semicolons at the end of lines 80 and 100 in theprogra

horizontally than draft style dot columns-the horizontal dot spacing is1/360th of an inch as opposed to 1/120th of an inch for draft characters.Propor

Since these characters are smaller, when you define them you need onlytwo bytes of data for each vertical row of dots. Design grids for thesecharacter

Keep in mind that user-defined characters are stored in RAM, which isnot permanent. Whenever the printer power is turned off or the printer isinitiali

Chapter 5Maintenance and TransportationCleaning the Printer...5-2Replacing the Ribbon...

5. Using the enclosed cross-head screwdriver, remove the two redtransport screws as shown below.6.Align the pins of the paper guide cover with the slo

Cleaning the PrinterTo keep your printer operating at its best, you should clean it thoroughlyseveral times a year.Follow these steps to clean the pri

WARNING:lNever use alcohols or thinners to clean the printer; these chemi-cals can damage the components as well as the case.lBe careful not to get wa

2.Holding the print head, not the ribbon cartridge, move the printhead to the middle of the printer.3.To release the ribbon cartridge, gently press th

4.Turn the ribbon-tightening knob on the ribbon cartridge in thedirection of the arrow.5.Hold the ribbon cartridge while gently squeezing the two ridg

6.Turn the ribbon tightening knob again to make sure the ribbon7. Holding the print head, slide the print head from side to side to makesure that it m

Transporting the PrinterIf you need to transport your printer some distance, carefully repack theprinter using the original box and packing materials,

6. Using a cross-head screwdriver, reattach the two red transportscrews.WARNING: Never hold the printer by the font compartmentcover. This cover could

8.Reattach the paper guide cover and printer cover.Maintenance and Transportation5-9

Chapter 6TroubleshootingProblems and Solutions...6-2The printer does not print...6-2

TroubleshootingThis chapter discusses problems you may encounter and their likelysolutions. At the back of the chapter is a section on the data dumpmo

Choosing a Place for the PrinterThere are several important things to consider when selecting a locationfor your printer. The illustration below shows

If the display shows HEAfi HIIIT , the print head is overheating. Wait afew minutes; the printer resumes printing automatically when thehead cools.If

lIf printing on envelopes is faint, use the PLATEN GAP ADJUST button.See Chapter 3 for details.The printout is not what you expectThe wrong internatio

lThe paper guide may not be installed properly. See Chapter 2.lThe paper supply may be too far from the printer or not alignedwith the tractor. See Ch

Data Dump ModeThe printer has a feature to find the cause of communicationproblems between the printer and application programs. In datadump mode a pr

Chapter 7Using Printer OptionsThe Cut Sheet Feeder...7-2Installation...7-

The Cut Sheet FeederThe optional cut sheet feeder (#7343) gives you easier and more efficienthandling of single sheet paper. You can use the cut sheet

1.Remove the printer cover and paper guide cover.2.Remove the paper eject guide by tilting it forward, then lifting it upand off.Using Printer Options

3.Pull the paper bail toward you.4. Hold the assembled cut sheet feeder in both hands and fit its notchesover the red pins in the printer.7-4Using Pri

5. Reattach the printer cover.6. Turn on the printer.7. Be sure that the printer is off line. If it is not, press the ON LINEbutton to set the printer

8. Press the PAPER SELECT button until the CSF light comes on andCSF bin 1 is briefly displayed. Press the PAPER SELECT button againif you wish to sel

Use a grounded outlet - one that has three holes to match thepower plug on the printer. Don’t use an adapter plug.Avoid locations that are subject to

2. Slide the left paper guide all the way to the left. Next, slide the rightpaper guide to roughly match the width of your paper.3.Take a stack of pap

4. Insert the paper along the left paper guide. Then, adjust the positionof the right paper guide so that it closely matches your paper’s width.Be sur

6. You can choose to have the printer eject the sheets with the printedside facing downward or upward. To have the printer eject the sheetswith the pr

The procedure for running the self test is the same as when the cut sheetfeeder mode is off.Before running the self test in the cut sheet feeder mode,

2. The self test continues until the paper runs out or until you press theON LINE button. To stop the test, press the ON LINE button.3.To end the self

Caution: When printing envelopes, be sure to load them into bin 1,never into bin 2.1.Take a stack of envelopes and fan it; then tap the stack on a fla

