Lexmark Printer 2500 Series Users Manual Quick Reference

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2015-01-23

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Forms Printer 2500 Series
Quick Reference
January 2014 www.lexmark.com
Lexmark and Lexmark with diamond design are trademarks of Lexmark International, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
© 2014 Lexmark International, Inc.
All rights reserved.
740 West New Circle Road
Lexington, Kentucky 40550
Contents
Learning about the printer...........................................................................4
Printer overview........................................................................................................................................4
Understanding the printer features and functions...................................................................................5
Using the control panel................................................................................8
Understanding the control panel buttons.................................................................................................8
Understanding the control panel lights.....................................................................................................9
Using the Load/Unload function.............................................................................................................10
Locking and unlocking the control panel.................................................................................................10
Selecting a Tractor mode........................................................................................................................11
Loading paper............................................................................................12
Setting the forms thickness lever............................................................................................................12
Paper paths.............................................................................................................................................13
Using the Tear Off function.....................................................................................................................14
Loading continuous paper.......................................................................................................................15
Loading continuous forms using the push tractor ............................................................................................15
Front loading continuous forms using the pull tractor .....................................................................................18
Bottom loading continuous forms using the pull tractor..................................................................................21
Loading cut forms....................................................................................................................................26
Loading a cut form or envelope manually ........................................................................................................26
Aligning the left margin ....................................................................................................................................28
Setting Top-of-Form................................................................................................................................29
Setting Top‑Of‑Form for continuous forms in push mode ...............................................................................29
Setting Top‑Of‑Form for continuous forms in pull mode .................................................................................30
Setting Top‑Of‑Form for a cut form or an envelope.........................................................................................30
Setting Top‑Of‑Form in a macro .......................................................................................................................31
Paper and specialty media guide................................................................32
Paper types and sizes supported by the printer......................................................................................32
Changing tractor positions..........................................................................33
Push tractor position...............................................................................................................................33
Pull tractor position.................................................................................................................................33
Converting the push tractor to pull tractor position...............................................................................34
Converting the pull tractor to push tractor position...............................................................................35
Contents 2
Understanding Setup mode and menu options...........................................37
Using Setup mode...................................................................................................................................37
Changing menu settings (an example)....................................................................................................38
Main Menu options.................................................................................................................................39
Main menu options...........................................................................................................................................39
Forms Macro options........................................................................................................................................40
Data options .....................................................................................................................................................41
Control options .................................................................................................................................................42
Emulation options............................................................................................................................................. 44
Interface options...............................................................................................................................................44
Maintaining the printer..............................................................................46
Ordering supplies....................................................................................................................................46
Removing the ribbon cartridge...............................................................................................................46
Cleaning the printer................................................................................................................................46
Recycling Lexmark products....................................................................................................................47
Contents 3
Learning about the printer
For additional setup and instructions on using the printer, see the User's Guide available on the Lexmark Web site at
http://support.lexmark.com.
Printer overview
The LexmarkTM Forms Printer 2500 Series printers are available in 9‑ and 24‑wire narrow‑ and wide‑carriage models.
Depending on the model you have chosen, your printer may look slightly different from the printer illustrated.
Printer front view
A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
Part name
1Forms thickness lever
2Ribbon access cover
3Power switch
4Paper select lever
5Paper guides
6Manual feeder
7Front cover
8Control panel
Learning about the printer 4
Printer back view
1234
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Part name
1Ribbon access cover latch
2Acoustic flap
3Tear off bar
4Ribbon access cover latch
5Recessed network button
6Network connector
7Optional serial interface knockout
8Parallel connector
9USB connector
10 Optional Tractor 2 connector knockout
11 Power cord connector
Understanding the printer features and functions
Feature/function 2580/2581 2590/2591
Multi‑speed printing
FastDft (Fast Draft)
•10 characters per inch (cpi)
•12 cpi
•440 characters per second (cps)
•520 cps
•410 cps
•520 cps
Draft 309 cps 274 cps
Courier
Gothic
77 cps (Near‑Letter‑Quality mode) 91 cps (Letter‑Quality mode)
Character spacing
Note: Fast Draft supports only 10,
12, and 15 pitch.
Prints in 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 cpi, as well as
proportional spacing
Prints in 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, and 24 cpi, as
well as proportional spacing
Learning about the printer 5
Feature/function 2580/2581 2590/2591
Resident fonts •Fast Draft
•Draft
•Gothic
•Courier
•Fast Draft
•Draft
•Gothic
•Courier
•Prestige
•Presentor
•Orator
•Script
Print styles
Note: This feature is available
through printer commands.
Highlighting capability:
•Double‑high
•Double‑strike
•Double‑wide
•Emphasized
•Italics
•Overscore
•Subscript
•Superscript
•Underline
Highlighting capability:
•Double‑high
•Double‑strike
•Double‑wide
•Emphasized
•Italics
•Overscore
•Subscript
•Superscript
•Underline
•Shading
•Outline
Graphics printing
Note: This feature supports
existing graphics programs.
Resolution of up to 144 x 240 dots per
square inch (dpi)
Resolution of up to 360 x 360 dpi
Multiple‑part forms Prints original plus five copies (six‑part
forms)
Prints original plus three copies
(four‑part forms)
Feature/function All models
Control panel Button control for Load/Unload, Tear Off, Font, Setup, Pitch, Macro, and paper movement
functions. Control panel lights indicate current status.
Font lock •Locks the font selection you make from the control panel so it is not changed by your
program.
•Font lock is deactivated when you turn the printer off unless it is set in the printer default
settings.
Pitch lock •Locks pitch selections you make from the control panel so they are not changed by your
program
•Pitch lock is deactivated when you turn the printer off unless it is set in the printer default
settings.
