Epson Stylus Pro 9880 User Manual

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This User’s Guide provides important information on setting up and using 
your printer, loading paper, using the Epson® printer drivers, and replacing 
ink cartridges. It also tells you how to maintain your printer to keep it 
working at its best, and provides troubleshooting tips in case you have a 
problem.
For additional information, see the following:
•The Quick Reference Guide provides a handy summary of procedures for 
daily use and printer maintenance—loading paper, replacing ink 
cartridges and other components, cleaning and aligning the print head, 
and using the printer’s menu system. Attach it to your printer for easy 
reference.
The Printer Guide for a printed version of this manual with a bit less 
detail.
The on-screen Network Guide on the CD-ROM provides instructions 
for setting up and using your printer on a network.
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips
Please follow these guidelines as you use this book:
WARNINGS must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Notes contain important information about your printer.
Tips contain additional hints on how to get the most out of your printer.
Introduction
 
						

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12|Introduction
Options and Accessories
Your Epson Stylus® Pro 7880/9880 offers these optional upgrades and 
accessories:
* Designed for use with heavy media, which can damage the printer’s built-in 
cutter.
In addition, you can order these user-replaceable items:  Optional equipment 
OptionPart number
Automatic Take-Up Reel System (Pro 9880 only); see 
page 192 for instructions on using this optionC12C815251
Replacement 44-inch Take-Up Reel Core (Pro 9880 only) C815121
Paper Roller Spindle (Normal Tension) — 2- or 3-inch
Epson Stylus Pro 7880:
Epson Stylus Pro 9880: C12C811161
C12C811151
Paper Roller Spindle (High Tension) — 2- or 3-inch
Epson Stylus Pro 7880:
Epson Stylus Pro 9880: C12C811155
C12C811152
Manual Media Cutting System* (See page 190 for 
instructions on installing this option.)
Epson Stylus Pro 7880:
Epson Stylus Pro 9880:C12C815231
C815182
Replacement Manual Cutting Blade (for Manual Media 
Cutting System) C815192
One-year extended warranty EPP7898B1
Two-year extended warranty EPP7898B2
Tip: Check the Epson Pro 
Imaging website at 
www.proimaging.epson.
com for accessories and 
options that are currently 
available.
Consumables and user-replaceable parts
PartPart number
Replacement Ink Maintenance Tank (see page 154) C12C890191
Replacement Printer Cutter Blade (see page 151) C12C815291
Ink Cartridges  See page 142 for 
a complete list.
 
						

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Introduction|13
You can purchase optional equipment and genuine Epson ink and paper 
from an Epson Professional Imaging Authorized Reseller. To find the 
nearest reseller, visit www.proimaging.epson.com (U.S. sales), www.epson.ca 
(Canadian sales), or call 800-GO-EPSON (800-463-7766). Or you can 
purchase online at www.proimaging.epson.com (U.S. sales) or 
www.epson.ca (Canadian sales). 
Where To Get Help
Epson provides technical support and information on the installation, 
configuration, and operation of professional printing products through the 
Epson Preferred  Limited Warranty Plan. Dial (888) 377-6611, 6
AM to 
6
PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Days and hours of support are 
subject to change without notice. 
Before you call, make sure you have your Unit ID number, which is 
included with the Epson Preferred Limited Warranty Plan information that 
came with your printer. You’ll also need your printer serial number and 
proof of purchase.
Visit Epson’s U.S. support website or Canadian support website and select 
your product for solutions to common problems. You can download drivers, 
firmware, and documentation, get FAQs and troubleshooting advice, or 
e-mail Epson with your questions.
Macintosh System Requirements
To use your printer in either a stand-alone or per-to-peer network 
environment, your Macintosh® system should meet these requirements:
Mac OS® X 10.4.9 or higher, or 10.5 or higher
PowerPC® G5, Intel,® or higher processor
At least 1GB of RAM (2GB or more recommended)
At least 30GB of free hard disk space for software and processing files
Quad-speed (4×) or faster CD-ROM or DVD drive for installing the 
printer software
SMTip: If you experience 
difficulty with the 
toll-free line or your 
Unit ID number, call 
(562) 276-1305.
 