3. Press the LOAD/EJECT button to load an envelope. Then press theON LINE button to start printing.Using the cut sheet feederAfter stacking paper in t

Control panel operationTo operate the cut sheet feeder from the control panel when theprinter is in cut sheet feeder mode, be sure that the printer is

Setting up your softwareWhen you switch to cut sheet feeder fed paper from another paper feedsystem, you usually need to change the settings of your s

The following is a typical example of a software setup required forproper operation of your cut sheet feeder. Not all software is set up thesame, so y

1. Insert the platen knob into the hole on the printer’s side and rotate ituntil it slips onto the shaft.2.Press firmly on the knob until it fits agai

Switching between the cut sheet feeder and continuous paperThe LQ-2550 allows you to easily switch between the cut sheet feederand the tractor feeding

2. Remove the two paper supports at the front of the cut sheet feeder sothat continuous paper is ejected smoothly.3. Press the ON LINE button to set t

2.Align the single sheet with the marking on the left paper guide on thefront of CSF bin 1. Then slide the sheet into the printer path untilyou feel r

Removing the cut sheet feederBefore removing the cut sheet feeder, be sure that:lThe printer is turned off.lAny paper stacked in the cut sheet feeder

2.Replace the paper eject guide by fitting its notches onto the redpins inside the printer at each side, then tilting the paper ejectguide back slight

lThe cut sheet feeder, if installed, is removed.1.Remove the printer cover and paper guide cover.2.Pull the paper bail toward you.

3.Remove the paper eject guide by tilting it forward, then lifting it upand off.4.Hold the pull tractor with the gears to the right. Fit the rear notc

5. Tilt the tractor unit toward you until the front latches click in placeover the red front mounting rods of the printer.6. Attach the printer cover.

Caution: The short tear-off function cannot be used with the pulltractor. Before you start printing with the pull tractor, be sure that theHIT0 TEfiR

3. After the paper is loaded in the push tractor, see that the printer is offline. Press the LOAD/EJECT button to load the paper. Then press theFORM F

Installing the ribbon cartridgeYour printer’s ribbon cartridges are designed for easy installation andremoval. The color ribbon cartridge, standard bl

5.Adjust the sprocket units to match the width of the paper and adjustthe paper supports so they are evenly placed between the sprocketunits.6.Fit the

7.If the paper does not fit exactly onto the tractor pins, press in on thepull tractor feed knob and turn it in the desired direction.8. Close the spr

9. See that the paper is not crooked or wrinkled and lock the sprocketunits in place.10. Attach the paper guide and lower it so that it is resting on

11. Align the pins of the pull tractor cover with the slots on the printerand attach the cover.12. Press the ON LINE button to set the printer on line

Caution: Before you begin printing, be sure to check the page lengthand skip over perforation settings, and readjust the settings ifnecessary. Setting

1. Press the tabs on the pulloff the printer.tractor. Then tilt the tractor back and lift it2. Replace the paper eject guide by fitting its notches on

Interface BoardsThere are a number of optional interfaces that can be used to supplementthe capabilities of your printer’s built-in serial and paralle

All Epson interfaces have the EPSON name printed on them. If theboard has an identification code printed on it, it is a four-digit numberbeginning wit

Removing the upper case1. Unplug the power cable from the electrical outlet. Then unplug thecable from the rear of the printer.WARNING: High voltages

3. Using a cross-head screwdriver, remove the three retaining screwslocated deep inside of the slots at the front of the printer.4. Raise the upper ca

3.Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.4.Turn the ribbon-tightening knob on the ribbon cartridge in thedirection of the arrow.1-10Setting

5.Remove the connector labelled CN21 as shown in the followingillustration. Then remove the upper case completely.Caution: Be very careful when you re

7.Remove the shield plate above the parallel interface by pressing in onthe plastic clips located at the back of the plate. (The followingillustration

Installing the boardThere are two basic types of interface board designs, which slightlychange the way they are installed in the printer. (The frame g

2.Carefully insert the pins on the optional interface board into themating connector on the main board; then secure the board withthree of the screws

FG wire attached1. Carefully place the interface board next to the printer as shownbelow. Use the CG screw to connect the round end of the FG (framegr

3.Secure the board with three of the screws provided.4.Reattach the upper case as described in the following section.Attaching the upper case1. Fit th

Caution: Take care not to pinch the FG wire between the upper andlower case.2.Carefully reinsert the cable into the connector labelled CN21 on themain

4.Secure the case with the three screws.5.Reattach the font compartment cover.6.Now that you have completed the installation of the optionalinterface

WARNING: Before you use the optional interface board, besure to disconnect the printer cable from the printer’s built-inparallel or serial interface.

