Epson 600Q User's Guide PDF

Users Guide

Printed on recycled paper with at least 10% post-consumer content.

ink cartridge clamp

printer cover

edge guides

paper support extension

paper support

control panel

output tray extensions

cleaning button

paper light

power button

load/eject button

black ink out light color

ink out light

output tray

adjust lever

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. The information contained herein is designed only for use with this EPSON printer. EPSON is not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other printers.

Neither SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by purchaser or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to strictly comply with SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONs operating and maintenance instructions.

SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION shall not be liable for any damages or problems arising from the use of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original EPSON Products or EPSON Approved Products by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.

Compaq and Presario Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

EPSON and ESC/P are registered trademarks and ESC/P 2 is a trademark of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.

General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in those marks.

The ENERGY STAR emblem does not represent EPA endorsement of any product or service.

Copyright 1997 by Epson America, Inc. CPD 4962 6/97

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FCC Compliance Statement For United States Users

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and 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 or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

WARNING The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused interfaces. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the users authority to operate the equipment.

For Canadian Users This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numrique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Rglement sur le materiel brouilleur du Canada.

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Contents

Introduction Windows System Requirements 2 How To Use Your Manuals 2

Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips 3 Where To Get Help 4

Electronic Support Services 4 ENERGY STAR Compliance 6

Energy-saving Tips 6 Important Safety Instructions 6

1 Basic Printing Printing from Windows 1-1

Setting Printer Options from Windows Applications 1-2 Setting Default Printer Options 1-4 Checking Printer Status 1-6

Printing from DOS 1-7 Choosing Paper and Other Media 1-8 What To Do When the Printer Lights Flash 1-9 Using the Control Panel Buttons 1-10 Using Online Help 1-10

Accessing Online Help from Windows Applications 1-10 Accessing Online Help from Windows 95 1-11 Accessing Online Help from Windows 3.1 1-11

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2 Custom Printing Using Predefined Advanced Settings 2-1 Customizing Print Quality and Special Effects 2-3 Customizing Color Settings 2-6 Saving Custom Settings 2-8 Deleting Custom Settings 2-9

3 Printing on Special Media Using Special Media 3-1

Letterhead, Pre-printed Forms, and Legal-size Paper 3-3 EPSON 360 dpi, High Quality, and Photo Quality

Ink Jet Paper 3-3 EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Paper, Film, and

Transparencies 3-4 Envelopes 3-5 EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Cards 3-6 EPSON Iron-On Transfer Paper 3-6 EPSON Photo Quality Self Adhesive Sheets 3-6

Printing Banners and Other Custom Size Projects 3-7 Printing a Banner 3-8

4 Managing Print Jobs and Network Printing

Managing Print Jobs 4-1 Using the Spool Manager 4-2 Using the Status Monitor 4-4

Network Printing 4-5 Setting Up Your Network Path in Windows 95 4-6 Setting Up Your Journal File Directory 4-7

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5 Maintenance and Transportation

Cleaning the Print Heads 5-1 Using the Head Cleaning Utility 5-2 Using the Control Panel 5-3 Examining the Nozzle Check Pattern 5-4

Replacing an Ink Cartridge 5-4 Removing an Empty Ink Cartridge 5-5 Installing the New Cartridge 5-6 Replacing an Outdated Ink Cartridge 5-7

Aligning the Print Heads 5-8 Cleaning the Printer 5-8 Transporting the Printer 5-9

6 Troubleshooting Diagnosing Problems 6-1

Running a Printer Check 6-2 Improving Print Quality 6-3

Printed image has horizontal banding 6-3 Vertical lines are misaligned or vertical banding

appears 6-4 The printed image has incorrect or missing colors 6-4 The printed image is faint or has gaps 6-5 The printed image is blurry or smeared 6-5 Photographic images look grainy or rough 6-6 Color documents print in black and white 6-6

Solving Printing Problems 6-6 All lights are off 6-6 Only the Ppower light is on, but nothing prints 6-7 The S paper out light is flashing or on 6-7 A B black or A color ink out light is flashing or on 6-7

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The S paper and Ppower lights are flashing 6-8 All the lights are flashing 6-8 The printer has finished charging the ink cartridge,

but the Ppower light is still flashing 6-8 The printer software installed with Windows 3.1

does not work correctly after you upgrade to Windows 95 6-8

After you install your printing software, you see the Windows 95 New Hardware Found window 6-9

You see a spooling error message (Windows) 6-9 In Windows 95, the Status Monitor box does not

appear with the Despooler 6-9 Printing is too slow 6-9

Fixing Paper Problems 6-10 Paper doesnt feed 6-10 Multiple pages feed at the same time 6-11 Paper jams inside the printer 6-11 Paper doesnt eject fully or is wrinkled 6-11

Solving Miscellaneous Printout Problems 6-12 Characters are incorrect or garbled 6-12 The margins are incorrect 6-12 The image is inverted as if viewed in a mirror 6-12 The printer prints blank pages 6-12

Contents

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A Specifications Printing A-1 Paper A-3 Ink Cartridge A-5 Mechanical A-5 Electrical A-6 Environmental A-6 Safety Approvals A-6 Interface A-6 Default Settings A-8 Built-in Fonts and Character Tables A-8 Command List A-9

Glossary

Index

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Introduction

Your EPSON 600Q for Compaq Presario printer is the ideal output device for business graphics, single-page layout proofs, digital photographyor any project you create on your computer. With resolutions up to 1440 by 720 dots per inch (dpi), you get amazingly realistic photographic images and vivid graphics in color, superb grayscale images, and razor-sharp black printing for crisp text and detailed line art.

The EPSON printer software for Microsoft Windows provides advanced color management, with adjustable levels of brightness, contrast, saturation, and ink colors. Support for Windows Image Color Matching (ICM) ensures printouts that match the colors on your monitor.

You can also perform many printer maintenance procedures right from your computer, such as cleaning and aligning the print heads. And EPSONs extensive online help can guide you through printer operations in real time.

With a standard parallel port, setting up your printer is fast and easy. EPSONs specially formulated ink cartridges and wide variety of ink jet papers give you the best quality output and offer the most flexibility for getting the results you want.

Introduction

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Windows System Requirements To use your printer and its software with a Compaq Presario computer, your system should have:

At least a 386/25 MHz or faster processor

DOS, Windows 3.1x, Windows for Workgroups 3.11, or Windows 95

At least 8MB of RAM (more for Windows 95)

At least 20MB of free hard disk space for storing images (40MB or more is recommended)

VGA, Super VGA, or better display adapter and monitor

A shielded, twisted-pair parallel cable (6 to 10 feet long) to connect your computer to the printer; the cable must have a D-SUB, 25-pin, male connector for your computer and a 36-pin, Centronics compatible connector for the printer.

To use the EPSON Answers online guide, you need at least a 486/33 processor and a 2x CD-ROM drive (4x or faster recommended). You also should have at least 20MB of free disk space for full program installation or at least 8MB of free disk space to run EPSON Answers from the CD. For more details on EPSON Answers, see your Quick Setup booklet.

How To Use Your Manuals To set up your printer and install your printer software, see the Quick Setup booklet. For color printing tips, see the EPSON Answers online guide. This Users Guide contains the following information:

Chapter 1, Basic Printing, covers the basics of printing.

Introduction

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Chapter 2, Custom Printing, tells you how to print special projects with custom settings for print quality and color management.

Chapter 3, Printing on Special Media, gives guidelines for selecting the right paper or other media for your print job and instructions for loading it in your printer.

Chapter 4, Managing Print Jobs and Network Printing, explains how to manage print jobs, check printer status, and set up your system for network printing.

Chapter 5, Maintenance and Transportation, gives instructions for replacing ink cartridges, cleaning and aligning the print heads, and cleaning and transporting the printer.

Chapter 6, Troubleshooting, provides solutions for any printing problems you may have.

The Appendix, Specifications, provides the technical details on your printer, ink cartridges, and EPSON media.

A Glossary and an Index are included at the end of the book.

Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips

Youll find this information throughout your guide:

Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.

Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.

Notes contain important information about your printer.

Introduction

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Tips contain additional hints for great printing.

Where To Get Help EPSON provides customer support and service through a network of authorized EPSON Customer Care Centers. Dial (800) 922-8911 for the nearest location or the following services:

FaxAdvice access to EPSONs technical information library

Literature on current and new products

The location of your nearest Authorized EPSON Reseller or Customer Care Center

Technical information on the installation, configuration, and operation of EPSON products

Customer relations

For answers to commonly asked questions about EPSON products 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call EPSON Sound Advice at (800) 442-2110.

You can purchase manuals, accessories, or parts from EPSON Accessories at (800) 873-7766 (U.S. sales only).

If you need help using software with an EPSON product, see the documentation for that program for technical support information.

Electronic Support Services

You can access helpful tips, specifications, DIP switch or jumper settings, drivers, frequently asked questions (FAQs), sample files, application notes, and EPSON product bulletins 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using a modem and one of the following online services.

Introduction

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World Wide Web

From the Internet, you can reach EPSONs Home Page at:

http://www.epson.com

EPSON Download Service

You can call the EPSON Download Service at (800) 442-2007. Set your communications software to 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity. Modem speed can be up to 28.8 Kbps.

EPSON FaxAdvice Service

You can access EPSONs technical information library by calling (800) 442-2110 and selecting the appropriate phone option. You must provide a return fax number to use FaxAdvice.

EPSON Forum on CompuServe

Members of CompuServe can type GO EPSON at the menu prompt to reach CompuServes Epson America Forum. As an owner of an EPSON product, you are eligible for a free introductory CompuServe membership, which entitles you to an introductory credit and your own user ID and password. To take advantage of this offer, call (800) 848-8199 and ask for representative #529.

Introduction

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ENERGY STAR Compliance As an ENERGY STAR Partner, EPSON has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.

The EPA ENERGY STAR Office Equipment program is a voluntary partnership with the computer and office equipment industry to promote the introduction of energy-efficient personal computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, and copiers in an effort to reduce air pollution caused by power generation.

Energy-saving Tips

Here are a few tips you can use to be even more energy-wise:

If your monitor isnt ENERGY STAR compliant, turn it off when youre not using it.

Turn off your computer, printer, and monitor each day when you are done using them.

Use the print preview option in your software so you can catch errors before you print something.

Send e-mail rather than distributing memos. Not only is this faster, but youll save paper and storage space too.

Important Safety Instructions Before using your printer, read the following safety instructions to make sure you use the printer safely and effectively.

Turn off and unplug the printer before cleaning. Clean with a damp cloth only. Do not spill liquid on the printer.

Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a radiator or heating vent.

Introduction

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Do not block or cover the openings in the printers cabinet or insert objects through the slots.

Use only the type of power source indicated on the printers label.

Connect all equipment to properly grounded power outlets. Avoid using outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control systems that regularly switch on and off.

Place the printer near a wall outlet where the plug can be easily unplugged.

Placez limprimante prs dune prise de contacte o la fiche peut tre dbranche facilement.

Do not let the power cord become damaged or frayed.

If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the total ampere rating of the devices plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the cords ampere rating. Also, make sure the total of all devices plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.

Except as specifically explained in this Users Guide, do not attempt to service the printer yourself.

Unplug the printer and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

If the power cord or plug is damaged; if liquid has entered the printer; if the printer has been dropped or the cabinet damaged; if the printer does not operate normally or exhibits a distinct change in performance.

Introduction

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Even if you are familiar with other types of printers, be sure to read through the following list of precautions before operating your ink jet printer:

Do not put your hand inside the printer or touch the cartridge during printing.

