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SC900 Revision C

EPSON Stylus Color 900 (Revision C)

Color ink jet printer

SEIJ98006



Notice:

All ri

hts reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means,

electronic, mechanical, photocopyin

, recordin

, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.

The contents of this manual are subject to chan

e without notice.

All effort have been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this manual. However, should any errors be detected, SEIKO EPSON

would

reatly appreciate bein

informed of them.

The above not withstandin

SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION can assume no responsibility for any errors in this manual or the consequences

thereof.

EPSON is a re

istered trademark of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.

General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purpose only and may be trademarks or re

istered trademarks of their

respective owners. EPSON disclaims any and all ri

hts in those marks.

Copyri

PRECAUTIONS

Precautionary notations throu

hout the text are cate

orized relative to 1)Personal injury and 2) dama

e to equipment.

DANGER

nals a precaution which, if i

nored, could result in serious or fatal personal injury. Great caution should be exercised in

performin

procedures preceded by DANGER Headin

WARNING

nals a precaution which, if i

nored, could result in dama

e to equipment.

The precautionary measures itemized below should always be observed when performin

repair/maintenance procedures.

DANGER

1. ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PRODUCT FROM THE POWER SOURCE AND PERIPHERAL DEVICES PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE

OR REPAIR PROCEDURES.

2. NOWORK SHOULD BE PERFORMED ON THE UNIT BY PERSONS UNFAMILIAR WITH BASIC SAFETY MEASURES AS DICTATED FOR

ALL ELECTRONICS TECHNICIANS IN THEIR LINE OF WORK.

3. WHEN PERFORMING TESTING AS DICTATED WITHIN THIS MANUAL, DO NOT CONNECT THE UNIT TO A POWER SOURCE UNTIL

INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. WHEN THE POWER SUPPLY CABLE MUST BE CONNECTED, USE EXTREME CAUTION IN WORKING ON

POWER SUPPLY AND OTHER ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.

WARNING

1. REPAIRS ON EPSON PRODUCT SHOULD BE PERFORMED ONLY BY AN EPSON CERTIFIED REPAIR TECHNICIAN.

2. MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE SOURCE VOLTAGES IS THE SAME AS THE RATED VOLTAGE, LISTED ON THE SERIAL NUMBER/RATING

PLATE. IF THE EPSON PRODUCT HAS A PRIMARY AC RATING DIFFERENT FROM AVAILABLE POWER SOURCE, DO NOT CONNECT IT

TO THE POWER SOURCE.

3. ALWAYS VERIFY THAT THE EPSON PRODUCT HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM THE POWER SOURCE BEFORE REMOVING OR

REPLACING PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS AND/OR INDIVIDUAL CHIPS.

4. IN ORDER TO PROTECT SENSITIVE MICROPROCESSORS AND CIRCUITRY, USE STATIC DISCHARGE EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS ANTI-

STATIC WRIST STRAPS, WHEN ACCESSING INTERNAL COMPONENTS.

5. REPLACE MALFUNCTIONING COMPONENTS ONLY WITH THOSE COMPONENTS BY THE MANUFACTURE; INTRODUCTION OF

SECOND-SOURCE ICs OR OTHER NONAPPROVED COMPONENTS MAY DAMAGE THE PRODUCT AND VOID ANY APPLICABLE EPSON

WARRANTY.

PREFACE

This manual describes basic functions, theory of electrical and mechanical operations, maintenance and repair procedures of Stylus Color 900. The

instructions and procedures included herein are intended for the experienced repair technicians, and attention should be

iven to the precautions on

the precedin

e. The chapters are or

anized as follows:

CHAPTER 1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS

Provides a

eneral overview and specifications of the product.

CHAPTER 2. OPERATING PRINCIPLES

Describes the theory of electrical and mechanical operations of the product.

CHAPTER 3. TROUBLESHOOTING

Provides the step-by-step procedures for troubleshootin

CHAPTER 4. DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY

Describes the step-by-step procedures for disassemblin

and assemblin

the

product.

CHAPTER 5. ADJUSTMENTS

Provides Epson-approved methods for adjustment.

CHAPTER 6. MAINTENANCE

Provides preventive maintenance procedures and the lists of Epson-approved

lubricants and adhesives required for servicin

the product.

APPENDIX

Provides the following additional information for reference:

• Connector pin assignments

• Electric circuit boards components layout

• Exploded diagram

• Electrical circuit boards schematics

Revision Status

Revision Issued Date Description

A Januar

06, 1999 First Release

B Februar

15, 1999

The followin

items have been revised:

•Pa

e 105/Table 4-1:

Some contents have been chan

ed.

•Fi

ure 4-4, Fi

ure 4-17:

Contents of the fi

ures have been corrected.

•Fi

ure 4-13, 4-15, 4-16, 4-24, 4-25, 4-39, 4-40, 4-41:

ure titles have been corrected.

•Fi

ure 4-14:

ure title and the contents of the fi

ure have been corrected.

es from 140 throu

h 145:

Head An

ular Adjustment procedure has been chan

ed due to overall

review of the section.

C March 4, 1999

The whole book is revised. The actual chan

e is made on the followin

points:

• Chapter 4 / Pa

e 115 / Fi

ure 4-18 and step 3

• Chapter 5 / Pa

e 135 to 141and Pa

e 148.

The rest of the pa

es in this chapter onl

chan

ed in pa

e numbers.

• Chapter 6 and 7 chan

ed in pa

e numbers onl

Contents

Product Description

Features ...................................................................................................... 10

Specifications ............................................................................................ 11

Printing Specifications ............................................................................ 11

Options and Consumable Products ........................................................ 14

Paper Specifications ............................................................................... 15

Cut Sheet ........................................................................................... 15

Transparency, Glossy Paper .............................................................. 15

Envelope ............................................................................................ 15

Index Card .......................................................................................... 15

Self Adhesive Sheets ......................................................................... 15

Photo Paper ....................................................................................... 16

Photo Stickers .................................................................................... 16

Printable Area ......................................................................................... 17

Ink Cartridge Specifications .................................................................... 19

Black Ink Cartridge ............................................................................. 19

Color Ink Cartridge ............................................................................. 20

Electrical Specifications .......................................................................... 21

Environmental Condition ........................................................................ 21

Reliability ................................................................................................ 22

Safety Approvals .................................................................................... 22

Acoustic Noise ........................................................................................ 22

CE Marking (220 ~ 240 V version) ......................................................... 22

Physical Specifications ........................................................................... 22

Interface ...................................................................................................... 23

Parallel Interface (Forward Channel) ..................................................... 23

Parallel Interface (Reverse Channel) ..................................................... 26

Mac Serial Interface ............................................................................... 28

USB Interface ......................................................................................... 29

Printer Language and Emulation ............................................................ 29

Prevention Hosts from Data Transfer time-out ....................................... 29

Auto Interface Selection ......................................................................... 29

IEEE 1284.4 Protocol ......................................................................... 30

Control Panel Operation ........................................................................... 31

Indicators (LEDs) ................................................................................... 31

Panel Functions ..................................................................................... 32

Printer Setting Mode ........................................................................... 32

Special Setting Mode ......................................................................... 34

Printer Condition and Panel Status ........................................................ 35

Error Status ................................................................................................ 36

Ink Out .................................................................................................... 36

Paper Out ............................................................................................... 36

Paper Jam .............................................................................................. 36

No Ink Cartridge ..................................................................................... 36

Maintenance Request ............................................................................ 36

Fatal Errors ............................................................................................ 36

Printer Initialization ................................................................................... 37

Component Layout .................................................................................... 38

Printer Mechanism ................................................................................. 38

C265 Main Board ................................................................................... 39

C265 PSB/PSE Board ............................................................................ 41

C265 PNL Board .................................................................................... 42

C265 Relay Board .................................................................................. 42

Operating Principles

Overview .................................................................................................... 44

Printer Mechanism Operating Principles ................................................ 44

Carriage Mechanism .............................................................................. 46

Printing Mechanism ................................................................................ 48

Paper Load Mechanism ......................................................................... 49

Paper Feed Mechanism ......................................................................... 51

Pump/ASF Switch Mechanism ............................................................... 52

Pump / Carriage Lock / Head Cleaner Mechanism ................................ 54

Electrical Circuit Operation Principles .................................................... 56

C265 PSB/PSE Power Supply Board ..................................................... 56

C265Main Board .................................................................................... 59

CR Motor Driver Circuit .......................................................................... 67

PF Motor Driver Circuit ........................................................................... 69

Pump/ASF Motor Driver Circuit .............................................................. 71

Printhead Driver Circuit .......................................................................... 72

Cooling Fan Driver Circuit ...................................................................... 74

ASF Solenoid Driver Circuit .................................................................... 76

EEPROM Control Driver Circuit ............................................................. 77

Troubleshooting

Overview ..................................................................................................... 79

Troubleshooting with LED Error Indications ........................................... 80

Remedies for Paper Out Error ............................................................ 81

Remedies for the Paper Jam Error ..................................................... 83

Remedies for No I/C and Ink Out Errors ............................................. 85

Remedies for the Maintenance Error ................................................. 87

Remedies for Fatal Error .................................................................... 88

Isolating the Faulty Part on the Power Supply Board ............................. 90

Isolating the Faulty Part according to the Phenomenon ......................... 92

Disassembly and Assembly

Overview ................................................................................................... 102

Precautions for Disassembling the Printer ........................................... 102

Disassembly Procedures ........................................................................ 104

Upper Case and Control Panel Removal ............................................. 106

Printer Mechanism Removal ................................................................ 107

C265 Main Board Unit Removal ........................................................... 108

Relay Board and Cooling Fan Removal ............................................... 109

Shield Plate on the C265 Main Board Removal ................................... 110

C265 PSB/PSE Board Removal ........................................................... 111

Printer Mechanism Disassembly .......................................................... 112

Printhead Removal ........................................................................... 112

CR Motor Removal ........................................................................... 114

PF Motor Removal ........................................................................... 115

Pump/ASF Motor and Solenoid Removal ......................................... 116

ASF Unit Removal ............................................................................ 116

ASF Sensor Removal ....................................................................... 121

CRHP Sensor Removal .................................................................... 122

PE Sensor Removal ......................................................................... 122

Encoder Belt Sensor Removal ......................................................... 123

Carriage Unit Removal ..................................................................... 124

Pump Unit Removal ......................................................................... 125

Paper Eject Frame Removal ............................................................ 126

Paper Eject Roller Removal ............................................................. 126

Platen Removal ................................................................................ 127

PF Roller Removal ........................................................................... 128

Adjustment

Overview .................................................................................................. 131

Conditions for Each Adjustment ........................................................... 131

Adjustments ............................................................................................. 134

Preliminary Operation .......................................................................... 134

Market Destination Check .................................................................... 136

Head Actuator Voltage Input ................................................................ 137

Head Angular Adjustment .................................................................... 141

Bi-Directional Adjustment ..................................................................... 148

Printhead Cleaning Using the Program ................................................ 153

Initial Ink Charge .................................................................................. 154

Indication of the Counter Value for the Waste Ink Pad ........................ 155

Fan Check ............................................................................................ 157

Paper Gap Adjustment ......................................................................... 158

Maintenance

Overview .................................................................................................. 162

Maintenance ......................................................................................... 162

Cleaning the Printhead ..................................................................... 163

Maintenance Request Error ............................................................. 164

Lubrication and Adhesion ...................................................................... 165

Lubricating the Carriage Guide Shaft ................................................... 166

Appendix

Connector Summary ............................................................................... 172

EEPROM ADDRESS MAP ....................................................................... 176

Component Layout .................................................................................. 180

Parts List .................................................................................................. 184

Exploded Diagrams ................................................................................. 187

Circuit Diagrams ...................................................................................... 195





PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Features 10

1.1 FEATURES

The Stylus COLOR 900 is the latest in EPSON’s advanced lines of ink

jet printers and offering the following features.

High color print quality:

- 1440 (H) x720 (V) dpi printing

- Printing with 4 color inks (YMCK)

- Traditional and New Microweave

- Imprevement in color rendering using variable dot

Built-in auto sheet feeder:

- Holds 100 cut-sheets (64 g/m2)

- Holds 10 envelopes

- Holds 30 transparency fIlms

Built-in 3 I/F and 1 optional I/F card slot

- Mac serial I/F (up to approximately 1.8 Mbps)

- Bi-directional parallel I/F (lEEE-1284 level 1 device)

- USB

- Optional Type-B level 2 I/F card slot

4 scaleable fonts, 5 LQ fonts

13 character tables (Standard version)

37 character tables (NLSP version)

Figure 1-1. Stylus Color 900

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Specifications 11

1.2 Specifications

1.2.1 Printing Specifications

Print method: On demand ink jet

Nozzle configuration: Monochrome=192 nozzles (96 x 2 staggered)

Color=96 nozzles x 3 (Cyan, Magenta,

Yellow)

(See Figure 1-2 for the nozzle configuration.)

Figure 1-2. Nozzle configuration

Print direction: Bi-direction with logic seeking

Print speed and Printable columns

Control code: ESC/P2 and expanded raster graphics code

EPSON Remote command

IBM X24E emulation

360 dpi

180 dpi

#96 #96

#95

#94

#93

#95

#94

#93

#96

#95

#94

#93

#96

#95

#94

#93

R ow A (B lack 1)

R ow B (B lack 2)

R ow C (M agenta)

Row D (Cyan)

Row E (Yellow)

Table 1-1.

Print Speed and Printable Columns for Character Mode

Character pitch Printable columns LQ speed

10 CPI (Pica) 80 285 CPS

12 CPI (Elite) 96 342 CPS

15 CPI 120 428 CPS

17 CPI (Pica condensed) 137 487 CPS

20 CPI (EIite condensed) 160 570 CPS

Table 1-2.

Print Speed and Printable columns for Raster Graphics Mode

Horizontal

resolution Printable area Available dot CRS

180 dpi 8.26 inch 1488 28.5 IPS

360 dpi 8.26 inch 2976 28.5 IPS

720 dpi 8.26 inch 5952 20 IPS

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Specifications 12

Character tables: Legal and 14 international character sets

Standard version: (13 character tables)

Italic table PC 860 (Portuguese)

PC 850 (Multilingual) PC 437(US, Standard Europe)

PC 861 (Icelandic) PC 863(Canadian-French)

PC 865(Nordic) Abicomp

BRASCII Roman 8

ISO Latin 1 PC 858

ISO 8859-15

NLSP version: (36 character tables)

Italic table PC437 PC437 Greek

PC850 PC852 PC853

PC855 PC857 PC860

PC861 PC865 PC866

PC869 MAZOWIA Code MJK

ISO 8859-7 lSO Latin 1T Bulgaria

PC774 Estonia ISO 8859-2

PC866 LAT PC866 UKR PC AR864

PC APTEC PC708 PC720

Hebrew7* Hebrew8* PC862*

Abicomp BRASCII Roman 8

ISO Latin 1 PC 858 lSO 8859-15

* These character tables can not be selected in the Default setting

mode.

Typeface

Bit map LQ font:

EPSON Roman 10 CPI, 12 CPI, 15CPI, Proportional

EPSON Sans Serif 10 CPI, 12 CPI, 15CPI, Proportional

EPSON Courier 10 CPI, 12 CPI, 15CPI

EPSON Prestige 10 CPI, 12 CPI, 15CPI

EPSON Script 10 CPI, 12 CPI, 15CPI

Scaleable font

EPSON Roman 10.5 pt., 8 pt., - 32 pt. (every 2 pt.)

EPSON Sans Serif 10.5 pt., 8 pt., - 32 pt. (every 2 pt.)

EPSON Roman T 10.5 pt., 8 pt., - 32 pt. (every 2 pt.)

EPSON Sans Serif H 10.5 pt., 8 pt., - 32 pt. (every 2 pt.)

* Each Typeface has 4 variations as the following example of

EPSON Roman.

EPSON Roman normal

EPSON Roman bold

EPSON Roman italic

EPSON Roman bold italic

See Table 1-3 which lists the character tables and available

typefaces.

Feeding method: Friction feed with ASF

Line spacing: 1/6 inch, 1/8 inch or programable at 1/360

inch

Paper path: Cut-sheet ASF (Top entry, Front out)

Feed speed: 192/360 inch feed = 116 ms

Continuous feed = 176.3 mm/second

(6.94 inch/second)

Input data buffer: 256 KB

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Specifications 13

* Not mentioned in the User’s Guide. These character tables can not select in the default setting

mode.

Table 1-3. Character Tables and Available Typefaces

Character Tables Bit map font Scaleable font

Standard version

Italic table

PC 860 (Portuguese)

PC 861 (Icelandic)

PC 865 (Nordic)

Abicomp

lSO Latin1

ISO 8859-15

PC 437 (US Standard Europe)

PC 850 (Multilingual)

PC 863 (Canadian-French)

BRASCII

Roman 8

PC 858

EPSON Roman

EPSON Sans Serif

EPSON Courier

EPSON Prestige

EPSON Script

EPSON Roman

EPSON Sans Serif

EPSON Roman T

EPSON Sans Serif H

NLSP version

Italic table

PC 850 (Multilingual)

PC 861 (Icelandic)

Abicomp

lSOLatin1

ISO 8859-15

PC 437(US Standard Europe)

PC 860(Portuguese)

PC 865(Nordic)BRASCIl

Roman8

PC 858

PC437Greek

PC 853 (Turkish)

PC 857 (Turkish)

PC 869 (Greek)

Code MJK (CSFR)

lSO Latin 1T (Turkish)

PC7 74

1SO 8859-2 (lSO Latin 2)

PC 866 UKR

PC 852 (East Europe)

PC 855 (Cyrillic)

PC 866 (Russian)

MAZOWIA (Poland)

lSO 8859-7 (Latin/Greek)

Bulgaria (Bulgarian)

Estonia

PC 866 LAT

EPSON Roman

EPSON Sans Serif

EPSON Courier

EPSON Prestige

EPSON Script

EPSON Roman

EPSON Sans Serif

PC APTEC (Arabic)

PC 720 (Arabic) PC 708 (Arabic)

PC AR864 (Arabic)

EPSON Roman

EPSON Sans Serif Not supported

Hebrew7*

Hebrew 8*

PC862 (Hebrew)*

EPSON Roman

EPSON Courier Not supported

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Specifications 14

1.2.2 Options and Consumable Products

NOTE: The asterisk (

∗

) is a substitute for the last digit of the product

number, which varies by country.

NOTE: The availability of special media varies by country.