Load/Unload Loads and unloads continuous form paper (tractor fed)
Macro function The printer has the capability of storing four unique document formats to enhance flexibility
when using different styles of pre‑printed forms.
Learning about the printer 6
Feature/function All models
Manual front loading for
cut sheets
Enables printing on cut sheets or envelopes
Tear Off bar •Assists in removing printed continuous forms at the perforation
•Assists in tearing non‑perforated forms
•Reduces the amount of paper used, thus reducing costs
Adjustable tractor Lets you handle continuous form paper without purchasing additional options. It can be
repositioned to function as:
•Push tractor
•Pull tractor
Control panel disable Limits control panel functions to the Start/Stop, FormFeed, Tear Off, and Load/Unload buttons
only, thus limiting the potential that untrained operators may accidentally change forms settings
Ribbon cartridge Contains the inked fabric ribbon
Printer tests •Power‑on Self Test
•Printer test page—Determines whether your machine has print problems
•Demonstration Print
Box and line drawings Prints tables, charts, and other graphics as shown on your computer screen
Greek and math symbols Prints a variety of symbols used in mathematical equations, including subscript and superscript
Code pages Selects the characters and symbols corresponding to various country languages
Bar code function These bar codes are resident in the printer:
•3 of 9
•Codabar (NW‑7)
•Code 39
•Code 128
•Interleaved 2 of 5
•UPC‑A
•UPC‑E
•EAN 8
•EAN 13
•PostNet
Note: For more information on the Bar code function, see the Technical Reference available
on the Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com.
Software compatibility •Compatible with all programs that support IBM emulation or Epson emulation
•Compatible with Okidata MICROLINE emulation (with the M320 turbo), which is standard
on the 9‑wire printer and 2580/2581 printer models.
Interface connection Allows the printer to work with all computers with compatible interface connections
Both parallel and USB interfaces are standard. The internal serial interface (RS‑232) is optional
for the 2580/2581 and 2590/2591 models.
The Network option is standard on the 2580n/2581n and 2590n/2591n models.
Learning about the printer 7
Using the control panel
Understanding the control panel buttons
The control panel has two layers of functionality:
•Layer 1, with the control panel cover closed, contains basic functions like FormFeed, Tear Off, and taking the printer
online/offline.
•Layer 2, with the control panel cover open, contains more advanced functionality. Use layer 2 to select a macro and
change printer menu settings.
Power Ready Tractor 2 Paper
Out
Start/Stop LineFeed FormFeed
Tear Off Load/Unload Tractor
Font Courier
Gothic
Presentor
Orator
Script
Draft
Fast Draft
Prestige
Lock
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
Button Function
1LineFeed Advances the paper one line
2FormFeed Advances the paper to the next Top‑Of‑Form
3Tractor Alternates between Tractor 1 and Tractor 2 if the optional Tractor 2 is installed
4Load/Unload Loads paper to the current Top‑Of‑Form or unloads paper to a parked position
5Font Selects one of the resident font styles
Note: Repeatedly pressing the Font button cycles through the printer font selections. If you
continue pressing Font through a second pass, the font selections will be locked.
6Tear Off Alternates the paper between Tear Off and Top‑Of‑Form
7Start/Stop Communicates the on/off status of the printer
Using the control panel 8
Power
Set TOF LineFeed Macro
Setup
Pitch 10
12
15
17
20
24
P5
Lock
123 4
Micro Micro
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
Button Function
1LineFeed Advances the paper one line. Press and hold LineFeed to advance the paper 5 micro movements, and
then go into continuous feed.
2Macro To support different styles of pre‑printed forms, selects between four document formats
3Setup Press to enter Setup mode. Lets you change the default values and modes of printer operation.
4Micro Feeds the paper downward in small incremental movements. Press and hold to select continuous feed.
5Pitch Sets the character pitch to: 10 cpi, 12 cpi, 15 cpi, 17 cpi, 20 cpi, or proportional spacing
Notes:
•On 2590/2591 models, you can also select 24 cpi.
•Fast Draft supports only 10, 12, and 15 pitch.
6Micro Feeds the paper upward in small incremental movements. Press and hold to select continuous feed.
7Set TOF Sets the Top‑Of‑Form, which is the position of the first print line on the page
Understanding the control panel lights
The following tables describe the light patterns on the control panel.
Using the control panel 9
Light Light status What it means
Power On The printer is online.
Ready On The printer is online and ready to print.
Blinking The printer is receiving data.
Off The printer is offline.
Tractor 2 On Tractor 2 is activated.
Note: The optional Tractor 2 Feeder must be installed.
Paper Out Off Paper is loaded in the printer.
Blinking The printer is out of paper.
On A printer error has occurred.
On The control panel is locked, restricting the use of the following buttons: Start/Stop, FormFeed,
Tear Off, and Load/Unload.
Font On One of the printer resident fonts is selected.
Off A downloaded font is selected.
Font Lock On Font Lock is active. Printer resident fonts are locked.
Light Light status What it means
Macro On The specified macro function is active.
Off No macro is being used, or Macros are disabled in the Setup menu.
Pitch On One of the printer resident pitches is selected.
Pitch Lock On Pitch Lock is active. Printer resident fonts are locked.
Using the Load/Unload function
Use the Load/Unload button to unload continuous forms from the printer to allow printing on either a cut form or an
envelope.
The Load/Unload function works only when the tractor unit is in the push position.
You can also use the Load/Unload button to load continuous forms into the printer when the paper path is clear, or to
change one type of pre‑printed form to another.
Locking and unlocking the control panel
To restrict the use of printer functions to the Start/Stop, FormFeed, Tear Off, and Load/Unload buttons, lock the control
panel. When the panel is locked, the light comes on.
To lock the control panel:
1Turn the printer off.
2Press and hold Load/Unload and Tractor while turning the printer on.