Under normal circumstances, ink will not come out of the cartridges. If it does get on your skin, wash it off with soap and water. If it gets in your eyes, flush them immediately with water.

Keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children.

Do not dismantle the ink cartridges or try to refill them. This could result in damage to the print head.

Once you install an ink cartridge, do not open the clamp or remove the cartridge except to replace it with a new one. The cartridge may become unusable otherwise.

Install the ink cartridge immediately after you remove it from its package. Leaving the cartridge unpacked for a long time before use may result in reduced print quality.

Do not use an ink cartridge beyond the date printed on the cartridge carton. For best results, use up the ink cartridges within six months of installing them.

Do not shake an ink cartridge; this can cause leakage.

Always turn the printer off using the Ppower button. When this button is pressed, the Ppower light flashes briefly then goes out. Do not unplug the printer or turn off the power to the outlet until the Ppower light is off.

Before transporting the printer, make sure the print head is in the home position and the ink cartridges are in place.

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1 Its easy to print all your color and black and white documents with your new EPSON 600Q. First you have to set up your printer and install the software, following the instructions in the Quick Setup booklet. Then read this chapter to find out about the following:

Printing from Windows

Printing from DOS

Choosing paper and other media

What to do when the printer lights flash

Using the control panel buttons

Using online help

Printing from Windows When you want to print from your Windows application, you click the print icon or choose Print from the File menu. You can then choose which pages to print, the number of copies, and other options. The settings that describe your print job whether you want to use color or black ink, for exampleare part of your printer driver software.

The following sections tell you how to set printer options from Windows applications, how to change the default printer settings, and how to check your printers status.

Basic Printing

Basic Printing

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Setting Printer Options from Windows Applications

This section describes the preferences youll need to set for your everyday printing. See Chapter 2 Custom Printing, for information about advanced settings for special print jobs.

Follow these steps to check printer settings from your word processor or other Windows software:

1. Click the print icon or choose Print or Print Setup from the File menu. You see a Print dialog box.

If you choose Print, you first see a Print dialog box that contains the settings you change most often, including the number of copies and the pages you want printed.

2. Be sure your EPSON 600Q printer is selected, and then click the Printer, Setup, Properties, or Options button. (You may have to click a combination of these buttons.) You see a dialog box like the following:

Note: The settings you select through your Windows application apply only until you exit that application. Then the driver settings return to the drivers default values or the values selected through the Windows 95 Printer Properties or Windows 3.1 Control Panel.

For more information about printer settings, click the Help button. In Windows 95, you can right-click any item on the screen and then click Whats This?

Main tab

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3. If you do not see the dialog box shown in step 2, click the Main tab.

4. Make sure the Mode option is set to Automatic. The printer software determines the best settings according to the Media Type and Ink settings you make. This is the easiest way to get good printing results for all kinds of documents, on all types of paper.

5. Choose the Media Type you want to print on from the following list (you may need to scroll through the list). If you are not sure which setting to select for your media, refer to the table on page 3-2.

Plain paper

360 dpi Ink Jet Paper

Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper

Photo Quality Glossy Paper

Photo Quality Glossy Film

Ink Jet Transparencies

The type of media you choose determines the print quality or resolution you can use.

6. Choose Color or Black ink. If you are printing black text, a draft, or if you want colors to print as varying shades of gray, select Black for faster printing.

7. Set the slider to Quality or Speed. This lets you choose between the highest resolution or the fastest printing for the media youre using. (The slider is not available for certain media types.)

Once youve changed these basic settings as needed, check the Current Settings box on the bottom of the menu to see if the other settings are correct for your document. If you need to adjust them, use Advanced mode as described in Chapter 2, Custom Printing.

For printing at the highest resolution (SuperFine quality at 1440 dpi), you need to use one of the photo quality media. For the best printing at any resolution, always use EPSON media.

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8. If necessary, click the Paper tab and choose your paper size, number of copies, orientation, and printable area. If your software application lets you control these settings, you dont need to use the Paper tab.

9. Click OK when youre finished checking your settings. The dialog box closes.

10. In the printing dialog box, click Close, OK, or Print. You may need to click a combination of these buttons.

While your document is printing, the EPSON Despooler dialog box appears, showing the printing progress and the status of your printer. If youre using Windows 95, this box also displays the Status Monitor. (See Checking Printer Status, on page 1-6 for more information.)

Setting Default Printer Options

When you change printer settings through your software application, the settings apply only to the application youre using. If you want to adjust the default settings for all your Windows applications, you can access the dialog box through the Windows 95 Settings option or the Windows 3.1 Control Panel.

Make sure all your software applications are closed before you start. If not, youll have to close and then reopen them to have the new default settings take effect.

Note: To cancel your changes and exit the driver, click the Cancel button at the bottom of the menu at any time.

Note: Some application settings override printer software settings (such as Paper Size or Orientation), so its a good idea to check the settings in your application before you print.

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Setting Default Options in Windows 95

Follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then point to Printers.

2. Right-click the EPSON 600Q icon.

3. Select Properties. Then click the Main tab.

You see the Main printer settings dialog box, as shown on page 1-2.

4. Change the settings you want and click OK.

Any changes you make will become the default settings for all your applications and documents.

Setting Default Options in Windows 3.1

Follow these steps:

1. Double-click the Control Panel icon in the Main group.

2. Double-click the Printers icon.

3. Select EPSON 600Q from the list of printers and click Setup.

You see the Main printer settings dialog box, as shown on page 1-2.

4. Change the settings you want and click OK.

Any changes you make will become the default settings for all your applications and documents.

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Checking Printer Status

While your document is printing, the EPSON Despooler dialog box appears on your screen:

This dialog box shows the progress of your print job and the status of your printer. If you run out of paper while printing, for example, the Despooler warns you. You can use the buttons to cancel, pause, or restart your print job.

The Status Monitor at the bottom of the dialog box shows how much ink is left in your printer, along with these status icons:

Note: If you dont want the Despooler dialog box to appear each time you print, you can turn it off. To do this, start Spool Manager, open the View menu, and select Show Despool Popup; the checkmark next to the option disappears.

The name of the file youre printing appears here

Click to pause printing

Click to cancel printing

Click to restart printing

Note: The Status Monitor appears only if youre using Windows 95 and youre not printing over a network.

Checking the printer status.

A printing error has occurred and your printer cannot print. Check your printer or see Chapter 6 for troubleshooting information.

The printer is ready to print.

The printer is currently printing.

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The ink level is low or empty; check the B or A ink out light on the printer control panel and replace the cartridge if necessary.

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Printing from DOS Most DOS software programs include software for EPSON ESC/P 2 printers. You need to select the correct printer software to take advantage of your printers advanced built-in scalable fonts and graphics handling.

Most DOS programs require you to select from a list of printers to install the printer software. If EPSON 600Q is not included in the list, contact your software manufacturer to obtain updated software.

If updated software is not available, pick the first printer available in the lists below.

When printing black and color, select:

EPSON Stylus Pro EPSON Stylus COLOR 500 EPSON Stylus COLOR II LQ-860 LQ-2550

When printing black only, select:

LQ-870/1170 LQ-500 LQ-570(+)/1070(+) SQ-870/1070 LQ-850

Note: The drivers for the printers listed do not provide all EPSON 600Q features, such as 1440-dpi printing, 720-dpi printing, and MicroWeave.

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Choosing Paper and Other Media You can use most plain paper with your printer and achieve good results. For better results, use EPSON specially coated ink jet paper because it provides the best surface for the ink used in your printer. EPSON offers specially designed media for EPSON ink jet printers, available in a choice of sizes. See Chapter 3, Printing on Special Media, for more information on using special media.

To order EPSON papers and other media, contact your dealer or call EPSON Accessories at (800) 873-7766 (U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call (800) 873-7766 for dealer referral.

Media name Size Part number

EPSON 360 dpi Ink Jet Paper A4 Letter

S041059 S041060

EPSON High Quality Ink Jet Paper Letter S041111

EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper A4 Letter Legal

S041061 S041062 S041067

EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Paper A4 Letter

S041126 S041124

EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film A4 Letter

S041071 S041072

EPSON Ink Jet Transparencies A4 Letter

S041063 S041064

EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Cards A6 5 8 10 8

S041054 S041121 S041122

EPSON Iron-On Transfer Paper Letter S041001, S041002

EPSON Photo Quality Self Adhesive Sheets

A4 S041106

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What To Do When the Printer Lights Flash

The four lights on your printers control panel show the printers status and alert you to problems like paper jams.

power light

black ink out light

paper light

color ink out light

load/eject button

cleaning button

power button

S When the paper light comes on, your paper ran out or is incorrectly loaded. Load paper in the feeder and then press the E load/eject button.

B A When an ink light comes on, you need to replace the ink cartridge. See Chapter 5, Maintenance and Transportation, for instructions.

B A When an ink light flashes, your ink supply is low. Make sure you have a replacement cartridge.

S B A When the paper light flashes and the ink out lights are on, you have a paper jam. Turn off the printer and gently pull out all jammed paper. Reload the paper, then press the E load/eject button.

P The power light is on when the printer is on. The power light flashes when the printer is receiving data or charging ink, or if you are replacing an ink cartridge or cleaning a print head.

P S B A When the power and paper lights flash and the ink out lights are on, your printer has a carriage error. Press the P button twice to reset the printer. See Chapter 6, Troubleshooting, for more information.

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Using the Control Panel Buttons Follow these guidelines when using the control panel buttons:

Using Online Help For complete information about using the printer driver, you can easily access online help any time. It provides detailed descriptions of the different settings and options.

P S B A When all the lights flash, your printer may have an internal error. See Chapter 6, Troubleshooting, for more information.

P Turns the printer on and off.

Resets the printer (clears its memory) if pressed twice within 10 seconds while the power is on.

E Loads or ejects paper if pressed and released within two seconds. Resumes printing if pressed after a paper out error is corrected.

R Moves the print head to the replacement position if pressed for about three seconds while the B or A ink out light is flashing or on. Returns the print head to its home position after ink cartridge replacement.

Performs print head cleaning if pressed for about three seconds when the B or A ink out light is off.

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Accessing Online Help from Windows Applications

To access online help from your application, open the File menu and choose Print or Print Setup. Then click Printer, Setup, Options, or Properties (you may need to click a combination of these buttons) depending on the software you are using. Click the Help button at the bottom of the dialog box for help related to the items on that dialog box. Then select a help topic.

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You can also access online help when youre not using the driver, as described below.

Accessing Online Help from Windows 95

Click the Start button, point to Programs, and Epson, and then click EPSON 600Q Help. If you need instructions for how to use help, read the online Quick Guide to Using Help.

While youre using the printer driver, you can get specific help related to any item in the menus by right-clicking the item and then clicking the Whats This? prompt.

Accessing Online Help from Windows 3.1

To access online help from Program Manager, open the EPSON program group and click the EPSON 600Q Help icon. If you need instructions for how to use help, read the online Quick Guide to Using Help.

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2 When you want to print presentation graphics, photographs, or other special projects, you can use the custom settings in your EPSON 600Q software. You can choose predefined settings or adjust individual options like brightness, contrast, saturation, and halftoning. For professional-quality color accuracy, you can use Image Color Matching (ICM) under Windows 95.

