Page 2: Control Panel Buttons And Lights
Control Panel Buttons and Lights Paper Out light Font button Pitch button Pause button On when no paper is Selects the font size. Selects the font. Stops printing loaded in the selected See Chapter 5. See Chapter 5. temporarily, and paper source or paper resumes printing when Font lights...
Page 3 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 4 H. Horiuchi the FCC Certification of this device and may President of EPSON EUROPE B.V. 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 7: Table Of Contents
Contents Getting to Know Your Printer Easy-to-Use Features........2 Available Paper Paths .
Page 8 Chapter 2 Printing on Continuous Paper Setting the Paper Release Lever ......2-2 Setting the Paper Thickness Lever ......2-4 Using the Rear Push Tractor .
Page 9 Printer driver settings overview..... . . 4-21 Using the EPSON Remote! Utility ......4-23 Installing EPSON Remote! .
Page 10 About the EPSON Status Monitor 2 Utility ....6-2 Installing EPSON Status Monitor 2 ......6-3 Accessing EPSON Status Monitor 2 .
Page 11 Appendix A Enhancing Your Printer With Options Options ..........A-2 Paper handling options .
Page 12 Faxon EPSON........D-5...
Page 13: Getting To Know Your Printer
Getting to Know Your Printer ® Your EPSON FX-980 9-pin dot matrix printer provides high-quality printing and great performance in a compact design. Features include: a variety of paper paths to suit your printing needs the ability to handle a wide range of paper types, including...
Page 14: Easy-To-Use Features
Easy-to-Use Features This section highlights some easy-to-use features that you’ll find helpful. Use the tear-off feature to save paper . If you load paper in the rear or front push tractor, you can use the tear-off feature to advance your continuous paper to the printer’s tear-off edge when you finish printing.
Page 15: Available Paper Paths
paper release lever Use the micro adjust feature to adjust the top-of-form and tear-off positions. (See the Glossary for explanations of the top-of-form and tear-off positions.) The micro adjust feature allows you to move the paper forward or backward in 1/216 inch increments so that you can make precise adjustments to the top-of-form and tear-off positions.
Page 16: Printing On Continuous Paper
Printing on continuous paper You can choose from three tractor positions (front push, rear push, and pull) and three paper entry slots (front, rear, and bottom) for continuous paper printing. This section helps you determine which paper paths and tractor positions are best for your continuous paper printing needs.
Page 17 Tractor position Description To use this tractor, load paper in the rear slot. When you print on multi-part forms that are bound on only one side by point gluing, load them in the rear paper slot; the front push tractor cannot feed this type of form.
Page 18 You can use the front, bottom, or rear paper slot with the pull tractor. Paper slot Description If you print on thick paper such as multi-part forms or continuous paper with labels, use the front paper slot because this paper path is almost straight.
Page 19 Using the push and pull tractors in combination You can improve paper feeding and reduce paper jams by using two tractors at the same time. This is especially helpful for printing on continuous pre-printed forms, multi-part forms, or labels, and for printing high-quality graphics. When using two tractors in combination, you can load paper either in the front paper slot both the front push tractor and the pull tractor, or in the rear paper slot with both the rear push tractor and the pull...
Page 20: Printing On Single Sheets
Printing on single sheets As shown below, you can load single sheets from the top or the front of the printer. You can load ordinary single sheets from either position, even with continuous paper already loaded in the front or rear push tractor. This section helps you determine which paper slot best suits your single-sheet printing needs.
Page 21: Options
Loading paper in the front slot You can load ordinary single sheets, single-sheet multi-part forms, or postcards in the front slot. Note: Always use the front paper slot to load glue-fastened single-sheet multi- part forms bound at the side of the form. Options Your printer comes with everything necessary to print on continuous paper and single sheets using a variety of paper paths.
Page 22: Ribbon Cartridge
When printing becomes faint, you need to replace the ribbon cartridge. Genuine EPSON ribbon cartridges are designed and manufactured to work properly with your EPSON printer. They ensure proper operation and long life of the print head and other printer parts.
Page 23 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 of all devices plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating.
Page 24: Print Head Caution Symbol
For United Kingdom Users Use of options Epson (UK) Limited shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the use of any options or consumable products other than those designated as Original EPSON Products or EPSON Approved Products by Epson (UK) Limited.
Page 25: Safety Information
Safety information Warning: This appliance must be earthed. Refer to the rating plate for voltage and check that the appliance voltage corresponds to the supply voltage. Important: The wires in the mains lead fitted to this appliance are coloured in accordance with the following code: Green and yellow —...
Page 26: How To Use Your Manuals
How To Use Your Manuals This User’s Guide provides detailed information on setting up and using your printer. The Quick Reference Guide that also comes with the printer summarizes basic information on how to use the printer. Warnings, Cautions, and Notes This guide uses the following conventions: Warnings must be followed to avoid bodily injury.
Page 27 Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer Unpacking the Printer........1-2 Choosing a Place for the Printer .
Page 28: Unpacking The Printer
Unpacking the Printer Besides this guide, your printer box should include an EPSON printer software disk, a Notice Sheet, and the following items: paper guide base printer power cord ribbon cartridge screwdriver Note: Depending on your printer model, the power cord may be permanently attached to the printer.
Page 29 Caution: There are several models of the printer designed for different voltages, and it is not possible to adjust the printer for use with another voltage. If the label on the back of the printer does not show the correct voltage for your country, contact your dealer. You must remove all protective materials packed around and inside your printer before you set it up and turn on the power.
Page 30: Choosing A Place For The Printer
Choosing a Place for the Printer Follow the guidelines below when selecting a location for your printer. Place the printer on a flat, stable surface. The printer will not operate properly if it is tilted or at an angle. Place the printer where you can easily connect it to a network interface cable, if necessary.
Page 31: Positioning The Continuous Paper Supply
Use a grounded power outlet; do not use an adapter plug. Make sure the paper path is clear and unobstructed before you print on continuous paper. (See the next section.) If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines: Use a stand that supports at least 22 kg (48.5 lb).
Page 32: Installing Or Replacing The Ribbon Cartridge
Installing or Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge EPSON recommends the use of genuine EPSON ribbon cartridges (S015091). Products not manufactured by EPSON may cause damage to your printer not covered by warranties. Warning: You will need to move the print head by hand to install or replace the ribbon cartridge.
Page 33 3. Lift the printer cover by its back edge and then pull it straight up and off. 4. Make sure that the print head is not hot; if it is, let it cool for a few minutes before touching it. Then slide the print head to the ribbon installation position (the indented portion of the paper tension unit) by hand.
Page 34 5. If a used ribbon cartridge is installed, grasp it the cartridge and pull it slightly forward and up; the ribbon guide snaps away from the metal pins behind the print head. Properly dispose of the used ribbon cartridge. ribbon guide 6.
Page 35 7. Hold the cartridge with the ribbon-tightening knob up. Fit the two front notches of the ribbon cartridge over the small pegs on each side of the printer as shown below. Then lay the cartridge flat. 8. Make sure that the two rear notches of the cartridge fit over the small pegs on each side of the printer.
Page 36 9. Lift the cartridge’s ribbon guide ( ) and insert it firmly over the metal pins behind the print head ( ). Make sure the ribbon is not twisted or creased and that it is in place behind the print head.
