Epson FX-1180+ User Manual
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Epson FX-1180+ User Manual

Epson FX-1180+ User Manual

Epson user's guide 9-pin dot matrix printer fx-880+, fx-1180+
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See also: Reference Manual, Setup Manual
9-pin Dot Matrix Printer
User's Guide
This manual is divided in two sections: English and Spanish. The
English section begins after this page. The Spanish section begins
approximately at the middle of the manual.
Este manual está dividido en dos secciones: Inglés y Español. El
manual en español comienza aproximadamente a la mitad del libro. El
manual en inglés comienza después de esta página.
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Summary of Contents for Epson FX-1180+

  • Page 1 ® 9-pin Dot Matrix Printer User’s Guide This manual is divided in two sections: English and Spanish. The English section begins after this page. The Spanish section begins approximately at the middle of the manual. Este manual está dividido en dos secciones: Inglés y Español. El manual en español comienza aproximadamente a la mitad del libro.
  • Page 2 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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Plugging in the Printer ........1-11...
  • Page 4 Selecting a Font and Pitch ....... . 3-3 About Your Printer’s Default Settings..... . 3-4 Changing default settings .
  • Page 5 Chapter 5 - Product Information Safety Instructions ........5-1 Hot Parts Caution Symbol.

  • Page 6: Introduction

    Where to Find Information In addition to this manual, you’ll find detailed information about your printer in the following places: ❏ Online Reference Guide. It describes all the printer’s functions, optional products, printer software, troubleshooting, and technical specifications. See “Using the Online Reference Guide”...

  • Page 7: Using The Online Reference Guide

    Using the Online Reference Guide You can view the online Reference Guide directly from the CD-ROM that comes with the printer, or install it on your hard disk and view it from your computer. Viewing the Reference Guide from the CD-ROM 1.

  • Page 8: Using The Quick Guide

    (See “Options and Consumables” in the Reference Guide for more information.) You can purchase ribbon cartridges, paper, manuals, and accessories from EPSON at (800) 873-7766, or visit the EPSON Store at www.epsonstore.com (U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call (800) 873-7766 for dealer referral.

  • Page 9: Chapter 1 - Setting Up The Printer

    Setting Up the Printer This chapter describes how to unpack and set up your printer. Unpacking the Printer Besides the items shown below, the printer box should include an EPSON printer software CD-ROM and a Notice Sheet. printer ribbon cartridge Caution:...

  • Page 10: Choosing A Place For The Printer

    ❏ Use a grounded power outlet; do not use an adapter plug. ❏ If you plan to use a printer stand, make sure it does not tilt and is strong enough to hold the printer.

  • Page 11: Installing The Ribbon Cartridge

    Installing the Ribbon Cartridge EPSON recommends the use of genuine EPSON ribbon cartridges (#8750 for the FX-880+, #8755 for the FX-1180+). Products not manufactured by EPSON may cause damage to your printer that is not covered by EPSON’s warranties. Warning: You need to move the print head by hand to install the ribbon cartridge.
  • Page 12 Then slide the print head to the middle of the printer by hand. Caution: Never move the print head while the printer is turned on; this can damage the printer. 5. If a used ribbon cartridge is installed, grasp the cartridge by the handle and pull it up and out of the printer.
  • Page 13 7. Hold the ribbon cartridge by its handle and insert it into the printer as shown below; then press both sides of the cartridge firmly to fit the plastic hooks into the printer slots. 8. Use a pointed object, such as a ball point pen, to guide the ribbon between the print head and ribbon guide.
  • Page 14 9. Slide the print head from side to side to make sure it moves smoothly. 10. Reinstall the paper tension unit by placing it on the printer’s mounting pegs and lowering it into place. Press down on both sides of the unit until it clicks into place.

  • Page 15: Attaching The Paper Guide

    When you are not using the paper guide, lay it flat to prevent it from obstructing your paper or being damaged. Lift it up slightly, then lower it until it is lying flat on top of the printer. Setting Up the Printer...

