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ABE J. Hashimoto, K.Takehara

T.Takahashi
R4C7290_UK
Setup Guide Rev. D
R
ABE S.Halvorson FRONT.fm A5 size
6/11/04

English
24-pin Dot Matrix Printer

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

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

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

EPSON and EPSON ESC/P are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

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

Copyright © 2004 by Seiko Epson Corporation, Nagano, Japan.

Setup Guide
1
L R4C7290_UK
Setup Guide Rev. D
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7290U.TOC A5 size ABE S.Halvorson
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Contents

Introduction

Where to Find More Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

FCC Compliance Statement for United States Users . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Chapter 1 Setting up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Remove the protective materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Assembling the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Connecting the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Plugging in the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Chapter 2 Safety Instructions

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Hot Parts Caution Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2
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Setup Guide Rev. D
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Introduction

English
Where to Find More Information
This Setup Guide provides you with instructions on operating the
impact dot matrix printer PLQ-20/PLQ-20M. You can find
information on the basic operation in this guide. But if you wish
for more information, refer to the Reference Guide, Paper
Specification, and Programming Guide. These guides are included
on the User CD-ROM. If you want the User CD-ROM, contact
your dealer.

FCC Compliance Statement for United States

Users
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
interference to radio and television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures.

❏ Reorient of relocate the receiving antenna

❏ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

Introduction 3
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❏ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different

from that to which the receiver is connected

❏ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for

help

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

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the

manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.

For Canadian users

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme

NMB-003 du Canada.

DECLARATION of CONFORMITY
According to 47CFR, Part 2 and 15 for Class B Personal Computers
and Peripherals; and/or CPU Boards and Power Supplies used
with Class B Personal Computers:

We: EPSON AMERICA, INC.

Located at: MS 3-13
3840 Kilroy Airport Way
Long Beach, CA 90806
Telephone: (562) 290-5254

4 Introduction
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Declare under sole responsibility that the product identified

herein, complies with 47CFR Part 2 and 15 of the FCC rules as a

English
Class B digital device. Each product marketed, is identical to the
representative unit tested and found to be compliant with the
standards. Records maintained continue to reflect the equipment
being produced can be expected to be within the variation
accepted, due to quantity production and testing on a statistical
basis as required by 47CFR §2.909 Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

Trade Name: EPSON

Type of Product: Dot Impact Printer
Model: P381A

Introduction 5
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Chapter 1
Setting up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer

These items are included in the box with your printer.

power code
printer

ribbon cartridge Setup Guide

Remove the protective materials

Follow the directions written on the cardboard box to remove the
protective materials.

Save all packing and protective materials in case you need to ship
the printer in the future.

6 Setting up the Printer

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Assembling the Printer

1

English
1. Make sure the printer is turned off and unplugged.

2. Hold both sides of the printer cover and move it upward to 1

open it.

1
1
1
1
1
3. Push the release lever to move the upper mechanism forward.
Make sure that you push the lever until it clicks.
1
1
1
1
1

Setting up the Printer 7

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4. Slide the print head to the middle of the printer by hand.

5. Remove the ribbon cartridge from the package.

6. Place the plastic hooks on the ribbon cartridge into the slots
of the printer. Then press both sides of the cartridge until it
clicks into place.

8 Setting up the Printer

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7. Hold both sides of the ribbon guide and pull it down until it
is out of the cartridge.
1

English
1
1
1
1
8. Put the ribbon guide at the bottom of the print head and push
it up until it clicks into place.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Setting up the Printer 9

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6/11/04

9. Turn the ribbon-tightening knob to help feed the ribbon into

place.

Caution:
c The ribbon should not be twisted or creased.

10. Pull the release lever back to move the upper mechanism to
its original position. Make sure that you pull the lever until it
clicks.

10 Setting up the Printer

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6/11/04

Caution:
c Make sure that you move the upper mechanism by pulling
1

English
the release lever. Do not pull the mechanism by hand. It may
damage the printer.

11. Close the printer cover. 1

1
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
1
Connecting the printer
Make sure both the printer and computer are turned off, then 1
connect the interface into the printer and computer. Use USB,
Serial, or Parallel cable to connect the printer and computer.
1
Note:
The interface cable connectors have only one correct orientation. Ensure
the correct orientation of a connector before inserting it into the 1
appropriate port.

1
1
1

USB
Serial
1
Parallel

Setting up the Printer 11

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Plugging in the Printer

Make sure the printer is turned off, then plug the power cord into
the printer’s AC inlet and a properly grounded electrical outlet.

12 Setting up the Printer

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Chapter 2
2

English
Safety Instructions

2
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
2
w Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment. 2
c
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the operation
of your printer.
2
Hot Parts Caution Symbol 2
2
This symbol is placed on the print head and other
K parts to indicate that they may be hot. Never touch
those parts just after the printer has been used. Let 2
them cool for a few minutes before touching them.

2
Important Safety Instructions 2
Read all of these safety instructions before using the printer. In
addition, follow all warnings and instructions marked on the 2
printer itself.

Safety Instructions 13
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When setting up the printer

Caution:
c Be sure the AC power cord meets the relevant local safety
standards.

❏ Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a

radiator or heat source.

❏ Place the printer on a flat surface. The printer will not operate
properly if it is tilted or placed at an angle.

❏ Do not place this product on a soft, unstable surface like a bed

or a sofa, or a small, enclosed area, as this restricts ventilation.

❏ Do not block or cover the slots and openings in the printer’s

cabinet, and do not insert objects through the slots.

❏ Use only the type of power source indicated on the printer’s

label. If you are not sure of the power supply specifications in
your area, contact your local power company or consult your
dealer.

