9-pin Dot Matrix Printer

User’s Guide
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.

A Note Concerning Responsible Use of Copyrighted Materials

Epson encourages each user to be responsible and respectful of the copyright laws when
using any Epson product. While some countries’ laws permit limited copying of
copyrighted material in certain circumstances, those circumstances may not be as broad as
some people assume. Contact your legal advisor for any questions regarding copyright law.

Epson and Epson ESC/P are registered trademarks and Exceed Your Vision is a trademark
of Seiko Epson Corporation.

Epson Store and Epson Connection are service marks of Epson America, Inc.

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.

CPD-21412R1
© 2006 Epson America, Inc. 11/06

2
Contents

Introduction

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1 Setting Up the Printer

Unpacking the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Assembling the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Connecting the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Installing the Printer Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
For DOS programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Viewing the On-screen Reference Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2 Paper Handling

Printing on Continuous Paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Printing with the push tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Printing with the pull tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Adjusting the top-of-form position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Advancing paper to the tear-off edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Printing on Single Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Printing on Special Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Adjusting the paper thickness lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Multipart forms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Envelopes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Contents 3
3 Using the Control Panel

Buttons and Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Selecting a Built-in Font. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Changing the Printer’s Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Using Default Setting mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

4 Troubleshooting

Using the Error Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Clearing a Paper Jam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Printing a Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Where To Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Purchase supplies and accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

5 Product Information

Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Hot Parts Caution Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
FCC Compliance Statement for United States Users . . . . . . . . . . . 46
WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
For Canadian users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Epson America, Inc., Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

4 Contents
Introduction
This manual covers the following basic information to get you started
using your printer:
❏ Setting up the printer
❏ Paper handling
❏ Using the control panel
❏ Troubleshooting
❏ Product information
For detailed information about your printer, refer to the online
Reference Guide (which you’ll copy to your computer when you install the
printer software). It describes all the printer’s functions, optional
products, printer software, troubleshooting, and technical specifications.
See “Viewing the On-screen Reference Guide” on page 14 for more
information.
As you read your documentation, please keep the following in mind:

Notes contain important information and useful tips about using your printer.

c Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.

w Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
Options
By adding options, such as a cut-sheet feeder or roll paper holder, you
can further expand your printer’s capabilities. See the Reference Guide for
more information.
You can purchase ribbon cartridges, paper, manuals, and accessories
from an Epson® authorized reseller. To find the nearest reseller, call
800-GO-EPSON (800-463-7766). Or you can purchase online at
www.epsonstore.com (U.S. sales) or www.epson.ca (Canadian sales).

Introduction 5
6 Introduction
Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
This chapter describes how to unpack and set up your printer.

Unpacking the Printer

Make sure you have the following items.

Knob Ribbon cartridge Paper guide

Printer

Paper supports USB cable holder Printer software

Carefully remove all the protective materials from the printer, as shown
below, before you assemble or turn it on. Save all packing and protective
materials in case you need to ship the printer in the future.

Caution:
Check the printer and other items carefully for tape and packing materials; there
may be more than is shown above.

Setting Up the Printer 7

Choosing a Place for the Printer
❏ Place the printer on a flat, stable surface.
❏ 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 moisture or dust.
❏ Place the printer near a wall outlet where you can easily unplug the
power cord. Position the power cord and interface cable so they do
not interfere with paper feeding.
❏ Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or automatic
timers. An interruption in power can erase 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.
❏ Use a grounded power outlet; do not use an adapter plug.

Assembling the Printer

1. Make sure the printer is turned off and unplugged.
2. Insert the paper knob.

3. Attach the USB cable holder to the back of the printer as shown
below, then lift it up.

8 Setting Up the Printer

4. Attach the paper guide by aligning the notches on each side with the
tabs on the printer. Then lift up the paper guide and push it into the
printer slightly to lock it in place.

5. Attach the paper supports.

6. To install the ribbon cartridge,

you need to remove the printer
cover. First flip the cover open
all the way and then pull it
straight off the printer.

Setting Up the Printer 9

7. Remove the new ribbon
cartridge from the package
and gently turn the ribbon
tightening knob
counterclockwise to take up
any slack in the ribbon.

8. Use your hand to slide the print head to the middle of the printer,
then insert the ribbon cartridge as shown below and make sure it
clicks into place.

Print
head

9. Use a pencil point or

similar object to guide
the ribbon between
the print head and the
ribbon guide. Be
careful not to twist or
crease the ribbon.
Then turn the
ribbon-tightening
knob to help feed the
ribbon into place.

10 Setting Up the Printer

10. Replace the printer cover and close it.

Connecting the Printer

Attach the power cord and connect the printer to your computer as
follows:
1. Connect the power cord to
the printer and to a
grounded electrical outlet.

2. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB, parallel, or serial

interface cable, as shown on the following page.

Setting Up the Printer 11

 USB

Connect firmly and route the cable through the USB cable holder.

IEEE1284 (Parallel)

Connect firmly and fasten the screw. Connect firmly.

RS-232C (Serial)

Connect firmly and fasten.

Note:
You can connect cables to multiple interfaces simultaneously; the printer
switches automatically to the correct interface when it receives data.

12 Setting Up the Printer

Installing the Printer Software
After you connect the printer to your computer, you need to install the
printer software on the CD-ROM that came with your printer. The
software includes the printer driver and Epson Status Monitor 3, which
displays printer status information and notifies you of printer errors.
Note:
❏ Installing the printer software may require administrator privileges. (Ask
your administrator for more information.)
❏ If a New Hardware Found screen or any other wizard appears when you
turn on your computer, click Cancel and turn off the printer. You cannot
install the software that way.
Follow these steps to install the software and on-screen Reference Guide:
1. Make sure that Windows is running, and that the printer is
connected to your computer but turned OFF.
2. Insert the printer software CD-ROM into the CD-ROM or DVD
drive. The Installation screen appears:

Note:
If the installation screen does not appear, double-click Setup.exe on the
CD-ROM.

3. Select Install Printer Software and click .

4. Read the License Agreement and click Accept.

Setting Up the Printer 13

5. When the following screen appears, turn on the printer.

6. After the printer software has been installed, you see the Installation
screen again. Select Install Reference Guide and click .
7. To register your printer, select Epson Product Registration and
click . Follow the on-screen instructions.
8. When you’re done, click to exit the installation.

For DOS programs

To control the printer from DOS application programs, you need to select
the printer you’re using from the printer list in your application. If the list
in your application does not include the LX-300+II, choose the first
available printer from the following list:

LX-300+ JX-80
LX-300 EX-800
LX-810/850 Any FX printer
LX-800/860 Epson printer
FX-850 Draft printer
FX-860/800

Viewing the On-screen Reference Guide

To view the Reference Guide on your computer, do either of the following:
❏ Double click the LX-300+II Reference Guide icon on your desktop.
❏ Click Start > Programs (or All Programs) > EPSON > LX-300+II
Reference Guide > LX-300+II Reference Guide.

14 Setting Up the Printer

Chapter 2
Paper Handling
This chapter covers the basic instructions you need to load and use
continuous paper, single sheets, and special paper such as multipart
forms and labels.

Printing on Continuous Paper

You can print on continuous paper using the tractor in either the push or
pull position:
❏ Use the tractor in the push position if you want to be able to switch
between printing on single sheets and continuous paper without
removing the paper supply, or if you will be tearing off continuous
paper sheet-by-sheet. (Follow the instructions in the next section.)
The printer comes with the tractor installed in the push position.
❏ Use the tractor in the pull position if you will be printing on labels,
multipart forms, or other documents that require a precise print
position. (See “Printing with the pull tractor” on page 20 for
instructions.)

Printing with the push tractor

Follow these steps to load continuous paper on the push tractor:
1. Turn off the printer.
2. Remove the printer cover and the paper guide, and pull the paper
release lever forward to the continuous paper position.

Paper Handling 15
3. Unlock the sprockets on the tractor by pulling the blue lock levers
forward.

4. Slide the left sprocket so the pins are above the 0 mark on the printer
scale (beneath the tractor). The printer starts printing to the right of
the position marked 0.

0 mark

5. Push the lock lever back to lock it in place. Then slide the right
sprocket to match the width of your paper, but do not lock it. Move
the paper support so it is midway between the sprockets.
6. Stack your continuous paper behind the printer. Make sure there are
no obstructions between the paper and the printer, and that the
paper is aligned squarely with the printer so it will feed in straight.

16 Paper Handling
7. Make sure your paper has a clean, straight, leading edge. Then open
the sprocket covers and fit the first holes of the paper over the
sprocket pins.

8. Close the covers. Slide the right sprocket to remove any slack in the
paper and lock it in place.
9. To separate the incoming paper from the printed paper, attach the
paper guide by holding it horizontally and fitting its notches over
the printer’s mounting posts as shown below. Then slide the paper
guide toward the front of the printer until you feel it click.

10. Replace the printer cover and close it.

11. Turn on the printer.
12. When using the push tractor, it is a good idea to turn on the Auto
tear off feature in Default Setting mode. See “Changing the Printer’s
Default Settings” on page 36.
13. Press the LF/FF button to feed the paper to the loading position.
When the printer receives data, it begins printing automatically.

