DFX-8500 Service Manual.pdf part of Epson DFX 8500 DFX-8500 Service Manual.part1.rar, Epson DFX 8500 Service Manual English text manual preview

Text preview for : DFX-8500 Service Manual.pdf part of Epson DFX 8500 Epson DFX 8500 Service Manual English

Back to : DFX-8500 Service Manual.p | Home

EPSON
IMPACT SERIAL DOT MATRIX PRINTER

DFX-8500

SERVICE MANUAL

SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
4009310

NOTICE
rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this manual in any form whatsoever All without SEIKO EPSON's express written permission is forbidden. The contents of this manual are subjects to change without notice. efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this manual. All However, should any errors be detected, SEIKO EPSON would greatly appreciate being informed of them. The above notwithstanding SEIKO EPSON can assume no responsibility for any errors in this manual or the consequences thereof. EPSON is a registered trademark of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.

General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Copyright © 1998 by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION Nagano, Japan
ii

PRECAUTIONS
Precautionary notations throughout the text are categorized relative to 1) personal injury and 2) damage to equipment.

WARNING

Signals a precaution which, if ignored, could result in serious or fatal personal injury. Great caution should be exercised in performing procedures preceded by WARNING Headings.

CAUTION

Signals a precaution which, if ignored, could result in damage to equipment.

The precautionary measures itemized below should always be observed when performing repair/maintenance procedures.

WARNING
1. ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PRODUCT FROM BOTH THE POWER SOURCE AND PERIPHERAL DEVICES PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR PROCEDURES. 2. NO WORK SHOULD BE PERFORMED ON THE UNIT BY PERSONS UNFAMILIAR WITH BASIC SAFETY MEASURES AS DICTATED FOR ALL ELECTRONICS TECHNICIANS IN THEIR LINE OF WORK. 3. WHEN PERFORMING TESTING AS DICTATED WITHIN THIS MANUAL. DO NOT CONNECT THE UNIT TO A POWER SOURCE UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. WHEN THE POWER SUPPLY CABLE MUST BE CONNECTED, USE EXTREME CAUTION IN WORKING ON POWER SUPPLY AND OTHER ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.

CAUTION
1. REPAIRS ON EPSON PRODUCT SHOULD BE PERFORMED ONLY BY EPSON CERTIFIED REPAIR TECHNICIAN. 2. MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE SOURCE VOLTAGE IS THE SAME AS THE RATED VOLTAGE, LISTED ON THE SERIAL NUMBER/RATING PLATE. IF THE EPSON PRODUCT HAS A PRIMARY AC RATING DIFFERENT FROM AVAILABLE POWER SOURCE, DO NOT CONNECT IT TO THE POWER SOURCE. 3. ALWAYS VERIFY THAT THE EPSON PRODUCT HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM THE POWER SOURCE BEFORE REMOVING OR REPLACING PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS AND/OR INDIVIDUAL CHIPS. 4. IN ORDER TO PROTECT SENSITIVE MICROPROCESSORS AND CIRCUITRY, USE STATIC DISCHARGE EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS ANTI-STATIC WRIST STRAPS, WHEN ACCESSING INTERNAL COMPONENTS. 5. REPLACE MALFUNCTIONING COMPONENTS ONLY WITH THOSE COMPONENTS BY THE MANUFACTURE; INTRODUCTION OF SECOND-SOURCE ICs OR OTHER

NONAPPROVED COMPONENTS MAY DAMAGE THE PRODUCT AND VOID ANY APPLICABLE EPSON WARRANTY. iii

PREFACE
This manual describes functions, theory of electrical and mechanical operations, maintenance, and repair of DFX-8500. The instructions and procedures included herein are intended for the experience repair technician, and attention should be given to die precautions on the preceding page. The Chapters are organized as follows:

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Provides a general product overview, lists specifications, and illustrates the main components of the printer.

CHAPTER 2. OPERATING PRINCIPLES
Describes the theory of printer operation.

CHAPTER 3. DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
Includes a step-by-step guide for product disassembly and assembly.

CHAPTER 4. ADJUSTMENT
Includes a step-by-step guide for adjustment.

CHAPTER 5. TROUBLESHOOTING
Provides EPSON-approved techniques for troubleshooting.

CHAPTER 6. MAINTENANCE
Describes preventive maintenance techniques and lists lubricants and adhesives required to service the equipment.

APPENDIX
Describes connector pin assignments, circuit diagrams, circuit board component layout and exploded diagram.

The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.

iv

REVISION SHEET
Revision Rev. A Rev. B Issued Data May 18, 1998/ June 25, 1998 First issue Second issue due to minor correction on the manual contents. Contents

v

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1. CHAPTER 2. CHAPTER 3. CHAPTER 4. CHAPTER 5. CHAPTER 6. APPENDIX

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OPERATING PRINCIPLES DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY ADJUSTMENT TROUBLESHOOTING MAINTENANCE

vi

CHAPTER 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1.1 FEATURES.............................................................................................................1-1 1.2 SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................................1-3
1.2.1 Printing Specification............................................................................................................. 1-3 1.2.2 Paper Feeding ......................................................................................................................... 1-6 1.2.3 Electrical Specification .......................................................................................................... 1-6 1.2.4 Environmental Condition....................................................................................................... 1-6 1.2.5 Reliability................................................................................................................................. 1-6 1.2.6 Safety Approvals .................................................................................................................... 1-7 1.2.7 CE Marking .............................................................................................................................. 1-7 1.2.8 Acoustic Noise........................................................................................................................ 1-7 1.2.9 Ribbon Cartridge .................................................................................................................... 1-7 1.2.10 Physical Specifications........................................................................................................ 1-7 1.2.11 Printable area ........................................................................................................................ 1-8 1.2.12 Paper and Media ................................................................................................................. 1-12 1.2.12.1 Continuous paper (Single sheet and multi-part).................................................... 1-12 1.2.12.2 Labels .................................................................................................................... 1-14 1.2.12.3 Continuous Forms with Labels .............................................................................. 1-14 1.2.12.4 Overlapping Multi-part Form.................................................................................. 1-16 1.2.12.5 Perforation............................................................................................................. 1-16 1.2.12.6 Notes ..................................................................................................................... 1-16

1.3 INTERFACES .......................................................................................................1-19
1.3.1 Parallel Interface (Forward channel)................................................................................... 1-19 1.3.2 Parallel Interface (Reverse channel)................................................................................... 1-21 1.3.3 Serial Interface ...................................................................................................................... 1-22 1.3.4 Optional Interface ................................................................................................................. 1-22 1.3.5 Interface Selection................................................................................................................ 1-23 1.3.6 Prevention Hosts from Data Transfer Time-out................................................................. 1-23

1.4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.............................................................................1-24
1.4.1 Control Panel ........................................................................................................................ 1-24 1.4.1.1 Switches .................................................................................................................. 1-25 1.4.1.2 Indicators ................................................................................................................. 1-26 1.4.2 Errors and Buzzers............................................................................................................... 1-27 1.4.3 DIP Switch Settings.............................................................................................................. 1-28 1.4.4 Functions .............................................................................................................................. 1-31 1.4.4.1 Usual operation ....................................................................................................... 1-31 1.4.4.2 Operation at Power On............................................................................................ 1-33 1.4.4.3 Built-in Detection ..................................................................................................... 1-34 1.4.5 Paper Memory Function....................................................................................................... 1-35 1.4.6 Initializations......................................................................................................................... 1-36 1.4.6.1 Power-on Initialization ............................................................................................. 1-36 1.4.6.2 Software Initialization............................................................................................... 1-36 1.4.6.3 Panel Initialization.................................................................................................... 1-36

1.5 MAIN COMPONENT ...........................................................................................1-37
1.5.1 M-3I60 Printer Mechanism ................................................................................................... 1-38 1.5.2 Main Control Board (C204 MAIN Board)............................................................................. 1-39 1.5.3 C204 DRV Board ................................................................................................................... 1-40