  • Page 16: Connecting The Printer To Your Computer

    “Installing an optional interface card” on page 1-10.) Connect your computer to the desired interface as described below. Note: You can connect a cable to both interfaces; the printer switches automatically to the appropriate interface when it receives data. Using the parallel interface To connect your computer to your printer’s built-in parallel...

  • Page 17: Using The Usb Interface

    Your computer must be a Windows Me, 98, or 2000 pre-installed model that is equipped with a USB port. If you use a USB hub, it is recommended that you connect the printer to the first tier of the hub or connect the printer directly to the computer’s USB port.

  • Page 18: Installing An Optional Interface Card

    Installing an optional interface card You can use optional interface cards to supplement your printer’s built-in parallel interface. The EPSON interface cards below are compatible with your printer. (Not all interfaces are available worldwide.) Model number C82305✽ / C82306✽ C82307✽ / C82308✽...

  • Page 19: Plugging In The Printer

    Firmly push in the card to make sure the connector at the back of the card is fully inserted into the printer’s internal socket. Then replace the screws and tighten them. To remove the interface card, reverse the steps above.

  • Page 20: Installing The Printer Software

    Status Monitor 3. When you install the printer driver on Windows Me, 98, 95, 2000 or NT 4.0, the EPSON Status Monitor 3 utility will also be installed. For information on using the software, see “Printer Software”...

  • Page 21: For Windows

    Create Floppy based printer driver/utility disks and follow the on-screen instructions. ❏ If you are using the floppy disk version of the EPSON software, make a backup copy of the EPSON printer software disk or disks before you begin installation.

  • Page 22: For Dos Programs

    Choose the EPSON printer at the appropriate step in the installation or setup procedure. If the list in your application does not include your printer, choose the first available printer...

  • Page 23: Chapter 2 - Paper Handling

    Reference Guide. Setting the Paper Release Lever When you load continuous paper in the printer, you need to set the paper release lever to indicate the paper source you want to use, as described in the table below.

  • Page 24: Adjusting The Paper-Thickness Setting

    Before you start printing, make sure the paper-thickness setting is correct for the type of paper you are using: 1. Turn the printer off and open the printer cover. The paper-thickness lever is located on the left side of the printer.

  • Page 25: Loading Continuous Paper With The Front Push Tractor

    Loading Continuous Paper with the Front Push Tractor 1. Make sure the printer is turned off. Then open the front cover and the flap. Make sure the tractor is installed in the front push position. 2. Set the paper release lever to the front push tractor position.
  • Page 26 4. Slide the left sprocket approximately 12 mm (0.5 inch) from the far left position and pull the blue lever forward to lock it in place. Then slide the right sprocket to match the width of your paper, but do not lock it. Move the center support midway between the two sprockets.
  • Page 27 9. Attach the front cover with the continuous paper positioned as shown below. 10. Make sure the paper guide is lying flat on the printer and the edge guides are open all the way to the left and right. Then raise the continuous paper support.

  • Page 28: Loading Continuous Paper With The Rear Push Tractor

    1. Close the flap on the front cover if paper is not loaded from the front slot. 2. Make sure the printer is turned off, the tractor is installed in the rear push position, and the paper guide is removed.
  • Page 29 Move the center support midway between the two sprockets. The triangle mark on top of the printer indicates the point furthest to the left where printing can begin. 6. Make sure your paper has a clean, straight edge. Then open both sprocket covers and fit the first four holes of the paper, with the printable side down, over the tractor pins.

