Epson LQ-590II 24-Pin Dot Matrix Printer User Manual

1. Introduction

The Epson LQ-590II is a robust 24-pin dot matrix printer designed for critical daily print requirements. It offers durability, ease of use, and a long life cycle, making it suitable for various business environments. This printer is engineered for seamless integration into existing systems and handles a variety of paper types, including multipart forms up to seven pages thick.

Figure 1.1: Front view of the Epson LQ-590II Dot Matrix Printer.

Key Features:

• Durable 24-pin impact printing mechanism.
• Print speeds up to 584 characters per second (cps).
• Low cost of ownership with long-lasting ribbon cartridges.
• Advanced paper handling for cut-sheet, continuous, and multipart forms.
• Intuitive control panel for easy setup and operation.

2. Safety Information

Please read all safety instructions before using the printer to prevent injury or damage. Keep this manual for future reference.

• Ensure the printer is placed on a stable, level surface.
• Do not block ventilation openings.
• Use only the power cord supplied with the printer.
• Do not attempt to service the printer yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• Important Note: An interface cable is not included with the printer and must be purchased separately.

3. Setup

3.1 Unpacking and Initial Inspection

Carefully remove the printer from its packaging. Check for any visible damage. Ensure all components listed in the packing materials are present.

3.2 Connecting the Printer

Connect the power cord to the printer and a grounded electrical outlet. Connect the printer to your computer using a compatible interface cable (USB or Parallel). The interface cable is not included.

Figure 3.1: Rear view of the printer showing USB and Parallel ports.

3.3 Installing the Ribbon Cartridge

1. Open the printer cover.
2. Carefully insert the ribbon cartridge into its designated slot, ensuring it clicks into place.
3. Turn the ribbon feed knob to ensure the ribbon is taut and properly aligned.
4. Close the printer cover.

3.4 Loading Paper

3.4.1 Loading Continuous Forms (Tractor Feed)

For continuous forms, the rear tractor unit must be installed. If not already installed, remove the paper tensioner and attach the rear tractor pull unit. Feed the continuous paper from the rear of the printer, aligning the sprocket holes with the tractor pins. Adjust the paper guides to fit the paper width.

Figure 3.2: Continuous paper loaded into the printer's rear tractor feed.

3.4.2 Loading Cut-Sheet Paper

For single sheets or stacks of cut-sheet paper, load the paper into the sheet feeder. The printer will automatically sense the paper and load it without requiring a button press. Ensure the paper guides are adjusted to the paper width.

Figure 3.3: Cut-sheet paper loaded into the printer's sheet feeder.

3.5 Driver Installation

Insert the provided CD-ROM into your computer's drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer drivers. The installation process is designed to be straightforward, especially for Windows 10 operating systems. If a CD-ROM drive is not available, drivers can typically be downloaded from the official Epson support website.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Control Panel Overview

The control panel provides access to various printer functions and settings. Familiarize yourself with the buttons and indicators:

• Font: Selects different print fonts.
• Pitch: Adjusts character pitch (e.g., 10cpi, 12cpi, 15cpi, 17cpi, 20cpi).
• Tear Off/Bin: Advances continuous paper to the tear-off position or switches between paper bins.
• Load/Eject: Loads or ejects cut-sheet paper.
• Lock: Locks the control panel to prevent accidental changes.
• Pause: Temporarily stops printing.
• Micro Adjust: Fine-tunes paper position.
• Menu: Accesses advanced printer settings.

4.2 Printing Documents

Once the printer is connected, drivers are installed, and paper is loaded, you can print documents from your computer's applications. Select the Epson LQ-590II as your printer and adjust print settings as needed within your application.

Figure 4.1: The printer in operation, handling a multi-part form.

4.3 Using Multi-Part Forms

The LQ-590II is capable of printing on multi-part forms up to seven pages thick. Ensure the paper thickness lever (if present) is adjusted correctly for optimal print quality and to prevent paper jams.

4.4 Low Noise Setting

For quieter operation, the printer features a low noise setting. This can typically be activated through the control panel menu or printer driver settings. Refer to the detailed user guide on the installation CD for specific instructions on enabling this feature.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge

When print quality degrades or the ribbon is depleted, replace the ribbon cartridge. Ribbon cartridges for the LQ-590II are designed for long life and are cost-effective. To replace:

1. Turn off the printer and open the printer cover.
2. Remove the old ribbon cartridge by lifting it out.
3. Unpack the new ribbon cartridge and install it, ensuring it snaps into place.
4. Turn the ribbon feed knob to ensure proper ribbon tension.
5. Close the printer cover.

5.2 Cleaning the Printer

Periodically clean the exterior of the printer with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents. Ensure no dust or debris accumulates in the paper path or around the print head.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Common Issues and Solutions

• Printer Not Responding: Check power connections, interface cable connections, and ensure the printer is turned on. Verify the correct printer driver is selected on your computer.
• Paper Jams: Turn off the printer, carefully remove any jammed paper from the paper path. Ensure paper guides are correctly set for the paper size.
• Poor Print Quality: Replace the ribbon cartridge if the print is faded. Ensure the paper thickness lever is set correctly. Clean the print head if necessary (refer to the full manual for instructions).
• Continuous Beeping (e.g., 3 beeps): This often indicates a paper-related issue, such as continuous paper not being loaded correctly or a paper out error. Reload the continuous paper, ensuring the tractor feed is properly engaged and the paper tensioner is removed if using the rear tractor pull. Check for any obstructions in the paper path.

6.2 Error Indicators

Refer to the printer's control panel lights for error indications. Consult the comprehensive user manual (available on the installation CD or Epson's website) for a detailed list of error codes and their corresponding solutions.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

8.1 Warranty Information

The Epson LQ-590II printer comes with a Limited Warranty. For specific terms and conditions, including warranty duration and coverage details, please refer to the warranty documentation included with your product or visit the official Epson website.

8.2 Customer Support

For technical assistance, driver downloads, or further information, please visit the official Epson support website or contact Epson customer service. Have your printer model number (LQ-590II) and serial number ready when contacting support.