Epson LX-350 Dot Matrix Printer User Manual

1. Introduction

The Epson LX-350 is a reliable and robust 9-pin dot matrix printer designed for efficiency and durability. It offers fast printing speeds of up to 347 characters per second, making it suitable for various front and back office applications that require continuous paper or multi-part stationery. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your printer.

Figure 1: Front view of the Epson LX-350 Dot Matrix Printer.

2. Setup

2.1 Unpacking and Placement

Carefully remove the printer from its packaging. Ensure all packing materials are removed before use. Place the printer on a stable, flat surface with adequate space for paper feeding and output. The compact design of the LX-350 allows it to fit neatly onto most desks.

Figure 2: Top-down view of the Epson LX-350, showing its compact design.

2.2 Connecting the Printer

The Epson LX-350 offers versatile connectivity options:

• Parallel Interface: Connect the printer to your computer using a parallel cable.
• Serial Interface: Utilize the serial port for compatible systems.
• USB Interface: For modern systems, connect via a standard USB cable.

Ensure the printer is powered off before connecting any cables. After connecting, plug the power cord into a suitable electrical outlet.

2.3 Driver Installation

Install the printer drivers on your computer. The LX-350 supports various operating systems, including Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, and 8. Refer to the included driver CD or Epson's official website for the latest drivers and installation instructions.

3. Operating the Printer

3.1 Loading Paper

The LX-350 is designed for continuous paper or multi-part stationery. To load paper:

1. Ensure the paper guides are adjusted to the width of your paper.
2. Feed the continuous paper through the tractor feed mechanism, aligning the holes with the pins.
3. Press the Load/Eject button to advance the paper to the starting print position.

3.2 Basic Printing

Once the printer is connected and drivers are installed, you can print documents from your computer. Select the Epson LX-350 as your printer in your application's print dialog. The printer will begin printing, utilizing its 9-pin technology for clear, durable output.

3.3 Control Panel Functions

The control panel on the front of the printer provides several functions:

• Tear Off: Advances the paper to the tear-off position, allowing easy removal of printed forms.
• Load/Eject: Loads paper or ejects the current sheet/form.
• Pause/Lock: Pauses printing or locks the control panel to prevent accidental operation.
• Font: Cycles through available fonts.
• Micro Adjust: Fine-tunes paper position.

Figure 3: Angled view highlighting the control panel buttons.

4. Maintenance

4.1 Ribbon Cartridge Replacement

When print quality degrades, it's time to replace the ribbon cartridge. Ensure the printer is turned off before proceeding. Open the printer cover, carefully remove the old cartridge, and install a new one, ensuring it is properly seated. Close the cover.

4.2 Cleaning the Printer

Regular cleaning helps maintain optimal performance. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior of the printer. For internal components, such as the print head and paper path, consult the detailed cleaning instructions in the full product manual available on the Epson support website. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents.

5. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your Epson LX-350 printer.

5.1 Printer Not Responding

• Check all cable connections (power, USB/Parallel/Serial) to ensure they are secure.
• Verify the printer is powered on and the indicator lights are normal.
• Restart both the printer and your computer.
• Ensure the correct printer driver is installed and selected in your operating system.

5.2 Poor Print Quality

• Replace the ribbon cartridge if the print is faded or uneven.
• Ensure the paper is loaded correctly and is not wrinkled or damaged.
• Clean the print head if there are streaks or missing dots (refer to the full manual for detailed steps).

5.3 Paper Jams

• Turn off the printer immediately.
• Carefully remove any jammed paper, pulling it in the direction of the paper path to avoid tearing.
• Ensure paper guides are correctly set for the paper width.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

The Epson LX-350 printer typically comes with a manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official Epson support website. If you encounter issues that cannot be resolved using the troubleshooting steps in this manual, please contact Epson customer support for assistance.

You can find more information and support resources by visiting the Epson Store on Amazon.