1.5.4 C204 DRV-B Board................................................................................................................1-41 1.5.5 C204 SUB Board....................................................................................................................1-41 1.5.6 C204 PSB/PSE Board............................................................................................................1-42 1.5.7 Control Panel.........................................................................................................................1-43 1.5.8 Housing..................................................................................................................................1-43

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.1 FEATURES
The DFX-8500 is a 18-pin, serial, dot matrix printer with a maximum speed of 1120 characters per second (cps). It is designed for business use and provides high-speed, high-volume printing and continuous-sheet handling. The main features of the printer are: Maximum printing speeds: 1120 cps (high-speed draft mode) 840 cps (draft mode) 210 cps (NLQ mode) at 10 cpi Advanced paper handling: 10 inches per second (ips) paper feeding Paper jam detection Paper width detection Front and rear two-way push tractors Optional pull tractor Automatic paper back-out and loading from another paper path and paper park Automatic platen gap adjustment for paper thickness Automatic tear off Paper memory function Automatic paper path changing Auto cut mode enables the optional perforation cutter to cut the paper at the perforation. Bi-directional parallel interface (IEEE-1284 nibble) and RS-232C serial interface standard EPSON ESC/P (upper compatible with DFX-8000) and IBM/LEXMARK 2381Plus emulation 35 character tables in the NLSP (National Language Support) version and 11 character tables in the standard version 2 NLQ and 1 draft bit-map type faces and 8 barcode fonts are supported. Optional paper cutter and perforation cutter Upgraded data handling 128 KB input buffer Automatic interface selection Type-B optional I/F cards The figure below shows the DFX-8500.

Figure 1-1. DFX-8500 Exterior View

Rev. B

1-1

DFX-8500 The following table shows options.
Table 1-1. Option Name Ribbon cartridge Ribbon pack Pull tractor unit Paper cutter Perforation cutter Serial interface card (inch screw) Serial interface card (mm screw) 32-KB intelligent serial I/F card (inch screw) 32-KB intelligent serial I/F card (mm screw) 32-KB intelligent parallel I/F card (inch screw) 32-KB intelligent parallel I/F card (mm screw) Local Talk I/F card 32KB IEEE-488 I/F card Coax I/F card Twinax I/F card Ethernet I/F card IEEE-1284 parallel I/F card Ethernet I/F card Ethernet I/F card

Code #8766 #8767 #8309 C81500X C81507X C82305* C82306* C82307* C82308* C82310* C82311* C82312* C82313* C82314* C82315* C82357* C82345* C82362 C82364

1-2

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.2 SPECIFICATIONS
This section describes the specifications for DFX-8500.

1.2.1 Printing Specification
Print method : Impact dot matrix Number of pins : 18-pin (Refer to Figure 1-2.) Print pin arrangement : 9 x 2 Print pin diameter : 0.0114 inches (0.29 mm) Color : Black Print direction : Bi-directional with logic seeking Print speed and printable columns: Refer to Table 1-2.

0.35 mm (1/72")

2.82 mm (8/72")

1.69 mm (1/15")
Figure 1-2. Printhead Pin Configuration

Print Mode High speed draft Draft

Draft condensed Draft emphasized NLQ

NLQ condensed

Table 1-2. Print Speed and Printable Columns Character Pitch Printable Columns Print Speed (cps) Normal High Duty 10 cpi 136 1120 1066 10 cpi 136 840 800 12 cpi 163 1008 960 15 cpi 204 630 630 17 cpi 233 720 685 20 cpi 272 840 800 10 cpi 136 420 400 10 cpi 136 210 200 12 cpi 163 252 240 15 cpi 204 200 200 17 cpi 233 171 171 20 cpi 272 200 200

Notes 1: Notes 2: Notes 3:

The line including graphic B0h - FFh or download characters or bit image data will be printed by "High duty" mode. The line including special high duty download characters or bit image data will be printed by one third speed of "High duty" mode. When the print head temperature rises to the upper limit, the printer stops printing. And when the print head temperature falls to the normal level, then the printer starts printing again.

Rev. B

1-3

DFX-8500
Resolution: Refer to Table 1-3. Table 1-3. Resolution Horizontal Density Vertical Density 90 dpi 72 dpi 120 dpi 72 dpi 240 dpi 72 dpi 120 dpi 72 dpi 240 dpi 144 dpi 60, 72, 80, 90, 120 or 144 72 dpi dpi 120 or 240 dpi 72 dpi

Print Mode High speed draft Draft Draft condensed Draft emphasized NLQ Bit image

Adjacent Dot Print No No No Yes No Yes No

Control code: ESC/P and IBM 2381 Plus emulation Character tables: Standard version (11 character tables): Italic table PC437 (US, Standard Europe) PC850 (Multilingual) PC860 (Portuguese) PC861 (Icelandic) PC863 (Canadian-French) PC865 (Nordic) Abicomp BRASCII Roman 8 ISO Latin 1 NLSP version (35 character tables): Italic table PC437 (US, Standard Europe) PC850 (Multilingual) PC437 Greek PC852 (East Europe) PC853 (Turkish) PC855 (Cyrillic) PC857 (Turkish ) PC866 (Russian) PC869 (Greek) MAZOIWA (Poland) Code MJK (CSFR) ISO 8859-7 (Latin / Greek) ISO Latin 1T (Turkish) Bulgaria (Bulgarian) Estonia (Estonia) PC 774 (LST 1283:1993) ISO 8859-2 (ISO Latin 2) PC 866 LAT. (Latvian) PC866 UKR PC 860 PC 861 PC 865 PC APTEC PC 708 PC 720 PC AR864 PC 863(Canadian French) * Abicomp* BRASCII* Roman 8* ISO Latin 1* Hebrew 7* Hebrew 8* PC862* Note: These tables can not be selected by DIP switch. International character sets : 13 countries USA France Germany U.K Denmark 1 Sweden Italy Spain 1 Japan Norway Denmark 2 Spain 2 Latin America Note : The international and legal characters are these 12 codes; 23h, 24h, 40h, 5Bh, 5Ch, 5Dh, 5Eh, 60h, 7Bh, 7Ch, 7Dh, 7Eh. Typeface: Bit map font: EPSON Draft EPSON Roman EPSON Sans Serif Bar code: EAN-13 Interleaved 2 of 5 UPC-E Code 128 EAN-8 UPC-A Code 39 POSTNET 10 CPI, 12 CPI, 15 CPI 10 CPI. 12 CPI, 15 CPI, Proportional 10 CPI, 12 CPI, 15 CPI, Proportional

1-4

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Character tables and type faces: Refer to Table 1-4.