Using the control panel 10
To unlock the control panel:
1Turn the printer off.
2Press and hold Load/Unload and Tractor while turning the printer on.
Selecting a Tractor mode
Note: Because this function unloads continuous forms from the currently selected tractor, tear off excess paper prior
to initiating.
When the optional Tractor 2 Feeder is installed, you can press Tractor to unload the current continuous forms and
switch to the continuous forms loaded in the other tractor source.
The Tractor 2 light comes on when the optional Tractor 2 Feeder is selected.
Using the control panel 11
Loading paper
This section explains how to load continuous forms, cut form sheets, labels, and envelopes. It also includes information
about paper orientation, setting the forms thickness lever, and using the push and pull tractors for different paper
paths.
1
2
3
4
1Cut (form) sheet
2Continuous forms
3Envelope
4Labels
Setting the forms thickness lever
Use the forms thickness lever to make adjustments for printing on various forms depending on the paper thickness.
When setting this lever, see one of the following tables depending on your printer model:
Loading paper 12
Paper type Paper thickness Paper weight Forms thickness lever setting
Single forms (cut or continuous) Thin 56 g/m2 (15 lb)
65 g/m2 (16 lb)
1
Normal 68 g/m2 (18 lb)
75 g/m2 (20 lb)
1 or 2
Thick 90 g/m2 (24 lb) 2
Multiple‑part forms 2‑part
3‑part
4‑part
5‑part
6‑part
2 or 3
3 or 4
4 or 5
5 or 6
5, 6, or 7
Envelopes 4, 5, or 6
Notes:
•Print quality depends on the multiple‑paper quality and the operating environment. Low‑temperature printing may
cause poor print quality, depending on the paper used.
•Printing speed becomes slower when the forms thickness lever setting is 4 or higher.
Paper type Paper thickness Paper weight Forms thickness lever setting
Single forms (cut or continuous) Thin 56 g/m2 (15 lb)
65 g/m2 (16 lb)
1
Normal 68 g/m2 (18 lb)
75 g/m2 (20 lb)
1 or 2
Thick 90 g/m2 (24 lb) 2
Multiple‑part forms 2‑part
3‑part
4‑part
5‑part
6‑part
2 or 3
3 or 4
4 or 5
5 or 6
5, 6, or 7
Envelopes 4, 5, or 6
Note:
Print quality depends on the multiple‑paper quality and the operating environment. Low‑temperature printing may cause
poor print quality, depending on the paper used.
Paper paths
Paper paths for the push tractor
In these examples, the tractor pushes the paper from the front or the rear of the printer.
Loading paper 13
Front loading paper Rear loading paper
Paper paths for the pull tractor
In these examples, the tractor pulls the paper from the front or the bottom of the printer.
Front loading paper Bottom loading paper
Using the Tear Off function
Pressing the Tear Off button advances the perforation of a continuous form to the tear off position. You can set the
Tear Off function to automatic or manual by adjusting the Auto Tear Off Setting in Setup mode:
•On—Sets the Tear Off function to move a continuous form automatically to the Tear Off position
•Off—Lets you move a continuous form manually to the Tear Off position
Note: On is the factory default setting.
Note: The Tear Off function works only when the tractor unit is in the push position, and the correct page length is
set in the Setup menu or from your program. For more information, see “Using Setup mode” on page 37.
Setting the Tear Off position
When Auto Tear Off is set to On, it moves the top perforation of a continuous form to the Tear Off position when all
of the following are true:
•The printer has finished printing.
•The paper has advanced to the Top‑Of‑Form on the next page.
•No data, printer control codes, or escape codes have been sent to the printer after advancing to the Top‑Of‑Form.
•The print buffer has not received data for one second.
Loading paper 14
If you have already set your Top‑Of‑Form and now want to change the Tear Off position, follow these steps:
1Press Start/Stop to take the printer offline.
2Press and hold Tear Off until the printer beeps.
The light blinks.
3Open the control panel cover to access layer 2.
4Press Micro or Micro to move the paper to the desired Tear Off position.
5Close the control panel cover.
The printer beeps twice. The paper rolls backward, then goes to the new Tear Off position.
6Press Start/Stop.
The paper remains at the current Tear Off position until you send another job to the printer. The paper moves from
the Tear Off position to the Top‑Of‑Form and begins printing.
Loading continuous paper
Loading continuous forms using the push tractor
You can load continuous paper utilizing four different paper paths, depending on whether you have the push tractor
installed or the pull tractor installed. The factory default setting for your printer is the push tractor position.
Note: If you have installed the optional Auto Sheet Feeder or Tractor 2, see the documentation that came with your
option for paper loading instructions.
1Turn the printer on.
2Make sure the paper path is clear.
Note: If a cut form or envelope is loaded in the printer, press FormFeed to remove it.
Loading paper 15
3Set the forms thickness lever to a setting corresponding with the paper thickness you are using.
4Pull the front cover up.
5Move the paper select lever down to the position.
6Pull the left and right tractor locking levers up to unlock the tractors.
Loading paper 16
7Open the left and right tractor doors, and then place the paper holes over the second or third pins of the tractor
unit.
If necessary, move the left or right tractor to adjust the tractors to the paper width.
Note: Keeping the left tractor positioned to the left of the rubber tractor stop keeps your paper within the paper
sensor area.
8Close the left and right tractor doors.
9Move the tractor to align the left margin on your paper with the [A symbol printed on the rear plate.
Note: The distance from the [A symbol to the left edge of the paper determines the width of the left margin.
10 Push the left tractor locking lever down to lock the tractor in place.
11 Remove slack from the paper, and then lock the right locking lever.
Loading paper 17
12 Close the front cover.
13 Press Start/Stop to load the paper to Top‑Of‑Form and put the printer online.
If Auto Tear Off is set to On, the printer moves the paper to the Tear Off bar.