Page 37 11. Replace the printer cover by first inserting the front tabs into the slots on the printer and then lowering the cover into place. Push it down until it clicks. 1-11 Setting Up the Printer...
Page 38: Attaching The Paper Guide Base
Attaching the Paper Guide Base To install the paper guide base follow these steps: 1. Make sure the paper guide cover is open as shown below. Attach the paper guide base by sliding the slots on the bottom over the pegs located behind the paper tension unit, then tilt the guide back until it stops.
Page 39: Plugging In The Printer
2. Close the paper guide cover. Plugging in the Printer 1. Make sure the printer is turned off. The printer is off when the surface of the Operate button is even with the button protectors as shown below. 1-13 Setting Up the Printer...
Page 40: Connecting The Printer To Your Computer
2. Check the label on the back of the printer to make sure its voltage matches that of your electrical outlet. Also make sure the plug on your printer’s power cord matches your electrical outlet. Warning: It is not possible to change the printer’s voltage. If the rated voltage and your outlet voltage do not match, contact your dealer for assistance.
Page 41 2. Plug the cable connector securely into the printer’s interface connector as shown. Parallel interface Plug the cable connector securely into the parallel interface connector. parallel interface connector Squeeze the wire clips together until they lock in place on both sides of the connector.
Page 42 Serial interface Plug the cable connector securely into the serial interface connector. serial interface connector Tighten the screws on the both sides of the connector. 1-16 Setting Up the Printer...
Page 43: Installing The Printer Software
With it, you can make printer settings such as print quality, resolution, and paper size. EPSON Status Monitor 2 (Windows 95 or 98 only) The EPSON Status Monitor 2 notifies you of printer errors and displays printer status information. 1-17...
Page 44: Installing The Printer Software In Windows 3.1
Driver disk creation utility button and follow the on-screen instructions. If you are using the diskette version of the EPSON software, make a backup copy of the EPSON printer software disk or disks before you begin installation.
Page 45: Or Nt 3.5X
For information on opening and using the software, see "Using the Printer Software" in Chapter 4. After you install the printer driver for Windows 98, 95, or NT 4.0, you can install the EPSON Status Monitor 2 utility program. See Chapter 6 for information on installing and using the Status Monitor.
Page 46 5. When the installation is complete, click OK to exit the installation program. The installation program automatically selects the FX-980 as the default printer for Windows applications. For information on opening and using the software, see "Using the Printer Software" in Chapter 4.
Page 47: For Dos Programs
Choose the EPSON FX-980 printer at the appropriate step in the setup or installation procedure. If the list in your application does not include the FX-980 printer, choose the first available printer...
Page 48 1-22 Setting Up the Printer...
Page 49 Chapter 2 Printing on Continuous Paper Setting the Paper Release Lever ......2-2 Setting the Paper Thickness Lever .
Page 50: Setting The Paper Release Lever
Setting the Paper Release Lever You can load continuous paper in the printer from several paper sources, including the rear push tractor or the front push tractor. Use the paper release lever to indicate the paper source you want to use, as described in the table below. Note: To decide which paper source and paper path best suits your printing needs, see “Available Paper Paths”...
Page 51 Paper release Description lever position Rear push tractor position For loading continuous paper from the tractor installed in the rear push position. Also set the lever to this position when using the rear push and pull tractors in combination. Front push tractor position For loading continuous paper from the tractor installed in the front push position.
Page 52: Setting The Paper Thickness Lever
Setting the Paper Thickness Lever Setting the paper thickness lever allows the printer to accommodate various thicknesses of paper. The paper thickness lever is located under the printer cover. You can select one of nine positions identified by the scale next to the lever. paper thickness lever Use the following table to set the paper thickness lever to match...
Page 53 See Appendix C for complete paper specifications. ** It is recommended that multi-part forms be used in the front push or pull position. *** Continuous paper with labels cannot be used with the rear push tractor. To use them, install the optional tractor unit in the front push or pull position.
Page 54: Using The Rear Push Tractor
Using the Rear Push Tractor To use the rear push tractor, load continuous paper in the rear slot. For information on when to use the rear push tractor, see “Available Paper Paths” on page 3. Note: The tractors are installed in the front push and rear push positions when the printer is shipped.
Page 55 2. Open the paper guide cover and remove the paper guide base by holding the both edges and lifting it up. 3. Set the paper release lever to the rear push tractor position. Set the paper thickness lever (located under the printer cover) to the proper position for your paper’s thickness.
Page 56 4. Release the left and right sprockets by pulling the sprocket lock levers forward. front of the printer 5. Slide the left sprocket to the left margin of the paper using the scale on the printer. (Printing starts at the “0” mark.) Then push the lever back to lock it in place.
Page 57 7. Make sure your paper has a clean, straight edge. Then open both sprocket covers and fit the first three holes of the paper, printable side down, over the tractor pins. Then close the sprocket covers. front of the printer 8.
Page 58: Removing A Printed Document From The Rear Push Tractor
11. Turn on the printer. You may need to check and change the printer driver settings as described in Chapter 4. When the printer receives data, it automatically loads the paper and starts printing. The printed pages are fed over the paper guide toward the back of the printer.
Page 59 2. Open the paper guide cover, and tear off the printed document using the tear-off edge of the printer. Note: If your paper’s perforation is not properly aligned with the tear-off edge, you can adjust the tear-off position using the micro adjust feature.
Page 60: Using The Front Push Tractor
Using the Front Push Tractor To use the front push tractor, load continuous paper in the front slot. For more information on when to use the front push tractor, see “Available Paper Paths” on page -3. Note: The tractors are installed in the front push and rear push positions when the printer is shipped.
Page 61 3. Set the paper release lever to the front push tractor position. Also set the paper thickness lever (located under the printer cover) to the proper position for your paper’s thickness. 4. Release the left and right sprockets by pushing the sprocket lock levers backward.
Page 62 5. Slide the left sprocket to the left margin of your paper using the arrow mark inside the printer. (Printing starts at the arrow mark.) Then pull the lever forward to lock it in place. Note: See “Paper alignment” and “Printable area” in Appendix C for more information on the left margin position.
Page 63 7. Make sure your paper has a clean, straight edge. Then open both sprocket covers and fit the first three holes on each side of the paper, printable side up, over the tractor pins. Then close the sprocket covers. 8. Slide the right sprocket to remove any slack in the paper; then lock it in place by pushing the sprocket lock down.
Page 64 10. Slide the edge guides to the middle of the top paper guide base. Lift the center section of the paper guide base up and lay it flat. Make sure that the printer cover and the paper guide cover are closed. Note: The printer cannot print when the printer cover is open.
Page 65: Removing A Printed Document From The Front Push Tractor
If the first line on your page appears too high or low, you can change its position by using the micro adjust feature. See “Adjusting the Top-of-Form Position” on page 2-39. Caution: 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.
Page 66: Removing The Front Push Tractor
Note: If your paper’s perforation is not properly aligned with the tear-off edge, you can adjust the tear-off position using the micro adjust feature. See “Adjusting the tear-off position” on page 2-43. 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.
Page 67: Reinstalling The Tractor In The Front Push Position