  • Page 30: Loading Continuous Paper With The Pull Tractor

    8. Attach the paper guide and lay it flat on the printer. Open the edge guides all the way to the left and right, then raise the continuous paper support. 9. Turn on the printer. When the printer receives data, it automatically loads the paper and starts printing.
  • Page 31 2. Make sure the printer is turned off, and the printer cover is removed. Also make sure the tractor is installed in the pull position and the paper guide is lying flat on the printer. 3. Set the paper release lever to the pull tractor position.
  • Page 32 Note: Make sure the printer is off before you insert the paper in the paper slot. If you insert the paper while the printer is on, a paper jam may occur. 7. Insert the paper into the front or bottom paper slot as shown in the illustrations below until it emerges between the platen and the ribbon guide.
  • Page 33 11. If you are using the front slot, open the flap on the front cover. Then, reattach the front cover as shown below. 12. Turn on the printer. 2-11 Paper Handling...
  • Page 34 (Always remove any slack from the paper; otherwise print quality may deteriorate.) 14. When the printer receives data, it will start printing at the current position without advancing the paper. If necessary, follow the steps in “Using the Micro Adjust Function” on page 2-27 to adjust the current position of the paper.

  • Page 35: Removing Paper From The Pull Tractor

    Never press the Load/Eject or Tear Off/Bin button when you are using the pull tractor; the paper could come off the pull tractor and jam the printer. Loading Single Sheets with the Paper Guide 1. Close the flap on the front cover if paper is not loaded from the front slot.
  • Page 36 Next adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper. 5. Insert a sheet of paper with the printable side down between the edge guides until it meets resistance. The printer feeds the paper automatically and is ready to print. 2-14...

  • Page 37: Loading Single Sheets With The Single-Bin Cut-Sheet Feeder

    If the first printed line on your page appears too high or low, you can use the Micro Adjust function to adjust the top-of-form position. See page 2-29 for more information. Loading Single Sheets with the Single-Bin Cut-Sheet Feeder The single-bin cut-sheet feeder holds up to 50 sheets of paper. See the Reference Guide for instructions on installing the cut sheet feeder.
  • Page 38 3. Slide the left paper guide of the cut-sheet feeder so it is aligned with the triangle mark. Next, slide the right paper guide to roughly match the width of your paper. Slide the paper support midway between the paper guides. paper support 4.
  • Page 39 6. Insert the paper stack printable side down along the left paper guide. 7. Adjust the right paper guide so that it matches your paper’s width. Make sure the position of the guide allows the paper to move up and down freely. 8.
  • Page 40 10. Install the paper guide with the attached stacker-support by fitting the notches on the paper guide straight down over the mounting posts on the printer. Slide the edge guides to the middle of your paper. The cut-sheet feeder automatically loads paper when the printer receives data.
  • Page 41 1. Close the flap on the front cover if paper is not loaded from the front slot. 2. Set the paper release lever to the single-sheet position. Also make sure the paper-thickness lever is set to 0 if you are using ordinary single-sheet paper.
  • Page 42 4. Slide the left paper guide until it is aligned with the triangle mark; then lock it in place by pushing back its lock lever. Next, slide the right paper guide to roughly match the width of your paper. Slide the paper support to midway between the paper guides.
  • Page 43 9. Push back the paper set levers to clamp the paper or envelopes against the guide rollers. The cut-sheet feeder automatically loads paper when the printer receives data. If the first line on your page appears too high or low, you can adjust its position using the Micro Adjust function.

  • Page 44: Loading Special Papers

    Loading Special Papers Follow the guidelines in this section when loading continuous multipart forms, single-sheet multipart forms, labels, and envelopes. Continuous multipart forms Except for setting the paper-thickness lever, you load continuous multipart forms the same way as ordinary continuous paper. Just keep the following in mind: ❏...

  • Page 45: Labels

    Temperature Humidity ❏ Do not leave labels loaded in the printer between jobs; they may curl around the platen and jam when you resume printing. ❏ Do not load continuous paper with labels from the rear paper slot.

  • Page 46: Envelopes

    Removing continuous paper with labels To prevent labels from peeling off the backing sheet and jamming the printer, follow these steps to remove continuous paper with labels from the printer: 1. Tear off the fresh supply of continuous labels at the perforation nearest the paper entry slot.