2.Plug the Multi-Font Module carefully into either Slot A or B.The arrow on the module should point toward the printer.3.Reattach the font compartment

EPSON®LQ-2550User’s Manual

5.Hold the ribbon cartridge while gently squeezing the two ridgedplastic tabs together; then lower it until it snaps into place. The sidehooks in the

Selecting a fontYou can select a font in three different ways: by using softwarecommands, by pressing the panel buttons, or by SelecType settings.To s

Chapter 8Command SummaryCommands in Numerical Order...8-5Commands Arranged by Topic...8-8Prin

This chapter lists and describes all the commands available on yourprinter. The Command Summary is divided by topics, but there is a listof the comman

All three formats are equivalent, so you can pick the one best suited toyour purpose. Variables are represented by italicized letters such as n, nl,an

Control key chartSome application programs can use control key codes for decimal values0 through 27. The table below gives you the proper values. The

Commands in Numerical OrderThe following list shows control codes and ESC sequences (withtheir decimal and hexadecimal values), and the page number wh

ASCIIDec. Hex DescriptionPageESC /47 2FESC 048 30ESC 250 32ESC 351 33ESC 452 34ESC 553 35ESC 654 36ESC 755 37ESC :58 3AESC < 60 3cESC =61 3DESC >

ASCIIESC UESC WESC YESC ZESC \ESC aESC bESC gESC kESC 1ESC pESC qESC rESC tESC wESC xDec. Hex85 5587 5789 5990 5A92 5C97 6198 62103 67107 6B108 6C112

Commands Arranged by TopicThe following section lists and describes all the commands by topic. Seethe Quick Reference Card at the end of this manual f

DC3Deselect PrinterFormat:ASCII code:DC3Decimal:19Hexadecimal: 13Comments:Puts the printer into the deselected state until the select printer code(DCl

7.Slide the print head from side to side to make sure that it movessmoothly. (Do not try to slide the print head by grasping the ribboncartridge.)Atta

ESC UTurn Unidirectional Mode On/OffFormat:ASCII code:ESC U nDecimal:27 85 nHexadecimal: 1B 55 nComments:The following values can be used for n:1: Mod

MSB controlMSB is the Most Significant Bit. MSB control (ESC =, ESC > , andESC #) does not work for graphics.ESC = (equal)Format:ASCII code:ESC =De

BeeperBELBeewrFormat:ASCII code:BELDecimal: 7Hexadecimal: 07Comments:Sounds the printer’s beeper.Data ControlCRCarriage ReturnFormat:ASCII code: CRDec

Vertical MotionForm feedingFFForm FeedFormat:ASCII code: FFDecimal:12Hexadecimal: 0CComments:Prints the data in the print buffer and advances the pape

ESC NFormat:ASCII code:ESC N nDecimal:27 78 nHexadecimal: 1B 4E nSet Skip Over PerforationComments:The variable n is the number of lines skipped betwe

ESC 0 (zero)Format:ASCII code:ESC 0Decimal:27 48Hexadecimal: 1B 30Select l/&inch Line SpacingComments:Sets the line spacing to l/8 of an inch for

ESC +Format:ASCII code:ESC + nDecimal:27 43 nHexadecimal: 1B 2B nSelect n/360-inch Line SpacingComments:Sets the line spacing to n/360 of an inch for

Vertical tabbingVTFormat:ASCII code: VTDecimal:11Hexadecimal: 0BTab VerticallyComments:Advances the paper to the next tab setting in the channel selec

ESC /Select Vertical Tab ChannelFormat:ASCII code:ESC / cDecimal:27 47 cHexadecimal: 1B 2F cComments:This command is used to select the vertical tab c

Print head movementBSFormat :ASCII code: BSDecimal:8Hexadecimal: 08BackspaceComments:Moves the print position one space to the left. Backspacing can b

1. Insert the paper guide pegs into slots on the printer.2.Lean the paper guide back until it slips into place.Setting Up the Printer1-13

ESC \Set Relative Print PositionFormat:ASCII code:ESC 1 nl n2Decimal:27 92 nl n2Hexadecimal: 1B 5C n7 n2Comments:Determines the position (relative to