Note: When you use the push tractor to print continuous forms, line spacing within the first 1.5 inches of the first
form may not be uniform.
Front loading continuous forms using the pull tractor
Make sure the tractor is in the pull position.
Note: If you have installed the optional Auto Sheet Feeder or Tractor 2, see the documentation that came with your
option for paper loading instructions.
1Turn the printer on.
2Make sure the paper path is clear.
Note: If a cut form or envelope is loaded in the printer, press FormFeed to remove it.
3Set the forms thickness lever to a setting corresponding with the paper thickness you are using.
4Remove the ribbon access cover.
5Move the paper select lever down to the position.
Loading paper 18
6Pull the left and right tractor locking levers up to unlock the tractors.
7Open the left and right tractor doors.
8Open the front cover.
9Insert paper into the front of the printer between the metal and plastic plates.
Loading paper 19
Push or pull the paper through the paper path until it passes the printhead.
10 Close the front cover.
11 Place the paper holes over the tractor pins.
If necessary, move the left or right tractor to adjust the tractors to the paper width.
Note: If you have trouble moving the right tractor to the paper width, roll the rubber tractor stop out of the
seated position. Move the tractor to the paper width, load the paper, and then lock the right tractor.
12 Close the left and right tractor doors.
13 Replace the ribbon access cover.
14 Move the tractor to align the left margin on the paper with the [A symbol printed on the rear plate.
Note: The distance from the [A symbol to the left edge of the paper determines the width of the left margin.
15 Push the left tractor locking lever down to lock the tractor in place.
Loading paper 20
16 Remove slack from the paper, and then lock the right locking lever.
17 Open the control panel cover to access layer 2.
18 Press Micro , Micro , or LineFeed to move the paper to the Top‑Of‑Form you want to use.
Notes:
•Use the second form to set Top‑Of‑Form alignment.
•To do this, align the horizontal lines (located on the platen) with the Top‑Of‑Form you want.
19 Press Set TOF to set the Top‑Of‑Form.
Note: Top‑Of‑Form is not saved if the printer is turned off or runs out of paper when using the pull tractor.
20 Make sure the printer is online, and the Ready light is on solid.
Note: If not, press Start/Stop until the Ready light is on solid.
Bottom loading continuous forms using the pull tractor
Notes:
•Make sure the tractor is in the pull position.
•Use a furniture type with a paper‑feed opening in the middle of it.
•Because the printer uses a pull function for bottom loading, it is especially useful for paper that has a tendency
to curl, is very heavy, or is very light weight.
Loading paper 21
Note: If you have installed the optional Auto Sheet Feeder or Tractor 2 Feeder, see the documentation that came
with the option for paper loading instructions.
1Turn the printer on.
2Make sure the paper path is clear.
Note: If a cut form or envelope is loaded in the printer, press FormFeed to remove it.
3Set the forms thickness lever to 7.
4Move the paper select lever down to the position.
Loading paper 22
5Remove the ribbon access cover.
6Pull the left and right tractor locking levers up to unlock the tractors.
Loading paper 23
7Open the left and right tractor doors.
8Insert the paper through the bottom slot of the printer.
Push or pull the paper through the paper path until it passes the printhead.
9Place the paper holes over the tractor pins.
Loading paper 24
If necessary, move the left or right tractor to adjust the tractors to the paper width.
Note: If you have trouble moving the right tractor to the paper width, roll the rubber tractor stop out of the
seated position. Move the tractor to the paper width, load the paper, and then lock the right tractor.
10 Close the left and right tractor doors.
11 Replace the ribbon access cover.
12 Move the tractor to align the left margin on the paper with the [A symbol printed on the rear plate.
Note: The distance from the [A symbol to the left edge of the paper determines the width of the left margin.
13 Push the left tractor locking lever down to lock the tractor in place.
14 Remove slack from the paper, and then lock the right locking lever.
15 Open the control panel cover to access layer 2.
16 Press Micro , Micro , or LineFeed to move the paper to the Top‑Of‑Form you want to use.
17 Press Set TOF to set the Top‑Of‑Form.
Note: Top‑Of‑Form is not saved if the printer is turned off or runs out of paper when using the pull tractor.
18 Make sure the printer is online, and the Ready light is on solid.
Note: If not, press Start/Stop until the Ready light is on solid.
Loading paper 25
Loading cut forms
Cut forms can be single sheets, envelopes, or multiple-part forms. They are placed one at a time into the manual feeder.
Loading a cut form or envelope manually
Note: If you have installed the optional Auto Sheet Feeder or Tractor 2 Feeder, see the documentation that came
with the option, for paper loading instructions.
1Turn the printer on.
2Make sure the paper path is clear.
3If continuous forms are currently loaded, tear off the leading edge of the continuous form, and then press
Load/Unload to park the continuous forms.
The Paper Out light blinks.
4Set the forms thickness lever to a corresponding setting for the type of paper you are using.
5Move the paper select lever up to the position.
6Open the manual feeder.
A
Loading paper 26
7Move the left paper guide so that the print start position you want aligns with the [A symbol printed on the margin
guide.
The distance from the left paper guide to the [A symbol determines the width of the left margin.
A
8Place a cut form or an envelope against the left paper guide.
Note: If you are loading a preprinted form or envelope, put the top edge in first with the printed side up.
9Move the right paper guide so the guide aligns with the right edge of the cut form or envelope.
A
1
3
2
1Left paper guide
2Cut form or envelope
3Right paper guide
10 Insert the cut form or envelope into the printer until the Paper Out light stops blinking.
Notes:
•If Auto Cut Sheet Load is set to On, the paper feeds automatically to the Top‑Of‑Form.
Loading paper 27
•If Auto Cut Sheet Load is set to Off, press FormFeed.