Paper Handling 17
14. After you finish printing, follow the steps in the next section to tear
off your printed document. If the first printed line on your page
appears too high or too low, you can change its position by using the
Micro Adjust feature. See “Adjusting the top-of-form position” on
page 23.

c Caution:
Never use the paper feed knob to adjust the top-of-form position; this
may damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

The paper automatically feeds back to the loading position the next
time you print.

Removing a printed document from the push tractor

Follow these steps to remove the printed document:
1. Press the Tear Off (Font) button. The paper moves to the tear-off
position and the Tear Off (Font) lights start flashing.
2. Open the printer cover, then tear off the printed document using the
tear-off edge on the paper tension unit.

Paper
tension unit

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 26.

3. Close the printer cover.

When you resume printing, the printer automatically feeds the paper
back to the top-of-form position and starts printing.

18 Paper Handling
To feed continuous paper backward to the standby position, where you
can remove the paper, first tear off any printed sheets. Then press the
Load/Eject button. Open the sprocket covers on the tractor and remove
the paper.

c Caution:
Always tear off your printed document before you press the Load/Eject
button. Reverse feeding several pages at a time may cause a paper jam.

Switching between continuous paper and single sheets

If you want to switch to single sheets while continuous paper is loaded in
the push tractor position, follow these steps:
1. Tear off your printed document.

c Caution:
Always tear off your printed document before you press the
Load/Eject button. Reverse feeding several pages at a time may
cause a paper jam.

2. Press the Load/Eject button to feed the paper backward to the

standby position.
3. Push the paper release lever back to the single sheet position.
4. Follow the instructions on page 27 to load single sheets.
To switch back to continuous paper, follow these steps:
1. Press the Load/Eject button to eject any sheet in the printer.
2. Move the paper release lever to the continuous paper position.
3. Press the LF/FF button to load the paper on the tractor.

Paper Handling 19
Printing with the pull tractor
To load continuous paper using the pull tractor, you must move the
tractor to the pull tractor position, as described below. If your tractor is
already installed in this position, make sure the printer is turned off and
skip to step 6.
1. Turn off the printer; then remove the printer cover and the paper
guide.
2. Remove the paper tension unit by gently squeezing the lock tabs
and pulling it out of the printer.

3. Pull the paper release lever forward to the continuous paper

position.
4. To remove the tractor from the push position, gently squeeze the
lock tabs on both sides and then rotate the tractor up to pull it away
from the printer.

20 Paper Handling
5. Lower the tractor onto the mounting slots at the top of the printer as
shown below, and tilt it back until you feel it lock into place.

6. Unlock the sprockets by pulling the blue lock levers forward.

7. Feed the paper into the rear paper slot as shown below, and pull it
up. Position the paper using the scale on the printer as a guide.
Printing starts to the right of the position marked 0 (under the paper
now).

Paper Handling 21
8. Slide the left sprocket so its pins are aligned with the holes in the
paper and push the blue lock lever to lock the sprocket in place.
Then slide the right sprocket to match the width of your paper, but
do not lock it. Move the paper supports midway between the two
sprockets.

9. Make sure your paper has a clean, straight leading edge. Open the
sprocket covers. Fit the first holes of the paper over the sprocket pins
and then close the sprocket covers. Slide the right sprocket to
remove any slack in the paper and then lock it in place.

Note:
Remove any remaining slack by gently pulling the paper from the back.

10. To separate the incoming paper from the printed paper, attach the
paper guide. Hold it horizontally and fit its notches over the
printer’s mounting posts. Then slide the paper guide toward the
back of the printer until you feel it click.
11. Turn the paper feed knob to adjust the paper position. The
perforation between pages should be just above the print head.
12. Replace the printer cover but leave it open.

22 Paper Handling
13. Turn on the printer.
14. Set the Auto tear off feature in the Default Setting mode to Off;
otherwise, the paper may jam. (See page 36 for more information.)
When the printer receives data, it begins printing automatically. If you
want to change the position where printing begins on the page, press the
LF/FF button to advance the page to the next top-of-form position, and
then see the next section to adjust the loading position.
To eject the paper, tear off the paper entering the printer; then press the
LF/FF button to feed the paper forward.

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 too low on the page,
you can use the Micro Adjust feature to adjust the top-of-form position.

c Caution:
Never use the paper feed knob to adjust the top-of-form position; this may
damage the printer or cause it to lose the top-of-form position.

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and paper is loaded.

2. Remove the printer cover.
3. Hold down the Pause button for about three seconds. The printer
beeps and the Pause light starts flashing as the printer enters
Micro Adjust mode.