4. Press the tractor’s lock tabs, tilt the tractor up, and lift it out of the printer. 5. Replace the front paper guide by sliding it along the printer’s mounting slots until it locks in place. Then close the front paper guide.
Page 68 2. Open the front paper guide by pulling the tab at the center of the guide. Then remove the guide by grasping both sides and pulling it straight out of the printer. 3. Insert the tractor into the printer’s mounting slots and press down both ends of the tractor to make sure that it is firmly seated.
Page 69: Using The Tractor In The Pull Position
Using the Tractor in the Pull Position Using the tractor in the pull position is ideal for printing on thick and heavy continuous paper, such as multi-part forms or continuous paper with labels. However, you cannot use the tear- off feature with the pull tractor. Because thick paper requires a straight paper path to avoid paper jams, you should load paper in the front or bottom slot when using the pull tractor.
Page 70 2. Push up the tabs on each side of the paper tension unit and lift the unit up and off the printer. Store the paper tension unit in a safe place. 3. Lower the tractor into the printer’s mounting slots and press down both ends of the tractor to make sure that it is firmly seated.
Page 71: Loading Paper Onto The Pull Tractor
You are now ready to load continuous paper onto the pull tractor as described in the next section. To remove the pull tractor, see “Removing the pull tractor” on page 2-31. Loading paper onto the pull tractor When using the pull tractor, load continuous paper in the front or bottom slot, if possible;...
Page 72 4. Release the left and right sprockets by pulling the sprocket lock levers forward. 5. Slide the left sprocket to the left margin of the paper using the scale on the paper guide as a guide. (Printing starts at the arrow mark.) Then push the lever back to lock it in place.
Page 73 7. Make sure your paper has a clean, straight edge. Then open both sprocket covers. 8. Insert the paper into the front, bottom, or rear paper slot as described below until it emerges between the platen and the ribbon guide. Then pull up the paper until the perforation between the first and second pages is even with the top of the printer’s ribbon.
Page 74 9. Fit three holes on each side of the paper over the tractor pins on both sprockets. Then close the sprocket covers. 10. Slide the right sprocket to remove any slack in the paper, then lock it in place by pushing the sprocket lock down. 11.
Page 75 Caution: Never use the knob to remove slack in the paper or to adjust the top-of-form position; this may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position. Always remove any slack from the paper; otherwise print quality may be reduced. 15.
Page 76: Removing The Paper From The Pull Tractor
17. After you finish printing, open the paper guide cover; then tear off the printed document at the perforation nearest the paper exit slot. Removing the paper from the pull tractor 1. After you finish printing, tear off the supply of paper at the perforation nearest the paper entry slot.
Page 77: Using Two Tractors In A Push/Pull Combination
Using two tractors in a push/pull combination To improve continuous paper feeding and reduce paper jams, you can use two tractors at the same time. When using two tractors in combination, you can load paper in the front paper slot onto both the front push tractor and the pull tractor, or in the rear paper slot onto both the rear push tractor and the pull tractor.
Page 78 5. Turn on the printer. Press the Load/Eject button to advance the paper to the top-of-form position. Then press the LF/FF button until the perforation between the first and second page is even with the top of the printer’s ribbon. Caution: Never use the knob to move the paper;...
Page 79: Removing The Pull Tractor
11. Attach the printer cover and close the paper guide cover. Note: The printer cannot print when the printer cover is open. 12. You may need to check and change the printer driver settings as described in Chapter 4. Then send a print job to the printer. The printer starts printing from the current position without advancing the paper.
Page 80 3. Press the tractor’s lock tabs, tilt the tractor toward you, and lift it off the printer. 4. Store the tractor in a safe place, or install it in the front push position as described on page 2-12. 5. To replace the paper tension unit, lower it onto the printer’s mounting pegs.
Page 81: Loading Multi-Part Forms
6. Replace the paper guide base and the printer cover. Then close the paper guide cover. Loading Multi-Part Forms You can use carbonless multi-part forms of up to seven parts (six copies in addition to the original). Make sure you set the paper thickness lever to the proper position based on the number of layers in your form.
Page 82: Loading Continuous Paper With Labels
Loading Continuous Paper With Labels When printing on labels, use only the type of labels that are mounted on continuous backing sheets with sprocket holes for use with a tractor feeder. Do not try to print on single sheets with labels because the printer may not feed labels on a shiny backing sheet properly.
Page 83 Caution: Do not load continuous paper with labels in the rear paper slot because the paper path from the rear slot is curved; labels may come off their backing sheet inside the printer and cause a paper jam. Never use the tear-off feature (by pressing the Tear Off/Bin button or turning on the auto tear-off mode as described in “About Your Printer’s Default Settings”...
Page 84: Removing Continuous Paper With Labels
Removing continuous paper with labels To avoid peeling labels off the backing sheet and jamming the printer, follow the steps below when you remove continuous paper with labels from the printer. 1. Tear off the supply of continuous labels at the perforation nearest the paper entry slot.
Page 85: Switching Between Printing On Continuous Paper And Printing On Single Sheets
Switching Between Printing on Continuous Paper and Printing on Single Sheets You can easily switch back and forth between printing on continuous paper with a push tractor and printing on single sheets without having to remove or reload the continuous paper. Switching to printing on single sheets To switch from printing on continuous paper with the rear or front push tractor to printing on single sheets, follow these steps:...
Page 86: Switching To Printing On Continuous Paper
2. Press the Load/Eject button to feed the continuous paper backward to the standby position. The paper is still attached to the push tractor but is no longer in the paper path. 3. Load single sheets in the top or front paper guide as described in Chapter 3.
Page 87: Adjusting The Top-Of-Form Position
Adjusting the Top-of-Form Position The top-of-form position is the position on the page where the printer starts printing. If your printing appears too high or low on the page, you can use the micro adjust feature to adjust the top- of-form position.
Page 88 5. Press the LF/FF D button to move the top-of-form position up on the page, or press the Load/Eject U button to move the top-of-form position down on the page. Caution : 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.
Page 89 To adjust the top-of-form position for continuous paper loaded on the pull tractor, see the following example: First mark a point 6.5 mm (0.26 inches) above the paper’s perforation; then position the paper so that the mark is even with the top edge of the plastic ribbon cover. This gives you an 8.5 mm (0.33 inches) margin on the next page, meaning the printer starts printing 8.5 mm (0.33 inches) below the perforation.
Page 90: Advancing The Paper To The Tear-Off Edge
Advancing the Paper to the Tear-Off Edge If you use the front or rear push tractor, you can use the tear-off feature to advance your continuous paper to the printer’s tear-off edge when you finish printing. You can then easily tear off the printed document.
Page 91: Advancing The Paper To The Tear-Off Position Automatically
Advancing the paper to the tear-off position automatically To automatically advance your printed documents to the tear-off position, you need to turn on the auto tear-off mode and select the appropriate page length for continuous paper in the default- setting mode. For instructions, see “Changing default settings” on page 5-9.
Page 92 4. Press the LF/FF D button to feed the paper backward, or press the Load/Eject U button to feed the paper forward, until the paper perforation is aligned with the tear-off edge. tear-off edge 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.
Page 93 Chapter 3 Printing on Single Sheets Using Single Sheets ........3-2 Available paper types and paper slots .
Page 94: Using Single Sheets
Using Single Sheets Available paper types and paper slots As shown below, you can load single-sheet paper one sheet at a time using the paper guide on top of the printer or the front paper guide. You can print on ordinary single sheets, single-sheet multi-part forms, postcards, and envelopes.
