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Epson 1280 Printer Basics Manual

Epson owner's manual printer stylus photo 1280
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Epson Stylus Photo 1280

Printer Basics

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Summary of Contents for Epson 1280

  • Page 1: Printer Basics

    ® Epson Stylus Photo 1280 Printer Basics...

  • Page 2: Copyright Notice

    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...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents WELCOME! About Your Software About Your Documentation Viewing the On-Screen Reference Guide LOADING PAPER Loading Paper in the Sheet Feeder Loading Envelopes Loading Roll Paper If the Roll Paper Jams or Feeds Incorrectly Removing and Storing Roll Paper PRINTING FROM START TO FINISH Basic Printing in Windows Selecting the Settings You Use Most Often Basic Printing With Macintosh OS X...
  • Page 4 Printer Parts Diagnosing Printer Problems Checking the Control Panel Lights Running a Printer Check Problems and Solutions Problems Setting Up the Printer or Installing Software Printing Problems Print Quality Problems Problems with Paper Feeding Solving Miscellaneous Printout Problems Uninstalling and Reinstalling the Windows Printer Software...
  • Page 5 NOTICES Windows System Requirements Macintosh System Requirements Important Safety Instructions Ink Cartridge Safety Instructions ENERGY STAR Compliance FCC Compliance Statement Declaration of Conformity Epson America, Inc., Limited Warranty INDEX Contents...
  • Page 6 Contents...

  • Page 7: Welcome

    Your printer driver runs your printer and lets you control how your documents look. You can’t use your printer without it. Note: It’s a good idea to check Epson’s support web site periodically for possible updates to your printer driver. Visit http://support.epson.com and check the section for your product to see if there is a new driver available, free of charge, for downloading to your computer.

  • Page 8: About Your Documentation

    Photoshop, the leading image-editing software worldwide. See the on-screen Getting Started Guide for instructions. About Your Documentation To set up your printer and install its software, see the Start Here sheet. Then read this book for instructions on: Loading paper...

  • Page 9: Viewing The On-Screen Reference Guide

    Viewing the On-Screen Reference Guide You should have installed the on-screen Reference Guide for your printer when you set up your printer, as described on the Start Here sheet. (If not, insert the printer software CD-ROM and select copy the manual to your computer.) Note: You need a browser to view the Reference Guide—such as Microsoft...
  • Page 10 If there’s a right arrow Click the down arrow Closed list: click to expand Click to go to topic Note: If you see an icon for a graphic when viewing your Reference Guide in Netscape Navigator, click the Reload button to load the graphic. Welcome! , click it to view subtopics, then click on a topic to go to it.

  • Page 11: Loading Paper

    Load letterhead or preprinted paper into the printer top edge first. You can load up to 20 sheets of Epson Photo Paper, Glossy Photo Paper, or Matte Paper Heavyweight. Load Epson Premium Glossy, Semigloss, and Luster Photo Paper one sheet at a time.
  • Page 12 1. Make sure your printer and computer are turned on. 2. Place your paper against the right edge of the sheet feeder and slide the left edge guide against the paper. (Don’t push the paper down into the feeder.) Don’t load paper above this arrow 3.

  • Page 13: Loading Envelopes

    Tip: For best results, press each envelope flat before loading it, or load one envelope at a time. 1. Open the printer cover and move the thickness lever to the + position. Remember to move the thickness lever back to the 0 position when you’re done printing envelopes.

  • Page 14: Loading Roll Paper

    These steps show how to load 4-inch wide roll paper, but you can follow the same procedure to load wider roll paper. 1. Before you begin, turn on your printer and remove any paper loaded in the sheet feeder. 2. Remove the paper support and lower the output tray.
  • Page 15 7. Insert the tabs on the roll paper holders into the slots on the paper support adapter. As you face the front of the printer, insert the tab on the right roll paper holder into the slot at the right end of the adapter, and the tab on the left roll paper holder into the appropriate slot to the left.
  • Page 16 8. Feed the end of the paper into the printer as far as it will go, then slide the left edge guide against the paper. 9. Gently rotate the roll backward to remove any slack from the paper. 10. Make sure the output tray is open but the extensions are closed, and leave ample room at the front of the printer for your paper to eject smoothly.

