 Acer File Extensions |
Epson LQ-850/950/1050
DIP Switches
The printers have two sets of DIP (Dual In-line Package) switches located on the rear panel of the printer. These switches control certain printer functions and default settings, the details of which are listed below.
| Switch No. | Function | On | Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| SW1-1 | Character Set | See Character Tables | |
| SW1-2 | Character Set | See Character Tables | |
| SW1-3 | Character Set | See Character Tables | |
| SW1-4 | Code Table | Graphic | Italic |
| SW1-5 | Not Used | Not Used | |
| SW1-6 | Not Used | Not Used | |
| SW1-7 | Cut Sheet Feeder | Valid | Invalid |
| SW1-8 | Select Buffer Capacity | 0KB | 6KB |
| SW2-1 | Form Length | 12" | 11" |
| SW2-2 | 1" Skip-over perforation | Valid | Invalid |
| SW2-3 | Interface Selection | See Interface Table | |
| SW2-4 | Interface Selection | See Interface Table | |
| SW2-5 | Baud Rate | See Baud Rate Table | |
| SW2-6 | Baud Rate | See Baud Rate Table | |
| SW2-7 | Short Tear-off | Valid | Invalid |
| SW2-8 | Auto-line feed | Auto LF | No LF |
Character Table
| Character Set | SW1-1 | SW1-2 | SW1-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ON | ON | ON |
| France | ON | ON | OFF |
| Germany | ON | OFF | ON |
| UK | ON | OFF | OFF |
| Denmark | OFF | ON | ON |
| Sweden | OFF | ON | OFF |
| Italy | OFF | OFF | ON |
| Spain | OFF | OFF | OFF |
Interface Table
| Interface | SW2-3 | SW2-4 |
|---|---|---|
| 8-bit Parallel | OFF | OFF |
| Serial - Even | ON | OFF |
| Serial - Odd | OFF | ON |
| Serial - None | ON | ON |
Baud Rate Table
| Baud Rate | SW2-5 | SW2-6 |
|---|---|---|
| 9,600 | OFF | OFF |
| 4,800 | ON | OFF |
| 1,200 | OFF | ON |
| 300 | ON | ON |
How do I get the short tear off feature to work?
The first step is to turn the dip switch 2-7 to the "ON" position. Then there are two ways to activate the short tear off. The first way is to send a form feed at the end of each page. The second way is to send 66 lines of data to the printer. In both instances data transmission must stop for a minimum of 3 seconds before the feature is activated.
When printing on single sheets, each page drops down several lines. Why?
The number of printable lines on single sheets are 61 or 62. Change the number of lines/page in your software package.
Where are the P-ROM and Character Generator ROM located on the main board of the LQ-850/950/1050?
The P-ROM is in location 9A. The Character Generator ROM is in location 6A.
What size buffer does the LQ-850/950/1050 have?
6K bytes or 0K bytes. This is selectable by dip switch 1-8.
What are the printing speeds?
The printing speeds are:
| Pitch | Quality | Characters/Second |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Draft | 220 |
| 10 | LQ | 73 |
| 12 | Draft | 264 |
| 12 | LQ | 88 |
What ribbons does the LQ-850/950/1050 take?
LQ-850 - Standard (#7753), Film (#7768)
LQ-950 - Standard (#7767), Film (#7769)
LQ-1050 - Standard (#7754), Film (#7770)
Does the LQ-850/950/1050 support color?
No.
What fonts are built into the LQ-850/950/1050?
- Draft
- Roman(10cpi, 12cpi, 15cpi)
- Roman Proportional
- Sans Serif(10cpi, 12cpi, 15cpi)
- Sans Serif Proportional
Are there any optional fonts available?
- Courier(10cpi, 12cpi, 15cpi) - Font Module #7400A
- Prestige(10cpi, 12cpi, 15cpi) - Font Module #7401A
- Script(10cpi, 12cpi, 15cpi) - Font Module #7402A
- OCRB(10cpi) - Font Module #7403A
- Orator(10cpi) - Only Available with #7407
- Orator-S(10cpi) - Only Available with #7407
- Multi-Font Module* - Font Module #7407
* Multi-Font Module contains all the above listed fonts. It is available for the LQ-950 and LQ-850/1050 with the upgrade (LQ850/1050U).
What type of paper feeds do they support?
- Friction
- Built-in push feed tractor with paper tension unit
- Single bin or dual bin Cut Sheet Feeder (optional)
- Pull Tractor (optional)
What size envelopes can they print on?
Number 6 and number 10 envelopes.
What are the paper thickness specifications for multi-part forms?
It will print on continuous multi-part carbonless forms, with one original and up to 3 copies. The maximum paper thickness should not exceed 0.0126 inches.
If it comes with the built-in push feed tractor unit, why does it need an optional pull tractor?
When printing on multi-part forms, the optional pull tractor keeps the forms taut for more consistant paper feeding.
How do I switch from parallel to serial in the printers?
The dip switches on the back of the printer determine which interface is being used.
What if I want to install an optional serial interface board?
Install the optional interface as detailed in the User's Manual. Then set the dip switches on the printer to the parallel position and then set the dip switches on the optional interface board to enable it.
Which optional serial interface boards will work?
The two current serial interface boards that work are the 8143 and the 8148.
If I want to use the built-in serial interface on the printer, what cable do I use?
Epson markets two cables that allow direct connection to personal computers. When connecting the 6 pin DIN to an IBM PC/XT or compatible DB-25 serial port use cable #8297. When connecting to an IBM AT or compatible 9 pin serial port use cable #CA-070.
Does the LQ-850/950/1050 support the legal character set?
The LQ-950 does have the legal character set built in. The LQ-850/1050 needs the upgrade kit (kit #LQ850/1050U) to support the legal characters.
What is the upgrade kit for the LQ-850/1050?
The upgrade kit, #LQ850/1050U, upgrades the printer to allow the use of the new dual bin cut sheet feeder (product code for the LQ-850 = #7346 and for the LQ-1050 = #7348).
What does the upgrade kit contain?
It has a new P-ROM, instruction sheet, an errata sheet and a new user's manual.
Is the upgrade kit for the LQ-950 too?
No, the LQ-950 comes standard with the upgrade built in.