Page 95 The table below shows the types of paper you can load in the top and front paper slots and the paper thickness lever setting for each paper type. For more information on the paper thickness lever, see “Setting the Paper Thickness Lever” on page 2-4. Paper type Available Paper thickness...
Page 96: Loading Single-Sheet Multi-Part Forms
Loading single-sheet multi-part forms You can load single-sheet multi-part forms one at a time in the top or front paper slot as described in “Loading Single Sheets in the Top Paper Slot” on page 3-8 or “Loading Single Sheets in the Front Paper Slot”...
Page 97 Insert the of form in the front slot, bound edge first and printable side up, as shown below. printable side up You can load single-sheet multi-part forms bound at the side only in the front slot. Insert the of form in the front slot, top edge first and printable side up, as shown below.
Page 98: Loading Envelopes
Loading envelopes You can load envelopes in the top paper slot only, as described in “Loading Single Sheets in the Top Paper Slot” on page 3-8. Also follow these guidelines: Load envelopes one at a time in the top slot, with the flap fold first and the flap side up.
Page 99: Loading Postcards
Use envelopes only under normal temperature and humidity conditions, as follows: Temperature 15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 °F) Humidity 30 to 60% RH Caution: Because printing on the edge of an envelope may damage the print head, make sure the printing stays entirely within the printable area of your envelopes.
Page 100: Loading Single Sheets In The Top Paper Slot
Before printing, turn on the card mode by pressing the Tear Off/Bin button until both Tear Off/Bin lights are on. After you finish printing on postcards, press the Tear Off/Bin button once to exit the card mode. (Bin 1 of the optional cut- sheet feeder is selected.) Use postcards only under normal temperature and humidity conditions, as follows:...
Page 101 3. Set the paper release lever to the single-sheet position. Also set the paper thickness lever (located under the printer cover) to the proper position for your paper’s thickness. (See the table on page 3-3.) 4. Close the paper guide cover. Printing on Single Sheets...
Page 102 5. Press the Operate button to turn on the printer, if necessary. 6. Insert a sheet of paper, printable side down, between the edge guides until it meets resistance. The printer feeds the paper automatically and is ready to print. Note: The printer cannot print when the printer cover is open.
Page 103: Loading Single Sheets In The Front Paper Slot
Loading Single Sheets in the Front Paper Slot To load paper in the front paper slot, follow these steps: 1. Make sure the paper guide base is installed properly. If not, attach it as described on “Attaching the Paper Guide Base” on page 1-12.
Page 104 4. Set the paper release lever to the single-sheet position. Also set the paper thickness lever (located under the printer cover) to the proper position for your paper’s thickness. (See the table on page 3-3.) 5. Press the Operate button to turn on the printer, if necessary. 6.
Page 105 7. You may need to check and change the printer driver settings as described in Chapter 4. Then send a print job to the printer. When the printer receives data, it prints the page and ejects it onto the paper guide on top of the printer. To continue printing your document, remove the printed page and insert a new sheet of paper in the front paper guide.
Page 106 3-14 Printing on Single Sheets...
Page 107 Printer driver settings overview......4-21 Using the EPSON Remote! Utility ......4-23 Installing EPSON Remote! .
Page 108: About Your Printer Software
The EPSON printer software that comes with your printer includes the printer driver software, the EPSON Remote! utility, and the EPSON Status Monitor 2 utility for Windows 95/98. As described in Chapter 1, a printer driver is software that allows your computer to control the printer.
Page 109: Using The Printer Driver With Windows 95 Or 98
Using the Printer Driver With Windows 95 or 98 You can access the printer driver from your Windows applications or from the Start menu. When you access the printer driver from a Windows application, any settings you make apply only to the application you are using. See “Accessing the printer driver from Windows applications”...
Page 110 1. Select Print Setup or Print from the File menu of your application software. The Print or Print Setup dialog box appears. 2. Make sure that your printer is selected and then click Printer, Setup, Properties, or Options. (You may need to click a combination of these buttons.) The Properties window appears, and you see the Paper, Graphics, and Device Option menu.
Page 111: Accessing The Printer Driver From The Start Menu
3. To view a menu, click the corresponding tab at the top of the window. See “Printer driver settings overview” below for detailed information about the settings. Accessing the printer driver from the Start menu To access the printer driver from the Start menu, follow these steps: 1.
Page 112 Paper menu Paper size Select the size of the paper you want to use. If you don’t see your paper size, use the scroll bar to scroll through the list. If your paper size is not included in the list, click Custom and enter the paper size in the dialog box that appears.
Page 113 Graphics menu Resolution Click the printing resolution you want. The higher the resolution you select, the more detailed your printout will be; however, increasing the resolution slows printing. You can leave this option set to Fine, Dithering which is the default setting, or select another dithering pattern depending on the kind of printout you want.
Page 114 Device Options menu Print quality Select a print quality option from the Print quality list. Selecting a high quality option produces more detailed printouts at a slower printing speed. Once you’ve checked your printer driver settings and changed them if necessary, you are ready to print with continuous paper as described in Chapter 2, or with single sheets as described in Chapter 3.
Page 115: Using The Printer Driver With Windows 3.1
Using the Printer Driver With Windows 3.1 You can access the printer driver from your Windows applications or from the Control Panel. When you access the printer driver from a Windows application, any settings you make apply only to the application you are using. See “Accessing the printer driver from Windows applications,”...
Page 116 1. Select Print Setup or Print from the File menu of your application software. The Print or Print Setup dialog box appears. See ““Printer driver settings overview” on page 4-11 for detailed information about the settings in this dialog box. 2.
Page 117: Accessing The Printer Driver From The Control Panel
Accessing the printer driver from the Control Panel To access the printer driver from the Control Panel, follow these steps: 1. In the Main window, double-click the Control Panel icon. 2. Double-click the Printers icon. The Printers dialog box appears. 3.
Page 118 Paper Size Select the size of the paper you want to use. If you don’t see your paper size, use the scroll bar to scroll through the list. If your paper size is not included in the list, click User Defined Size and enter the paper size in the dialog box that appears.
Page 119: Using The Printer Driver With Windows Nt 4.0
Using the Printer Driver With Windows NT 4.0 You can access the printer driver from your Windows applications or from the Start menu. When you access the printer driver from a Windows application, any settings you make apply only to the application you are using. See “Accessing the printer driver from Windows applications”...
Page 120 1. Select Print Setup or Print from the File menu of your application software. The Print or Print Setup dialog box appears. 2. Make sure that your printer is selected and then click Printer, Setup, Properties, or Options. (You may need to click a combination of these buttons.) The Document Properties window appears, and you see the Page Setup and Advanced menus.
Page 121: Accessing The Printer Driver From The Start Menu
3. To view a menu, click the corresponding tab at the top of the window. See “Printer driver settings overview” below, for detailed information about the settings. Accessing the printer driver from the Start menu To access the printer driver from the Start menu, follow these steps: 1.
Page 122 Page Setup menu Paper Size Select the size of the paper you want to use from the Paper Size list. Paper Source Select the paper source you want to use from the Paper Source list. Select Portrait or Landscape. Orientation Advanced menu 4-16 Using the Printer Software...