Paper Handling 23
4. Press the LF/FF D button to move the top-of-form position higher on
the page, or press the Load/Eject U button to move the top-of-form
position lower on the page.

Note:
❏ The printer has a minimum and a maximum top-of-form position. If
you try to adjust it beyond these limits, the printer beeps and stops
moving the paper.

❏ When the paper reaches the default top-of-form position, the printer
beeps and stops moving the paper briefly. You can use the default
position as a reference point when adjusting the top-of-form position.

5. After you set the top-of-form position, press the Pause button to
exit the Micro Adjust mode.
Note:
❏ Your top-of-form position setting remains in effect until you change it,
even if you turn off the printer.
❏ The top margin setting made in some software applications overrides the
top-of-form position setting you make with the Micro Adjust feature. If
necessary, adjust the top-of-form position in your software.
❏ If you want to restore the printer’s default top-of-form position, you can
reset the printer. See page 37 for instructions.

24 Paper Handling
Advancing paper to the tear-off edge
When the push tractor is installed, 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. When
you resume printing, the printer automatically feeds the paper back to
the top-of-form position; so you can save the paper normally lost
between documents.
You can use the tear-off feature in two ways:
❏ Manually, by pressing the printer’s Tear Off (Font) button
❏ Automatically, by turning on the Auto tear off function in Default
Setting mode.

Using the Tear Off button

After the printer finishes printing your document, check that the
Tear Off (Font) lights are not flashing. Then press the Tear Off (Font)
button. The printer advances the paper to the tear-off edge.
Note:
If the Tear Off (Font) lights are flashing, the paper is in the tear-off position. If
you press the Tear Off (Font) button again, the printer feeds your paper to the
next top-of-form position.

Advancing 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 Default Setting mode.
For instructions, see “Changing the Printer’s Default Settings” on
page 36.
When Auto tear off is on, the printer automatically advances the paper to
the tear-off position whenever it receives a full page of data or a form
feed command followed by no more data.

Paper Handling 25
Adjusting the tear-off position
If your paper’s perforation is not aligned with the tear-off edge, you can
use the Micro Adjust feature to move the perforation to the tear-off
position.
Follow these steps to adjust the tear-off position:
1. Make sure the Tear Off (Font) lights are flashing (the paper is at the
current tear-off position). You may need to press the Tear Off (Font)
button to advance the paper to the tear-off position.
2. Open the printer cover.
3. Hold down the Pause button for about three seconds. The printer
beeps and the Pause light begins to flash as the printer enters
Micro Adjust mode.
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 on the paper tension
unit.
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.

5. After you set the tear-off position, press the Pause button to exit
Micro Adjust mode.
6. Tear off the printed pages.

26 Paper Handling
When you resume printing, the printer automatically feeds the paper
back to the top-of-form position and begins printing.
Note:
Your tear-off position setting remains in effect until you change it, even if you
turn off the printer. (If you want to restore the printer’s default tear-off position,
you can reset the printer. See page 37 for instructions.)

Printing on Single Sheets

You can load single sheets of paper one at a time using the printer’s
paper guide.
Before printing on single-sheet multipart forms, envelopes, or other
special paper, make sure the paper thickness lever is set to the
appropriate position. See “Printing on Special Paper” on page 29.
Note:
❏ Load only one sheet at a time. To load a stack of single-sheet paper, use the
optional cut-sheet feeder. See the Reference Guide for more information.
❏ You can use the paper guide to load single-sheet carbonless multipart forms
that are fastened at the top by line gluing.
❏ Insert multipart forms in the paper guide, bound edge first and printable
side down.
Follow these steps to load a single sheet:
1. If continuous paper is loaded in the push tractor, press the
Load/Eject button to feed it back to the standby position.

Paper Handling 27
2. Push the paper release lever back to the single-sheet position and
make sure the paper guide is in the upright position, as shown
below.

3. Slide the left edge guide until it locks in place at the guide mark.
Then adjust the right edge guide to match the width of your paper.

4. Insert a sheet of paper between the

edge guides until it meets resistance.
The printer automatically pulls it
into the correct printing position.
When the printer receives data, it
begins printing. If the document is
more than one page, the printer
beeps three times after printing each
page. Load the next sheet and the
printer will continue printing.

28 Paper Handling
Printing on Special Paper
With the LX-300+II, you can print on a wide variety of special paper
types, including multipart forms, labels, and envelopes.

c Caution:
When printing on multipart forms, thicker-than-normal paper, labels, or
envelopes, make sure your application software settings keep the printing
entirely within the printable area. Printing past the edge of these papers
can damage the print head.

