1. Introduction
This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and efficient use of your Epson EcoTank ET-2980 Wireless All-in-One Color Supertank Printer. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the printer and keep it for future reference.
Image 1.1: The Epson EcoTank ET-2980 printer shown with its included ink bottles.
2. Safety Information
Observe the following safety precautions to prevent damage to the printer or injury to yourself:
- Always place the printer on a stable, flat surface.
- Do not block ventilation openings.
- Use only the power cord supplied with the printer.
- Keep ink bottles out of reach of children and do not ingest ink.
- Unplug the printer from the power outlet before cleaning or performing maintenance.
- Avoid touching the internal components of the printer, especially the print head, unless instructed to do so for maintenance.
3. What's in the Box
Verify that all components are present in the packaging:
- Epson EcoTank ET-2980 All-in-One Printer
- Instruction Manual
- Power Cord
- 1 bottle of 502 Black Ink (127 mL)
- 1 bottle each of 502 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Ink (70 mL each)
Image 3.1: Contents of the EcoTank ET-2980 packaging.
4. Setup
4.1 Unpacking
- Remove the printer from its box and remove all protective materials, tapes, and plastic films.
- Open the scanner unit and remove any internal packing materials. Close the scanner unit.
4.2 Filling the Ink Tanks
The EcoTank ET-2980 features supersized ink tanks designed for easy, mess-free refilling.
- Open the ink tank unit cover on the side of the printer.
- Open the cap for the black ink tank.
- Uncap the black ink bottle (502 Black). The unique keyed EcoFit bottles prevent accidental filling of the wrong color.
- Insert the ink bottle into the filling port. The ink will automatically start to fill the tank. Do not squeeze the bottle.
- Once the tank is full, the ink flow will stop. Remove the bottle and recap it. Close the black ink tank cap.
- Repeat this process for the Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow ink tanks using their respective color bottles.
- Close the ink tank unit cover.
Image 4.1: Illustration of the ink tank refilling process.
4.3 Power On and Initial Setup
- Connect the power cord to the printer and then to a power outlet.
- Press the power button to turn on the printer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions on the 1.44-inch color display to select your language and perform the initial ink charging. This process may take approximately 11 minutes.
4.4 Software Installation and Wireless Connection
- Visit the Epson support website for your model (epson.com/support/ET2980) to download the latest drivers and software.
- Run the installer and follow the prompts to install the necessary software.
- During installation, you will be guided through connecting your printer to your wireless network (Wi-Fi). Ensure your printer and computer are on the same network.
- Alternatively, you can connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable (not included).
5. Operating the Printer
5.1 Basic Printing
The ET-2980 offers fast print speeds of 15 ISO ppm for black and 8 ISO ppm for color.
- Load paper into the 100-sheet paper tray.
- Open the document you wish to print on your computer or mobile device.
- Select 'Print' from the application's menu.
- Choose your Epson ET-2980 printer.
- Adjust print settings such as paper size, type, and print quality as needed.
- Click 'Print'.
5.2 Scanning
The printer includes a built-in flatbed scanner.
- Place the document or photo face-down on the scanner glass.
- From your computer, open the Epson Scan software or use the Epson Smart Panel app on your mobile device.
- Select scan settings such as document type, resolution, and destination.
- Click 'Scan'.
5.3 Copying
Use the printer's control panel for direct copying.
- Place the document face-down on the scanner glass.
- On the printer's 1.44-inch color display, navigate to the 'Copy' function.
- Adjust settings like number of copies, paper size, and color/black & white.
- Press the 'Start' button to begin copying.
5.4 Mobile Printing
Print and scan directly from your smart device using the Epson Smart Panel app or Apple AirPrint.
- Epson Smart Panel App: Download the app from your device's app store. Ensure your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer. The app allows for printing, scanning, and managing printer settings.
- Apple AirPrint: For Apple iOS devices, select the print option from your application, choose your ET-2980 printer, and print directly without additional drivers.
Image 5.1: Key features of the EcoTank ET-2980, including connectivity and printing capabilities.