Page 123 Paper/Output Check the Paper Size, Orientation, and Paper Source settings you made on the Page Setup menu and change them if necessary. Select the setting and then choose an option from the Change Setting list box. Graphic Select Resolution and then choose the printing resolution from the Change Setting list box.
Page 124: Using The Printer Driver With Windows Nt 3.5X
Using the Printer Driver With Windows NT 3.5x You can access the printer driver from your Windows applications or from the Control Panel. When you access the printer driver from a Windows application, any settings you make apply only to the application you are using. See “Accessing the printer driver from Windows applications”...
Page 125 1. Select Print Setup or Print from the File menu of your application software. The Print or Print Setup dialog box appears. 2. Make sure that your printer is selected and then click Printer, Setup, Properties, or Options. (You may need to click a combination of these buttons.) The screen displays the Document Properties dialog box, which contains the Form and Orientation printer driver settings.
Page 126: Accessing The Printer Driver From The Control Panel
3. Click Options (or a similar button) to view the Advanced Document Properties dialog box, which includes the Graphics Resolution, Color, and Optimizations printer driver settings. See page 4-21 for detailed information about these settings. Accessing the printer driver from the Control Panel To access the printer driver from the Control Panel, follow these steps: 1.
Page 127: Printer Driver Settings Overview
3. Click the Details button, then click Job Default. You see the Document Properties dialog box, which includes the Form and Orientation printer driver settings. See “Printer driver settings overview” on page 4-21 for detailed information about these settings. 4. Click Options to open the Advanced Document Properties dialog box, which contains the Graphics Resolution, Color, and Optimizations printer driver settings.
Page 128 Advanced Document Properties dialog box Graphics Select a printing resolution option Resolution from the Graphics Resolution list. The higher the resolution you select, the more detailed your printout will be; however, increasing the resolution slows printing. Color Only monochrome printing is available.
Page 129: Using The Epson Remote! Utility
Then press Enter. 3. Select your printer’s name in the Printer Model window and press Enter. C:\EPUTIL appears as the default directory. 4. Press Enter again. The EPSON Remote! utility is copied to the C:\EPUTIL directory. Accessing EPSON Remote! To access EPSON Remote!, type C:\PRNSET at the DOS prompt and press Enter.
Page 130 4-24 Using the Printer Software...
Page 131: Chapter 5 Changing Printer Settings From The Printer's Control Panel
Chapter 5 Changing Printer Settings From the Printer’s Control Panel Selecting a Built-In Font ........5-2 About Your Printer’s Default Settings .
Page 132: Selecting A Built-In Font
Selecting a Built-In Font Your printer comes with the three built-in fonts shown in the table below. You can also choose from the following six pitch (character size) settings: 10, 12, 15, 17, or 20 cpi (character per inch), or proportional spacing.You can select the font and pitch using the buttons on the printer’s control panel as described below.
Page 133: About Your Printer's Default Settings
To select a pitch, press the Pitch button until the three Pitch lights indicate the pitch you want as shown below. Pitch lights Pitch 10 cpi o o n 12 cpi o n o 15 cpi o n n 17 cpi n o o 20 cpi n o n...
Page 134 Settings Options Print direction Bi-D, Uni-D I/F mode Auto, Parallel, Serial, Optional Auto I/F wait time 10 seconds, 30 seconds Software ESC/P, IBM 2380Plus Character table Standard model: Italic, PC 437, PC 850, PC 860, PC 863, PC 865, PC 861, BRASCII, Abicomp, Roman 8, ISO Latin 1, PC 858, ISO 8859-15, All other models:...
Page 135 Page length for front tractor This setting allows you to set the page length (in inches) for continuous paper loaded on the front push tractor. Page length for rear tractor This setting allows you to set the page length (in inches) for continuous paper loaded on the rear push tractor.
Page 136 Auto line feed When auto line feed is on, the printer accompanies each carriage return (CR) code received with a line feed code. When this feature is on, the print position moves to the beginning of the next line. If the printer adds an extra line after every carriage return, select Off.
Page 137 Software When you select ESC/P, the printer operates in the EPSON ESC/ P mode. When you select IBM 2380 Plus, the printer emulates an IBM printer. Character table You can select among 13 standard character tables as well as tables for 21 other countries.
Page 138 Auto CR (carriage return) This setting is available only in IBM 2380 Plus emulation mode. When auto carriage return is on, each line feed (LF) code or ESC J code is accompanied by a carriage return code. This moves the print position to the beginning of the next line. If the printer adds an extra line after every carriage return, select Off.
Page 139: Changing Default Settings
Changing default settings Follow the steps on the next page to enter the default-setting mode and change the printer’s default settings. Note: To print the language selection and default-setting mode instructions, you need three sheets of A4 or letter size single-sheet paper, or three pages of continuous paper that is at least 279 mm (11 inches) long and 210 mm (8.27 inches) wide.
Page 140 The printed instructions list the default settings you can change, describe how to change them, and show you how the control panel lights help you make settings. Follow these instructions to change the default settings using the buttons on the printer’s control panel. Note: The arrows on the instruction sheets indicate the printer’s current settings.
Page 141: Chapter 6 Using Epson Status Monitor
About the EPSON Status Monitor 2 Utility ....6-2 Installing EPSON Status Monitor 2......6-3 Accessing EPSON Status Monitor 2 .
Page 142: About The Epson Status Monitor 2 Utility
Note: To monitor an FX-980 printer on a network, you must install an optional Ethernet interface card (C82362 ,C82363 or C82364 ) in your printer and use the Status Monitor utility that comes with this card. See the manual that comes with the interface card for instructions on using the Status Monitor in a network environment.
Page 143: Installing Epson Status Monitor 2
Installing EPSON Status Monitor 2 Note: If you installed EPSON Status Monitor 2 when you installed the printer software, you do not need to install it again. To install the Status Monitor, follow these steps: 1. Make sure Windows is running. Insert the printer software CD in the CD-ROM drive.
Page 144 Monitor Windows shared printers . Then click Next . After you install EPSON Status Monitor 2 and restart your computer, the Status Monitor starts automatically and adds a printer-shaped background monitoring icon to the taskbar at the bottom of your computer screen.
Page 145: Accessing Epson Status Monitor 2
Status Monitor to get general and detailed printer status information. Using the EPSON Status Monitor 2 window The main features of the EPSON Status Monitor 2 window are described on the next page. Using EPSON Status Monitor 2...
Page 146 When you point to a toolbar button, the corresponding menu command appears briefly on your screen, and you see an explanation of the button’s function appears in the status bar at the bottom of the EPSON Status Monitor 2 window. Installed Printers list This list displays information about the EPSON printers connected directly to your computer.
Page 147 To use the Printer Status window, see page 6-11. Job Status Provides information about the jobs waiting to print. Select Paper Not available. Memory Close Closes the EPSON Status Monitor 2 window. Using EPSON Status Monitor 2...
Page 148 View menu This menu let you control the appearance and content of the EPSON Status Monitor 2 window and the Installed Printers list. Toolbar/Status Shows or hides the toolbar and status bar in the EPSON Status Monitor 2 window. Large Icons/...
Page 149 For more information, see “Turning on background monitoring” on page 6-13. Add Printer/ Allows you to select which printers Delete Printer you want to monitor by adding or deleting printers in the Installed Printers list. Using EPSON Status Monitor 2...
Page 150 Help menu Click Help in the EPSON Status Monitor 2 window to view online help. Click About to view Status Monitor’s version number and copyright information. 6-10...
Page 151: Using The Printer Status Window
Status window, double-click a printer in the Installed Printers list, or select a printer and then choose Printer Status from the Printer menu of the EPSON Status Monitor 2 window. You can also access the Printer Status window by clicking the Details button in the Status Alert dialog box.