  • Page 47: Switching Paper Types

    Note: ❏ Be sure to place the envelope printable side down and insert the top edge of the envelope into the printer first. ❏ The print head must not print past the left or right edge of the envelope or other thick paper. Make sure your application program prints entirely within the printable area of your envelope.

  • Page 48: Switching To Printing On Single Sheets

    Follow the steps below to switch from printing on continuous paper from a push tractor to printing on single sheets. Note: If continuous labels are loaded in the printer, remove them before switching to single-sheet printing. See “Removing continuous paper with labels” on page 2-24 for more information.

  • Page 49: Switching To Printing On Continuous Paper

    1. If a single sheet remains in the printer, press the Load/Eject button to eject it. Caution: Never use the knob to eject paper when the printer is on; this may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.
  • Page 50 Caution: Never use the knob to adjust the tear-off position; this may damage the printer or cause it to lose the tear-off position. 1. You may need to press the Tear Off/Bin button to advance the paper to the tear-off position. Make sure the Tear Off/Bin light is flashing (the paper is at the current tear-off position).

  • Page 51: Adjusting The Top-Of-Form Position

    Note: The printer has a minimum and a maximum tear-off position. If you try to adjust the tear-off position beyond these limits, the printer beeps and stops moving the paper. 4. Tear off the printed pages. 5. Press the Pause button to turn off Micro Adjust mode.
  • Page 52 5. Press the Pause button to exit the Micro Adjust mode. Note: ❏ The printer has a minimum and a maximum top-of-form position. If you try to adjust it beyond these limits, the printer beeps and stops moving the paper. ❏ When the paper reaches the default top-of-form position, the printer beeps and stops moving the paper briefly.

  • Page 53: Chapter 3 - Using The Control Panel

    Chapter 3 Using the Control Panel This chapter describes how to use the buttons on the control panel to control various printer functions. Buttons and Lights Button/Light Font button Font lights Reset Pitch button Tear Off/Bin button Function Selects one of the fonts. See “Selecting a Font and Pitch”...
  • Page 54 Feeds continuous paper backward to the standby position if a sheet is loaded. On when the printer is paused. Flashes when the printer is in the Micro Adjust mode. Stops printing temporarily, and resumes printing when pressed again. When held down for three seconds, enters the Micro Adjust mode.

  • Page 55: Selecting A Font And Pitch

    Usually, you use your application program to select the font and pitch you want to use in a document. However, you can select one of the printer’s five fonts (in different pitches) with the buttons on the printer’s control panel, as described below. (The settings you make in application programs usually override settings you make from the printer’s control panel.) The...

  • Page 56: About Your Printer's Default Settings

    About Your Printer’s Default Settings The default settings control many printer functions. While you can often set these functions through your software or printer driver, you may sometimes need to change a default setting from the printer’s control panel using the default-setting mode.

  • Page 57: Skip Over Perforation

    Skip over perforation This feature is available only when continuous paper is selected. When you turn on this feature, the printer provides a one-inch (25.4 mm) margin between the last line printed on one page and the first line printed on the next page. Because most application...
  • Page 58 Software Select ESC/P to operate the printer in EPSON ESC/P mode. Select IBM PPDS to make the printer emulate an IBM printer. 0 slash The zero character has a slash ( 0 / ) when this feature is on; it has no slash (0) when this feature is off.
  • Page 59 I/F (interface) mode The printer has a slot for an optional interface in addition to its built-in parallel and USB interfaces. You can choose Auto (automatic), Parallel, USB or Option for the interface mode. When you select Auto, the printer automatically selects the interface that is receiving data.
  • Page 60 1, 2, or 3 seconds if necessary. Buzzer (beeper) The printer beeps when an error occurs. If you don’t want the printer to beep when an error occurs, turn off this setting. Auto CR (carriage return) This setting is available only in IBM PPDS emulation mode.

  • Page 61: Changing Default Settings

    ❏ If you use single sheets, you need to load a new sheet of paper each time the printer ejects a printed sheet from the paper guide. 1. Make sure paper is loaded and the printer is turned off. 2. Turn on the printer while holding down the Font button.