ESC DSet Horizontal TabsFormat:ASCII code:ESC D nl n2 . . . 0Decimal:27 68 nl n2 . . . 0Hexadecimal: 1B44 nl n2 . . . 00Comments:This command allows s

ESC kSelect Typestyle FamilyFormat:ASCII code:ESC k nDecimal:27107 nHexadecimal: 1B 6B nComments:This command affects only the Letter Quality typestyl

Print Size and Character WidthESC PSelect 10 cpiFormat:ASCII code:ESC I’Decimal :27 80Hexadecimal: 1B 50Comments:Selects 10 characters per inch. This

ESC pTurn Proportional Mode On/OffFormat:ASCII code: ESCnDecimal:27112 nHexadecimal: 1B 70 nComments:The following values can be used for n:1: Mode is

DC2Cancel Condensed ModeFormat:ASCII code:DC2Decimal:18Hexadecimal: 12Comments:Cancels condensed printing set by SI, ESC SI, or SelecType.soFormat:Sel

DC4Cancel Double-Wide Mode (one line)Format:ASCII code: DC4Decimal: 20Hexadecimal: 14Comments:Cancels one-line double-wide printing selected by SO or

Print EnhancementESC rSelect Printing ColorFormat:ASCII code:ESCnDecimal:27114 nHexadecimal: 1B 72 nComments:The variable n selects the printing color

ESC GSelect Double-Strike ModeFormat:ASCII code:ESC GDecimal:27 71Hexadecimal: 1B47Comments:Makes text bolder by printing each line twice, with the se

ESC -Turn Underlining Mode On/OffFormat:ASCII code: ESC -nDecimal: 27 45nHexadecimal: 1B 2D nComments:n = 1: Mode is turned on. n = 0: Mode is tur

3.Align the pins of the paper guide cover with the slots on the printerand attach the cover.4.Close the paper guide cover.1-14Setting Up the Printer

Word ProcessingESC aFormat:ASCII code:ESCnDecimal:27 97 nHexadecimal: 1B 61 nSelect JustificationComments:The following values can be used for n:0: Se

Character TablesESC tFormat:ASCII code:ESC t nDecimal:27116 nHexadecimal: 1B 74 nSelect Character TableComments:Selects the character table used by co

ESC 5Cancel Italic ModeFormat:ASCII code:ESC 5Decimal:27 53Hexadecimal: 1B 35Comments:Cancels the mode selected by ESC 4.ESC RSelect an International

ESC :Copy ROM into RAMFormat:ASCII code:ESC :0n0Decimal:27 58 0n0Hexadecimal: 1B 3A 00 n 00Comments:This code copies the characters in the ROM into RA

ESC 7Format:ASCII code: ESC 7Decimal: 27 55Hexadecimal: 1B 37Enable Upper Control CodesComments:When the Epson Extended Graphics character table is se

ESC Y Select High-Speed Double-Density Graphics ModeFormat:ASCII code: ESC Y nl n2Decimal: 27 89 nl n2Hexadecimal: 1B 59 nl n2Comments:Turns on 8-pin,

OptionPinsmHoriz. density]Single-densityDouble-densitvHigh-speed dduble-density*Q-&uple-density*CRT IISingle-densityDouble-densityCRT IITriple-den

Appendix ATechnical SpecificationsPrinter Specifications...A-2Double-Bin Cut Sheet Feeder Specifications...

Printer SpecificationsPrintingPrint method:24pin impact dot matrixPrint speed:See table below.QualityCPICharacters/second/lineDraft1033312400LQ1011112

Character fonts:1 Font1 Available Sizes (characters per inch)Epson DraftEpson RomanEoson Sans Serif1 Ewon CourierEpson PrestigeEpson ScriptEDson OCR-A

5. Attach the printer cover.Testing the PrinterAt this point, you can use the built-in self test function to see that theprinter is working correctly

Paper thickness:Single sheets0.0026to 0.004 inches (0.065 to 0.1 mm)Continuous0.0023to 0.018 inches (0.06 to 0.46 mm)Envelope0.0063to 0.0197 inches (0

Ribbon:MCBF:MTBF:Print head life:Dimensions and weight:Voltage:Power consumption:Frequency:Insulation resistance:Black ribbon cartridge #7762:Life exp