❏ Connect all equipment to properly grounded electrical

outlets. Avoid using outlets on the same circuit as
photocopiers or air control systems that regularly switch on
and off.

❏ Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord.

❏ The power cord should be placed to avoid abrasions, cuts,

fraying, crimping, kinking, and other damage.

❏ If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the
total ampere rating of all devices plugged into the extension
cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make
sure the total ampere of all devices plugged into the electrical
outlet does not exceed the electrical outlet’s ampere rating.

14 Safety Instructions
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❏ Use only the power cord that comes with this product. Use of
another cord may result in fire or electric shock.
2

English
❏ This product’s power cord is for use with this product only.
Use with other equipment may result in fire or electric shock.
2
❏ When connecting this product to a computer or other device
with a cable, ensure the correct orientation of the connectors.
Each connector has only one correct orientation. Inserting a
connector in the wrong orientation may damage both devices
2
connected by the cable.

❏ Place the printer where you can easily connect it to a network

2
interface cable, if necessary.

❏ Leave adequate room around the printer for easy operation

2
and maintenance.

❏ Avoid places subject to shocks and vibrations. 2

❏ Place the printer near a wall outlet where you can easily
unplug the power code. 2
❏ Keep the entire computer system away from potential sources
of electromagnetic interference, such as loudspeakers or the 2
base units of cordless telephones.

❏ Avoid electrical outlet controlled by wall switches or

automatic timers. An interruption in power can erase
2
information in the memory of your printer or computer. Also
avoid outlets on the same circuit as large motors or other
appliances that can cause voltage fluctuations.
2
❏ Use a grounded power outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
2
❏ If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines:

Use a stand that can support at least 15 kg (33.1 lb) for PLQ-20 2
or 17 kg (37.5 lb) for PLQ-20M.

Safety Instructions 15
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Never use a stand that tilts the printer. The printer should
always be kept level.

Position your printer’s power cord and interface cable so they

do not interfere with paper feeding. If possible, secure the
cables to a leg of the printer stand.

When maintaining the printer

❏ Unplug the printer before cleaning it, and always clean it with
a piece of damp cloth only.

❏ Do not spill liquid onto the printer.

❏ Except as specifically explained in this guide, do not attempt

to service the printer yourself.

❏ Unplug the printer and refer servicing to qualified service

personnel under the following conditions:

i. If the power cord or plug is damaged.

ii. If liquid has entered the printer.

iii. If the printer has been dropped or the cabinet damaged.

iv. If the printer does not operate normally or exhibits a

distinct change in performance.

❏ Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating

instructions.

❏ If you plan to use the printer in Germany, observe the

following:

To provide adequate short-circuit protection and

over-current protection for this printer, the building
installation must be protected by a 10- or 16-amp circuit
breaker.

16 Safety Instructions
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When loading paper

2

English
❏ Use passbooks and paper that have more than 60%
reflectance.

❏ When you use a passbook, set Passbook mode to On and set

Binding mode to the method for the passbook’s binding in the
2
default settings mode.

❏ Do not load passbooks that are creased or have ripped seam.

2
❏ Do not use a passbook that has any metallic parts such as
staplers or metal clips.
2
❏ Do not use a passbook with sticky parts such as stamps or
seals. 2
❏ Do not use a passbook that has any pages smaller than the
cover page. 2
❏ Do not print on the front or back cover of a passbook. Printing
can be done only when the passbook is opened. 2
❏ When you use paper that is shorter than 110.0 mm, set the
paper eject direction to front. The factory set default is front.
Refer to the Programming Guide for details.
2
❏ Do not insert paper that is curled or has been folded into the
slot when you load it.
2
❏ Do not punch holes in the area from 25.0 to 40.0 mm from the
left edge of paper.
2
When operating the printer 2
❏ Avoid using or storing the printer in places subject to rapid
changes in temperature and humidity. Keep it away from
direct sunlight, strong light, heat sources or excessive 2
moisture or dust.

Safety Instructions 17
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❏ Adjust only those controls that are covered in the user

documentation. Improper adjustment of other controls may
result in damage requiring extensive repair by a qualified
technician.

❏ Whenever you turn off the printer, wait at least five seconds
before turning it back on; otherwise, you may damage the
printer.

❏ Do not turn off the printer while it is printing the self-test.

Always press the Offline button to pause printing. Then turn
off the printer.

❏ Do not turn off the printer while it is printing the hex dump.
Always press the Offline button to pause printing. Then turn
off the printer.

❏ Do not reconnect the power cord to an electrical outlet that

has the wrong voltage for your printer.

❏ Never replace the print head yourself; you may damage the
printer. Also, other parts of the printer must be checked when
the print head is replaced.

❏ You need to move the print head by hand to replace the ribbon
cartridge. If you have just used the printer, the print head may
be hot; let it cool for a few minutes before touching it.

Note for German-speaking users:

Bei Anschluss des Druckers an die Stromversorgung muss
sichergestellt werden, dass die Gebaudeinstallation mit einer 10 A-
oder 16 A-Sicherung abgesichert ist.

18 Safety Instructions
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ENERGY STAR® Compliance

2

English
As an ENERGY STAR® Partner, Epson
has determined that this product meets
the ENERGY STAR® guidelines for
energy efficiency. 2
2
The International ENERGY STAR® Office Equipment Program is
an international program that promotes energy saving through
the penetration of energy efficient computers and other office
2
equipment. The program backs the development and
dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce
energy consumption. It is an open system in which business
2
proprietors can participate voluntarily. The targeted products are
office equipment such as computers, monitors, printers,
facsimiles, copiers, scanners, and multifunction devices. Their
2
standards and logos are uniform among participating nations.
2
2
2
2
2
2

Safety Instructions 19
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20 Safety Instructions