This chapter includes the following information:

Using predefined advanced settings

Customizing print quality and special effects

Customizing color settings

Saving custom settings

Deleting custom settings

Using Predefined Advanced Settings Predefined settings provide an easy way to fine-tune your printers operation for special projects. Follow these steps to print with predefined settings:

1. Create your document, image, or project in your application software.

2. Access the Main printer settings dialog box as described on page 1-2.

Custom Printing

Custom Printing

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You see the following dialog box:

3. Select Color or Black Ink.

4. Click Advanced, and then Custom Settings. You see the list of project types.

5. Follow these guidelines to choose the right one for your project:

Photo For printing scanned photographs. Increases contrast in the image.

Text/Graph For printing graphics-intensive documents like presentation pages with charts and graphs. Intensifies colors and lightens the midtones and highlights.

Note: When you use advanced settings, the Quality/Speed slider disappears.

Always choose your Ink setting before you select a project setting from the Customs Settings list.

Selecting Video/Digital Camera or ICM automatically sets the Ink option to Color.

Then click here to see a list of project types

Click Advanced

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Video/Digital Camera For images captured from a digital camera or video. Increases color brightness and makes the image sharper.

Economy For rough drafts of text only, on plain paper. Saves ink.

ICM (Windows 95 only) Automatically adjusts printout colors to match the colors on your screen.

6. Choose the Media Type you want to print on. (If you are not sure which setting to select, refer to the table on page 3-2.) The available media are limited by the project you choose. For example, you cant use plain paper or transparencies with the ICM setting.

7. Click OK, then click any other buttons that your application uses for printing.

Customizing Print Quality and Special Effects If you need the maximum control over your project, or you want to experiment with special effects, you can adjust individual settings in your printer software. Follow these steps:

1. Create your document, image, or project in your application software.

2. Access the Main printer settings dialog box as described on page 1-2.

3. Click Advanced, and then click More Settings.

Note: See Chapter 3, Printing on Special Media, for information about using special media.

Note: After you customize your print settings for a special project, you can save them as a group. Then you can reuse them whenever you print a similar project. See page 2-8 for instructions.

Custom Printing

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You see the More Settings dialog box:

4. Choose one of the following Print Quality options:

Economy For low-resolution rough drafts on plain paper. Saves ink.

Normal - 360 dpi For most documents on plain paper, transparencies, or 360 dpi Ink Jet paper.

Fine - 720 dpi For high-resolution output. Works best on photo quality media.

SuperFine - 1440 dpi For the highest-resolution output on photo quality media only.

5. Choose the Media Type and Ink settings you want to use, following the guidelines in Chapter 1, Basic Printing, and Chapter 3, Printing on Special Media.

Note: The Print Quality is selected automatically depending on the current Media Type. If you choose a Print Quality setting that is not appropriate for your media, the driver changes the Media Type setting. Be sure to check both of these settings.

Some of these options are automatically set or disabled by other settings you choose

Custom Printing

2-5

6. Choose one of the following Halftoning options:

No Halftoning For printing black text only.

Error Diffusion For printing photographic or video/digital camera images. Blends each dot of color with the surrounding dots.

Fine Dithering, Coarse Dithering For printing charts, graphs, and other images that require precise, solid areas of bright colors. Arranges dots in orderly patterns. Use Coarse for images with more shading and less detail. Use Fine for images with more detail and less shading.

7. Choose any of the following options. Some of these settings are automatically selected or disabled by the Print Quality (resolution) you choose.

MicroWeave For improved print quality. Prints graphic data in finer increments to eliminate unwanted banding effects (light horizontal lines). Always use for color printing.

High Speed For fast, bidirectional printing at lower quality.

Flip Horizontal Prints a mirror image of your document. Use for printing with iron-on transfer paper. When you iron the printout onto a T-shirt or other item, it will read correctly.

Finest Detail For printing text, graphics, and line art with very sharp edges. Slows print speed and increases your system memory requirements.

8. Click OK if youre ready to print, or see the next section if you want to adjust your printers color settings.

Note: In Automatic mode, the Halftoning setting is selected based on the data in your print job. In Advanced mode, Halftoning is preselected for each document type setting. No Halftoning is available only when you select Black as the Ink setting.

If vertical lines in your printout are misaligned when you use the High Speed setting, you may need to align the print heads. See Chapter 5, Maintenance and Transportation, for instructions.

Custom Printing

2-6

Customizing Color Settings You can choose from several color adjustment modes or manually adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation. For professional color correction, you can set individual Cyan, Magenta, or Yellow (CMY) color values. To achieve the maximum color accuracy, you can use ICM under Windows 95.

Follow these steps to customize your color settings:

1. Access the More Settings dialog box as described on page 2-3. The color settings appear on the right side of the dialog box, as shown:

2. Choose one of the following Color Adjustment Modes:

Automatic Analyzes the color information in your project and optimizes color correction accordingly.

Photo-realistic For printing color photographs.

For more information about working with color, see the EPSON Answers Color Guide. To launch EPSON Answers, click the EPSON 600Q Answers icon in the EPSON program folder or group.

Drag sliders to set values between -25% and +25%

Click to set Color Adjustment Mode

Custom Printing

2-7

Vivid For printing graphics-intensive documents like presentation pages with charts and graphs. Intensifies colors and lightens the midtones and highlights.

3. If you want to specify individual color correction values, use the scroll bars to increase (drag right) or decrease (drag left) the settings listed below. (If you want to use the options described in step 4, you wont be able to specify individual color correction values.)

Brightness Makes your image lighter or darker.

Contrast Increases or decreases the difference between the bright or dark parts of an image.

Saturation Makes colors more vivid or less vivid.

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Increases or decreases the amount of the three ink colors that combine to make a full-color picture. Use to fine-tune the color balance in your printout.

4. For even more fine-tuning, choose Video/Digital Camera, or ICM (Windows 95 only).

Video/Digital Camera Use for printing images captured from a digital camera or video. Increases contrast and saturation and makes the image sharper.

ICM (Windows 95 only) Automatically adjusts printout colors to match colors on the screen.

5. Click OK to return to the Main printer settings dialog box.

Note: When you choose Video/Digital Camera or ICM, all the other color options are preset.

The availability of ICM depends on your Print Quality, Media Type, and Halftoning settings.

Custom Printing

2-8

6. Click Save Settings if you want to save your custom settings as a group that you can reuse for special projects. See the following section for more information about saving settings.

7. Click OK, then click any other buttons that your application uses for printing.

Saving Custom Settings After youve fine-tuned your printer settings for a special project, you can save your group of custom settings with a unique name and add it to the Custom Settings drop-down list on the Main menu. Then you can easily select the settings the next time you print a similar project. Follow these steps:

1. Customize your printer settings as described in this chapter.

2. Click the Save Settings button on the Main printer settings dialog box. You see the following dialog box:

3. Type a unique name for your settings (up to 16 characters) and click the Save button.

The name you choose will now be available on the Main printer settings dialog box when you click Advanced, and then Custom Settings.

Note: You can save up to 10 groups of settings.

If you change the Media Type or Ink setting when your customized setting is selected, the setting selected in the list changes to Custom Settings. This does not affect your customized setting. To return to your customized setting, simply reselect it.

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2-9

Deleting Custom Settings If you no longer need your customized settings, follow these steps to delete them:

1. Select Advanced mode and the document type in the Custom Settings drop-down list.

2. Click Save Settings.

3. Select the document type in the Custom Settings box, and click Delete. (You cannot delete any of the predefined document types.)

3-1

3 Your EPSON 600Q lets you print on just about any kind of paper you want to use. You can get great results printing on various sizes of plain paper, letterhead, and envelopes. Youll get even better results with specially coated ink jet paper. For the best output, use EPSONs photo quality media: ink jet paper, glossy paper, glossy film, and index cards.

For special projects, you can use a variety of EPSON media designed for ink jet printers, ranging from transparencies to iron-on transfer paper. You can even set up your printer to use custom paper sizes to print large posters and banners. This chapter covers the following:

Using special media

Printing banners and other custom size projects

Using Special Media When you print on special media, you need to be careful about choosing the correct Media Type and Paper Size settings in your printer software. Use the table on the next page to help you match the media type you loaded in the printer with the Media Type setting in the printer driver.

Printing on Special Media

Printing on Special Media

3-2

The type of paper or other media you use is one of the most important factors in determining the quality of your printed output. For example, you can achieve the highest resolution (SuperFine quality at 1440 dpi) only when you use EPSON Photo Quality media. The following tips will help you get the best results on any type of paper or other media.

For this media name . . . Select this Media Type setting . . .

Plain paper Plain paper

Envelopes Plain paper

EPSON 360 dpi Ink Jet Paper 360 dpi Ink Jet Paper

EPSON Special Coated Paper for 360 dpi Printing

EPSON High Quality Ink Jet Paper Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper

EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper

EPSON Special Coated Paper for 720 dpi Printing

EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Cards

EPSON 720 dpi Index Cards

EPSON Photo Quality Self Adhesive Sheets

EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Paper Photo Quality Glossy Paper

EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film Photo Quality Glossy Film

EPSON High Quality Glossy Paper

EPSON Iron-On Transfer Paper

EPSON Ink Jet Transparencies Ink Jet Transparencies

Note: If the corresponding Media Type option for your paper is not shown in the Media Type list, change the Print Quality setting in the More Settings dialog box, select Automatic as the Mode setting, or change the predefined setting in the Advanced settings list on the Main menu. See Chapter 2, Custom Printing, for more information.

Always handle sheets by the edges, and dont touch the printable surface. When you load paper, make sure the printable side is facing up. Some special media have a cut corner that you need to position correctly; follow any instructions in the package.

Printing on Special Media

3-3

Letterhead, Pre-printed Forms, and Legal-size Paper

Always load the top edge first.

If you are loading long paper, pull out the paper support extension and both output tray extensions. Dont load it more than half way to the arrow mark on the left edge guide.

EPSON 360 dpi, High Quality, and Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper

You can load paper up to the arrow mark on the left edge guide. If you use legal-size ink jet paper, dont load it more than half way to the arrow mark.

Caution: Dont use the cleaning sheets that may be included with your special media; they may damage the printer.

Printing on Special Media

3-4

EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Paper, Film, and Transparencies

To print on transparencies, remove the paper support and reinstall it in the rear paper support slot. For glossy paper and film, leave the paper support in the normal position.

Before you load glossy media or transparencies, put a support sheet (packed with the media) or a plain paper sheet beneath the stack. You can load up to 20 sheets of glossy paper, 30 sheets of glossy film, or 10 transparencies.

However, you may get better results by loading one sheet at a time. With multiple sheets loaded, the minimum top margin you can use is 1.2 inches. If you want to use a smaller top margin, load and print one sheet at a time.

Remove each sheet from the output tray immediately after its printed. Make sure each sheet is dry before stacking it.

Note: Use ink jet papers within one year of purchase. Use glossy media and transparencies within six months. Return unused sheets and envelopes to their original package as soon as possible. See the Appendix for more storage information.

Printing on Special Media

3-5

Envelopes

You can load up to 10 envelopes as shown below:

If ink smears when you print on envelopes or other thick media, set the adjust lever to the + position. Open the printer cover and position the lever as shown below. Then close the cover and print. (Make sure you return the lever to the 0 position before you print on thin media.)

Note: Be sure to load the envelope flap edge first and printable side up.

In the printer driver, set the Paper Size to the correct envelope size.

Printing on Special Media

3-6

EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Cards

You can use these cards to print photographs that look almost as good as the ones you get from film processing.

You can load up to 30 cards at a time with a support sheet (packed with the cards) or a sheet of plain paper beneath the stack. When youre ready to print, use your software to set the Paper Size option for the size card youre using.

If ink smears on the cards, set the adjust lever to the + position as shown on page 3-5.