Temperature:Humidity:Operation: 40°F to 95°F (ST to 35°C)Storage:-22°F to 140°F (-30°C to 60°C)Operation: 10% to 80% (withoutcondensation)Storage: 5%

Stacker capacity:Face down Single sheets:Face up Single sheets:Envelopes:Envelopes:ReliabilityUp to 60 sheets of 22 lb.paperUp to 75 sheets of 17 lb.p

PaperWidthLengthThicknessWeight:Printablearea:Single sheetenvelopebin 1 and bin 2bin 17.17” to 14.3”6.50” to 9.49”(182mm to 364mm)(166mm to 241mm)8.27

Storage condition:Temperature:Humidity:+64”F (+lB”C) to 72°F(+22”c)40% to 60%Interface SpecificationsYour printer is equipped with both a parallel and

CHASSIS GND32 -ERROR33 -GND34 - NC35 - -sLOW, the printercontrollerisreset to its power-up stateand the print buffer is cleared. This levelis usually

lAll interface conditions are based on TTL level. Both the rise and thefall times of each signal must be less than 0.2 microseconds.lData transfer mus

Interface timingThe figure below shows the timing for the parallel interface.BUSYf-4ACKNLGIDA TASTROBESerial interfaceThe LQ built-in serial interface

HandshakingHandshaking by DTR signal or X-on/X-off. The DTR signal changes tomark - meaning the printer is not ready to receive data - when thenumber

To plug in your printer, simply connect the power cable to the AC inleton the printer’s rear panel. Then plug the power cable into a properlygrounded

These three kinds of initialization have slightly different effects. Inparticular, ESC @ resets the typestyle to the current SelecType setting;the oth

Appendix BProportional Width Table...B-2Character Tables...B-6Converting hex

Proportional Width TableThis table lists the widths of your printer’s proportional characters. Thevalues given are in 360ths of an inch. For example,

1 Code 1 CHR40@41A42B43c44D45E46F47G48H49I4AJ48K4cL4DM4EN4F050512;52R53S54T55U56v57W58X59Y5Az5B5c:5D1h5E5F6061TaWidth361243612436124361243612436124361

Width3012030120181121811218112361243612436124421284212830120301203012036124361243612436124421283012030120361244212830120301201811230120361243612436124

CodeD3D4D5D607DBD9DADBDCDDDEDFEOElE2E3E4E5E6E7E8E9EAEBECEDEEEFFOFlF2F3F4F5F6F7Width30303030303030303030303030301203012030120301203012030/2030120301203

Character TablesThese character tables are selected by SelecType or the ESC t softwarecommand. For the Epson Extended Graphics character table, the ES

Epson Extended Graphics Character TableZODE0123456789ABCDEF0 1 23456769ABCDEFO@P'p c B BL Y a zt;I1 A Q a q ii ap iZBRbr&iE6P3CScs~66Appendix

Converting hexadecimal numbers to decimal numbersIf you prefer to use decimal numbers instead of hexadecimal numbers,you can convert them with the cha

GlossaryNote that these definitions apply specifically to printers. If a word isitalicized, see that topic for more information.application programA p

1.While holding down the LINE FEED button (draft mode) or the FORMFEED button (Letter Quality mode), turn on the printer. The printerbeeps three times

carriage returnThe control code that returns the print position to the left margin. Whenissued together with a line feed, the print position moves to

dot graphicsA graphic design formed by patterns of dots.dot matrixA method of printing in which each letter or symbol is formed by apattern (matrix) o

formIn printer terminology, a form is normally the equivalent of a page.form feedA control code and a control panel button that advances the paper to

number systemsThree number systems are commonly used with printers:decimal is base 10 and uses the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.(This is th

push tractorThe built-in device that feeds continuous paper through the printer.Random Access Memory. The portion of the printer’s memory used as abuf

IndexCommand descriptions are not indexed here. For page references forspecific commands, see Chapter 8 or the Quick Reference card.AApplication softw

Control panel, 3-2--8buttons, 3-4--7data dump, 3-8display, 3-2lights, 3-3--4SelecType. See SelecTypeself test, 3-8. See also Self testConventions, 4Co

LLabels, 2-23-25Letter Quality. See Typestyles, fontsLights. See Control panel, lightsLOAD MACRO mode, 3-13-15Loading position, setting, 3-30-31MMacro

connecting to a power supply,1-15--16options. See Optionssetting up, 1-1--28testing, 1-15--21transporting, 5-7--9troubleshooting, 6-1--6unpacking, 1-2