  • Page 62: Locking The Control Panel Buttons

    When the Lock-out mode is on, the Pause and Paper Out lights flash simultaneously three times when any locked button is pushed. To turn Lock-out mode off, repeat steps 1 and 2. The printer beeps once, indicating that Lock-out mode has been turned off. Changing the Lock-out mode settings You can select which printer functions you want to be locked while Lock-out mode is on (as described below).

  • Page 63: Emulating The Okidata Microline 320 Turbo

    See “Turning Lock-out mode on and off” on page 3-10 for instructions on how to turn on Lock-out mode after you change the Lock-out mode setting. Emulating the Okidata Microline 320 Turbo If you have the EPSON FX-880+, you can make it work like the ® Okidata Microline different mode.
  • Page 64 When you switch from one mode to the other, any changes you made to the printer’s settings in the original mode are restored to their default values. You can print the default settings for the printer when it is in Okidata mode to check the current settings and change them if necessary.

  • Page 65: Chapter 4 - Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Using the Error Indicators If your printer stops working and one or more control panel lights are on or flashing or the printer beeps, use the following table to diagnose and fix the problem. If you cannot fix your printer problem, see “Problems and Solutions”...

  • Page 66: Problems And Solutions

    Most problems you may encounter while operating your printer have simple solutions. Use the information in this section to find the cause of and solution to printer problems that occur. Determine the type of problem that occurred, and see the appropriate section below: ❏...

  • Page 67: Power Supply Problems

    You can also use the self test to determine whether the printer or the computer is causing the problem. See “Printing a Self Test” on page 4-17 for instructions. To pinpoint communication problems, experienced users may want to use the printer’s hex dump mode, described in “Printing a Hex Dump”...

  • Page 68: Paper Loading Or Feeding Problems

    Paper loading or feeding problems The printer does not load single-sheet paper or does not feed it properly. Cause Continuous paper is in the paper path. The paper release lever is set to a tractor position. The paper on the paper...
  • Page 69 The printer does not fully eject a single sheet. Cause Paper is too long. The paper does not feed properly with the optional cut-sheet feeder. Cause The cut-sheet feeder is not installed properly. Too many sheets are loaded in the cut-sheet feeder. You...
  • Page 70 The printer does not load continuous paper or does not feed it properly. Cause The paper release lever is not set correctly. Single-sheet paper is in the paper path. Continuous paper is not loaded properly. The paper-thickness lever is not set correctly.

  • Page 71: Printing Position Problems

    What to do Check the paper size setting in your application or printer driver. Check the page length settings for the front or rear tractor using the printer’s default-setting mode. See “About Your Printer’s Default Settings” on page 3-4. Check and adjust the margin or top-of-form position settings in your software.
  • Page 72 Never use the knob to adjust the top-of-form position; this may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position. Wrong tear-off position The printer prints on (or too far away from) the perforation of your continuous paper. Cause The tear-off position setting is incorrect.

  • Page 73: Printing Or Printout Quality Problems

    Printing or printout quality problems The printer does not print when the computer sends data. Cause The printer is paused. The interface cable is not plugged in securely. Your interface cable does not meet the printer and/or computer specifications. Your software is not properly set up for your printer.
  • Page 74 The ribbon has too much slack, the ribbon has come loose, or the ribbon cartridge is not installed properly. The printout is faint. Cause The paper-thickness lever is set incorrectly for your paper. The ribbon is worn out. Part of the printout is missing, or dots are missing in random positions.
  • Page 75 The print head is damaged. Caution: Never replace the print head yourself; you may damage the printer. Also, other parts of the printer must be checked when the print head is replaced. All the text is printed on the same line.
  • Page 76 The printer prints strange symbols, incorrect fonts, or other inappropriate characters. Cause Your printer and computer are not communicating correctly. The wrong character table is selected in your software. The printer you want to use is not selected in your software.