EPSON Iron-On Transfer Paper

You can print photos, company logos, or anything else you want on this paper, and then transfer your images to T-shirts or other cloth items. Load one sheet of transfer paper at a time. After you print, follow the instructions that came with the paper to iron the image onto the shirt or other item.

EPSON Photo Quality Self Adhesive Sheets

Use these sheets to print labels or stickers. You should load these media one sheet at a time. Make sure your adhesive sheets are fully adhered to their backing sheet before you load them.

For iron-on transfers, make sure you reverse your image before you print it, especially if it includes text. Then the text will read correctly when its transferred. You can use the Flip Horizontal option in your printer software, as shown on page 2-5.

Printing on Special Media

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Printing Banners and Other Custom Size Projects You can use banner paper or ordinary (continuous-form) computer paper to print a banner up to 44 inches long. You can also print on any size paper that fits into the printer (at least 3.94 3.94 inches), by using the custom page size feature of your printer software.

1. To make a 44-inch banner with continuous-form computer paper, first tear off four sheets and remove the perforations at the edges. If you are using banner paper, cut the paper to the length you want for easier handling.

2. Insert the paper in the printer as shown. The right edge of the paper should be against the right edge guide:

3. Slide the left edge guide next to the left edge of the paper.

4. Follow the instructions below to print your banner.

right edge guide

Printing on Special Media

3-8

Printing a Banner

Follow these steps to print a banner or other custom-size document:

1. Create the document in your word processor or other application software. You can create a banner in either portrait or landscape orientation.

2. Click the print icon or choose Print or Print Setup from the File menu. You see a printing dialog box.

3. Make sure your printer is selected, and then click the Printer, Setup, Properties, or Options button. (You may have to click a combination of these buttons.) You see the Main printer settings dialog box, as shown on page 1-2.

4. Click the Paper tab. You see a dialog box like the following:

5. Choose the paper you want to use from the Paper Size list. If you want to print a banner or other custom-size document, choose User Defined.

Click to display list of paper sizes

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3-9

If you choose User Defined, the following dialog box appears:

6. To print a banner, type 8.5 inches for the Paper Width and 44 inches for the Paper Height. (This works for both landscape and portrait style banners.) Click OK.

7. Choose Portrait or Landscape if you havent already specified the orientation in your application software. Set the printable area if necessary.

8. Click the Main tab to return to the Main printer settings dialog box. Make sure you choose Plain paper and the other settings you want to use, and then click OK.

9. Click Close, OK, or Print to print your banner. You may need to click a combination of these buttons.

For banner printing, type any size up to 44 inches

4-1

4 Your printer software includes several utilities for managing print jobs. You can use them to monitor your printers status, set up large jobs to print later, and handle network printing. If youre using your printer on a network, you need to follow special setup procedures.

This chapter provides instructions for the following:

Managing print jobs

Network printing

Managing Print Jobs Your Windows printer software includes two management utilities: the Spool Manager and Status Monitor.

The Spool Manager starts automatically when you send a job to the printer. It allows you to print in the background while you continue to work on your computer and to hold jobs to print at a later time. If youre using your printer on a network, it also handles multiple print jobs that come in at the same time.

The Status Monitor, which is available only if youre using Windows 95, also starts automatically when you send a job to the printer. It displays on your screen to alert you about printer and ink status.

Managing Print Jobs and

Network

Note: The Status Monitor doesnt appear if youre printing over a network.

Managing Print Jobs and Network Printing

4-2

Using the Spool Manager

The Spool Manager works like the Windows Print Manager. When you send a job to your printer, your printer software creates a temporary journal file, stores it in the C:\TEMP or C:\WINDOWS\TEMP folder or directory, and assigns it to a print queue. The software then sends the file to your printer at the right time.

To open the Spool Manager while youre printing, click the Spool Manager icon that appears on the Taskbar (Windows 95) or at the bottom of your desktop (Windows 3.1).

To open it at any time, double-click the Spool Manager4 icon in the EPSON program group or folder.

You see the Spool Manager window:

The Spool Manager window displays the status of your print queues and journal files and lets you control them. Here are some of the things you can do:

Hold or release a queue

Send journal files to your printer over a network

Hold, re-queue, or delete a journal file

Select the information you want to see in the Spool Manager window

Prevent the Despooler popup window from appearing on your screen whenever you print

Change your default spool directory

Note: In Windows 3.1, you may not see the Spool Manager icon if the Program Manager or current window is maximized. Make the window smaller to see the Spool Manager icon.

menus

journal file queue

For information about any of these procedures, use the Spool Manager Help menu.

Managing Print Jobs and Network Printing

4-3

Deleting a Stalled Print Job

If youre having trouble printing, it may be because of a stalled print job. Follow these steps to delete it so you can continue printing:

1. Open the Spool Manager as described on page 4-2.

2. Click on any print jobs marked Held, then open the Document menu and click Delete.

3. Click Yes.

4. Exit Spool Manager and try printing again.

Changing the Default Spool Directory

If you get an error message when you try to print, or printing is very slow, you can try changing your default spool directory. Follow these steps:

1. Make a directory on your hard disk where you want Spool Manager to store journal files, for example, C:\SPLTEMP.

2. Open the Spool Manager as described on page 4-2.

3. Choose Default Spool Directory from the Options menu.

4. In the dialog box, change the spool directory to the one you created in step 1. Then click OK.

5. Make sure EPSON 600Q is selected, and then choose Setup from the Queue menu. The Queue Setup dialog box appears.

6. Make sure the spool directory is the one you created in step 1. Also make sure Use Print Manager for this port is checked. Then click OK. (If you are using Windows 95 and dont see the Status Monitor when you print, make sure its unchecked.)

Managing Print Jobs and Network Printing

4-4

7. Close Spool Manager.

Using the Status Monitor

The Status Monitor, available only if youre using Windows 95, displays automatically when you send a job to the printer. However, you can use it at any time to see how much ink you have left. Follow these steps:

1. Access the Main printer settings dialog box as described on page 1-2.

2. Click the Utility tab.

You see the Utility menu:

For information about these three utilities, see Chapter 5, Maintenance and Transportation.

Managing Print Jobs and Network Printing

4-5

3. Click the EPSON Status Monitor icon. You see the Despooler window with the Status Monitor at the bottom:

4. Check the amount of ink you have left. For more information about the Despooler window, see page 1-6.

Network Printing You can use your printer on a network under Windows 95 or other network operating systems. The Spool Manager sends journal files from your computer to a shared directory on a network server. These files can then be printed from another computer attached to the printer.

First you need to install the EPSON 600Q printer software on each computer that is going to print on the network. Then run Spool Manager and identify the shared directory to use for journal files. After you set this up on the system connected to the printer, you need to perform a similar procedure on each remote system on the network.

Under Windows 95, you also need to specify the port and network path to the printer.

Managing Print Jobs and Network Printing

4-6

Setting Up Your Network Path in Windows 95

If you want to use your printer on a network running Windows 95, you need to set up the port and network path on the computer connected to the printer. Follow these steps:

1. Double-click My Computer.

2. Double-click the Printers folder.

3. Right-click the EPSON 600Q icon and choose Properties.

4. Click the Details tab. The following dialog box appears:

5. Click the Add Port button, then specify the network path to the printer and click OK.

6. Open the Spool Manager window by double-clicking the Spool Manager4 icon in the EPSON program group or folder.

Managing Print Jobs and Network Printing

4-7

7. In the Spool Manager window, double-click your printers queue. The Queue Setup dialog box appears.

8. Make sure the Use Print Manager for this port option is checked. Then click OK.

Setting Up Your Journal File Directory

Follow these steps to set up the computer connected to the printer and any other computers on the network:

1. On the computer connected to the printer, open the Spool Manager window as described on page 4-2.

2. In the Spool Manager window, double-click the queue you want to use for network printing. The Queue Setup dialog box appears.

3. Click the Spool to remote printer button.

4. Click the Browse button.

5. Select the remote server directory that will receive journal files and click OK.

6. On remote systems, open the Spool Manager window as described on page 4-2.

7. In the Spool Manager window, double-click the queue you want to use for network printing. The Queue Setup dialog box appears.

8. Click the Remote Despool tab and then click the Printing from remote queues option.

9. Click the Browse button.

10. Select the directory youre using for journal files on the remote server (selected in step 5) and click OK.

11. Click OK to exit the Queue Setup dialog box.

5-1

5 Its easy to keep your EPSON 600Q printer working at its best. All you have to do is follow the simple instructions in this chapter for replacing ink cartridges, performing routine maintenance, and moving the printer.

This chapter covers the following procedures:

Cleaning the print heads

Replacing an ink cartridge

Aligning the print heads

Cleaning the printer

Transporting the printer

Cleaning the Print Heads If your printed image is unexpectedly light or faint, or dots are missing from the image, you may need to clean the print heads. This unclogs the nozzles so they can deliver ink properly.

Cleaning the print heads uses ink, so clean them only if print quality declines. You can use either of the following to clean the print heads:

The Head Cleaning utility in your printer software

The printers control panel buttons

Maintenance and

Transportation

Maintenance and Transportation

5-2

Using the Head Cleaning Utility

Follow these steps to run the utility:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on but not printing, and the B black and A color ink out lights are off.

2. Access the Main printer settings dialog box as described in Chapter 1.

3. Click the Utility tab. You see the Utility menu.

4. Click the Head Cleaning icon.

5. Follow the instructions on the screen to clean the print heads. Cleaning each head takes about two minutes, during which the printer makes some noise and the Ppower light flashes.

When the Ppower light stops flashing, you need to run a nozzle check to check the print quality and reset the cleaning cycle.

6. Make sure paper is loaded in the printer and click Print nozzle check pattern. See page 5-4 for instructions on examining the nozzle check pattern.

If your print quality has not improved, repeat the steps above. If you dont notice any improvement after doing this four or five times, check the print quality solutions in Chapter 6, Troubleshooting.

Caution: Never turn off the printer while the Ppower light is flashing. However, if the light is still flashing after 10 minutes and the print head is not moving or making noise, you may turn off the printer.

Maintenance and Transportation

5-3

Using the Control Panel

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and not printing, and that the B black and A color ink out lights are off.

2. Press the R cleaning button and hold it for three seconds. Cleaning takes about two minutes, during which the printer makes some noise and the Ppower light flashes.

After the cleaning cycle is complete and the Ppower light stops flashing, you need to run a nozzle check to check the print quality and reset the cleaning cycle.

3. Access the Main printer settings dialog box as described in Chapter 1.

4. Click the Utility tab. You see the Utility menu.

5. Click the Nozzle Check icon. See the next section for instructions on examining the nozzle check pattern.

If your print quality has not improved, repeat the steps above. If you dont notice any improvement after doing this several times, check the print quality solutions in Chapter 6, Troubleshooting.

Maintenance and Transportation

5-4

Examining the Nozzle Check Pattern

Examine the nozzle check pattern you print. It should look something like this, with the lower pattern colored cyan, magenta, and yellow:

Each staggered horizontal and straight vertical line should be complete, with no gaps in the dot pattern. If your printout looks okay, youre done. If any dots are missing, clean the print heads again, as explained in the previous sections.

Replacing an Ink Cartridge When a B black or A color ink out light flashes, the indicated cartridge is low on ink. This is a good time to make sure you have a new cartridge. When the light stays on, the cartridge is empty and you need to replace it.

