Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Epson LQ-310 Dot Matrix Printer. Please read this manual thoroughly to ensure proper use and to maximize the lifespan of your printer.
The Epson LQ-310 is a narrow carriage 24-pin SIDM printer designed for efficient impact printing, offering a high print speed of 416 characters per second (CPS) at 12 CPI.
What's in the Box
- Epson LQ-310 Printer
- Power Cable
- Interface Cable (USB)
- CD (containing drivers and software)
- User Manual (this document)
Setup
1. Unpacking and Placement
Carefully remove the printer from its packaging. Place the printer on a stable, flat surface with adequate space around it for ventilation and paper handling. Ensure the power switch is in the OFF position before connecting any cables.
Figure 1: Front view of the Epson LQ-310 Dot Matrix Printer. This image shows the compact design and the control panel located on the top front of the printer.
Figure 2: Angled view of the Epson LQ-310 Dot Matrix Printer, illustrating the paper feed mechanism at the rear. The paper guides are visible, ready for continuous form paper.
2. Connecting Cables
- Power Cable: Connect the power cable to the printer's power input and then to a grounded electrical outlet.
- Interface Cable: Connect the provided USB interface cable from the printer to your computer. The LQ-310 also supports Serial and Parallel connections for broader compatibility.
3. Installing the Ribbon Cartridge
Open the printer cover. Locate the ribbon cartridge slot. Carefully insert the ribbon cartridge, ensuring it clicks into place. Follow the instructions on the cartridge packaging for specific installation details to avoid ribbon twisting.
4. Loading Paper
The LQ-310 supports continuous form paper and single sheets. For continuous form paper, align the paper's sprocket holes with the tractor feed pins at the rear of the printer. For single sheets, use the front paper slot and adjust the paper guides.
Figure 3: The Epson LQ-310 printer actively printing a bill, demonstrating its typical use case in a retail or office environment. Continuous form paper is shown being fed through the printer.
5. Driver Installation
Insert the provided CD into your computer's optical drive and follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer drivers. Alternatively, download the latest drivers from the official Epson support website for your operating system.
Operating Instructions
Basic Printing
- Ensure the printer is powered on and connected to your computer.
- Load the desired paper type (continuous form or single sheet).
- From your computer, open the document or application you wish to print.
- Select "Print" from the application's menu.
- Choose "Epson LQ-310" as your printer and adjust any necessary print settings (e.g., paper size, print quality).
- Click "Print" to begin the printing process.
Control Panel Functions
The control panel on the front of the printer allows for direct interaction. Key buttons typically include:
- Tear Off: Advances continuous paper to the tear-off position.
- LF/FF (Line Feed/Form Feed): Advances paper by one line or one full page.
- Load/Eject: Loads a single sheet of paper or ejects the current sheet.
- Pause: Temporarily stops printing. Press again to resume.
- Lock: Locks the control panel to prevent accidental changes.
Refer to the printer's control panel for specific button labels and indicator lights.
Maintenance
Ribbon Cartridge Replacement
When print quality deteriorates or the ribbon is visibly worn, it's time to replace the ribbon cartridge. Ensure the printer is off before proceeding.
- Open the printer cover.
- Carefully remove the old ribbon cartridge by lifting it out.
- Unpack the new ribbon cartridge and gently install it into the designated slot, ensuring the ribbon is not twisted.
- Close the printer cover.
Cleaning the Printer
Regular cleaning helps maintain optimal performance. Always turn off and unplug the printer before cleaning.
- Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior of the printer.
- For internal cleaning, use a small brush or compressed air to remove dust and paper debris from the paper path and print head area. Avoid touching the print head directly.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Printer not printing |
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| Poor print quality |
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| Paper jam |
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Specifications
Figure 4: Dimensions of the Epson LQ-310 Dot Matrix Printer, showing its length (43cm), width (36cm), and height (22cm).
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | LQ-310 |
| Printing Technology | 24-Pin Narrow Carriage Impact Dot Matrix |
| Print Speed | High 416 CPS (Characters Per Second) at 12 CPI |
| Print Resolution | 240 dpi (Maximum Black and White) |
| Printer Output | Monochrome |
| Connectivity | USB, Serial, Parallel (Wired) |
| Print Media | Paper (plain), Continuous Forms, Single Sheets |
| Duplex Printing | No (Manual) |
| Ink Colour | Black (Ribbon Cartridge) |
| Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) | 10,000 Power On Hours |
| Product Dimensions (LxWxH) | 43 x 36 x 22 cm |
| Item Weight | 4.1 kg (4100 Grams) |
| UPC | 712411999896 |
| Manufacturer | P.T. INDONESIA EPSON INDUSTRY |
Note: Some specifications, such as "Connectivity Type: Wi-Fi" and "Control Method: Touch" found in the raw data, are less common for this type of dot matrix printer. The primary connectivity options are USB, Serial, and Parallel, and the control method refers to the physical buttons on the printer's panel.
Warranty and Support
Warranty information for the Epson LQ-310 printer is typically provided with your purchase documentation. Please refer to the warranty card or contact your retailer for specific details regarding coverage and terms.
For technical support, driver downloads, or further assistance, please visit the official Epson support website or contact their customer service. You can find contact information and support resources on the Epson website: Epson India Support.