Page 152: Making Monitoring Preference Settings
A Status Alert dialog box is displayed in the lower right corner of your computer screen. It provides printer status short messages and a Details button that allows you to open the Printer Status window. 6-12 Using EPSON Status Monitor 2...
Page 153: Turning On Background Monitoring
If the icon is not on the taskbar, access EPSON Status Monitor 2 from the Start menu as described on page 6-5. Then point to Background Monitoring on the Settings menu and click Monitor from restart or Monitor now.
Page 154: Background Monitoring Icon
6-13.) Double-clicking the background monitoring icon opens the EPSON Status Monitor 2 window. Right-clicking this icon opens a pop-up menu where you can choose whether the Status Alert dialog box will appear in front of other windows on the desktop.
Page 155 Chapter 7 Troubleshooting Using the Error Indicators ....... . . 7-2 Problems and Solutions .
Page 156: Using The Error Indicators
Using the Error Indicators You can identify many common printer problems using the lights on the control panel. 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 can’t fix your printer problem using this table, go to the next section.
Page 157: Troubleshooting
State of Beep Problem panel lights pattern Solution f Paper Out ••• Continuous paper is not fed to the standby position. n Pause Tear off the printed document at the perforation; then press the Load/Eject button. The printer feeds the paper to the standby position.
Page 158: Problems And Solutions
Problems and Solutions Most printer problems are easy to solve. Use the information in this section to find the source of and solution to any printer problems that occur. Determine the type of problem that occurred, and see the appropriate page below: Power supply problems .
Page 159: Power Supply Problems
Power supply problems The control panel lights come on briefly, but then go off and stay off. Cause What to do The printer’s voltage rating Check the printer and the outlet does not match the voltage of voltage ratings. If the voltages do not your electrical outlet.
Page 160: Single-Sheet Paper Loading Or Feeding Problems
Single-sheet paper loading or feeding problems The printer does not load single-sheet paper or does not feed it properly. Cause What to do The paper release lever is set Set the paper release lever to the to a tractor position. single-sheet position.
Page 161 The printer does not fully eject a single sheet. Cause What to do Your paper is too long. Press the Load/Eject button to eject the sheet. Make sure the page length of your paper is within the range specified for single-sheet paper in Appendix C.
Page 162: Continuous Paper Loading Or Feeding Problems
Continuous paper loading or feeding problems The printer does not load continuous paper or does not feed it properly. Cause What to do The paper release lever is not Set the paper release lever to the tractor set correctly. position for the paper source you want to use.
Page 163: Wrong Top-Of-Form Position
EPSON of the continuous paper you Remote! utility. See Chapter 5, “About are using. Your Printer’s Default Settings”, or Chapter 4, “Using the EPSON Remote! Utility”. The top margin or top-of- Check the margin or top-of-form form position setting is position setting in your application incorrect.
Page 164: Wrong Tear-Off Position
EPSON of the continuous paper you Remote! utility. See“About Your are using. Printer’s Default Settings” in Chapter 5, or “Using the EPSON Remote! Utility” in Chapter 4. 7-10 Troubleshooting...
Page 165: Printing Or Printout Quality Problems
Printing or printout quality problems The printer does not print when the computer sends data. Cause What to do The printer is paused. Press the Pause button. The interface cable is not Check that both ends of the cable plugged in securely. between the printer and the computer are plugged in securely.
Page 166 The printer makes noise, but nothing prints or printing stops abruptly Cause What to do The paper thickness lever is Set the paper thickness lever to match set incorrectly. the thickness of your paper. See “Setting the Paper Thickness Lever” in Chapter 2.
Page 167 Turn on the auto line feed setting sent at the end of each line of using the printer’s default-setting text. mode or the EPSON Remote! utility so that the printer automatically adds a line feed code to each carriage return. See “About Your Printer’s Default Settings”...
Page 168 Turn off the auto line feed setting being sent at the end of each using the printer’s default-setting line of text. mode or the EPSON Remote! utility. See “About Your Printer’s Default Settings” in Chapter 5, or “Using the EPSON Remote! Utility” in Chapter 4.
Page 169 Chapter 1. Use your application software to Software settings override settings you make using the select the font. default-setting mode, EPSON Remote!, or the control panel buttons. Vertical printed lines are not aligned. Cause What to do Bidirectional printing, which Use the printer’s bidirectional...
Page 170: Clearing Paper Jams
Clearing Paper Jams To clear a paper jam, follow these steps: 1. Press the Operate button to turn off the printer. 2. If a single sheet of paper is stuck on the paper guide base, gently remove it. 3. Remove the printer cover. If continuous paper from the rear slot is loaded in the printer, remove the paper guide base.
Page 171: Aligning Vertical Lines In Your Printout
Aligning Vertical Lines in Your Printout If you notice that the vertical lines in your printout are not properly aligned, you can use the printer’s bidirectional adjustment mode to correct this problem. Note: To complete the steps below, you need four sheets of A4 or letter size single-sheet paper or four pages of continuous paper that are at least 279 mm (11 inches) long and 241 mm (9.5 inches) wide.
Page 172: Printing A Self Test
Printing a Self Test Running the printer’s self test helps you determine whether the printer or the computer is causing the problem: If the self test results are satisfactory, the printer is working properly and the problem probably results from your printer driver settings, application settings, computer, or interface cable.
Page 173: Printing A Hex Dump
After a few seconds, the printer loads the paper automatically and begins printing a self test. A series of characters is printed. Note: To temporarily stop the self test, press the Pause button. To resume the test, press the Pause button again. 3.
Page 174 To print a hex dump, follow the steps below. 1. Make sure paper is loaded and the printer is turned off. Caution: Whenever you turn off the printer, wait at least five seconds before turning it back on; otherwise you may damage the printer. 2.
Page 175 Appendix A Enhancing Your Printer With Options Options ..........A-2 Paper handling options .
Page 176: Options
Options The following table shows the paper handling options and interface cards available for your printer. To purchase options, contact your dealer or customer support as described in Appendix D. Paper handling options High-capacity cut-sheet feeder (C80684 ) Feeds up to 150 sheets of paper, 25 plain bond envelopes, or 30 postcards into the printer without reloading.
Page 177: Optional Interface Cards
Optional interface cards You can install an optional interface card to supplement your printer’s built- in parallel interface and provide added network compatibility. The EPSON interface cards in the table below are compatible with your printer. (Not all the interfaces in the table are available worldwide.) See “Installing an Interface Card”...
Page 178: Using The Optional Cut-Sheet Feeders
Using the Optional Cut-Sheet Feeders The optional high-capacity cut-sheet feeder (C80684 ) can load up to 150 sheets of paper in the printer. You can also create a double-bin cut-sheet feeder by connecting the second bin cut-sheet feeder (C80685 ) to the high- capacity cut-sheet feeder.
Page 179 Press up the tabs on both sides of the paper tension unit and lift it up and off the printer. If a tractor is installed in the pull position, remove it as described on “Removing the pull tractor” on page 2-31. Store any printer parts you remove in a safe place.
Page 180: Loading Paper In The High-Capacity Cut-Sheet Feeder
Loading paper in the high-capacity cut-sheet feeder You can load up to 150 ordinary single sheets, 25 plain bond envelopes, or 30 postcards in the high-capacity cut-sheet feeder. You can also load a stack of single-sheet multi-part forms up to 15 mm (0.59 inches) thick in this feeder. Follow the steps below to load paper in the high-capacity cut-sheet feeder.
Page 181 Release the left and right paper guides of the cut-sheet feeder by pulling the lock levers forward. paper guides Holding the lower portion of the left paper guide, slide it until it is aligned with the arrow mark on the back of the center support. Then push the left lock lever backward to lock it in place.