Use these EPSON ink cartridges within six months of installing them and before the expiration date on the package:

Black ink cartridge S020093 Color ink cartridge S020089

When you need new ink cartridges, contact your dealer or call EPSON Accessories at (800) 873-7766 (U.S. only). In Canada, please call (800) 873-7766 for dealer referral.

W0186B

Caution: For best results, dont replace an ink cartridge unless its ink out light is flashing or on.

If ink runs out, you cant continue printing, even if ink remains in the other cartridge.

To ensure good results, use genuine EPSON cartridges and do not refill them. Other products may cause damage to your printer not covered by EPSONs warranty.

Maintenance and Transportation

5-5

Removing an Empty Ink Cartridge

You can replace a cartridge when the B black or A color ink out light is either flashing or on. Follow these steps:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and not printing.

2. Determine which cartridge needs to be replaced.

3. Lower the output tray and raise the printer cover.

4. Press the R cleaning button and hold it for three seconds.

The print heads move slightly left and the P power light begins flashing. (The print heads return to their home position if you dont proceed to step 5 within 60 seconds.)

5. Pull up the ink cartridge clamp. The cartridge rises up from its holder. (Although the illustration shows the color ink cartridge, the procedure is the same for replacing the black ink cartridge.)

6. Lift the cartridge out of the printer and dispose of it carefully.

Caution: If you press the R cleaning button when no ink out light is flashing or on, the printer cleans the print heads as described on page 5-9.

If you need to replace an ink cartridge before the lights flash (because the ink is too old, for example) follow the instructions on page 5-7.

Leave the old cartridge installed until you are ready to replace it with a new one. Attempting to print without a cartridge installed can damage your printer.

Once your remove an ink cartridge, it becomes unusable and cannot be reinstalled.

ink cartridge clamp

Maintenance and Transportation

5-6

7. Follow the steps in the next section to install the new ink cartridge.

Installing the New Cartridge

Once you have removed the empty cartridge, youre ready to install the new one. Follow these steps:

1. Remove the new ink cartridge from its packaging.

2. Remove the yellow tape seal as shown:

3. Lower the ink cartridge into its holder with the label facing up and the arrow pointing to the back of the printer. The larger cartridge (color) goes on the right, the black ink cartridge on the left.

Warning: If ink gets on your hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and water. If ink gets into your eyes, flush them immediately with water.

Caution: You must remove the tape seal from the top of the cartridge; leaving the tape on will permanently damage it. Do not remove the clear seal from the bottom of the cartridge; ink will leak out.

black cartridge color cartridge

Maintenance and Transportation

5-7

4. Press down the ink cartridge clamp until it locks in place.

5. If you need to replace the other ink cartridge, remove it as described in Removing an Empty Ink Cartridge on page 5-5. Then follow steps 1 through 4 in this section.

6. Press the R cleaning button and close the printer cover.

The printer moves the print heads and begins charging the ink delivery system. (Even if you dont press the button, ink charging begins 60 seconds after you close the clamp.)

The Ppower light flashes and the printer makes various sounds. Charging takes about two minutes. When its finished, you can print again.

Replacing an Outdated Ink Cartridge

If an ink cartridge is more than six months old, you may need to replace it. How can you tell? You may notice that your printouts dont look as good as they used to. If print quality doesnt improve after cleaning and aligning the print heads, you can replace one or both cartridges.

Caution: Dont open the clamp or remove a cartridge except to replace it with a new one. Once you remove a cartridge, you cant reuse it, even if it contains ink.

Caution: Never turn off the printer while the P power light is flashing. However, if the light is still flashing after 10 minutes and the printer is not moving or making noise, you may turn off the printer.

Maintenance and Transportation

5-8

Follow these steps to replace an ink cartridge before the B black or A color ink out light is flashing or on:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and not printing.

2. Lower the output tray and raise the printer cover.

3. Press the E load/eject button and hold it down for a few seconds until the print heads move to the left.

4. Pull up the ink cartridge clamp. The cartridge rises up from its holder.

5. Lift the cartridge out of the printer and dispose of it carefully.

6. Follow the steps in the previous section, Installing the New Cartridge, to install the new ink cartridge.

Caution: To avoid damaging the printer, never move the print heads by hand.

Maintenance and Transportation

5-9

Aligning the Print Heads If your printouts contain misaligned vertical lines, you may need to align the print heads. Follow these steps:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and paper is loaded.

2. Access the Main printer settings dialog box as described in Chapter 1.

3. Click the Utility tab. You see the Utility menu.

4. Click the Print Head Alignment icon.

5. Follow the instructions on the screen to print a test page and select the correct alignment.

Cleaning the Printer To keep your printer working at its best, you should clean it several times a year, following these steps:

1. Turn off the printer, unplug the power cord, and disconnect the printer cable.

2. Remove all the paper from the sheet feeder.

3. Carefully clean away dust and dirt with a soft, damp cloth.

4. Clean the exterior of the printer with a soft, damp cloth. Keep the printer cover closed so water doesnt get inside.

5. Clean ink out of the printers interior with a soft, damp cloth.

Caution: Load paper thats at least 8.3 inches wide so ink doesnt spray onto the platen.

Caution: Dont touch the gears inside the printer.

Never use alcohol or thinner for cleaning; they can damage the printer components and case.

Dont use a hard or abrasive brush.

Dont get water on the printer components.

Dont spray lubricants or oils inside the printer.

Maintenance and Transportation

5-10

Transporting the Printer If you want to move your printer some distance, you need to prepare it for transportation and repack it in the original box. Follow these steps:

1. Turn on the printer and wait until the print heads lock in the far right position. Then turn off the printer.

2. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. Then disconnect the interface cable from the printer.

3. Remove any paper from the sheet feeder and remove the paper support.

4. Push in the output tray extensions and close the tray.

5. Repack the printer and attachments in the original box using the protective materials that came with it. See the Notice Sheet that was packed with the printer.

Be sure to keep the printer flat as you transport it. If you notice a decline in print quality after transporting the printer, clean the print heads; if output is misaligned, align the print heads. See the instructions in this chapter.

Caution: To avoid damage, always leave the ink cartridges installed when transporting the printer.

6-1

6

As you use your printer, you may occasionally experience a paper jam or other problem. The first thing you should do is diagnose the problem, following the guidelines in this chapter. Then try the most likely solutions until the problem is fixed.

This chapter tells you everything you need to know about the following:

Diagnosing problems

Improving print quality

Solving printing problems

Fixing paper jams and other paper problems

Solving miscellaneous printout problems

Diagnosing Problems Your printer includes a number of ways to help you diagnose problems:

To identify the most common problems, check the lights on the printers control panel. See What To Do When the Printer Lights Flash on page 1-9.

You can also use the Status Monitor utility to identify common problems. For instructions, see page 4-4.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

6-2

For the latest information, check the EPSON 600Q Help program and the ReadMe file in the EPSON program group or folder.

If none of the suggested solutions in this chapter solve your problem, contact EPSON as described under Where to Get Help in the Introduction.

Running a Printer Check

You can run a printer check to determine whether the problem comes from the printer itself or some other source.

If the results are satisfactory, the problem lies in software settings, the interface cable, or your computer.

If the printer check does not print correctly, you have a problem with your printer. See the suggestions in this chapter for possible solutions.

Follow these steps to check the printer:

1. Make sure both the printer and computer are turned off.

2. Disconnect the interface cable from the printer.

3. Make sure paper is loaded in the printer.

4. Hold down the E load/eject button and press the Ppower button to turn on the printer. Then release both buttons.

The printer prints one page containing a nozzle check pattern and the printers ROM version. The following sample is in black, but the actual printout is in color.

W0186 02BB

5. After it prints the page, turn off the printer. Reconnect the interface cable and turn on your printer and computer.

Caution: Use paper thats at least 8.2 inches wide. Otherwise the print head will spray ink directly onto the platen.

Troubleshooting

6-3

Improving Print Quality You can often improve print quality by doing one of the following:

Clean the print heads (see Chapter 5 for instructions).

Use higher quality paper appropriate for your print job (see Chapter 3 for a list of EPSON papers).

Match the Media Type setting in the Main printer settings dialog box to the type of media you loaded in the printer (see Chapter 3 for details).

Turn off High Speed mode in the Advanced printer settings dialog box (see Chapter 2 for details).

Make sure Economy mode is off in the printer driver.

Replace the ink cartridges. (Check the status of the B black and A color ink out lights first. See Chapter 5 for instructions.)

Here are some detailed solutions to specific print quality problems.

Printed image has horizontal banding

Possible cause Solution

The Media Type setting doesnt match the loaded paper.

Make sure the Media Type setting matches the loaded paper or other media. Then the printer software can automatically select other settings for the best quality. See Chapters 1 and 3.

The printable side of the paper is face down.

Remove the paper and reload it with the printable side face up. See Chapter 3 for instructions.

The print head nozzles are clogged.

Clean the print heads. See Chapter 5 for instructions.

The ink cartridges are low on ink.

Check the B black and A color ink out lights to see which cartridge you may need to replace. See Chapter 5.

The MicroWeave option is not set.

Turn on MicroWeave in the advanced printer settings dialog box. See Chapter 2 for more information.

Troubleshooting

6-4

Vertical lines are misaligned or vertical banding appears

The printed image has incorrect or missing colors

Possible cause Solution

The print head nozzles are clogged.

Clean the print heads. See Chapter 5 for instructions.

High Speed mode is turned on.

Turn off High Speed mode if vertical lines are misaligned. See Chapter 2 for information.

The print heads are misaligned.

Run the Print Head Alignment utility. See Chapter 5 for instructions.

Possible cause Solution

The Ink option is set to Black. Change the Ink setting to Color. See Chapter 1 for instructions.

The Media Type setting doesnt match the loaded paper.

Make sure the Media Type setting matches the paper or media youre using. Then the printer software can automatically select other settings for the best quality. See Chapters 1 and 3.

The printable side of the paper is face down.

Remove the paper and reload it with the printable side face up. See Chapter 3 for instructions.

The Halftoning and Color Adjustment Mode options are set incorrectly for your document type.

Use the correct settings for the project you are printing, following the instructions in Chapter 2.

The print head nozzles are clogged.

Clean the print heads. See Chapter 5 for instructions.

The ICM (Windows 95) settings are incorrect for your document.

Use the Automatic mode setting or choose a different project type setting. See Chapter 2 for more information.

The ink cartridges are low on ink or one or more ink colors are empty.

Check the B black and A color ink out lights to see which cartridge you may need to replace. See Chapter 5 for instructions.

The colors displayed on your monitor dont match the printed colors.

Because your monitor and printer use different technologies to represent colors, your printed colors cannot exactly match the colors you see on your monitor screen. Use the ICM (Windows 95) setting. See Chapter 2 for more information.

The color settings in your application software need adjustment.

You may be able to adjust various color settings in your application software. See your software documentation for more information.

Troubleshooting

6-5

The printed image is faint or has gaps

The printed image is blurry or smeared

Possible cause Solution

The print head nozzles are clogged.

Clean the print heads. See Chapter 5 for instructions.

The Media Type setting doesnt match the loaded paper.

Make sure the Media Type setting matches the loaded paper or other media. Then the printer software can automatically select other settings for the best quality. See Chapters 1 and 3.

The loaded paper is damaged, old, or dirty.

Remove the paper and reload a new stack with the printable side face up. See Chapter 3 for instructions.

The ink cartridges are low on ink.

Check the B black and A color ink out lights to see which cartridge you may need to replace. See Chapter 5 for instructions.

Possible cause Solution

The printers adjust lever is in the 0 position.

Set the adjust lever to the + position and try printing again. See Chapter 3 for instructions.