  • Page 17: If The Roll Paper Jams Or Feeds Incorrectly

    If you’re finished printing on roll paper, follow the rest of the steps to remove it. 3. Cut the roll paper on the side of the line facing away from the printer. Make your cut as straight as possible to avoid feeding problems.
  • Page 18 Note: Don’t pull on the paper as you cut it; you may damage your printout. It’s a good idea to use a ruler or straight edge to make sure the end of the roll paper is cut at right angles. A diagonal cut may cause paper feeding problems. 4.

  • Page 19: Printing From Start To Finish

    For the best-looking photos, most vivid colors, and greatest detail, always use genuine Epson papers. Choose the right printer settings for the paper. Your printer automatically adjusts itself for the type of paper you’ve selected, so make sure your printer settings are correct for the paper you loaded.

  • Page 20: Basic Printing In Windows

    When you’re ready to print a document from your Windows application, follow these steps: 1. Make sure the printer is on and paper is loaded. 2. From the File menu, click Note: If you click the print icon on your application’s tool bar instead of selecting Print from the File menu, you may not see this window and will not be able to change the printer software settings before printing.
  • Page 21 6. Click to save your settings, return to the Print window, and print. Note: For more information about printer settings, click the Help button. You can also right-click any item on the screen and then click What’s This?. Select the type of paper you...

  • Page 22: Selecting The Settings You Use Most Often

    Selecting the Settings You Use Most Often When you change printer settings from within an application, the settings apply only for what you print during the current session. If you want the settings to be in effect whenever you use that program, and for other programs as well, you can change the Windows default printer settings.

  • Page 23: Basic Printing With Macintosh Os X

    When you’re ready to print a document from your Macintosh OS X application, follow these steps: Note: Make sure you added your printer to the Printer Setup Utility or Print Center as described on the Start Here sheet. 1. Make sure the printer is on and paper is loaded.
  • Page 24 File menu. You see a screen like this: Print 6. Open the Printer menu and select the same printer option you chose in the Page Setup menu. Note: Always select the same printer option in the Format for menu and the Printer menu.
  • Page 25 Layout , to save your print job as a PDF file Output Options Color Management the gamma setting, or turn off color adjustments by the printer software , to view a list of all your selections Summary 10. Optionally, click Preview 11.
  • Page 26 Center double-click Stylus Photo 1280 You can use the Printer Setup Utility or Print Center to do any of the following: Click the print job, then click Click the print job, then click Click a print job marked “Hold” and click If multiple print jobs are listed, click a print job, then click the as necessary to reorder the jobs.

  • Page 27: Customizing Your Print Settings

    Customizing Your Print Settings You can use advanced settings for color matching, printing at a higher resolution, or selecting a variety of special effects and layouts. Customizing Windows Print Settings 1. On the Main tab, click 2. Open the Custom Settings list and select one of these settings: : For printing rough drafts of text on plain paper.
  • Page 28 Note: Printing is slower at higher resolutions. For more information about advanced settings, click the Help button. 5. If you’re using a color management system, such as the Epson ICC color profiles that came with your printer, and don’t want your printer to control the colors,...

  • Page 29: Roll Paper

    Note: When you want to use them again, you can select this group of settings in the Custom Settings list on the Main menu. You must click Custom to see the Custom Settings list. 8. Click the tab to change paper size, page orientation, or the paper source. Paper If you’re printing on roll paper, change the Paper Source to Shows current...
  • Page 30 9. Click the Layout Shows current settings 10. If you want to preview your job before printing, click the Print Preview 11. Click to save your settings and return to the Print window, then click ) to print. Print Printing from Start to Finish tab to change layout settings: checkbox.