Table 1-4. Character tables and type faces Character Table Italic Table PC437 (US, Standard Europe) PC850 (Multilingual) PC860 (Portuguese) PC861 (Icelandic) PC863 (Canadian French) PC865 (Nordic) Abicomp BRASCII Roman 8 ISO Latin 1 Italic table NLSP version Italic Table PC437 (US, Standard Europe) PC850 (Multilingual) PC437 Greek PC852 (East Europe) PC853 (Turkish) PC855 (Cyrillic) PC857 (Turkish) PC866 (Russian) PC869 (Greek) MAZOWIA (Poland) Code MJK (CSFR) ISO 8859-7 (Latin / Greek) ISO Latin 1T (Turkish) Bulgaria (Bulgarian) Estonia (Estonia) PC 774(LST 1283:1993) ISO 8859-2 (ISO Latin 2) PC 866 LAT.( Latvian) PC 866 UKR PC 860 PC 861 PC 865 PC APTEC PC 708 PC 720 1 PC AR864 PC 863* 1 1 Abicomp* BRASCII* 1 Roman 8* ISO Latin 1 1 1 Hebrew 7* Hebrew 8* 1 PC 862* *1) These tables can not be selected by DIP switches. Note : ESC R command is effective on all the character tables. Standard version

Bitmap Font EPSON Draft EPSON Roman EPSON Sans Serif

EPSON Draft EPSON Roman EPSON Sans Serif

Input data buffer:

0K byte or 128 K bytes (depend on DIP switch settings)

Rev. B

1-5

DFX-8500

1.2.2 Paper Feeding
Push tractor feed (front / rear) Push and pull tractor feed (front / rear) Feeder: Front push tractor, rear push tractor, pull tractor (option) Paper insertion side alignment : Left Paper path: Tractor (front in, rear in, top out) Line spacing: 1 / 6 inches or programmable in increments of 1 / 216 inches. Feed speed: 1/ 6-inch feed: 26.5 ms Continuous feed: 0.251 mps (m/s). 9.9 ips (inch/sec) Note : The feeding speed will be reduced to 0.152 mps (6.0 ips) when the pull tractor is mounted. Feeding method:

1.2.3 Electrical Specification
120 V version: Rated voltage : Input voltage range : Rated frequency range : Input frequency range : Rated current : Power consumption : Insulation resistance : Dielectric strength : 120 V AC 99 to 132 V AC 50 to 60 Hz 49.5 to 60.5 Hz 3.5 A (max.7.5 A) Approx.160 W (ISO/IEC10561 Letter pattern) Energy Star compliant 10 M ohms min. (between AC line and chassis, 500 V DC) 1000 AC Vrms. 1 min. or 1200 AC Vrms. 1 sec. (between AC line and chassis) 220 to 240 V AC 198 to 264 V AC 50 to 60 Hz 49.5 to 60.5 Hz 1.4 A (max.3.5 A) Approx.160 W (ISO/IEC10561 Letter pattern) Energy Star compliant 10 M ohms min. (between AC line and chassis, 500 V DC) 1500 AC Vrms. 1 min. (between AC line and chassis)

220 - 240 V version: Rated voltage : Input voltage range : Rated frequency range : Input frequency range : Rated current : Power consumption : Insulation resistance : Dielectric strength :

1.2.4 Environmental Condition
Temperature : 5 to 35 C (operating) o -30 to 60 C (non-operating) 10 to 80 % RH (operating) *1) 5 to 85 % RH (non-operating) *1) 1 G, within 1 ms (operating) 2 G, within 2 ms (non-operating) *2) 0.25 G, 10 to 55 Hz (operating) 0.50 G, 10 to 55 Hz (non-operating) *2)
o

Humidity : Resistance to shock : Resistance to vibration :

*1: Without condensation *2: With shipment container

1.2.5 Reliability
Total print volume : MTBF : Print head life : Ribbon life : 26 million lines (except print head) 10,000 POH (25 % duty) 400 million characters at 14 dots/character 15 characters at 14 dots /character

1-6

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.2.6 Safety Approvals
120 V version: Safety standards : EMI : UL1950 with D3 CSA C22.2 No.950 with D3 FCC part 15 subpart B class B CSA C108.8 class B EN60950 (VDE, NEMKO) EN55022 (CISPR pub.22) class B AS / NZS 3548 class B

230 V version: Safety standards : EMI :

1.2.7 CE Marking
230 V version: Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC : EN60950 EMC Directive 89/336/EEC : EN55022 class B EN61000-3-2 EN61000-3-3 EN50082-1 IEC801-2 IEC801-3 IEC801-4

1.2.8 Acoustic Noise
Level: 58 dB(A) (ISO 7779 pattern)

1.2.9 Ribbon Cartridge
Type : Color : Ribbon life : Dimensions : Fabric Black 15 million characters (draft 10 cpi, 14 dots / character) 506.0 mm (W) x 123.5 mm (D) x 23.0 mm (H)

1.2.10 Physical Specifications
Dimensions : Weight : 700 mm (W) x 382 mm (D) x 369 mm (H) APPROX. 29 Kg

Rev. B

1-7

DFX-8500

1.2.11 Printable area
Continuous paper : Refer to Figure 1-3.

L M P W

R M

T M A B C D W X Y Z

P L

A B C D B M

W X Y Z

A B C D

W X Y Z

. Continuous Paper Refer to Section 1.2.12. Refer to Section 1.2.12. 13 mm to 31mm 13 mm or more 2.6 mm or more 4.2 mm or more

PW (width) PL (length) LM (left margin) RM (right margin) TM (top margin) BM (bottom margin)

Notes 1: In the top 75 mm area, the paper feeding pitch may be irregular. Notes 2: If the optional pull tractor is used, the top 120 mm area should not be printed. Notes 3: Forms-override printing is available 20 lines after the paper end. (Paper feeding pitch is not guaranteed.) The end of the printable area is 9 to 15 mm apart from the bottom edge of the paper.
Figure 1-3. Continuous Paper Printable Area

1-8

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Labels : Refer to Figure 1-4.

L M P W

R M

T M

L a b e l

L a b e l

P L L a b e l L a b e l

B M

. Continuous Paper Refer to Section 1.2.12. Refer to Section 1.2.12. 13 mm to 31mm 13 mm or more 2.6 mm or more 4.2 mm or more

PW (width) PL (length) LM (left margin) RM (right margin) TM (top margin) BM (bottom margin)

Notes 1: Notes 2: Notes 3: Notes 4:

Feeding backward or paper (PATH) selection are prohibited. If In the top 75 mm area, the paper feeding pitch may be irregular. If the optional pull tractor is used, the top 120 mm area should not be printed.. Forms-override printing is available 20 lines after the paper end. (Paper feeding pitch is not guaranteed.) The end of the printable area is 9 to 15 mm apart from the bottom edge of the paper.
Figure 1-4. Label Printable Area

Rev. B

1-9

DFX-8500
Continuous forms with labels : Refer to Figure 1-5.

L M P W T M T F L L a b e l P L L F L R F L N o n P r in ta b le A r e a B M B F L

R M

A B C D

W X Y Z

T O L P r in ta b le A r e a B O L L O L
PW (width) PL (length) LM (left margin) RM (right margin) TM (top margin) BM (bottom margin) LFL (left margin from label) RFL (right margin from label) TFL (top margin from label) BFL (bottom margin from label) LOL (left margin on label) ROL (right margin on label) TOL (top margin on label) BOL (bottom margin on label)

L a b e l R O L Continuous Paper Refer to Section 1.2.12. Refer to Section 1.2.12. 13 mm to 31mm 13 mm or more 2.6 mm or more 4.2 mm or more 65 mm or more 65 mm or more 12.5 mm or more 12.5 mm or more 5 mm or more 5 mm or more 2 mm or more 2 mm or more

Notes 1: Notes 2: Notes 3: Notes 4:

Feeding backward or paper (PATH) selection are prohibited. If In the top 75 mm area, the paper feeding pitch may be irregular. If the optional pull tractor is used, the top 120 mm area should not be printed.. Forms-override printing is available 20 lines after the paper end. (Paper feeding pitch is not guaranteed.) The end of the printable area is 9 to 15 mm apart from the bottom edge of the paper.
Figure 1-5. Continuous Forms with Labels Printable Area

1-10

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Overlapping multi-part forms : Refer to Figure 1-6.