The paper is damp or the printable side is face down.

Remove the paper and reload a new stack with the printable side face up. See Chapter 3 for instructions.

You loaded special media without a support sheet.

Follow the special media loading instructions in Chapter 3 and on the paper packaging for media that require support sheets. Also try loading your media one sheet at a time.

You tried to print on cardboard or other nonrecommended media.

Make sure your paper or media meets the specifications listed in the Appendix. If your printouts are still blurry after you change paper, clean the print heads as described in Chapter 5.

The Media Type setting does not match the loaded paper.

Make sure the Media Type setting matches the media you loaded. Then the printer software can automatically select other settings for the best quality. See Chapter 3 for information.

The sheets entering the output tray are smearing the ink on ejected pages.

Remove each sheet from the output tray as soon as it is printed to prevent smearing, especially if you use transparencies.

Ink has leaked inside the printer.

Clean carefully inside the printer to remove spilled ink. See Chapter 5 for instructions.

The color ink cartridge is empty.

Replace the color ink cartridge following the instructions in Chapter 5 or choose Black ink in your printer software.

Youre using the High Speed and MicroWeave settings with a misaligned print head.

Turn off High Speed following the instructions in Chapter 2. Run the Print Head Alignment utility following the instructions in Chapter 5.

Troubleshooting

6-6

Photographic images look grainy or rough

Color documents print in black and white

Solving Printing Problems If the printer wont print, first check that:

The printer is turned on and the Ppower light is on.

Paper is loaded in the printer.

The printer is plugged into a working electrical outlet thats not controlled by a switch or timer.

The interface cable is securely connected to the printer and computer and both are turned on.

If you still cant print, check the following solutions.

All lights are off

Possible cause Solution

The print heads are misaligned.

Run the Print Head Alignment utility. See Chapter 5 for instructions.

The resolution of your image may be too low.

Increase the image resolution using your image-editing software, or decrease the size of the image.

Possible cause Solution

Your printer is not selected in your application.

Select your printer and port in your software application.

Color printing is not selected. Select color printing in your application and the printer driver.

Possible cause Solution

The printer is not receiving power.

Try these solutions:

Make sure the printer is turned on.

Turn off the power and plug in the power cord securely.

Make sure the outlet is not controlled by a switch or timer and is operable.

6-7

Only the Ppower light is on, but nothing prints

The S paper out light is flashing or on

A B black or A color ink out light is flashing or on

Possible cause Solution

The interface cable is not connected securely.

Turn off your printer and computer. Then make sure the cable is connected securely and meets the printers specifications. Try printing again.

The printer has an internal problem.

Turn off the printer and computer, disconnect the interface cable, and run a printer check as described on page 6-2.

Your printer or application software is installed incorrectly.

If the printer check prints correctly, check your printer and application software for correct installation. If youre printing on a Windows 95 network, you may need to set up your printer for network printing, as described in Chapter 4.

Your computer doesnt have enough memory to handle the data in the file you are printing.

Try one of the following:

Reduce the resolution of your image.

Select fewer colors or a lower resolution for your monitor.

Add more memory to your computer.

Printing is stalled in Spool Manager.

Delete the stalled print jobs in Spool Manager and resume printing; see Chapter 4 for instructions.

The print heads are clogged or the ink cartridges are too old.

6

If the printer sounds like its trying to print but doesnt feed paper, clean the print heads; see Chapter 5 for instructions.

If cleaning doesnt help, replace the cartridges. For information on cartridge life and replacement instructions, see Chapter 5.

Possible cause Solution

If flashing, paper is jammed. Remove the paper and follow the guidelines for preventing jams on page 6-11.

If on, paper is not loaded or is loaded incorrectly.

Load paper or remove the stack and reload it as described in the Quick Setup booklet or Chapter 3. Then press the E load/eject button to turn off the light and resume printing.

Possible cause Solution

If flashing, the ink supply is getting low.

You need to replace the indicated ink cartridge soon. Make sure you have a new cartridge, then see Chapter 5 for instructions.

If on, the ink cartridge is empty.

You must replace the indicated ink cartridge; see Chapter 5 for instructions.

6-8

The S paper and Ppower lights are flashing

All the lights are flashing

The printer has finished charging the ink cartridge, but the Ppower light is still flashing

The printer software installed with Windows 3.1 does not work correctly after you upgrade to Windows 95

After you install your printing software, you see the Windows 95 New Hardware Found window

Possible cause Solution

A carriage error has occurred. Remove any paper in the printer. Press the E load/eject button for about 30 seconds. Then press it again. Turn the printer off, wait a few seconds, and then turn it on and try printing again. If the error is not cleared, contact EPSON as described in the Introduction.

Possible cause Solution

You havent removed all the packing material from the printer.

Remove the packing material, following the instructions on the Notice Sheet in the box.

An internal error may have occurred.

Turn off your printer, wait a few seconds, and turn it on again. If the lights still flash or stay on, contact EPSON as described in the Introduction.

Possible cause Solution

The ink cartridge clamp isnt locked down.

Press down on the clamp to lock it into place.

Packing material remains in the printer.

Remove the packing material, following the instructions on the Notice Sheet in the box.

The printer needs to initialize. If the printer is not moving or making noise, but the light is still flashing after 10 minutes, turn the printer off. If the light is still flashing when you turn it back on, contact EPSON as described in the Introduction.

Possible cause Solution

Your printer software is not set up correctly for Windows 95.

Reinstall the printer software after installing Windows 95, as described in the Quick Setup booklet.

Possible cause Solution

An operating system error has occurred.

Click Do not install a driver, and then click OK.

6-9

You see a spooling error message (Windows)

In Windows 95, the Status Monitor box does not appear with the Despooler

Printing is too slow

Possible cause Solution

Spooling error messages or very slow printing may be caused by temporary files.

Change the Spool Manager default directory, following the instructions in Chapter 4.

Your hard drive is too full. Delete unnecessary files to make room on the drive.

Your computer doesnt have enough memory for the file youre printing.

Try one of the following:

Reduce the resolution of your image.

Select fewer colors or a lower resolution for your monitor.

Add more memory to your computer.

Possible cause Solution

The Windows Print Manager is interfering with the Status Monitor.

Make sure Use Print Manager for this port is not checked in the Spool Manager Queue setup. Then check your bidirectional spool settings. See Chapter 4 for instructions.

Possible cause Solution

Your printer software options are set incorrectly.

For faster printing, try the following:

Set Print Quality to Economy.

Turn MicroWeave off.

Turn High Speed on.

Choose No Halftoning.

Choose Black ink.

See Chapters 1 and 2 for more information.

Your system doesnt have enough resources.

Clear space on your hard disk drive or run a defragmentation utility.

Dont run too many applications at the same time.

Turn off virtual memory.

Increase your systems memory (RAM).

Your port settings are incorrect in Windows 95.

Change your default spool directory and disable port settings as described in Chapter 4.

6-10

Fixing Paper Problems You can avoid most paper handling problems by doing the following:

Use smooth, high-quality media designed for ink jet printers that meet the media specifications in the Appendix.

Follow all loading and handling instructions included with the media.

Load the media with the printable side face up, as described in the Quick Setup booklet or Chapter 3.

If you have problems with paper feeding, paper jams, or ejected paper, check here for solutions.

Paper doesnt feed

Multiple pages feed at the same time

Try this Then do this

Remove the stack of paper from the sheet feeder.

Check that the paper:

Isnt curled or creased.

Isnt too old (see Chapter 3 or your paper packaging for more information).

Isnt loaded above the arrow on the left edge guide.

Isnt jammed inside the printer. (If the S paper out light is flashing, paper is jammed.)

Then reload the paper as described in Chapter 3, making sure the left edge guide is adjusted to fit the papers width.

Try this Then do this

Remove the stack of paper. Make sure the paper isnt too thin (see the paper specifications in the Appendix).

Fan the edges of the stack of paper to separate the sheets.

Reload the paper as described in the Quick Setup booklet and Chapter 3.

If more copies of a page or document are printing than you expected, check that the Copies settings in both the printer settings dialog box and your application program are set to 1. See Chapter 1 for information.

6-11

Paper jams inside the printer

Paper doesnt eject fully or is wrinkled

Solving Miscellaneous Printout Problems If your printout results are not what you expected, try these solutions.

Characters are incorrect or garbled

.

Try this Then do this

Turn off your printer, open the cover, and remove all the paper thats inside, including any little pieces that may have torn off.

Reload the paper as described in the Quick Setup booklet and Chapter 3.

If your paper jams frequently, make sure you:

Use smooth, high-quality paper, loaded printable side up.

Fan the stack and then even the edges before loading it.

Dont load paper above the arrow mark on the left edge guide.

Adjust the left edge guide to fit the width of your paper.

Possible cause Solution

If the paper doesnt eject fully, you may have set the wrong paper size.

Press the E load/eject button to eject the paper. Then make sure you select the correct paper size in your application or printer software. (See the paper specifications in the Appendix for the paper sizes you can print with.)

If its wrinkled when it comes out, the paper may be damp or too thin.

See the paper specifications in the Appendix for paper thicknesses you can print with, as well as environmental requirements for storage.

Possible cause Solution

Your printer is not the Windows default printer.

Select your printer as the default Windows printer. See your Windows documentation or online help for instructions.

Printing is stalled in Spool Manager (Windows).

Delete the stalled print jobs in Spool Manager following the instructions in Chapter 4. Then try printing again.

The interface cable is not securely connected.

Turn off your printer and computer. Then make sure the cable is connected securely and meets the printers specifications.

6-12

The margins are incorrect

The image is inverted as if viewed in a mirror

The printer prints blank pages

Possible cause Solution

Margins are set incorrectly in your software application.

Check your software documentation for instructions on selecting the correct margins for your paper size.

Make sure the margins are within the printable area of the page. See the Appendix for more information.

Paper settings in the printer software are incorrect for your paper size.

Select the correct paper settings for your paper size. See Chapter 1 for more information.

Possible cause Solution

You used a Flip Horizontal option in your application software or the printer software.

Turn off the Flip Horizontal or mirror setting in your application software or the printer software. See Chapter 2 for information.

Possible cause Solution

Your printer is not the Windows default printer.

Select your printer as the default Windows printer. See your Windows documentation or online help for instructions.

Paper settings in the printer software are incorrect for your paper size.

Select the correct paper settings for your paper size. See Chapter 1 for more information.

The print head nozzles are clogged.

Clean the print heads following the instructions in Chapter 5.

A-1

A Printing

Printing method On-demand ink jet

Nozzle configuration Monochrome (black) 64 nozzles (32 2 staggered) Color (cyan, magenta, yellow) 32 nozzles 3

Printable columns and printing speeds

cps = characters per second

ips = inches per second

Resolution Maximum 1440 dpi 720 dpi

Print direction Bidirectional with logic seeking for text and graphics. (Auto print direction can be set in the default-setting mode.)

Control code ESC/P 2 and expanded raster graphics code

Line spacing 1/6 inch, 1/8 inch, or programmable in 1/360-inch increments

Paper feed speed 66.6 milliseconds per 1/6-inch line

Input buffer 32KB

Specifications

Character mode Character pitch (characters per inch) Printing column Draft speed

LQ printing speed

10 80 400 cps 200 cps

12 96 480 cps 240 cps

15 120 600 cps 300 cps

17 (10 condensed) 137 684 cps 342 cps

20 (12 condensed) 160 800 cps 400 cps

Raster graphics mode Print quality Printable area Available dots CR speed

180 dpi 8.26 inches 1488 20 ips

360 dpi 8.26 inches 2976 20 ips

720 dpi 8.26 inches 5952 20 ips

Specifications

A-2

Fonts

Select other font/pitch combinations using ESC/P 2 commands. See the Command List on page A-9.