  • Page 31: Customizing Macintosh Print Settings

    Customizing Macintosh Print Settings 1. On the printer settings window, click list to open it. 2. Optionally, select one of these settings from the Custom Settings list: : For printing rough drafts of text on plain paper. Economy : For matching printed colors as closely as possible with ColorSync ColorSync compatible devices.
  • Page 32 3. For more options, click Note: For more information on advanced settings, click Help. 4. If you’re using a color management system and don’t want your printer to control colors, select Color Management select No Color Adjustment 5. For the highest print quality, select Type).

  • Page 33: Selecting The Correct Media Type

    For this paper . . . Plain paper sheets or envelopes Epson Premium Bright White Paper Epson Iron-On Transfer Paper Epson Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper Epson Photo Quality Ink Jet Cards Epson Photo Quality Self Adhesive Sheets Epson Matte Paper Heavyweight...

  • Page 34: Printing Borderless Photos

    Printing Borderless Photos You can print your photos with no margins, extending the image all the way to the edges of the page. Although BorderFree snapshots or enlargements without trimming. Windows Follow these steps to print borderless photos on single sheets: 1.

  • Page 35: Macintosh Os X

    3. In the Format for pull-down menu, select (Sheet Feeder - Borderless) Note: If you don’t see this option, make sure you added the printer to the Printer Setup Utility or Print Center correctly. See the Start Here sheet for instructions.
  • Page 36 9. Select your paper as the Media Type option. Note: See the inside back cover for a list of BorderFree papers. 10. Make any other print settings you want. Then click Printing from Start to Finish from the pull-down list. Stylus Photo 1280 (Sheet Automatic Print...

  • Page 37: Maintaining Your Printer

    (when the b maintenance light is off). Caution: When you don’t turn on your printer for a long time, the print quality can decline. It’s a good idea to turn on your printer at least once a month to maintain good print quality.

  • Page 38: Running The Head Cleaning Utility

    Running the Head Cleaning Utility 1. Make sure the printer is on but not printing, and the b maintenance light is off. Note: You can’t clean the print head if the Replace the appropriate ink cartridge instead. 2. Windows: Open an application and select...

  • Page 39: Examining The Nozzle Check Pattern

    Caution: You cannot print if either ink cartridge is empty. Leave the empty cartridge installed in the printer until you have obtained a replacement; otherwise the ink remaining in the print head nozzles may dry out.

  • Page 40: Removing And Installing Ink Cartridges

    Use these Epson ink cartridges within six months of installing them and before the expiration date on the package: Black: T007201 Color: T009201 Caution: To ensure good results, use genuine Epson ink cartridges and do not refill them. Other products may cause damage to your printer not covered by Epson’s warranty.
  • Page 41 3. Use the printer software to check the ink levels and see which cartridge you need to replace: Windows: From an application, open the printer software and check the ink levels on the Main tab. (See page 20 for instructions on opening the software.)
  • Page 42 The Ppower light flashes, and the printer makes noise. Charging takes about one minute. When it’s finished, the Ppower light stops flashing and stays on. Caution: Never turn off the printer while the Ppower light is flashing, unless the printer hasn’t moved or made noise for more than 5 minutes.

  • Page 43: Aligning The Print Head

    Print Head Alignment utility. Follow these steps: 1. Make sure the printer is on but not printing, and letter-size paper is loaded. Tip: For best results, load Epson ink jet paper in the printer whenever you check the print head alignment.
  • Page 44 Then click If you can’t find a smooth pattern, enter the number of the best pattern and click to print another test page. Then repeat this step. Realignment Maintaining Your Printer Next Finish...

  • Page 45: Cleaning The Printer

    Cleaning the Printer To keep your printer working at its best, you should clean it several times a year. Follow these steps: 1. Turn off the printer and wait for the Ppower light to go out. 2. Unplug the power cord and disconnect the printer cable.

  • Page 46: Transporting The Printer

    Caution: To avoid damage, always leave the ink cartridges installed when transporting the printer. Be sure to remove the tape used in step 4 after installing the printer in its new location. 1. Turn on the printer, wait until the print head locks in the far right position, then turn the printer off.