Table 1-4. Options Available for Stylus Color 900

Table 1-5. Ink Cartridge Available for Stylus Color 900

Table 1-6. EPSON Special Media

Items Codes

32KB Serial I/F card C82307∗ / C82308∗

32KB Parallel Interface Card C80310∗

Coax I/F card C82314∗

Twin-ax I/F card C82315∗

LocalTalk Interface Card C82312∗

Type B Ethernet Interface Card C82362∗/ C82363∗ /

C82364∗

Type B Bi-directional Parallel Interface Card C82345∗

Parallel Interface Cable (shielded) from D-SUB 25-pin

(computer) to 36-pin Amphenol 57 Series (printer) C83602∗

Serial Interface Cable from D-SUB 25-pin (computer)

to D-SUB 25-pin (printer) C83603∗ / C83604∗

Serial Interface Cable from D-SUB 9-pin (computer)

to D-SUB 25-pin (printer) C83605∗ / C83606∗

USB Interface Cable (shielded) from Series A 4-pin

(computer) to Series B 4-pin (printer) (This cable is

not supplied in all locations.) C83623∗

Items Codes

Black Ink Cartridge T003

Color Ink Cartridge T005

Items Codes

EPSON 360 dpi Ink Jet Paper (A4) S041059 / S041025

EPSON 360 dpi Ink Jet Paper (Letter) S041060 / S041028

EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper (A4) S041061 / S041026

EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper (Letter) S041062 / S041029

EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper (Legal) S041067 / S041048

EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Card (A6) S041054

EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Card (5 x 8”) S041121

EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Card (8 x 10”) S041122

EPSON Photo Quality Self Adhesive Sheet (A4) S041106

EPSON Ink Jet Note Card (A6) (with envelopes) S041147

EPSON Ink Jet Greeting Cards (5 x 8”) (with envelops) S041148

EPSON Ink Jet Greeting Cards (8 x 10”) (with envelops) S041149

EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film (A4) S041071

EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film (Letter) S041172

EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film (A6) S041107

EPSON Ink Jet Transparencies (A4) S041063

EPSON Ink Jet Transparencies (Letter) S041064

EPSON Photo Paper (A4) S041140

EPSON Photo Paper (Letter) S041141

EPSON Photo Paper (4 x 6”) S041134

EPSON Photo Paper Cards (A4) S041177

EPSON Photo Stickers 16 (A6) S041144

EPSON Photo Stickers 4 (A6) S041176

EPSON Panoramic Photo Paper (210 x 594 mm) S041145

EPSON Iron-On Cool Peel Transfer Paper (A4) S041154

EPSON Iron-On Cool Peel Transfer Paper (Letter) S041153 / S041155

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Specifications 15

1.2.3 Paper Specifications

This section describes paper specifications including paper handling

and printable area.

Paper Handling: Do not feed paper in reverse more than 9.5 mm

(0.38”).

1.2.3.1 Cut Sheet

Size:

A4: [Width 210 mm (8.3”) x Length 297 mm (11.7”)]

A5: [Width 148 mm (5.8”) x Length 210 mm (8.3”)]

Letter: [Width 216 mm (8.5”) x Length 279 mm (11.0”)]

B5: [Width 182 mm (7.2”) x Length 257 mm (10.1”)]

Legal: [Width 216 mm (8.5”) x Length 356 mm (14.0”)]

Half Letter: [Width 139.7 mm (5.5”) x Length 215.9 mm (8.5”)]

Executive: [Width 184.2 mm (7.25”) x Length 266.7mm(10.5”)]

Thickness: 0.08 mm (0.003”) - 0.11 mm (0.004”)

Weight: 64g/m2 (17Ib.) - 90g/m2 (24Ib.)

Paper Types: Bond paper, Plain paper, EPSON special media

1.2.3.2 Transparency, Glossy Paper

Size

A4: [Width 210 mm (8.3”) x Length 297 mm (11.7”)]

Letter: [Width 216 mm (8.5”) x Length 279 mm (11.0”)]

A6: [Width 105 mm (4.1”) x Length 148 mm (5.8”)]

Thickness: 0.075 mm (0.003”) - 0.085 mm (0.0033”)

Paper Types: EPSON special media

NOTE: Print on transparency at normal temperatures only.

1.2.3.3 Envelope

Thickness: 0.08 mm (0.003”) - 0.11 mm (0.004”)

Size:

No.10: [Width 241 mm (9 1/2”) x Length 104.8 mm (4 1/8”)]

DL: [Width 220 mm (8.7”) x Length 110 mm (4.3”)]

C6: [Width 162 mm (6.4”) x Length 114 mm (4.5”)]

5 x 8”: [Width 220 mm (8.7”) x Length 132 mm (5.2”)]

Thickness: 0.16 mm (0.006”) - 0.52 mm (0.02”)

Weight: 45g/m2 (12Ib.) - 75g/m2 (20Ib.)

Quality: Bond paper, Plain paper, Airmail

NOTES:

1. Print on envelope at normal temperatures only.

2. Place the longer side of the envelope horizontal.

1.2.3.4 Index Card

Size:

A6 Index card: [Width 105 mm (4.1”) x Length 148 mm (5.8”)]

5 x 8” Index card: [Width 127 mm (5.0”) x Length 203 mm (8.0”)]

10 x 8” Index card:[Width 127 mm (5.0”) x Length 203 mm (8.0”)]

Thickness:Less than 0.23 mm (0.0091”)

Paper Types: EPSON special media

1.2.3.5 Self Adhesive Sheets

Size

A4: [Width 210 mm (8.3”) x Length 297 mm (11.7”)]

Paper Types: EPSON special media

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Specifications 16

1.2.3.6 Photo Paper

Size:

A4: [Width 210 mm (8.3”) x Length 297 mm (11.7”)]

Letter: [Width 216 mm (8.5”) x Length 279 mm (11.0”)]

4 x 6”: [Width 102 mm (4”) x Length 152 mm (6”)]

Panoramic: [Width 210 mm (8.3”) x Length 594 mm (23.4”)]

Paper Types: EPSON special media

1.2.3.7 Photo Stickers

Size:

A6 with 4 or 16 frames:

[Width 105 mm (4.1”) x Length 148 mm (5.8”)]

Paper Types: EPSON special media

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Specifications 17

1.2.4 Printable Area

Cut Sheet

See Figure 1-3 and Table 1-7 for the printable area for cut sheets.

Figure 1-3. Printable Area for Cut Sheets

Table 1-7.

Minimum margin for Raster Graphics Mode / Character Mode

*1: For Raster Graphics mode

*2: For Character mode

*3: The minimum bottom margin is reduced to 3 mm when paper dimension is defined

by using the command. Otherwise, the minimum bottom margin remains 14 mm.

Note the extra printing area with the bottom margin of 3 mm is not a guaranteed

area.

Printable area

L M : L e ft M a rg in e

RM: Right Margine

TM : Top M argine

B M : B o tto m M a rg in e

PW : P aper W idth

PL: Paper Length

Paper

Size Left Margin

(Minimum) Right Margin

(Minimum) Top Margin

(Minimum) Bottom Margin

(Minimum)

A4 3 mm (0.12”) 3 mm (0.12”) 3 mm (0.12”) 14 mm (0.54”)

3 mm (0.12”) *3

A5 3 mm (0.12”) 3 mm (0.12”) 3 mm (0.12”) 14 mm (0.54”)

3 mm (0.12”) *3

Letter 3 mm (0.12”) 3 mm (0.12”)*1

9 mm (0.35”)*23 mm (0.12”) 14 mm (0.54”)

3 mm (0.12”) *3

B5 3 mm (0.12”) 3 mm (0.12”) 3 mm (0.12”) 14 mm (0.54”)

3 mm (0.12”) *3

Legal 3 mm (0.12”) 3 mm (0.12”)*1

9 mm (0.35”)*23 mm (0.12”) 14 mm (0.54”)

3 mm (0.12”) *3

Half Letter 3 mm (0.12”) 3 mm (0.12”) 3 mm (0.12”) 14 mm (0.54”)

3 mm (0.12”) *3

Executive 3 mm (0.12”) 3 mm (0.12”) 3 mm (0.12”) 14 mm (0.54”)

3 mm (0.12”) *3

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Specifications 18

EnvelopeSee Table 1-8 and Figure 1-4 which show the minimum

margin and printable area for envelopes, respectively.

Table 1-8. Minimum Margin for Envelopes

Figure 1-4. Printable Area for Envelopes

Paper

Size Left Margin

(Minimum) Right Margin

(Minimum) Top Margin

(Minimum) Bottom Margin

(Minimum)

#10 3 mm (0.12”) 28 mm (1.10”) 3 mm (0.12”) 14 mm (0.54”)

DL 3 mm (0.12”) 7 mm (0.28”) 3 mm (0.12”) 14 mm (0.54”)

C6 3 mm (0.12”) 3 mm (0.12”) 3 mm (0.12”) 14 mm (0.54”)

5 x 8 3 mm (0.12”) 7 mm (0.28”) 3 mm (0.12”) 14 mm (0.54”)

RMLM

Printable

A re a BM

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Specifications 19

1.2.5 Ink Cartridge Specifications

1.2.5.1 Black Ink Cartridge

Type: Exclusive ink cartridge

Color: Black

Print Capacity: 1200 pages / A4 (ISO/IEC 10561 Letter

Pattern at 360 dpi)

Ink life: 2 years from indicated production date

Storage temperature:

Storage: -20°C ~ 40°C(within a month at 40 °C)

Packing storage: -30°C ~ 40°C(within a month at 40 °C)

Transit: -30°C ~ 60°C(within 120 hours at 60°C and

within a month at 40°C)

Dimensions: 28.9 mm (W) x 67.4 mm (D) x 41.8 mm (H)

Figure 1-5. Black Ink Cartridge Appearance

28.9 m m

65.9 m m (R ib area)

41.8 m m

27.4 m m (R ib area)

67.4 m m

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Specifications 20

1.2.5.2 Color Ink Cartridge

Type: Exclusive ink cartridge

Color: Magenta, Cyan, Yellow

Print Capacity: 530 pages / A4 (at 360 dpi, 5 X duty each

color)

Ink life: 2 years from indicated production date

Storage temperature:

Storage: -20°C ~ 40°C(within a month at 40 °C)

Packing storage: -30°C ~ 40°C (within a month at 40 °C)

Transit: -30°C ~ 60°C (within 120 hours at 60°C and

within a month at 40°C)

Dimensions: 54.0 mm (W) x 67.4 mm (D) x 41.8 mm (H)

NOTES

1. Do not refill the cartridge. It is a consumable item.

2. Do not used the ink cartridge whose ink life has expired.

Ink will be frozen below -4 °C. To use ink that is frozen, let it defrost

for at least 3 hours at room temperature.

Figure 1-6. Color Ink Cartridge

54 m m

67.4 m m

41.8 m m

65.9 m m (R ib area)

52.5 m m (R ib area)

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Specifications 21

1.2.6 Electrical Specifications

[120V version]

Rated voltage: AC120V

Input voltage range: AC99 ∼132V

Rated frequency range: 50 ∼ 60 Hz

Input frequency range: 49.5 ∼ 60.5 Hz

Rated current: 0.4A (Maximum 0.5A)

Power consumption: Approx.18W (ISO/IEC 10561 Letter pattern)

Energy Star compliant

Insulation Resistance: 10 M ohms min.

(between AC line and chassis, DC 500 V)

Dielectric strength: AC1000 V rms. 1 minute or AC1200 Vrms.

1 second (between AC line and chassis)

[220∼240V version]

Rated voltage: AC220V ∼ 240V

Input voltage range: AC198 ∼ 264V

Rated frequency range: 50 ∼ 60Hz

Input frequency range: 49.5 ∼ 60.5Hz

Rated current: 0.2 A (Maximum 0.3A)

Power consumption: Approx.18W (ISO/IEC 10561 Letter pattern)

Energy Star compliant

Insulation Resistance: 10M ohms min.

(between AC line and chassis, DC500V)

Dielectric strength: AC1500 V rms.

1 minute (between AC line and chassis)

1.2.7 Environmental Condition

Temperature: Operating = 10 to 35 °C (See Figure 1-7.)

Non-operating = -20 to 60 °C *2

1 month at 40 °C

120 hours at 60 °C

Humidity: Operating = 20% ~ 80% RH *2

(See Figure 1-7.)

Non-operating = 5% ~ 85% RH *1 *2

Figure 1-7. Temperature / Humidity of Range

Resistance to shock: Operating = 1G, within 1 ms

Non-operating = 2G, within 2 ms *1

Resistance to vibration: Operating = 0.15G (Operating)

Non-operating = 0.50G *1

*1: With a shipment container

*2: Without condensation

Hum idity

(% R H )

80%

55%

20%

10 27 35

50 ( C )

80 95 ( F )

G uaranteed

A re a

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Specifications 22

1.2.8 Reliability

Total print volume: 75,000 pages (A4, Letter)

Printhead life: 4000 million dots/nozzle

1.2.9 Safety Approvals

[120V version]

Safety standard: UL1950

CSA22.2 No.950

EMI: FCC part 15 subpart B class B

CSA C108.8 class B

[220∼240V version]

Safety standard: EN 60950 (VDE)

EMI: EN55022 (CISPR Pub.22) class B

AS/NZS 3548 class B

1.2.10 Acoustic Noise

Level: Approximately 47 dB (A) (According to ISO

7779)

1.2.11 CE Marking (220 ∼ 240 V version)

Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC: EN60950

EMC Directive 89/336/EEC: EN55022 Class B

EN61000-3-2

EN61000-3-3

EN50082-1

IEC801-2

IEC801-3

IEC801-4

1.2.12 Physical Specifications

Weight: 8.4 Kg

Dimensions: 647 mm (W) x 296 mm (D) x 325 mm (H)

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Interface 23

1.3 Interface

The EPSON Stylus Color 900 is equipped with USB, bi-directional 8-bit

parallel interface, serial interface and a card slot for an optional Type-B

interface.

1.3.1 Parallel Interface (Forward Channel)

Transmission mode: 8 bit parallel, IEEE-1284 compatibility mode

Synchronization: By /STROBE pulse

Handshaking: BY BUSY and /ACKLG signal

Signal level: TTL compatible level

Adaptable connector: 57-30360 (amphenol) or equivalent

The BUSY signal is set high before setting either/ERROR low or PE

high, and held high until all these signals return to an inactive state.

The BUSY signal is HIGH:

During data entry (see Data transmission timing)

When the input data buffer is full

While /INIT signal is at LOW level or during hardware

initialization.

During a printer error condition (See /ERROR signal).

When the parallel interface is not selected.

The /ERROR signal is LOW when one of the following error has

occurred:

Printer hardware error (fatal error)

Paper Out error

Paper Jam error

Ink Out error

The PE signal is at a high level during Paper Out error.

See Figure 1-8 and Table 1-9 which show the data transmission timing.

Figure 1-8. Data Transmission Timing

DATA

STRO BE

BUSY

-ACKNLG

data byte n data byte n+1

thold

tsetup

ts tb tnext

tready tbusy

treply ta c k tnbusy

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Interface 24

NOTE: tt-out shows the rise and fall time of every output signal.

tt-in shows the rise and fall time of every input signal.

Typical time of tack is shown in Table 1-10.

Table 1-10. Typical Time of Tack

Table 1-11. Signal level for TTL Compatible

(IEEE-1284 level 1 device)

* A LOW logic level on the Logic H signal is as follows:

2.0 V or less when the printer is turned off.

3.0 V or more when the printer is turned on.

The receiver provides an impedance equivalent to 7.5 K

Ω

ground.

See Table 1-12 which shows the connector pin assignment and signals

for the forward channel of the parallel interface.

Table 1-9. Data Transmission Timing

Parameter Minimum Maximum

tsetup 500ns ---

thold 500ns ---

tstb 500ns ---

tready 0 ---

tbusy --- 500ns

tt-out* --- 120ns

tt-in** --- 200ns

treply 0 ---

tack 500ns 10us

tnbusy 0 ---

tnext 0 ---

Parallel Interface Mode Typical Time of Tack

High speed 1 us

Normal speed 3 us

Parameters Minimum Maximum COndition

VOH* --- 5.5V

VOL* -0.5V ---

IOH* --- 0.32mA VOH = 2.4V

IOL --- 12mA VOL = 0.4V

CO --- 50pF

VIH --- 2.0V

VIL 0.8V ---

IIH --- 0.32mA VIH = 2.0V

IIL --- 12mA VIL = 0.8V

CI --- 50pF

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Interface 25

*: In and Out refers to the direction of the signal as viewed from the printer.

Table 1-12. Parallel I/F Forward Channel

Pin No. Signal Name Return

GND Pin In/Out Functional Description

1 /STROBE 19 I The strobe pulse. Read-in of data is performed at the falling edge of this pulse.

2DATA0 20 I

The DATA0 through DATA7 signals represent data bits 0 to 7, respectively. Each

signal is at high level when data is logical 1 and low level when data is logical 0.

3DATA1 21

4DATA2 22

5DATA3 23

6DATA4 24

7DATA5 25

8DATA6 26

9DATA7 27

10 /ACKNLG 28 O This signal is a negative pulse indicating that the printer can again accept data.

11 BUSY 29 O A high signal indicates that the printer cannot receive data.

12 PE 28 O A high signal indicates paper-out error.

13 SLCT 28 O Always at high level when the printer is powered on.

14 /AFXT 30 I Not used.

31 /INIT 30 I The falling edge of a negative pulse or a low signal on this line causes the printer to

initialize. Minimum 50 us pulse is necessary.

32 /ERROR 29 O A low signal indicates printer error condition.

36 /SLIN 30 I Not used.

18 Logic H ---- O Pulled up to +5V via 3.9K ohm resistor.

35 +5V ---- O Pulled up to +5V via 3.9K ohm resistor.

17 Chassis GND ---- --- Chassis GND.

16,33,

19-30 GND ---- --- Signal GND.

15,34 NC ---- --- Not connected.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Interface 26

1.3.2 Parallel Interface (Reverse Channel)

Transmission mode: IEEE-1284 nibble mode

Adaptable connector: See the forward channel.

Synchronization: Refer to the IEEE-1284 specification

Handshaking: Refer to the IEEE-1284 specification

Data trans. timing: Refer to the IEEE-1284 specification

Signal level: IEEE-1284 level 1 device

(See forward channel.)

Extensibility request:

The printer responds affirmatively when the extensibility request

values are 00H or 04H,as follows;

00H:Request Nibble Mode Reverse Channel Transfer.

04H:Request device ID using Nibble Mode Rev Channel

Transfer.

Device ID:

The printer sends following device ID string upon request.

When IEEE1284.4 is enabled;

[00H] [60H]

MFG:EPSON;

CMD:ESCPL2,PRPXL,BDC,D4;

MDL:Stylus[SP]COLOR[SP]900;

CLS:PRINTER;

DES:EPSON[SP]Stylus[SP]COLOR[SP]900;

When IEEE1284.4 is disabled;

[00H] [5DH]

MFG:EPSON;

CMD:ESCPL2,PRPXL,BDC;

MDL:Stylus[SP]COLOR[SP[900;

CLS:PRINTER;

DES:EPSON[SP]Stylus[SP]COLOR[SP]900;

NOTES:

1. [00H] denotes a hexadecimal value of zero.

2. MDL value and DES value depend on the EEPROM setting.

3. CMD value depends on the IEEE1284.4 setting.

See Table 1-13 which shows pin assignment for reverse channel

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Interface 27

Table 1-13. Pin Assignment For Reverse Channel

Pin No. Signal Name Return GND

Pin In/Out Functional Description

1 HostClk 19 I Host clock signal.

2-9 Data0-7 20-27 I

The DATA0 through DATA7 signals represent data bits 0 to7,

respectively. Each signal is at high level when data is logical 1 and

low level when data is logical 0. These signals are used to transfer

the 1284 extensibility request values to the printer.

10 PrtClk 28 O Printer clock signal.

11 PtrBusy, Data Bit-3,7 29 O Printer busy signal and reverse channel transfer data bit 3 or 7.

12 AckData Req, DataBit-2,6 28 O Acknowledge data request signal and reverse channel transfer

data bit 2 or 6.

13 Xflag, DataBit-1,5 28 O X-flag signal and reverse channel transfer data bit 1 or 5.

14 HostBusy 30 I Host busy signal.

31 /INIT 30 I Not used.

32 /DataAvail, DataBit-0,4 29 O Data available signal and reverse channel transfer data bit 0 or 4.