Each font has four variations: normal, bold, italic, and bold italic.

Note: The printer always uses the fonts you selected with your software application. You need to use the printers internal fonts only if your application doesnt allow you to select fonts.

Character tables These character tables are selected with the default setting mode (see page A-8 for instructions) or by using software commands.

PC437 (U.S./Standard Europe)

PC850 (Multilingual)

PC860 (Portuguese)

PC861 (Icelandic)

PC863 (Canadian-French)

PC865 (Nordic)

Abicomp

BRASCII

Roman 8

ISO Latin 1

Italic

Character sets 14 international character sets and 1 legal character set

Bitmap fonts Font 10 cpi 12 cpi 15 cpi Proportional

EPSON Roman x x x x

EPSON Sans Serif x x x x

EPSON Courier x x x

EPSON Prestige x x x

EPSON Script x x x

Scalable fonts

Font Minimum point size

Maximum point size Increments

EPSON Roman 8 32 2

EPSON Sans Serif 8 32 2

EPSON Roman T 8 32 2

EPSON Sans Serif H 8 32 2

Specifications

A-3

Paper

Note: Since the quality of any particular brand or type of paper may be changed by the manufacturer at any time, EPSON cannot attest to the quality of any non-EPSON brand or type of paper. Always test samples of paper stock before purchasing large quantities or printing large jobs.

Poor quality paper may reduce print quality and cause paper jams and other problems. If you encounter problems, switch to a higher grade of paper.

Do not load curled or folded paper.

Ink jet paper, envelopes, glossy film, glossy paper, and transparencies are usable only under normal conditions:

Temperature: 59 to 77 F (15 to 25 C) Humidity: 40 to 60% RH

EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Paper and Photo Quality Self Adhesive Sheets should be stored under the following conditions:

Temperature: 59 to 86 F (15 to 30 C) Humidity: 20 to 60% RH

Printable area

Paper type Size Paper types Thickness Weight

Single sheets Letter (8.5 11 inches) A4 (210 297 mm) A5 (148 210 mm) B5 (182 257 mm) Legal (8.5 14 inches) Statement (5.5 8.5 inches) Executive (7.5 10 inches)

Plain bond paper and special ink jet papers distributed by EPSON

0.003 to 0.004 inch (0.08 to 0.11 mm)

17 to 24 lb (64 to 90 g/m2)

Transparencies, Glossy film, Glossy paper

Letter (8.5 11 inches) A4 (210 297 mm) A6 (105 148 mm, glossy film only)

Transparencies, glossy paper, and glossy film distributed by EPSON

Glossy film and transparencies: 0.005 to 0.006 inch (0.13 to 0.15 mm) glossy paper: 0.0066 to 0.0070 inch (0.17 to 0.18 mm)

Adhesive sheets A4 (210 297 mm) Self adhesive sheets distributed by EPSON

Envelopes No. 10 9.5 4.1 inches (240 104 mm)

DL 8.7 4.3 inches (220 110 mm)

C6 4.4 6.4 inches (114 162 mm)

Plain bond paper or air mail paper

0.006 to 0.017 inch (0.16 to 0.43 mm)

12 to 20 lb (45 to 75 g/m2)

Index cards A6 (105 148 mm) 5 8 inches (127 203 mm) 10 8 inches (254 203 mm)

Ink jet cards distributed by EPSON

0.0091 inch (0.23 mm) 50.7 lb (188 g/m2)

Specifications

A-4

A: The minimum top margin is 0.12 inch (3.0 mm).

When loading multiple sheets of EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film, the minimum top margin is 1.2 inches (30 mm).

BL: The minimum left margin is 0.12 inch (3.0 mm).

BR: The minimum right margin for single sheet paper is 0.12 inch (3.0 mm) except for letter and legal size paper. The minimum right margin for letter and legal size paper is 0.35 inch (9.0 mm).

The minimum right margin for envelopes is as follows: 0.28 inch (7.0 mm) for DL envelopes. 1.10 inches (28.0 mm) for No. 10 envelopes. 0.12 inch (3.0 mm) for C6 envelopes.

C: The minimum bottom margin is 0.54 inch (14.0 mm).

Note: Always load paper into the sheet feeder short edge first. However, envelopes should be loaded long edge first.

A

B-L B-R

C

A

B-R

C

B-L

EnvelopeSingle sheet

Specifications

A-5

Ink Cartridge

* The print capacity may vary, depending on how often you use the print head cleaning function.

** It thaws and is usable after approximately 3 hours at 77 F (25 C).

Caution: To ensure good results, use genuine EPSON ink cartridges. Other products may cause damage to your printer not covered by EPSONs warranty.

Dont use an ink cartridge if the date on the package has expired.

Mechanical Paper feed method Friction

Paper path Sheet feeder, rear entry

Sheet feeder capacity 100 sheets at 17 lb (64 g/m2) paper

Total print volume 75,000 pages (A4, Text)

Dimensions

Storage Width: 16.9 inches (429 mm) Depth: 10.8 inches (275 mm) Height: 6.6 inches (168 mm)

Printing Width: 16.9 inches (429 mm) Depth: 24.1 inches (613 mm)

27.4 inches (695 mm) when printing transparencies Height: 12.2 inches (309 mm)

7.7 inches (196 mm) when printing transparencies

Weight 11.5 lb (5.2 kg) without the ink cartridges

Specification Black ink cartridge (S020093) Color ink cartridge (S020089)

Color(s) Black Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow

Print capacity* 540 pages/A4 (ISO/IEC 10561 Letter Pattern at 360 dpi)

300 pages (A4, 360 dpi, 5% duty each color)

Cartridge life 2 years from production date (if unopened) (within 6 months after opening package, at 77 F (25 C))

Storage temperature 4 to 104 F (20 to 40 C) 1 month at 104 F (40 C)

Transit temperature 22 to 140 F (30 to 60 C) 1 month at 104 F (40 C) 120 hours at 140 F (60 C)

Freezing temperature**

3.2 F (16 C) 0.4 F (18 C)

Dimensions 0.7 (W) 2.1(D) 1.5 (H) inches 19.8 (W) 52.7(D) 38.5 (H) mm

1.7 (W) 2.1(D) 1.5 (H) inches 42.9 (W) 52.7 (D) 38.5 (H) mm

Specifications

A-6

Electrical

Note: Check the label on the back of the printer for the voltage of your printer.

Environmental Temperature Operation: 50 to 95 F (10 to 35 C)

Storage: 4 to 140 F (20 to 60 C), stored in shipping container 1 month at 104 F (40 C) 120 hours at 140 F (60 C)

Humidity Operation: 20 to 80% RH Storage: 5 to 85% RH (stored in shipping container, without condensation)

Safety Approvals Safety standards UL 1950 with D3, CSA C22.2 No.950 with D3

EMC FCC part 15 subpart B class B, CSA C108.8 class B

Interface Your printer is equipped with an 8-bit parallel interface and a serial interface.

Parallel interface The built-in parallel interface has the following characteristics:

Forward channel Data format: 8-bit parallel, IEEE-1284 compatibility mode

Synchronization: STROBE pulse

Handshake timing: BUSY and ACKNLG signals

Signal level: TTL compatible

Connector: 57-30360 Amphenol connector or equivalent

Reverse channel Transmission mode: IEEE-1284 Nibble mode

Adaptable connector: 57-30360 Amphenol Connector or equivalent

Synchronization: Refer to the IEEE-1284 specification

Specification 120V Model 220240V Model

Input voltage range 103.5 to 132V 198 to 264V

Rated frequency range 50 to 60 Hz

Input frequency range 49.5 to 60.5 Hz

Rated current 0.4A 0.2A

Power consumption Approx. 15W (ISO/IEC 10561 Letter Pattern)

Specifications

A-7

Handshaking: Refer to the IEEE-1284 specification

Signal level: IEEE-1284 Level 1 device

Data transmission timing: Refer to the IEEE-1284 specification

Serial interface The printers built-in serial interface is based on the RS-423 standard. This interface has the following characteristics:

Standard: Based on RS-423

Synchronization: Synchronous

Bit rate: Approx. 900 Kbps

Handshaking: X-ON/X-OFF DTR protocol

Word format: Data bit: 8 bits Parity bit: None Start bit: 1 bit Stop bit: 1 bit

Connector: 8-pin mini-circular connector

Recommended cable: Apple System Peripheral-8 cable (Part number M0197)

Initialization The printer can be initialized (returned to a fixed set of conditions) in these ways:

Hardware initialization

When the printer is turned on, the printer mechanism is initialized, the input and print buffers are cleared, and all settings return to their default values. However, the printer mechanism is not initialized if the printer is turned on within 10 seconds after being turned off. In this case, the printer caps the print head, and ejects any paper in the paper path.

Software initialization

Software initialization clears the print buffer and returns all settings to their default values, as shown below.

Hardware initialization

The printer is turned on. The printer receives an INIT signal from the parallel interface.

Software initialization

Software sends the ESC @ (initialize the printer) command. The last panel settings are kept.

Specifications

A-8

Default Settings The table below shows the default settings that take effect when the printer is initialized. To change these settings, follow the instructions in Built-in Fonts and Character Tables.

Built-in Fonts and Character Tables Your printer has eight built-in fonts and eleven character tables that you can select using the printers default setting mode as described below. The setting you choose takes effect each time you turn on the printer. Available fonts and character tables are listed on page A-2.

Note: The font and character table selections you make with your software override the settings you make using the default setting mode. For best results, use your software to make these settings.

To change the default font or character table, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the printer is turned off and paper is loaded in the sheet feeder. (Use paper at least 8.3 inches wide. Otherwise the print heads will spray ink directly onto the platen.)

2. Hold down the R cleaning button and turn on the printer.

The printer loads a sheet of paper and prints a brief summary and instructions.

3. Follow the instructions on the sheet and press the R cleaning button until the control panel lights indicate the language of your choice.

Item Default setting

Top-of-form position Current paper position

Page length Single sheets: 22 inches

Left and right margins Cancelled

Line spacing 1/6-inch line spacing

Character pitch Last font selected using default setting mode

Vertical tab position Cleared

Horizontal tab positions Every eight characters

Font selection Last font selected using default setting mode

Special printing effects Cancelled (except condensed and economy printing)

User-defined character set Hardware/control panel initialization: cleared Software initialization: deselected only

Specifications

A-9

4. Press the E load/eject button to print the default font and character table and the next page of instructions.

The instruction sheet lists all of the fonts and character tables you can select.

5. Select the font and character table you want to use.

6. Exit the default setting mode by turning off the printer.

If you want to check the current default font and character table, enter the default setting mode again and print the current settings, which are indicated by arrows.

Note: You may exit default setting mode any time by turning off the printer. Any changes you made remain in effect until you change them again.

Command List This section lists the available printer commands by topic. Your printer works with the following commands.

ESC/P 2 control codes

Selecting EPSON ESC/P 2 printer in your software allows you to use the most advanced font and graphics handling available. See the ESC/P Reference Manual for details.

General operation ESC@, ESC U, ESC EM

Paper feeding CR, FF, LF, ESC 0, ESC 2, ESC 3, ESC +

Page format ESC ( C, ESC C, ESC C0, ESC Q, ESC l, ESC ( c, ESC N, ESC O

Print position motion

ESC $, ESC \, ESC ( V, ESC ( v, ESC D, HT, ESC B, VT, ESC J

Font selection ESC k, ESC x, ESC X, ESC P, ESC M, ESC g, ESC p, ESC 4, ESC 5, ESC E, ESC F, ESC !