						

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14|Introduction

For USB connection: a compliant USB Hi-Speed 2.0 port and a 
shielded USB “AB” cable from Series A (computer) to Series B (printer), 
up to 10 feet (6 m) long
For network connection: Ethernet-equipped Macintosh and a 
Category 6 compatible cable
Windows System Requirements
To use your printer in either a stand-alone or peer-to-peer network 
environment, your system should meet these requirements:
IBM®-compatible PC with a Pentium® 4, 3 GHz or higher processor 
recommended 
Microsoft® Windows® Vista,™ Windows Vista x64, Windows XP 
Professional x64 Edition, or Windows XP
At least 1GB of RAM (2GB or more recommended)
At least 30GB of free hard disk space for software and processing files
Quad-speed (4×) CD-ROM or DVD drive for installing the printer 
software
For USB connection: a Windows-compliant USB Hi-Speed 2.0 port 
and a shielded USB “AB” cable from Series A (computer) to Series B 
(printer), up to 10 feet (6 m) long
For Ethernet connection: Ethernet equipped PC and a Category 6 
compatible cable 
Caution: Using an 
improperly shielded 
cable—especially a cable 
more than 10 feet (6 m) 
long—may cause the 
printer to malfunction.
Note: USB 2.0 is 
required to run the 
printer at full speed. 
 
						

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Introduction|15
Important Safety Instructions
Before using your printer, read the following safety instructions to make sure 
you use the equipment safely and effectively.
The printer weighs about 108 lb (49 kg) [Epson Stylus Pro 7880] or 
198 lb (90 kg) [Epson Stylus Pro 9880] without ink or paper. Make sure 
you have sufficient assistance when lifting it. (See page 19 for the 
Pro 7880 or page 29 for the Pro 9880.)
When setting up the printer, make sure you have enough space around 
it. You may need more space behind the printer if you print on large 
sheets of heavy stock or posterboard. (See page 19 for the Pro 7880 or 
page 29 for the Pro 9880.)
Place the printer on a flat, stable surface. The printer will not operate 
properly if it is tilted or at an angle.
Avoid places subject to rapid changes in temperature and humidity. Also 
keep the printer away from direct sunlight, strong light, or heat sources.
Avoid places subject to shocks and vibrations.
Keep the printer away from dusty areas.
Keep your entire computer system away from potential sources of 
electromagnetic interference, such as loudspeakers or the base units of 
cordless telephones.
Place the printer near a wall outlet where the plug can be easily 
unplugged.
Use only the type of power source indicated on the label.
Connect the printer to a properly grounded outlet. Avoid using an 
outlet on the same circuit as a photocopier or air control system that 
regularly switches on and off.
Avoid using electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or timers.
Use only the power cord that comes with the printer. Use of another 
cord may result in fire or electric shock.
The printer’s power cord is designed for use with the printer only. Using 
it with other equipment may result in fire or electric shock.
Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord.
 
						

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16|Introduction

If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the total ampere 
rating of devices plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the 
cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure the total ampere rating of all 
devices plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the wall outlet’s 
ampere rating.
Do not block or cover the openings in the printer’s case.
Do not put your hand inside the printer during printing.
Do not move the print head by hand unless instructed to do so by an 
Epson service technician; otherwise you may damage the printer.
Do not insert objects through the slots. Take care not to spill liquid on 
the printer.
Do not attempt to service the printer yourself.
Power down the printer from the control panel, unplug the printer, and 
refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following 
conditions: 
The power cord or plug is damaged; liquid has entered the printer; the 
printer has been dropped or the cabinet damaged; the printer does not 
operate normally or exhibits a distinct change in performance.
Before transporting the printer, make sure the print head is in the far 
right (home) position.
For California customers only:
The lithium batteries in this product contain
Perchlorate Material - special handling may apply,
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Caution: Always turn 
the printer off using the 
PPower
 button. When 
you press this button, 
POWER OFF appears on 
the LCD panel and the 
PPower light flashes. 
Do not unplug the printer 
or turn off the power to 
the printer until the  panel 
shuts off and the 
PPower light stops 
flashing. This ensures 
that the print head is 
safely capped.
 