36 1284-Active 30 I 1284 Active Signal

18 Logic-H ---- O Pulled up to +5V via 3.9K ohm resister.

35 +5V ---- O Pulled up to +5V via 3.3K ohm resister.

17 Chassis GND ---- --- Chassis GND.

16,33, 9-30 GND ---- --- Signal GND.

15,34 NC ---- --- Not connected.

* In/Out refers to the direction of signal flow from the printer’s point of view.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Interface 28

1.3.3 Mac Serial Interface

Standard: Based on RS-423

Synchronization: Synchronous

Bit Rate: Approximately 1.8 Mbps

Handshaking: X-ON/X-OFF, DTR Protocol

Word Format: Start Bit = 1 bit

Data Bit = 8 bit

Parity Bit = No parity bit

Stop Bit = 1 bit

Adaptable Connector: 8-pin mini circular connector

Recommended Cable:Apple System Peripheral-8 Cable

Connector pin assignment and signal:See Table 1-14.

Table 1-14. Pin Assignment

X-ON/X-OFF, DTR protocol:See Table 1-15.

Table 1-15. X-On/X-Off and DTR Protocol

Pin No. Signal

Name I/O Description

1 SCLK O Synchronous clock signal

2CTS I Clear To Send

3 TXD- O Transmit Data (-)

4SG I (Signal Ground)

5 RXD- I Receive Data (-)

6TXD+ O Balanced Transmit Data (+)

7 DTR O Data Terminal Ready

8RXD+ I Balanced Receive Data (+)

State Buffer Space X-ON/X-OFF DTR

Busy Less than 3072 bytes Send X-OFF code OFF

Ready More than 5120 bytes Send X-ON code ON

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Interface 29

1.3.4 USB Interface

Standard: Based on the following:

Universal Serial Bus Specifications Rev. 1.0

Universal Serial Bus Device Class Definition

for Printing Device Version 1.0

Bit Rate: 12 M bps

Data Encoding: NRZI

Adaptable Connector: USB Series B

Recommended Cable Length:2 meters

Table 1-16. Pin Assignment and Signal of the USB I/F

Figure 1-9. USB Pin Assignment

1.3.5 Printer Language and Emulation

Printer language: ESC/P2

IBM X24E emulation

EPSON Remote

1.3.6 Prevention Hosts from Data Transfer time-out

Generally, hosts abandon data transfer to peripherals when a peripheral

is in the busy state for dozens of seconds continuously. To prevent

hosts from this kind of time-out, the printer receives data very slowly,

several bytes per minute, even if the printer is in busy state. This

showdown is started when the rest of the input buffer becomes several

hundreds of bytes. Finally, the printer is in the busy state continuously

when the input buffer is full.

1.3.7 Auto Interface Selection

The EPSON Stylus Color 900 has four types of interfaces: USB, parallel

interface, Mac serial interface and optional Type-B interface. Each

interface can be selected manually in default setting mode or

automatically.

Manual Selection:

One of four interfaces can be selected in default setting mode.

Automatic Selection:

The automatic interface selection is enabled by the default setting

mode. In this automatic interface selection mode, the printer is

initialized to the idle state scanning for which interface is to receive

data when it is powered on. The interface that receives data first is

selected. When the host stops data transfer and the printer is in the

stand-by state for a number of seconds, the printer returns to the

idle state. As long as the host sends data or the printer interface is

busy state, the selected interface is let as it is.

Pin No. Signal

Name I/O Description

1 Vcc ---- Cable power, Maxi. power consumption

is 100 mA

2-Data Bi-D Data

3 +Data Bi-D Data, pull up to +3.3 V via 1.5 K ohms

resistor

4Ground ---- Cable Ground

Pin #1

Pin #2

Pin #3 Pin #4

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Interface 30

Interface state and interface selection

When an interface other than parallel interface is selected, the

parallel interface goes into the BUSY state.

When an interface other than serial interface is selected, the

serial interface sets the DTR signal to MARK.

When an interface other than optional interface is selected, the

printer sets “OFF LINE” bit of MNSTS register to the optional

interface.

When the printer is initialized or returned to the idle state, the

parallel interface enters ready state and the serial interface sets

the DTR signal SPACE and the printer resets “OFF LINE” bit of

MNSTS register to the optional.

NOTE:An interrupt signal, such as /INIT, on the parallel interface is

not effective while that interface is not selected.

1.3.7.1 IEEE 1284.4 Protocol

The packet protocol described by IEEE1284.4 standard allows a device

to carry on multiple exchanges or conversations which contain data

and/or control information with another device at the same time across

a single point-to-point link. The protocol is not, however, a device

control language. It does provide basic transport-level flow control and

multiplexing services. The multiplexed logical channels are independent

of each other and blocking of one has no effect on the others. The

protocol operates over IEEE1284.

Automatic selection:

An initial state is compatible interface and starts IEEE1284.4

communication when magic strings (1284.4 synchronous

commands) are received.

ON:

IEEE1284.4 is enabled as initial state. Data sent before the magic

string (1284.4 synchronous commands) is discarded.

OFF:

IEEE1484.4 is disabled and IEEE1484.4 synchronous commands

are ignored. Compatible interface is the initial state.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Control Panel Operation 31

1.4 Control Panel Operation

The control panel of the EPSON Stylus Color 900 is composed of the 2

non-lock type push-buttons, 1 lock-type push-button, and 4 LEDs, as

shown below:

Figure 1-10. Control Panel

1.4.1 Indicators (LEDs)

1. Power

Lights when the operate switch is “ON”, and AC power is supplied.

2. Paper out

Lights during the paper-out condition, and blinks during the paper-

jam condition.

3. Ink Out (Black)

Lights during no Black ink condition, and blinks during the Black

ink low condition.

4. Ink Out (Color)

Lights during no Color ink condition, and blinks during the Color ink

low condition.

Power LED

Power Button

Load/Eject B utton

C leaning

B u tto n

In k O u t

(B la c k ) L E D

In k O u t

(C o lo r) L E D

Paper O ut LE D

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Control Panel Operation 32

1.4.2 Panel Functions

Panel function: Refer to Table 1-17.

Table 1-17. Panel Functions

*1: 3 seconds is specified in the Users Guide.

*2: This operation is not effective in printing status.

Panel function with power on:Refer to Table 1-18.

Table 1-18. Panel Function with Power On

*1: The status print includes firmware version, ink counter, and nozzle check

pattern.

1.4.2.1 Printer Setting Mode

While turning the printer on, press the Cleaning button, and the Paper

Out LED starts blinking. This operation must be followed by pressing

the specified button while the Paper Out LED is still blinking to enter the

Default setting mode or Printhead alignment mode, as described in

Table 1-19.

Table 1-19. Printer Setting Mode

*1: Leaving the Paper Out LED blinking without pressing any button also generates

the Default setting mode.

*2: Not intended for users. This function is used only for troubleshooting.

See the following pages for detailed information on the default setting

mode and the Printhead alignment mode.

Button Function

Load/Eject

(within 2 seconds) *1

• Loads or ejects paper.

• When the carriage is in the I/C replacement position,

pressing this button returns the carriage to the capping

position.

Load/Eject

(for 2 seconds) *1

• Starts the I/C replacement sequence. *2

• Move the carriage to the I/C replacement position.

Cleaning

(for 2 seconds) *1

• Starts the printhead cleaning sequence.

• Starts the I/C replacement sequence when the printer

is in one of the following conditions:

“Ink Low”, “Ink Out”, No Ink Cartridge” *2

Cleaning

(within 2 seconds) *1

• When the carriage is in the I/C replacement position,

returns the carriage to the capping position.

Button Function

Load/Eject 1) Starts the status print. *1

Cleaning

Enters the printer setting mode. (The Paper Out LED starts

blinking.) *2

Specified button must be then pressed while the LED is

blinking to activate each mode. (See Section 1.4.2.1.)

Load/Eject

Cleaning

Enters the special setting mode. (Factory use only)

Specified button must be then pressed while the Paper Out

LED is blinking to activate each mode. (See Section

1.4.2.2.)

Button Function / Operation

Cleaning or no button While the Paper Out LED is blinking, pressing

the Cleaning or no button generates the

Default setting mode. *1

Load/Eject

(Press it within 10 seconds.)

While the Paper Out LED is blinking, pressing

the Load/Eject button generates the Printhead

alignment mode.

Load/Eject

(Hold it down for 10 seconds.) Changes the default for the parallel I/F

communication protocol. *2

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Control Panel Operation 33

Default setting mode

Some printer setting parameters can be changed by users and will

be referred at the time of printer initialization. The setting method is

as shown below:

1. Enter the Default setting mode.

2. Select the desirable language for “Usage of this mode” by pressing

the Cleaning button.

3. Press Load/Eject button. The current setting and the “Usage of this

mode” in the selected language is printed.

4. Select the menu by pressing the Cleaning button.

5. Press the Load/Eject button to enter the value selection phase of

the selected menu.

6. Select the value by pressing the Load/Eject button.

7. Press the Cleaning button. The printer memorizes the selected

setting value, and returns the indication to the main menu.

8. Repeat the steps from 4 to 7. The menu selection will return to the

first menu after the last menu selection is over.

9. Turn the printer off. The new settings are stored in the non-volatile

memory.

Table 1-20. Default Setting Menu

Table 1-21. Default Setting Menu (continued)

*: Underlined values are the defaults for the EEPROM reset.

Font Roman, Sans Serif, Courier, Prestige, Script, Roman

T, Sans Serif H, Draft

Pitch 10 cpi, 12 cpi, 15 cpi, 17 cpi, 20 cpi, Proportional

Print direction Auto, Bi-D, Uni-D

Loading Position 3 mm, 8.5 mm, Others

I/F mode Auto, Parallel, Serial, USB, Optional

Auto I/F wait mode 10 seconds, 30 seconds

Network I/F mode

This mode is for the network environment only.

Off: Used in a usual environment.

On: Used in the network environment.

Parallel I/F transfer rate Fast, Normal

Software ESC/P2, IBM X24E

Auto CR (IBM mode only) On, Off

A.G.M (IBM mode only) On, Off

Auto line feed On, Off

0 slash 0, 0

Character tables

Italic USA

Italic UK

Italic Italy

PC 850

PC865

Abicomp

PC 858

Italic France

Italic Denmark

Italic spain 1

PC 860

PC 861

Roman 8

ISO 8859-15

Italic Germany

Italic Sweden

PC 437

PC 863

BRASCII

ISO Latin 1

Character tables In addition to the Standard version:

<NLSP version > PC437 Greek

PC852

PC869

ISO 8859-7

PC 774

PC 866 LAT

PC 708

PC 437

PC 853

PC 857

MAZOWIA

ISO Latin 1T

Estonia

PC 866 UKR

PC 720

PC 855

PC 866

Code MJK

Bulgaria

ISO 8859-2

PC APTEC

PC AR864

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Control Panel Operation 34

Printhead alignment mode

Alignment method is as described below:

1. While holding down both Load/Eject and Cleaning (Black) buttons,

turn the printer on.

2. Printer prints an instruction sheet that shows how to adjust the

printer and current alignment.

3. Referring to the current alignment, press the Cleaning button until

the LED indicate the appropriate test number.

4. Press the Load/Eject button. The printer prints the test pattern.

5. Referring to the test patterns on the new printout, select the most

closely aligned pattern by pressing the Load/Eject button.

6. Press the Cleaning button.

7. Repeat the steps from 3 to 6 until all test patterns are properly

aligned.

8. Turn the printer off.

1.4.2.2 Special Setting Mode

While turning the printer on, pressing the both Load/Eject and Cleaning

buttons generates the Special setting mode. While the Paper Out LED

is blinking, activate each function by pressing the specified button(s) in

the method described in Table 1-22.

Table 1-22. Special Setting Mode

Switch Function

Load/Eject

While the Paper Out LED is blinking, pressing

the Load/Eject button initializes the EEPROM

and resets the timer IC. (Refer to EEPROM

Address Map in Appendix.)

Cleaning

(Hold it down for 10 seconds)

While the Paper Out LED is blinking, pressing

the Cleaning button for 10 seconds resets the

waste ink counter in the EEPROM. (Refer to

EEPROM Address Map in Appendix.)

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Control Panel Operation 35

1.4.3 Printer Condition and Panel Status

Table 1-23 shows printer condition and panel status. Since the table

shows various error status and also indicates printer status, it enables

you to find appropriate repair ways.

Table 1-23. Printer Condition and Panel Status

Printer Status

Indicators

Priority

Power Ink Out

(Black) Ink Out

(CMY) Paper Out

Power on condition On --- --- --- 9

Ink Sequence mode Blink --- --- --- 6

I/C replacement mode Blink --- --- --- 5

Data processing Blink --- --- --- 8

Paper Out --- --- --- On 4

Paper Jam --- Off Off Blink 3

No I/C, Ink Out (Black) --- On --- --- 7

Ink level low (Black) --- Blink --- --- 7

No I/C, Ink Out (CMY) --- --- On --- 7

Ink level low (CMY) --- --- Blink --- 7

Enters the EEPROM and

Timer IC Reset --- ON (for 1 second only) ---

Maintenance Request Blink Blink Blink Blink 2

Fatal Error Blink On On Blink 1

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Error Status 36

1.5 Error Status

When any of the following status occurs, the printer goes in the error

status and stops receiving data, setting the /ERROR signal in the

interface to “Low”, and Busy signal to “High”. During this condition, the

printer is in non-printable status. Refer to Section 1.4.3 for detailed LED

Panel indicator status and corresponding error types.

1.5.1 Ink Out

When the printer has run out the most of the ink of any color, it warns of

Ink Low condition and keeps printing. When the printer runs out the

whole ink of any color, it stops printing and indicates the Ink Out error.

User is required to install a new ink-cartridge in this state. Note if an ink-

cartridge has been taken out, it should never be used again.

Reinstalling the used cartridge (not fully filled with ink) upsets the ink

level detection and may cause a serious problem in the printhead as a

result.

1.5.2 Paper Out

When the printer fails to load a sheet, it goes into the Paper Out error

condition.

1.5.3 Paper Jam

When the printer fails to eject a sheet, it goes into the Paper Jam error

condition.

1.5.4 No Ink Cartridge

When the printer detects that the ink cartridge has come off, it goes into

the No ink cartridge error.

1.5.5 Maintenance Request

When the total quantity of ink wasted through the cleanings and flushing

has reached the limit, printer indicates this error and stops printing. The

absorber in the printer needs to be replaced with a new one by a service

person.

1.5.6 Fatal Errors

When the printer detects the carriage control error or CG access error, it

enters the fatal error condition.

CAUTION

Never use an ink cartridge that has been removed.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Printer Initialization 37

1.6 Printer Initialization

The EPSON Stylus Color 900 is equipped with three types of

initialization methods.

Power-on initialization

The printer is initialized when it is turned on or recognizes the cold-

reset command (remote RS command). When the printer is

initialized, it performs the following:

(a) Initializes the printer mechanism.

(b) Clears the input data buffer.

(d) Sets the default values.

Operator initialization

This printer is initialized when it is turned on again within 10 seconds

after last power off or recognizes the /INIT signal (negative pulse) of

the parallel interface. When printer is initialized, it performs the

following:

(a) Caps the printhead.

(b) Ejects a paper.

(d) Clears the print buffer.

(e) Sets the default values.

Software initialization

The ESC@ command also initializes the printer. When the printer is

initialized, it performs the following:

(a) Clears the print buffer.

(b) Sets the default values.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Component Layout 38

1.7 Component Layout

The main components of the Stylus Color 900 are as follows:

1) Printer mechanism

2) C265 Main board

3) C265 PSB/PSE board

4) C265 panel board

5) C265 relay board

1.7.1 Printer Mechanism

The printer mechanism of the Stylus Color 900 has black and color

heads united in one unit which drives larger amount of nozzles (180

nozzles in total) than ever. Also, for a new ink jet printer feature, the

printer has succeeded in printing in the acceleration/deceleration areas

by reading the slits on the linear scale to improve the throughput. This

improvement in throughput mostly depends on the Pump/ASF switching

mechanism. In other printers, the gear trains are switched when the

trigger lever hits the mechanism along with the carriage’s movement. In

Stylus Color 900, however, the exclusive solenoid is directly attached to

the mechanism instead. With the solenoid which switches drive at a

higher speed, the printer can control high-speed paper ejection system:

the printer bring the leading edge of the second sheet to the printing

position just before ejecting the first sheet.

The motors equipped with the printer are CR motor, PF motor, and the

Pump/ASF Motor, same as for the Stylus Color 800.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Component Layout 39

1.7.2 C265 Main Board

The main features of the C265 Main board are as follows.

1. IEEE1284 compliant

ECP mode is available

Type-B I/F is available

2. Mac serial I/F is available (at 900 K bps, 1.8 M bps, 3.6M bps).

3. USB full-speed is available (at 12 M bps without the hub).

4. All motors (CR motor, Pump/ASF motor, and PF motor) are

controlled with the micro step system (using up to 4W1-2 phase

excitation mode) and current attenuation mode (First, Slow, Mixed,

and Decay).

5. Intensive temperature control of the new type of the printhead:

operates the cooling fan using the thermistors and the abnormal

temperature detection circuit on the printhead board.

H8S2357, a CPU which is the hub of the C265 Main board, has an

internal flash memory with the size of 128 KB. Since the CPU runs with

24 MHz, it can send print data efficiently for a high throughput. The

C265 Main board has two independent exclusive ASICs, ASIC1 and

ASIC2. The former controls all interfaces but the USB I/F and sensors,

while the latter controls the printhead, motors, encoder, and USB I/F.

The combined IC (IC8) which has a normal timer IC and EERPOM in

one chip also features the printer. Since the EEPROM counts ink

consumption at the valuable printing *1, its size has increased to 2 K bit.

*1: The valuable dot system, or many-valued dot system, enables the

printer to freely fire three different sizes of dots (normal, middle, and

small dots) in one raster. In other printers, if the super micro dot

mode is once selected through the printer driver, the printers prints

only in the selected mode until the current print data is completed.

However, the valuable dot system of this printer enables the printer

to fire three different sizes of dots in one raster, and ink-jet specific

adverse conditions such as uneven printing and white banding are

improved as a result.

The C265 Main board is also equipped with a CG-ROM which deals

with DOS users. The CG ROM attachment condition and size are as

shown in Table 1-24.

Table 1-24. Relation between P-ROM and CG ROM

NOTE:The “X” in the table represents the version.

Destination P-ROM CG-ROM

Standard version 16 M (TEE01X) Not installed.

NLSP version 16 M (TEE01X) 16M (M160B16XA)

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Component Layout 40

Figure 1-11. C265 Main Board

L ith iu m B a tte ry

IC1(CPU:H8S)

IC 2(E 05B 59)

IC 3(E 05B 60)

IC 4(O ne-tim e P R O M )

IC5(D-RAM )

IC6(CGROM)

(IC 11) PF M otor D river

(IC12) CR M otor Driver

IC8(Tim er & EEPROM )

CN14

CN9

CN8

CN1

CN3 CN4

CN2

CN-

CN10

CN5 CN6

CN15

CN13

Therm istor (detects tem perature

of the heat sink)

C harging/D ischarging driver

for driving the black nozzles

Q 5 (upper), Q 6 (low er)

C harging/D ischarging driver

for driving the color nozzles

Q 3 (upper), Q 4 (low er)

Heat Sink

Therm istor (detects tem perature

on the printhead board)

IC 16 (upper), IC 15 (low er)

H ead pre-driver

IC 13 (upper),

IC 14 (low er)

ASF M otor Driver

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Component Layout 41

1.7.3 C265 PSB/PSE Board

There are two types of the C265 power supply board as listed below.