L M

P W P e r fo r a tio n s

R M

C a r r ie r

P L

B M

N A O L T M
Continuous Paper Refer to Section 1.2.12. Refer to Section 1.2.12. 19 mm to 31mm 19 mm or more 21.2 mm or more 4.2 mm or more Less than 13.3 mm 25.4 mm or more

PW (width) PL (length) LM (left margin) RM (right margin) TM (top margin) BM (bottom margin) OL (overlapping length) NA (non printable area)

Notes 1: Notes 2: Notes 3: Notes 4:

Feeding backward or paper (PATH) selection are prohibited. If In the top 75 mm area, the paper feeding pitch may be irregular. If the optional pull tractor is used, the top 120 mm area should not be printed.. Forms-override printing is available 20 lines after the paper end. (Paper feeding pitch is not guaranteed.) The end of the printable area is 9 to 15 mm apart from the bottom edge of the paper.
Figure 1-6. Overlapping Multi-part Form Printable Area

Rev. B

1-11

DFX-8500

1.2.12 Paper and Media
1.2.12.1 Continuous paper (Single sheet and multi-part)
Table 1-5. Continuous Paper Front Entry Rear Entry Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum 4.0 16.0 4.0 16.0 101 406 101 406 4.0 17.0 4.0 17.0 101 431 101 431 1 original + 6 copies 1 original + 5 copies 0.0025 0.021 0.0025 0.018 0.065 0.53 0.065 0.46 52.6 82.7 52.6 82.7 14 22 14 22 41.4 56.4 41.4 56.4 11 15 11 15 Plain paper, Reclaimed paper, Carbonless multi-part forms · Rough bindings of multi-part paper cause paper jam. · The each sheet of multi-part paper should normally be put together by spot-gluing, paper-stapling, tape stitching. Spot-gluing is recommended for the better printing quality. · Spot-gluing must be applied on both sides of paper (Refer to Figure 17.). · The spot-glued parts must be pressed flat. There must be no creases in the paper. · The paper-stapling must be applied from the front of paper and the paper must be flat (Refer to Figure 1-8.). · Paper-stapling must be applied for both feeding directions (Refer to Figure 1-9.). · The paper-stapling should be flat (Refer to Figure 1-10.). · Never use metal staples. · The position of binding must be outside of printable area. · Multi-part paper should be bound firmly to each other and the binding must not be too large. Refer to Section 1.2.12.5. Refer to Section 1.2.12.6.

Width Length Copies Total Thickness Weight (not multi-part) Weight (one sheet of multi-part) Quality Multi-part binding

(inch) (mm) (inch) (mm) (inch) (mm) 2 (g/m ) (lb) 2 (g/m ) (lb)

Perforation Notes

Figure 1-7. Dotted Paste Positions

1-12

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Figure 1-8. Paper-stapling Height

Figure 1-9. Paper-stapling Method 1

Figure 1-10. Paper -stapling Method 2

Rev. B

1-13

DFX-8500

1.2.12.2 Labels
Table 1-6. Labels Front Entry Rear Entry Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Refer to Figure 1-11. 4.0 16.0 101 406 3.5 17.0 89 431 0.0 0.0047 0.0 0.12 0.0025 0.0075 0.065 0.19 AVERY CONTINUOUS FORM LABELS, AVERY MINI-LINE LABELS, or the same quality labels Refer to section 1.2.12.5. · The easy-cone-off label should not be used. · Every label must be put on the carrier. · Each comer of those labels must be rounded. · Each label and backing sheet should not have any folds or creases. · Between each label, there should be the same sheet as those labels. · The backing sheet must be continuous paper. · Labels should be inserted from front entrance. Refer to Section 1.2.12.6.

Label Size Backing Sheet Width Backing Sheet Length Label Thickness Total Thickness Quality

(inch) (mm) (inch) (mm) (inch) (mm) (inch) (mm)

Perforation Notes

W

H

Width Inch 2.5 4.0 4.0 mm 63.5 101 101 Inch 15/16 15/16 17/16

Height mm 23.8 23.8 27.0

Figure 1-11. Label Size

1-14

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.2.12.3 Continuous Forms with Labels
Table 1-7. Continuous Forms with Labels Front Entry Rear Entry Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Refer to Section 1.2.12.2. (inch) 4.0 16.0 (mm) 101 406 (inch) 4.0 17.0 (mm) 101 431 2 (g/m ) 52.6 82.7 (lb) 14 22 2 (g/m ) 41.4 56.4 (lb) 11 15 (inch) 0.0 0.0047 (mm) 0.0 0.12 (inch) 0.0025 0.021 (mm) 0.065 0.53 Plain paper, reclaimed paper, carbonless multi-part forms AVERY CONTINUOUS FORM LABELS, AVERY MNI-LINE LABELS, or the same quality labels · Rough bindings of multi-part paper cause paper jam. · The each sheet of multi-part paper should normally be put together by spot-gluing, paper-stapling, tape stitching. Spot-gluing is recommended for the better printing quality. · Spot-gluing must be applied on both sides of paper (Refer to Figure 1-7.). · The spot-glued parts must be pressed flat. There must be no creases in the paper. · The paper-stapling must be applied from the front of paper and the paper must be flat (Refer to Figure 1-8.). · Paper-stapling must be applied for both feeding directions (Refer to Figure 1-9.). · The paper-stapling should be flat (Refer to Figure 1-10.). · Never use metal staples. · The position of binding must be outside of printable area. · Multi-part paper should be bound firmly to each other and the binding must not be too large. Refer to Section 1.2.12.5. · The easy-cone-off label should not be used. · Every label must be put on the carrier. · Each comer of those labels must be rounded. · Each label and backing sheet should not have any folds or creases. · Between each label, there should be the same sheet as those labels. · The backing sheet must be continuous paper. · Continuous forms with labels should be inserted from front entrance. Refer to Section 1.2.12.6.

Label Size Width Length Weight (not multi-part) Weight (one sheet of multi-part) Label Thickness Total Thickness Quality (Multi-part forms) Quality (Label)

Multi-part binding

Perforation Notes

Rev. B

1-15

DFX-8500

1.2.12.4 Overlapping Multi-part Form
Table 1-8. Overlapping Multi-part Form Front Entry Rear Entry Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum (inch) 4.0 16.0 (mm) 101 406 (inch) 4.0 17.0 (mm) 101 431 2 (g/m ) 52.6 82.7 (lb) 14 22 2 (g/m ) 41.4 56.4 (lb) 11 15 1 original + 5 copies + 1 backing sheet (inch) 0.0025 0.021 (mm) 0.065 0.53 (inch) 0.005 0.028 (mm) 0.13 0.70 (inch) more than 0 0.39 (mm) more than 0 10 Plain paper, reclaimed paper, carbonless multi-part forms · Multi-part paper must be bound at the top side by spot-gluing (Figure 112.). · The bindings must not be too hard. And there should not be any spilt glue. · The position of binding must be outside of printable area. · Multi-part paper should be bound firmly to each other and the binding must not be too large. Refer to Section 1.2.12.5. · Overlapping multi-part form should be inserted from front entrance. Refer to Section 1.2.12.6.

Width Length Weight (not multi-part) Weight (one sheet of multi-part) Copies Total Thickness (print area) Total Thickness (overlap area) Overlapping Length Quality (multi-part forms) Multi-part binding

Perforation Notes

1.2.12.5 Perforation
· Weak horizontal and vertical perforations cause paper jams.D · The length ratio of the cut part and uncut part of perforations must be more than 3 to 1 and less than 5 to 1 (Refer to Figure 1-13.). · Horizontal perforations must have an uncut part in each end of the paper (Refer to Figure 1-14.). · At the intersection of horizontal and vertical perforations, the cut part of the perforations must not cross each other (Refer to Figure 1-15.). · The raised part at the perforation must be less than 1 mm when the bottom layer kept by force (Refer to Figure 1-16.).

1.2.12.6 Notes
· · · · · Clean paper (with no folds, creases, tears) should be used (Refer to Figure 1-17.). The sprocket hole must be circular. The hole may have teeth (Refer to Figure 1-18.). The sprocket hole of each layer must not be shifted (Refer to Figure 1-19.). The litter of sprocket holes must be removed from the paper. Paper should be fan-folded at horizontal perforations. Never use one that is not fan-folded property (Refer to Figure 1-20.). · No hole is acceptable in the printable area. · Paper must be torn off accurately along perforations.