Font enhancement ESC W, DC4, SO, DC2, SI, ESC w, ESC G, ESC H, ESC T, ESC S, ESC -, ESC ( -, ESC q

Spacing ESC Space, ESC c, ESC ( U

Character handling ESC t, ESC ( t, ESC R, ESC %, ESC &, ESC :, ESC 6, ESC 7, ESC ( ^

Bit image ESC *

Graphics ESC ( G, ESC ., ESC ( i, ESC ( e, ESC ( \, ESC ( s

Color ESC r, ESC ( r

Printing mode ESC ( K

G-1

Glossary

banding The horizontal lines that sometimes appear when printing graphics. See also MicroWeave.

buffer The portion of the printers memory used to store data before printing it.

character table A collection of letters, numbers, and symbols that provides you with the characters used in a particular language.

characters per inch (cpi)

A measure of the size of text characters, sometimes referred to as pitch.

CMYK Cyan (blue-green), magenta, yellow, and black. These colored inks are used to create the subtractive system array of printed colors.

default A value or setting that takes effect when the equipment is turned on, reset, or initialized.

dithering A halftoning method in which dots are arranged in an orderly pattern. Dithering works best for printing images with solid colors, such as charts and graphs. See also halftoning.

dpi Dots per inch. The dpi measures the resolution. See also resolution.

driver A software program that sends instructions to a computer device to tell it what to do. For example, your printer driver accepts print data from your word processing application and sends instructions to the printer on how to print this data.

Error Diffusion This halftoning setting smooths out edges by randomly placing dots of varying colors. This has the opposite effect of the Finest Detail setting.

Glossary

G-2

ESC/P Abbreviation for Epson Standard Code for Printers. This system of commands gives you control of your printer from your computer. It is standard for all EPSON printers and supported by most application programs for personal computers.

ESC/P 2 The enhanced version of the ESC/P printer command language. Commands in this language produce laser-like features, such as scalable fonts and enhanced graphics printing.

Finest Detail This printer driver setting automatically makes your printed images sharper and clearer. This has the opposite effect of the Error Diffusion setting. Be aware that this may increase the time required for printing.

font A style of type designated by a name.

grayscale A scale of shades of gray from black to white. Grayscale is used to represent colors when printing with black ink only.

halftoning A method of using dot patterns to represent an image. Halftoning makes it possible to produce varying shades of gray using only black dots, or a nearly infinite array of colors using only a few colors of dots.

initialization Returns the printer to its defaults (fixed set of conditions). This happens every time you turn on or reset the printer.

ink jet A method of printing in which each letter or symbol is formed by precisely spraying ink onto paper.

interface The connection between the computer and a peripheral such as a printer. Some printers have two interfaces, parallel and serial. A parallel interface transmits data one byte, or eight bits, at a time. A serial interface transmits data one bit at a time.

ips Inches per second. This scale is used to measure the printing speed.

Glossary

G-3

media Materials upon which data is printed, such as envelopes, plain paper, special paper, and transparencies.

MicroWeave Printing technology that produces images in fine increments to reduce the possibility of banding. See also banding.

monochrome This means printing with only one color of ink, which is generally black ink.

parallel interface See interface.

print queue Print jobs that are sent to the printer while it is busy are stored in a waiting line, or print queue, until they can be printed.

print server The computer connected to the printer. It receives the jobs and then distributes them to the assigned printer. It also holds extra print jobs while the printer is busy. See also print queue.

printable area The area of a page on which the printer can print. It is smaller than the physical size of the page due to margins.

printer driver See driver.

proportional printing Printing in which the width of the character varies from character to character. For example, a capital W receives much more space than a lowercase i. The result looks more like a typeset book than a typewritten draft.

reset To return a printer to its defaults either by sending a command, an INIT signal or by turning the printer off and then back on.

resolution The number of dots per inch used to represent an image.

RGB Red, green, and blue. These colors, in phosphors irradiated by the computer monitors electron gun, are used to create the additive array of screen colors.

scalable fonts Fonts that can be enlarged or reduced. Nonscalable fonts are called bitmap fonts and cant change in size.

Glossary

G-4

screen pattern This feature prints shaded areas as they appear on screen, instead of printing them as halftones.

serial interface See interface.

spool The process by which the printer driver converts the print data into codes that your printer understands. This data is then sent to the printer directly or to the print server.

Spool Manager An EPSON software program that converts print data into codes that your printer understands. See also spool.

Status Monitor An EPSON software program that displays the printers status, such as paper out or the amount of ink remaining before printing.

subtractive colors Colors produced by pigments that absorb some colors of light and reflect others. See also CMYK.

I-1

Index

A Adjust lever, 3-5 Advanced mode and halftoning,

2-5 Advanced mode, selecting,

2-1 to 2-2 Advanced settings

custom, 2-3 to 2-9 predefined, 2-1 to 2-3

Aligning print heads, 5-8, 6-4 Automatic mode, 1-3

B Banding, 6-3 to 6-4 Banners

loading paper, 3-7 printing, 3-8 to 3-9

Blank pages, 6-13 Blurry printouts, 6-5 Brightness setting, 2-7 Built-in fonts, A-8

C Cards, see Photo Quality Ink Jet media

Character tables, A-8 Characters, garbled, 6-12 Cleaning

print heads, 5-1 to 5-3 printer, 5-8

Cleaning sheets, 3-3 Color Adjustment modes, 2-6 Color problems, 6-4 CompuServe, 5 Contrast setting, 2-7 Control codes, A-1, A-9 Control panel

buttons, 1-10 lights, 1-9 using, 1-9 to 1-10, 6-1 to 6-2,

6-6 to 6-8

Custom paper size, 3-7, 3-8 Custom settings

color, 2-6 to 2-8 deleting, 2-9 print quality, 2-3 to 2-5 project types, 2-2 saving, 2-8 special effects, 2-3 to 2-5

Customer Care Centers, 4 Cyan setting, 2-7

D Default printer options, setting, 1-4 to 1-5

Deleting print job, 4-3 Despooler, 1-6, 4-5 Dithering, 2-5 DOS, printing from, 1-7 Draft printing, 2-3 Driver, help, 1-10 to 1-11

E Economy setting, 2-3 Electrical specifications, A-6 ENERGY STAR, 6 Energy-saving tips, 6 Envelopes

printing, 3-5 specifications, A-3, A-4

Environmental specifications, A-6

EPSON Accessories, 4 Answers, 2 Customer Care Centers, 4 Electronic Support Services,

4 to 5 help, 4 to 5 media, 1-8, 3-1 to 3-2 World Wide Web site, 5

ESC/P 2, 1-7, A-9

Index

I-2

F Faint printouts, 6-5, 6-6 FaxAdvice, 5 Film, see Photo Quality Glossy

media Flip horizontal setting, 6-12 Fonts, A-2 Forms, printing, 3-3

G Glossy media choosing, 1-8 printing, 3-4 specifications, A-3

H Halftoning setting, 2-4, 2-5 Head Cleaning utility, 5-2 Help, online, 1-10 to 1-11 Horizontal banding, 6-3

I ICM (Image Color Matching), 1, 2-1, 2-3, 2-6 to 2-8

Index cards, see Photo Quality Ink Jet media

Initialization, A-7 Ink cartridge

replacing, 5-4 to 5-7 specifications, A-5

Ink jet cards choosing, 1-8 printing, 3-6 specifications, A-3

Ink jet paper choosing, 1-8, 3-8 printing, 3-3 specifications, A-3

Ink setting, 2-4 Ink, monitoring level, 1-6, 4-5 Interface specifications

parallel, A-6 serial, A-7

Internet, 5 Iron-On Transfer Paper

choosing, 1-8 printing, 2-5, 3-6

J Jammed paper, 1-9, 6-10, 6-11 Journal files, 4-2, 4-7

L Legal-size paper, 3-3 Letterhead, 3-3 Lever, adjust, 3-5, 6-5 Lights, using, 1-9, 6-1, 6-6 to 6-7

M Magenta setting, 2-7 Maintaining printer, 5-1 to 5-8 Managing print jobs, 4-1 to 4-5 Margins

problems, 6-12 specifications, A-4 with multiple sheets, 3-4

Mechanical specifications, A-5 Media Type setting, 2-4, 3-1 MicroWeave setting, 2-5 Mirror images, 2-5, 6-12 Moving printer, 5-9

N Network path, 4-6 to 4-7 printing, 4-5

Nozzle Check pattern, 5-4, 6-2 utility, 5-2 to 5-4

O Online driver help, 1-10 to 1-11

Index

I-3

P Paper adjust lever, 3-5 coated, 3-1 glossy, see Photo Quality

Glossy media handling problems,

6-10 to 6-11 legal, 3-3 letterhead, 3-3 menu, 1-4 plain, 3-1 specifications, A-3 to A-4 support, 3-4 thickness lever, see Adjust

lever Paper jams, 1-9, 6-10, 6-11 Paper size, custom, 3-7 Photo Quality Glossy media

choosing, 1-8 printing, 3-4 specifications, A-3

Photo Quality Ink Jet media choosing, 1-8 printing, 3-3, 3-6 specifications, A-3

Photo setting, 2-2 Predefined advanced settings,

2-1 to 2-3 Print Head Alignment utility, 5-8,

6-4 Print job, deleting, 4-3 Print quality problems, 6-3 to 6-5 Print Quality setting, 2-4 Print queue, 4-2 Printable area, A-4 Printer driver, accessing

Control Panel, 1-4 to 1-5 Windows applications, 1-2

Printer operation check, 6-2 Printer software, using,

1-10 to 1-11 Printer status, Windows, 1-6

Problems diagnosing, 6-1 to 6-2 paper handling, 6-10 to 6-11 print quality, 6-3 to 6-5 printing, 6-6 to 6-10 solving, 6-1 to 6-13 unexpected printout results,

6-12 to 6-13

Q Quality/Speed slider, 1-3

R Replacing ink cartridges, 5-4 to 5-7

Resolution, 2-4, A-1

S Safety approvals, A-6 instructions, 6 to 8

Saturation setting, 2-7 Self adhesive sheets

choosing, 1-8 printing, 3-6 specifications, A-3

Self test, 6-2 Service, 4 to 5 Smears, 3-5, 6-5 Specifications

electrical, A-6 environmental, A-6 ink cartridge, A-5 interface, A-6 mechanical, A-5 paper, A-3 to A-4 printing, A-1 to A-2

Spool directory, 4-3 Spool Manager

problems, 6-7, 6-9, 6-12 Windows, 4-2 to 4-3

Index

I-4

Status Monitor problems, 6-1 Windows, 1-6, 4-4

Support, EPSON, 4 to 5 System requirements

Windows, 2

T Technical specifications, A-1 to A-7

Testing printer, 6-2 Text/Graph setting, 2-2 Transfer paper, 3-6 Transparencies

choosing, 1-8 printing, 3-4 specifications, A-3

Transporting printer, 5-9 Troubleshooting, 6-1 to 6-12

U User Defined paper size, 3-8, 3-9 Utilities

Head Cleaning, 5-2 Nozzle Check, 5-2 to 5-4 Print Head Alignment, 5-8

V Video/Digital Camera setting, 2-2, 2-7

W Windows managing print jobs from,

4-1 to 4-5 printing from, 1-1 to 1-4 Spool Manager, 4-2 to 4-3 </