C265 PSB board:For America, Japan, part of South east Asia

C265 PSE board:The rest of all regions

The C265 PSB/PSE board uses the switching regulator system. Since

the C265 PSB/PSE board uses the power switch on the secondary side,

it keeps applying voltage to the primary side across the T1. Especially,

the heat sink to which the Q1 is attached can not be insulated due to the

circuit’s formation. Therefore, to avoid an electrical shock, be careful not

to touch the heat sink and other metallic parts simultaneously while

troubleshooting.

Figure 1-12. C265 PSB/PSE Board

W ARNING

Never touch the heat sink (radiation plate) on the Q1

with your bare hands as it is not insulated. Otherwise,

you will get an electrical shock.

T1(Trans) Q1(FET)

IC 51(+5V regulator)

D 51(D iode)

(

N ose cut reactance

)

D 55(D iode)

C 11(for sm oothing)

F1(Fuse)

C 1(N oise cut capacitor)

CN3

CN2

CN1

Danger!

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Product Description Component Layout 42

1.7.4 C265 PNL Board

The C265 panel board is composed of the three switches and four

LEDs.

Figure 1-13. C265 PNL Board

1.7.5 C265 Relay Board

The C265 relay board is installed to relay the following with connectors:

Power for driving motors and sensors

Control signals

If any of the connectors is connected to a wrong position during

assembly, the printer shows a fatal error at power on.

Figure 1-14. C265 Relay Board

LED 3 LE D 2

LED 1

LED 0

SW 2 SW 1 SW 0

CN1

112

M/C

CRH PE ASF

RED

WHT

BLK

M/C

C arriage hom e position (C R H P ) sensor

C arriage (C R ) M otor

Pum p/ASF M otor

Paper Feed (PF) M otor

C onnector from the C N 11

on the C 265 M ain B oard

C onnector from the C N 12

on the C 265 M ain B oard

Solenoid (S w itches A S F/PU M P

m echanism )

C ontrol P anel

ASF Sensor

PE Sensor

C onnector from the C N 10

on the C 265 M ain B oard

C onnector from the C N 16

on the C 265 M ain B oard

C onnector from the C N 15

on the C 265 M ain B oard





OPERATING PRINCIPLES

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Overview 44

2.1 Overview

This chapter describes the operating principles of the printer

mechanism and electrical circuits.

2.2 Printer Mechanism Operating Principles

The EPSON Stylus Color 900 uses a new type of printhead. It has black

and color heads united in one unit which includes a total of 480 nozzles:

192 nozzles for black (96 nozzles x 2) and 96 nozzles for each color.

This printhead enables the printer to print 3 lines by one pass at 10-cpi

printing. Also, new ASF/pump switching mechanism offers higher

throughput with quick feeding motion at continuous printing by

combining the trigger solenoid and independent pump/ASF motor.

Production of PTS signal using the encoder belt also enables the printer

to improve printing accuracy, detect paper jam in the CR operational

range, and print during acceleration/deceleration (on normal paper / 360

x 360 dpi only).

See Figure 2-1 for the printer mechanism block diagram.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Printer Mechanism Operating Principles 45

Figure 2-1. The Stylus Color 900 Printer Mechanism Block Diagram

PF drive gear (high-precision gear)

H igh-precision pinion

PF m otor

Flashing position (the 80th colum n side)

PTS encoder

Paper eject sub roller

B lack I/C detection lever

C R unit

C olor I/C detection lever

U nited printhead for black and color

Tim ing belt

Cap

V a lv e fo r c a p p in g

Pum p

C R H P sensor

C R guide shaft

P F ro lle r (p o w d e ry -c o a te d ro lle r)

Encoder belt

ASF sensor (for phase detection)

ASF cam

ASF drive shaft

Paper load rollers

PE (P aper E nd) sensor

Pum p/ASF m otor

ASF solenoid (for sw itching the

ASF, pum p gear trains)

C R m o to r

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Printer Mechanism Operating Principles 46

2.2.1 Carriage Mechanism

As shown in Figure 2-1, the carriage unit with the printhead on it moves

right and left, depending on the rotational direction of the CR (Carriage)

motor. Table 2-1 shows the CR motor specifications.

Table 2-1. CR Motor Specifications

The CR unit position is always memorized and controlled by the CRHP

(Carriage Home Position) sensor. This sensor confirms the CR position

to renew the memory at the following timing:

When power is turned on / off

When a head cleaning operation, including initial ink charge, is

performed.

When the printer returns to a ready status because the printer

has executed print job or receives no data for one second or

more.

See Table 2-2 and Table 2-3 which show the CRHP sensor

specifications and CRHP sensor switch mode, respectively.

Table 2-2. CRHP Sensor Specifications

Table 2-3. CRHP Sensor Switch Mode

If this sensor is defective or does not work, it does not detect the

carriage while the carriage is in the home position seek mode. In this

case, the printer cuts off electricity to the CR motor and shows a fatal

error.

Like the Stylus Pro5000, the Stylus color 900 also uses a linear encoder

to obtain secure carriage movement and accurate print timing. The

linear encoder reads slits on the encoder belt (linear scale) above the

timing belt to control the carriage. See Table 2-4 for the linear encoder

specifications.

No. Item Specifications

1 Motor Type 4-phase / 200-pole / HB-type stepping motor

2Drive voltage 42 VDC ± 5% (Applied to the driver)

3 Coil resistance 5.8 Ω ± 10%

4Drive mode Bipolar constant current drive

No. Item Specifications

1Type Photoelectrical transfer system

(SHARP GP1S73P2)

2Drive voltage 5 V ± 5%

3 Collector resistance 30 VDC or less

CR Position Switch mode Sensor output

Within the CRHP

range Open 0.7 VDC or less

Off the CRHP range Close 2.4 VDC or more

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Printer Mechanism Operating Principles 47

Table 2-4. Linear Encoder Specifications

The ASIC (IC2) reads the linear scale (increment: 1/180 inch) and

internally divides data by 8. The read information is used to produce

basic drive frequency for 2880-dpi trapezoidal waveform production.

If the encoder is defective or in an undetectable condition, the printer

generates a fatal error immediately after power on. This error occurs

before the carriage’s home position seeking operation.

Beside detecting the carriage position, the CRHP sensor also serves to

determine whether or not the carriage is working properly. If the setting

signals (pulses) sent from the encoder do not reach the specified level

while the CR is moving in the acceleration / constant / deceleration

modes in its operative range, the program consequently assumes that

paper is jamming or the carriage is operating irregularly, and shows the

paper jam error by bringing up the LEDs of the corresponding

combination.

The printer is equipped with 2 actuators used to detect the ink

cartridges in the carriage unit driven by the CR motor. The printer,

however, is designed to operate the actuators only when both black

and color ink cartridges are installed. See Table 2-5 and Table 2-6 for

the ink cartridge sensor specifications and ink cartridge sensor switch

mode, respectively.

Table 2-5. Ink Cartridge Sensor Specifications

Table 2-6. Ink Cartridge Sensor Switch Mode

If the ink cartridge sensor is defective or in an endetectable condition,

the printer shows No Ink Cartridge Error immediately after the printer is

turned on.

No. Item Specifications

1 Type Radiative Incremental encoder module

2 Drive voltage 5 VDC ± 5%

3Output

waveform Phase A/B 2-channel digital output (TTL level)

4Minimum step 1/180 inch (increment of the lines on the linear scale)

5Response

frequency 20 KHz

No. Item Specifications

1 Detection type Using a micro switch

2 Rated voltage 5 VDC ± 5%

3 Rated current 10 mA

4Contact resistance 50 mΩ

Cartridge Sensor Status Sensor Output

Absent Open 2.4 VDC or more

Present Closed 0.7 VDC or more

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Printer Mechanism Operating Principles 48

2.2.2 Printing Mechanism

The printing mechanism of the printer is all included inside the

printhead. The printing method is EPSON-exclusive MACH system,

which is used in other EPSON ink jet printers, but the printhead is not

compatible with any other printer. See Figure 2-2 for the printing

mechanism block diagram.

Figure 2-2. Printing Mechanism Block Diagram

The printing mechanism performs printing by applying voltage to the

PZT (integrated piezoelectric element) inside the printhead. With the

voltage applied to the PZT, the cavity, a tank filled with ink, is pressed

by the PZT and ejects ink from nozzles as the result. Unlikely to the

illustration, the actual number of the PZT included in the printhead in

this printer is 480, the same number as nozzles, and each PZT is

independently driven.

The steps below describes how the printing mechanism works.

1. Head drive pulse form command signal is output from the ASIC after

the printer is turned on.

2. Receiving the signal, the Pre-driver outputs the head drive pulse

signal to the driver.

3. If no printing data is sent, pulse output from the driver is not applied

to the PZT in the printhead: because the transistor on the nozzle

selector is not on.

4. If any printing data is sent from a PC, 5 serial data (3 for Y, M, and

C, and 2 for 2 rows of black) are sent to the nozzle selector from the

ASIC. Each serial data consists of 96 data since each row is

composed of 96 nozzles. When these data is all transferred, a Latch

signal is output from the ASIC to the nozzle selector after specified

period of time.

5. When the Latch signal is sent, a PZT signal is applied to the base

side of the transistor via the latch circuit in the nozzle selector.

6. Head drive pulse constantly output from the driver is then applied to

the PZT by the pulse output after a set of serial data and the latch

signal are all transferred.

7. The PZT drive pulse radiates large heat since it is driven with the

basic drive frequency of 32.4 K Hz and also has such a large

amount of drive elements as 480 PZT. Therefore, the abnormal

temperature detection circuit is included in the nozzle selector to

detect temperature of each nozzle so that heat radiation stays under

the maximum level. If the circuit detects abnormally high

temperature in any nozzle row, the printer regards the condition as

an accidental printing malfunction such as dot missing, and it

automatically enters the cleaning CL2, the most powerful cleaning

cycle. See the sensor descriptions in Chapter 2 for the operations

after this cleaning. The printhead also has the thermistor in it to

subtly change the voltage level of the drive pulse in accordance with

the temperature condition in use.

Nozzle

Selector

Pre-

Driver

+42

Driver

Data

Latch

Charge

D is-charge

PZT

Cavity

ozzle P late

ASIC

N ozzle

Pulse

Pulse form com m and

Tem perature data

Tem perature

detection

circuit Latch

circuit

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Printer Mechanism Operating Principles 49

[Nozzle configuration]

See Figure 2-3 for the nozzle configuration of the Stylus Color 900.

Figure 2-3. Nozzle Configuration

As shown in the figure, the black nozzles are aligned at 360 dpi

(vertical) and the color nozzles are aligned at 180 dpi. In the color

printing mode, only “B” row among 2 black nozzle rows is used and the

other row “A” is not used. (The same mechanism is used for the

microweave printing.)

2.2.3 Paper Load Mechanism

The paper load mechanism transports paper set in the hopper in the

ASF into the printer. It is operated by the ASF and the pump/ASF motor

which drive the ASF. The pump/ASF motor specifications are as shown

in Table 2-7.

Table 2-7. Pump/ASF Motor Specifications

The ASF rotates the semicircular roller once in reverse before

transporting paper into the printer. Along with this motion, the cam in the

semicircular roller pushes up the return lever. The return lever then

bounces up with tension spring force. As the result, some paper which

was fallen off the hopper during the previous feeding motion is all

aligned and set back in the hopper. This so called paper return

operation is performed for each paper feeding motion. Therefore, paper

loading accuracy is improved. See Figure 2-4 which shows how the

ASF feeds paper.

360 dpi

180 dpi

#96 #96

#95

#94

#93

#95

#94

#93

#96

#95

#94

#93

#96

#95

#94

#93

R ow A (B lack 1)

R ow B (B lack 2)

R ow C (M agenta)

Row D (Cyan)

Row E (Yellow)

No. Items Specifications

1 Type 4-phase / 48-pole / PM-type stepping motor

2Drive voltage 42 VDC ± 5% (Applied to the driver)

3 Coil resistance 7.0 Ω ± 10%

4Drive mode Bipolar constant current drive mode

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Printer Mechanism Operating Principles 50

After a paper loading motion is completed, the semicircular roller rotates

in the normal direction to load the top paper in the stack. This operation

is enabled by the correct phase of the gears in the ASF, because the

timings for the semicircular roller’s contacting the paper surface by the

corner (A) and the hopper’s being pushed out must be coincided. The

ASF sensor is used to determine the condition whether the phase is

correct or not. The transmission system of the ASF sensor detects the

condition by catching the position of the cam attached onto the same

shaft as the semicircular roller is. See Table 2-8 and Table 2-9 for the

ASF sensor specifications and its switch mode, respectively.

Figure 2-4. ASF Paper Load Mechanism

Table 2-8. ASF Sensor Specifications

Table 2-9. ASF Sensor Switch Mode

Note that torque from the pump/ASF motor is transmitted to the pump

unit depending on the pump/ASF mechanism condition. The rotational

directions and corresponding functions are as shown in Table 2-10.

Table 2-10. ASF/Pump Motor Functions

Sem icircular

ro lle r Cam

Pinch roller

H opper

R e tu rn le v e r S eparation pad

[R eady status]

[

Active Status

]

3) 4)

No. Item Specifications

1Type Photoelectric transfer system (transmission

type)

2Collector voltage 30 VDC or less

3 Coil resistance 5 VDC ± 5%

ASF Position Sensor Status Sensor Output

Home position Open 0.7 VDC or less

Off the home

position Close 2.4 VDC or more

Direction Functions for ASF Functions for the ink

system

Normal rotation

(CW)

• Reverse rotation of the

paper loading roller

(paper return control)

• Connection to the pump

gear train

• Normal rotation of the

pump (absorption)

• Releases the CR lock.

• Sets the wiper.

Reverse rotation

(CCW)

• Connection to the ASF

gear train

• Normal rotation of the

loading roller (paper

separation, paper

loading)

• Reverse rotation of the

pump motor

• Locks the CR.

• Resets the wiper.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Printer Mechanism Operating Principles 51

2.2.4 Paper Feed Mechanism

The paper feed mechanism manages constant paper feeding during

printing through to paper ejection. Unlike previous models, the PF motor

of this printer only drives the paper feed mechanism, having no

connection with the carriage lock mechanism nor the pump mechanism.

See Figure 2-5 and Table 2-11 for the cross section of the paper feed

mechanism and the PF motor specifications, respectively.

Table 2-11. PF Motor Specifications

For the printer-specific feature, the PF motor pinion transfers torque to

the PF drive gear without any transmission gear in between. The gears

used for the PF motor pinion and the PF drive gear are very precise.

Therefore, note the points below when handling them:

1. Do not touch the gear surface with your bare hands.

2. Keep other parts or tools for servicing such as screw drivers away

from the gears.

The PE sensor in the paper feed mechanism is used to check the

following:

1. During paper loading, checks if the leading edge of the paper from

the ASF is correctly transported.

2. Checks if the paper loaded meets the specifications.

3. Checks if the paper is properly ejected after printing is over.

4. Checks if paper is jamming.

See Table 2-12 and Table 2-13 for the PE sensor specifications and the

PE sensor switch mode, respectively.

Table 2-12. PE Sensor Specifications

Table 2-13. PE Sensor Switch Mode

Figure 2-5. Paper Feed Mechanism

No. Items Specifications

1 Type 4-phase / 200-pole / HB-type stepping motor

2Drive voltage 42 VDC ± 5% (Applied to the driver)

3 Coil resistance 8.1 Ω ± 10%

4Drive mode Bipolar constant current drive mode

No. Item Specifications

1Type Transmission-type photoelectric transfer

system

2Drive voltage 5 VDC ± 5% (Applied to the driver)

3 Collector resistance 30 VDC or less

Paper

installation Switch mode Output voltage

Not installed Open 0.7 VDC or less

Installed Closed 2.4 VDC or more

PF m otor pinion

PF drive gear

Sub roller

Actuator

PE sensor

Paper

PF (pow dery-coated)

ro lle r

Paper ejection

ro lle r

N otched roller

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Printer Mechanism Operating Principles 52

2.2.5 Pump/ASF Switch Mechanism

The pump/ASF switch mechanism switches the motor’s torque between

the paper-loading and the pump-system sides. The pump/ASF motor

supplies torque, and a solenoid is used as switching trigger. (Refer to

Section 2.2.3 for the pump/ASF motor specifications.) Figure 2-6 shows

how the pump/ASF mechanism works when switching to the ASF gear

train.

[Switching to the ASF gear train]

Figure 2-6. Switching Operation to the ASF Gear Train

Figure 2-6 shows the gear condition after switching to the ASF is

completed. The steps below describe how the gears move to switch

from pump gear train to the ASF gear train.

1. In the pump gear train condition, the gear (3) in the planetary gear

set and the pump transmission gear are in mesh.

2. The pump/ASF motor rotates in the normal direction (CW).

3. The whole planetary gear set tries to move up, but the solenoid

suppresses it.

4. The solenoid comes on, allowing the whole planetary gear set to

move up. At this point, the gear (3) does not rotate, but the motor

pinion gear and gear (2) rotate in mesh.

5. The gears (3) and (4) come in mesh and connection to the ASF gear

train is fixed when a corner of the solenoid is aligned with the notch

in the planetary gear set.

6. Then the gears (4) and (5) are meshed. The gear (5) is connected to

the ASF drive gear in the printer mechanism to rotate the roller in

the ASF reverse (for paper return mechanism). (Refer to Section

2.2.3 for the paper return mechanism.)

Pum p/ASF m otor

Pum p transm ission gear

R eduction gear

Planetary gear set

Solenoid

ASF transm ission gear

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Printer Mechanism Operating Principles 53

[Switching to the pump gear train]

Figure 2-7 shows the gear condition after switching to the pump gear

train is completed.

Figure 2-7. Switching to the Pump Gear Train

The steps below show how the gears move to switch from the ASF gear

train to the pump gear train.

7. In the ASF gear train condition, the gears (3) and (4) are in mesh.

8. The pump/ASF motor rotates reverse (CCW).

9. The planetary gear set tries to move down, but the solenoid

prevents it.

10. The solenoid comes on allowing the whole planetary gear set to

move down. At this point, the gear (3) does not rotate, but the motor

pinion gear and the gear (2) rotate in mesh.

11. The gears (3) and (4) come in mesh, and the connection to the

pump gear train is fixed when a corner of the solenoid is aligned

with the notch in the planetary gear set.

12. The gear (4) meshes with the pump transmission gear in the printer

mechanism to perform CR lock and pump drive operations.

ASF transm ission gear

Pum p/ASF m otor

Planetary gear set

Solenoid

Pum p transm ission gear

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Printer Mechanism Operating Principles 54

2.2.6 Pump / Carriage Lock / Head Cleaner Mechanism

The pump mechanism operates in accordance with the carriage lock

and head cleaner control mechanisms. Figure 2-8 illustrates the

process of torque transmission from the pump/ASF motor to each

mechanism.

Figure 2-8. Pump / Carriage Lock / Head Cleaner Mechanism

Clutch

Spacer

C om pression spring

C leaner head

Fram e

Unlocked

Locked

O n the

sam e shaft

In the pum p gear train condition

Pum p interm ittent gear

Pum p transm ission gear

P re s s u re ro lle r

(le ft)

P re s s u re ro lle r

(rig h t)

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Printer Mechanism Operating Principles 55

The steps below explain the process of driving each mechanism.