5.5 Auto 2-Sided Printing (Duplex)
The ET-2980 supports automatic two-sided printing to save paper.
- When printing from your computer, open the print dialog box.
- Look for an option like 'Two-Sided Printing', 'Duplex Printing', or 'Print on both sides'.
- Select the desired binding option (e.g., long-edge or short-edge binding).
- Click 'Print'.
6. Maintenance
6.1 Checking Ink Levels
Monitor ink levels regularly to ensure continuous printing. Ink levels can be checked visually through the transparent ink tanks on the front of the printer or via the printer's display and software.
6.2 Print Head Cleaning
If print quality declines (e.g., missing lines, faded colors), perform a print head cleaning.
- From the printer's control panel, navigate to 'Maintenance' or 'Setup'.
- Select 'Print Head Cleaning'.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. This process uses a small amount of ink.
6.3 Nozzle Check
Perform a nozzle check to diagnose print quality issues before cleaning the print head.
- From the printer's control panel, navigate to 'Maintenance' or 'Setup'.
- Select 'Nozzle Check'.
- The printer will print a pattern. Examine the pattern for gaps or missing segments.
- If the pattern is incomplete, perform a print head cleaning.
6.4 Paper Handling
Always load paper correctly to prevent jams and ensure optimal print quality.
- Fan the paper stack before loading to separate sheets.
- Do not overload the paper tray.
- Use recommended paper types and sizes for best results.
Image 6.1: Epson recommends using genuine Epson ink for optimal print quality and performance.
7. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your ET-2980 printer.
7.1 Print Quality Issues
- Faded or Streaky Prints: Perform a nozzle check. If the pattern is incomplete, run a print head cleaning cycle. Repeat up to three times if necessary.
- Incorrect Colors: Ensure you are using genuine Epson ink. Check ink levels and perform a print head cleaning.
- Paper Jams: Remove any jammed paper carefully, following instructions on the printer's display or in the online guide. Ensure paper is loaded correctly and not creased.
7.2 Connectivity Problems
- Printer Not Found on Network: Verify that the printer is powered on and connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Restart your router, printer, and computer. Re-run the wireless setup utility.
- Cannot Print from Mobile Device: Ensure the mobile device is on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. Update the Epson Smart Panel app to the latest version.
7.3 Ink Spillage During Refill
If ink spills during refilling, it may indicate an issue with the ink bottle or tank. Ensure the bottle is correctly aligned and inserted. If spillage persists, contact Epson support.
8. Specifications
Key technical specifications for the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 printer:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 13.7"D x 14.8"W x 7.4"H |
| Maximum Media Size | 8.5 x 14 inch |
| Power Consumption | 13 Watts (On-mode) |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | 100 sheets |
| Maximum Color Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 Dots Per Inch |
| Maximum Black and White Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 Dots Per Inch |
| Dual-sided printing | Automatic |
| Connectivity Technology | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Max Print Speed (Monochrome) | 15 ppm |
| Max Print Speed (Color) | 8 ppm |
| Item Weight | 11.5 pounds |
9. Warranty and Support
9.1 Limited Warranty
The Epson EcoTank ET-2980 comes with a limited warranty. This typically includes a 1-year warranty or 50,000 prints, whichever comes first. If registered within 1 year of purchase, the warranty may be extended to 2 years or 50,000 prints. Refer to the warranty documentation included with your product for full terms and conditions.
9.2 Customer Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty claims, please visit the official Epson support website or contact their customer service. Ensure you have your printer model number (ET-2980) and serial number ready when contacting support.
10. Environmental Considerations
The Epson EcoTank ET-2980 is designed with environmental impact in mind, featuring a cartridge-free ink system.
- Zero Cartridge Waste: By using refillable ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges, the EcoTank system significantly reduces plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.
- Energy Efficiency: The printer utilizes PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology, which consumes less power compared to conventional thermal inkjet printers.
Image 10.1: The EcoTank system helps reduce plastic waste from cartridges.