4-5--7, 8-1--36setting up, 1-27--28spread sheets, 4-3-4using with the LQ-2550, 4-2--5word processors, 4-3Specifications,cut sheet feeder, A-6--9defaul

3.Move the left edge guide until it rests against the guide mark.4.Adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper.Next, slide a sheet do

EPSON®LQ-2550Quick Reference

Selec Type&JIs:y,;:; ‘j ;~,.~, .:y; jp.: ;:.;~.‘~,“‘~‘:~i~~,.s... 1.. . . . : . ..i! ..:./:._:./..:/...IITable 1 Printer Settings and Options

Note: To exit the SelecType mode, press the ,se’ecT~p~ button.r-lSee Table 1able II4+ :::, :.;f ,;.i/:;.:,=i=aqaoto 4*...:...:. /,..-y:.::. ..,/ ..,i

- I

[ * ;:::F;, ;, yj “”:/; /‘j:,..::..: ::::t::. i i ,j/ .::,,,:._:... ?--T-r .r &.;;::::::,ITable 2 Default Settings and OptionsINTERFACEParallel, S

I* /./y;-;i:-y/,&;. . . . . .. ,:... /- .,I. .::...v :... i.. c:..i1;‘.::: /;:;p/! ,g;;; j,...:,I

Commands Arranged by TopicThis section lists all the LQ-2550 commands. The numbers in the columns on theright are the page numbers in Chapter 8 where

wizontal MotionSC I108 6C Set Left Margin8-18sccl8151Set Rrght Margin8-18S 808Backspace8-19set36 24Set Absolute Print Posrtron 8-19SC 1925CSet Relativ

Character SetsESCt116 74Select Character Table8-31ESC45234Select Italic Mode8-31ESC 55335Cancel Italic Mode8-32ESCR8252Select an International Charact

edge guidespaper guide coverbuilt-in push tractor/paper support/print head//gr:und connector//power switchparallel interfacepaper eject guideAC inlet

5.Press the LOAD/EJECT button once to automatically load the paper.6.Pressthe ON LINE button to start the self test.Setting Up the Printer1-19

l-ltlUc

EPSON AMERICA, INC. 2780 Lomita Boulevard, Torrance, California 90505

Note: To clear a paper jam, it is recommended that you set the printeroff line and use the FORM FEED or LINE FEED button. If it is necessaryto use the

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENTFOR AMERICAN USERSThis equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, thatis, in

Part of a typical self test in Letter Quality mode with a black ribboninstalled is shown in the following sample printout.Self test in Letter Quality

Connecting the Printer to Your ComputerYour LQ-2550 has two separate interface connections: a parallel interfaceand an RS-232C compatible serial inter

2.Squeeze the wire clips together until they lock in place on both sidesof the connector. (If you do not lock these clips into place, printedresults m

4.Plug the other end of the cable into the computer. (If there is aground wire at the computer end of the cable, attach it to the groundconnector of t

1.Plug the connector of the cable securely into the printer.WARNING: Do not plug more than one interface cableinto the printer at one time. This may d

3.If your cable has a ground wire, attach it to the ground connectorbeneath the interface connector.4.Plug the other end of the cable into the compute

5. Attach the cable cover.Note: The cable cover should always be attached when you use theprinter.Setting Up Your Application SoftwareNow that you hav

Choosing from a menuBecause the family of Epson printers shares many commands, you canuse an application program even if it does not list the LQ-2550

Chapter 2Paper HandlingUsing Single Sheets...2-2Loading a sheet...2-2Re

Using Single SheetsYour printer can accommodate single sheets from 7.2 to 14.3 incheswide.Loading a sheetBefore loading a single sheet, be sure that:l

Table of ContentsIntroduction...Features...Options...