1. The precondition for driving the pump, carriage lock, and head

cleaner is that the pump/ASF switch mechanism is switched to the

pump gear train. (Refer to Section 2.2.6.)

2. Drive from the pump/ASF motor is transmitted via:

1) pump transmission gear (black) → 2) pump intermittent gear

(black) → 3) pressure roller (right) (pump drive roller: flesh color)

3. Along the way, the drive is also transmitted to the carriage lock

lever. The carriage lock lever is released with normal rotation of the

pump/ASF motor and set with reverse rotation of the motor.

4. Once the drive is transmitted to the pressure roller (right), all parts

used to drive the pump begin to act. The Stylus Color 900 has the

right and left pressure rollers. However, since the black and color

heads are included in one unit, the absorption tube is split in the

middle so the 2 pumps can absorb ink in the printhead. See Figure

2-9 which explains the ink absorption process.

5. The cleaner head is located between the pump frame and the

cleaner head drive roller, and a compression spring is set between

the cleaner head and the cleaner drive roller. Since the cleaner

head has a protrusion (marked with a red circle in Figure 2-8) on it

on the roller side, it moves back and forth along with the roller

rotation. However, if the roller rotates faster than the specific level, it

rotates alone because tension of the compression spring does not

work any more.

Figure 2-9. Ink Absorption Process

Separator

CCW

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 56

2.3 Electrical Circuit Operation Principles

The Stylus Color 900 consists of the following circuit boards:

C265 main board

C265 PSB/PSE board

C265 Panel Board

2.3.1 C265 PSB/PSE Power Supply Board

This section explains the operating principles of the C265 PSB/PSE

board, in order.

AC power supply voltage is supplied from the AC power socket. Then

the fuse (F1) limits the incoming current of the AC voltage to avoid

damaging the C265 main board and C265 PSB/PSE board. On the

other hand, TH1 and TH2 serve to convert surplus input voltage into

heat energy.

The input voltage is next input to the RLC parallel circuit (a filter circuit),

for higher harmonics absorption. This operation keeps the higher

harmonics in the AC power out of the printer, and also prevents leakage

of higher harmonics generated in the printer.

After noise is removed, the AC voltage goes through the full-wave

rectification circuit. The minus component of the alternate wave is

eliminated as the result.

Then the voltage is smoothed by the electrolysis condenser (C11) for

stabilized DC voltage, and the current is applied to the primary side of

the transformer (T1).

The current, however, does not flow into the primary side of the

transformer (T1) if the main switching FET (Q1) located in the primary

side is off. The Q1 comes on when the voltage is applied to the gate

through the R28, a starting resistor, when the printer is turned on. While

the Q1 is on, current does not flow into the secondary side; because a

reverse-characteristics diode is used to connect to the secondary side.

The transformer (T1) is gradually charged with the current. When it is

full and not charged any more, the gate voltage of the Q1 starts going

down gradually. At this point, C13 abruptly pulls in the gate voltage of

the Q1 to turn the Q1 off.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 57

Once the Q1 is off, the energy charged in the primary side flows into the

secondary side all at once. This occurs because the energy transfers in

the same direction as the reverse diode characteristics with the Q1 off.

The secondary side of the transformer (T1), which has the specified

numbers of coiling lines for 42 VDC production, creates the 42 VDC out

of the energy led to the secondary side by the electromagnetic

induction.

The secondary side has numbers of stabilizing circuits to output

stabilized voltages, as listed below:

Smoothing circuit:

Since the energy led from the transformer (T1) to the secondary

side by the electromagnetic induction is alternating current, it

must be smoothed by the electrolysis condensers C51 and C52

to be direct current.

+42 V line constant voltage control circuit:

7 zener diodes (ZD51, ZD81 - ZD86) connected in series

monitors +42 V status used to drive various mechanisms. To

keep the output voltage at a constant levelI, the circuit controls

the on/off timing of the Q1 slightly according to the signals fed

back from the photocoupler (PC1).

+42 V line overvoltage protection circuit:

This circuit includes 2 zener diodes (ZD52, ZD87) connected in

series. It monitors the +42 V line used to drive various

mechanisms to detect abnormal rise in the voltage level caused

by a defect in the circuit. If the output voltage rises to +48 V, the

signal is input to a port of one of the 2 channels in the

photocoupler (PC1) to completely cut off the Q1 operation. Once

this circuit is active, a normal flow does not recover unless the

printer is turned off and back on.

+5 VDC production circuit:

L4960 (IC51) produces +5 VDC out of +42 VDC. Since the IC

internally operates PWM control, it can always produce constant

+5 VDC by changing output pulses in spite of diverse input

voltage levels. This operation serves as a constant voltage

control circuit.

+5 V line overvoltage protection circuit:

ZD53 in the circuit monitors the +5 V line for overcurrent. In case

the voltage rises to 7 V for reasons such as a defective board,

the circuit shuts the Q1 gate in the same process as the +42 V

line overvoltage protection circuit follows.

Voltage drop delay circuit at power off

The C265 PSB/PSE board uses the secondary switch that

includes the delay circuit. The delay circuit allows the printer to

complete the power off operation properly even though the

printer is turned off while it is printing.

A normal power off operation by the user is monitored by the

C265 main board. When it detects a power off, the program

immediately starts the power-off sequence, capping the

printheads, and drops the power.

The electrolysis condenser (C84) continues to operate to allow

the printer to execute this proper power off sequence.

See the following page for the electrical circuit diagram.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 58

Figure 2-10. C265 PSB/PSE Board Circuit Block Diagram

TH1, TH 2

L1 C3,C4 C2 DB1 C

PC1

+42V /0.8A

+42

ZD 51,

ZD 81-86

C 51,52

+5V /1.5A

PSC

L51

OSC

C54

ZD53

ZD52

ZD87

L4960

(IC 51)

Q84

C84

Out

R28

300 K

Q31

C13

+5 V R egulator

D51

Incom ing current protection

H igher harm onics absorption Sm oothing

F u ll w a v e re c tific a tio n

Inrush current tem perature conversion

Starting resistor

H igher harm onics absorption

Sm oothing

5V line overvoltage protection

Sm oothing

42 V line constant voltage control

42 V line overvoltage protection

Voltage drop delay circuit at pow er off

C om es on w hen abnorm al.

Photo C oupler

Feed

back

Main

S w itc h in g

Feed

b a c k

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 59

2.3.2 C265Main Board

See Figure 2-11 for the C265 main board block diagram.

Figure 2-11. C265 Main Board Block Diagram

LB1847(IC 11)

C XA2128(IC 15)

A3957(IC 13)

A3957(IC 14)

C XA2128(IC 16)

LB1847(IC 12)

CN13

FAN

CN16

ASF S olenoid

CN8

H ead 1

CN9

H ead 2

CN12

ASF m otor

CN10

P F m o to r

CN11

CR moto

SN 75LBC

(IC 10)

74LV161284

(IC 9 )

PRO M

(IC 4 )

D-RAM

(IC 5 )

M-RAM

(IC 6 ) E05B60

(IC 3 )

E05B59

(IC 2 )

H D 64F2357

(IC 1 )

CN1

C entronics

CN3

Mac. Serial

CN2

Type B I/F

CN15

Sensors

CN4

USB

CRU1

R TC 9810

(IC 8 )

T93C 56

(IC 7 )

Tim er

/R S T

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 60

The following tables list the major components on the C265 main board

and their functions.

Table 2-14. Major Components on the C265 Main Board (1/2) Table 2-15. Major Components on the C265 Main Board (2/2)

Component Functions

CPU:

• A Hitachi H8-series CPU.

• Performs high-speed data processing running at 24.0

Mhz with an external transmitter.

• Bus width is 16-bit.

ASIC 1:

(E05B60: IC3)

• Controls all interfaces but USB.

• Monitors the signal from each sensor.

ASIC 2:

(E05B59: IC2)

• Controls printheads, motors, ASF solenoid, cooling fan,

USB I/F, and EEPROM.

PROM/MROM:

• For PROM, either one-time PROM or Mask ROM is

used. Specifications vary depending on the

destinations, as shown below:

• PROM size: 16 M bit

• Contents: Unattached

• Bus width: 16 bit

• PROM size: 16 M bit

• Contents: 16 M bit

• Bus width: 16 bit

D-RAM: • Manages the various buffers and work area.

• Bus width is 16 M bit.

Timer IC:

(RTC9810: IC8)

• Counts total power off time of the printer, which offers

the basis for determining the cleaning type to be

performed at the next power on. Power is supplied by

an external button-cell battery (a lithium battery). This

IC also serves to produce reset signals connecting to

each major IC, such as CPU, ASIC1, ASIC 2, and motor

drive ICs. The head driver ICs (CXA2128 x 2: IC15 and

IC16) individually produce a reset signal when detecting

abnormal voltage so the printhead can stop in the

proper sequence.

Component Functions

Motor driver IC

(LB1847: IC11, 12)

(A3957: IC13, 14)

• The LB1847 (IC11 and IC12) is used to drive PF motor

and CR motor and enables 4W1-2 phase excitation

mode for the first in EPSON line. This control system,

called micro stepping, materializes the control of the

carriage vibration during printing and improvement of

accuracy in paper feeding on the hardware basis.

• The A3957 (IC13 and IC14) used to drive Pump, ASF

motor also supports the 4W1-2 phase excitation mode on

the hardware basis, but differs from the former IC in the

point that the IC13 and IC14 individually excite the phase

A and B.

Head driver IC

(CXA2128 x 2: IC15,

16)

• The head driver ICs, directory attached to the board,

consist of two separate circuits; charging circuit and

discharging circuit, to produce trapezoidal waveform.

This IC creates the trapezoidal waveform by combining

the signals input from the input port E05B59 (IC2) of the

IC. This is performed to change the characteristics and

voltage levels of charging and discharging, and the

trapezoidal waveforms specific to normal dot print and

micro dot print are produced as the result.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 61

The control circuits are explained in detail below.

[Combined (reset circuit + timer) circuit]

A combined circuit RTC9810 manages both reset signal production and

RTC (Rear Time Controller). It produces reset signals by monitoring the

both 5 VDC line (input to Pin 7) and 42 VDC line (input to Pin 9). When

the voltage level for the 5 VDC line drops to 4.3 V, or the voltage level

for the 42 VDC line drops to 35.5 V, the combined circuit outputs a reset

signal from Pin 2. When the printer is turned on / off or detects abnormal

voltage level, the IC sends the reset signal to the following ICs to avoid

printer damage caused by run-away of the logic line and abnormal

operation of driver systems. Also, to let the motor driver IC execute its

job properly, the reset signal is once input to the convertor (setting

current production IC) on the main board to stop motors in the correct

sequence.

On the other hand, the timer control is done by counting the operation of

the oscillator circuit, and the printer’s power off time can be confirmed

based on the timer at the next power on operation. Also, this count data

is used to manage the timer for the operation such as periodical flashing

during power on time as well as power off time.

While the printer is on, the printer supplies 5 V (input to Pin 7) to operate

the internal oscillation circuit, however, when the printer is turned off,

the external button-cell battery (a lithium battery) immediately starts

supplying voltage (3 V) to the Pin 8.

Figure 2-12. Reset/timer combined circuit

+42 V

Speed up

diode

+5 V

R 18 107 K

R 20 10 K

BAT1

VIN

VDD

VBK

GND

/R S T

SCLK

DATA

H D 64F2357(IC 1) E05B59(IC2)

2456

/R S T

E05B60(IC3)

252627

TCE

TCLK

TDATA

R TC 9810(IC 8)

/R S T

LB1847(IC 11)

13 VREF1

VREF2

3.0 V

M 62383(IC 17)

12 /R S T

D/Axx

D/Ayx

D/Axy

LB1847(IC 12)

VREF1

VREF2

A3957(IC 13)

REF

A3957(IC 14)

REF

Devision

D rops to 35 V

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 62

[Sensor circuit]

The sensors attached to the printer are as described in the following

pages. They are basically divided into 2 major parts: 1) abnormal

temperature detection part and 2) mechanism status detection part. The

former is controlled by the CPU and the latter is controlled by 2 ASICs;

E05B59 (IC2) and E05B60 (IC3).

1) Abnormal temperature detection part

This abnormal temperature detection part is composed of 3 thermisotrs

and the temperature detection circuit which is included in the nozzle

selector inside the printhead. The CPU’s analog ports used for

temperature detection and their functions are as follows:

Figure 2-13. Sensor Circuit Block Diagram (Abnormal Temperature Detection Circuit)

ANO DE5

CN8

CN9

THM

N ozzle

Selector

H D 64F2357(IC 1)

Therm istor on the heat

sink on the m ain board

Location (TH 1) on the board

AN7

AN6

AN5

AN4

AN3

AN2

AN1

AN0

112

111

110

109

108

107

106

105

HDSAM I

HPDSAM I

THM

ANO DE1

ANO DE2

ANO DE3

ANO DE4

Printhead surface Inside the printhead

Row A

Row C Row D Row E

Row B

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 63

AN7 (Pin 112)

The TH1, located between 2 pre-driver ICs (the head driver ICs;

IC15 and IC16) on the main board, monitors temperatures around

the board. A Pre-Driver IC is exclusively developed to create

intricate trapezoidal waveforms which vary depending on the model.

It uses +42 VDC and high frequency to produce trapezoidal

waveforms. Therefore, if any relevant trouble has occurred, it is

assumed that the driver is overheated. The TH1 works to detect this

kind of unexpected rise in temperature at an early stage and stop

printing.

AN6 (Pin 111)

Four power transistors (Q3 - Q6) used for trapezoidal waveform

production are directly attached with screws to the large heat sink (a

radiation plate) on the main board. Since the printhead supported by

the Stylus Color 900 supports very high driving frequency (28.8

KHz), higher than ever, and a large amount of PZT, radiation from

the discharging transistor used for trapezoidal waveform production

is huge. Therefore, the cooling fan on the board forces out heat

around the radiation plate. A thermistor fixed on the radiation plate

sends signals to the AN6 port of the CPU to allow the CPU to

manage the cooling fan’s on/off operation.

AN5 (Pin 110)

The electrical signal input to this port is a temperature signal sent

from the thermistor included in the printhead unit. The function of

this thermistor is, same as before, to precisely detect temperatures

around the printhead and feed back information to the C265 main

board. Based on the fed back information, the printer manages

subtle change in the voltage level of the head drive trapezoidal

waveform, and also can eject the correct amount of ink as it is

aimed at any temperature.

AN4-ANO (Pins 1, 2, 9, 10, 4)

The nozzle selector IC is attached inside the printhead. It

determines which nozzle is used to fire ink according to serial data

sent from the ASIC (IC2). A temperature detection circuit included in

the nozzle selector detects the temperature of each actuator in the

5-row PZT array. This must be performed to avoid false firing. If the

printhead continues the firing motion, but no ink is ejected, the

temperature inside the printhead rises to 100 °C and the printhead

might be damaged as a result. To prevent this from happening, the

abnormal temperature detection circuit is included in the nozzle

selector circuit.

The followings are possible reasons for false firing:

1. If an ink cartridge has been removed before its life end and is

installed again, the ink consumption counter value is upset, and

the counter fails to detect the actual remaining ink level. This

wrong operation dangerously causes the printhead to keep

firing without any ink remaining in the cartridge.

2. Serious dot missing can also cause false firing. In this case,

there is enough ink in the cartridge, but it does not properly flow

into the head because of a clogged nozzle(s). If the PZT is

driven without any ink flow, heat generated by the nozzle

movement can not be released, and this makes the

temperature around the head abnormally high.

3. Strong vertical impact applied to the head causes a

considerable amount of ink around the nozzle to leak all at

once as well as damages meniscus on the head surface. As a

result, ink does not properly eject at the next printing and ends

up in a false firing status.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 64

False firing is detected in the following conditions, and the printer

handles it as described below.

False firing detection timing:

If any of the 5 channels, which are monitored by the abnormal

temperature detection circuit in the nozzle selector, reaches 100

°C, the printer stops printing and automaticaly begins the

cleaning cycle. In this case, the printer runs the most powerful

cleaning cycle. The particular address bit called abnormal

temperature detection flag is reset at this point.

Process after detection:

The printer does not resume printing until the temperature

around the PZT recovers to the tolerable range. In case the

printer detects the same abnormal condition again, it indicates

an ink-end error to urge the user to replace the cartridge

considering the following possible reasons:

1. The currently installed ink cartridge is far beyond its useful

life (6 months). Ink, in this condition, does not eject properly

and results in a false firing. When a new cartridge is

installed, the problem is solved.

2. The cartridge installed has been repeatedly removed and

then installed again several times. With this mis-handling of

the cartridge, the ink consumption counter can not properly

describe the actual remaining ink level, and a false firing

occurs as a result. The solution in this case is also replacing

the ink cartridge with a new one.

Furthermore, If an ink cartridge is removed from the printer,

air comes in and bubbles inside the cartridge. Unlike a new

cartridge, the ink inside the removed cartrides is not

deaerated, so the bubbles inside can not be absorbed into

the ink due to the ink’s saturated condition. For this reason,

the more the cartridge is removed/installed, the more

bubbles are formed, and the printhead can not eject ink

properly and false firing occurs.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 65

[Mechanism status detection part]

Figure 2-14. Sensor Circuit Block Diagram (Mechanism Status Detection Part)

CN9

COB

COC

CN8

LS1

LS2

E05B59(IC2)

109

110

COB

COC

ENCB

ENCA

E05B60(IC3)

SW C0

SW A1

SW A0

137

136

135

PSC

CN15

ASF

CN5

PSC

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 66

Encoder:

This sensor increases accuracy of ink ejection timing. Irregular

movement of the carriage, usually caused by a paper jam, can be

also detected based on the change in input signals of this sensor.

Carriage movement is monitored by running the encoder belt (with

lines printed on it with increments of 180 dpi) between the photo

sensor attached to the carriage. Also, if the printer receiveds a large

impact during printing, the input signal cat not be properly read, and

in some cases print quality decreases with a dot missing problem.

This is because this printer forms one dot by producing trapezoidal

head driving waveforms based on the cycle determined by the

signals sent from the encoder.

Ink cartridge sensor:

If the printhead drives without any ink cartridge installed (= false

firing), it damages the printhead unit. Also, compared with other

printers, this printer uses the largest number of PZT and accordingly

releases more heat. For this reason, the ink itself inside the

cartridge serves to lower the temperature inside the cartridge, and

black and color ink cartridges can be separately detected to avoid

false firing.

Detection process: An ink cartridge is detected when the ink

cartridge being installed activates the actuators, which then pushes

the micro switch.

CR home position sensor:

When the printer is turned on, the CRHP sensor confirms the CR is

in the home position during the home position seeking sequence.

Then the printer can determine the CR control afterwards. The

printing column position is also confirmed based on the signals from

the sensor.

Detection process: The carriage is detected when the flag interrupts

the light beam in the photo sensor which is located on the right end

of the printer mechanism.

PE (Paper End) sensor:

The PE sensor detects the following conditions:

Whether or not paper is set at power on.

Whether or not paper is properly fed from the ASF with the

paper feed command.

Whether or not the printer properly ejects a page of printed

paper after rotating the PF (Paper Feed) motor with the

predefined distance.

Detection method: A photo sensor is used to detect the

actuator’s motion; the actuator is pushed/released by the

leading/rear edge of the paper.