Adjusting the paper thickness lever

Before printing on special paper, you need to make sure the paper
thickness lever is set correctly for the type of paper you’re using. Follow
these steps:
1. Turn off the printer.
2. Lift up or remove the printer cover. The paper thickness lever is on
the left side of the printer.

Paper Handling 29
3. The numbers next to the lever indicate the thickness setting. Use the
table below to select the appropriate paper thickness.

Paper type Lever position

Standard paper (single sheets or continuous) 0

Multipart forms 2-sheet 0

3-sheet 1
4-sheet 2
5-sheet 3

Labels 1

Envelopes 2 or 4

4. Close the printer cover.

5. Turn on the printer.

Multipart forms
You can use continuous or single-sheet carbonless multipart forms of up
to five parts (one original plus four copies). Follow these guidelines:
❏ Set the paper thickness lever to the correct position for your forms.
See page 29.
❏ Use continuous multipart forms that are joined only by spot gluing
or side-crimping. Never load continuous multipart forms joined by
metal staples, tape, or continuous gluing.
❏ Use single-sheet multipart forms that are line-glued only at the top.
Insert the forms glued-edge-first into the printer.
❏ Make sure that multipart forms are not wrinkled.
❏ If you need to adjust the loading position, use your application
software or change the loading position as described under
“Adjusting the top-of-form position” on page 23.
❏ When you use side-crimped continuous multipart forms, the copies
may not align with the original. If this happens, raise the paper
guide.
For multipart forms, you should not print any closer than 0.5 inch
(13 mm) from either side of the paper.

30 Paper Handling
Labels
To print on labels, you must use continuous paper loaded on the pull
tractor. Keep the following tips in mind:
❏ Set the paper thickness lever to the correct position for labels.
(See page 29.)
❏ Choose labels mounted on a continuous backing sheet with sprocket
holes designed for tractor use. Do not print labels as single sheets,
because the shiny backing causes the paper to slip slightly.
❏ Load labels the same way you load ordinary continuous paper.
See page 20 for loading instructions.
❏ Because labels are especially sensitive to temperature and humidity,
use them only under normal operating conditions.
❏ Do not leave labels loaded in the printer between jobs; they curl
around the platen and may jam when you resume printing.
❏ To remove the labels from the printer, tear off the fresh supply at the
back of the printer; then press the LF/FF button to advance the
remaining labels out of the printer.

c Caution:
Never feed labels backward through the printer; they can easily peel off the
backing sheet and jam the printer.

Envelopes
You can feed envelopes individually using the paper guide. Keep the
following tips in mind:
❏ Set the paper thickness lever to the proper position. See page 29.
❏ To load an envelope, follow the steps on page 27 for printing a
single sheet. Insert the envelope printable-side down,
wide-edge-first, between the edge guides. Push it firmly and hold it
until it feeds into the printer.
❏ Use envelopes only under normal temperature and humidity
conditions.
❏ Make sure the printing stays entirely within the printable area.
❏ The print head must not go past the left or right edge of the
envelope or other thick paper. It’s a good idea to print a test sample
using a normal single sheet of paper before you print on envelopes.

Paper Handling 31
32 Paper Handling
Chapter 3
Using the Control Panel
The buttons and lights on the control panel let you:
❏ Adjust line and form feeding
❏ Load and eject paper
❏ Select a built-in font
❏ Change the printer’s default settings

Buttons and Lights

1 Tear Off (Font) lights

Flash when continuous paper is in the tear-off position; otherwise, the
lights indicate the selected font.

2 Tear Off (Font) button

❏ Advances continuous paper to the tear-off position.
❏ Feeds continuous paper backward from the tear-off position to the
top-of-form position.
❏ In Micro Adjust mode, selects one of the six built-in fonts.

Using the Control Panel 33

3 LF/FF button
❏ Feeds paper line by line when pressed and released.
❏ Ejects a single sheet or advances continuous paper to the next
top-of-form position when held down.
❏ In Micro Adjust mode, adjusts the top-of-form and tear-off position.

4 Load/Eject button
❏ Loads a single sheet of paper.
❏ Ejects a single sheet of paper.
❏ Loads continuous paper from the standby position.
❏ Feeds continuous paper backward to the standby position.
❏ In Micro Adjust mode, adjusts the top-of-form and tear-off position.

5 Pause button
Stops printing temporarily, and resumes printing when pressed again.
When held down for three seconds, turns on Micro Adjust mode. To turn
it off, press it again.

6 Paper Out light

❏ On when no paper is loaded in the selected paper source or when
paper is not loaded correctly.
❏ Flashes when paper has not been fully ejected or if paper is jammed
in the printer.