1-16

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1 9 - 3 1 1 3 + 3

1 9 o r m o re 1 3 + 3

M u lti- p a r t c u t s h e e t

2 1 .2 o r m o re

B a s e s h e e t

P a g e L e n g th

S p o t- g lu e d p a r t

P e r fo r a tio n o f b a s e s h e e t

2 1 .2 o r m o re

S p o t- g lu e d p s r t

L o w e r e d g e

P a g e W id th

S p o t- g lu e d p a r t U n it : m m

Figure 1-12. Paper Width Overlapping Area

Figure 1-13. Perforations 1

Figure 1-14. Perforations 2

4 .2 o r m o re

Rev. B

1-17

DFX-8500

Figure 1-16. Raised Portion at a Perforation a) b) Figure 1-15. Perforations 3 c)

Figure 1-18. Sprocket Hole 1

Figure 1-19. Sprocket Hole 2

Figure 1-17. Unsuitable Paper

Figure 1-20. Bad Folded Paper

1-18

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.3 INTERFACES
The DFX-8500 is equipped with parallel interface, serial interface, and optional Type-B interface card. This section presents the specifications for each interface type.

1.3.1 Parallel Interface (Forward channel)
Data transmission mode: 8-bit parallel, IEEE-1284 compatibility mode Synchronization: /STROBE pulse Connector type: 57-30360 (AMPHENOL) 36-pin plug or equivalent Handshaking: BUSY and /ACK handshaking Notes 1: BUSY signal is set high before setting either /ERROR low or PE high and held high until all these signals return to their inactive state. BUSY signal is at a high level in the following cases. During data entry (see data transmission timing) When input data buffer is full. During /INIT signal is at a low level or during hardware initialization During printer error (see /ERROR signal) During test printing or during setting printing During SelecType When the parallel interface is not selected. Notes 2: /ERROR signal is at a low level when the printer is in one of the following states. Printer hardware error (fatal error) Paper out error Paper jam error Cover open status Incomplete paper change Paper size error Ribbon jam error Notes 3: PE signal is at a high level during paper out error. Data transmission timing: Refer to Figure 1-21.
D A T A (n ) D A T A t h o ld S T R O B E t s e tu p B U S Y t re a d y A C K N L G t b u s y t s tb t n e x t D A T A (n + 1 )

t r e p ly

t a c k

t n b u s y

Parameter Minimum Maximum 500 ns --t setup 500 ns --t hold 500 ns --t stb 0 --t ready --500 ns t busy ----t reply Note: * Rise and fall time of output signals ** Rise and fall time of input signals.

Parameter t ack t nbusy t next tt-out* tt-in**

Minimum 500 ns 0 0 -----

Maximum 10 us ----120 ns 200 ns

Figure 1-21. Data Transmission Timing

Rev. B

1-19

DFX-8500
Signal Level: TTL-level compatible, IEEE-1284 level 1 device Refer to Table 1-9.

Table 1-9. Signal Level Parameter Minimum Maximum Condition VOH* 5.5 V VOL* -0.5 V IOH* 0.32 mA VOH = 2.4 V IOL* 12 mA VOL = 0.4 V CO 50 pF VIH 2.0 V VIL 0.8 V IIH 0.32 mA VIH = 2.4 V IIL 12 mA VIL = 0.8 V CI 50 pF Note: * A low logic level on the logical high signal is 2.0 V or less when the printer is powered off. And this signal is equal or exceeding 3. 0 V when the printer is powered on. The receiver shall provide an impedance equivalent to 7.5 K ohms to ground. Connector pin assignments and signals: Refer to Table 1-10.

Table 1-10. Signal and Connector Pin Assignment (Forward channel) Return GND pin In/Out* Functional Description 19 In The strobe pulse. Read-in of data is performed at the falling edge of this pulse. 2-9 DATA 0-7 20-27 In The DATA0 through DATA7 signals represent data bits 0 to 7, respectively. Each signal is at high level when data is logical 1 and low level when data is logical 0. 10 /ACKNLG 28 Out This signal is a negative pulse indicating that the printer can again accept data. 11 BUSY 29 Out A high signal indicates that the printer cannot receive data. 12 PE 28 Out A high signal indicates paper-out error. 13 SLCT 28 Out Always at high level when the printer is powered on. 14 /AFXT 30 In Not used. 31 /INIT 30 In The falling edge of a negative pulse or a low signal on this line causes the printer to initialize. Minimum 50 us pulse is necessary. 32 /ERROR 29 Out A low signal indicates printer error condition. 36 /SLIN 30 In Not used. 18 Logic H Out Pulled up to +5V via 3.9K ohm resistor. 35 +5V Out Pulled up to +5V via 3.3K ohm resistor. 17 Chassis GND Chassis GND. 16,33,19,30 GND Signal GND. 15,34 NC Not connected. Note: * In/Out refers to the direction of signal flow from the printer's point of view. Pin No. 1 Signal Name /STROBE

1-20

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.3.2 Parallel Interface (Reverse channel)
Data transmission mode: Connector type: Synchronization: Handshaking: Data transmission timing: Signal Level: Extensibility request : IEEE-1284 nibble mode 57-30360 (AMPHENOL) 36-pin plug or equivalent No Info. No info. No info. TTL-level compatible, IEEE-1284 level 1 device The printer responds to the extensibility request in the affirmative, when the request is 00h or 04h, which mean: 00h : Request nibble mode of reverse channel transfer 04h : Request device ID in nibble mode of reverse channel transfer [00h][3Ah] MPG:EPSON; CMD:ESCP9,PRPII9,BDC; MDL:DFX-8500; CLS:PRINTER; Connector pin assignments: Refer to Table 1-11.

Device ID :

Table 1-11. Signal and Connector Pin Assignment (Reverse channel) Description HostCIk: This signal is a strobe pulse used to read extension request values from the host computer during negotiation. 2-9 DATA 1-8 IN The signals are data bits of extension request Values during negotiation. This printer supports following values: 0000 0100: Request Device ID (by nibble mode sending) 0000 0000: Request nibble mode 10 /ACKNLG OUT PtrCIk: Printer data sending clock. 11 BUSY OUT PtrBusy: Printer sending data bits 3 and 7 during data transfer to the host computer 12 PE OUT AckDataReq: Printer sending data bits 2 and 6 during data transfer to the host computer 13 SLCT OUT Xflag: Printer sending data bits 2 and 6 during data transfer to the host computer. 14 /AUTO-FEED IN HostBusy: This signal informs the printer of the host computer state. When the signal is HIGH, the host computer cannot accept data. 15 NC Not used. 16 GND Logic ground level 17 CHASSISGND Connected to the printer chassis. The printer chassis GND and the signal GND are connected to each other. 18 NC Not connected. 19-30 GND Ground level for the twisted pair return signal. 31 /INIT IN nlnit: High level fixed 32 /ERROR OUT nDataAvaiI: Printer sending data bits 0 and 4 during data transfer to the host computer. 33 GND Same as for ins19to30. 34 NC Not used. 35 +5 Pulled up to +5V through 1.0K ohm resistor. 36 /SLCT IN IN 1284Active: If this signal is set to HIGH, this printer active P1284(reverse mode). Note: * In/Out refers to the direction of signal flow from the printer's point of view. Pin No. 1 Signal Name /STROBE I/O* IN

Rev. B

1-21

DFX-8500

1.3.3 Serial Interface
Synchronization : Asynchronous Signal level (ELA-232D) : MARK (logical 1) : -3Vto-25V SPACE (logical 0) : +3Vto+25V Word length : Start bit : 1 bit Data bit : 8 bit Parity bit : Odd, Even, Non, of Ignore Stop bit : 1 bit or more Baud rate : 2400, 4800, 9600 or 19200 bps Handshaking : DTR signal or X-ON / X-OFF DTR=MARK, X-OFF : Indicates that the printer cannot receive data. DTR=SPACE, X-ON : Indicates that the printer is ready to receive data. Note: The DTR signal is MARK and X-OFF code (DC3, 13h) is transmitted when the rest of the input buffer becomes 256-byte. The DTR signal is SPACE and X-ON code (DC1, 11h) is transmitted when the rest of the input buffer is regained 256-byte. Error handling : When parity error is detected, the received byte is changed to the "*" character code. Overrun error and framing error are ignored. Connector : 25 pin sub-miniature D-shell connector (female) Connector pin assignment and signals : Refer to Table 1-12. Table 1-12. Signal and Connector Pin Assignment (EIA-232D) Pin No. 2 20 11 4 3 7 1 Signal Name TXD DTR REV RTS In / Out* Out Out Out Out Functional Description Transmit data. Indicates that the printer is ready to receive data or not. Connected directly to the DTR signal. Request to send. always SPACE level when the printer is powered on. Pulled up to +12 V via 4.7K-ohm resistor. Receive data Signal GND Chassis GND

RXD In Signal GND Chassis GND Other NC Not used. Not connected. Note: * In/Out refers to the direction of signal flow from the printer's point of view.