ASF sensor:

Various parts in the ASF are engaged in the phase that is designed

to feed paper at the approariate timing. If the timing is wrong, mis-

match occurs between paper feeding by the ASF and paper

transportation for printing, and non-feeding or paper jam will occur.

Therefore, this printer monitors the sensor condition at power on

and before and after paper is fed/ejected according to the pump/

ASF motor’s roational distance.

Power on/off detection:

Unlike primary-side switch type products, ASIC E05B60 (IC3) on the

C265 main board is used to monitor the power on/off operation

instead of any sensor. When the power switch on the control panel

is turned off, the change from 5 V to ground level is detected at the

Pin 33 of the IC3, and the program starts the power off sequence

with this change. Power used during the sequence is supplied by

the electrolysis condenser C84 in the voltage drop delay circuit in

the secondary side of the C265 PSB/PSE board. The electrolysis

condenser continues to supply power until all electric charge inside

is completely discharged.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 67

2.3.3 CR Motor Driver Circuit

An exclusive motor drive IC (LB1847: IC12) enables 4W1-2 phase

excitation on the hardware basis. A micro stepping motor is used for the

CR motor to move the carriage accurately and also to improve printing

accuracy by minimizing the motor’s vibration during printing. Figure

2-15 shows the CR motor driver circuit block diagram.

Figure 2-15. CR Motor Driver Circuit Block Diagram

+42

+42 +42 +42 +42

CN11

D/Axy

E05B59(IC2)

147

148

149

150

163

162

161

160

143

170

144

169

171

172

LB1847(IC 12)

173

174

175

N.C.

M 62383(IC 17)

CRIA0

CRIA1

CRIA2

CRIA3

CRIB0

CRIB1

CRIB2

CRIB3

CRPHAA

CRPHAB

CRENBA

CRENBB

CRCTL0

CRCTL1

CRCTL2

CRCTLR

CRCTLS

Phase A setting

current signal

(16 patterns)

Phase B setting

current signal

(16 patterns)

Phase C R A (B)

selection signal

Phase C R A (B)

ENB (perm ission)

signal

M otor sub control

M D signal

DECAY signal 1

DECAY signal 2

N ot used

Phase A constant

at chopping

IA 1

IA 2

IA 3

IA 4

IB 1

IB 2

IB 3

IB 4

PHASE1

PHASE2

ENABLE1

ENABLE2

VREF1

VREF2

CR1

CR2

DECAY1

SECAY2

OUTA

OUT-A

OUTB

OUT-B

VBB

VCC

GND

OUT A

OUT-B

OUT-A

OUT B

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 68

Unlike previous EPSON ink jet printers, the number of the phase

excitation input ports in the motor drive IC of this printer has increased

to 8. The previous micro step system used total of 4 phase excitation

input signals for both phases A and B. (Stylus COLOR, Stylus PRO

series, and Stylus PRO XL series are exceptional, since they transfer 4-

bit serial data from ASIC to the motor driver.) This is because the micro

stepping was controlled by the software only. On the other hand,

LB1847 enables the 4W1-2 phase excitation using the hardware and is

equipped with the necessary number of input ports (8 ports) for current

setting signals. Among these input ports, 4 ports are allocated to each

phase, A and B. Therefore, 16 types of current setting data can be

constantly sent to the driver IC. The LB1847 controls the micro stepping

system by exciting the corresponding phase based on the combinations

of the setting signals sent from the ASIC.

Table 2-16 shows the excitation modes used for the CR motor and their

usage.

Table 2-16. CR Motor Excitation Mode and Usage

Excitation mode Usage Minimum step

2-2 phase drive LQ print mode 1/120" (0.212 mm)

1-2 phase drive Not used 1/240" (0.106 mm)

W1-2 phase drive Sort skipping

SLQ print mode 1/480” (0.053 mm)

2W1-2 phase drive Wiping

Capping 1/960" (0.026 mm)

4W1-2 phase drive

Moving from the

capping position

Uncapping

1/1920" (0.013 mm)

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 69

2.3.4 PF Motor Driver Circuit

Motor drive exclusive IC (LB1847: IC11) enables 4W1-2 phase

excitation on the hardware basis. A stepping motor is used for the PF

motor to move the carriage accurately and also to improve printing

accuracy by minimizing the motor’s vibration during printing. Figure

2-16 shows the PF motor driver circuit block diagram.

Figure 2-16. PF Motor Driver Circuit Block Diagram

+42 +42 +42 +42

CN10

D/Axx

E05B 59(IC 2)

140

139

138

137

133

134

135

136

142

128

141

129

124

127

LB1847(IC 11)

125

126

123

N.C.

M 62383(IC 17)

+42

PFIA0

PFIA1

PFIA2

PFIA3

PFIB0

PFIB1

PFIB2

PFIB3

PFPHAA

PFPHAB

PFENBA

PFENBB

PFCTL0

PFCTL1

PFCTL2

PFCTLR

PFCTLS

Phase A setting

current signal

(16 patterns)

Phase B setting

current signal

(16 patterns)

Phase C R A (B)

selection signal

Phase C R A (B)

ENB (perm ission)

signal

M otor sub

control

IA 1

IA 2

IA 3

IA 4

IB 1

IB 2

IB 3

IB 4

PHASE1

PHASE2

ENABLE1

ENABLE2

VREF1

VREF2

OUTA

OUT-A

OUTB

OUT-B

VBB

VCC

GND

PFF

PF -A

PF B

PF-B

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 70

Unlike the previous EPSON ink jet printers, the number pf the phase

excitation input ports in the motor drive IC of this printer has increased

to 8. The previous micro step system used total of 4 phase excitation

input signals for both Phase A and Phase B. (Stylus COLOR, Stylus

PRO series, and Stylus PRO XL series are exceptional, since they

transfer 4-bit serial data from ASIC to the motor driver.) This is because

the micro stepping was controlled by the software only. On the other

hand, LB1847 enables 4W1-2 phase excitation using the hardware and

is equipped with the necessary number of input ports (8 ports) for

current setting signals. Among 8 input ports, 4 are allocated to each

phase, A and B. Therefore, 16 types of current setting data can be

constantly sent to the driver IC. The LB1847 controls the micro stepping

system by exciting the corresponding phase based on the combinations

of the setting signals sent from the ASIC.

Table 2-17 shows the excitation modes used for the PF motor and their

usage.

Table 2-17. PF Motor Excitation Mode and Usage

Excitation phase Usage Minimum step

2-2 phase drive Not used 1/720"(0.035 mm)

1-2 phase drive

Fast feed 1

Fast feed 2

Special fast feed

1/1440"(0.018 mm)

W1-2 phase drive Not used 1/2880"(0.009 mm)

2W1-2 phase drive Middle-speed feed 1/5760"(0.004 mm)

4W1-2 phase drive

Normal feed

Micro adjust feed

Slow feed

1/11520"(0.004 mm)

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 71

2.3.5 Pump/ASF Motor Driver Circuit

Like for the CR motor and the PF motor, A3957 (IC13, IC14) enables

the pump/ASF motor to perform 4W1-2 phase excitation on the

hardware basis. Figure 2-17 shows the pump/ASF motor driver circuit

block diagram. Among 2 drivers, IC13 and IC14 drives the Phase A and

Phase B, respectively.

Figure 2-17. Pump/ASF Motor Driver Circuit Block Diagram

+42 +42 +42 +42

CN12

A3957(IC 13)

A3957(IC 14)

REF

M 62383(IC 17)

D/Axy

E05B59(IC 2)

ASFIA0

ASFIA1

ASFIA2

ASFIA3

ASFPHAA

ASFIB0

ASFIB1

ASFIB2

ASFIB3

ASFPHAB

ASF A

ASF -A

ASF B

ASF-B

Phase A specified

signal

Phase B specified

signal

Phase B setting

current signal

(16 patterns)

Phase A setting

current signal

(16 patterns)

OUTA

OUTB

OUTA

OUTB

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 72

Table 2-18 shows the excitation modes used for the pump/ASF motor

and their usage.

Table 2-18. Pump/ASF Motor Excitation Mode and Usage

2.3.6 Printhead Driver Circuit

The printhead driver circuit consists of 2 circuits: the common voltage

production circuit (a trapezoid waveform production circuit) on the C265

main board and nozzle selector on the printhead. The pre-driver

CXA2128 (IC15, 16) produces trapezoid waveform and the transistors

(Q3 - Q6) output it. Unlike previous products, data (serial data) is

independently transferred to each nozzle row to enable reduction in

data latch time required to form one dot, while nozzle selection is

performed by ASIC, which sends serial data directly to the nozzle

selector on the printhead synchronizing with the clock signal. (A block

diagram and the circuit diagram for the nozzle selector are not included

in this manual.) The printhead driver circuit block diagram is shown in

Figure 2-18.

Excitation phase Usage Minimum step

2-2 phase drive

Fast absorption

Semi-fast absorption

Fast feed

1/720" (0.035 mm)

1-2 phase drive Micro absorption 1/1440" (0.018 mm)

W1-2 phase drive Not used 1/2880" (0.009 mm)

2W1-2 phase drive Normal absorption

Normal feed 1/5760" (0.004 mm)

4W1-2 phase drive

Constant drive

Slow feed

Slow absorption

1/11520" (0.004 mm)

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 73

Figure 2-18. Printhead Driver Circuit Block Diagram

CN8

C XA2128(IC 15)

+42

C XA2128(IC 16)

114

113

112

111

120

119

118

115

116

121

E05B59(IC 2)

AN0

AN1

AN2

AN3

AN4

CPU(IC1)

CN9

COM e

4ANO DE5

AN5

105

106

107

108

109

110

109

107

102

100

101

108

COC

COB

HLAT

HSOCLK

HSO_Y

HSO_M

HSO_C

HSO_B1

HSO_B2

HINV

HW A0

HW A1

HW A2

HW A3

HW CLK1

HW CLK2

/H W F L R

HW SDATA

HW SLC

/H W S L A T

CLK1

CLK2

/FLOOR

DATA

DCLK

VCC45

VC C 45_2

NPNB

PNPB

C harging/discharging

circuit for color nozzles

Black nozzle row s

C o lo r n o z z le ro w s

H ead tem perature

detection circuit

AN data

(tem perature

detection

fo r e a c h c o lo r)

I/C detection signal

- D ata latch signal

- N ozzle selection signal

- C lock signal

Trapezoid w aveform

reverse signal

C o lo r n o z z le ro w

C harging/discharging

circuit for black nozzles

CLK1

CLK2

/FLOOR

DATA

DCLK

VCC45

VC C 45_2

NPNB

PNPB

VHV

COM a

COM b

COM c

COM d

THM

ANO DE1

ANO DE2

ANO DE3

ANO DE4

COC

COB

LAT

CLK

IN V

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 74

2.3.7 Cooling Fan Driver Circuit

Since this printer drives a large number of PZT elements (total of 480

nozzles) with a high drive frequency (maximum 32.4 K Hz), heat

radiated around the printheads and the trapezoid waveform production

circuit on the C265 main board is considerably large compared to other

printers. Therefore a thernmistor is attached to the heat sink fixed to

thetrapezoid waveform production transistors to prevent the trapezoid

waveform production transistors (Q3 - Q6) and adjacent HIC from

operating abnormally due to high temperature. When the thermistor

detects abnormally high temperature, the printer turns the cooling fan

on to forcibly blow out heat from the lower case. Figure 2-19 shows the

cooling fan driver circuit block diagram. Table 2-19 shows how the

signals output from the ASIC and corresponding fan conditions.

Figure 2-19. Cooling Fan Driver Circuit Block Diagram

Table 2-19. Cooling Fan Control by the ASIC (IC2)

Figure 2-20 shows the main routine of the cooling fan drive.

Figure 2-20. Main Routine of the Cooling Fan Drive

ASIC (IC2, 176- pin) condition Cooling fan condition

High (5 VDC) On

Low (0 VDC) Off

+42

6.8

CN13

GND

1+35

39 K

E05B 59(IC 2)

176

FAN

D rops to 35 V.

Start

YES YES E rro r 1

YES Fan O n

YES Fan O ff

YES

E rro r 1

R e tu rn to th e S ta rt.

t1 = H eat sink tem perature on the C 265 m ain board

t2 = TH 1 tem perature on the C 265 m ain borad.

th e fa n

ro ta tin g ?

t1 >/= 50 °

t2 >/= 55 °

t1 >/= 60 °

t2 >/= 60 °

t1 >/= 40 °

t2 >/= 50 °

t1 >/= 36 °

t2 >/= 42 °

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 75

Whether or not the cooling fan is driven depends on the electrical

signals sent from the 2 thermistors (“t1” and “t2” in the figure). The “t1”

represents the temperature detected by the thermistor attached to the

heat sink on the C265 main board with a screw, while the “t2”

represents the one between the printhead pre-driver ICs (IC15 and

IC16) on the C265 main board. Table 2-20 shows the thermistor

condition and corresponding fan operation.

Table 2-20. Conditions for Driving the Cooling Fan

Even while the printer is in idle status, the thermistors continue to detect

temperatures every 2 seconds for the cooling fan operation. However, 2

error status conditions can be detected in the main routine, since air

may not cool down if the fan is defective or the ventilation grill is

clogged.

[Error 1]

The printer does not stop printing but continues to print by lowering the

drive frequency. For instance, the printer normally prints with the head

drive frequency of 14.4 K Hz to perform 1440-dpi print (horizontal) at

200 cps (CR speed). In the error condition, however, the printer can

lower the head drive frequency to 7.2 K Hz by reducing CR speed to

100 cpi. Note the printer actually performs printing at 1/3 duty / 1-pass

of a normal speed.

[Error 2]

The printer stops printing. In this condition, the temperature at the

junction of the power transistor for trapezoidal waveform production and

the trapezoid waveform production IC (pre-driver) has risen to the limit

(which means the thermistors have detected over 60 °C at both t1 and

t2), and the printer generates a fatal error after stopping printing

completely. Therefore, this printer specifically shows a fatal error on the

control panel when detecting abnormal temperatures in addition to the

following 2 common conditions.

1. Failure in CR home position detection:

This failure can be caused by one of the following 4 reasons:

- CRHP sensor itself is defective.

- There is a deficiency in the circuit.

- Incorrect PG adjustment

- CR motor is defective

2. Failure in ASF home position detection:

This failure can be caused by one of the following reasons:

- ASF sensor itself is defective.

- There is a deficiency in the circuit.

- ASF is damaged.

- Pump/ASF motor is defective.

Thermistor condition Cooling fan:

Operating Cooling fan:

Stops operating.

t1 and t2 have detected

temperatures. t1 ≥ °40 C or t2 ≥ 50 °Ct1

≥

36 C or t2 ≥ 42 °C

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 76

2.3.8 ASF Solenoid Driver Circuit

A planetary gear is used in the gear train which switches between paper

feed operation from the ASF and pump operation. The switching action

is enabled by the solenoid. See Table 2-21 and Figure 2-21 which show

ASF solenoid specifications and the ASF solenoid control circuit block

diagram, respectively.

Table 2-21. ASF Solenoid Specifications

Table 2-22 shows the ASIC’s (IC2) conditions for driving the ASF

solenoid.

Table 2-22. Conditions for Driving the ASF Solenoid Figure 2-21. ASF Solenoid Control Circuit Block Diagram

No. Items Specifications

1 Type Single-phase DC solenoid

2Drive voltage 42 VDC ± 5%

3 Coil resistance 588 Ω ± 10% (at 20 °C)

4Induction 0.98 N (100 gf) or more

ASIC’s (IC2, 83-pin) condition Solenoid’s condition

High (5 VDC) Inducting

Low (0 VDC) Non-inducting

CN16

GND

1VBB

+42

E05B 59(IC 2)

ASF_SO L 83

C ooling fan

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Operating Principles Electrical Circuit Operation Principles 77

2.3.9 EEPROM Control Driver Circuit

Data for various factory-adjustment items is stored in the EEPROM

(IC7) on the C265 main board. The size of the EEPROM is 2 K bit since

various types of dots are available with this printer and memory

allocated for the ink consumption counter is accordingly large.

When the printer is turned on, data stored in the EEPROM is transferred

to the D-RAM by the ASIC (IC3). In the D-RAM, the ASIC controls

various adjustment values, total ink consumption, and current ink usage

condition for each color, and the printer prints depending on these

values. When the printer is turned off, the data and adjustment values

accumulated and controlled in the D-RAM are written back into the

specific addresses in the EEPROM under the ASIC’s control.

Information is transmitted between the ASIC (IC3) and the EEPROM in

the serial data format.

Figure 2-22. EEPROM Control Circuit Block Diagram

Address

Data

AT93C 56(IC 7)

Vcc

ORG

GND

E05A 60(IC 3)

ECS

ESK

EDI

EDO

DRAM(IC5)





TROUBLESHOOTING

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 79

3.1 Overview

This chapter describes how to troubleshoot problems. It consists of the

sections shown in the flowchart below. When identifying and

troubleshooting problems, be sure to proceed to the correct section

specified in the flowchart.

Figure 3-1. Troubleshooting Flowchart

Following sections show detailed information on each step in the

flowchart. Be sure to perform troubleshooting without neglecting the

correct order specified in each section.

Yes

Troubleshooting w ith

LED error indications

(S ection 3.1.1)

(S ection 3.1.3)

Is the printer pow er on?

Isolating the faulty part

on the pow er supply

board

(S ection 3.1.2)

Isolating the faulty part

according to the

exhibited phenom enons

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 80

3.1.1 Troubleshooting with LED Error Indications

This section describes how to troubleshoot the problem when the

printer indicates an error at power on and can not print. The Stylus

Color can detect the following six errors and indicates them with the

LEDs, as shown below.

Table 3-1. Error Indication with the LEDs

NOTE: “---” means the LED is not affected by the error condition.

See the following tables which show the error conditions and

corresponding possible causes.

Table 3-2. Error Condition and the Possible Causes

Error Condition

Corresponding Combination of the LED Condition

Power Ink Out

(Black) Ink Out

(Color) Paper Out

Paper Out Error On --- --- On

Paper Jam Error --- Off Off Blink

No I/C or Ink Out

(Black) Error --- On --- ---

No I/C or Ink Out

(Color) Error --- --- On ---

Maintenance

Error Blink Blink Blink Blink

Fatal Error Blink On On Blink

No. Error Condition Possible Causes

1 Paper Out Error

(Refer to Section

3.1.1.1.)

1. Failure in paper feeding

2. Connector for the PE sensor is disconnected.

3. The PE sensor actuator is acting improperly.

The sensor base is not fixed properly.

4. The PE sensor is defective.

5. ASF is damaged.

2Paper Jam Error

(Refer to Section

3.1.1.2.)

1. The paper in use is longer than specified.

2. The encoder at the back of the carriage is covered

with dust.

3. The encoder at the back of the carriage is almost

dislocated. If it has completely come off, a fatal error

occurs.

4. The PE sensor remains on because it is covered

with paper debris or dust.

5. The PE sensor actuator is not acting properly.

The sensor base is not fixed properly.

6. The PE sensor is defective.

The encoder is defective.

7. The ASF is not installed properly.

The paper load sub roller is not fixed properly.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 81

Table 3-3. Error Condition and the Possible Causes (continued) 3.1.1.1 Remedies for Paper Out Error

This section provides check points and corresponding actions which are

necessary when the Paper Out Error problem has occurred because of

either of the following reasons:

Paper is set in the ASF hopper but not fed.

Paper is fed but not detected by the printer.

Be sure to follow the steps in the order described in the tables.

NOTE: If the finding for the question is Yes, take the action described in

the right column. If “No”, proceed to the next step.