  • Page 47: Problem Solving

    Then see “Problems and Solutions” on page 52 for solutions to common setup and printing problems. Caution: It’s a good idea to check Epson’s support web site periodically for possible updates to your printer driver. Visit http://support.epson.com and check the section for your printer to see if there is a new driver available, free of charge, for downloading to your computer.

  • Page 48: Printer Parts

    Printer Parts Sheet feeder Left edge guide Ink cartridge holders (not removable) Ink cartridge replacement button Problem Solving Paper support Right edge guide Printer cover Paper thickness lever Roll paper button Output tray Output tray extensions Control panel Maintenance light...

  • Page 49: Diagnosing Printer Problems

    Printer Settings window in the printer software. See page 20 for instructions on opening the software. Macintosh OS X: Choose Applications > EPSON Printer Utility > SP 1280 > EPSON StatusMonitor. Then replace the ink cartridge as described on page 39.
  • Page 50 Also, make sure you removed all the packing material, as described on the Start Here sheet. Then turn the printer back on. If the error isn’t cleared, contact your dealer or Epson. See page 60 for contact information.

  • Page 51: Running A Printer Check

    37.) 4. To end the check, turn the printer off after it prints the check page. Then reconnect the interface cable and turn on your printer and computer.

  • Page 52: Problems And Solutions

    Problems and Solutions Here are some troubleshooting tips if you have problems setting up your printer, installing software, or printing. Problems Setting Up the Printer or Installing Software The printer makes noise after ink cartridge installation. The first time you install ink...

  • Page 53: Printing Problems

    If you’re printing on a network, you need to set up your printer for network printing, as described in your on-screen Reference Guide. The printer sounds as though it is printing, but nothing prints.

  • Page 54: Print Quality Problems

    43 for instructions. Set the paper thickness lever to the 0 position. Set the lever to the + position when you print on thicker paper or envelopes. You may also need to turn off High Speed printer software. in the...
  • Page 55 Make sure your paper meets the specifications listed in the on-screen Reference Guide. Use Epson papers to ensure proper saturation and absorption of genuine Epson inks. Run the Print Head Alignment utility. See page 43 for instructions.

  • Page 56: Problems With Paper Feeding

    You see wrong or missing colors. If you’re printing color images, make sure both your application and printer software are set for color printing. The print head nozzles may need cleaning; see page 37. The ink cartridges may be old or low on ink.
  • Page 57 Paper Source setting. If Feeder Auto Sheet Feeder is selected, paper will feed unnecessarily after each print job. In addition, a great deal of paper may feed unnecessarily when you turn your printer off and then on again. Problem Solving as the Sheet...

  • Page 58: Solving Miscellaneous Printout Problems

    Turn off Flip Horizontal Advanced dialog box or the setting in your application. (If you’re printing on Epson Iron-On Transfer Paper, the image should be inverted.) The printer prints blank pages. Make sure your printer is selected in Windows, or as the active printer in the Printer Setup Utility or Print Center.

  • Page 59: Uninstalling And Reinstalling The Windows Printer Software

    Uninstalling and Reinstalling the Windows Printer Software If you are using Windows, you may need to uninstall and then reinstall your printer software. For example, this might be necessary when you upgrade your operating system. You don’t need to uninstall your photo software or on-screen Reference Guide, and you won’t see the license agreement when you reinstall your software.

  • Page 60: Where To Get Help

    Computer configuration and operating system version Description of the problem You can purchase genuine Epson ink and paper from an authorized Epson reseller. To find the nearest reseller, please call 800-GO-EPSON (800-463-7766). To purchase online, visit www.epsonstore.com (U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call (800) 463-7766 for reseller referral.

  • Page 61: Software Technical Support

    Software Technical Support If you need help with the software that came with your printer, please contact the software manufacturer, as listed below. Software Web site Adobe www.adobe.com/ Photoshop support/main.html Elements GretagMacbeth — Eye-One Share E-mail Telephone [email protected] (206) 675-6126...
  • Page 62 Problem Solving...