1.3.4 Optional Interface
Type-B and Type-B level 2 optional interfaces are available (Refer to Table 1-1.).

1-22

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.3.5 Interface Selection
The printer has three interfaces; the parallel interface, serial interface, and optional Type-B interface. These interfaces are selected manually by DIP SW or selected automatically. Manual selection: One of three interfaces can be selected by DIP SW setting. Automatic selection: The automatic interface selection is enabled by DIP SW setting. In this automatic interface selection mode, the printer is initialized to the idle state scanning which interface receives data when it is powered on. Then the interface that receives data first is selected. When the host stops data transfer and the printer is in stand-by state for the seconds specified by DIP SW setting, the printer is returned to the idle state. As long as the host sends data or the printer interface is busy state, the selected interface is let as it is. Interface state and interface selection: When the parallel interface is not selected, the interface got into a busy state. When the serial interface is not selected, the interface sends X-OFF and sets the DTR signal MARK. When the optional interface is not selected, the printer sends disable commands to the optional interface. When the printer is initialized or returned to the idle state, the parallel interface got into a ready state, the serial interface sends X-ON and sets the DTR SPACE and the printer sends enable commands to the optional interface. Caution that the interrupt signal such as a /INIT signal on the parallel interface is not effective while that interface is not selected.

1.3.6 Prevention Hosts from Data Transfer Time-out
Generally, hosts abandons data transfer to peripherals when a peripheral is in busy state for dozens of seconds continuously. To prevent hosts from this kind of time-out, the printer receives data very slowly, several bytes per minute, even if the printer is in busy state. This slowdown is started when the rest of the input buffer becomes several hundreds of bytes. At last, when the input buffer is full, the printer is in busy state continuously.

Rev. B

1-23

DFX-8500

1.4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
This section describes the functions performed through the control panel, such as test print, hexadecimal dump, and paper memory function.

1.4.1 Control Panel
The printer control panel gives you easy control over most common printer operations. The panel consists of indicator lights and buttons.

P o w e r P a p e r O u t R ib b o n

F o n t
S p e r D ra ft D fa ft R o m a n S a n s s e r if

P itc h
1 0 c 1 2 c 1 5 c 1 7 c 2 0 c P S p i p i p i p i p i

C o p y

T o p o f F o rm

L F /F F L o a d

M ic r o F e e d

P a u s e

T r a c t o r S e le c t
P A P E R S E L E C T

T e a r O ff

P a p e r S e le c t

R e s e t 3 s e c

F ro n t / R e a r

L E D O ff

L E D O n

Figure 1-22. Control Panel

1-24

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.4.1.1 Switches
The control panel contains eleven switches. Operation in normal mode: In normal mode, pressing panel switches executes following function. Refer to Table 1-13. Table 1-13. Switch Function in Normal Mode Switch Front / Rear Pause Micro Feed Micro Feed LF / FF Load Function Change the front and rear paper path alternately. Alternates printing and no-printing status. Enables reset function, holding it down for three seconds. Executes micro feed forward. Executes micro feed backward. Loads the paper when the paper is empty. Executes line feed, pressing it shortly. Executes form feed, holding it down for a few seconds. current point to top of form when the cover opens. Set Enables loading position adjustment and tear off position adjustment when the cover opens. Advances continuous paper to the Tear off position adjustment. Alternates copy mode or not. Selects pitch. Selects font. Selects paper No.

TOF (top of form)

Tear Off Copy Pitch Font Paper Select

Operation at power on: Tuning the printer on while pressing panel switches executes the function shown in Table 1-14. Table 1-14. Switch Function at Power On Switch Function LF / FF Load Draft self test Tear off NLQ self test Tear off and LF / FF Data dump Pause DIP SW setting print Clear EEPROM at area 2 LF / FF Load and Micro Feed and Pause*1) Clear EEPROM at area 1 Pause and Front / Rear*2) Copy Clear driving line count for ribbon change timing Paper Select Paper memory Mechanism adjustment (Refer to Chapter 4.) Tear Off, Micro Feed , and Front/Rear Platen gap adjustment (Refer to Chapter 4.) Tear Off, Micro Feed , and Front/Rear Measurement seeking (Refer to Chapter 4.) Micro Feed and Micro Feed Notes1: All of mechanism adjustment values are cleared. Then it requires the printer mechanism adjustment. Notes2: All of user setting value is replaced with the factory setting value.

Rev. B

1-25

DFX-8500

1.4.1.2 Indicators
The control panel contains fifteen LEDs. Rear (2) (Green / Red) : Green LED on when the rear paper path is selected with paper. Red LED on when the rear paper path is selected without paper. Off when the front paper path is selected. Front (2) (Green / Red) : Green LED on when the front paper path is selected with paper. Red LED on when the front paper path is selected without paper. Off when the rear paper path is selected. Pause (Orange) : The LED on when the printer is paused, and it is off when the printer is not paused. The LED blinks when the printer is in the print head hot status. Top of Form (Green) : The LED on when the top of form position is adjustable and tear off position is adjustable. Tear Off (Green) : The LED on when the paper is in Tear off position and it is off when the paper is out of the Tear-off position. Copy (Green) : The LED is on at copy mode, and it is off at normal mode. Pitch (Green) : The status of Pitch selection is displayed by three Pitch LEDs. t t s : 10 cpi t s t : 12 cpi t s s : 15 cpi s t t : 17 cpi s t s : 20 cpi s s t : PS (t : LED off, s : LED on.) Font (Green) : The status of Font selection is displayed by two Font LEDs. t t : Super draft t s : Draft s t : Roman s s : Sans Serif (t: LED off, s : LED on.) Power (Green) : The LED is on when the printer is powered on, and it is off when the printer is powered off. Paper Out (Red) : The LED is on when the printer is in the paper out status, and it is off when the printer is out of this status. The LED blinks when the printer is in the paper jam status. Ribbon (Red) : The LED blinks when the printer is in the ribbon jam status. Paper Select (Seven-segment, Green) : The LED indicates selected paper No.

1-26

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.4.2 Errors and Buzzers
Errors fall into 2 types; normal error/warning and fatal error. See the tables below for detailed information. Table 1-15. Error/Warning Buzzer Information Error/Warning On Line Pause Head hot Head Fan hot Paper out error Cover open error Incomplete changing paper Incomplete backfeed paper Paper size error PAUSE LED Off On Blinking Blinking On ON On Paper Out LED Off Off Off Off On Off Off Ribbon LED Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Beeper *1) Description

... ... ...

When the printer fails to load a sheet, it goes paper out error. When the printer's cover is open, it goes cover open error. When the printer fails to change the paper, it goes incomplete changing paper path error.

On ON

Blinking Off

Off Off

... ... When paper width of the setting data and the current paper are different, it goes Paper size error. When the printer fails to eject a sheet, it goes paper jam error. When the ribbon is in a jam status, it goes ribbon jam error. When carriage breaking length is abnormal, it goes Measurement seeking error.