7 Pause light
❏ On when the printer is paused.
❏ Flashes when the printer is in Micro Adjust mode.
❏ Flashes when the print head has overheated.

34 Using the Control Panel

Selecting a Built-in Font
It is best to use your application program to select the font you want to
use in a document. However, you may sometimes need to select one of
the printer’s six built-in fonts using the buttons on the control panel, as
described below. (The settings you make in application programs usually
override settings you make from the printer’s control panel.)

❏ Draft ❏ Draft Condensed

❏ Roman ❏ Roman Condensed
❏ Sans Serif ❏ Sans Serif Condensed

Follow these steps to use the control panel to select a built-in font:
1. Make sure that the printer is on but not printing.
2. Hold down the Pause button for three seconds to enter
Micro Adjust mode. The Pause light begins to flash and the two
Tear Off (Font) lights show the current font selection.
3. Press the Tear Off (Font) button repeatedly to cycle through the
fonts, and stop when the lights on the control panel indicate the font
you want. Your selection stays in effect until you change it again.

Using the Control Panel 35

Changing the Printer’s Default Settings
While you can often change the printer’s settings through your software
or printer driver, you may sometimes need to change one or more of the
printer’s default settings from the printer’s control panel using the
Default Setting mode. The table below lists the settings and available
options. For detailed descriptions, see your Reference Guide.

Setting Options (default in bold)

Page length for tractor Length in inches: 3, 3.5, 4, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 8.5, 11, 70/6,
12, 14, 17
Skip over perforation On, Off
Auto tear off On, Off
Auto line feed On, Off
Print direction Bi-D, Uni-D
Software ESC/P, IBM 2380
0 slash On, Off
High speed draft mode On, Off
I/F (interface) mode Auto, Parallel, Serial, USB
Auto I/F wait time 10 seconds, 30 seconds
Baud rate 19200, 9600, 4800, 2400, 1200, 600, 300 BPS
Parity None, Odd, Even, Ignore
Data length 8 bit, 7 bit
Parallel I/F bidirectional On, Off
mode
Packet mode Auto, Off
Character table 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
International character Italic U.S.A., Italic France, Italic Germany, Italic U.K.,
set for italic table Italic Denmark 1, Italic Sweden, Italic Italy, Italic
Spain 1
Manual feed wait time 1 second, 1.5 seconds, 2 seconds, 3 seconds
Buzzer On, Off
Auto CR (in IBM PPDS On, Off
emulation mode)
IBM character table Table1, Table 2

36 Using the Control Panel

Using Default Setting mode
Follow the steps below to enter Default Setting mode. If you use single
sheets, you’ll need to load a new sheet of paper each time the printer
ejects a printed page.
1. Make sure paper is loaded and the printer is off.
2. Hold down the Tear Off (Font) button and then turn on the printer.
The printer enters Default Setting mode and prints instructions for
selecting the language. The current language is indicated by which
control panel lights are on. (For English, only the Pause light is on.)
3. If you want a different language, press the LF/FF button until the
lights show the language you want.
4. Press the Tear Off (Font) button to print a list of all the current
settings.
5. If the settings are all correct, turn off the printer to exit Default
Setting mode.
If you want to change any settings, go to step 6.
6. Press the Tear Off (Font) button. The printer prints instructions for
changing the settings.
7. Press the LF/FF button to scroll through the options for the
selected setting until you see the one you want. Then press the
Tear Off (Font) button to select the next setting you want to change.
8. When you finish making settings, turn off the printer to exit Default
Setting mode.
Your new settings remain in effect until you change them again or reset
the printer’s defaults.

Restoring the printer’s default settings

If you want to restore all the factory default settings, turn off the printer.
Then hold down the Load/Eject, LF/FF, and Pause buttons while you
turn on the printer.

Using the Control Panel 37

38 Using the Control Panel
Chapter 4
Troubleshooting
This chapter explains the error indicators and describes how to clear
paper jams and print a self test. For more troubleshooting information,
see the Reference Guide. If you cannot resolve the problem using the
information in the manuals, see “Where To Get Help” on page 43.

Using the Error Indicators

Use the following table to diagnose printer errors.

Light Beep Problem

status pattern
Solution

n Pause – The printer is paused.

Press the Pause button to resume printing.

••• Paper from another paper source is currently in

the paper path.

Move the paper release lever to the correct

position (continuous paper or single sheets) and
press the Load/Eject button to clear the paper
from the paper path. Then set the lever to the
position you want to use. Press the Pause button
to turn off the Pause light, if necessary.

n Paper Out ••• No paper is loaded in the selected paper source.

n Pause
Load paper in the printer. Then press the Pause
button to turn off the Pause light, if necessary.