Page 182 Pull both paper set levers forward until the paper guides retract and lock open to allow paper loading. Take a stack of paper (up to 150 sheets of plain paper) and fan it. Next, tap the side and bottom edges of the paper on a flat surface to even up the stack.
Page 183 11. Move the cut-sheet feeder’s paper selection lever to the single-sheet position, as shown below. Then lift up the center support and close the paper guide cover. Note: Always close the printer cover before printing. The printer does not print when the cover is open.
Page 184: Selecting The Paper Source (Bin 1 Or Bin 2
Selecting the paper source (bin 1 or bin 2) When the double-bin cut-sheet feeder is installed, you need to select the paper source (bin 1 or bin 2) using your application or the printer’s control panel. As shown below, the high-capacity cut-sheet feeder becomes bin 1 and the second-bin cut-sheet feeder becomes bin 2.
Page 185: Switching Between Continuous Paper And Single-Sheet Paper In The Cut-Sheet Feeder
Switching between continuous paper and single-sheet paper in the cut-sheet feeder You can easily switch between continuous paper on a push tractor and single-sheet paper in the cut-sheet feeder without removing the continuous paper. Switching to continuous paper If any sheets are in the paper path, press the Load/Eject button to eject them.
Page 186: Using The Roll Paper Holder
Using the Roll Paper Holder The optional roll paper holder (#8310) allows you to use 8.5-inch roll paper like that used with telex machines. This provides an inexpensive alternative to using continuous paper for applications that require variable paper lengths. Before you install and use the roll paper holder, you need to assemble it.
Page 187: Installing The Roll Paper Holder
Hook the tension lever onto both ends of the stand as shown below. While pulling up the tension lever, fit the wire ends of the tension lever into the holes in the stand. The roll paper holder is assembled. tension lever Installing the roll paper holder To install the roll paper holder, follow the steps below.
Page 188: Loading Roll Paper
To remove the roll paper holder, carefully lift up the printer and pull out the roll paper holder from beneath the printer. Loading roll paper After you install the roll paper holder, follow the steps below to load a roll of paper, Make sure the printer is turned off.
Page 189 Place the shaft and paper roll on the roll paper holder so the paper feeds from the bottom of the roll. Turn on the printer. Bring the leading edge of the paper up over the rear push tractor and insert it until it meets resistance. The printer loads the roll paper automatically.
Page 190: Removing Roll Paper
When you finish printing, open the paper guide cover and press the LF/FF button to advance the paper. Tear off the paper using the tear-off edge of the printer (pull it towards you for a clean cut). Removing roll paper Roll paper cannot be fed backward.
Page 191: Installing An Interface Card
Installing an Interface Card Follow the steps below to install an optional interface card. Make sure the printer is turned off. Unplug the printer’s power cord and disconnect the interface cable. Remove the screws from the shield plate on the back of the printer and remove the plate.
Page 192 A-18 Enhancing Your Printer With Options...
Page 193: Appendix B Cleaning And Transporting The Printer
Appendix B Cleaning and Transporting the Printer Cleaning the Printer ........B-2 Transporting the Printer .
Page 194: Cleaning The Printer
Do not use a hard or abrasive brush. Do not spray the inside of the printer with lubricants; unsuitable lubricants can damage the printer mechanism. Contact an EPSON dealer if you think lubrication is needed. Cleaning and Transporting the Printer...
Page 195: Transporting The Printer
Transporting the Printer If you need to transport your printer some distance, carefully repack it using the original box and packing materials, as described below. Warning: You need to move the print head by hand to remove the ribbon cartridge. If you have just used the printer, the print head may be hot;...
Page 196 Cleaning and Transporting the Printer...
Page 197: Appendix C Specifications
Command Lists ......... . C-12 EPSON ESC/P control codes ......C-12 IBM 2380 Plus emulation control codes .
Page 198: Printer Specifications
Printer Specifications Mechanical Printing method: 9-pin impact dot matrix Printing speed: High speed draft 506 cps at 10 cpi 569 cps at 12 cpi 569 cps at 15 cpi 560 cps at 17 cpi 506 cps at 20 cpi Draft 380 cps at 10 cpi Near letter quality 95 cps at 10 cpi...
Page 199 Note: The total thickness of the paper stack can be up to 5 mm (0.20 inches). Buffer: 64KB or 0KB (selectable in the default-setting mode or the EPSON Remote! utility) Built-in fonts: Bitmap fonts EPSON Draft 10, 12, 15 cpi...
Page 200: Electrical
Reliability: Total print volume25 million lines (except print head) MTBF 10,000 POH (25% duty) Print head life approx. 300 million characters (Draft 10 cpi, 14 dots/character) Dimensions and Height 236 mm (9.3 inches) weight: Width 528 mm (20.8 inches) Depth 404 mm (15.9 inches) Weight approx.
Page 201: Paper
Paper Note: Use recycled paper and envelopes only under normal temperature and humidity conditions, as follows: Temperature 15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 °F) Humidity 30 to 60% RH Do not load paper that has been folded or is damaged, wrinkled, or curled. Ordinary single sheets: front, top, and cut-sheet feeder entry Width...
Page 202 Single-sheet multipart forms: front, top, and cut-sheet feeder entry Width Front and top: 100 to 257 mm (3.9 to 10.1 inches) High-capacity cut-sheet feeder: 100 to 257 mm (3.9 to 10.1 inches) Length Front: 148 to 364 mm (5.8 to 14.3 inches) Top: 100 to 364 mm (3.9 to 14.3 inches) High-capacity cut-sheet feeder:...
Page 203 Continuous paper (standard and multipart): front, rear, and bottom entry Width 101.6 to 254 mm (4.0 to 10.0 inches) Length 101.6 to 558.8 mm (4.0 to 22.0 inches) Copies 1 original + up to 5 copies 1 original + up to 6 copies (front or bottom entry with the pull tractor only) Thickness Printable area 0.065 to 0.46 mm...
Page 204: Paper Alignment
Roll paper: rear entry with optional roll paper holder only Width 3 mm (8.5 0.12 inches) Thickness 0.07 to 0.09 mm (0.0028 to 0.0035 inches) Weight 52 to 82 g/m (14 to 22 lb) Paper alignment Front entry Printing starts at the arrow mark. The unprintable area is to the left of the arrow mark.
Page 205: Printable Area
Rear entry Printing starts at “0” on the scale. The unprintable area is to the left of the “0”. Printable area Single sheets, envelopes, and postcards: printable printable area area inches A The minimum top margin is 4.2 mm (0.17 inches B The minimum left margin is 3.0 mm (0.12 inches...
Page 206: Continuous Paper
Continuous paper: Printable area A The minimum top and bottom margins above and below the perforation are 4.2 mm (0.17 inches) each. B The minimum left and right margins are 13 mm (0.51 inches) each. The maximum width is 254 mm (10.0 inches) and the maximum printable width is 203.2 mm (8.0 inches).
Page 207: Safety Approvals
Safety approvals 120 V model: Safety standards UL1950 CSA C22.2 No. 950 FCC part 15 subpart B class B CSA C108.8 class B 230 V model: Safety standards EN 60950 EN 55022 (CISPR pub. 22) class B AS/NZS 3548 class B Acoustic noise: Approx.
Page 208: Command Lists
Your printer supports the following EPSON ESC/P control codes and IBM 2380 Plus emulation control codes. EPSON ESC/P control codes Selecting an EPSON ESC/P printer in your software allows you to use advanced fonts and graphics handling. General operation: ESC @, ESC U, ESC EM...
Page 209: Barcode Commands
Barcode commands Your printer has powerful barcode printing capabilities and includes the following resident barcode fonts: EAN-13, EAN-8, Interleaved 2 of 5, UPC-A, UPC-E, Code 39, Code 128, and POSTNET. See the barcode commands below: ESC ( B Select Barcode Printing Format: ASCII code: Decimal:...
Page 210: Barcode Data
c: Control flag Bit 0 = Check digit 0: The printer does not add a check digit. 1: The printer adds a check digit. Bit 1 = Human readable character (HRC) 0: The printer adds the HRC. 1: The printer does not add the HRC. Bit 2 = Position of flag character (for EAN-13 and UPC-A only) 0: Center 1: Under...
Page 211 The valid data for each barcode type is described below. If invalid data is included in the barcode data string, the barcode is not printed. Barcode type Barcode data EAN-13 0-9 (Hex 30-39) EAN-8 0-9 (Hex 30-39) UPC-A 0-9 (Hex 30-39) UPC-E 0-9 (Hex 30-39) Interleaved 2 of 5...
Page 212: Ibm 2380 Plus Emulation Control Codes