No. Error Condition Possible Causes

3 NO I/C or Ink Out

Error

(Refer to Section

3.1.1.3.)

1. The counter is not showing the actual remaining ink

level.

2. Ink cartridge sensor actuator is not acting properly.

3. The micro switch is not mounted correctly.

The connector (green) is disconnected.

4. The connector (green, 3-pin) on the small board

directly attached to the printhead surface side is

disconnected. Note the connector (green, 4-pin) is

irrelevant as it is for the encoder.

5. The micro switch is defective.

6. The value for the ink consumption counter in the

EEPROM is destroyed.

7. Ink cartridge replace command is generated because

an abnormal temperature is detected.

4 Maintenance

Error

(Refer to Section

3.1.1.4.)

Usual waste ink over-flow is requested.

Note this error can be cleared by the special function

through the control panel operation only.

5 Fatal Error

(Refer to Section

3.1.1.5.)

1. The CRHP sensor has come off.

The connector for the CRHP sensor is disconnected.

2. The encoder belt has come off.

The encoder belt is not placed through the encoder

located at the back of the carriage.

3. The ASF sensor has come off.

The connector for the ASF sensor is disconnected.

4. The coil for the CR motor has burnt.

5. The coil for the PF motor has burnt.

6. The lever fixing the planetary gear has come of the

frame.

The tension spring is dislocated.

7. Coil for the pump/ASF motor has burnt.

8. The coil for the ASF solenoid has burnt.

9. The CRHP sensor is defective.

10. The ASF sensor is defective.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 82

Table 3-4. Remedies for Paper Out Error Table 3-5. Remedies for Paper Out Error (continued)

Step Check point Actions

1 Is no paper

loaded? Set a cleaning sheet in the ASF up side down. Then

holding the top edge, press the Load/Eject button, and

the micro pearl on the paper load roller (a semicircular

roller) surface is removed. To remove severe smear,

staple a cloth moistened with alcohol to a post card and

clean the roller in the same manner.

2 Is the connector

for the PE sensor

disconnected?

Connect the connector (yellow, 3-pin) for the PE sensor.

3 • Is the PE

sensor

actuator acting

improperly?

• Is the sensor

base floating?

• Using your hand, try activating the actuator in the

same condition as it is detecting incoming paper. Then

release the actuator and check if the actuator

automatically returns to its original position with the

tension of the spring.

• Referring to the illustration above, check that the

sensor base is securely installed to the frame. If the

sensor base is floating or installed insecurely, instal it

securely.

C L Sheet

N on-adhesive A rea

Adhesive A rea

This side dow n

(U se a post card

for the base sheet.)

Staplers

C loth m oistened

w ith alcohol

Bottom view of the printer m echanism

C onnector for the

PE sensor Tension spring

Step Check point Actions

4 Is The PE sensor

defective? Measure the voltage at the yellow 3-pin connector

on the relay board by activating the actuator

manually to check that the voltage is correct as

follows.

The actuator is activated: 2.4 V or more

The actuator is released: 0.7 V or less

5 Is the ASF damaged? Hand-rotate the shaft in the ASF in the paper feed

direction and check if the hopper hops out every

time you rotate the shaft.

NOTE: Even though the ASF sensor is in the

proper condition for detecting the HP

sensor, If the hopper is not operating at the

correct timing for paper feeding, paper is

not loaded. Therefore, if the ASF sensor is

working without this correct combination,

reassembly or replace the ASF.

M/C

CRH PE ASF

RED

WHT

BLK

M/C

Pin 3 (PE)

Pin 2 (G ND)

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 83

3.1.1.2 Remedies for the Paper Jam Error

This section includes the check points and corresponding actions which

are necessary when the Paper Jam Error constantly occurs when the

printer is turned on or feeding paper.

Be sure to follow the steps in the order described in the tables.

NOTE: If the finding for the question is Yes, take the action described in

the right column. If “No”, proceed to the next step.

Table 3-6. Remedies for Paper Jam Error

Step Check Points Actions

1 Is the paper length

beyond the

specifications?

Instruct the user that the Paper Jam Error occurs

if paper whose length is beyond the specifications

is used.

2 Is the encoder located

at the back of the CR

covered with dust?

Check if there is any dust or paper debris lodged

between the parts of the encoder (a transmission

type photo sensor) located at the back of the

carriage.

3 Is the encoder belt

nearly dislocated from

the encoder?

Referring to the illustration above, check if the

encoder belt is nearly dislocated from the

encoder.

4 Is the PE sensor always

on because of the paper

debris or dust

accumulated over the

sensor.

Viewing the PE sensor from the front, check that

the actuator is the correct position: the actuator

falls in the cutout without any paper.

Linear Scale

(E ncoder belt)

Encoder

C arriage U nit

PE Sensor

Actuator

PE Paper G uide

A ssem bly (R ight) PF Roller

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 84

Table 3-7. Remedies for Paper Jam Error (continued) Table 3-8. Remedies for Paper Jam Error (continued)

Step Check Points Actions

5 • Is the PE sensor

actuator acting

improperly?

• Is the sensor base

floating?

Referring to Step 3 in Section 3.1.1.1 “Remedies

for Paper Out Error”, check the sensor condition.

6 • Is the PE sensor

defective?

• Is the encoder

defective?

Referring to Step 4 in Section 3.1.1.1 “Remedies

for Paper Out Error”, check the sensor condition.

Then, verify the encoder sensor condition by

checking the following points for proper connection

and electrical continuity, since checking the signal

directly from the encoder is impossible.

1. Connection of the connector 1

2. Connection of the connector 2

3. Electrical continuity of the cable.

C arriage view ed from the back

H ead surface

C onnector 1 C heck for

continuity.

C onnector 2

Step Check Points Actions

7 Is the ASF installed

improperly?

Is any of the paper load

sub rollers fixed

improperly?

• Check the ASF installation at the following 2

points: View A and View B in the figure below.

• Viewing the printer from the back, check that all

of the six torsion springs securing the paper

load sub rollers are properly installed.

View B

View A

Protrusion is set in here.

View B

D isconnected

View A

Top Fram e Tension Spring

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 85

3.1.1.3 Remedies for No I/C and Ink Out Errors

This section includes the check points and corresponding actions which

are necessary when the black ink (or color ink) LED comes on or blinks

at power on despite the ink cartridge has been replaced with a new one.

Be sure to follow the steps in the order described in the tables.

NOTE: If the finding for the question is Yes, take the action described in

the right column. If “No”, proceed to the next step.

Table 3-9. Remedies for No I/C and Ink Out Errors

Step Check Point Actions

1 Does the counter

value mis-match the

actual remaining ink

level?

The ink consumption counter, separately set for black

and color ink, adds up points according to ink weight

used to form one dot. This counter is reset (the value

returns to zero) when the I/C replacement sequence is

performed. If the counter is reset for any other

purposes, the following adversities will occur.

1. Enough ink is remaining in the cartridge, but the

printer shows the Ink low or Ink end condition and

can not continue to print.

2. Ink has run out but the printer continues to print and

starts false firing, which damages the printhead.

Explain the situation to the user well, and replace the

I/C with a new one.

2 Is the ink cartridge

sensor actuator

acting improperly?

Turn the both actuators (eight and left) manually and

check that they properly push the micro switches.

Then, also check that the actuators return to their

normal conditions shown in the figure below

automatically.

M icro Sw itches

Actuator 1 Actuator 2

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 86

Table 3-10. Remedies for No I/C and Ink Out Errors (continued) Table 3-11. Remedies for No I/C and Ink Out Errors (continued)

Step Check Point Actions

3 Is the micro switch fixed

improperly?

Is the connector (green)

disconnected?

If the micro switch is not properly attached, the

actuators possibly fail to touch the micro switch.

Therefore, check that the micro switch is

securely attached to the carriage by the hooks.

4 Is the connector (green,

3-pin) disconnected form

the small board which is

directly attached to the

head surface side?

Remove the printhead and check if the connector

(green, 3-pin) is disconnected from the small

board at the bottom of the printhead.

Note: The green 4-pin is irrelevant as it is for the

encoder.

5 Is the micro switch

defective?

1. Keeping the left micro switch pressed down,

place the probes of the tester to the middle

and left pins to check for electrical continuity.

2. Keeping the right micro switch pressed down,

place the probes of the tester to the middle

and right pins to check for electrical continuity.

H ooks

C onnector M icro S w itches

Step1 Step2

Push 1 Push 2

Step Check Point Actions

6 Is data in the EEPROM

destroyed? If the address for the ink consumption information

in the EEPROM is garbled and the printer shows

the Ink Out (Ink End) error constantly, the printer

sets the interface signal “BUSY” to High and stops

communication with any other peripheral devices.

Therefore, it is effective to replace the I/C with a

new one to forcibly overwrite the address with 00H.

7 Is the abnormal

temperature detection

circuit working?

Since the Stylus Color 900 drives a large number

of PZT with a high drive frequency, if the printhead

is driven without any ink filled in it, the printhead

abnormally heats up and may be damaged as the

result. Therefore, this printer monitors and controls

the temperature around the printhead more strictly

than any other printers do. In case the printer

detects abnormal rise in head temperature during

printing, it generates the I/C replacement

command after the sequence described below.

1. Detects an abnormal temperature during

printing.

2. Stops printing and begins a head cleaning. (This

operation solves the nozzle clogging problem in

most cases.)

3. Resumes printing.

4. If detects an abnormal rise in the head

temperature again, sets a flag and generates

the I/C replacement command. (The Ink LED

comes on.)

The printer mostly enters this sequence under the

following two conditions:

• Ink around the nozzles is severely viscous. (due

to removal and reinstallation of the I/C)

• Ink is leaking from the printhead because of a

large impact.

The temperature in the printhead actually rises

abnormally when half the nozzles in any nozzle

row are clogged, or 48 nozzles in any 96-nozzle

row are clogged.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 87

3.1.1.4 Remedies for the Maintenance Error

While the printer is in this error condition, it disables all operations

including data communication except for the panel operation specified

to clear the error. Therefore, follow the steps described in Table 3-12 to

solve the problem.

Table 3-12. Remedies for the Maintenance Error

NOTE: During the Step 2, if the Load/Eject button is pressed, the

Maintenance Error is not cleared but the EEPROM initialization

mode is activated instead. The EEPROM initialization can be

used to recover from conditions such as the printer does not

accept any data from the PC. The EEPROM initialization mode

initializes the following items:

Accumulated power-off time:The value for the Timer IC is reset.

CL Timer: The CL timer, which is also called fire-

waiting timer, secures the printer

specific period of time so bubbles

formed around the printhead during a

cleaning vanish.

I/F selection: Selects “Auto”, the factory default,

from 4 I/F selection items: Auto,

Parallel, Serial, and Option.

Step Actions Correct LED condition

1 Turn the printer on while pressing the

Load/Eject and the Cleaning buttons, and

the Paper Out LED starts blinking. (Blinks

for three seconds.)

The Paper Out LED is blinking.

2 While the Paper Out LED is blinking (for

three seconds), press the Cleaning button

for ten seconds.

The following three red LEDs

are blinking: Ink Out LED

(Black), Ink Out LED (Color),

and Paper Out LED.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 88

3.1.1.5 Remedies for Fatal Error

A fatal error is basically caused by any of the following conditions:

1. The printer does not detect the carriage in the home position.

2. The printer does not detect signals from the linear scale.

3. The ASF sensor does not detect the ASF home position.

The following tables show various causes of the error and

corresponding solutions. Be sure to follow the steps correctly to solve

the problems.

NOTE: If the finding for the question is Yes, take the action described in

the right column. If “No”, proceed to the next step.

Table 3-13. Remedies for Fatal Error

Table 3-14. Remedies for Fatal Error

Step Check Point Actions

1 Has the CRHP

sensor come off the

printer mechanism

frame?

Is the connector for

the CRHP sensor

disconnected?

Check the CRHP sensor visually. Connect the

connector properly. Make sure the connector is

connected to the indicated position on the relay

board. Also, check that there is no dust nor paper

debris between the sensor parts.

2 Has the encoder belt

come off? Referring to step 2 in Section 3.1.2.2, check that the

encoder belt is set between the sensor parts. Also

check that the sensor is free from dust and paper

debris.

M/C

CRH PE ASF

RED

WHT

BLK

M/C

C onnector 1

C onnector 2

M echanism

Fram e

Step Check Point Actions

3 Has the ASF sensor

come off?

Is the sensor for the

ASF disconnected?

Referring to the figure below, check that the ASF

sensor is attached to the correct position.

Check that both connectors 1 and 2 are securely

connected.

4 Has the coil for the

CR motor burnt? Since the CR motor is controlled by the Bipolar

system, measure the coil resistance using the tester

as shown below.

<Resistance: 5.8 Ω ± 10%>

Note: Be

sure to

measure the

resistance at

two points

shown in the

figure below.

5 Has the coil for the

PF motor burnt? Measure the internal coil resistance of the PF motor

in the same manner as for the CR motor.

<Resistance: 8.1 Ω ± 10%>

M/C

CRH PE ASF

RED

WHT

BLK

M/C

AS F S ensor

AS F Fram e

(Left)

C onnector 1

C onnector 2

To Pin 1

To Pin 3

Step 1

Step 2

To Pin 2

To Pin 4

CR Motor

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 89

Table 3-15. Remedies for Fatal Error (continued) Table 3-16. Remedies for Fatal Error (continued)

Step Check Point Actions

6 Is the lever

securing the

planetary gear

dislocated from

the frame?

Has the tension

spring come off?

Check if the two

hooks securing

the planetary gear

fixing lever to the

Pump/ASF switch

mechanism are

released from the

frame.

Also, check the

tension spring’s

condition.

7 Has the coil for

the Pump/ASF

motor burnt?

Measure the internal coil resistance of the pump/ASF

motor in the same manner as for the CR motor (Step 4).

<Resistance: 7.0 Ω ± 10%>

8 Is the coil for the

ASF solenoid

burnt?

Referring to the figure below, measure the coil

resistance of the solenoid coil using a tester. Note the

tester can be used regardless of the polarity.

<Resistance: 588 Ω ± 10%>

Pum p/ASF M otor

Lever Fixing the

Planetary G ear

Iron C ore in

he Solenoid

Tension Spring

Solenoid

Step Check Point Actions

9 Is the CRHP sensor

defective? Check for the correct voltages at 3-pin connector

shown in the figure below.

Turn the printer on and check the voltage is correct

as follows:

• When the CR has come in the home position, the

voltage rises to 2.4 VDC or higher.

• When the CR has left the home position, the

voltage drops to 0.7 VDC or lower.

10 Is the ASF sensor

defective? Check for the proper voltage in the same manner as

described in the previous step. The ASF connector

(3-pin) location on the relay board is also shown in

the figure above. The pin configuration is also the

same as CRHP sensor.

At power on, the ASF reset operation is performed,

and the ASF Sensor detects ASF home position.

M/C

CRH PE ASF

RED

WHT

BLK

M/C

To Pin 2 (G N D )

To Pin 3

(CRHP)

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 90

3.1.2 Isolating the Faulty Part on the Power Supply Board

This section explains how to troubleshoot the following problems:

The printer is turned on, but the initialization is not performed and

LED on the control panel do not come on.

Problems after power on

Be sure to perform troubleshooting in the order specified, because the

parts involved are mentioned in the disassembly procedure to facilitate

servicing.

Table 3-17. Isolating the Faulty Part on the Power Supply Board

Table 3-18.

Isolating the Faulty Part on the Power Supply Board (continued)

Step Check Point Action

1 Is the panel FFC

disconnected from the

connector on the panel

board?

The power switch for this printer is in the secondary

side. Therefore, if the FFC does not transfer

signals, the printer does not operate despite the

power supply board and the main board are

properly connected.

2 Is the panel FFC

disconnected from the

connector (black, 12-

pin) on the relay board?

This printer uses the power switch on the

secondary side. Therefore, if the FFC does not

transfer signals, the printer does not operate

despite the power supply board and the main board

are properly connected.

3 Is the connector

disconnected from the

CN15 on the main

board?

The reason is the same as above.

The panel control FFCs are connected via 1) CN15

on the main board → 2) Relay board → 3) Control

Panel.

4 Has the fuse (F1) on

the power supply board

blown?

Check if the line in the F1 located beside the CN1

on the power supply board has blown.

5 Is CN2 or CN3 on the

power supply board

disconnected?

Check that the connectors CN2 and CN3, which

are used to apply power to the main board, are

properly connected.

Step Check Point Action

6 Is CN 5 or CN6 on the

main board

disconnected?

Check that the connectors CN5 and CN6, which

are used to input power from the power supply

board, are properly connected.

7 Is the choke coil

broken? Viewing the reverse side of the power supply

board, check for the proper continuity at the two

points indicated in the figure below.

8 Is the transformer (T1)

broken? Referring to the figure below, check if the

transformer is disconnected between the poles. Try

every combination in each group marked with a

blue box.

L1 (reverse side)

CN1 side CN2 side

CN5 Side CN3 Side

(reverse side)

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 91

Table 3-19.

Isolating the Faulty Part on the Power Supply Board (continued) Table 3-20.

Isolating the Faulty Part on the Power Supply Board (continued)

Step Check Point Action

9 Is the main switching

FET (Q1) defective? Check the electrical continuity of the switching

FET by trying four patterns below. Be sure to pay

attention to the polarity. If the main switching FET

is good, the findings should be as shown under the

figure.

Step 1: Off, Step 2: On, Step 3: Off, Step 4: Off

10 Is the NPN connection

transistor defective? Check the electrical continuity of the NPN

connection transistor on the C265 PSB/SE board

by trying four patterns below. Be sure to pay

attention to the polarity. If the NPN contact

transistor is good, the findings should be as shown

under the figure. Note the NPN connection

transistor is shown in the circuit diagram as

described below.

Step 1: On, Step 2: Off, Step 3: Off, Step 4: On

Step.1

Step.2

Step.3

Step.4

Step.1

Step.2

NPN Tr

Step.3 Step.4

Step Check Point Action

11 Is the PNP connection

transistor defective? Check the PNP connection transistor on the C265

PSB/SE board in the same manner described in

the previous step.

Step 1: Off, Step 2: On, Step 3: Off, Step 4: On

12 Is the +5 V regulator

(IC51) defective? Check the IC51 for the oscillation waveform

(measured by using a oscillo scope) output from

the Pin 5. If the output waveform is as shown

below, it means the IC51 is working properly.

Step.1

-+-

Step.2

PNP Tr

Step.3 Step.4

5-pin(O SC )

GND

IC 5 1

O s c illa tio n w a v e fo rm

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 92

3.1.3 Isolating the Faulty Part according to the Phenomenon

Refer to this section if you could not solve the problem in Section 3.1.1

or Section 3.1.2 or need more information to isolate the cause

according to the exhibited phenomenon. The contents mostly cover the

problems relating to the C265 Main board and their remedies.

Table 3-21. Phenomena Exhibited

Table 3-22. Cooling Fan does not Rotate

No. Phenomenon Exhibited Table to refer to

1 The cooling fan does not rotate.

Note the cooling fan does not constantly rotate.

Refer to Chapter 2 / Section 2.3.7.

