Epson Lq680 User Guide

							Getting to Know Your Printer       1
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Getting to Know Your Printer 
Your EPSON® LQ-680/LQ-680Pro 24-pin dot matrix printer 
provides high-quality printing and great performance in a 
compact design.
Features include:
oThe ability to handle a wide range of paper types, including 
continuous paper, multipart forms with one original and up 
to five copies, labels, single sheets, envelopes, and postcards
oHigh-speed printing of up to 413 cps (characters per second) 
at 10 characters per inch
Your printer also comes with printer driver software, the EPSON 
Status Monitor 3 utility for Microsoft
® Windows® 98, 95, 2000 and 
NT 4.0, that lets you check the status of your printer quickly and 
easily, and other software. In addition, many other options are 
available to suit your individual needs. 
						

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Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference. 
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the printer.
oDo not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a 
radiator or heat source.
oPlace the printer on a flat surface. The printer will not operate 
properly if it is tilted or at an angle.
oDo not block or cover the openings in the printer’s cabinet. 
Do not insert objects through the slots.
oUse only the type of power source indicated on the printer’s 
label.
oConnect all equipment to properly grounded power outlets. 
Avoid using outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air 
control systems that regularly switch on and off.
oDo not use a damaged or frayed power cord.
oIf you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the 
total ampere rating of all devices plugged into the extension 
cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make 
sure the total of all devices plugged into the wall outlet does 
not exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating.
oUnplug the printer before cleaning, and clean it with a damp 
cloth only.
oDo not spill liquid on the printer.
oExcept as specifically explained in this guide, do not attempt 
to service the printer yourself. 
						

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oUnplug the printer and refer servicing to qualified        
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; or 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.
oPrinter parts marked with this symbol may be hot. 
Turn off the printer and let it cool for a few minutes 
before you touch any printer part marked with this 
symbol.
oIf 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.
Note for German-speaking users:
Bei Anschluss des Druckers an die Stromversorgung muss 
sichergestellt werden, dass die Gebäudeinstallation mit einer 
10 A- oder 16 A-Sicherung abgesichert ist.
K 
						

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Print Head Caution Symbol 
The symbol on the print head indicates that this 
part may be hot. Never touch the print head just 
after the printer has been used. Let the print head 
cool for a few minutes before touching it.
ENERGY STAR Compliance 
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, EPSON has 
determined that this product meets the 
ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
The International ENERGY STAR Office Equipment program is 
a voluntary partnership with the computer and office equipment 
industry to promote the introduction of energy-efficient personal 
computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers, and 
scanners in an effort to reduce air pollution caused by power 
generation.
For United Kingdom Users 
Use of options
Epson (UK) Limited shall not be liable against any damages 
or problems arising from the use of any options or consumable 
products other than those designated as Original EPSON 
Products or EPSON Approved Products by Epson (UK) Limited.
K 
						

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Safety information
 
w
Warning: 
This appliance must be earthed. Refer to the rating plate for 
voltage and check that the appliance voltage corresponds to the 
supply voltage.
Important:
 The wires in the mains lead fitted to this appliance 
are coloured in accordance with the following code:
Green and yellow — Earth
Blue — Neutral
Brown — Live
If you have to fit a plug:
As the colours of the mains lead of this appliance may not match 
coloured markings used to identify the terminals in a plug, please 
proceed as follows:
The green and yellow wire must be connected to the terminal in 
the plug which is marked with the letter E or the Earth symbol (
 
G).
The blue wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug 
marked with the letter N.
The brown wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug 
marked with the letter L.
If damage occurs to the plug, replace the cord set or consult a 
qualified electrician.
Replace fuses only with a fuse of the correct size and rating. 
						

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Warnings, Cautions, and Notes 
This guide uses the following conventions:
 
w
Warnings 
must be followed to avoid bodily injury.
 
c
Cautions 
must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Notes 
contain important information and useful tips on the operation 
of your printer. 
						

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Setting Up the Printer      1-1
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Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Choosing a Place for the Printer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Assembling the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Attaching the paper guide  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Plugging in the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Installing or Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Installing the Printer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Installing the printer software in Windows 98, 95, 
2000, or NT 4.0  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Installing the printer software in Windows 3.1 
or NT 3.5x  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
For DOS programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16 
						

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Unpacking the Printer 
Besides this guide, your printer box should include an EPSON 
printer software CD-ROM, a Notice Sheet, and the following 
items:
Note:
Depending on your printer model, the power cord may be permanently 
attached to the printer. Also, the shape of the power cord plug varies 
depending on the country of purchase; be sure the plug you have is the 
right one for your location.
 
c
Caution:
There are several models of the printer designed for different 
voltages, and it is not possible to adjust the printer for use with 
another voltage. If the label on the back of the printer does not 
show the correct voltage for your country, contact your dealer. 
						

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You must remove all protective materials packed around and 
inside your printer before you set it up and turn on the power. 
Follow the directions on the Notice Sheet (packed with the 
printer) to remove these materials.
Save all packing and protective materials in case you need to ship 
the printer in the future. It should always be transported in its 
original packaging or equivalent materials. 
Choosing a Place for the Printer 
Follow the guidelines below when selecting a location for your 
printer.
oPlace the printer on a flat, stable surface. The printer will not 
operate properly if it is tilted or at an angle.
oLeave adequate room around the printer for easy operation 
and maintenance.
oAvoid 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.
oAvoid places subject to shocks and vibrations.
oPlace the printer near a wall outlet where you can easily 
unplug the power cord.
Note for French-speaking users:
Placez limprimante près dune prise de contact où la fiche peut être 
débranchée facilement. 
						

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oAvoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or 
automatic timers. An interruption of 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.
oKeep the entire computer system away from potential sources 
of electromagnetic interference, such as loudspeakers or the 
base units of cordless telephones.
oUse a grounded power outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
oMake sure the paper path is clear and unobstructed before 
you print on continuous paper.
oPosition your printer’s power cord and interface cable so they 
do not interfere with paper feeding.
If you plan to use a printer stand, follow these guidelines:
oUse a stand that supports at least 20 kg (44.1 lb).
oNever use a stand that tilts the printer. The printer should 
always be kept level.
oIf possible, secure the printer’s power cord and interface cable 
to a leg of the printer stand so they do not interfere with paper 
feeding.