IBM 2380 Plus emulation control codes This printer emulates an IBM Proprinter using the commands below. For detailed information, see the IBM 2380 Plus reference manual. General operation: NUL, DC3, ESC j, BEL, CAN, DC1, ESC Q, ESC [ K, ESC U, ESC [ F Paper feeding: FF, LF, ESC 5, ESC A, ESC 0, ESC 1, ESC 2, ESC 3, CR, ESC ] Page format:...
Page 213: Character Tables
Character Tables You can select the character tables shown in this section using the printer’s default-setting mode or with software commands. Note: Most of the character tables are the same as the PC 437 table for hex codes 00 through 7F; only the characters for hex codes 80 through FF are shown for these tables.
Page 214 PC 850 (Multilingual) PC 860 (Portuguese) PC 863 (Canadian-French) PC 865 (Nordic) C-18 Specifications...
Page 215 PC 861 (Icelandic) BRASCII Abicomp ISO Latin 1 C-19 Specifications...
Page 216 Roman 8 PC 858 C-20 Specifications...
Page 217 ISO 8859-15 PC 437 Greek* PC 853 (Turkish)* PC 855 (Cyrillic)* C-21 Specifications...
Page 218 PC 852 (East Europe)* PC 857 (Turkish)* PC 866 (Russian)* PC 869 (Greek)* C-22 Specifications...
Page 219 MAZOWIA (Poland)* Code MJK (CSFR)* ISO 8859-7* ISO Latin 1T (Turkish)* C-23 Specifications...
Page 220 Bulgaria (Bulgarian)* PC 774 (LST 1283: 1993)* Estonia (Estonia)* C-24 Specifications...
Page 221 ISO 8859-2* PC 866 LAT. (Latvian)* PC 866 UKR (Ukranian)* C-25 Specifications...
Page 222 PC APTEC (Arabic)* PC 708 (Arabic)* PC 720 (Arabic)* PC AR 864 (Arabic)* C-26 Specifications...
Page 223 Italic table No character is available for hex code 15 in the Italic table C-27 Specifications...
Page 224: International Character Sets For The Italic Table
International character sets for the Italic table You can select one of the following eight international character sets for the Italic character table shown below using the default-setting mode or the ESC R command. For example, when you select “Italic France,” the characters in the “France”...
Page 225 Your dealer ......... D-6 EPSON Helpdesk ........D-7 For Singapore Users .
Page 226: Contacting Customer Support
Windows version (for example, NT, 98, 95, or 3.1) Software application(s) you normally use with the printer and their version number(s) For North American Users If you purchased your printer in the United States or Canada, EPSON provides customer support through the following services: Electronic support services Service...
Page 227: Automated Telephone Services
EPSON Accessories at (800) 873-7766 (U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call (800) 873-7766 for dealer referral. Note: If you need help using software with an EPSON product, see the documentation for that program for technical support information. Customer Support Information...
Page 228: For United Kingdom And The Republic Of Ireland Users
For United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland Users If you purchased your printer in the UK or the Republic of Ireland, Epson (UK) Limited provides a range of customer services and technical support. Note: For customers in the Republic of Ireland, please use the correct dialing codes when dialing the UK telephone numbers listed in the following sections.
Page 229: Faxon Epson
Support information including troubleshooting tips, switch settings and driver information To use Faxon EPSON, call 01442 227332 using a touch-tone phone. You will be asked to follow a simple routine to register your document request and once you have entered your telephone and fax numbers, Faxon EPSON will fax a copy of the document catalogue to your fax machine.
Page 230: For Australian Users
For Australian Users EPSON Australia wishes to provide you with a high level of Customer Service. As well as this User’s Guide, we provide the following sources for obtaining information: EPSON FAXBACK EPSON FAXBACK will fax you the latest specifications and pricing for most EPSON products offered in Australia.
Page 231: Epson Helpdesk
EPSON Helpdesk EPSON Helpdesk is provided as a final backup to make sure our clients have access to advice. Operators on the Helpdesk can aid you in diagnosing hardware and software problems. They can also advise you on the latest EPSON products and where the nearest dealer or service agent is located.
Page 232: Internet Home Page
Internet home page EPSON Hong Kong has established a local home page in both Chinese and English on the Internet to provide users with the following information: Product information Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Latest versions of EPSON printer drivers Users can access our World Wide Web home page at http://www.epson.com.hk.
Page 233: Glossary
When this option is turned on in the default-setting mode or the EPSON Remote! utility, each carriage return (CR) code is automatically followed by a line feed (LF) code.
Page 234 See printer driver. ESC/P Abbreviation for EPSON Standard Code for Printers, the system of commands your computer uses to control your printer. It is standard for all EPSON printers and supported by most application software for personal computers. factory settings The configuration settings for a computer or printer that are set at the factory.
Page 235 interface The connection (via a cable) between the computer and the printer through which print data is transmitted to the printer. initialization Returns the printer to its default settings (a fixed set of conditions). landscape Printing that is oriented sideways on the page. This orientation gives you a page that is wider than it is high and is useful for printing spreadsheets.
Page 236 Printing in which the print head prints in one direction only. Unidirectional printing is useful for printing graphics because it provides precise vertical alignment. You can select unidirectional printing using the printer’s default- setting mode or the EPSON Remote! utility. See also bidirectional printing. Glossary...
Page 237 Paper positions Standby position In the standby position, your paper is attached to the printer but is not inside the printer. Tear-off position Tear off your printed document at the printer’s tear-off edge. Top-of-form position The letters ABC above are printed at the top-of-form position. Glossary...
Page 238 Glossary...
Page 239 Glossary...
Page 240 Glossary...
Page 241 Index switching between continuous paper and single-sheet paper, Accessing A-11 EPSON Status Monitor 2, 6-5 Adjusting tear-off position, 2-43 to 2-44 top-of-form position, 2-39 to 2-41 Default setting, 5-3 to 5-10 Advanced document properties, 4-22 Device Options, 4-8 Advanced menu, 4-16...
Page 242 IBM 2380 Plus emulation control codes, C-16 Installing Paper guide base cut-sheet feeder, A-4 to A-5 attaching, 1-12 to 1-13 EPSON Status Monitor 2, 6-3 to 6-4 Paper jam front push tractor, 2-19 to 2-20 clearing, 7-16 interface card, A-17 Paper menu, 4-6...
Page 243 setting for Windows 3.1, 4-11 to 4-12 Safety instructions, 10 to 11 for Windows 95 or 98, Second bin cut-sheet feeder, A-2 4-5 to 4-8 Selecting for Windows NT 3.5x, built-in font, 5-2 4-21 to 4-22 pitch, 5-3 for Windows NT 4.0, Self test, 7-18 to 7-19 4-15 to 4-17 Separator...
Page 244 Troubleshooting Continuous paper loading or feeding problems, 7-8 power supply problem, 7-5 printing or printout quality problems, 7-11 to 7-15 Single-sheet paper loading or feeding problems, 7-6 to 7-7 tear-off position problems, 7-10 top-of-form position problems, 7-9 Unpacking the Printer, 1-2 to 1-3 Using front push tractor, 2-12 to 2-20 push and pull tractor combination,...
Page 245: Printer Parts
Printer Parts edge guides paper guide base paper guide cover printer cover paper release lever front paper guide knob (closed) control panel paper thickness lever ribbon cartridge serial interface shield plate parallel interface paper tension unit tractor front edge guides front paper guide (open)
Page 246 EPSON OVERSEAS MARKETING LOCATIONS EPSON AMERICA, INC. EPSON UK LTD. 20770 Madrona Ave. Campus 100, Maylands Avenue, P.O. Box 2842 Hemel Hempstead, Herts, Torrance, CA 90509-2842 HP2 7TJ, U.K. Phone: (800) 922-8911 Phone: (+44) 01442 261144 Fax: (310) 782-5220 Fax: (+44) 01442 227227 EPSON DEUTSCHLAND GmbH EPSON FRANCE S.A.

This manual is also suitable for:

C276001 - fx 980 b/w dot-matrix printer

Epson FX-980 User Manual

Getting to Know Your Printer

Chapter 1 Setting up the Printer

Chapter 2 Printing on Continuous Paper

Chapter 3 Printing on Single Sheets

Chapter 4 Using the Printer Software

Chapter 5 Changing Printer Settings from the Printer's Control Panel

Chapter 6 Using EPSON Status Monitor

Chapter 7 Troubleshooting

Appendix A Enhancing Your Printer with Options

Appendix B Cleaning and Transporting the Printer

Appendix C Specifications

Appendix D Customer Support Information

Glossary

Quick Links

Related Manuals for Epson FX-980

Summary of Contents for Epson FX-980

This manual is also suitable for:

Table of Contents