						

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Introduction|17
Ink Cartridge Safety Instructions
Keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children and do not drink the 
ink.
Store ink cartridges in a cool, dark place.
If ink gets on your skin, wash it off with soap and water. If ink gets in 
your eyes, flush them immediately with water.
Shake ink cartridges well before installing them for best results. 
Do not use an ink cartridge beyond the date printed on the cartridge 
carton.
Use up the ink cartridge within six months of installation for best 
results.
Do not dismantle ink cartridges or try to refill them. This could damage 
the print head.
After bringing an ink cartridge inside from a cold storage site, allow it to 
warm up at room temperature for at least three hours before using it.
The IC chip on the ink cartridge retains a variety of cartridge 
information, which allows you to remove and reinsert it freely. 
However, each time the cartridge is inserted, some ink is consumed 
because the printer automatically performs a reliability check.
If you remove an ink cartridge for later use, protect the ink supply area 
from dirt and dust, and store it in the same environment as this product. 
Note that there is a valve in the ink supply port, making covers or plugs 
unnecessary, but care is needed to prevent ink from staining items that 
the cartridge touches.
Do not touch the ink supply port, its surrounding area, or the green IC 
chip on the side of the ink cartridge. Doing so may affect normal 
operation and printing.
Caution: Do not use too 
much force when you 
shake cartridges that 
have been previously 
installed.
 
						

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18|Introduction
Printer Parts
These illustrations show the Epson Stylus Pro 9880, but the parts are the 
same for the Pro 7880 unless otherwise noted.
Roll paper on spindle Roll paper cover
Roll paper 
mounting bracket
Paper lever
Control panel
Ink cartridge 
compartment Ink cartridge 
compartment Front cover
Paper basket Casters
Network interface USB interface
AC inlet
Paper straps 
(Pro 9880 only) Maintenance tank 
(Pro 9880 includes 
two tanks, one on 
each side of printer)
 
						

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This chapter includes the following information:
Unpacking and assembling the Pro 7880 and Pro 9880
Connecting the power cord
Installing ink
Connecting to your computer and a network
Installing the printer software for Macintosh or Windows
Updating the printer firmware
Configuring the printer for a network
Unpacking and Assembling the 
Epson Stylus Pro 7880
Follow these steps to assemble your printer and its stand. (If you have the 
Epson Stylus Pro 9880, see page 29 instead.)
Before you begin, make sure you have sufficient space to set up and use the 
printer. The following illustration shows the minimum space required for 
using the Epson Stylus Pro 7880:
You will also need floor space of approximately 8 × 8 feet (2.4 × 2.4 m) to 
assemble the printer and stand.
Chapter 1: 
Setting Up 
the Printer
WA R N I N G :  Two people are 
required to unpack and set 
up the printer.
Note: When choosing a 
place for the printer, leave 
adequate room for easy 
access and ventilation. 
Avoid locations subject to 
direct sunlight, excessive 
heat, moisture, or dust. 
Also avoid locations near 
potential sources of 
electromagnetic 
interference, such as 
loudspeakers, cordless 
phones, TVs, or air 
conditioners.
6in. 
(15.2 cm)8in. 
(20.3 cm)
12 in. 
(30 cm)
24 in. 
(61 cm)
 
						

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20|Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking and Assembling the Stand
1. Unpack the stand and make sure you have all these items.
Parts:
Tools and Accessories:
2 Bases
2 LegsBottom horizontal strut
Top horizontal strut
4 Basket hooksPaper basket
4 Base bolts2 Strut bolts
2 Wing screws with 
2 lock washers 10 Hex screws 
with washers
2 Hex wrenches