Paper jam error Ribbon jam error Measurement seeking error

ON On On

Blinking Off Blinking

Off Blinking Blinking

-------------

Illegal panel operation Note 1: The descriptions "."and "-" show how the beeper sounds. ".": Beeper sounds 100 ms and interval is 100 ms. "-" : Beeper sounds 500 ms and interval is 100 ms. Table 1-15a. Fatal Error Information Fatal Error 7-segment LED Indication *1) 1 2 3 4 6 Beeper *2) Description *3)

CR motor circuit shortage error Auto power off after 12 seconds Cutter error -Auto power off after 12 seconds Platen gap error --Auto power off after 12 seconds Carriage lock error ---Auto power off after 12 seconds Carriage load measurement -----Auto power off after 12 seconds error Head fan error 7 ------Head power off immediately Head circuit shortage error 8 -------Head power off immediately RAM check error 9 --------Auto power off after 12 seconds Paper memory setting error a ---------EEPROM data compare error b ----------Tractor change error c -----------Auto power off after 12 seconds Watch dog error d Auto power off after 12 seconds Note 1: The 7 segment LED indicates error No. and "E" alternately. Note 2: The descriptions "."and "-" show how the beeper sounds. ".": Beeper sounds 100 ms and interval is 100 ms. "-" : Beeper sounds 500 ms and interval is 100 ms. Note 3: Turn the printer power off while the 7 segment LED are on, or the printer shuts power down automatically. You can't turn the printer back on for 5 minutes after the printer shuts power down automatically

Rev. B

1-27

DFX-8500

1.4.3 DIP Switch Settings
There are five DIP switches that are located at the front paper entrance of the printer. These DIP switches can set the printer defaults. When power is applied or the printer is reset, the DIP switch selections are treated as the default setup. If the setup is changed, the power should be cycled or the printer should be reset. Table 1-16 shows the DIP switch selections for this printer.

Table 1-16. DIP Switch Settings Switch No. 1-1 to 1-6 1-7 1-8 2-1 to 2-4 2-5 to 2-8 3-1 3-2 3-3 3-4 3-5 3-6 3-7 3-8 4-1 4-2 4-3 to 4-4 4-5 to 4-6 4-7 to 4-8 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 5-5 to 5-8 Function Character table Skip over perforation Print direction Page length for front tractor Page length for rear tractor Auto tear-off Zero slash Auto line feed Buzzer Auto CR (IBM 2381 Plus) IBM character table Auto cut mode Software Input buffer Auto I/F wait time I/F mode Serial I/F parity Serial I/F baud rate Overlapping multi-part forms Continuous forms with labels Skip over binding Paper memory (reserved) Off On Refer to Tables 1-17 or 1-18. Inactive Active Bi-d. Uni-d. Refer to Table 1-19. Refer to Table 1-20. Inactive Active Inactive Active Inactive Active Active Inactive Inactive Active Table 2 Table 1 Inactive Active ESC/P IBM 2381Plus Active Inactive 10 sec. 30 sec. Refer to Table 1-21. Refer to Table 1-22. Refer to Table 1-23. Inactive Active Inactive Active Inactive Active Memory a Memory b Factory Setting All Off Off Off All Off All Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off All Off All Off All Off Off Off Off Off Off

1-28

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Table 1-17. Character Table Setting (Standard) SW 1-1 Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off SW1-2 Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off On On SW1-3 Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off On On On On On On On On Off Off SW1-4 Off Off Off Off On On On On Off Off Off Off On On On On Off Off SW1-5 Off Off On On Off Off On On Off Off On On Off Off On On Off Off SW1-6 Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Others Character table PC437 (US, standard Europe) PC850 (Multilingual) PC860 (Portuguese) PC861 (Icelandic) PC863 (Canadian-French) PC865 (Nordic) Abicomp BRASCII Roman 8 ISO Latin 1 Italic USA Italic France Italic German Italic U.K Italic Denmark Italic Sweden Italic Italy Italic Spain PC437

Table 1-18. Character Table Setting (NLSP) SW 1-1 Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off On On SW1-2 Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off On On On On On On On On On On On On On On On On Off Off SW1-3 Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off On On On On On On On On Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off On On On On On On On On Off Off SW1-4 Off Off Off Off On On On On Off Off Off Off On On On On Off Off Off Off On On On On Off Off Off Off On On On On Off Off SW1-5 Off Off On On Off Off On On Off Off On On Off Off On On Off Off On On Off Off On On Off Off On On Off Off On On Off Off SW1-6 Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Others Character table PC437 (US, standard Europe) PC850 (Multilingual) PC437 Greek PC852 East Europe PC853 PC855 (Cyrillic) PC857 (Turkish) PC866 (Russian) PC869 (Greek) MAZOWIA (Poland) Code MJK (CSFR) ISO 8859-7 (Latin/Greek) ISO Latin 1T (Turkish) Bulgaria (Bulgarian) Estonia (Estonia) PC774 (LST 1283:1993) ISO8859-2 PC866LAT (Latvian) PC866 UKR PCAPTEC PC708 PC720 PC AR864 PC860(Portuguese) PC861(Ielandic) PC865(Nordic) Italic USA Italic France Italic German Italic U.K Italic Denmark Italic Sweden Italic Italy Italic Spain PC437

Rev. B

1-29

DFX-8500
Table 1-19. Front Tractor Page Length SW2-1 Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off On On On On On On SW2-2 Off Off Off Off On On On On Off Off Off Off On On SW2-3 Off Off On On Off Off On On Off Off On On Off Off SW2-4 Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Others Page length for front tractor 11 inches 3 inches 3.5 inches 4 inches 5.5 inches 6 inches 7 inches 8 inches 8.5 inches 70 / 6 inches 12 inches 14 inches 17 inches Others 11 inches

Table 1-20. Rear Tractor Page Length SW2-1 Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off On On On On On On SW2-2 Off Off Off Off On On On On Off Off Off Off On On SW2-3 Off Off On On Off Off On On Off Off On On Off Off SW2-4 Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Others Page length for rear tractor 11 inches 3 inches 3.5 inches 4 inches 5.5 inches 6 inches 7 inches 8 inches 8.5 inches 70 / 6 inches 12 inches 14 inches 17 inches Others 11 inches Table 1-21. I/F Selection SW4-3 Off Off On On SW4-4 Off On Off On Table 1-22. Serial I/F Parity Setting SW4-5 Off Off On On SW4-6 Off On Off On Serial parity None Odd Even Ignore I/F Mode Auto Parallel I/F Serial I/F Optional I/F

Table 1-23. Serial I/F Baud Rate Setting SW4-7 Off Off On On SW4-8 Off On Off On Baud rate 19200 9600 4800 2400