  • Page 77: Correcting Usb Problems

    Windows 95 to Windows Me, 98, or 2000. For details about your computer, contact your dealer. Make sure that EPSON USB Printer Devices appears on the Device Manager menu (for Windows Me and Windows 98 only)
  • Page 78 If your drivers are correctly installed, EPSON USB Printer Devices should appear on the Device Manager menu. If EPSON USB Printer Devices does not appear on the Device Manager menu, click the plus (+) sign beside Other devices to view the installed devices.

  • Page 79: Clearing Paper Jams

    Software using the Add/Remove Programs utility in the Control Panel, then uninstall EPSON USB Printer Devices. Next, reinstall the software as described on page 1-12. If EPSON USB Printer Devices is not registered in the Add/Remove Programs list, access the CD-ROM and double-click epusbun.exe in Win9x folder.

  • Page 80: Aligning Vertical Lines In Your Printout

    Single sheet If you use single sheets, you need to load a new sheet of paper each time the printer ejects a printed sheet from the paper guide. Follow these steps to perform the bidirectional adjustment: Make sure paper is loaded, then turn off the printer.

  • Page 81: Printing A Self Test

    Follow these steps to perform a self test: Make sure paper is loaded and the printer is turned off. To run the test using the Draft font, turn on the printer while holding down the LF/FF button. To run the test using the printer’s near letter-quality fonts, hold down the Load/Eject...

  • Page 82: Printing A Hex Dump

    Then turn off the printer. Caution: Do not turn off the printer while it is printing the self test. Always press the Pause button to stop printing and the Load/Eject button to eject the printed page before you turn off the printer.

  • Page 83: Where To Get Help

    Pause button to stop printing and the Load/Eject button to eject the printed page before you turn off the printer. Where To Get Help If your EPSON printer is not operating properly and you cannot solve the problem using the troubleshooting information see the contact information below.
  • Page 84 Computer configuration ❏ Description of the problem You can purchase ribbon cartridges, paper, manuals, and accessories from EPSON at (800) 873-7766, or visit the EPSON Store at www.epsonstore.com (U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call (800) 873-7766 for dealer referral. 4-20...

  • Page 85: Safety Instructions

    ❏ Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a radiator or heat source. ❏ Place the printer on a flat surface. It will not operate properly if it is tilted or placed at an angle.
  • Page 86 ❏ If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the total ampere rating of all devices plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure the total ampere of all devices plugged into the electrical outlet does not exceed the electrical outlet’s...

  • Page 87: Energy Star Compliance

    ❏ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. As an ENERGY STAR determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. Product Information ® Partner, EPSON has...

  • Page 88: Warning

    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.

  • Page 89: Declaration Of Conformity

    (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Trade Name: Type of Product: Dot Matrix Printer Model: EPSON AMERICA, INC. MS 3-13 3840 Kilroy Airport Way Long Beach, CA 90806 Telephone: (562) 290-5254 EPSON...
  • Page 90 (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Trade Name: Type of Product: Dot Matrix Printer Model: Product Information EPSON AMERICA, INC. MS 3-13 3840 Kilroy Airport Way Long Beach, CA 90806 Telephone: (562) 290-5254 EPSON P980C/P981C...

  • Page 91: Limited Warranty

    EPSON AMERICA, INC. LIMITED WARRANTY What Is Covered: Epson America, Inc. (“EPSON”) warrants to the first end user customer of the EPSON product enclosed with this limited warranty statement that the product, if purchased and used in the United States or Canada, conforms to the manufacturer’s specifications and will be free from defects in...
  • Page 92 TO USE THE EPSON PRODUCT, WHETHER RESULTING FROM BREACH OF WARRANTY OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. IF THE REMEDY ABOVE FAILS, EPSON’S ENTIRE LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO A REFUND OF THE PRICE PAID FOR THE EPSON PRODUCT COVERED BY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.

This manual is also suitable for:

Fx-880+P980cP981c

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