3.Slide the left edge guide until it rests against the guide mark. Next,adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper.4.Slide a sheet o

5.Press the LOAD/EJECT button once to automatically load the paper.Note: If the platen turns without loading the paper, completelyremove the paper and

Reloading during printingWhen you print a document more than one page long using single sheetpaper, the printer stops printing when it reaches the bot

Be sure to align your paper supply with the paper loaded in the tractorso that the paper feeds smoothly into the printer.Loading continuous paperBefor

1.Be sure that the printer is off line. If it is not, press the ON LINEbutton to set the printer off line. Then press the PAPER SELECT buttonuntil the

3.Slide the paper support to a point midway between the sprocketunits.4.Open the sprocket covers.2-8Paper Handling

5.Fit the first four holes in the continuous paper over the pins of thesprocket units.6. Close the sprocket covers.Paper Handling2-9

7. Slide the right sprocket unit to a position where the paper is straightand has no wrinkles, and then lock it into place.Note: Make sure the first s

9.Pull the paper guide in the direction of the arrow in the illustration.10. Push down the paper guide.Note: The paper guide prevents outgoing continu

11. Close the paper guide cover.12. Press the LOAD/EJECT button to feed the paper to the loadingposition.Note: If you press the LOAD/EJECT button when

Using Software and Graphics...Using the LQ-2550 with Application Programs...Computer-Printer Communication...En

13. Press the ON LINE button to set the printer on line.The printer remembers this loading position and advances each page tothe same position. Never

2.Press the FORM FEED button to feed the paper forward. Then tear itoff at the perforation.Note: If the perforation of the paper is not fed past the e

Before reversing the paper, be sure that:lThe printer is turned on.lThe TRACTOR light on the control panel is on.1.Check to see that the printer is of

Switching between Continuous and Single SheetsEven with continuous paper loaded in the printer, you can easily switchto single sheet printing without

1.Press the PAPER SELECT button until the FRICTION light comes on. Thecontinuous paper is fed backward automatically to a standbyposition.2.Raise the

3. Close the paper guide cover.4. Slide the left edge guide until it restsagainst the guide mark. Next,adjust the right edge guide to matchthe width o

5.Slide a sheet of paper down between the edge guides until it meetsresistance.6.Press the LOAD/EJECT button once to automatically load the paper.7.Pr

Before switching back, be sure that:lThe printer is off line.lThe paper guide cover is open as shown in the illustration.1.Press the PAPER SELECT butt

2.Slide the edge guides together so that they meet at about the middleof the paper’s width.3.Lower the paper guide onto the back of the printer.Paper

4.Close the paper guide cover.5.Press the ON LINE button to set the printer on line.Printing on Special PaperIn addition to using single sheets and co

IntroductionThe LQ-2550 is the latest in the Epson@ line of advanced 24-pin impactdot matrix printers, combining high performance and reliability with

Multi-part paper is loaded the same way as continuous paper. Fordetails, see the section on loading continuous paper in this chapter.Before loading th

To eject the labels from the printer, follow these steps:1. Raise the paper guide cover as shown in the illustration.2.Remove the paper guide.2-24Pape

3. Tear off the sheet of labels at the perforation behind the push tractor.4.Press the ON LINE button to set the printer off line. Then press theFORM

EnvelopesYou can print on a variety of envelopes - including air mail, plain, orbond envelopes - using the single sheet loading feature described in t

WARNING: When you print on envelopes, be sure that yourapplication program settings keep the printing entirely withinthe printable area shown below.8.

Chapter 3Using the PrinterOperating the Control Panel...3-2The display...3-2

Operating the Control PanelThe LQ-2550 control panel is made up of three elements: the buttons,indicator lights, and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The

The lights0 POWERa0 READY13 PAPER OUTo ON LINEON LINE FORM FEED LINE FEE0 LOAOIEJECTPOWER (green):READY (green):PAPER OUT (red):ON LINE (green):TRACTO

PLATEN GAP ADJUST :On when platen gap adjust mode is(orange)selected.SelecType (orange):On when SelecType mode is selected.4 A V b (yellow):These arro

LINE FEED:LOAD/EJECT:When the printer is off line, this buttonfeeds the paper one line, or held down,feeds the paper continuously. In SelecTypemode, t

Two additional Letter Quality fonts are available with theoptional Multi-Font Module: ORATOR and ORATOR-SDraft mode with fast printing of up to 333 ch

CONDENSED:Press this button to select either condensedor normal printing. The selected mode isdisplayed. In condensed mode, allcharacters are printed

SelecType:TEAROFF:PAPER SELECT:Selects or deselects the SelecType mode. Whenthis mode is selected, the ON LINE (4), FORMFEED(A), LINE FEED (V),and LOA

Other control panel featuresSelf test:By holding down the FORM FEED button (fordraft mode) or LINE FEED button (for LetterQuality mode) while you turn