  • Page 63: Notices

    Notices This chapter includes system requirements, safety instructions, legal notices, and warranty information. Windows System Requirements To use your printer and its software, your system should have: A Microsoft Windows compatible PC with a Pentium recommended A computer running Windows XP Home or Pro Edition with Service Pack 1 or Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 Windows-compliant USB port and a shielded USB “AB”...

  • Page 64: Important Safety Instructions

    Always turn the printer off using the P power button. The P power light flashes briefly and then goes off. Don’t switch off the power strip or unplug the printer until the P power light is off. Do not block or cover the openings in the printer’s case or insert objects through the slots.

  • Page 65: Ink Cartridge Safety Instructions

    If you remove an ink cartridge for later use, protect the ink supply area from dirt and dust and store it in the same environment as the printer. Note that there is a valve in the ink supply port, making covers or plugs unnecessary, but care is needed to prevent the ink from staining items that the cartridge touches.

  • Page 66: Fcc Compliance Statement

    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.

  • Page 67: Declaration Of Conformity

    (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Trade Name Epson Type of Product: Ink Jet Printer Model: Epson Stylus Photo 1280: P158A Notices...

  • Page 68: Epson America, Inc., Limited Warranty

    Epson requires a debit or a credit card number to secure the cost of the replacement printer in the event that you fail to return the defective one. If your printer is being repaired, Epson will direct you to send your printer to Epson or its authorized service center, where the printer will be fixed and sent back to you.
  • Page 69 BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS, INCONVENIENCE, OR DAMAGE, INCLUDING DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, RESULTING FROM THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE EPSON PRODUCT, WHETHER RESULTING FROM BREACH OF WARRANTY OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. In Canada, warranties include both warranties and conditions.
  • Page 70 Notices...

  • Page 71: Index

    Windows, 20 to 22 Blank pages, 58 Blurry images, 55 Borderless printing, 23, 34 to 36 Bright White paper, 33 Buttons, printer, 48 to 50 Cable, printer, 63 Cancelling printing, 22, 26 Centering text or image, 29 Characters, incorrect, 58...
  • Page 72 Grainy prints, 56 Greeting cards, 33 GretagMacbeth Eye-One Share, 8, 61 Head Cleaning utility, 37 to 38 Heavyweight matte paper, 33 Help, Epson, 60 High Speed setting, 54 Holding a print job, 22, 26 Index ICC profiles, 7 ICM setting, 27...
  • Page 73 Noise, printer, 53 Nozzle check pattern, 38 to 39, 51 Orientation setting, 23, 29 Page Setup, Macintosh, 23 Paper Epson, 33 feeding problems, 17, 56 to 58 jams, clearing, 17, 50, 57 loading, 11 to 16 orientation, 23, 29 Source setting, 29...
  • Page 74 SoundAdvice, 60 Source, paper, 29 sRGB setting, 27 Stickers, 33 Support, 60 to 61 System requirements, 63 Technical support, 60 to 61 Thickness lever, 54, 55 Transfer paper, Iron-On, 33, 58 Transparencies, 33 Transporting printer, 46 Troubleshooting, 47 to 58...
  • Page 75 22 customizing print settings, 27 to 30 default settings, 22 layout settings, 30 Media Type setting, 21, 33 printer status, 22 saving your settings, 28 to 29 setting highest resolution, 28 system requirements, 63 USB cable, 63 World Wide Web, 60...
  • Page 76 Index...

  • Page 77: Epson Ink Jet Papers And Ink Cartridges

    Epson printers all their awards! Epson papers are specially coated to work with genuine Epson inks. You’ll notice that when prints come out of your printer, the images are crisp and smooth. Here are details about just a few of Epson’s papers and your printer’s ink cartridges:...

  • Page 78: Where To Purchase Epson Ink And Paper

    Where To Purchase Epson Ink and Paper You can purchase genuine Epson ink and paper from an authorized Epson reseller. To find the nearest reseller, please call 800-GO-EPSON (800-463-7766). To purchase online, visit www.epsonstore.com (U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call (800) 463-7766 for dealer referral.

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