11 Make sure the printer is online, and the Ready light is on solid.
Note: If not, press Start/Stop until the Ready light is on solid.
Aligning the left margin
You can manually change the first print position at the left margin. The first print position is indicated by the [A symbol.
You can also set the left margin in your program.
Notes:
•Setting the left margin in your program adds that amount to the left margin setting on the printer. For example,
if you set the left margin at one inch on the printer, and also have the left margin set at one inch in your
program, the printer begins printing two inches from the left edge of the page.
•The location of the [A symbol depends on the position of the tractor unit.
•For the purposes of these instructions, the tractor is shown in the push position with continuous paper.
1Locate the left margin for continuous forms by locating the [A symbol on the printer.
1
2
1Tractor (in push position)
2Right locking lever
2Continue to load paper utilizing different paper paths, depending on whether you have the push tractor installed
or the pull tractor installed. For help, see one of the following sections in this chapter:
•“Loading continuous forms using the push tractor” on page 15
•“Front loading continuous forms using the pull tractor” on page 18
•“Bottom loading continuous forms using the pull tractor” on page 21
•“Loading a cut form or envelope manually” on page 26
Loading paper 28
Setting Top-of-Form
Top-of-Form sets the first line of print. Use the control panel to save your Top-of-Form settings for continuous forms,
cut forms, and for each macro enabled.
Setting Top‑Of‑Form for continuous forms in push mode
1Clear the paper path.
The Paper Out light blinks if no paper is loaded. If the Paper Out light is off, tear off excess forms, and then press
Load/Unload. If a cut form is loaded, press FormFeed to clear the paper path.
2Make sure the paper select lever is in the position.
3Load continuous form paper on the push tractor feed pins (or the Tractor 2 feed pins if you are using the optional
Tractor 2 Feeder).
4Press FormFeed.
The paper moves to the current Top‑Of‑Form, and the Paper Out light goes off.
5Open the control panel cover to access layer 2.
Power
Set TOF LineFeed Macro
Setup
Pitch
10
15
17
20
24
123 4
Micro Micro
12
Lock
6Press any paper movement button (LineFeed, Micro , Micro ) to align the horizontal lines located on the platen
with the Top‑Of‑Form you want.
Note: If you press and hold a paper movement button, the paper advances in micro movements and then goes
into continuous feed.
7Press Set TOF to set and save your Top‑Of‑Form.
8Close the control panel cover.
9To verify the new Top‑Of‑Form, press Load/Unload to unload the continuous forms paper, and then press FormFeed
to reload the continuous forms paper.
The continuous forms paper loads to the current Top‑Of‑Form setting.
10 Press Start/Stop to set the printer online.
Note: If Auto Tear Off is set to On, the paper will advance to the Tear Off position. Sending a print job or
pressing Tear Off returns the paper to the current Top‑Of‑Form.
Loading paper 29
Setting Top‑Of‑Form for continuous forms in pull mode
1Turn the printer on.
The Paper Out light blinks if no paper is loaded.
2Move the paper select lever down to the position.
3Load continuous form paper on the pull tractor feed pins.
4Open the control panel cover to access layer 2.
Power
Set TOF LineFeed Macro
Setup
Pitch
10
15
17
20
24
123 4
Micro Micro
12
Lock
5Press any paper movement button (Micro , Micro , or LineFeed) to move the paper to the Top‑Of‑Form position.
Note: Use the second sheet of continuous forms paper to set Top‑Of‑Form.
6Press Set TOF to set and save Top‑Of‑Form.
7Close the control panel cover.
Note: Top‑Of‑Form is not saved if the printer is turned off or runs out of paper when the printer is in pull tractor
mode.
8Press Start/Stop to set the printer online.
Setting Top‑Of‑Form for a cut form or an envelope
Top‑Of‑Form can range from minus one inch to plus 22 inches from the top of a cut form.
1Clear the paper path.
The Paper Out light blinks if no paper is loaded. If the Paper Out light is off, tear off excess forms, and then press
Load/Unload. If a single form is loaded, press FormFeed to clear the paper path.
2Move the paper select lever up to the position.
3Load a cut sheet of paper or an envelope through the manual feeder.
•If Auto Cut Sheet is set to On, the printer will move the paper or envelope to the current Top‑Of‑Form.
•If Auto Cut Sheet is set to Off, press FormFeed when the Paper Out light goes off.
Loading paper 30
4Open the control panel cover to access layer 2.
Power
Set TOF LineFeed Macro
Setup
Pitch
10
15
17
20
24
123 4
Micro Micro
12
Lock
5Press any paper movement button (Micro , Micro , LineFeed) to align the horizontal lines located on the platen
with the Top‑Of‑Form you want.
Note: If you press and hold a paper movement button, the paper will advance in micro movements and then go
into continuous feed mode.
6Press Set TOF to set and save your Top‑Of‑Form.
7Close the control panel cover.
8Press Start/Stop to put the printer online.
Setting Top‑Of‑Form in a macro
Each macro has a separate Top‑Of‑Form setting. To set Top‑Of‑Form in a macro, you must first select that macro.
1Open the control panel cover to access layer 2.
2Press Macro to select the macro you want to use.
Note: The procedure for setting Top‑Of‑Form depends on the paper and print mode you are using. For help, see
one of the following sections in this chapter:
•“Setting Top‑Of‑Form for continuous forms in push mode” on page 29
•“Setting Top‑Of‑Form for continuous forms in pull mode” on page 30
•“Setting Top‑Of‑Form for a cut form or an envelope” on page 30
Loading paper 31
Paper and specialty media guide
Paper types and sizes supported by the printer
The printer supports paper weights of 56–90 g/m2 (15‑24 lb) and envelope weights of 75–90 g/m2 (20‑24 lb).