••• The paper is not loaded correctly.

Remove your paper and reload it. Then press the

Pause button to turn off the Pause light, if
necessary.

••• Paper is jammed in the printer.

Turn off the printer, open the printer cover, tear

off the paper supply and turn the paper feed
knob to eject the remaining paper.

Troubleshooting 39
 Light Beep Problem
status pattern
Solution

f Paper Out ••• Continuous paper is not fed back to the standby
n Pause position.

Tear off the printed document at the perforation;

then press the Load/Eject button. The printer
feeds the paper to the standby position. Press the
Pause button to turn off the Pause light, if
necessary.

••• A single sheet of paper is not fully ejected.

Press the Load/Eject button to eject the sheet.

Then press the Pause button to turn off the Pause
light, if necessary.

••• Paper is jammed in the printer.

Clear the paper jam as described in the next

section.

f Pause – The print head is overheated.

Wait a few minutes; the printer resumes printing

automatically once the print head has cooled.

f All the ••••• An unknown printer error has occurred.

lights on the
control Turn off the printer and leave it off for several
panel minutes; then turn on the printer again. If the error
recurs, contact your dealer.

n = on, f = flashing
••• = short series of beeps (three beeps)
••••• = long series of beeps (five beeps)

Note:
The printer beeps once if you press a control panel button when the
corresponding function is not available.

40 Troubleshooting
Clearing a Paper Jam
If paper becomes jammed in the printer, follow these steps to remove it:
1. Turn off the printer, open (or remove) the printer cover, and remove
the paper guide.
2. If continuous paper is jammed in the printer, tear off the fresh
supply at the perforation nearest the paper entry slot.
3. Gently remove any paper inside the printer, including any torn
pieces. You can use the knob on the right side of the printer to help
feed the paper out.

c Caution:
Use the paper feed knob to clear paper jams only when the printer is
off. Otherwise, you may damage the printer or change the top-of-form
or tear-off position.

4. Replace the printer cover and paper guide, and turn on the printer.
Make sure the Paper Out light is not flashing and the Pause light is
off.

Printing a Self Test

If you are having printing problems, you can run the printer’s self test to
help 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 may be caused by your printer driver settings,
application settings, computer, or interface cable. (Be sure to use a
shielded interface cable.)

If the self test does not print properly, there is a problem with the printer.
See the Reference Guide for possible solutions to the problem.
You can print the self test using either single sheets or continuous paper.
Use paper that is at least 8.25 inches (210 mm) wide.

Troubleshooting 41
1. Make sure paper is loaded and the printer is turned off.
2. To run the test using a draft font, turn on the printer while holding
down the LF/FF button. To run the test using the printer’s near
letter-quality font, hold down the Load/Eject button while you turn
on the printer. (Either self test can help you determine the source of
your printing problem, but the draft self test prints faster.)
After a few seconds, the printer begins printing the self test (a series
of characters).

Note:
To temporarily stop the self test, press the Pause button. To resume, press
the Pause button again.

3. To end the self test, press the Pause button to stop printing. If paper
remains in the printer, press the LF/FF button to eject the printed
page. Then turn off the printer.

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

42 Troubleshooting
Where To Get Help
If your Epson printer is not operating properly and you cannot solve the
problem using the troubleshooting information, see the support
information below.

Internet support
Visit Epson’s support website at http://support.epson.com and select
your printer for solutions to common problems. You can download
drivers and documentation, get FAQs and troubleshooting advice, or
e-mail Epson with your questions.

Speak to a support representative

Before you call for support, please have the following information ready:

❏ Product name (Epson LX-300+II)

❏ Product serial number (located on the back of the printer)
❏ Proof of purchase (such as a store receipt) and date of purchase
❏ Computer configuration
❏ Description of the problem

Then call:
❏ U.S.: (562) 276-4322, 6 AM to 6 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through
Friday.
❏ Canada: (905) 709-2170, 6 AM to 6 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through
Friday.

Toll or long distance charges may apply.

Purchase supplies and accessories

You can purchase ribbon cartridges and other accessories from an
Epson authorized reseller. To find the nearest reseller, call
800-GO-EPSON (800-463-7766). Or you can purchase online at
www.epsonstore.com (U.S. sales) or www.epson.ca (Canada sales).

Troubleshooting 43
44 Troubleshooting
Chapter 5
Product Information
This chapter contains important information about your printer,
including the safety instructions and product warranty.

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

Hot Parts Caution Symbol

This symbol is placed on the print head and other parts to
K indicate that they may be hot. Never touch those parts just after
the printer has been used. Let them cool for a few minutes
before touching them.