Table 3-22,

2 CR motor does not rotate. Table 3-23

3 PF motor does not rotate. Table 3-24

4pump/ASF motor does not rotate. Table 3-25, Table 3-26

5 ASF solenoid does not operate. Table 3-27, Table 3-28

6 Cleaning does not solve the print problem. Table 3-29 - Table 3-33

7 Ink End Error occurs after the printhead is

replaced, so the printhead can not be adjusted. Table 3-34

Step Check Point Action

1 Is the fuse (F6)

open? Place the probes of the tester on the both terminals of

the chip fuse (F6) on the C265 Main board. Then

check for electrical continuity. F6 is located beside the

Q7 which is in front of the cooling fan connector

(CN13).

2 Is the transistor

(Q7) defective? Q7 is beside the connector (CN13 for the cooling fan).

Since the three terminals for the base, emittor, and

collector are not marked, try every pattern below to

check for electrical continuity. Be sure to test with the

correct polarity. The correct findings are shown under

the figure.

Step 1: On, Step 2: Off, Step 3: On, Step 4: Off

3 Is the internal coil

for the fan motor

open?

Replace the Fan unit and then check for the correct

operation.

4 Is the C265 Main

board defective? If the cause has not been isolated yet, replace the

C265 Main board.

Soldered

area

Step 1 S tep 2

Step 3 Step 4

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 93

Table 3-23. CR Motor does not Operate Table 3-24. PF Motor does not Operate

Step Check Point Action

1 Getting ready

for inspecting

waveforms.

The connector used to control the CR motor is indicated

in the figure below. Using the oscillo scope, check for the

waveform for each phase at the indicated connector.

To check the waveform, press the Load/Eject button to

attempt to move the carriage. Be sure to leave the cable

for the CR motor connected.

NOTE: The GND can be output by placing the probe of

the oscillo scope to the tapped hole in the

bottom plate on the board with a screw. Note

the connector has no ground line since this

printer drives the motor with the bipolar system.

2 Check of the

waveform and

remedies

While trying to drive

the CR motor, the

waveform output

from each phase

should be as shown

in the figure. If the

waveform output

from each phase is

as shown below,

replace the CR

motor. If not,

replace the IC12 (CR motor driver IC) or C265 Main

board.

NOTE: The GND can be output by placing the probe of

the oscillo scope to the tapped hole in the

bottom plate on the board with a screw.

M/C

CRH PE ASF

RED

WHT

BLK

M/C

Phase A , Phase B , Phase /A, and

Phase /B from the Pin 1 m ark.

20V 20

Step Check Point Action

1 Getting ready

for inspecting

waveforms.

The connector used to control the PF motor is indicated

in the figure below. Using the oscillo scope, check for the

waveform for each phase output from the indicated

connector. To check the waveform, press the Load/Eject

button to attempt the ASF paper feeding. Be sure to

leave the cable for the PF motor connected.

NOTE: The GND can be output by placing the probe of

the oscillo scope to the tapped hole in the

bottom plate on the board with a screw. Note

the connector has no ground line since this

printer drives the motor with the bipolar system.

2 Check of the

waveform and

remedies.

While trying to drive

the PF motor, the

waveform output from

each phase should be

as shown in the

figure. If the

waveform output from

each phase is as

shown in the figure,

replace the PF motor.

If not, replace the

IC11 (PF motor driver IC) or C265 Main board.

NOTE: The GND can be output by placing the probe of

the oscillo scope to the tapped hole in the

bottom plate on the board with a screw.

M/C

CRH PE ASF

RED

WHT

BLK

M/C

Phase A, Phase B, Phase /A, Phase /B

from the Pin 1 m ark

20V 20

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 94

Table 3-25. Pump/ASF Motor does not Operate Table 3-26. Pump/ASF Motor does not Operate (continued)

Step Check Point Action

1 Getting ready for

inspecting

waveforms.

The connector used to control the Pump/ASF motor

is indicated in the figure below. Using the oscillo

scope, check the waveform for each phase output

from the indicated connector. To check the

waveform, press the Load/Eject button to attempt

the ASF paper feeding. Be sure to leave the cable

for the Pump/ASF motor connected.

NOTE: The GND can be output by placing the

probe of the oscillo scope to the tapped

hole in the bottom plate on the board with a

screw. Note the connector has no ground

line since this printer drives the motor with

the bipolar system.

M/C

CRH PE ASF

RED

WHT

BLK

M/C

Phase A, Phase B, Phase /A, Phase /B

from the P in 1 m ark

Step Check Point Action

2 Check of the

waveform and

remedies.

While trying to drive the Pump/ASF motor, the

waveform output from each phase should be as

shown below. If the waveforms output from each

phase are as shown below, replace the Pump/ASF

motor. If not, replace the IC13 (Pump/ASF motor

driver IC) or C265 Main board.

NOTE: The GND can be output by placing the

probe of the oscillo scope to the tapped

hole in the bottom plate on the board with a

screw.

20V

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 95

Table 3-27. ASF Solenoid does not Operate Table 3-28. ASF Solenoid does not Operate (continued)

Step Check Point Action

1 Is the fuse (F4)

open? Place the probes of the tester on the both terminals of

the chip fuse on the C265 Main board, then check for

electrical continuity. The F4 is located between CN12

and CN16 and also beside the Q9.

2 Is the transistor

(Q8) defective? Place the probe of the oscillo scope on the collector side

of the transistor Q8 on the C265 Main board, then check

that 40 VDC is constantly applied. Then press the Load/

Eject button and check if the voltage drops to 0 VDC for

an instant. If it does, it means the Q8 is working properly.

The Q8 is located between CN12 and CN16.

20V 20

Step Check Point Action

3 Is the transistor

(Q9) defective? Place the probe of the oscillo scope on the emittor side of

the transistor Q9 on the C265 Main board, then check

that voltage is always 0 VDC. Then press the Load/Eject

button and check for an instant change in voltage level

from 0 to 40 VDC. if it changes correctly as described

above, it means the Q9 is working properly. The Q9 is

located beside the CN16.

4 Is the C265

Main board

defective?

If the cause has not been isolated yet in the previous

steps, replace the C265 Main board.

20V 20

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 96

Table 3-29. Cleaning does not Solve the Print Problem Table 3-30. Cleaning does not Solve the Print Problem (continued)

Step Check Point Action

1 Repeat the cleaning

7 or 8 times. Unlike the previous products, the Stylus Color 900

is not equipped with the CL3 (dummy cleaning).

Therefore, you can repeat the cleaning every time

you press the Cleaning button without running a

self-test nor any printing.

2 Trying the initial ink

charge operation. You can repeat the initial ink charge operation in

the way described below:

1. Using the exclusive program, reset the initial ink

charge flag in the EEPROM.

2. Turn the printer back on. (Refer to Chapter 5 for

details.)

3 Reinstalling the

printhead FFC. Remove the upper case and check if the FFCs are

properly connected to the CN8 and CN9 on the

C265 Main board. Even though they are not

installed aslant as shown below, disconnect the

FFC once and connect them again, then run a print

check.

NOTE: Before reinstalling the FFCs, be sure to

remove the frame (in red in the figure)

secured to the lower case with two

screws. Otherwise, proper continuity may

not be guaranteed despite the FFCs look

connected without slant.

Fram e

H eat Sink

C heck that the connectors are

not connected aslant.

Step Check Point Action

4 Check the cap for any

foreign matter, dirt, or

damage.

Remove the printer mechanism and release the

carriage lock at the back of the printer

mechanism to move the carriage unit away from

the home position. Then, have a close look at

the cap rubber and check for any problem below.

5 Has the valve cap fallen

off? If a strong impact is applied to the valve cap in

the cap unit, it may fall off. Therefore, check that

the cap is securely attached to the cap unit.

Without this part, ink can not be absorbed.

Foreign m atter

Dust

D am aged area

on the rubber

R ubber part of the cap

Valves

Valve Cap

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 97

Table 3-31. Cleaning does not Solve the Print Problem (continued) Table 3-32. Cleaning does not Solve the Print Problem (continued)

Step Check Point Action

6 Is any ink tube

disconnected from

the cap unit?

Referring to the figure below, check the following

points:

• Connection between two tubes and the bottom of

the cap (Remove the whole cap from the unit to

check the connection.)

• Connection of each tube and the separator.

• Connection of one tube at the bottom of the valve

7 Is the FFC

disconnected from

the printhead

board?

Remove the printhead unit from the carriage unit, and

bring the printhead surface side upward to check that

two FFC is properly connected. Even though no slant

connection nor disconnection is found, disconnect

the FFC once and install them again.

Applying/releasing

the m inus pressure

Left tube

(s e m itra n s p a re n t)

Ink absorption

R ight tube

(w h ite )

CCW

Separator

FFC 2 FFC 1

Step Check Point Action

8 Is the head driver

transistor defective? If you see the C265 Main board from the heat sink

side, the following four power transistors can be

found:

• Q3 and Q4: Outputs the common voltage for the

row A and B (black nozzle rows)

• Q5 and Q6: Outputs the common voltage for the

row C, D, and E (color nozzles)

To check if each pair transistor is working properly,

check the trapezoid waveform at the emittor terminal

of the charging side (Q3 and Q5). Check the

waveform while running a print.

NOTE: Frequency of waveform and voltage level

(p-p) varies if printing is performed through

the driver. Therefore, as long as the

trapezoid waveform is output, the head

driver IC is considered good, and the

printhead must be replaced in that case.

D2082B1382D2082B1382

TH H eat S ink

Q4 Q3 Q6 Q5

Tr for the

black nozzles

Tr for the

color nozzles

20V 2

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 98

Table 3-33. Cleaning does not Solve the Print Problem (continued) Unlike the previous products, the procedure after head replacement is

precisely specified. Therefore, be sure to follow the steps in Table 3-34

exactly. The background of the procedure is explained after the table.

Table 3-34.

Ink End Error Occurs after Printhead Replacement

Step Check Point Action

9 Is the head driving

pre-driver defective? If a trapezoid waveform is not output in the

previous step, check all the power transistors (Q3 -

Q6) for base waveforms. Like the head transistor

in Step 8, the power transistors also output

trapezoid waveforms, but are input from the pre-

driver side.

If the waveforms are not output correctly, replace

the IC15/16 or C265 Main board. If the waveform is

output correctly, replace the corresponding power

transistor.

TH Heat Sink

Q4 Q3 Q6 Q5

D2082B1382

D2082

B1382

T r fo r th e

black nozzles

T r fo r th e

color nozzles

20V 2

Step Action

1 Turn the printer power off.

2Replace the printhead.

3 Turn the printer back on. (The printer is in No Ink Cartridge

condition.)

4Keep the Load/eject button pressed down for several seconds.

The printer enters the I/C replacement sequence. (The printer

moves to the black ink cartridge replacement position first, then to

the color cartridge replacement position if the Load/Eject button is

pressed.)

5 Input a 21-digit head IC. (Refer to Chapter 4 “Adjustment” for

details.)

6Perform the initial ink charge operations. (Refer to Chapter 4

“Adjustment” for details.)

7 Perform the head angle adjustment. (Refer to Chapter 4

“Adjustment” for details.)

8 Perform the Bi-D adjustment. (Refer to Chapter 4 “Adjustment” for

details.)

9 Perform the Uni-D adjustment. (Refer to Chapter 4 “Adjustment”

for details.)

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 99

Among the steps, if you do not perform Step 1 to Step 4 in the correct

order especially, Ink Cartridge Out error (Ink End error) may occur

whenever you replace the printhead. The background of this problem is

as follows.

1. Since the printhead equipped with this printer is composed of 480

nozzles and driven by 32.4 KHz, the temperature inside the

printhead rises more easily than any other printer. Therefore, the

temperatures inside the printhead and on the printhead board must

be intensely monitored to avoid damaging the printhead.

2. Rise in the internal temperature of the printhead can cause a fatal

damage to the printhead itself. Heat inside the printhead is normally

removed as the ink flows inside the printhead.

3. If any of the following conditions occurs, the printhead fails to eject

ink properly even though the print data is input.

The printhead surface is left away from the home position for a

long period of time.

The same ink cartridge is remove and installed repeatedly.

The table with the printer on it is moved up and down (vertically)

intensely.

4. If the ink does not flow properly, the PZT gradually heats up and is

eventually hot enough to evaporate the ink inside the cavity (a tank

which stores ink).

5. To prevent the printhead from heating up, the 5-channel abnormal

temperature detection circuit is included in the nozzle selector

(directly attached onto the printhead board). With this circuit, the

temperature of each nozzle row (five rows in total) can be

independently monitored. (Refer to Chapter 2 / Section 2.3.2.)

6. Once the abnormal temperature detection circuit is active, the

printer stops printing and starts a forcible cleaning. This operation

cleans the clogged nozzles, and the ink inside the printhead flow

properly as a result. At this point, the printer sets the flag in the

address for the abnormal temperature detection circuit in the

EEPROM to record the first abnormal temperature error.

7. The printer resumes printing with the data transferred.

8. If the printer detects an abnormally high temperature again, the

printer regards it as the second abnormal temperature error and

enters Ink End Error condition. The printer makes this judgement to

avoid following two problems:

Since the I/C has been repeatedly removed and reinstalled, the

printer fails to evaluate the remaining ink level properly and

leaves the I/C in an empty condition.

Since the I/C has been repeatedly removed and reinstalled, the

ink inside gets stale and can not absorb bubbles and viscous ink

into itself.

9. specifically, the nozzle selectors (5 rows in total) used in the mass

produced Stylus Color 900 are purchased from either of the

following two vendors: EPSON or Sharp. Their ICs slightly differ in

the feed back voltage. Therefore, if the installed printhead has the

nozzle selector and the 1st digit of the printhead ID in the

combination shown in Table 3-35, the printer shows the error at

power on and begins a cleaning automatically. Therefore, even

though the printer continues to print, it forcibly enters the Ink End

error condition for the second time since the flag is already set in the

EEPROM address for the abnormal temperature detection circuit.

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Troubleshooting Overview 100

Table 3-35. Combination which Causes the Error

For this reason, if you perform the operation in an incorrect

procedure such as; Head replacement → I/C replacement → Turning

on the printer, the printer starts monitoring the temperatures before

the printhead ID on the board is replaced with a new one, then

shows the error consequently. On the other hand, if you follow the

proper steps; Head replacement → Turning on the printer → proper

I/C replacement with a new one, the program allows a data transfer

once before printing so you can overwrite the printhead ID.

Nozzle Selector 1st digit of the Head ID

The board is in the Sharp-

specific setting. 0

EPSON exclusive printhead 1





DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Disassembly and Assembly Overview 102

4.1 Overview

This chapter describes procedures for disassembling the main

components of EPSON Stylus Color 900. Unless otherwise specified,

disassembly units or components can be reassembled by reversing the

disassembly procedure. Therefore, no assembly procedures are

included in this chapter. Precautions for any disassembly or assembly

procedure are described under the heading “CHECK POINT”. Any

adjustments required after disassembling the units are described under

the heading “REQUIRED ADJUSTMENT”.

4.1.1 Precautions for Disassembling the Printer

See the precautions given under the heading “WARNING” and

“CAUTION” in the right column and the following page, respectively,

when disassembling or assembling EPSON Stylus Color 900.

W ARNING

Disconnect the power cable before disassembling or

assembling the printer.

Wear protective goggles to protect your eyes from

ink. If ink gets in your eye, flush the eye with fresh

water and see a doctor immediately.

If ink comes into contact with your skin, wash it off

with soap and water. If irritation occurs, contact a

physician.

A lithium battery is installed on the main board of this

printer. Be sure to observe the following instructions

when serving the battery:

Keep the battery away from any metal or other

batteries so that electrodes of the opposite polarity do

not come in contact with each other.

Do not heat the battery or put it near fire.

Do not solder on any part of the battery. (Doing so may

result in leakage of electrolyte from the battery,

burning or explosion.) The leakage may affect other

devices close to the battery.)

Do not charge the battery. (An explosive may be

generated inside the battery, and cause burning or

explosion.)

Do not dismantle the battery. (The gas inside the

battery may hurt your throat. Leakage, burning or

explosion may also result.)

Do not install the battery in the wrong direction. (This

may cause burning or explosion.)

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Disassembly and Assembly Overview 103

CAUTION

Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly

replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent

type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of

used batteries according to government laws and

regulations.

CAUTION

Risque d’explosion si la pile est remplacée

incorrectment. Ne remplacer que par une pile du même

type ou d’un type équivalent recommandé par le

fabricant. Eliminer les piles déchargées selon les lois

et les règles de sécurité en vigueur.

CAUTION

Never remove the ink cartridge from the carriage

unless the manual specifies to do so.

When transporting the printer after the ink cartridge

has been installed, be sure to pack the printer for

transport without removing the ink cartridge.

Use only recommended tools for disassembling,

assembling or adjusting the printer.

Apply lubricants and adhesives as specified. (See

Chapter 6 for details.)

Make adjustments specified when you disassemble

the printer. (See Chapter 4 for details.)

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Disassembly and Assembly Disassembly Procedures 104

4.2 Disassembly Procedures

The flowchart below shows procedures for disassembly.

Figure 4-1. Disassembly Flowchart

C 265 M ain B oard R em oval

R elay Board / C ooling Fan R em oval

ASF Rem oval A S F D isassem bly

ASF Sensor Rem oval

Shield Plate on the C 265 M ain

Board R em oval

START

U pper C ase/C ontrol Panel R em oval

Printer M echanism R em oval

Printhead R em oval

PF Motor Removal

Pum p/ASF M otor &

Solenoid R em oval

CRHP Sensor Removal

PE Sensor R em oval

Encoder B elt R em oval

Carriage Unit Rem oval

Pum p Unit Rem oval

Front Fram e R em oval

Paper E ject R oller R em oval

Platen R em oval

PF Roller Rem oval

C265 PSB/PSE Rem oval

CR Motor Rem oval

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Disassembly and Assembly Disassembly Procedures 105

Table 4-1.

Removed/Replaced Parts and Corresponding Adjustments

CAUTION

If you have replaced specified parts, you must make

necessary adjustments. See the following tables

which shows the parts removed/replaced and

corresponding adjustments required, and perform

adjustments in the correct order. (See Chapter 5

“Adjsutment” for detailed procedures.)

Actions taken Step Corresponding adjustment required

Printhead 1 Install a new I/C in the I/C replacement sequence.

2 Head Actuator Voltage ID Input

3 Ink Charge Flag Reset

4 Head Angular Adjustment.

5 Bi-Directional Adjustment

C265 Main board 1 Head Actuator Voltage ID Input

2 Bi-Directional Adjustment

CR shaft 1 Remove the Printhead and CR Unit.

2 Remove the oil pad. (Refer to Chapter 6.)

3Clean and lubricate the carriage guide shaft.

4 Reinstall the printhead and the CR Unit.

5Perform the Parallelism adjustment.

6 Enter the I/C replacement sequence to install a new I/C

and make sure it is completed.

7Ink Charge Flag Reset

8Head Angular Adjustment

9Bi-Directional Adjustment

Waste Ink Pad 1 Clear the protection counter value

CR Motor 1 Bi-Directional Adjustment

Program ROM

replacement 1 Head Actuator Voltage ID Input

2 Bi-Directional Adjustment

EPSON Stylus Color 900 Revision C

Disassembly and Assembly Disassembly Procedures 106

4.2.1 Upper Case and Control Panel Removal

1. Remove the sheet guide.

2. Open the upper case.

3. Open the output tray.

Figure 4-2. Upper Case Removal

4. Remove one screw securing the front case (on the left) to the printer

mechanism, then pull the front case forward and remove it from the

printer.

5. Pull the output tray to the left and remove it.

6. Remove two screws securing the control panel to the printer

mechanism to release the control panel. Then disconnect the FFC

fro