The four preset macros cover these general applications: Letter Qualityprinting/word processing, draft printing/word processing, spreadsheets,and grap

MACRO #41There are no switches to reset or commands to send. In fact, theLQ-2550 has no DIP switches. You simply load the macro you want,then print. A

Note: Your application may override your Selectype settings. Someapplication programs are designed to control the same settings youchoose with SelecTy

Following the arrow iconsWhen you are in the SelecType main menu, an : icon precedes the namesof each of the main menu modes. This icon indicates that

2. Press the A or V button to shift through the five modes as follows.Aa--SLOADNFICRUb:CHfiNGEMfKRO.ISCHCINGEDEFAULTSb:PRINTOUTSETTINGSb:CLEFIRFtLLMCR

FONTPITCHCONDENSEDFORM LNGTractorCSF bin1CSF bin21" SKIPAUTO TEAR OFFLEFT MARGINRIGHT MARGINCG TABLECOUNTRYPRINT DIR.COLORMacro #1Macro #2Macro #

If you have loaded a macro, the display briefly shows:MfKRO#nLOfiDEDNext, the display changes to::LO~IDMFICRObYou are now back at the SelecType main m

LQ Printer Software (DCB-LQ2)This package features a driver and high-resolution fonts for usewith Microsoft@ Windows Presentation Manager version 2.0

RICiHTMARGIN*CG TABLECOUNTRY1 to 136 columns*The column spacing is based on a pitch of 10 CPI.Italic, Graphic, DownloadIJM, France, Germany, IJK, Denm

To change and save a macro, perform the steps described below.1.Select the CHhNGE MACRD mode from the SelecType main menu. (Seethe instructions for se

6.Press the 4 button again to exit the font selection process. Thesetwo screens are alternately displayed:SCIUEMf3CRO#n:.&4fiBORTSfV.JEb7.Press th

PARITY *None, Even, Odd, IgnoreFlUTOLINEFEEDOn, OffDCl/DC3Disable, EnableDEFfYJLT MCR##l, #21 #3, #4*Displayed only when the serial interface setting

f3UTO LINE FEED: This setting should remain at its default value(0 f f ) in most cases. Most applications send automatic line feeds atthe end of every

3. Press the F button to indicate that you wish to change the setting.The display changes to:4INTERFRCEParallel:4.Press the A or V button to switch th

11. Press the b button.The display changes to:4PFIRITYNone:12. Press the A or V button to select the parity. In this example, Evenparity is selected.T

PRINT OUT SETTINGSThe PRINT ClllT SETTINGS mode gives you an immediate printout ofthe current printer settings, the four macro settings, and the defau

A sample printout made in the PRINT DUT SETTINGS mode isshown below. This printout shows the preset macros and defaultsettings.CUrIFONTPITCHCONDENSEDF

Caution: This mode erases any custom-designed macros and defaultsettings that you have set and replaces them with the original settings.To use the CLE

Conventions used in this guideWARNlNG: must be followed carefully to avoid damage toyour printer and computer.Cautions: should be followed carefully t

4.To switch to another main menu mode, press the A or V button. Ifyou wish to exit SelecType mode, press the SelecType button.5.Turn the printer off a

Next, the display changes to::LOFIDMFlCRUb2. Press the V button.The display changes to:SCHANGEMACRUb3. Press the b button.The display changes to::FONT

9. Press the 4 button again.The display changes to:SFORfl LNGTractor,10. Press the 4 button once more.These two screens are alternately displayed:SFlU

If you adjust your loading position to the proper point, you can get halfof the margin at the bottom of one page and half at the top of the nextpage a

Setting the Loading PositionThe loading position is the position of the paper when it has beenautomatically loaded by the printer.The loading position

3.Press the FORM FEED (A) button to feed the paper forward or theLINE FEED (V ) button to feed the paper backward.Note: The printer beeps when the pap

continuous paper to the tear-off edge of the printer. After tearing off thepaper, press the TEAR OFF button again to feed the paper backward to theloa

First, make sure that the TEAR OFF light is on, and then press the MICROFEED button. The display shows TEf!R OFF f3DJUST. Next, adjust thetear-off pos

The settings you select using the control panel do not remain validonce the printer is turned off. Also, commands from yourapplication program tempora

SANS SERIFWe’ve just seen your excellent ad forminiature zebras in a recent back issue ofTrader’s Times.COURIERWe've just seen your excellent ad