Important Safety Instructions

❏ Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a radiator or
heat source.
❏ Place the printer on a flat surface. It will not operate properly if it is
tilted or placed at an angle.
❏ 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.
❏ 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.
❏ 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.

Product Information 45
❏ 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: if the power cord or plug is
damaged, if liquid has entered the printer, if the printer has been
dropped or the cabinet damaged, 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.

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 or relocate the receiving antenna.
❏ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
❏ 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.

46 Product Information
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 meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interface Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du
Règlement sur le matériel brouileur 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 90806-2469
Telephone: (562) 290-5254

Product Information 47
Declare under sole responsibility that the product identified herein,
complies with 47CFR Part 2 and 15 of the FCC rules as a 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 Matrix Printer
Model: P170B

Epson America, Inc., Limited Warranty

What Is Covered: Epson America, Inc., (“Epson”) warrants to the
original retail purchaser of the Epson product enclosed with this limited
warranty statement that the product, if purchased new and used in the
United States or Canada, will be free from defects in workmanship and
materials for a period of two (2) years from the date of original purchase.
Epson also warrants that the consumable ribbon enclosed with the
product will perform to the manufacturer’s specified usage, which usage
may expire before the expiration of the limited warranty for the Epson
product. For warranty service, you must provide proof of the date of
original purchase.

48 Product Information
What Epson Will Do To Correct Problems: Should your Epson product
prove defective during the warranty period, please bring the product
securely packaged in its original container or an equivalent, along with
proof of the date of original purchase, to your Epson Dealer or Epson
Customer Care Center. You are responsible for all costs (shipping,
insurance, travel time) in getting the product to the service location.
Epson will, at its option, repair or replace on an exchange basis the
defective unit, without charge for parts or labor. When warranty service
involves the exchange of the product or of a part, the item replaced
becomes Epson property. The replacement unit may be new or
refurbished to the Epson standard of quality, and at Epson’s option, the
replacement may be another model of like kind and quality. Epson’s
liability for replacement of the covered product will not exceed the
original retail selling price of the covered product. Exchange or
replacement products or parts assume the remaining warranty period of
the product covered by this limited warranty.
What This Warranty Does Not Cover: This warranty does not apply to
refurbished or reconditioned products. This warranty covers only
normal use in the United States and Canada. This warranty does not
cover damage to the Epson product caused by parts or supplies not
manufactured, distributed or certified by Epson. This warranty is not
transferable. This warranty does not cover ribbons or third party parts,
components or peripheral devices added to the Epson product after its
shipment from Epson, e.g., dealer-added boards, chips or drives. Epson
is not responsible for warranty service should the Epson label or logo or
the rating label or serial number be removed or should the product fail to
be properly maintained or fail to function properly as a result of misuse,
abuse, improper installation, neglect, improper shipping, damage caused
by disasters such as fire, flood, and lightning, improper electrical current,
software problems, interaction with non-Epson products, or service other
than by an Epson Authorized Servicer. If a claimed defect cannot be
identified or reproduced in service, you will be held responsible for costs
incurred.

Product Information 49
THE WARRANTY AND REMEDY PROVIDED ABOVE ARE
EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SOME LAWS DO NOT ALLOW THE
EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES. IF THESE LAWS APPLY,
THEN ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO
THE WARRANTY PERIOD IDENTIFIED ABOVE. UNLESS STATED
HEREIN, ANY STATEMENTS OR REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY
ANY OTHER PERSON OR FIRM ARE VOID. IN THE EVENT THE
REMEDIES ABOVE FAIL, EPSON’S ENTIRE LIABILITY SHALL BE
LIMITED TO A REFUND OF THE PRICE PAID FOR THE EPSON
PRODUCT COVERED BY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. EXCEPT AS
PROVIDED IN THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY, NEITHER EPSON
AMERICA, INC., NOR ITS AFFILIATES SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY
LOSS, INCONVENIENCE, OR DAMAGE, INCLUDING DIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
RESULTING FROM THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE EPSON
PRODUCT, WHETHER RESULTING FROM BREACH OF WARRANTY
OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.
In Canada, warranties include both warranties and conditions.
Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on how long an implied
warranty lasts and some jurisdictions do not allow certain exclusions or
limitations on damages, so the above limitations and exclusions may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
also have other rights which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
To find the Epson Authorized Reseller nearest you, visit our website at:
www.epson.com.
To find the Epson Customer Care Center nearest you, visit
http://support.epson.com. You can also call the Epson ConnectionSM at
(562) 276-4322 in the U.S. and (905) 709-2170 in Canada, or write to:
Epson America, Inc., P.O. Box 93012, Long Beach, CA 90809-3012.

50 Product Information