1-30

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.4.4 Functions
1.4.4.1 Usual operation
Front / Rear: Changes the front and rear paper path alternately. Normal paper is set and the pull tractor is not used: The printer feeds the paper to the tear off position and cut the paper by the cutter, and feeds backward to paper park position. If the cutter is not used, it goes incomplete changing paper error. So cut the paper at the top of paper and push Pause switch or Front/Rear switch, and the printer feeds the paper backward. After the paper is out, the printer loads the paper from another path's tractor. Overlapping multi-part forms or continuous forms with labels is set or pull tractor is used: Incomplete changing paper error is occurred immediately. Cut the bottom of paper at current page and push Pause switch or Front/Rear switch, and the printer feeds the paper forward. After the paper is out, the printer loads the paper from another path's tractor. Pause: This switch alternates printer activity between printing and non-printing. Hold this switch down over 3 seconds, and the printer resets all data. Push this switch when incomplete changing paper is occurred, then go to the next step. Micro feed: Adjusts the paper position including "Top of Form" and "Tear off" positions. The ! switch advances the paper forward by 1/216-inch step, and switch advances the paper backwards by 1/216-inch step. LF/FF Load: Pressing it loads continuous paper when the printer is out of paper. Pressing it shortly executes line feed. Holding it down for a few seconds executes form feed. Top of Form: Advances the paper so that the characters' base line can be adjusted at the mark of ribbon mask holder, and enters the "Top of form adjustment" mode. The "Top of Form" LED turns on and the TOF position is adjustable with the "Micro Feed" switches in this mode. When the "Top of Form" switch is pressed again, this mode is terminated. The adjustment position is stored as TOF, and the paper is fed back to the position before this mode. When TOF adjustment is executed just after loading, the adjusted position will be treated as the loading position. This switch is only available when the cover opens. Tear Off: Advances the paper until its perforation comes to the paper cutting part of the printer cover, and enters the tear off mode. The "Tear off" LED turns on and the Tear off position is adjustable with the "Micro Feed" switches in this mode. When the "Tear Off" switch is pressed again, this mode is terminated. The adjustment position is stored as the tear off position, and the paper is feed back to the position before this mode. This mode is terminated also by the data arrival from host computers. Copy: Pressing it select copy mode or normal mode. Pitch: Pressing it selects one of following pitches; 10 cpi, 12 cpi, 15 cpi, 17 cpi, 20 cpi and PS (proportional spacing). Font: Pressing it selects one of following fonts. Super Draft, Draft, Roman, Sans serif

Rev. B

1-31

DFX-8500
Paper Select: Pressing it selects one of the following paper Numbers. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 : When the printer has the paper information. 0: Always a, b : When the printer has the paper memory data. Normal paper is set and the pull tractor is not used: The printer feeds the paper to the tear off position and cut the paper by the cutter, and feeds it backward to the paper park position. If the cutter is not used, it goes incomplete changing paper error. So cut at the top of paper and push Pause switch, then the printer feeds backward. After the paper is put, the printer loads selected paper. If incomplete changing paper error is occurred, set the selected paper and push Pause switch. Overlapping multi-part forms or continuous forms with labels is set, or pull tractor is used: Incomplete changing paper error is occurred immediately. Cut the bottom of paper at current page and push Pause switch, then the printer feeds the paper forward. After the paper is out, the printer loads the selected paper. If incomplete changing paper error is occurred, set the selected paper and push Pause switch. Current paper No. is a or b : The printer feeds the paper forward. If the printer can't aware out of paper status, it goes incomplete changing paper path error. If incomplete changing paper path error is occurred, please cut at the bottom of paper and push Pause switch, then the printer ejects the paper forward. Current paper No. is not a or b : The printer feeds the paper to the tear-off position and cut the paper by cutter and feeds backward to paper park position. If cutter is not used or the printer fails to feed the paper to paper park position, it goes incomplete changing paper path error. If incomplete changing paper path error is occurred at the tear off position, please cut at the top of paper and push Pause switch, then the printer feeds the paper backward.

1-32

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.4.4.2 Operation at Power On
Self test: Prints the self test pattern. To cancel it, make printer pause and turn off the power. DIP switch setting print: Starts the setting printing mode. Data dump: Starts the data dump mode, in which all the input data are printed as hexadecimal numbers and corresponding characters. Clear EEPROM Area 1: Resets the printer to the standard factory setting, except mechanism data area. (i.e. This function is for emergency.) Clear EEPROM Area 2: Resets the printer to the standard factory setting, only mechanism data area. (i.e. This function is for emergency and service.) Clear Driving Line count for ribbon change timing: Resets the printer to the standard factory setting, only driving line count for ribbon change timing. Paper memory setting: This makes it possible to print properly on the forms which contain two areas having different thickness in a form and paper type. Mechanism adjustment: Starts the mechanism parameter adjustment mode. You can adjust Beta parameter, flight time parameter, and Bi-D parameter through this mode. Platen gap adjustment: Starts the platen gap parameter adjustment mode. You can input Alpha parameter and adjust Beta parameters through this mode. Measurement seeking: Starts the measurement seeking automatically The carriage stopping length is measured and saved in the EEPROM.

Rev. B

1-33

DFX-8500

1.4.4.3 Built-in Detection
Cover open detection: When the cover is opened, the printer stops printing and enters the pause mode automatically after several beeps. The printer stays at the state until the cover is closed and the "Pause" switch is pressed. Several printer settings loaded at each power-on can be changed in this operation. Paper width detection: The printer detects the right paper edge and determines the right end of printable area. The print patterns which exceed that end won't be printed. Automatic paper thickness adjustment: This printer measures the paper thickness after every paper loading. The distance between print head and the platen is automatically adjusted for proper printing according to the paper thickness. Skip over binding: This function is used to print on a multi-part form with the binding which scratches the print head during paper feeding. If this function is used, the print head parks apart from those bindings during paper feeding to avoid paper jam. This function can be selected by DIP switch and the through-put will be reduced at that time. Auto cut mode: The printer cuts the paper at the perforation position automatically while data is printing. This function is valid when the perforation cutter is used, selected by DIP SW 3-7, and the paper length is more than 4-inch. The setting of the printer driver has priority over DIP SW 3-7. Do not use this mode for labels, continuous forms with labels, and overlapping multi-part forms. Automatic TOF position setting: When TOF position is different from loading position with the printer power on, the printer feeds the paper to the next TOF position automatically.

1-34

Rev. B

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.4.5 Paper Memory Function
You can get better printing quality when you print on overlapping multi-part forms or on continuous forms with labels by using the paper memory function. When you use this function, you have to write the information of paper thickness to the printer using DIP switches and the control panel in advance. This function is available only with the front paper path. How to recall memories : You can recall paper memories which you have already written some information in advance when you selects paper No. a or No. b by paper select switch. No. a : recall the memory a No. b : recall the memory b

Notes:

.

1. 1-inch skip perforation area is automatically included for the overlapping multi-part forms. 2. ESC C, ESC (C, ESC (c is valid while the paper memory function is used. 3. ESC N is valid while the paper memory function is used, but if the skip length is less than 1-inch, the setting will be ignored when overlapping multi-part forms is used. 4. ESC 0 is invalid while the paper memory function for overlapping multi-part forms is used. 5. The loading position must be adjusted for overlapping multi-part forms at every loading. 6. If paper position doesn't correspond with TOF when turn on the printer, paper is advanced to the top of the next page automatically.

How to write the information of a paper except "Continuous forms with labels" : 1) Make sure the printer is turns off. 2) Select the memory you want to write the information (See DIP SW setting.). 3) Select the page length (See DIP SW setting.). 4) Select the paper type (See DIP SW setting.). 5) Turn the printer on while both sides of Paper Select switch are depressed. 6) The printer writes the information in the memory you selected, and beeps. How to write the information of "Continuous forms with labels" : 1) Make sure the printer is turn off. 2) Select the memory you want to write the information (See DIP SW setting.). 3) Select the page length (See DIP SW setting.). 4) Select the paper type (See DIP SW setting.). . 5) Turn the printer on while both sides of Paper Select switch are depressed. 6) Point the label position when you use the paper with a label. a) Open the printer cover. b) Move the pointer (Refer to Figure 1-23.) to one of the label's corner. up / down ...Feed the paper by "Micro Feed" switches right / left ... Move the printing head by manually. c) Press "Top of Form" switch. d) Move the pointer to the diagonal corner of the label. e) Press "Top of Form" switch. f) Close the printer cover. 7) Confirm the writing sequence was done correctly by beep sounds. Once or twice: The information are written to the memory a or b correctly. 3 times : The sequence was not correct, and it was ignored.

Figure 1-23. Pointer

Rev. B

1-35

DFX-8500

1.4.6 Initializations
1.4.6.1 Power-on Initialization
The initialization of this level is activated by power-on or /INIT signal (negative pulse) or cold-reset command (remote RS command). This initialization is: · to init