Paper types Single Multiple part Envelopes
Cut Forms 76 mm (3.0 in.) to 297 mm
(11.7 in.)*
76 mm (3.0 in.) to 297 mm
(11.7 in.)*
152 mm (6.0 in.) to 241 mm
(9.5 in.)
Continuous Forms 76 mm (3.0 in.) to 254 mm
(10.0 in.)
76 mm (3.0 in.) to 254 mm
(10.0 in.)
Not applicable
Hole‑to‑hole widths 63 mm (2.5 in.) to 241 mm
(9.5 in.)
63 mm (2.5 in.) to 241 mm
(9.5 in.)
Not applicable
* When the optional Auto Sheet Feeder or the Tractor 2 Feeder is installed, the cut form maximum width is 215 mm (8.5 in.)
for manual loading.
Paper types Single Multiple part Envelopes
Cut Forms 76 mm (3.0 in.) to 559 mm
(22.0 in.)
76 mm (3.0 in.) to 559 mm (22.0 in.) 110 mm (4.1 in.) to 152 mm
(6.0 in.)
Continuous Forms 76 mm (3.0 in.) (no maximum) 76 mm (3.0 in.) (no maximum) Not applicable
Paper types Single Multiple part Envelopes
Cut Forms 0.058 mm (0.0023 in.) to
0.114 mm (0.0045 in.)
See the following note. 0.42 mm (0.017 in.)
Continuous Forms 0.058 mm (0.0023 in.) to
0.114 mm (0.0045 in.)
See the following note. 0.42 mm (0.017 in.)
Note: For 2580/2581 printers, the maximum thickness of multiple part forms is 0.512 mm (0.0202 in.). For 2590/2591
printers, the maximum thickness is 0.36 mm (0.015 in.).
Paper and specialty media guide 32
Changing tractor positions
The tractor unit can be installed in the push tractor position or the pull tractor position. This section describes how to
change the tractor unit position.
Push tractor position
The printer comes with the tractor unit installed in the push tractor position, at the front of the printer. Using the front
push tractor is the most convenient way to load continuous forms, and allows you to use the Tear Off feature of the
printer.
Pull tractor position
The front tractor unit can be removed and installed at the top of the printer. It then functions as a pull tractor and
supports front and bottom paper loading.
Changing tractor positions 33
Converting the push tractor to pull tractor position
1Make sure the printer is off.
2Make sure paper is not loaded in the printer.
3Pull the front cover up and out of the way.
4Hold down the latching levers while you lift and pull the tractor unit out of the printer.
1
2
1Tractor unit
2Latching levers
5Remove the ribbon access cover.
6Turn the tractor unit around so that the latching levers are upright, facing you.
7Place the tractor against the back slant of the printer along the tractor guides.
Changing tractor positions 34
8To slide the tractor feeder into the printer:
aHold down the latching levers and gently push the tractor feeder into the printer until it stops.
bContinue holding down the latching levers, and tilt the tractor feeder toward the front of the printer until the
hooks at the end of the latching levers fit around the posts on the printer frame.
cRelease the latching levers.
Note: The tractor unit fits into place at a 40° angle.
Converting the pull tractor to push tractor position
1Make sure the printer is off.
2Make sure paper is not loaded in the printer.
3Hold down the latching levers while you lift and pull the tractor unit out of the printer.
4Pull the front cover up and out of the way.
Changing tractor positions 35
5Make sure the paper select lever is set to the position.
6While holding down the latching levers, fit the left and right locks onto the posts in the printer.
7Release the latching levers.
8Close the front cover.
Changing tractor positions 36
Understanding Setup mode and menu options
The printer is preset at the factory for font, pitch, form length, and other settings. These are called factory default
settings. This chapter describes how to change the factory default settings, how to set up macros, and how to set form
length.
Using Setup mode
Note: Make sure continuous forms are loaded in the printer when using Setup mode.
1Open the control panel to access layer 2.
Power
Set TOF LineFeed Macro
Setup
Pitch
10
15
17
20
24
123 4
Micro Micro
12
Lock
Power
Set TOF LineFeed Macro
Setup
Pitch
10
15
17
20
24
P5
123 4
Micro Micro
12
Lock
2Press Setup to put the printer in Setup mode and print the Main menu.
3Press LineFeed to print a list of available options you can change.
To Select Press
Exit and Save Setup Set TOF
Print All LineFeed
Forms Macro Options Macro
Understanding Setup mode and menu options 37
To Select Press
Data Options Micro
Control Options Micro
Emulation Options Setup
Interface Options Pitch
4Select any option from the Main menu by pressing the corresponding button.
Note: A new menu will print each time you press a button, displaying the new selection.
5After you make all your selections, the printer will print a page with your changes reflected.
6Press Set TOF until the printer returns to the Main menu, or press Pitch from any menu containing a Return to
Main menu selection.
7Press Set TOF again to exit Setup mode.
New settings are saved only when the printer exits Setup mode.
Note: If the printer runs out of paper while you are using Setup mode, load more paper into the Tractor pins,
and then press Setup to continue.
Changing menu settings (an example)
Note: Make sure continuous forms are loaded in the printer when using Setup mode.
The following is an example of how to change the Menu Language setting.
1With the printer in Setup mode, press Micro to print the Control Options menu.
2Press Pitch to print more Control Options.
Control Options Current Press
Return to Main menu Off Set TOF
Uni‑Dir Printing On LineFeed
Auto Ready Cut Sheet Enabled Macro
Paper Out Alarm Enabled Micro
Bi‑Di alignment Micro
Demo Print Setup
(More) Pitch
3To change the Menu Language, press Macro.
Control Options Current Press
Return to Main menu English Set TOF
Return to previous page Enabled LineFeed
Menu Language Macro
TOF Read Micro
Understanding Setup mode and menu options 38
Control Options Current Press
Quiet Micro
4Press the button that corresponds to the language you want, or press Setup to print more Menu Language options.
