1. Product Overview
The Epson FX-890II is a reliable 9-pin, narrow-carriage impact printer designed for demanding daily print requirements. It offers a long life cycle and is built to withstand various environmental conditions, including dust, humidity, and extreme temperatures. This printer supports multiple printer languages, including Epson ESC/P, IBM PPDS, and MICROLINE, ensuring seamless integration with both new and existing systems. It efficiently handles cut-sheet, continuous, and multipart forms up to 7 pages thick, making it suitable for diverse business needs.
Key Features:
- Extreme Reliability: Durable design with minimal moving parts, built to withstand harsh environments.
- Low Cost of Ownership: Utilizes a high-capacity ribbon cartridge (up to 7.5 million characters) to reduce cost per page and user intervention frequency.
- Powerful Productivity: Achieves ultra-fast printing speeds of up to 738 characters per second (cps) in Ultra Speed Draft Mode (12 cpi).
- Seamless System Integration: Compatible with Epson ESC/P, IBM PPDS, and MICROLINE printer languages for broad system support.
- Advanced Paper Handling: Features a simple paper path that accommodates cut-sheet paper and continuous forms up to 7 pages thick.
- Connectivity: USB interface for standard connection.
- Printer Output: Monochrome.
2. What's in the Box
Upon unpacking your Epson FX-890II Impact Printer, please ensure all the following items are present:
- Epson FX-890II Impact Printer
- AC Adapter
- User’s Manual/Start Here Guide (this document)
- Setup Guide
- CD Driver
- Warranty Certificate Ordering Information
3. Setup Instructions
Follow these steps to set up your Epson FX-890II Impact Printer:
- Unpack the Printer: Carefully remove the printer and all accessories from the packaging. Remove any protective tapes or packing materials from the printer.
- Connect the Power Cable:
Connect the AC adapter to the printer's power input and then plug the power cord into a grounded electrical outlet.
- Connect to Computer:
Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable (not included). Ensure the printer is turned off before connecting the cable.
Figure 2: Rear view of the printer showing connectivity ports, including the USB port. - Install Drivers:
Insert the provided CD Driver into your computer's CD-ROM drive and follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer drivers. If your computer does not have a CD-ROM drive, download the latest drivers from the official Epson support website.
- Install Ribbon Cartridge:
Open the printer cover and install the ribbon cartridge according to the instructions in the Setup Guide. Ensure it is securely seated.
- Load Paper:
Load paper into the printer. The FX-890II supports both cut-sheet and continuous forms. Adjust the paper guides to fit the paper width. For continuous forms, ensure the tractor feed is properly engaged.
Figure 3: Printer with continuous form paper loaded and ready for printing. - Power On:
Press the Power button to turn on the printer. The printer will perform an initial self-test.
4. Operating Instructions
This section covers basic operation of your Epson FX-890II Impact Printer.
4.1. Control Panel Overview
The control panel allows you to manage various printer functions. Refer to Figure 4 for button and indicator locations.
- Font Button: Selects different fonts.
- Pitch Button: Adjusts character pitch (e.g., 10 cpi, 12 cpi).
- Tear Off/Bin Button: Advances paper to the tear-off position or switches between paper bins.
- Load/Eject Button: Loads or ejects cut-sheet paper, or advances continuous forms.
- Paper Out Indicator: Lights up when paper is out or not loaded correctly.
- Pause Button: Pauses or resumes printing.
- Micro Adjust: Fine-tunes paper position.
- LF/FF (Line Feed/Form Feed): Advances paper by a line or a full form.
4.2. Loading Paper
The FX-890II supports various paper types and sizes. Ensure paper is loaded correctly to prevent jams and ensure optimal print quality.
4.2.1. Loading Cut-Sheet Paper
- Open the sheet guide and adjust the left paper guide to the paper width.
- Insert a stack of cut-sheet paper into the sheet feeder.
- Adjust the right paper guide to the paper width.
- Press the Load/Eject button to feed the paper to the printing position.
4.2.2. Loading Continuous Forms
- Ensure the tractor unit is installed and adjusted for your continuous form paper.
- Align the holes on the continuous form paper with the pins on the tractor unit.
- Close the tractor covers to secure the paper.
- Press the Load/Eject button to feed the paper to the printing position.
4.3. Printing
Once the printer is set up and paper is loaded, you can send print jobs from your computer. Ensure the correct printer driver is selected in your application's print dialog.
- Open the document you wish to print on your computer.
- Select "Print" from the application's menu.
- Choose "Epson FX-890II" as your printer.
- Adjust print settings (e.g., paper size, orientation, print quality) as needed.
- Click "Print" to start the print job.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your printer.
5.1. Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge
Replace the ribbon cartridge when print quality deteriorates or the ribbon is visibly worn.
- Turn off the printer.
- Open the printer cover.
- Carefully remove the old ribbon cartridge by lifting it out.
- Unpack the new ribbon cartridge and install it, ensuring the ribbon is properly threaded and the cartridge clicks into place.
- Close the printer cover.
5.2. Cleaning the Printer
Periodically clean the printer to remove dust and paper debris.
- Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord.
- Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior of the printer.
- Gently clean the inside of the printer, especially around the print head area, using a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a small nozzle attachment to remove dust and paper fragments.
- Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents inside the printer.
6. Troubleshooting
This section provides solutions to common issues you might encounter.
6.1. Printer Not Responding
- Ensure the printer is powered on and the power cable is securely connected.
- Check the USB cable connection between the printer and your computer. Try a different USB port or cable.
- Verify that the correct printer driver is installed and selected on your computer.
- Restart both the printer and your computer.
6.2. Paper Jams
- Turn off the printer and open the printer cover.
- Carefully remove any jammed paper, pulling it gently in the direction of the paper path. Avoid tearing the paper.
- Ensure paper is loaded correctly and the paper guides are adjusted to the paper width.
- Close the printer cover and turn the printer back on.
6.3. Poor Print Quality
- Check the ribbon cartridge. If the print is faded or uneven, the ribbon may need replacement.
- Ensure the paper type and thickness are suitable for impact printing.
- Clean the print head area as described in the Maintenance section.
- Adjust the print head gap if necessary (refer to the detailed user manual for specific instructions).
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 18"D x 7"W x 15"H |
| Item Weight | 15.9 pounds |
| Printing Technology | Dot Matrix |
| Printer Output | Monochrome |
| Maximum Print Speed (Monochrome) | Up to 738 cps (Ultra Speed Draft, 12 cpi) |
| Maximum Black and White Print Resolution | 240 dpi |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Maximum Media Size | Paper Roll (also supports cut-sheet and continuous forms) |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | 7 pages thick (for multipart forms) |
| Power Consumption | 57 Watts |
| Printer Ink Type | Ribbon |
| Compatible Devices | Laptops, PC |
| Model Name | FX-890II |
8. Warranty and Support
The Epson FX-890II Impact Printer comes with a 3-year limited warranty. Please refer to the "Warranty Certificate Ordering Information" included in your product box for full terms and conditions.
For technical support, driver downloads, or additional information, please visit the official Epson support website or contact Epson customer service.
Online Support: www.epson.com/support