5For this example, press Macro to select French.
Menu Language
To Select Press
No Change Set TOF
English LineFeed
French Macro
German Micro
Italian Micro
(More) Setup
Return to Main menu Pitch
Printer menus now print in French.
6Press Pitch to return to the Main menu or press Set TOF (No Change) to go back one menu and change another
setting.
7If you return to the Main menu, press Set TOF to exit Setup mode and save the new setting.
Notes:
•New settings are saved only when the printer exits Setup mode.
•If the printer runs out of paper while you are using Setup mode, load more paper into the Tractor pins, and
then press Setup to continue.
Main Menu options
Main menu options
Note: Use Setup mode to configure the printer according to your needs. To print a list of all default settings, press
LineFeed from the Main menu.
The following list items will appear at the top of the Main menu page:
Forms Macro Options
Forms Macro Options customizes macros to print a variety of forms.
Data Options
Data Options defines how information sent to the printer is processed.
Understanding Setup mode and menu options 39
Control Options
Control Options define how the printer performs many basic tasks.
Emulation Options
Emulation Options determine how the printer interacts with the program.
Interface Options
Interface Options define how information is transferred from the computer to the printer.
Forms Macro options
Note: Use Setup mode to configure the printer according to your needs. To print a list of all default settings, press
LineFeed from the Main menu.
The following list items outline and explain the Forms Macro functions and settings you can use with the printer:
Default Macro
Default Macro lets you select the macro default you want when the printer is powered on. Select Disabled if you do
not want to use a macro as the default.
Note: Enabled is the factory default setting.
Character options
Use the following options to select character option changes, as detailed:
•Default Font—Select the font you want from the available fonts listed.
•Font Lock—Select Yes to set Font Lock as the default even after the printer has been turned off and back on.
•Default Pitch—Select the pitch you want as the default from the available pitches listed.
Note: Not all pitches are available in all fonts.
•Pitch Lock—Select Yes to set Pitch Lock as the default even after the printer has been turned off and back on.
•Code Page—Select one of the following code pages for different language sets: 437, 850, 858, 860, 861, 863, 865,
437G, 813, 851, 853T, 857, 869, 920, 1004, or 1053.
Notes:
–Eastern European, Baltic, and Middle Eastern language code page configurations can be selected by holding
down specific key combinations when the printer is turned on. For more information, see the Technical
Reference available on the Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com.
–437 is the factory default setting.
•Character Set—Select Character Set 1 or Character Set 2.
Note: Character Set 1 is the factory default setting for the US, and Character Set 2 is the factory default setting for
the European Union.
Understanding Setup mode and menu options 40
Paper Handling Options
Use the following options to select paper handling option changes, as detailed:
•Auto Tear Off
–On—Continuous forms automatically advance to the Tear Off bar position.
–Off—You can manually advance the perforation of a continuous form to the Tear Off bar position.
Note: On is the factory default setting.
•Auto Cut Sheet Load
–On—Cut sheet paper automatically loads to the current Top‑Of‑Form position.
–Off—You must press FormFeed to load paper.
Note: On is the factory default setting.
•Auto Sheet Feeder
On—Automatically loads paper if the optional Auto Sheet Feeder is installed.
Note: Off is the factory default setting.
•Form Length
This option lets you set the form length (in lines per page) from one line to a maximum of 22 inches.
•Left Margin
This option lets you set the left margin to any inch increment from 0” to 3”.
•Right Margin
This option lets you set the right margin to any inch increment from 4” to 8”. If you have a wide carriage model,
the maximum right margin is 13.6”.
•Lines Per Inch
Lets you specify the number of text lines in an inch from 3 to 8.
Note: 6 is the factory default setting.
•Eject by FF
–On—Lets you eject loaded cut sheet paper by pressing FormFeed.
Note: On is the factory default setting.
Data options
Note: Use Setup mode to configure the printer according to your needs. To print a list of all default settings, press
LineFeed from the Main menu.
The following list items outline and explain the Data options and settings you can use with the printer:
Buffer
•Minimum—Sets the receive buffer size to zero
•Maximum—For 2580/2581 models, sets the receive buffer size to 64KB or 480KB, depending on whether NLQ II
(Near Letter Quality) Download is enabled
•Maximum—For 2590/2591 models, sets the receive buffer size to 47.5KB or 480KB, depending on whether
Download is enabled
Note: Maximum is the factory default setting.
Understanding Setup mode and menu options 41
Auto LF
Requires a line feed to occur.
•On—A line feed is performed for each Carrier Return (CR) code received.
•Off—A line feed does not occur when a CR code is received.
Note: Off is the factory default setting.
Auto CR
Requires a CR to occur.
•On—A CR is performed for each line feed code received.
•Off—A CR does not occur when a line feed code is received.
Note: Off is the factory default setting.
Zero Slash
•On—The zero (0) prints with a slash down the middle.
•Off—The zero (0) prints without a slash down the middle.
Note: Off is the factory default setting.
Download to NLQ II (available for 2580/2581 models only)
•Enabled—Reserves a portion of the receive buffer for downloading fonts
•Disabled—Uses the entire buffer as a receive buffer
Note: Enabled is the factory default setting.
Download (available for 2590/2591 models only)
•Enabled—Reserves a portion of the receive buffer for downloading fonts
•Disabled—Uses the entire buffer as a receive buffer
Note: Enabled is the factory default setting.
Code Page Sub.
•Enabled—Substitutes code page 858 for 850 to allow older programs access to the European characters
•Disabled—No code page substitution
Note: Disabled is the factory default setting.
Control options
Note: Use Setup mode to configure the printer according to your needs. To print a list of all default settings, press
LineFeed from the Main menu.
The following list items outline and explain the Control options and settings you can use with the printer:
Understanding Setup mode and menu options 42
Uni‑Dir Printing
•On—The printer prints unidirectionally by line (in NLQ mode).
•Off—The printer prints one line and a return line of print bidirectionally. Proportional Spacing is an exception; when
this pitch is selected, the printer still prints unidirectionally.
Note: Off is the factory default setting.
Auto Ready Cut Sheet
Customizes how the printer goes to the Ready state after a cut sheet is loaded.
•On—The printer automatically goes to the Ready state after a cut sheet is loaded.
•Off—The printer remains offline after a cut sheet is loaded. Press Start/Stop to return the printer to the Ready
state.
Note: On is the factory default setting.
Paper Out Alarm
•Enabled—An alarm sounds when the printer runs out of paper.
•Disabled—No alarm sounds when the printer runs out of paper.
Note: Enabled is the factory default setting.
Demo Print
•Enabled—Prints a Demo page
•Disabled—Does not print a Demo page
Note: Enabled is the factory default setting.
Menu Language
Select the language you want the menus to print in. Available languages are: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish,
and Brazilian Portuguese.
Note: English is the factory default setting.
TOF Read
•Enabled—Verifies the Top‑Of‑Form before printing begins on continuous forms
•Disabled—Does not verify the Top‑Of‑Form before printing on continuous forms
Note: Enabled is the factory default setting.
Quiet
•Enabled—The printer prints at a quieter noise level.
•Disabled—The printer prints at the normal noise level.
Note: Disabled is the factory default setting.
Note: Printing speed slows in Quiet mode.
Understanding Setup mode and menu options 43
Emulation options
Note: Enter Setup mode to configure the printer according to your needs. For more information, see “Using Setup
mode” on page 37. To print a list of all default settings, press LineFeed from the Main menu.
Make Emulation option selections from IBM (the factory default setting), Epson, or OKI mode. For more information
regarding data stream changes, see the Technical Reference available on the Lexmark Web site at
www.lexmark.com/publications.
IBM mode
Proprinter III, available only on 2580/2581 printers, enables compatibility with the Proprinter III.
•On—The printer emulates a Proprinter III.
•Off—The printer operates with added capabilities.
AGM, available only on 2590/2591 models, lets you use the high‑resolution 24‑wire graphics commands. These
commands are similar to those used with the Epson LQ570/LQ 1070.
•On—Graphics commands are available.
•Off—Graphics commands are not available.
Note: Off is the factory default setting.
Epson mode
•Table Select lets you select Italic Character Table or Epson Extended Graphic Character Table.
Note: Graphics is the factory default setting.
•Int'l Char Set lets you select the character set associated with the language you want to print in.
Supported international character sets for Epson mode are: USA, France, Germany, U.K., Denmark, Sweden, Italy,
and Spain I.
The following character sets are also supported, but only through host commands used by Epson FX850/FX 1050:
Japan, Norway, Denmark II, Korea (2580/2581 models only), Spain II, Latin America, and Legal.
Note: USA is the factory default setting.
OKI mode
OKI mode lets you select from the following functions:
•7 or 8 Bit Graphics
•Paper Out Override
•Reset Inhibit
•Print Suppress Effective
•Print DEL Code
Interface options
Note: Use Setup mode to configure the printer according to your needs. To print a list of all default settings, press
LineFeed from the Main menu.
The following list items outline and explain the Interface options and settings you can use with the printer:
Understanding Setup mode and menu options 44
Interface Selection
Unless turned off, the Auto setting automatically selects the printer interface from the available connection cables.
The following connection cables are available: parallel cable, USB cable, serial cable (only available when an optional
serial interface is installed), and network cable (only available on network models).
Note: Auto is the factory default setting.
Honor Init.
•Enabled—Honors the initialization signal on the parallel port
•Disabled—Ignores the initialization signal on the parallel port
Note: Enabled is the factory default setting.
Understanding Setup mode and menu options 45
Maintaining the printer
Periodically, certain tasks are required to maintain optimum print quality.
Ordering supplies
Use the listed part numbers to order printer supply items you will need.
Supply item Part number
Parallel cable •1329605 (10‑foot cable)
•1427498 (20‑foot cable)
USB cable 12A2405
Serial adapter and cable 12T0154 (Serial Interface option)
1038693 (50‑foot cable)
Printer ribbon •11A3540 (2400/2500 series standard re‑inking ribbon)
•11A3550 (2500 series high yield re‑inking ribbon)
Note: Printer ribbons can be ordered from the Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com.
Removing the ribbon cartridge
1Turn the printer off.
2Lift the left and right release latches on the ribbon access cover to remove it.
3Place the ribbon access cover on a flat surface.
4Set the forms thickness lever to position 7.
5Squeeze the left and right latches on the ribbon cartridge to lift it out of the printer.
Cleaning the printer
Preparing the printer for cleaning
1Turn the printer off.
2Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
CAUTION—HOT SURFACE: The printhead may be hot. If so, allow it to cool before touching.
3Squeeze the left and right latches on the ribbon cartridge, and then lift it out of the printer.
Cleaning the inside of the printer
Every few months, use a soft brush and a vacuum to remove dust, ribbon lint, and pieces of paper from the printer.
Vacuum any dust from around the printhead and from inside the printer.
Maintaining the printer 46
Cleaning the outside of the printer
Clean the outside of the printer with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not use spray or chemical cleaners anywhere on
your printer. Do not use liquids or spray near the air vents. For stubborn ink stains on the outside of the printer, use a
commercial mechanic's hand cleaner.
Recycling Lexmark products
To return Lexmark products to Lexmark for recycling:
1Visit our Web site at www.lexmark.com/recycle.
2Find the product type you want to recycle, and then select your country from the list.
3Follow the instructions on the computer screen.
Maintaining the printer 47

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